This article is from page 35 of the 2008-06-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 35 JPG
DESIGN plans for the redevelopment of Fahy Hall are close to completion according to the Doora Barefield parish pastoral council.
At a public meeting held in Fahy Hall last week, residents viewed drawings by architect Victor Leyden and were invited to make their own submissions.
A new church, community facilities including a children’s playground and a new hall are proposed on the three-acre site.
Concern over the lack of commu- nity facilities initiated the drive to redevelop Fahy Hall.
Fr Michael McNamara explained
that the greater facilties were needed to service the growing population in the Roslevan area.
“There are roughly over 1,000 houses in the area and that works out at around 3,000 people, according to the Ennis and Environs Develop- ment plan. A lot of the land has been zoned housing. One of the biggest complaints has been that there is no social facilities,” he said.
Fr McNamara said funding for the majority of the work has already been secured.
“It looks like we have money avail- able. The cost to the local commu- nity would be about one third of the estimated total cost. Until we get planning permission we won’t be
able to put a proper figure on it,” said Deer ee
This is the third version drawn up for the redevelopment of Fahy Hall. Fr McNamara is confident that this part of the process is nearing com- pletion.
‘“We’ve had progress. People have been invited to submit their thoughts and suggestions on the plans. This is the third professional plan that we have had drawn up. People have had a good chance to look at it and ex- amine. We feel the plan that is there at the moments is fairly close to the final plan,” he said.
‘At the moment the sooner we can progress the better. A lot of the back- ground has been done. The commit-
tee have been told the financial re- sources are available,’ he added.
A cornerstone of traditional Irish music and culture, Fahy Hall has been home to the Doora Barefield branch of Comhaltas Ceolto6iri Euir- eann since 1972.
In the late 1970’s the decision was taken that the branch should look for a permanent home. Colm Fahy, a member of the branch, very kindly donated the site for the hall, and it has been home to the Doora Barefield branch ever since, becoming a focal point in the community ever since.
Members of the Doora Barefield branch together with friends and neighbours built the hall on a volun- FD AYA Oy SC