Oughterard's popular Corribdale Park is being extended with another kilometre of walking and cycling trails.
A combined investment from several local sponsors has ensured a third phase of the Corribdale Park can be developed, which will also include the installation of ducting for street lights along the extended paths.
Joint Galway Wind Park developers SSE and Coillte, GWP main contractor Roadbridge, and local companies Killola Quarries, and Seamus McDonagh Plant Hire, have joined forces for this project which co-ordinator Sinéad Grimes says has been a great success since the initial launch in summer 2015.
"There was a genuine concern that the opportunity to develop such a fantastic facility would be lost due to lack of funding so we are absolutely delighted to have secured this significant investment."
“It is a great example of what can be achieved when groups work together. The outcome of this successful partnership will be a valuable asset both as a tourism product and as a recreational resource for the local population. With visitor numbers already on the increase in Oughterard, this Phase III development at Corribdale is set to raise the bar even further.”
Over the last two years, thousands have enjoyed the family-friendly trails and play areas at Oughterard. The Phase II development, which was part funded by grants secured from FORUM Connemara, the Sports Capital Programme and SSE, brought a range of adult fitness equipment, as well as a teenzone for older children, to the park.
Phase III sees the addition of further wheelchair-friendly trails, which will complete a circuit around the GAA pitch in the village, as well as some more rustic paths around the wooded areas.
John O’Sullivan from SSE says the park is among the best purpose-made talking trails in the west of Ireland.
“We are proud to be involved in realising this fantastic project at Corribdale Park, along with the other local sponsors. This extension will bring benefits to the local community and wider area for generations to come.”
Liam Power from Roadbridge commented “We are very pleased to contribute to making this very worthwhile idea happen and bringing it from the drawing board to reality on the ground. As part of the Roadbridge ‘Community Engagement Initiative Policy’, we strive to offer assistance to beneficial community engagement projects and this development is one we are proud to be associated with”.
Corribdale Grounds committee chairperson Thomas Welby says the local people are very much behind the project.
"Oughterard has a fantastic community spirit and with the wonderful local attractions, walks and restaurants as well as the new park facilities it is such an attractive place to visit and live.”
For more information on the park, see Corribdale Park Oughterard on Facebook or visit wwww.discoveroughterard.com
