Croagh Village Park was officially reopened on Sunday last Sunday following a complete upgrade and refurbishment which will benefit the community for years to come.
Originally opened in 1999, Croagh Village Park has for many years been a resource enjoyed by local families, individuals and visitors to the village. “This is the first major up-grade of the park in 13 years,” explains Olive Shanagher of Croagh Community Council. “We have undertaken a wide variety of landscaping work including planting of native species, new pergolas, interpretative signage and footpath upgrades and feel that the park is now a more inviting and pleasing place to relax and unwind in. We would like to thank West Limerick Resources for the funding we received towards this project and to the community for all their support. ”
The park was originally developed by the Community Council in 1999 through funding received from West Limerick Resources under the LEADER II programme, The American Ireland Fund, Limerick County Council and the people of Croagh. In late 2010 the community decided it was time for a facelift and began to put a plan in place. “We must mention West Limerick Resources Rural Social Scheme who sent us out a fabulous group of men initially to do a big clear up of over grown shrubs and weeds and helped lay the ground work for what you see today.” The group also applied for and were awarded a grant of €17,529 from West Limerick Resources under the Rural Development Programme but managed to bring the project in almost €1,500 under budget.
Shay Riordan Manager of West Limerick Resources congratulated the Community Council and all involved for their vision, determination and hard work in bringing this project to fruition. “The group came to us with a very clear idea of what needed to be done and how the work would benefit the community. They have put a big emphasis on the preservation and promotion of local biodiversity through the use of native planting and interpretative signage which will act as an education resource for years to come. What you see today is only a beginning and I know that this facility will go on to flower and flourish for years to come.”
The park was officially open by West Limerick Resources manager Shay Riordan and was followed by music from Croagh native Ivan Reidy, a barbecue face painting, nail art, and numerous games for both children and adults. The event concluded at 5.30pm with a duck race on the river Greanagh, which runs along the side of the park.
This project has been funded by West Limerick Resources under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which is financed by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan and part-funded by the EU under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.