As towns and villages in the North west continue to return to normality following the Covid-19 pandemic, the north Leitrim town of Drumkeerin is using a popular annual event which takes place this weekend to raise funds for a local community owned building.
The Rowanberry Enterprises is a community enterprise organisation based in Drumkeeran in County Leitrim, they manage four community buildings all situated in the village; The Rowantree Centre, Drumkeeran Community Centre, The Resource Centre and The Cottage which is well know for hosting traditional Irish music sessions
The Board of Rowanberry Enterprises has recently engaged with a Financial Lender to secure the ownership of the Rowantree Centre on the Main Street in town.
The Centre consists of a first floor being used as Offices and the Boardroom as a meeting place from many local Community Groups, while the ground floor provides a Restaurant which has always been a key service to local people, tourists and the many people who pass through the village.
Michael Keaveney is the chairperson of Rowanberry Enterprises he’s been outlining some of the challenges the committee faced in retaining ownership of the facility
40,000 euro is the outstanding amount the committee hope to raise to pay off the existing loan and to complete structural work on the building
This Saturday evening the annual Packie McPartlan fundraising walk will be staged in Drumkeerin. The proceeds of this year’s walk will be donated to the fundraising venture.
Michael Keaveney says the sponsored walk is an opportunity to remember somebody that is synonymous with Irish Traditional music in the areas and to also support a community project.
When it comes to developing community projects, Drumkeerin faces the same challenges as many other towns and villages in this region. Knowing what services to provide and making sure they will be utilised are some of the challenges that must be overcome.
With many people working remotely nowadays and relocating to towns such as the north Leitrim town, Michael Keaveney says there is an onus on everyone to play their part in community development and to voice their views what services and facilities should be based in the town.
