A meeting of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta was held in Óstán Árann, Inis Mór today (21 September 2007).
At the meeting, a capital provision of €639,000 was approved for the development of ‘Páirc an Phobail’ in Gaoth Dobhair. The park, approximately 4 acres, is to be developed in recognition of those who founded the Industrial Estate in An Screabán, Gaoth Dobhair in 1966. ‘Páirc an Phobail’ will be developed as a playing, recreational and resting area for the parish community. Tenders for construction work are currently being sought.
Developments and activities in progress by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comharchumann Forbartha Árann on Inis Mór at the moment were discussed and acknowledged.
The board were informed that 65 people were employed full-time on the island at the end of 2006 in projects which received assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Developments on the island include:
Ionad Árann
A tourism centre being redeveloped at the moment with a provision of €950,000 from Údarás.
Ionad Fiontair Cholm Ó hIarnáin
An Enterprise Centre built by Údarás na Gaeltachta at a cost of €1 million and currently leased to Comharchumann Forbartha Árann. The building consists of office space for the Comharchumann, library facilities and two enterprise units for which projects are being sought at the moment.
Áras Rónáin
A care centre for the elderly consisting of 18 residential units, day care and healthcare facilities. It currently employees 16 people. Údarás na Gaeltachta provided an employment grant for the project.
Óstán Árann
A hotel developed by P J Ó Flatharta and other investors with assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta. It employees a total of 24 people between part-time and full-time. An extension consisting of additional bedrooms and leisure centre is planned.
Ionad Oideachais agus Teicneolaíochta Árann
This centre consisting of training rooms and equipment is being run by Comharchumann Forbartha Árann and a wide range of training courses are held there.
Timpeallacht na nOileán Teo
A refuse recycling centre is operating in Eoghanacht in Inis Mór. Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, Comharchumann Inis Meáin agus Comhar Chaomhán are involved in the project.