Kilmihil Active Retirement
Background
Kilmihil Active Retired Association is part of the Active Retirement Ireland Network. All the activities are aimed at keeping older people active and well. Kilmihil is a rural parish, and this service is a lifeline for many older people who would otherwise feel isolated and lonely.
About the Community Benefit Fund
In April 2024, Kilmihil Active Retirement received €3,000 in funding from the nearby Glenmore Windfarm Extension operated by Clare Wind in Co. Clare. This Wind Farm is part of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). All RESS projects must establish a Community Benefit Fund to be used for the wider economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of the local community. Kilmihil Active Retirement applied and were successful in receiving this funding.
The Project
The funding enabled them to take members of Kilmihil Active Retirement on multiple excursions. The group travelled to five Heritage sites across Clare and Mayo: Spancilhill Horse Fair, Bunratty Castle, Loop Head, Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo and a boat ride on the River Shannon. Each adventure included breakfast and dinner, with the members paying just a nominal fee towards the cost. This took the stress out of bringing packed lunches and ensured everyone was fed.
“There has been plenty of positive feedback from members and volunteers and we look forward to many more in the future.”
Next steps
The next stage, if more funding is secured, is to provide a monthly trip to various heritage sites in Munster throughout 2025. There are also plans to provide hot food from the local deli once a month at the Friday morning get togethers. The long-term plan for Kilmihil ARA is to purchase a 25-seater bus so that the group can become more self-sufficient and to encourage more members to join the weekly get together by collecting them from their homes. The group is extremely grateful for the funding received to date and they hope to continue to support members’ wellbeing and happiness and connection to their community.