Ministerial praise for Mountbellew
Following the opening of their new office in Mountbellew recently, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has lavished praise on Galway Rural Development for the “innovative and imaginative projects that have been developed and delivered” by the organisation in recent years, and particularly highlighting the success of the ‘Smart Villages’ efforts in Mountbellew. Minister Humphreys said “I know Mountbellew was very proud to be chosen last year for the location of the LEADER-funded Smart Villages initiative. The Smart Villages initiative helps local communities to deliver innovative solutions and approaches to the challenges and opportunities that they face and Mountbellew has been to the forefront of this initiative in Ireland.”
Praising the Mountbellew community and the decision of GRD to bring a further office direct to a community being served by them, the Minister said “I would like to commend all in Galway Rural Development for the really amazing work they have carried out to date and I would like to wish them all the best in their continuing work in their new base in Mountbellew.”
The Minister referenced her own fond memories of Mountbellew, having stayed in the town in her youth for training on finance for farmers. She also spoke of the heritage and tourism potential in the town noting that the LEADER-funded restoration of Mountbellew Walled Garden noted and the work of Galway Teleworks and the Living Bog project which was commended by both the Minister and the CEO of GRD Steve Dolan. “This is an important acknowledgment for the community in Mountbellew as much as for GRD” said Steve. Last year we targeted Mountbellew as the pilot location for our ‘Smart Villages’ efforts and it seems like only yesterday that MEP Maria Walsh and Senator Aisling Dolan visited to launch the initiative. Since then, bespoke training was delivered to up-skill the community in local development, connectivity, sustainability.”
“In short, the term ‘Smart Villages’ is used to encapsulate the aim of delivering on the promise of a better life in rural areas and it reflects the principles and methods associated with ‘smart and competitive’ living.
The opening of this office follows as a result of our shared efforts with the people of Mountbellew and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the local community’s ambitions for the future.”
Senator Aisling Dolan said “GRD have led the way nationally with the Smart Villages concept which brings a fresh approach and opens up new opportunities to improve the sustainability of rural areas. Across the EU, Smart Villages have implemented improvements to the lives of millions of rural dwellers in terms of their economic, social, environmental, and cultural lives and I know the potential in Mountbellew is immense.” “I was proud to invite the Minister to Mountbellew this week and I have no doubt in GRD’s commitment to improve and develop all aspects of Mountbellew that are within their remit. I also know the foundations laid through Smart Villages, as much as the new office, points to brighter days ahead for Mountbellew and the wider catchment area.”
