Mayo TD John O’Mahony (Fine Gael ) has welcomed the announcement last week by Phil Hogan, Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government that he has given sanction for South West Mayo Development Company Ltd to approve funding of €200,000 to Claremorris Town Hall Trust, under the Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population measure of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
Welcoming the funding Deputy O’Mahony said: "This project will be of immense benefit to the residents of Claremorris with its total project costs of €266,667. This town hall was financed and built by the community in 1969 and has been maintained well throughout the years. However, to keep this hall in line with modern multi-purpose facilities, I am pleased to be able to approve this funding for such a vital resource to the residents of the town. This is really a wonderful announcement for Claremorris and the surrounding area. I was delighted to have been able to play my part in making representations to Minister Hogan in relation to securing this funding and it’s a great day for everyone associated with the project.”
Deputy O’Mahony said it was important to emphasise the importance of the LEADER project in communities like Claremorris. “The LEADER elements of the programme offer many challenges and opportunities in terms of addressing the needs of improving the quality of life in rural areas and providing greater opportunities for farm diversification. It is focused on the development of micro-enterprises, rural services, rural recreation, and rural tourism. It is hoped that, by focusing on these services, the programme will lead to sustainable development, which in turn will ensure prosperity for the rural areas. The project will now go back to the board of South West Mayo Development Company Ltd for the final approval on the project. This is in line with the EU’s “bottom-up” approach to rural development.”
Local Fine Gael councillor Tom Connolly said he was delighted with this announcement and looked forward to work getting under way on this very important project for the town of Claremorris and it would benefit all the groups that use town hall.
