Last week confirmation was received by Councillor Jimmy Maloney that Foxford, through Foxford Development Association, has been successful in its application to Mayo County Community Forum for a Community Futures Action Plan.
Cllr Maloney said: “This action plan will be prepared over a six-month period. A steering committee will be set up comprising all tiers of our community. The steering committee will be aided by a community support volunteer in gathering information from within our community to determine what the community wants to see happening within Foxford in the coming years.
“The benefits of this action plan are that it will give a clear statement about our community’s needs and aspirations. It will also be a strong platform for funding priority projects that the community as a whole think are the most important for the future of Foxford.
“It will answer the funder’s most asked question — how do you know this project or service is important to the community? With our action plan we will have already done the work and be in a much stronger position when applying for grant aid. The action plan will strengthen our ability to represent the community at area, county, or national meetings.”
Cllr Maloney outlined that a lot of work would be undertaken during the six months including meetings, surveys, survey collections, and workshops but it would clearly demonstrate that “Foxford has pulled together in preparation of the plan”. He said the preparation of the plan would be a great way to become involved in the community and in strengthening community organisations already in Foxford. A programme will begin in March and a public meeting of all organisations will be held at the end of February to set up a steering committee. Anyone interested in becoming involved can contact Cllr Maloney of the Foxford Development Association.
