Background
Claremorris is a thriving and growing town with a diverse population (~4,700 citizens). Including its hinterlands, it serves a community of up to 10,000 citizens. The town has multiple facilities that cater for a variety of sporting and recreational needs.
However, Claremorris has no dedicated Community Centre or Indoor Sports facility that can meet the growing needs of our community - young and old.
The Claremorris Community Recreational Centre Committee was established in early 2024 with the goal of developing a community centre for Claremorris. In June 2024, the association formed a company limited by guarantee.
For an overview of the story of the project, and what it will mean for Claremorris, you can listen back to Chairpersons Jarlath Sweeney & Catriona Doherty speaking to Claremorris Community Radio in February 2025.
Project Overview
Demand
Initial research and engagement across the community has identified that Claremorris has no:
- Community Centre,
- Indoor multi-use sports hall,
- Indoor recreational space for teenagers or for any age group,
- Fit-for-purpose school indoor sporting facilities.
Impact
Our community has to travel outside the town to participate in sports or activities that are unavailable in Claremorris. This negatively impacts:
- The environment,
- The economy,
- Social inclusion,
- Quality of life.
Progress to Date
- Engaged with and secured the support of local clubs, community groups, Council and elected representatives.
- Identified a suitable site for the new centre.
- Developed a Design Concept,
- Launched a community fundraising campaign (Lip Sync Battles),
- Attended a Pre-Planning meeting.
Action Plan
- Complete a Feasibility Study (Q1 2025)
- Submit Planning Application (Q2 2025),
- Secure Planning Permission (H1 2025),
- Progress Capital Grant Funding Applications (FY 2025),
- Grow funds via community & corporate donations (FY 2025).
Proposed Design & Location
The proposed location is perfectly placed beside the outdoor sporting pitches, athletics track, and is in close proximity to the secondary and primary schools - as well as being within walking distance of the town.
Engagement to Date
Since February 2024, we have:
(i) Engaged with local clubs, organisations, and schools;
(ii) Briefed local TDs and county councilors on the project and have gained their support;
(iii) Continually liaised with Mayo County Council on the project.
We have assigned third-party consultants to undertake a feasibility study - this study includes engagement with all community groups with potential interest in utilising the centre to ensure that everyone's voice is heard!
About The Committee
The Claremorris Community Recreational Centre, Company Limited by Guarantee was established in June 2024.
The Committee is made up of 7 members:
Chairperson(s): Catriona Doherty & Jarlath Sweeney
Secretary: Anna Connolly
Treasurer(s): Brian Lenihan
Other members: Paraic Whyte, Mark Jordan, and Owen Moore.
Your Support Matters
Your endorsement and advocacy of this project is key to transforming it from vision to reality.
Here's how you can help:
Engage in the public consultation process
- Participate in fundraising events
- Donate, sponsor, or provide letters of support