Local Notes: Spar Ballinrobe was one of 11 Mayo stores to receive top accolade for retail excellence.
Pictured at the recent SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme for achieving exceptional standards in retailing, held in Lawlor’s Hotel, in Naas in Co Kildare, were Jamie Tierney SPAR Swinford, Mike Gallagher SPAR Westport, Martin McGreal SPAR Louisburgh, Michelle Heanue, SPAR Ballyhaunis, Tommy Conroy SPAR Ballinrobe and Castlebar and Gerry Burke SPAR ROA.
On June 15 last, the Ballinrobe Community Futures Plan Action Plan 2023-2028 was officially launched by Junior Minister Alan Dillon, at a well-attended Ballinrobe Library Grounds.
The Community Futures Action Plan is the result of extensive community engagement carried out from February to May 2022. This gave the community the opportunity to have their say on what facilities they would like for the future of Ballinrobe.
The plan is a detailed analysis and summarizes the community’s views on: What Ballinrobe is like now; The vision for the future of the area; The issues that matter most; Priorities for projects and action. The plan will be a guide for what the community try to make happen over the next five years. The plan covers vast areas of topics including: employment and the local economy; childcare and education; health and emergency services; roads, traffic and transport; community facilities; community groups; agriculture; history, heritage and tourism, to name but a few.
Some of the interesting findings from the survey include the need for indoor recreational amenities - such as a dedicated arts and cultural space; a nightclub; a cinema; an indoor children’s play area; a skate park; a kayak centre; older people would like to see a day centre; people experiencing homelessness would like access to sheltered accommodation; people with disabilities would like to see more facilities and activities for their needs.
However, one of the most eye-catching results of the survey is in the Community Facilities and Activities Section where the overwhelming top priority that the community wants is a swimming pool for Ballinrobe.
At the launch on Saturday, June 15, it was announced that a task force will be set-up with the main target to deliver a swimming pool for Ballinrobe and its surrounding areas. Mark Smith, the Ballinrobe Sports Hub Coordinator, explained that the case for a swimming pool in Ballinrobe is very easily made.
“Ballinrobe has a population of almost 3,000 and growing, with 1,500 children in first and second level education. Swimming is a compulsory facet of the Primary School Curriculum. Including other local National Schools, hundreds of bus journeys go out of the area for lessons. Families travel a 45km round trip to lessons in Claremorris, more to Castlebar. Many people cannot do this, and they don’t have the means. Ballinrobe is a similar size town to Claremorris – and that town has a swimming pool.” Mark was also keen to express the view about Ballinrobe being an ideal location for a new swimming pool in Mayo.
“The case can be made for this being also a Mayo need; with only four indoor pools in Mayo, and demand for swimming so high, it is often difficult to book lessons. Ballinrobe’s location in South Mayo makes it an ideal location geographically with the whole Clonbur/Cornamona area to its East and the whole catchment area around Ballinrobe stretching close to Headford”.
Inclusion is also a vital component of swimming and is a crucial life skill as Smith explained.
“Swimming is a life skill and everyone from babies to older adults can take part and it is great for some people with additional needs. It is also great for physical therapies and leisure”.
“Ballinrobe has many great outdoor facilities, but apart from the Lakeside Sports and Fitness Centre, there is nothing indoor”.
Mark concluded by saying that this has to be a number one priority for Ballinrobe as the community has spoken.
“This goes back to the CF (Community Futures) process, a swimming pool was identified as the number one priority - if the council, politicians and elected representatives really do as they say and listen to what people want, then we have to try and make it happen”.
The task force currently comprises the Ballinrobe Community Development Council Committee; however, it will be strengthened by more people to take this forward. Anyone who feels they can offer something to this project can contact ballinrobecdc@gmail.com The task force will be looking to put a plan together so that Ballinrobe will be next in line for a large scale infrastructure projects. The government are currently investing in projects like this, and the task force’s aim is to make sure they are ready to make the case.
The next stage will be to create a needs analysis and evaluation.
The task force will be hoping to work with Swimming Ireland and others on this project.
If the renowned Ballinrobe Community spirit sees everyone working together, then there is no reason why this project cannot become a reality.
Copies of the comprehensive Ballinrobe Community Action Plan 2023-2028 brochure are available in Martin Murphy’s Newsagents, Main Street, Murphy’s Centra, Cornmarket, and other outlets in the town.
The Ballinrobe Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) urgently calls upon all residents to contribute vital information as part of a community-wide effort to advocate for increased Garda presence in the area. This initiative aligns with Theme 2, Priority 5 of the recently published Community Futures action plan for Ballinrobe.
At a BNW meeting last week, the group highlighted the importance of gathering information from a wide range of individuals in Ballinrobe and surrounding areas. This data collection is critical for presenting a comprehensive community perspective on local policing issues. The Ballinrobe Community Development Council (CDC) has already obtained written signatures from town businesses, documenting their concerns and support. The deadline for submissions was last Thursday, July 4.
Locals were invited to give their views on a number of issues by emailing ballinrobeneighbourhoodwatch@gmail.com. The committee urged people to specifically focus on the following questions: How can we improve community safety in terms of anti-social behaviour issues; crime and criminal behaviour; drug intimidation and drug dealing?
Are you happy with the opening hours and staffing levels at Ballinrobe Garda station?
Do older and vulnerable people feel safe in their community and, if not, how might that be improved?
Attendees at the meeting also learned about the Neighbourhood Watch programme and it’s potential. Although the committee was delighted to welcome a new coordinator for one area in Ballinrobe, they continue to seek additional coordinators to strengthen the community safety and crime prevention network.
The information gathered was compiled into a report, aimed to be ready by last Thursday, July 4, in preparation for a crucial meeting with local and regional representatives, Mayo County Council, and Garda officials. Although the meeting date is yet to be confirmed, the BNW is coordinating with the CDC to finalise it.
Parents who are currently clearing out old school uniforms from their house for schools in the Ballinrobe area i.e. St. Joseph’s, Roxboro, Cloonliffen, and Ballinrobe Community School (and if the uniforms are in good shape), are asked to please drop them into the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe. The Tacú Centre can donate the uniforms to those who need them.
The Ballinrobe Business Group, who organised the fundraiser ‘Ballinrobe’s week for Shannon’ in February, has announced that the total amount raised was €30,222 which has been divided between three charities receiving €10,074 each and they are as follows: Rock Rose House; Daisy Lodge; St. Joseph’s Ward, Galway University Hospital. The Ballinrobe Business Group thank everyone who donated and helped in any way with the fundraising.
The death took place of Paddy Reddington, Friars Quarter, Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, peacefully at home, with his devoted son Cyril by his side. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gretta, parents James and Nora, brothers Stephen and Anthony, sister Carmel. He will be forever missed by his loving son Cyril, daughter-in-law Mary, granddaughter Grace, sisters Ann and Delia, brother John, extended family, neighbours, friends and wonderful carers.
Burial took place on Wednesday, June 26, in the New Cemetery, Ballinrobe. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
All at Ballinrobe Golf Club would like to congratulate Fr Ed Crosby who celebrated 60 years (Diamond Jubilee) of priesthood on July 1 last. Fr Crosby is a member of Ballinrobe Golf Club, and was a captain in 1966 and former president of the club in 1982.
Well done to the club’s minor team on their narrow 0-12 to 1-7 victory against Hollymount-Carramore in the South Mayo Minor (B) semi-final, which took place last Tuesday evening, at Hollymount.
In the other semi-final held on Tuesday last, and which was played in Garrymore, visiting Davitts defeated Carras on a score-line of 4-8 to 3-5. At time of the writing no date had been confirmed for the South Mayo Minor (B) Championship final between Ballinrobe and Davitts.
There was no winner of the €23,700 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, July 1, in Art O’Neill’s Bar. The numbers drawn were 12, 15, 30 and 34. The €25 winners were Ed and Deirdre Casey, and Tom Cos.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Inch’s Bar, Main Street, on Sunday, June 30, with Vincent and Eva the lucky winners of €370.
Last week it was announced on Ballinrobe Rugby Club’s Facebook page that from next season the club’s mini rugby teams will be known as the ‘Ballinrobe Bears’. This is a new venture for the club and aims to give their mini teams a unique sense of identity.
The club hopes to have Ballinrobe Bears merchandise available for purchase when the new season kicks off in August.
Ballinrobe Women’s rugby team are currently seeking new players to join their set-up ahead of the new 2024/25 season. No previous playing experience is required, with this team being a fun and sociable team and is a great way to stay active and keep-fit. Any age or ability is welcome and those interested are asked to come along to a pre-season training session and try it out. Those interested or who require further details and information, are asked to contact Jill O’Malley at 087 6446065.
