Background
Claremorris is a thriving and growing town with a diverse population (~4,000 citizens). The town has multiple facilities that cater for a variety of sporting and recreational needs.
However, Claremorris has no dedicated Community Centre or Indoor Sports facility that can meet the growing needs of our community - young and old.
The Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee was established in early 2024 with the goal of developing a community centre for Claremorris. In June 2024, the association formed a company limited by guarantee.
Project Overview
Demand
Initial research and engagement across the community has identified that Claremorris has no:
- Community Centre,
- Indoor multi-use sports hall,
- Indoor recreational space for teenagers or for any age group,
- Fit-for-purpose school indoor sporting facilities.
Impact
Our community has to travel outside the town to participate in sports or activities that are unavailable in Claremorris. This negatively impacts:
- The environment,
- The economy,
- Social inclusion,
- Quality of life.
Progress to Date
- Engaged with and secured the support of local clubs, community groups, Council and elected representatives.
- Identified a suitable site for the new centre.
Action Plan
- Develop a Design Concept - In Progress,
- Submit Planning Application Q4 2024,
- Commence Fundraising Q1 2025,
- Secure Planning Permission H1 2025,
- Progress Capital Grant Funding Applications Q1 2025
Proposed Design & Location
The proposed location is perfectly placed beside the outdoor sporting pitches, athletics track, and is in close proximity to the secondary and primary schools - as well as being within walking distance of the town.
Engagement to Date
Since February 2024, we have:
(i) Engaged with local clubs, organisations, and schools;
(ii) Briefed local TDs and county councilors on the project and have gained their support;
(iii) Continually liaised with Mayo County Council on the project.
We are in the process of assigning third-party consultants to undertake a feasibility study - this study will include engagement with all community groups with potential interest in utilising the community centre to ensure that everyone's voice is heard!
About The Committee
The Claremorris Community Recreational Centre, Company Limited by Guarantee was established in June 2024.
The Committee is made up of 8 members:
Chairperson(s): Catriona Doherty & Jarlath Sweeney
Secretary: Anna Connolly
Treasurer(s): Brian Lenihan & Fiona Hennelly
Other members: Paraic Whyte, Mark Jordan, and Owen Moore.
Your Support Matters
Your endorsement and advocacy of this project is key to transforming it from vision to reality.
Here's how you can help:
Engage in the public consultation process
- Participate in fundraising events
- Donate, sponsor, or provide letters of support
We plan to apply for State funding of approximately €4M. For any State funding, 10% of the funds need to come from the community itself.
This means we need to raise at least €400K from business support and fundraising efforts. We really do need the entire community to get behind this initiative to make it a reality!