Executive Summary

Corofin is a rural village community 3km off the main road between Tuam and Galway (population of just under 3,000). It is a relatively prosperous, cohesive, and capable community with a proud GAAtradition and held in high esteem by its neighbours and partners.

Corofin Community Development Association Ltd (CCDA) was establish in 2012 to coordinate and support the economic, cultural, social, and physical welfare of the community. To date it has successfully developed the Canon Oliver Hughes Park comprising of a public playground, community field and walkway along with several other community infrastructure projects adding significantly to the quality of life for all in the village. Before the CCDAcan confidently move on with any further development they required a development ‘roadmap’. Therefore, in the autumn of 2021 an independent and comprehensive feasibility study was commissioned with funding through Galway Rural Development (GRD). Its aim was to guide and direct the CCDAto create a village development plan for current and future requirements, especially its social and physical amenities. Experienced community development consultants were recruited to deliver the project. The outcome of the nine-month project indicates that further development of the Canon Oliver Hughes Park is called for along with several other related cultural, heritage and recreational enhancement projects over the coming decade. This document outlines the context, research, and justification for such an important investment. The study was broken into several distinct work phases. The first was to establish and benchmark all available research related to the assets, capacity, and development of the village. This was followed by several valuable consultation exercises from a community online survey (394 participants), an extensive programme of Focus Groups (X 5) including with the youth of Corofin and finally a series of one-to-one sessions with key stakeholders. This work subsequently led to a number of ambitious but achievable development concepts that were evaluated and prioritised by the CCDAat the mid-study phase. Building upon these extensive consultations the following combination of interconnected projects emerged.

Higher priorities include the Dr Duggan Hall Renovation and Rejuvenation, the development of an innovative Youth Gathering Hub in the village, continued enhancement of Corofin Village Streetscape and the addressing of Derelict Buildings in the community. This work will run in parallel to the continued amenities development of Canon Oliver Hughes Park with its multiple elements.

All the emerging concepts and the evaluation process are clearly outlined in the body of the study.

Corofin can best progress as a vibrant community by facilitating a range of essential partnerships from greater community participation in the CCDAto agreed delivery of joint projects with public agencies from the local authority to the Leader company.

The following table illustrates the specific projects identified to be progressed and generally when they will likely be actioned.

Possible Scheduling of Projects

Dr Duggan Hall Renovated and Rejuvenated Youth Gathering Hub Corofin Village Streetscape Corofin Looped Walks and Cycle Trails Derelict Buildings in the Village Village Retail and Commercial Solution The Castle Field Amenity Area The Barracks Refurbishment

Canon OliverHughes Park Phase 3 - The top priority projects are included below Astro Turf Facility Enhancement of Corofin Walking Track Outdoor Gym/fitness Zone Outdoor Amphitheatre Eco discovery trail and Corofin Sensory Garden and Allotments (Combine Elements of both) This study document identifies in some detail the justification, rationale, and sequencing of all the key actions that will form the likely works programme for the CCDAgoing forward. It is important to acknowledge that the next era of Corofin’s community development will be standing on the shoulders of outstanding work of previous generations.

To be successfully delivered this vision will require an increased workload, heightened complexity, professionalism, and intensity. It would be unfair to assume this responsibility falls solely on the shoulders of the existing CCDA– the proposals outlined in this study will require the input of new skills embedded in the community, new voices, and succeeding generations. It is encouraging that 85% of respondents to the online survey felt positive about the future of the village. These people now need to come forward to play their part. This renewed community mobilisation will help strengthen the case-making capacity to secure the external funding required. These projects can have a profound impact on the quality of life for all in the community over the coming decade and beyond.

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