Minister Calleary visits a series of rural development projects in Co. Galway
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 14 May 2026
- Last updated on: 14 May 2026
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today (Thursday, 14 May 2026) visited a series of projects across County Galway funded through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. These projects will deliver essential services and support local communities.
The Minister’s visit began in Clifden where he officially opened the new offices of Forum Connemara CLG, the local development company responsible for delivering a range of rural and community development programmes across the region. One of the organisation’s recent initiatives was the development of the Clifden Community Garden, which brought together local residents, members of the Ukrainian community and residents of the local IPAS centre through weekly gardening activities.
Speaking at Forum Connemara, Minister Calleary said:
“Forum Connemara carries out invaluable work in supporting communities across the region through programmes such as LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
“These programmes provide rural communities with the resources and supports necessary to bring about meaningful local change, and this work would not be possible without the commitment and expertise of organisations like Forum Connemara. I am delighted to officially open these new offices and to support the continuation of this important work into the future.”
“The Community Recognition Fund has acknowledged the tremendous efforts made by communities in cities, towns and villages the length and breadth of the country in opening their doors to welcome those in need from communities across the world. I am delighted to see that this funding is delivering real benefits to communities across Galway.”
During the visit, Forum Connemara also showcased a number of projects approved under the 2023–2027 LEADER programme in West Galway. This included funding of over €13,000 for the West Connemara Community First Responder Group to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), first aid equipment and PPE. Funding of over €47,000 was also approved for Cuanmara Consultancy Limited to support the development of specialist rural services relating to aquaculture, commercial diving and marine science.
The Minister also officially opened the refurbished Clifden Arts Festival office on Bridge Street, Clifden. With support of €50,500 provided through the Community Recognition Fund, refurbishment works were carried out to improve the functionality, accessibility and energy efficiency of the facility. The upgraded space will support a broad range of community and cultural activities including youth projects, visual arts initiatives, heritage events, Irish language activities and community meetings.
The Minister then travelled to Maam for the opening of a new community car park at Ionad Pobail an Mháma, supported under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).
The project received funding of over €177,000 and involved the construction of a new car park to support walkers using the Western Way, as well as a range of community and outdoor recreation events organised locally throughout the year.
Speaking at the opening in Maam, Minister Calleary said:
“The construction of this car park, funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, will improve accessibility for those enjoying the Western Way and support the many community events organised here throughout the year.
“Investment in outdoor recreation infrastructure continues to support local tourism, community wellbeing and regional economic activity, while also encouraging people to enjoy the many health and social benefits associated with outdoor activity.”
The final stop of the Minister’s visit was Leenane Community Park, where funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR Programme has supported major improvements to the former Kilbride GAA pitch site. Works carried out at the park include upgraded walkways, seating areas, picnic benches and accessible parking facilities. Additional CLÁR funding also supported the installation of sensory play equipment to help ensure the park is accessible and enjoyable for all members of the community.
Notes
LEADER
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme has total funding of €180 million, with over 1,180 projects approved to date for LEADER funding of over €58 million, supporting a broad range of enterprises and community groups across rural Ireland. The programme is implemented in West Galway by FORUM Connemara, with funding of €2.6 million available for the 2023-2027 period. LEADER is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The Community Recognition Fund
The Community Recognition Fund was established in 2023 to support cities, towns and villages that welcomed new arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. In total, €100 million has been allocated towards 1,469 projects nationwide. Included in this figure was over €2.6 million for Galway County Council projects.
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
Since 2016, funding of over €154 million has been approved for 2,060 projects nationwide. Since 2020, funding of more than €5.9 million has been awarded to County Galway for 65 projects. The next iteration of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will be launched in Q2 2026.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP)
SICAP 2024-2028 is a national programme, co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021-2027. The programme is delivered by Local Development Companies (LDCs) in every community in Ireland, using community development approaches to help those in the greatest need. SICAP works with individuals and groups, strengthening communities and improving the quality of life of those facing social exclusion and inequality.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, over €210 million has been allocated to more than 1,900 projects. The scheme has made an important contribution to supporting vibrant and sustainable communities in towns and villages throughout Ireland. The 2025 Scheme places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration.