Last weekend, I attended the launch of the Lahardane community futures action plan. I have been a long-time time advocate for community empowerment. I highlight the community futures initiative and the positive impact it has on communities across the country. At the launch of the Lahardane community futures initiative, the committee, led by Caoimhín Rowland, engaged over 400 households. It identified a range of issues and ways to improve the community for the betterment of the next generation. The 400 households involved identified issues such as dereliction in Lahardane and the need for a playground and improved infrastructure in the village.

The parish of Addergoole is very historic. Father Conroy guided in General Humbert in 1798. More recently, in 1912, 14 people left the parish to board the Titanic, of whom 11 sadly passed on that tragic night. It is an incredibly historic and vibrant community that has much to offer. I also highlight the volunteers involved, namely, Aoife Barrett, Kyle Hampson, Sue Baird, Gemma McDermott, Aidan Browne, Kathleen Browne, Martina Conlon, Virginia Dyra, Kitty Mangan, Shona McAndrew, Patricia McManamon and Shauna Ruttledge, all of whom have played an active role in getting to this plan. It is one thing to have a plan, however. It is now for Mayo County Council and the Department to work alongside this community to make sure its asks are delivered in order to show strong democracy and offer a listening ear to a community that is showing great leadership. I acknowledge the work of the whole Lahardane community. It has such history with its Titanic memorial park and the beautiful stained glass windows in St. Patrick's Church which depict the Titanic tragedy and other events. I congratulate the whole committee and encourage as much support as possible from this House and across the corridor in the Dáil Chamber to make sure we deliver for Lahardane and the Addergoole parish.