Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd was established in 1993 to address the high levels of unemployment being experienced at that time.  The group came together as a result of meetings organised by individuals in the community who were committed to:

1. Encouraging people in the community to take greater responsibility for development in the area.
2. Developing a vibrant community organisation to promote development locally.
3. Developing employment opportunities at a time when unemployment was high and the future of Shannon Airport was questionable.
4. Availing of opportunities such as the Leader 1 Programme, which would provide resources to enhance the community.

The formation of Obair was greatly assisted and supported by Dr. Brendan O’ Regan who came to reside in Newmarket-on-Fergus at that time. Dr. O’Regan facilitated the various groups of individuals to establish one development organisation for the area, known as Obair, Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd.

In 1993, Obair spent a significant amount of time in developing an effective structure for the organisation.  A number of sub-committees were established who directed the work programme in each area.  The group was fortunate to have a number of highly skilled and highly motivated community activists involved who directed new projects and secured resources for the group.

It was not until later in 1994 that Obair secured support from FAS to employ a Community Enterprise Worker and establish an office base.  The role of the Community Enterprise Worker was to support the development of small scale industry and enterprise in the community.  In 1994, under the auspices of Obair’s Environmental Panel Committee, the first FAS funded Community Employment Project was initiated.  The primary focus of the Community Employment Project at that time was the enhancement of the village area.  Under the direction of the Environmental Panel Committee, the Community Employment project succeeded in carrying out several projects which greatly improved the village area and achieved success in the Clare in Bloom awards which is sponsored by Clare County Council and Shannon Development.

In July 1995 Obair responded to a national advertisement inviting community groups to apply for technical assistance under the Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development 1994-1999.  Obair received technical assistance from Area Development Management Limited (ADM) Ltd. to develop an Integrated Area Action Plan.  This plan was developed by a sub-group of the main Obair board assisted by a full-time Administrator.  The committee formed were named the Community Development Committee and undertook research and consultation towards the preparation of the plan.  The committee consisted at that time of four members of the Obair board, five individuals with interests in unemployment, women issues and youth development, one representative from the Mid Western Health Board and Rural Resource Development (LEADER).

In November 1996, ADM Ltd. agreed to provide £243,500 to Obair to implement its Integrated Area Plan in the period 1996-1999. During this period there was a lot of work carried out in the community and with different community groups, such as the Parent & Toddler, Kilnasoolagh Park Residents, Mothers & Breadwinners, Brehan Youth Group and the After School Project just to name a few.  It was the parents of the Parent & Toddler Group that identified the need for a quality childcare service in the village. In response to this need in 1997 the Family Centre Committee was set up to develop the project.

The committee members were very clear on the objective, to develop a Family Centre incorporating a childcare facility and other community projects.  There were seven members involved in the committee representing local parents, Mid Western Health Board, local pre-school playgroup and Obair.  To support the work of this committee a Financial Committee was also set-up and was in charge of fundraising for the building and with support from staff made financial reports to ADM Ltd and also made applications to government agencies.

The committee developed this project from research stage and secured significant agency, community and private support for the project.  In the initial stage a consultant carried out extensive research working closely with the community, the result showed a strong need for childcare facilities, training and community welfare information.

In autumn 1999, Obair received support from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to employ a Childcare Development Worker to develop and formulate a Childcare Strategy for the area. 

The following needs were identified

• The development of a Family Centre to provide full-day care for up to 42 children 3months to 6 years. 
• The centre will also provide a base for;
  • a welfare and health information centre,
  • base for the healthcare professionals,    
  • community training area
  • computer training facility
• Local Development Social Inclusion Programme
• Environmental Services.

The millennium year in Newmarket-on-Fergus brought with it an unprecedented development in the village. A site was acquired beside the Library from Clare County Council and approval of planning permission to erect the Family Centre was received. The construction phase of the centre commenced during the year thanks to the enormous fund raising efforts of the local community and a substantial grant received from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Minister John O’Donoghue turned the sod at the site of the centre. In early 2003 the Family Centre opened, at a total cost of 1.2 million euro, with no financial debt and is a tribute to the community of Newmarket-on-Fergus.