Páirc na Mara

Yesterday in Ionad Pobail Chill Chiaráin, Údarás na Gaeltachta met with local committees and public representatives in what was a productive and useful meeting about the Páirc na Mara project in Cill Chiaráin, an innovative and ambitious project spearheaded by Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Some weeks ago, An Bord Pleanála rejected the submission made by Údarás na Gaeltachta regarding Galway County Council’s decision not to grant planning permission for Páirc na Mara.

Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive, Tomás Ó Síocháin, attended yesterday evening, along with the Director of Regional and Community Development and Language Planning, Rónán Mac Con Iomaire and the Údarás na Gaeltachta executives steering the Páirc na Mara project. Representatives from Ryan Hanley Consultants were also present to answer questions on the An Bord Pleanála’s Inspector’s Report on Páirc na Mara.

After the meeting, Tomás Ó Síocháin stated:

“Údarás na Gaeltachta firmly believes that Páirc na Mara could play a pivotal role locally and nationally; it will create employment, provide training and research opportunities and greatly contribute to the economy of Conamara and the west of Ireland more broadly. This project is indicative of our commitment to the natural resources sector, which will grow exponentially in the coming years. “

“We believe it is important that Páirc na Mara is brought to completion and we are currently examining the best way in which to ensure that.  The issue of planning is complex and sensitive, particularly in the case of an ambitious project on this scale. Hence, we are consulting widely before making a decision as to our next steps – we have several weeks in which to fully examine the issue and we feel that it is important to do so in a prudent and measured manner. “

“Údarás na Gaeltachta feels however, that it is of utmost importance that representatives of the local community are made fully aware of the basis for the decision of an Bord Pleanála and the options open to us. That is why we came here this evening, and we are grateful to those who attended and to the community of Iorras Aithneach, who have supported this project from the beginning.”