Getting to Know: Querrin Pier & Village Community Development Group

1: When was your group founded?

The Querrin Pier & Village Community Development Group was formed in 2019.

2: Could you give us a brief history of your group?

The group came into existence after a series of issues that we could not get the Council to rectify. The issues included cutting of the grass on the pier and some issues with anti-social behaviour in the area. The group was formed, we got our own insurance, a lawnmower, a strimmer and other implements and away we went. 
We also purchased a camera for The Pier, and it solved the anti-social problems. We have our own website where you can view The Pier and read about the projects and articles on local history. We have a Facebook page for announcements and a What’s App group to make a call to arms as and when needed. We realised that if you want something done you do it yourself.
Since that time, we have taken in hand many projects from yearly local clean ups of sea shore and all local roads, the rejuvenation of the Handball Alley, new benches and tables for picnics on The Pier, the saving of two local all granite mooring stones with markings and replacing to their original positions, a new slipway in conjunction with the Council and the general upkeep of flowerbeds etc. 

3: What would you describe as being the group’s role in the community?

The objectives of the Group are to promote and implement sustainable projects for the enhancement of our physical and natural environment for the good of the people of Querrin and the many tourists. To improve the recreational facilities. If you look after a place and have pride in it, we find no rubbish is left and no damage happens. 

4: What achievements are the group most proud of?

The slipway was our biggest and most difficult project so far. Querrin Pier was the only pier in County Clare without one. As well as been used for launching sailboats etc it is now a favoured swimming area. The local population take real pride in their location. 

 5: What is the best part of being a community group on Loop Head?

Community spirit gives us all a good feeling about ourselves and is very helpful for mental health. To see the area been looked after is such a positive feeling for us all.

6: What are the group’s current challenges? i.e.  fundraising? Volunteers? New Members? Others?

Our main current challenge is Covid and the group has let the community know that help is available if needed. A list of Covid volunteers in various parts of the area was promoted through sites like Facebook, What’s app and word of mouth. 

Fundraising for projects is always a challenge. We are at present in the middle of making a bird hide / nature observatory on the shore and have the long-term plan of turning Querrin Head into a nature reserve. 

7: In an ideal world, where would you like to see the group in 5 years- time?
One of the most important things that will come up on the agenda is Querrin School and preserving it for the community. We as a group have been asked by the Parish to take care of site until its future is decided. We have had to cancel two public workshops so far. The workshops are to find out what the people of the area would like in their school.  In five years, we would like to see a thriving community asset used to its fullest potential and supported and backed by all the people in the area.  

8: What is your group working on/towards right now?

Our present project is a Bird Hide / Nature Observatory on Querrin shore. The site has been agreed and confirmed and we have just been granted some finance (specifically towards the cost of the planning stage). Once this is done it will be submitted to the Council for planning permission. Cllr Cillian Murphy has been very helpful in its development.

Also we are arranging to get Querrin School up and running when COVID is silenced.

9: What is the best way to connect with your group for the purpose of enrolling, joining or generally volunteering?

For information about the group or to contact it for any reason email the Secretary at secretary@querrin.ie

 Also go to Facebook page : Querrin Pier & Village Community Development Group.

Website : querrin.ie