Limerick community is determined to end ‘cycle of decline’

RATHKEALE Community Council has reorganised to help residents rejuvenate their town.

The board is led by chairperson, David Lamont and the community council will add a vice chairperson for Traveller interests.

“The people of Rathkeale are determined to reverse the cycle of decline that affects our town,” said Mr Lamont.

“Rathkealers will make the most of our amenities, access, and affordability, making the town a more attractive place to new residents, shoppers, and visitors,” he added.

Mr Lamont said Rathkeale has much in its favour, being located just off the N21 between Adare and Newcastle West on the River Deel and will soon be at the elbow of the Foynes to Limerick motorway which got the green light only last week.

The new route will shorten drive times to and from Limerick city.

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“It is the start of the Limerick Greenway, where a new visitor hub is under construction. Unlike other small towns it has a secondary school, a supermarket, hotel, restaurants, Fáilte Ireland tourist point, community centre, bars, post office, credit union, library, garda station, fire station, industrial estate, water treatment facility, high speed broadband, as well as enviable clubs and societies.

With a low crime rate, Rathkeale is one of the most affordable towns in the county with proposed zoning to add 28% more houses, he said.

Like other rural towns, Rathkeale is contending with the loss of retail space, dereliction, inadequate support from local authorities, public inertia, and activist burnout.

Rathkeale Community Council now advocates on behalf of the community, petitions for support, and organises projects and events, with the intent of creating a vibrant, thriving Rathkeale where positive experiences make people want to live, shop and visit.

Its expanded purpose includes rejuvenation, is supported by a new set of guiding principles, an updated constitution, and a reorganised executive committee. It also incorporated Team Rathkeale.

Pat Neville is vice chair for place development; Derek Downes is vice chair for economic development; Seamus Hogan is community liaison officer; Valerie Foley is vice chair for tourism and events and Podge Doherty is vice chair for treasury.