FOUNDATION stones have been laid for a new community building in the heart of the Burren aimed at combatting rural isolation and loneliness.
Rock and stone are an iconic part of the fabric of The Burren but one new stone was added to its landscape this week. The North Burren Community Group (NBCG) took a significant step this week with the laying of its foundation stone for a new community building at Gleann Cíosóg where the parishes of Bellharbour, Carron, New Quay and Noughaval meet.
Loneliness and isolation are the main challenges for the four communities according to the NBCG.
A local community survey in February 2023 carried out by former community development officer with Clare County Council, Niamh Wiley highlighted the lack of a shared community space in the North Burren area.
One year previous, the NBCG was formed to address those needs and source a central area for the communities to connect.
Having successfully received grant and community funding as well as individual and business donations, work commenced on the community building in January of this year. On Tuesday (March 3rd), the foundation stone was laid for phase one of the new facility.
Completing phase one and beginning phase two which is the fit out of the building, is occupying the current focus of the NBCG.
Fundraising efforts continue with a Clothes for Cash collection running every weekend until Sunday March 15th, the drop-off is from 9am to 9pm across Friday to Sunday at Gleann Cíosóg. Donations of clean clothes, shoes, bags and belts in good condition are welcome.
Another upcoming event is an Easter cake sale and coffee morning at 11am on April 5th (Easter Sunday) in New Quay National School with further fundraising events being planned and to be announced for the summer months.
Representatives of the NBCG are inviting people and businesses in North Clare and beyond to contribute towards their new centre. All donations will be acknowledged in perpetuity in the community building.
To support or for further information: Email: northburrencommunity@gmail.com or Donate: idonate.ie/forms/northburrencommunity.
