A RURAL community in western Ireland is promoting itself as one of the best places in the world to live and work.
The residents of Conamara Láir, which is made up of a number of small villages nestled along the majestic Conamara coastline in Galway, have shared their beauty of their lifestyle and surroundings in a bid to encourage people to come and live and work among them.
Their ambitious campaign was launched by the Conamara Láir Community in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta, the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of Ireland’s Gaeltacht.
Conamara Láir, which is made up of a number of small villages nestled along the majestic Conamara coastline in GalwayThey launched the initiative on July 16, which is Lá Mhic Dara - an important annual festival for the community, when the area’s diaspora usually return to their native shore from far and wide.
It is also a day which is celebrated by the area’s descendants in every corner of the world, however, this year, Covid-19 restrictions meant the history of the majestic area was celebrated online around the globe rather than in person.
This year’s event also saw the launch of a film created by the community highlighting the quality of life and the opportunities available to people, families and businesses in Conamara Láir to encourage people to come to live or work in the area.
“A warm welcome awaits those who wish to return home or those who wish to change their lives and relocate here when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted,” the group explains.
“A fantastic work life balance is available in this area which provides enterprise prospects from its gteic facility, which is part of a national digital hub network, providing many opportunities for local people, new businesses and those who wish to work remotely.”
Referring to the campaign Máirín Ní Choisdealbha Seoige, from the Forbairt Chonamara Láir organisation, said: “Conamara Láir is one of Ireland’s cultural gems and despite ongoing challenges such as emigration and a decline in population the area has seen a revival in recent years.
“This proud community has not lost its confidence or spirit and we want to showcase to the world the wonderful opportunities and future this area can provide to people who wish to move home or relocate to Conamara Láir.”
She added: “We have a big future ahead and there are many opportunities for people to change and improve their lives.”
The rural Galway community is hoping to attract new residents and workersSupporting the launch of the campaign Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive Officer, Údarás na Gaeltachta, added: “Tá muid ag fanacht leat - We are waiting for you – that is the strong message from Conamara Láir today.
“Conamara Láir is an historic and scenic area in which to live and start a business in and we are looking at innovative ways to attract people to live in the area.”
He added: “The success of the gteic digital hubs over the past year has shown that you can connect with anywhere in the world from rural areas, areas with a better quality of life.”
The campaign, jointly hosted by Forbairt Chonamara Láir with the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta, hopes to increase relocation enquiries to the area and has set a target of relocating eight new households within two years.
For further information email [email protected] or call (00353) 95 32688.
