Galway County Council welcomed Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, to County Galway on Thursday, 14 May 2026, where he visited a series of community and rural development projects across the Connemara area.
The visit commenced in Clifden with the official opening of the new offices of Forum Connemara, alongside the opening of the refurbished Clifden Arts Festival facility, supported under the Community Recognition Fund. These projects highlight the positive impact of investment in community infrastructure and social inclusion initiatives.
The Minister then travelled to Ionad Pobail an Mháma, where he visited a newly developed community car park funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). This project will enhance access to the Western Way and support a wide range of local outdoor recreation and community events.
The final visit took place at Leenane Community Park, where significant enhancements have been delivered under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR Programme. The works have transformed the site into a vibrant, accessible community space with improved walkways, seating, and inclusive recreational facilities.
Welcoming the visit, Galway County Council acknowledged the continued support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in delivering essential infrastructure and services that strengthen rural communities and support sustainable local development.