RAISING FUNDS TO RAISE THE ROOF IN BALLYDUFF
Plans by community activists in Ballyduff Upper to redevelop a prominent building in the village centre are ongoing. Known locally as ‘McCarthy’s Storehouse’, it could be loosely described as ‘a big, empty premises’, with, as auctioneers are fond of saying ‘plenty potential’.
Tackling a ‘ big empty premises’ is a big undertaking, however, momentum has been growing for the last 12 months or so and with planning granted, it’s time to take things a stage further.
At what was billed as ‘ a community showcase’ in St Michael’s Hall last Sunday morning, the public got their first glimpse of what the ‘new’ storehouse will look like. In summary, it’s proposed to have 3 levels, encompassing, a retail/ commercial dimension, youth centre/youth cafe and a gym.
THE TOPIC OF FUNDING NEVER TOO FAR AWAY
It’s anticipated that the project will be grant aided, however, this doesn’t take from the fact that significant funds will have to be raised locally and last Sunday also doubled as the launch of a major fundraising drive, ‘Raise The Roof’. Those behind the venture hope their prizes of foreign holidays (x2) will tempt the public to part with their cash (tickets are €50 each or 3 for €100). This draw is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 19th June, 2022.
YOU CAN’T STAND STILL
It’s indisputable that Ballyduff ’s commercial base has taken a battering over the last decade or so, with the village losing several key services. Against that, it retains a number of excellent community facilities and the ‘storehouse project’ is seen as critical in revitalising the village. These are challenging times for every village and town and the onus is on community groups to plan for the future.
Overall, the outlook from Ballyduff is one of measured optimism and no little confidence in a dedicated voluntary group to deliver a facility that will benefit present and future generations.