Plans for a sustainable community to be explored in Tuam

By JACQUELINE HOGGE PLANS to establish the first ever ecological community in the West of Ireland will be discussed in Tuam next week when the Galway Sustainable Community Project hosts a public event in the town.[private] The meeting at the Corralea Court Hotel next Thursday, June 2, will discuss the project's hopes of setting up a small, environmentally-sustainable settlement where residents produce some of their own food and energy and form a strong, close-knit community. The development will have land devoted to food growing, private dwellings, shared facilities and community buildings where residents can eat, work and socialise together. 'Conventional modern day living leaves too many people isolated and yearning for a stronger sense of community,' said Kerry E'lyn Larkin of the project. 'At the same time, it's becoming clear that the Western world needs to reform our environmentally devastating lifestyle â€â€ and this is easier to do in a co-operative fashion than individually. 'A sustainably built intentional community addresses both of these major issues, and will provide a high quality of life for its residents.' The meeting will be held at 8 pm and all those interested are encouraged to come along and join the discussion. The project has produced an online video and further details can be viewed on www.sustainablecommunity.ie. Athenry award Meanwhile, the Athenry Environmental Network is celebrating another award for their work in the town. The community group has been awarded a certificate of merit recognising the excellence achieved at the Irish Rural Link Awards. Chairperson Patrick Creed paid tribute to all involved in the group who have already won awards from Galway County Council, and the Tidy Towns. 'All our awards since 2008 have been framed and donated to the library in the town where they will go on permanent display in the coming weeks,' he said. The group is currently developing a Sli na Sláinte route in the town, which will initially be 3km in length promoting walking in the town. Other projects underway include the installation of bicycle racks at the railway station and church, while the group is also sponsoring an outdoor green classroom at Lisheenkyle school. Athenry Tidy Towns is also working with the environmental group on the installation of two pieces of public sculpture by local artist Donncha Cahill, which reflect the local environment. The pieces, costing in the region of €10,000, are being installed with the assistance of local construction firm Coffey's. Tidy Tuam Contest Elsewhere, and Tuam Tidy Towns committee are seeking nominations for their Best Kept Property competition, which is open to residents, estates, schools and business premises. The focus of the competition is to encourage the people of Tuam to take pride in their area and to promote community involvement. There are seven categories to choose from including; Best Kept Residential Estate; Best Kept Garden_ Best Kept Hotel or Public House;_Best Kept Shop Front;  Best Kept Garage or Forecourt; Best Kept School and Best Kept Public Building. Criteria such as appearance of green areas or use of flower arrangements, Litter control and tidiness, landscaping, appearance and variety of private gardens, design and layout, use of colour and unusual features, environmental protection and overall presentation will apply. Judging in summer Judging will take place during the months of June, July and August with announcement of winners and a prize-giving ceremony in the first week of September. Application forms are available from Tuam Chamber of Commerce office, Lár na Cathrach, Abbeytrinity and must be returned by Monday 6 June at 5 pm. A nominal €5 fee applies per application. Please mark your envelope with Tuam Tidy Towns Competition.[/private]