Sun shines for opening of Páirc na Mara

Sun shines for opening of PΡirc na Mara


PΡirc na Mara, Achill’s new state-of-the-art playground in Keel, was officially opened under blue skies last Saturday by Minister of State, Dara Calleary. The minister was assisted by the five local children who had won a school competition to name the playground.
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County County, Cllr John Cribbin, said: “I am honoured to be in Achill and proud of Mayo County Council’s association with this facility. It is my view that this development was a result of community effort, and I’d like to praise Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla (CFÁA) for being instrumental in this project.”
Pat Kilbane, Cathaoirleach of CFÁA, reflected on the changes that have taken place in Achill over the years and said that PΡirc na Mara demonstrated how a local development company can represent the local community and source funding for vital infrastructure.
Peter Hynes, Director of Services for Mayo County Council, outlined his delight at the council’s involvement in the development of PΡirc na Mara and complimented the efforts of CFÁA in initiating and delivering the project, especially in the current economic climate.
Damian Kilbane, Chairman of the CFÁA Environment and Infrastructure subcommittee, outlined his sense of pride at being able to oversee this timely development of immense importance to the children of Achill and beyond. He  highlighted in particular the valuable input of CFÁA CEO Terence Dever, who was central to the instigation, funding and follow-through of this development.
Minister Calleary complimented everyone involved in the project.  “This is the one of the finest playgrounds I have seen in the country, and the people of Achill should be very proud of the efforts of their local development group,” he said.
Addressing a large crowd at the official opening, Terence Dever CEO of CFÁA said the opening marked ‘a great day for Achill’ and he thanked Minister Calleary for officiating, Fr Tom Kearney for blessing the playground and Peter Gill, Mayo County Architects’ Office, for his professional advice during the project.
He also thanked the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources; Mayo County Council councillors and local staff; the board and staff of Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teo; the board and staff of CFÁA; the Achill Half Marathon Committee; the contractor, Ronnie McKee; Play & Leisure Services Limited; the Rural Social Scheme; Nestor’s Caravan Park; the Achill Pipe Band; the Environment and Infrastructure Sub-Committee; the five children who chose the name PΡirc na Mara; An Garda SíochΡna; BMG; Coleman’s Computers, Castlebar; the press and the media; the custodians of Achill Mission Estate; and the wider community of Achill.