History of Clár IRD

Clár IRD was established in 1993 to coordinate and develop the economic, social and cultural development of Claremorris and the surrounding area. The organisation is non-profit and has a Board of voluntary directors, drawn from a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.

The organisation is a company limited by guarantee. All funding for Clár IRD is raised within the community and through relevant grant assistance.

Projects include

• FÁS Community Employment Scheme- The current Fás Community Employment Scheme employees 22 participants and assist 13 community groups
• The Lawn – a 25 unit sheltered housing scheme for the elderly and disabled
• An Enterprise Centre - offers incubation space for up to 5 SME's
• Rural Regeneration Scheme - To date the project has purchased & refurbished 4 rural houses
• Mayfield Lough Sheltered Housing Scheme –Construction of a thirty six unit sheltered housing scheme with communal facilities in Mayfield.
• Growing Locally - a community based horticultural project supported by the Arthur Guinness Fund and LEADER
• The Eileen Dyer Scholarship Award – supports third level students from Mayo participate in Rural and Community Development courses.
• Good Morning Claremorris - a telephone befriending service
• A Care and Repair Service - a minor repair service for people over 65 yrs or living alone
• Visitor Information Point
• Rural Transport Programme – coordinating three rural bus routes for the elderly and those living in isolation
• Claremorris Biodiversity Park – development of a bio-diversity park showcasing natural habitats and sustainability

Services Include

• Providing business mentoring to new enterprises and business start-ups
• Assisting community and voluntary groups achieve objectives
• Providing a profile of the town to assist enterprise, social and cultural development
• Liaising with State and semi State bodies on the development of the town
• Providing a fully equipped conference room for local community groups