Minister O’Brien launches three new Co-Ops on a wide-ranging visit to the Ballina/Straide region
- Published on: 31 May 2021
- Last updated on: 11 April 2025
Joe O’Brien TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development & Department of Social Protection, has today (Monday, 31st May) visited Mayo to formally launch three new Cooperatives in the Mayo area.
The three Co-Ops; Comharchumann Mhíchíl Mhic Dháibhéid (Achill), Comharchumann Flidhis (Erris) and Beacha Acla (Achill) have emerged over the last 18 months as a result of a Rural Development Programme.
Minister O’Brien said:
“These Co-Ops are extremely interesting- ranging in everything from folklore projects to bee-keeping but all with a keen eye on how their work can enhance the communities around them and the lives of people within those communities. All three of these projects have developed in response to key social, cultural, economic and environmental issues and opportunities. They are indicative of the resourcefulness of local communities in identifying an issue and developing a plan to address it and enhance all aspects of the community.
“I am looking forward to meeting some of the people involved and to learn more about the projects. It is always welcome to see firsthand the benefits that funding from my Department can bring to local communities.”
Justin Sammon, who has been instrumental in the establishment of the three Co-Cops said:
“In the context of rural development it is time to re-visit the co-operative structure/principles as a vehicle for community enhancement.
“The co-operatives embody the themes of place based leadership, shared values and the meitheal principles. i.e The old vehicle for future developments.”
The Minister made a number of visits to different DRCD and/or DSP supported projects across the wider Ballina/Straide regions including the Karen Garden, the Involve Project, the Mhaoil cattle herd and Moy Innovations.
The Minister also visited the Michael Davitt Museum in Straide, Foxford, to see firsthand and hear of the developments there.
Outside on the Museum grounds the Minister met with representatives of several innovative projects including the Children’s Land League from two local national schools, members of the Doolough Valley project committee and he also launched the Swinford Needs Assessment Survey.