COMMUNITY WINS & IMMEDIATE IMPROVEMENTS:

Events & Cultural Development

• SCP to lead St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026 - CCC has entrusted SCP with parade leadership, with collaborative funding and information sharing being explored alongside Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus through CLAGS, Arts Council, and Bord Fáilte.

• Culture Night receives full CCC support - Equipment provision including gazebo, infrastructure improvements, streamlined vendor licensing, and additional bins and railings.

• Clare Mela 2025 successfully delivered with SMD councillor support.

• Creative Places Partnership - SCP strategic partner in successful 3-year funding application.

• Taster Thursday Initiative - Health, Wellness & Sport task group launching this innovative community programme in September 2025.

Community Infrastructure & Services

• Enhanced town maintenance collaboration - New collaborative approaches emerging between CCC, SCP, community Garda, and residents to help CCC utilise their resources effectively whilst maintaining clear responsibility boundaries. Recent meetings show promising potential for community partnerships in town revitalisation.

• Road sweeping enhanced - Mini sweeper allocated to Shannon for three weeks each month, with dedicated bus route cleaning.

• Bin collection improvements - Additional daily emptying under consideration, hotline number available for full bins, exploring improved bin designs similar to Lahinch models.

• Recycling facilities being reviewed for safer locations with better accessibility

• Compost bins initiative - SCP has requested installation of compost bins around town to reduce green waste dumping issues, with site location research underway.

Community Empowerment & Safety

• Residents' associations support framework being developed to empower neighbourhood improvements and access funding for essential works.

• Community safety partnerships strengthening through Garda collaboration and Neighbourhood Watch initiatives with Councillor Tony Mulcahy.

• Accessibility awareness campaigns planned, building on 2021 walkability study to improve pathway access for all residents.

• Community advocacy growing - CCC requesting SCP letters of support for funding applications, demonstrating our expanding influence. Recent support provided to local groups including Shannon Athletics Club, Wolfe Tones and Shannon Town United.

• Age Friendly Forum - Funding secured through CLAGS and led by SCP with first meeting planned for late August for this important community initiative.

• Fire Station advocacy - SCP actively applying pressure to maintain adequate firefighter staffing levels for Shannon's safety needs.

Housing & Development

• Derelict buildings survey progressing with community input to address housing shortage. Community members can report derelict properties to CCC: 065-6846333 or info@clarecoco.ie

• A ‘centre of town’ development for Shannon- SCP recognised as well-positioned for a main town area, first planning requirements.

• Community facilities - Tullyvarraga Hall receiving Community Recognition Fund support for roof repairs and amendments, with SCP committed to supporting the new board structure.

Communication & Transparency

• Regular information sharing - SCP added to CCC monthly newsletter mailing list for community updates.

• Bi-monthly strategic meetings established ensuring consistent community voice in council planning.

• Social media collaboration promoting community initiatives like monthly "Clean Your Patch" campaigns with Tidy Towns.

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS - ONGOING:

Major Infrastructure Projects

Several significant projects continue through planning and funding approval stages:

• One Shannon Hub: Business case development ongoing, awaiting national UDRF funding decisions.

• Town Masterplan: Strategic planning continues, with OSH as central catalyst for broader development. CCC open to progressing smaller sections independently, including footpath improvements building on walkability study recommendations.

• Flood Relief Scheme: Planning processes advancing with public consultation scheduled.

• Greenway Project: Following March 2025 funding announcement, tender documentation prepared whilst addressing environmental considerations.

• Finian Park Revitalisation: Community advocacy needed to advance this project to completion.

Funding Opportunities Identified

CCC seeking SCP letters of support for:

• Urban Realm improvements for Finian Park area.

• Outdoor Recreation facilities including bike track at Tullyvarraga Hill.

• Ballycasey Craft Centre pedestrian access from Carrig Hill.

• Shannon Municipal GA fund discussions scheduled.

Community Facility Developments

• Tennis courts revival - Ownership now identified by CCC. SCP calling for interested tennis players to come together and develop a business plan application for court restoration.

• Dog park feasibility - Location research completed, further assessment with council engineers underway.

• Community revitalisation projects - Area clean-up initiatives and potential site improvements being explored across various town locations.

• Community creche needs identified and being explored through a survey with the Family Resource Centre.

BUILDING OUR INFLUENCE:

These regular stakeholder meetings demonstrate SCP's growing role as Shannon's primary community advocate. We're successfully using these partnerships to ensure our voice is heard at county level, whilst building the political relationships needed for major infrastructure investments.

Our approach is delivering results: celebrate immediate wins, maintain momentum on community improvements, and build the influence needed to unlock Shannon's full potential.