Winner: Inis Mór (Inishmore Island), Co Galway

Summary

Bunaíodh Comharchumann Forbartha Árann i 1991. Tá muid ag obair ar son pobal an oileáin chun an saol sóisialta & eacnamaíochta a chur chun chinn ar an oileáin agus do na daoine.

A voluntary committee of twelve people runs the comharchumann (co-operative) offering a range of services to the community. Both FÁS (CE Scheme) and RSS Scheme operate under its umbrella. Projects include development of the Recycling Centre in conjunction with Galway County Council, Playground and Park in Cill Rónáin, Fuel Centre Depot etc. A Tourism Committee has been established to focus on tourism and the co-op works closely with various voluntary committees such as the Energy Committee, Páirc Peil (Pitch) and Mná Fiontracha (Culture & Heritage). There is a close co-operation with agencies such as Údarás na Gaeltachta, Roinn na Gaeltachta, Pobal, and others.

Citation

The visit to the winning community was the second time the judges had visited having previously been there in 2008. Despite many changes in the wider economy impacting on the island, the resilience of the community has not only maintained its many fantastic initiatives but actually expanded and improved them. The extent of voluntary participation and community activity encompassing the whole island coupled with a pervasive enthusiasm and energy made this a memorable visit.

Runners up:
– Dungarvan and Helvick Head, Co Waterford
– Ghort a’Choirce (Gortahork), Co Donegal