€1.6m investment for Killaloe and Ballina unveiled

***The year in review***

WHILE most towns and villages are crying out for investment in the midst of Government austerity, Killaloe and Ballina bucked the national trend with the unveiling of developments totalling over €1.6 million in 2012.

Undoubtedly, the twin communities benefited from having a junior minister on their doorstep. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Alan Kelly, who lives between Ballina and Portroe, a few miles from Killaloe bridge, announced projects totalling €432,348 during the year.
One of the most important developments was the green light for a €1.2m sports and recreational project, spearheaded by former Lions player and Ireland captain Keith Wood at Clarisford Park.
Work started on the first phase of the ambitious project in May, following seven years of endeavour by a local committee.
The Clarisford Development will see sports and recreational facilities brought into line with growing local need.
The first phases of the development on 25 acres of parkland behind the former Bishop’s Palace, Clarisford House, include two full-size playing pitches, one all-weather floodlit pitch, floodlit training areas, 800m of walking/cycling trails, temporary changing facilities, car parking and ancillary services.
These are funded through CLDC, Leader, the Keith Wood Fund and the beneficiary clubs (Lough Derg FC, Ballina Killaloe RFC and Killaloe 5th/22nd Clare Scout Group) and will be fully completed next year. 
The sod-turning at the site, which was owned and handed over on a 35-year lease by Clare County Council and the ESB, was performed by Deputy Kelly in May.
It received a major boost after Environment Minister Phil Hogan gave Clare Local Development Company official sanction to approve €200,000 in funding for the project.
In July, the development received another boost when Clare County Council gave the go-ahead for a community sports building and on-site wastewater treatment system to replace the temporary dressing rooms, which were granted under a previous planning application in 2011.
Elsewhere, fitness and recreational facilities costing an estimated €122,348 were officially opened by Minister Kelly in June.
North Tipperary County Council got a grant of €66,428 for an outdoor gym and Multi-Use Gaming Area at the Riverside Park, Ballina.
Ballina Outdoor Swimming Pool, adjoining the Riverside Park, was also granted substantial funds of €55,920 from the Department of Transport following “extensive work” by Deputy Kelly on behalf of residents.
He also announced in June that there will be a multi-annual investment programme for Ballina/Killaloe’s flagship event, the Féile Brian Boru Festival. Funding of €15,000 was secured from Fáilte Ireland, while in November another €3,500 was announced for the festival.
In the region of €20,000 was spent promoting the first Discover Killaloe and Ballina Day on Sunday, April 29 when hundreds of locals and visitors enjoyed 62 fun-filled family events including kayaking, sailing, powerboating, angling, walking tours and a community garden.
In September, Ballina and Killaloe were awarded Active Travel Town status by Minister Kelly.
This ensures the towns are now part of national assessments for Smarter Travel planning and received funding in this round of €275,000.