Athlone Credit Union has generously donated €5,250 to the Kiltoom Community Development Company (KCDL ) towards the development of the Sensory Garden and Community Car Park at Ballybay.
Michael Evans CEO of Athlone Credit Union (ACU ) congratulated the committee on their progress to date and expressed the importance of such projects in the rural community.
Athlone Credit Union Community Development committee has as its objective to support major community led projects within our common bond and The Board of Athlone Credit Union (ACU ) are pleased to agree to support your community led initiative by funding the garden furniture in the proposed Sensory garden to the value of €5,250.
Tony Gannon, Chairperson of Athlone Credit Union’s Community Fund committee, presented the cheque to the hardworking committee.
The sensory garden will comprises a planted area development around the themes of our five senses and the facility at Ballybay will be a learning experience for children and adults on our native species and particularly species that are commonplace in our local environment.
The overall cost of the Kiltoom project is estimated to amount to €225,000 and the project has been approved for grant aid from Roscommon LEADER Company of just under €150,000. The balance of the monies €75,000 must come from local contributions and the fundraising campaign has been ongoing.
Unfortunately, this has been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic restrictions. So, the very timely and generous contribution of €5,250 from Athlone Credit Union towards the Sensory Garden element of the project is most welcome and significant.
The steering group has also identified the need to improve safety, particularly traffic safety, in the vicinity of the school and other community facilities. A new school bus drop-off point will be provided along with provision of a 75 bay car parking facility. At present there are frequent and regular instances that not only give rise to serious congestion within the exiting off-road area, but also results in parking overflow out to the busy high-speed national route N61 Athlone – Roscommon road.
The group is confident that when complete the proposal facility will greatly enhance the environmental amenities of the village.
It is hoped that when the restrictions are lifted the selling of tickets in local draw can be recommenced. Also, in this regard the committee wishes to thank our local hero Jack Carty for offering to assist in our fundraising campaign and for giving his valuable time to help this worthy cause.
The main contract for the project is due to commence this month.
“Athlone Credit Union are delighted to be associated with your project and look forward to seeing it on completion. We have no doubt that it will further enhance your community,” Michael Mc Glone, Chairman of Athlone Credit Union, commented.
