O’Shea Highlights Strength of Community Spirit During Minister Buttimer’s Visit to Cork North West
Deputy John Paul O’Shea TD has welcomed the recent visit of Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, to Cork North West, where they visited a number of community-led projects that have benefited from Government investment and the dedication of local volunteers.
The visit showcased the positive impact that targeted rural development funding is having across the constituency, with stops in Rockchapel, Meelin, Banteer and Bweeng.
In Rockchapel, Minister Buttimer visited the Community Centre, where CLÁR funding has supported the upgrade of the hall’s kitchen facilities. In Meelin, the Minister viewed the newly completed AstroTurf facility and officially turned the sod on the community’s new playground, marking another exciting milestone for the area.
The visit also included the official opening of Phase One of the Glen River Walk in Banteer, with works on Phase Two due to commence shortly. The final stop was Bweeng Community Sports Facility, where the Minister viewed the finishing works on the new athletics track, a major addition to local sporting infrastructure.
Deputy O’Shea said “I was delighted to welcome Minister Jerry Buttimer to Cork North West to see first-hand the outstanding work being carried out by communities across our constituency. Every project we visited is a testament to the commitment, energy and vision of local volunteers who give so generously of their time to improve their communities.
“These facilities will benefit people of all ages for many years to come and demonstrate what can be achieved when local communities, Cork County Council, IRD Duhallow CLG and Government work together in partnership. The investment being made through programmes such as CLÁR and other rural development schemes is making a real and lasting difference across rural Cork.”
Deputy O’Shea also thanked Minister Buttimer for taking the time to meet with local community groups and hear directly from volunteers about their ambitions for the future.
“Our rural communities are built on the dedication of volunteers. Without their commitment, many of these projects simply would not happen. I want to sincerely thank everyone involved in these initiatives, as well as Cork County Council, IRD Duhallow CLG and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for their continued support. I also appreciate Minister Buttimer’s ongoing commitment to rural Ireland and to communities here in Cork North West.”
Deputy O’Shea said he looks forward to continuing to work with local communities to secure further investment and ensure that towns and villages throughout Cork North West continue to thrive.
Attached are photos of Minister Buttimer visit to each community.
