The spectacular new Arranmore Island Shorefront Amenity Development has been officially opened.
Donegal County Council and Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór CTR say they are extremely proud of the community facilities.
They were officially unveiled last Friday by the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD.
The project is a part of the wider €4.1m ‘Harbour to Island’ rural regeneration project. It is the result of a partnership between the council and the local Comharchumann.
The new development is located in a striking natural coastal environment in the townland of Leabgarrow on the Island.
The development provides new car parking with accessible beach access, a bespoke childrens play park focused around a central pirate ship play piece and a unique event and performance space in the shape of a community inspired amphitheatre.
The performance space has already been used on three separate occasions as a part of the Earagail Arts Festival and hosted its inaugural concert on Friday afternoon after the official opening when Clann Mhic Ruairí, Green Island & Special guests entertained everyone present.
The project was co-funded by the local authority and the Department of Rural & Community Development under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040.
Bainisteor Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór CTR, Nóirín Ui Mhaoldomhnaigh, thanked and congratulated the council and its Regeneration Team and Capital Delivery unit specifically for their inclusive engagement with her team.
She also thanked Minister Heather Humphries for the funding provided by The Department of Rural and Community Development which enabled the facility to be developed.
Minister Humphreys said it was a great honour for her to officially open the shorefront amenity.
“This fantastic new amenity will greatly improve the quality of life for the residents of the community on Arranmore,” she said.
“It will do so much for our young people – providing a performance venue and play area – making the beautiful island an even better place to grow up in, and it will do so much too in terms of supporting and driving new businesses in the likes of the tourism, hospitality, leisure sectors.”
The minister added that what she saw on the island was a fantastic community spirit.
“I want to commend Comharchumann Oiléan Árainn Mhór for their efforts, and I want to pay tribute to Donegal County Council, under the leadership of Chief Executive John McLaughlin, for being instrumental in delivering this project. Finally I want to pay tribute to Minister Charlie McConalogue and Deputy Joe McHugh, who I have worked closely with in Dáil Éireann to secure investment for Donegal under Our Rural Future.”
At the official opening Leas-Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Michael Naughton acknowledged the important role of the community in the successful planning of the project.
Cllr Naughton hailed it as “a best practice example of community led regeneration”.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin, lauded the combined efforts of the community, council staff and the contractor Joseph McMenamin & Sons (Stranorlar) Ltd in delivering the project on time and on budget, particularly in face of many unprecedented challenges including the Covid-19 public health pandemic.
