Five year Action Plan to be launched in Knock

Ger Flanagan

Knock village is set for some major developments over the next number of years as a ‘five-year Community Action Plan’ is set to be launched on Friday, November 25 in the Knock House Hotel.
The plans are being fronted by the Knock Community Futures Steering Group in association with Mayo Community Features and it will be launched by Joanne Grehan, Director of Services of Planning, Economic and Community development at Mayo County Council.
Community facilities and services are among the main areas where development will be sought and there are a number of projects on the to-do list which include: Renovating the Community Centre; increased provision for preschool childcare and after-school services; increased services for the elderly including evening Social Care; increased youth facilities and activities and to develop a multi-use playground and recreational facility; establishing a Community Council or Community Development Committee.
PRO of Knock Community Futures, Leonie Kilroy highlighted the vast amount of work already carried out by the people of Knock to get this action plan established and says it gives a fair representation of what the people of the town want.
“A lot of  good work has been put into this action plan to date,” she told The Mayo News.
“The plan represents the majority views in relation to aspects of our community. Now that we have a plan, which is the voice of the people in Knock, it is a ‘road map’ to go forward. We would now very much encourage everyone to get involved in their areas of interest.”
Some of the facilities and services that this action plan hopes to establish through the main areas of development include a cinema, a breakfast club and after-school facility that can attract increased numbers to Knock National School and a shuttle bus service for the village as the ones currently in operation are very poor.
The plan has particularly highlighted the ‘must’ for a local committee or development group which will enable it to apply for National or EU Social Grants or funding.
Leonie acknowledges that this will not be possible moving forward without a big community effort and has urged villagers to come out and support the launch.
“As time moves on, various sub-groups will be formed in relation to priority actions in the plan and we would encourage everyone to get involved and make it happen,” she said. “We hope the public come along to our launch night, celebrate the work that has been done and plan to get involved in the progression and development of our community.”
On the night of the launch, there will be a cheese and wine reception followed by a short presentation on the action plan and it all kicks off at 8pm. All are welcome on the night.