📋 Tender Overview
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has officially opened and visited a range of projects across County Mayo which have received funding from her department.All of the projects opened as part of the Ministers visit received investment under the governments ambitious rural development policy Our Rural Future.Minister Humphreys began her trip to Mayo with a visit to the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan which was made possible by a grant of 2.1 million from the departments Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.Speaking at the Air Dome the Minister saidThis project is absolutely spectacular having received a huge investment of 2.1 million under my departments Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. I understand this is the Worlds largest sports air dome and it is fantastic to see it right bang in the middle of rural Ireland.I want to commend Connacht GAA for their vision in developing this project. I know the Air Dome has already hosted a number of inter-county games and provides a state of art facility regardless of the weather. Im delighted my department has been able to support this great project which I believe could be replicated in other provinces.The department remains a strong supporter in the continued development of the facility and during her visit Minister Humphreys turned the sod on a new 40000 extension to a walkway on the site funded by the CLR Programme.The funding will provide an additional 700 metres of walkway and bolster the extensive biodiversity and sustainability programmes that are already underway on site. A total of 7000 trees have been planted along the walkway route.The Minister also opened a new coffee shop at the facility and received a tour of the state-of-the-art complex.The Minster then went to Digispace Claremorris to officially open the new Connected Hub.Digispace Claremorris boasts cutting edge office conference and kitchen facilities. The project received over 200000 in funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development.The facility has a range of affordable office space to rent with flexible easy ineasy out options for businesses and individuals. Its co-working spaces are available for hire on an hourly daily weekly or monthly basis to anyone who needs a desk space on a flexible basis.Digispace is one of almost 300 digital hubs that have been on boarded onto the National Hub Networks online platform Connectedhubs.ie.The key objective of the National Hub Network is to provide a shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits particularly for rural communities.Speaking at the official opening of Digispace Claremorris the Minister saidIm delighted to be here in Claremorris for what is a great day of celebration as we officially open your new state-of-the-art remote working facility. And isnt the story behind this facility just extraordinary. To think that once upon time this building was actually home to a bacon factory And now it has been re-purposed into a digital hub that I have no doubt will serve communities here in Mayo for years to come.I want to take these old buildings just like you did here in Claremorris and repurpose them for 21st century use. Repurpose them into facilities that will provide opportunities for people of all ages. Opportunities for workers to realise their career potential within their own communities - without the need move to the likes of Galway or Dublin to take up a job.The Minister then travelled to Balla where she met with representatives of the local community group to hear about exciting proposals that have for development of the village.The Minsters next stop of the day was a visit to Castlebar Social Services Office which received nearly 300000 worth of LEADER funding to carry out refurbishment works.These works included the installation of a lift which was essential to enable all clients to access the two upper storeys of the historic building.The office provides numerous services that are not available anywhere else in the area including a centre of information to the elderly an outreach Meals on Wheels service and meeting facilities for community and addiction support groups.The Ministers final stop on this visit to Mayo was Breaffy House Resort where she gave the opening address at the Irish Shows Association Annual General Meeting and Dinner Dance.
