Press release
Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys makes opening address as Ballinamuck Commemoration Weekend begins
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has today (Friday 8 September) officially opened a range of rural development projects during a visit to County Longford.
Most of the projects opened received investment under the government’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
The Minister’s visit began at Moyne Community School with the opening of the new school amphitheatre and multi-use sports pitch. Both were funded by her department and will improve the educational and recreational facilities in the area.
It was a landmark day for Longford Town with the new facilities at Longford Athletics Club opened that afternoon. The club now has an 8-lane running strip with dedicated areas for high jump, long-jump, pole vault and throws.
Speaking at the Athletics Club, Minister Humphreys said:
“It is great to see that Longford Athletics Club, which I understand has been in existence for over 50 years, now has a new modern home that will benefit athletes of all ages and abilities. I know that such a transformation could not happen without the great work and foresight of Longford Athletics Club who are the project promoters of this magnificent project. I am delighted that my department’s LEADER programme was able to provide funding of €500,000 for this project. And when you look at the facility before us here today – it was, without doubt, money well spent. And of course this investment really does demonstrate what we are achieving under our five year rural development policy, Our Rural Future.”
The Minister was also invited to officially open the Battle of Ballinamuck Commemoration Weekend.
Speaking at the official opening of the Commemoration Weekend, Minister Humphreys said:
“It is my great honour to join you this evening to mark the 225th anniversary of a battle that decided the fate of Ireland in the short term, but inspired a greater destiny in the years ahead. Over the course of this weekend, this community – in the heart of Rural Ireland - will play host to a unique set of events and activities to commemorate one of the defining moments in our history. It’s a great honour to be joined here by the French Ambassador Mr. Vincent Guérand, who has been a true friend to Ireland for many years. We join together today to remember a battle that epitomises the shared story between our two countries, one of friendship and a common idealism.”
The Minister continued:
“I want to pay tribute to the organisers of these commemorations for your fantastic work and efforts. For a small community like Ballinamuck, you sum up all that is good and vibrant about rural life. This week, too, you will showcase the very best of both Irish and French culture and heritage – all under the encompassing theme of the Battle of Ballinamuck. From GAA to French Boules, from a Wolfe Tone Céilí to a Farandole. And from Irish Food-stalls to French Markets. These commemorations are a reminder for us all of the strength of the bond that exists between our two nations.”
During her visit to the county the Minister opened the Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail and also turned on the Monaduff to Ballinamuck Trail, which will be part of the North Longford Rebel Trail.
The new section will connect the village of Ballinamuck with the sports facilities at Monaduff, accommodating both pedestrians and cyclists.
The visit concluded with the opening of a new community garden in Abbeylara which is now accessible to both wheelchairs and families with buggies. The project was a collaboration between Longford County Council the Abbeylara Tidy Towns Committee.
Department of Rural and Community Development funding approved for projects opened today (Friday 8 September).
From 2020 to date in 2023 Longford has received over €30 million in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It offers a blueprint for a thriving and inclusive rural Irelands and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.