Plenty to celebrate Arva

The market town of Arva has been gradually illuminated for the festive season over the past few weeks, courtesy of a new investment in Christmas lights.

Joanne Cullen, secretary, Arva Area Development Association, is grateful to all the businesses who have supported the fundraiser, which was necessary due to storm damage on some of the older lights.

Donations can also still be handed in to the Arva Barber or Lynch’s Newsagents and the fundraiser also continues on idonate.ie

“The new set of lights that we’ve just had to purchase alone was just over €2,000 and then we have the running costs on top of that,” says Joanne.

Businesses are also being encourage to decorate their premises and shop windows making for a “tremendous” festive vibe around the town.

Joanne says she is heartened to see a number of new businesses opening in the town at a time when others are closing.

She mentioned the new barbers, a new bike supply and repair shop, a beautician and a new funeral home development by Finnegan Funeral Homes at the old Jet Wash facility.

The Arva Area Development Association has also been busy throughout the year on a number of community projects, most of which are funded through the bingo.

Those projects, Joanne says, “hit on a lot of aspects of the town”.

“Together, we're making Arva a better place to live and work and even for visitors to visit. There's lots of small changes being done, but they're having a huge impact collectively, all round. It’s great and we're welcoming huge growth.”

There has been further growth in the Tidy Towns group, getting more people and groups involved in litter picking, planting, painting and cleaning. Everyone from the local GAA club, Active Age, Foróige and the local national schools are encouraged to get involved.

Joanne also praised the local CE workers for their ongoing help.

Other improvements throughout the year include enhancements at the swimming and lakeside area. Further plans there include upgrading the playground and developing a classroom area for the open water swimming classes.

It’s also hoped to develop a looped nature walk at Guinkin Lough to incorporate a biodiversity area. The grounds are currently being surveyed with planning permission set to be lodged shortly.

“It will make a loop, connecting to either side of the town coming in from both sides of Longford and also within walking distance of the new football pitch too,” revealed Joanna.

The development association has also purchased the old medical centre opposite Brady’s and hopes to develop it as a community space, perhaps for use as a men’s or hen’s shed.

Santa

Meanwhile, Santa is also set to visit the children in the local national school next week and promises to bring an early Christmas gift for all those on the nice list. The visit is being organised by the Parents Association.