Knock plaza named after Pope Francis

CENTRE STAGE The Knock Community Futures Group pictured with Minister Michael Ring, TD, at the official opening of Pope Francis Square in Knock, from left: John Byrne, Julie Eduwaye, Rachael Salmon, Breda Johnston, Gary Howley (Chairperson), Minister Michael Ring, Sinead Mallee (Secretary), Keith Curry, Michael Carty (Tidy Towns), Leonie Kilroy amd Raymond Heneghan. Pic: Trish Forde

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, TD, last Tuesday, August 21, officially opened the new Shared Surface Plaza in Knock, which will be known as Pope Francis Square, in honour of last weekend’s Papal visit.
The Minister’s Department provided funding of €100,000 for the project through the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In total, Mayo has been allocated €1,728,000 in funding through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme over the last two years.
Minister Ring said: “I am very pleased to be here in Knock to officially open the Shared Surface Plaza for the town,” said Minister Ring at the launch.
“The work we see here will link the square to the Parish Church and create a new sense of place in the village for residents and visitors alike. I would like to thank everybody involved in the project, including the Knock community, for their efforts in ensuring that this project was implemented to enhance the village of Knock and make it even more welcoming for visitors.”
The Minister added: “Partnership and community involvement is vital in all areas of life. I’ve seen time and time again as I visit projects in towns and villages across the country that partnership and community spirit is alive and well in the small towns and villages of rural Ireland.  Projects such as this are testament to the commitment of local people and of the Government to make rural Ireland a better place to live, work and prosper.”
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin, said it was fitting that the plaza was named after Pope Francis, ahead of the Papal visit.
“Knock will be on a world stage next weekend and this plaza is one of the large amount of projects that have been completed ahead of the Papal visit. It’s a credit to the people of Knock and will be a hugely attractive facility for the village for many years to come,” he said.