This article is from page 16 of the 2011-06-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
AFTER three years of community effort a new € 114,000 playground will be officially opened in Quin on Saturday, June 18.
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Christy Curtin (Ind) will be joined at the event by the Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald.
Funding for the project was secured from Clare County Council (€ 84,333) and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (€ 30,000). Money was also raised by the local community.
The need for the playground in Quin is highlighted by the fact that over 250 children attend the primary schools of the Clooney Quin parish.
In early 2007, a community survey carried out by the playground committee identified a playground for the Quin area as critical infrastructural requirement.
The project was spearheaded by committee members – Cllr Sonny Scanlon (FG), Liam Conneally, Nancy Cantwell, Carmel Crosse and Alison Deane.
Cllr Scanlon said, “This is an important day for the Clooney Quin parish and in particular the people of Quin. It is important that we develop facilities such as this for the children of our community and the playground will only enhance the amenities for the existing residents of Quin village.”
Commenting on the opening, Liam Conneally stated, “During the recent economic boom, much development took place in the parish of Clooney Quin resulting in significant population increases for the area.”
He added, “The construction of a community playground will add another important piece of infrastructure to the area to be enjoyed by children of current and future generations.”
Mr Conneally said the committee are also thankful to Cyril O’Reilly, local business people and the staff and members of Clare County Council, in particular the community and enterprise section in bringing the Quin playground to fruition.
He added, “The playground will allow Quin village to reach its potential in terms of being an attractive place to live for its citizens and visitors alike.”
Cllr Scanlan also acknowledged the support of local businessman John Beirne, farmer Pat Scanlon and landowner Martin Liddy.
He said the project was also supported by Brian McCarthy and Pat Hassett.