A number of key rural development projects across County Mayo have been opened during a recent ministerial visit.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD toured projects across the county which secured investment under the development policy, Our Rural Future.

Minister Humphreys began her trip to Mayo with a visit to the Connacht GAA Air Dome in Bekan, which was made possible by a grant of €2.1 million from the Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Speaking at the Air Dome, the Minister said: "This project is absolutely spectacular, having received a huge investment of €2.1 million under my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

"I understand this is the World's largest sports air dome and it is fantastic to see it right bang in the middle of rural Ireland.

"I want to commend ConnachtGAA for their vision in developing this project. I know the Air Dome has already hosted a number of inter-county games and provides a state of art facility regardless of the weather.

"I'm delighted my Department has been able to support this great project which I believe could be replicated in other provinces."

The Department remains a strong supporter in the continued development of the facility and during her visit Minister Humphreys turned the sod on a new €40,000 extension to a walkway on the site, funded by the CLÁR Programme.

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The funding will provide an additional 700 metres of walkway and bolster the extensive biodiversity and sustainability programmes that are already underway on site. A total of 7,000 trees have been planted along the walkway route. 

The Minister also opened a new coffee shop at the facility and received a tour of the state-of-the-art complex.

Following these openings, the Minister went to Digispace Claremorris to officially launch the new Connected Hub.

Digispace Claremorris boasts cutting edge office, conference and kitchen facilities. The project received over €200,000 in funding through the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The facility has a range of affordable office space to rent with flexible, 'easy in/easy out' options for businesses and individuals. Its co-working spaces are available for hire on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis to anyone who needs a desk space on a flexible basis.

Speaking at the official opening of Digispace Claremorris, the Minister said: "I'm delighted to be here in Claremorris for what is a great day of celebration, as we officially open your new state-of-the-art remote working facility.

"And isn't the story behind this facility just extraordinary.

"To think that once upon time this building was actually home to a bacon factory!

"And now, it has been re-purposed into a digital hub that I have no doubt will serve communities here in Mayo for years to come.

"I want to take these old buildings, just like you did here in Claremorris, and repurpose them for 21st century use.

"Repurpose them into facilities that will provide opportunities for people of all ages.

"Opportunities for workers to realise their career potential within their own communities - without the need move to the likes of Galway, or Dublin to take up a job."

The Minister then travelled to Balla, where she met with representatives of the local community group to hear about exciting proposals that have for development of the village.

The Minster's next stop of the day was a visit to Castlebar Social Services Office, which received nearly €300,000 worth of LEADER funding to carry out refurbishment works.

These works included the installation of a lift, which was essential to enable all clients to access the two upper storeys of the historic building.   

The Minister's final stop on this visit to Mayo was Breaffy House Resort, where she will give the opening address at the Irish Shows Association Annual General Meeting and Dinner Dance.