The Irish Farmers' Association's fish-farming section has been participating in a series of cleanups and open days this summer.
The effort, which involved voluntary work in counties Cork, Wexford and Galway, comes to a climax next Friday during an event called Failte Amach which aims to transform Killary fjord into a showcase for fish-farming in the west.
The event is being organised by the Killary Co-Ordinated Local Aquaculture Management (CLAMS) group and aims to provide information on the latest developments in the harbour. The Sea Cruise Connemara passenger vessel, Connemara Lady, will provide trips along the length of the fjord to view the salmon-farming and mussel-farming installations.
On the same day, the Minister for the Marine, Mr Fahey, will launch a new fish farm feeding vessel, Lazy Lady.
An extravaganza of fireworks, currach racing, a battle re-enactment and lots of street activities will herald the opening of the Westport Arts Festival on Sunday, September 23rd.
After a low-key festival in 2000, this year's committee has programmed more than 40 events to suit all ages and tastes. A lecture by archaeologist Dr Peter Harbison, performances by Stockton's Wing and Luka Bloom, an art trail, a comedy evening with Kevin McAleer and theatre events will ensure that the six-day festival is a dizzy jamboree. Information: 098-66502; e-mail: waf@oceanfree.net
Artistic freedom is the bedrock upon which the Ballinglen Arts Foundation is based. Ms Margo Dolan and Mr Peter Maxwell are fine-tuning their autumn educational schedule, which this year will introduce a programme for third-level arts students from NUI Galway.
Information: 096-43366.