ENTERPRISING ATHENRY ADC REPORT

Source : Athenry A.D.C. Publications Athenry Journal Vol 3 No1 (1997)

Optimistic Report

By Manager Kieran Hickland

Since joining Enterprising Athenry ADC Ltd. in January, 1997, I have been working with the Management sub-group of the Company’s Executive Committee. The aim to establish project teams to develop creative ideas generated by the members. Project teams have now been established in the following areas:

Business Development

This Team has met over twelve times, to date, and is in the final stages of preparing an economic profile of the Parish, which can then be used to promote local and inward investment.

 Food Production

The Team is investigating new ways to add value to locally produced beef and lamb. The aim is to develop a quality product that is naturally fed and has a guarantee of traceability.

Community/Social Development

The need for a community resource facility has been identified, to address the requirements of single parents, adolescents, the elderly, the disabled and the travelling community. An application for funding has been prepared.

Vision Plan for Athenry

The Company intends to commission a study of the Town, and to use this to establish a consensus on the co-ordinated development of the Town. The study would also be used to influence the contents of the Town Development Plan. Three Architects have been invited to submit proposals for consideration, and the County Enterprise Board has promised their support.

Enterprise Centre

Suitable premises, in which to establish a Business Centre, have been identified and negotiations are ongoing.

Language Holidays

Over 300 French students have been accommodated in homes throughout the Parish, bringing over £8,000 into the local economy.

F.A.S. Community Employment Scheme

The first year of the scheme is currently being evaluated. Excellent work has been carried out at Lady’s Well and the Wall at Prospect, commissioned by the Tidy Town’s Committee, will soon be completed.

B & B Marketing Group

This group has produced a brochure and aims to distribute it as widely as possible. An Internet page has been set up and will be developed as a marketing tool.

Job Network

The Company has established a system to link people looking for work with local employers. The aim is to identify opportunities, and to improve the skills base of the Parish through training.

Walking Trails

Various Project Teams are looking at the opportunities to establish walks around the Parish.

Other Projects

Other projects which are in the early planning phase include the restoration of the Market Cross, Farm Forestry, Templegal Cemetery development, restoration of the Dominican Abbey, and Galway-Athenry commuter rail link.

 More Ideas.

Enterprising Athenry ADC Ltd is always looking for more ideas which could be developed into projects, particularly in the following areas, Agriculture, Heritage, Business, Environment/Infrastructure, Enterprise and Employment and Arts/Culture.

Company Office

The Company’s office is at Unit I, DJH. Burke’s, Northgate Street, Athenry,

Tel/Fax 091 845422. The Office is open Mon-Fri 9.00 a.m.- 5.30p.m. If you have an idea that could be transformed into a project, please contact me at the office to discuss your proposal.