Michael Ring, Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, officially opened the Crossmolina Multi Use Games Area (MUGA ) on Friday last. In October 2016, Minister Ring launched the CLÁR programme which provided funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The funding was provided under three measures, Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities, Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA ), and Local Access Roads.
The Crossmolina MUGA was approved for funding under measure two of CLÁR 2016. The MUGA playground will accommodate games such as soccer, Gaelic football, and basketball. The value of this project was in excess of €126,000 with €100,560 coming directly from 2016 CLÁR funding and the remainder from Mayo County Council.
Commenting at the official opening, Minister Ring said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who were involved in the implementation and delivery of this excellent facility. The project was designed and project managed by Peter Gill and Dennis Connor of Mayo County Council. The staff and councillors of Ballina Municipal District have given great support to this project.
“I also want to acknowledge the residents of Abbeytown for the massive support given to Mayo County Council at all stages of the project and also to Crossmolina Community Council. I think you will all agree that this facility will provide the people of Crossmolina and its surrounding communities with a state of the art amenity for all members of the community, thus increasing the quality of life in the area and supporting a healthy future for the community as a whole,” concluded Minister Ring.
