Section 9 Conclusions

9 Conclusions

The objective of this Study was to prepare a roadmap for the CCDAto create a Village Development Plan for current and future community requirements. The process involved consultation with the wider community.

The process identified several opportunities to allow the CCDAto proceed with confidence ensuring a strategic approach to grant applications and the use of community funds. These are the key factors to be considered:

1. Corofin has a large working population with significant spending power. The lack of retail and related services diverts spending outside the community.

2. There is a large population of young people and there is a distinct lack of services and facilities for the youth, particularly for those not involved in sport.

3. There is an active elderly population serviced by limited facilities and amenities.

4. Corofin is an extremely popular place to live, especially for young families. However, the lack of critical infrastructure, such as a water treatment plant, limits any further housing development.

5. The community would benefit from an increased focus on climate issues in line with the green agenda at a local and national levels.

6. Local pride is very strong, largely due to sporting success, however, more work needs to be done concerning culture and heritage opportunities. This Study presents projects which will progress the opportunities such as the Youth Gathering Hub; the further development of the Canon Oliver Hughes Park; and Dr Duggan Hall renovated and Rejuvenated. Other projects like the development of The Barracks and Corofin Village Streetscape will also contribute to cultivating pride and a strong sense of community. The CCDA, the local community and funding partners are capable of delivering all projects presented in this Study. The community benefits from considerable goodwill and has a strong track record in achieving results. The projects outlined in this Study, and the CCDAitself, will benefit from the recruitment of new members with a wide range of skills and enthusiasm. Further enhancement of existing relationships with other local groups in the community will result in mutual benefits such as funding opportunities and shared skills and resources.

Galway County Council offers significant opportunities for the advancement of many of the projects outlined in this Study. Galway Rural Development Company, which has been very supportive in recent years, also offers considerable potential for funding schemes, networking and resources such as the funding of this Study.

Corofin has always been known as a community that supports its own, and this is particularly evident in the successes of recent years. Canon Oliver Hughes Park is an excellent example of a community coming together to build a community facility. There is great pride amongst the hundreds of people in the parish who supported various fundraising activities, and the groups of young and old who picked stones and laid kerbs. Recent changes in the village such as pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, new road surface, traffic safety measures and village signage are all elements which point to a community that is eager to continue improving and developing. This Study will help provide direction for the community of Corofin to take the next step on what is an exciting journey.