Plans for new Islandeady community centre

LOCAL councillors saw and heard at first hand the wonderful work being carried out by the community in Islandeady this week.

The monthly Castlebar Municipal District meeting took place in Islandeady Community Centre where elected members heard of ambitious plans for a new centre on an eight-acre site across the road.

Prior to the meeting they inspected the new footpath that links up the church and car park with the local GAA facilities.

The meeting on his home soil comes towards the end of a 12-month term as cathaoirleach of the municipal district for Councillor Martin McLoughlin.

Proposals for a new community centre in the village are due to come before planners for approval later this summer, Islandeady Community Council chairman Liam Keaveney explained to elected members.

Consultation has been taking place with local groups and residents and their 'wish list' for the site, which leads onto the lake, includes: community centre, 60 - 100 parking spaces to address road safety on days of matches or funerals, charging points, a playground, community park and biodiversity area, mini shop, coffee shop, access to the lake, for example a boardwalk and recreational pursuits linking up with Lannagh, and a sports hall.

Other key developments for the area include greenway and blueway projects, linking Bilberry with Lough Lannagh for water activities, tying in with the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail as it proposes linking in with the Bangor Trail, a biodiversity park at Rehins Woods, promoting local heritage sites, and developing walks through the re-formed walk committee.

Elected members pledged to support this, as Councillor McLoughlin put it, 'very vibrant' community.