Members of MÓR Action met with the councillors of the Loughrea Municipal District (including Rinville, Maree, Clarinbridge, Kinvara and Gort ) this week to make a presentation on a proposed extension of Rinville Park. The opportunity was provided by Cllr Martina Kinane who has been active in working for and supporting the upgrade of amenities for residents of Oranmore-Athenry and Gort-Kinvara both at the park and in the surrounding areas.
Group member Aonghus Kelly spoke about the future development of the park and the surrounding area as a Special Area of Recreation. Existing sports and outdoor amenities include the golf club, the sailing club, the proposed new GAA club, the swimming facilities which are proposed for the Rinville Harbour area, Rinville Park with its nature walks, picnic areas, forest trails and scenic views of Galway Bay.
The deputation outlined how the last 12 months of lockdown have highlighted the importance of the park for the physical and mental health of residents in Oranmore-Maree as well as residents of Gort, Kinvara, Clarinbridge and also residents of the east side of Galway City such as Doughiska, Renmore, and Roscam.
They added that Oranmore is earmarked for intensive residential development as part of the County Development Plan. The knock-on effect will be that Rinville Park, which is already at capacity in terms of existing use, may be unable to cope with the increased numbers. Planning now to expand the park would ensure that additional amenities may be put in place and that the Park will continue to be one of the best-loved and most-used amenities east of the city.
Caroline Rowan spoke about the need for secure, inclusive, accessible, and disability-friendly bike-parking at the Park. Galway County Council has been allocated €200,000 specifically for bike parking under the latest round of Active Travel funding.
MÓR Action has asked that some of this funding would be used to provide the necessary bike parking for Rinville Park as soon as possible. This will ensure everyone can enjoy the coming summer at the Park without being restricted in their choice of transport.
Rinville Park is in the joint ownership of Galway City and County Councils. The next step for any future development is that the Corporate Services Teams from both Councils will need to meet and build a strategy document and funding proposal to support expansion of the park.
Successful design and implementation of this project will be a lasting legacy for the Councils and Councillors and will secure the health and wellbeing of generations to come. MÓR Action said they are pleased to have raised this issue and looks forward to seeing the Councils and our elected representatives working together on this over the coming months and years.
