Next phase of Achill loop walks completed

Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla are delighted to announce the completion of the latest phase in the Achill loop walks project, the Dooagh loop walk known locally as Ciorcal Dú Acha. This walk will complement the works underway to develop the tourism infrastructure in the parish of Achill and walkers locally have two options to either walk the Teangai Road or the Old Bog road. Mayo County Council have committed to provide the signage necessary for this loop walk. Damian Kilbane, Chairman of the Environment and Infrastructure Sub-Committee outlined that their working group have put much work into the development of this and other tourism and infrastructure projects in the parish of Achill. He particularly complemented the participants and supervisors of the Rural Social Scheme and Terence Dever, CEO of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla for their progress on loop walks in Achill.

Terence Dever, CEO of CFÁA outlined that the organisation is developing more loop walks the first of which will be the old Deserted Village road and are examining the re-development of the Keel Tennis Court with a view to further developing our tourism infrastructure on the Island.

Sun Shines on Páirc na Mara Opening in Achill

Páirc na Mara, Achill’s new state-of-the-art playground in Keel, was officially opened under blue skies last Saturday by Minister of State, Dara Calleary, assisted by five local children who had chosen the name Páirc na Mara for the facility in a schools competition.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co County, Cllr John Cribbin, said, “I am honoured to be in Achill, and proud of Mayo County Council’s association with this facility.   It is my view that this development was a result of community effort and I’d like to praise Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla (CFÁA) for being instrumental in this project. “

Pat Kilbane, Cathaoirleach of CFAA, reflected on the changes that have taken place in Achill over the years and said that Páirc na Mara demonstrated how a local development company can represent the local community and source funding for vital infrastructure.

Peter Hynes, Director of Services for Mayo County Council, outlined his delight at the Council’s involvement in the development of Páirc na Mara and complimented the work of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla in initiating and delivering this project, especially in the current economic climate.

Damian Kilbane, Chairman of the CFÁA Environment and Infrastructure subcommittee, outlined his sense of pride at being able to oversee this timely development of immense importance to the children of Achill and beyond.  He furthermore acknowledged the valuable input of CFÁA CEO Terence Dever, who was central to the instigation, funding and follow-through of this development.

Minister Calleary complimented everyone involved in the project.  “This is the one of the finest playgrounds I have seen in the country, and the people of Achill should be very proud of the efforts of their local development group,” he said.

 Addressing a large crowd at the official opening, Terence Dever CEO of CFÁA said, “This is a great day for Achill, and it highlights the value of the efforts made by organisations such as CFÁA to provide necessary infrastructure for the community, the tourism sector and beyond.”  Mr. Dever thanked Minister Dara Calleary for officiating, Fr. Tom Kearney for blessing the playground and Peter Gill, Mayo Co Architects’ Office for his professional advice during the project.   He also thanked the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mayo County Council, Councillors, and local staff, the board and staff of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo, the board and staff of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla, the Achill Half Marathon committee, the contractor Ronnie McKee, Play & Leisure Services Limited, the Rural Social Scheme participants, Nestor’s Caravan Park, the Achill Pipe Band, the Environment and infrastructure sub- committee, the five children who chose the name Páirc na Mara, An Garda Síochána, BMG, Coleman’s Computers, Castlebar, the press and the media, the Custodians of Achill Mission Estate and the wider community of Achill.

New Hospital service from Achilll to Galway

A NEW bus service to Galway hospital will operate from Achill on a weekly basis from the beginning of April serving communities from Achill to Castlebar.

The new Rural Transport Programme service to the Galway hospitals will begin on a weekly basis from Thursday April 8 and will service the people from Achill, Ballycroy, Mulranny, Newport and Castlebar. 

The new service was developed with the help of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitúil Acla and its CEO Terence Dever. said they were delighted to be able to deliver this service to the community.

“The funding for this route has been hard fought for and has come as a result of co-operation between the HSE, Údarás  na Gaeltachta, Rural Transport Programme administered by Mayo North East and Comhlacht Forbartha Áitúil Acla” he said.

Pat Kilbane, Chairman of CFAA stated that he was thrilled to be associated with this most important and long over due service for the people of Achill and beyond.  He complimented the involvement and particularly Anne Lavelle, Community and Welfare Officer with the HSE and Terence Dever of CFAA for his persistence in following this through to fruition.

More information with regards to the specifics of the route, times and changes will follow in the local press closer to the time.