Abbeyfeale is looking towards the future following the official unveiling of their Community Enhancement Plan last Tuesday night in Fr Casey’s Clubhouse. The plan was commissioned by Abbeyfeale Community Development Association to provide an outlet for the local community to agree a coherent vision and strategy on the development of the town over the next five years.
Funded in part by West Limerick Resources under the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme, the plan was developed by Tom O’Leary of O’Leary and Associates Tralee, and deals with four specific strategic themes; Infra-structure, Tourism, Enter-prise and Tidy Towns. The objectives and actions under each theme are based on an analysis of feedback from a public consultation process, an investigation of planning guidelines impacting on the area and current funding opportunities.
Local businessman and chairman of Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns Kevin Kenneally stated: “The Abbeyfeale Town Plan is a great asset for the local community. It identifies many potential projects for the enhancement of Abbeyfeale and also recognises areas where improvement is required. It is quite useful to have this professional document going forward when seeking funding for projects and for the future promotion of enterprise.”
Speaking after the launch, West Limerick Resources project officer Suzanne Rowley said: “The overall aim of this plan is to provide a blueprint through which future projects, facilities and services can be planned for, imple-mented, managed and sustained within the community. A key element to its success will be the strengthening of Abbeyfeale’s umbrella community structure so that it can work with organisations like West Limerick Resources, other agencies and the wider community to implement the recommendations contained in this plan. West Limerick Resources has committed to working with the community to achieve this and will support their efforts to fulfil Abbeyfeale’s potential.”