News
Work to begin on the Aughrim Climate Action Park in early 2027
Work on a community eco–tourism project in East Galway will begin in early 2027, Galway County Council has been confirmed. The Council is managing the delivery of the Aughrim Climate Action Park which has secured €502,315 under the EU Just Transition Fund START Programme.
The project is being led by Galway County Council’s Tourism Team and supported locally by the Aughrim and Creagh Union and Aughrim Community Development Company Ltd. The funding, co–financed by the Government and the European Union, was announced by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien.
The Aughrim Climate Action Park will involve the rehabilitation of 1.7 hectares of agricultural land beside Holy Trinity Church and rectory, and its conversion into a climate–resilient community amenity. The development will include measures to enhance biodiversity, promote food–sustainability and provide a public amenity for the village and surrounding area.
Archdeacon John Godfrey, Rector of the Aughrim and Creagh Union, said that the Church of Ireland parish is delighted to be making a section of parish land available for this important project.
“This particular site represents the cradle of Christianity in this part of East Galway and is therefore of great importance to so many of our shared stories. Saint Connell founded his first monastic community here around 500 CE, and there was also an Augustinian Abbey built here in the twelfth or thirteenth century. The Park is beside the picturesque walled gardens of the Aughrim’s 200 year old rectory, in the shadow of Holy Trinity Church and overlooking Saint Catherine’s Church. It offers unique vantage points for the Battle of Aughrim battlefield (1691), the De Ruth and Hogan Monuments and O’Kelly Castle. Above all, it is a place of natural beauty which invites rest and reflection. It feels like the ideal place for the people of East Galway to come together and work for a sustainable future.”
Rt Revd Michael Burrows, Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe warmly welcomed the development.
“The Church of Ireland is delighted to be playing a key role in the creation of the Aughrim Climate Action Park. The site that has been made available is full of historic associations, replete with natural beauty and now offers fertile ground for a project that will make the local community and visitors alike ever more mindful of the importance of biodiversity and sustainability. Like growth from a small seed, this project displays how with determined leadership and local commitment what began almost as a spontaneous parish conversation has developed into an initiative of genuinely national significance.”
Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District, Cllr Evelyn Parsons, said the confirmation of the anticipated start date was positive news for the area.
“This project represents an important investment in sustainable tourism, community amenities and climate action in East Galway. It has the potential to enhance the visitor experience, support local communities and further develop East Galway as an attractive destination. It is particularly encouraging to see local community groups taking the lead in a project that will deliver lasting benefits for their area.”
Michael Owens, Director of Services with Galway County Council, said the local authority was working with the community representatives to bring the development to construction.
“Galway County Council is pleased to be managing this project and working alongside the local groups who have driven it forward. With funding now secured, the focus is on progressing the necessary preparations to allow works to commence in early 2027. The development will provide valuable new amenities while strengthening the tourism offering in East Galway and supporting the protection of our natural environment.”
EU Just Transition Fund Activator for Galway, Loretta Raftery, said the project demonstrated the potential of community–led investment to create sustainable tourism opportunities.
“The project has been developed with strong local ambition and a clear focus on sustainability. The investment will help create new experiences for visitors while improving facilities and amenities for the community themselves. The JTF Tourism Activator will play an important role in coordinating the delivery of this project, providing business support services and helping to maximise the longer–term opportunities arising from this investment.”