An East Galway TD has called for the creation of a footpath from Craughwell village to connect the school, athletics club, and GAA grounds.
Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has written to the Galway County Council to advance the proposal.
Minister Cannon said; “Craughwell Athletic Club’s facilities have developed at its site over the past few years and the club is now the home to the largest juvenile athletic club in Ireland with more than 600 members. It exceeds most juvenile clubs in size being more than twice the size of any other Galway club and all but 10 of the 330 athletic clubs in Ireland. Their eight acre site in Craughwell consists of a flood-lit athletics track facilities with further plans to develop a sports hall to meet the growing needs of the club and to provide much-needed indoor sports facilities for the local community.
“The Craughwell GAA training grounds adjoining the AC facilities are also in use on a daily and nightly basis by both senior and juvenile clubs, while the national school in Craughwell, also adjacent to this site, accommodates more than 300 pupils. In addition, the village playground is located beside the GAA training facility. Craughwell FC also utilise facilities at this site, in particular, the astro pitch which is located beside the school.”
Minister Cannon believes a footpath from the village to these facilities would be a critical piece of infrastructure for Craughwell, arguing it would enhance the appearance of the roadway along this particular stretch and also provide a key safety feature for people accessing the facilities particularly during the winter months.
Minister Cannon said; “To this end, I have written to the Galway County Council requesting that we explore preparing a design for such a footpath which could then be submitted as a proposal for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
“As soon as I hear from the Galway County Council on this proposal, I will be more than happy to engage with my colleague Minister Michael Ring in order to secure funding for what would be a welcome addition to local infrastructure in Craughwell.