Getting to Know: Carrigaholt Development Association
1: When was your group / club / organisation founded?
It was founded in the early 1990’s
2: Could you give us a brief history of your group / club / organisation?
The CDA was set up originally to form a community organisation that would manage the sale and proceeds of a property in the village which had been donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, who would only give it to a community organisation. At that time, the only community organisation was the West Clare Development Co-op and so the CDA was formed. The property was sold and the CDA then had the funds available for community projects. The CDA acquired charitable status at this time.
[The property was never developed by the buyer, as planning permission to build on the site was unattainable without a sewerage treatment system for the village. It became a small park behind the Anchor Bar during a village renewal scheme in the mid 90’s.]
3: What would you describe as being the group / club / organisation’s role in the community?
The CDA’s role in the community has been to address the village’s needs and growth through support and advocacy. For a long, long time, this centred on, and continues to focus on, getting sewerage for the village. There have been numerous attempts through continued pressure and constructive suggestions to achieve this goal, but it remains illusive. The CDA also funds the Tidy Towns, and helps local projects seeking grant aid. The CDA is an integral part of the Loop Head Tourism Network, which has been extremely active since 2010 in supporting tourism on the peninsula.
4: What achievements are the group / club / organisation most proud of?
Most recently we are most proud of the Pathway to Carrigaholt Castle, which will soon be open to the public to enjoy. We are also fortunate to be in a position to give financial support to initiatives within the community.
5: What is the best part of being a group / club / organisation on Loop Head?
Working together with other parishes within the peninsula.
6: What are the group’s current challenges? i.e. fundraising? Volunteers? New Members? Others?
Covid is the biggest challenge at the moment, as it would be good to get new members involved. However, the momentum and enthusiasm of "Loop Head Together” may encourage more people to get involved. At present, the CDA is basically working as a small committee - new members, younger members, would help give fresh oxygen to the organisation.
7: In an ideal world, where would you like to see the group / club / organisation in 5 years- time?
Working well with all the various groups on the peninsula towards the common aim of sustaining "a place we love to be”; having more people involved, especially any young people in the community; getting sewerage for Carrigaholt; making "wish list" changes in Carrigaholt reflected during a community meeting held pre-Covid.
8: What is your group working on/towards right now?
We are supporting a new biodiversity initiative to do a study of the ecology on this peninsula grant aided by Community Water Development Fund; continuing to work towards getting our village sewerage scheme; working with Loop Head Tourism to continue to grow sustainable tourism on the peninsula; supporting local environmental initiatives like Hemp4Soil which aims to test the soil on the peninsula and see how hemp could improve it with the cooperation of local farmers; supporting Loop Head Together’s strategy for local development.
8: What is the best way to connect with your group for the purpose of enrolling, joining or generally volunteering?
Speaking with any of the committee members: Sue Magee, Tony Lynch, Luke Aston, Packie Keane and Mark Carmody.
