Rinville Park, in the joint ownership of Galway County and City Councils is a popular public recreation and amenity space on the edge of Oranmore that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
The Park is home to amenity grasslands, meadows, a small lake, woodland trails, a playground and an outdoor gym, as well as a rich built heritage with a Tower House style Castle, Gate lodge and the ruins of Rinville House.
The Park is an important habitat for wildlife and a valuable resource for local people and visitors. Galway County Council has therefore commissioned a Sustainable Development Plan for the future of the park, with funding secured from the Department of Rural and Community Development.
A consultancy team led by landscape architects Cunnane Stratton Reynolds will work with the council, local stakeholders, and members of the public to shape a ten-year plan for the future of the park, identifying a range of improvement projects.
The first step in the process is to commence a public consultation process to gauge public opinion about the park and its potential.
Welcoming the start of the project, Cathaoirleach David Collins said he is delighted to see work on this important plan get underway and look forward to seeing its recommendations later in the year.
"It is now vital that everyone takes this opportunity to have their say about the special place that is Rinville Park" The initial two-week public consultation process will take place from Thursday July 3 until 17 July and during this time the public is invited to make submissions. An opportunity to meet the consultancy team and to talk to them about the park will take place at Oranmore Library from 2pm – 7pm on Thursday July 3.
A second consultation process will take place once proposals are drafted.
Director of Services for Economic Development and Planning at Galway County Council, Liam Hanrahan said they are happy to be moving into the public consultation phase of this process.
"The development of a long-term masterplan for beautiful Rinville Park will provide a roadmap for the future sustainable development of the park for the benefit of local people and visitors to the area and will protect the park for future generations.
"We are grateful to our local elected representatives for their ongoing support for this project, and we would ask the public to get involved in the process, provide feedback online, or come along to the consultation day," he said.
Comments and suggestions from the public will be gratefully received and used to directly inform the development of the plan. If you have any queries on the above, please email Galway County Council on [email protected].
