REPORT 2010/ 11

I.R.D. Duhallow James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. Tel: 00-353-29-60633 I.R.D. Duhallow Fax: 00-353-29-60694 Email:[email protected] Progress Report

The Spirit Of Rural Ireland 2010 /11 IRD DUHALLOW PROGRESS REPORT 2010 /11 IRD DUHALLOW PROGRESS REPORT

Communities in Duhallow Community Groups in Duhallow

South Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Aubane John Kelleher & Gerald McSweeney Banteer Denis Withers & John Kirwan Bweeng Jeanette O’Connell & Sean Kelly Derrinagree Tom Meaney & Charlie Drake Donoughmore & Stuake Patrick Buckley & Michael Forde Kilcorney Donie Howard & Mary Kelleher Laharn Eileen Forde & Sheila Crowley Lyre Billy Murphy & Donal Murphy Nadd Clodagh McSweeney & Paudie O’Shea Millstreet Eily Buckley & Sean Radley Rathcoole Eamonn Hurley & Liz Burns Firmount Margaret O’Donovan & Peter Cafferkey New Tipperary Mamie O’Shea & Tony Horgan

Western Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Ballydaly Richie O’ Connor & Tim Murphy Ballydesmond Siobhan Moynihan & Billy Lane Boherbue Margaret Murphy & Marie Casey Cullen Tom Riordan & Hannah Kelleher Gneeveguilla Cormac Collins & Caroline O’Sullivan Kiskeam Paddy Joe O’Leary & Batt Casey Duhallow - Knockaclarig June Walsh & Ide Fitzgerald The Land & People Knocknagree Geraldine O’Connor & Claire Fleming The IRD Duhallow region includes Meelin Patrick Buckley & Denis McAuliffe North West Cork and South East Kerry. Rathmore Donal McCarthy & Marie O’ Leary It is approximately 1,800 sq.km and has Rockchapel Mike Allen & Breda O Callaghan a population density of 16 per sq.km. It is Taur Batt O’Callaghan & Jeremiah Murphy a largely Rural area. Over 85% of the Knocknaboul Maureen Fleming & Tim Fitzgerald population live in the open countryside or Toureencahill Cynthia Daly & Lil Fleming in settlements of less than 200 people. Ballinahulla Liam Doody & Betty Collins The Duhallow region has four market towns: Shrone Conon Creedon & Colette Carmody Kanturk (Pop 1915), Millstreet (Pop 1401), Foilogohig Annette O’Rielly & Geraldine Cremin. Newmarket (Pop 949) and Rathmore (Pop 611) and 36 villages. North Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Castlemagner James Twohig & Andy Burke Cecilstown Mary Cooney & William Morrissey I.R.D. Duhallow Dromtariffe Gerald Murphy & John Linehan James O’Keeffe Institute, Freemount Caroline O’Carroll & Pat Keane Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. Kanturk John Fuller & Tommy Mullane Tel: 00-353-29-60633 Kilbrin Patrick Drumm & Sinead Lynch

# # # Lismire Colmon Jones & Sheila Kearney Fax: 00-353-29-60694 # # # # # # ## # Newmarket Eilish Hourigan & Sean Browne Email: [email protected] The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Web Site: irdduhallow.com Europe investing in Rural Areas Tullylease Angela Hannigan & Mary O’Connell Contents

Page Chairman’s Address ...... 2 Manager’s Report ...... 3 IRD Duhallow Ltd. Company Structure ...... 4 IRD Duhallow Board Members ...... 5, 6, 7 Details of Staff ...... 8 LEADER ...... 9 Enterprise ...... 10, 11 Environment ...... 12 LIFE+ ...... 13 Agriculture ...... 14, 15 Community Development ...... 16, 17 LEADER Projects ...... 18, 19 LCDP Projects ...... 20 Local Community Development Programme ...... 21 Carers ...... 22 Equality, Disability & Migrants ...... 23 Employment and Training ...... 24, 25 Mental Health and Transition to Employment ...... 26, 27 Tourism & Culture ...... 28, 29 Youth and Education ...... 30, 31 Equality for Women & Childcare ...... 32, 33 SAOI – Network for Active Retired Groups ...... 34 Transnational ...... 35 Rural Social Scheme ...... 36 Warmer Homes ...... 37 FÁS Community Employment Scheme ...... 38 Rural Transport Programme ...... 39 Duhallow Community Food Services ...... 40 d r o f r e t a W d

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p y a d b r e g d n e o g t t i Minister Phil Hogan being presented with a copy of IRD Duhallow’s Progress Report by Chairman s n o i e h r Michael Twohig and Manager Maura Walsh. P P D 2010 /11 IRD DUHALLOW PROGRESS REPORT

Chairman’s Address

Food Harvest 2020, the Department of Earlier this year we completed a Strategic Plan Agriculture and Fisheries vision for the Irish for the new Local Community Development Agri -food and fisheries has three elements – Programme which tackles disadvantage. Act Smart, Think Green and Achieve Growth. Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of MIC UL conducted a This must be a source of inspiration for all rural review of the demographic and social profile communities in that it plots a positive future of the area, which shows Duhallow as second for Irish agriculture, a pleasant change from only to the Iveragh Gaeltacht in the Haase the negativity toward agriculture during the Index of the most disadvantaged partnership building boom. areas in the south west region. This means that we must double our efforts in delivering The Board of IRD Duhallow commissioned an socially-orientated family supports, independent review of our LEADER strategy particularly for the elderly, those living alone, and the results show that our comprehensive youth, lone parents, those without transport, strategy with its ambitious targets is still bereaved, and those with low self esteem, relevant to the area and has the potential to mental ill health and mobility problems. To this achieve the Improved Quality of Life which is end, I am glad to say our Rural Transport the aim of the LEADER programme as set down by the targets increased again with over 58,000 passengers carried, European Commission. The communities of Duhallow look to our Warmer Homes teams insulated 900 houses and DCFS, a this company to support them in their work and even a stand alone company which we support, delivered over cursory glance at the projects undertaken through LEADER 22, 200 meals. will show that community facilities have been re-roofed, heated, refurbished, floored and painted with comfortable IRD Duhallow was delighted to be awarded two Tús Schemes chairs and tea-making facilities installed. These are used by which adds forty two people to our payroll, bringing the total young and old and with the addition of playgrounds and walk we employ either directly or out in the community to 170 ways and the revival of festivals and provision of supports to people with a combined payroll of over €3 million per annum. micro-enterprises and tourism projects as well as providing This must only have a positive impact on the Duhallow training for 3,000 Duhallow people, the objectives of LEADER economy. are not only being met but surpassed. We are thirty months into the delivery of our LEADER Programme and I am happy We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Environment, to report that our commitments are at 47% with 51% of that Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD to launch our already paid out. Life+ programme during which he acknowledged the efforts of this Board to take up challenges and deliver our services in The external review also pointed to our fundamental strength an integrated cost-effective way. As Chairman, it is my job to at Board and Working Group levels and I must thank sincerely ensure that the best value for money is got. In achieving this, I my Vice-Chairman Cormac Collins, for his support and work in must commend the Management and staff of the organisation also chairing our Finance Sub-Committee. At our Board who are always courteous and professional in dealing with an Training day last year, we set a target that all working groups ever increasing workload. The work ethic in IRD Duhallow, I am would be chaired by a Board member, I am delighted to happy to report is second to none with tremendous flexibility report that this has been achieved and I want to pay tribute to been shown at all levels. all of the Chairs for the leadership they provide and the work they do in driving our strategy. Our Working Groups engage During Minister Hogan’s visit we took the opportunity to upwards of 1,000 volunteers working for the betterment of emphasise the tremendous value for money that this region. organisations like IRD Duhallow provide around the country. It would be a pity if the winning formula of a local voluntary Last autumn we held a major enterprise conference with our board with a highly qualified flexible staff working in a keynote speaker, Sean Gallagher of RTÉ’s Dragon’s Den and cohesive natural area of development, delivering services current presidential candidate, providing inspiration and relevant to that area, was to be cast aside or diminished in practical advice to the budding and established favour of larger or county structures. Local authorities along entrepreneurs attending. As a result we have three significant with the statutory agencies have their own roles to play and enterprise projects emerging from feasibility stage, that have so do we. the potential to create fifty new jobs. Two are in the software/IT sector while the other is in manufacturing.

I am delighted with Cork County Manager, Martin O’Riordan’s Michael Twohig announcement that the council is setting aside €1.5 million CHAIRMAN to fund enterprise in the county. I was impressed that the Local Authority has decided that none of the fund will be spent on administration but the existing resources of the LEADER/Partnerships, County Enterprise Board and Enterprise Ireland will be utilised to evaluate and administer the projects.

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Manager’s Report

The year under review has been one of IRD support the Irish immigrants there. I have no Duhallow’s busiest with the LEADER Programme doubt but the significant contribution of so many roll out being cranked up, a new strategic plan young women from this region, has made being prepared for Local Community Australia the land of opportunity for so many of Development, a new programme introduced of our current generation of young people. community based work for unemployed people called Tús, a new Equality for Women Programme The contribution of the RSS in supporting and the introduction of the European Life+ community projects continues in scope and Programme for environmental conservation. strength. This year saw the RSS take on a These all came on foot of a staff salary cut in line significant role supporting the LIFE+ project on with senior civil servants and the redundancies of the river Allow and we were delighted to welcome the earlier part of the year. That our core staff two Tús supervisors and forty Tús participants to stretched even further to ensure that these new our team. I have no doubt but that the vision opportunities for the Duhallow were fully expressed by Minister Joan Burton that the embraced, is testament to their professionalism scheme will benefit each one of them in their and loyalty to the company and the region. quest for work in the future, will be carried through in Duhallow. I must thank Sean Murphy, I am happy to report that underpinning these new initiatives, the Department of Social Protection Cork and Collette Vaughan and core business of the company also expanded. The number of her staff in the local office for their help and support in the projects developed and submitted for LEADER funding rose again selection process and TJ Fleming and Helen Kilcullen are heading and we now have 47% of our budget committed in the first thirty up the initiative nationally and lead the National Implementation months of the programme. Our thanks to Breda Dooley, Tim Daly, group of which I am part. Thanks also to Danielle Byrne, Tracey Bernard Harris and the Rural Development Team in Tubbercurry for Coyne and Pat Prendergast in Pobal. their ongoing guidance and support. The outputs from our Local Community Development Programme have also seen a marked I am also happy to report that DART has expanded its services increase, I want to thank Pádraig De Búrca and Liz O’Connor, Pobal again this year with 56 routes carrying over 58,000 people even in for their support in preparing our Strategic Plan as well as Dr. the harsh frost and snow of November and January. Brendan O’Keeffe, of MIC UL for his demographic and social analysis and wisdom. Our Warmer Homes team had to be reduced in the face of budget cuts. Despite this we insulated 900 homes last year. Our 9 Care and The environmental pillar of our strategy has also got up and Repair volunteers did a fantastic job, in fact they did 127 fantastic running with an active Bird Watch Group established and a series jobs in the homes of the elderly throughout Duhallow. of environmental awareness seminars running throughout the year. The plans for the year ahead are even more ambitious with The staff that I am privileged to lead are the most dedicated, loyal, the Environment Working Group driving the strategy on. inspiring, flexible and talented one could ever wish to work with. The Management team of Catherine Crowley, who was blessed Despite the setback in having food businesses excluded from with a fourth baby this year, Helen O’Sullivan who stepped into the LEADER funding our Enterprise supports have generated increased brief, Triona Murphy who has taken up the Community demand. The appointment of an Enterprise and Tourism Officer to Development role this year are doing fantastic work under the support our Enterprise Working Group has ensured a constant stewardship of the indefatigable and inspirational Eileen Linehan, pipeline of quality projects to deliver on our Enterprise Strategy our Senior Team Leader. over the next three years. The Employment and Training Working Group has also had a very busy year with the unemployment I am indebted to our Chairman Michael Twohig for his vision, situation driving demand, especially for IT Training. The lack of courageous leadership and direction. His commitment to the quality broadband in rural areas has continued however, despite company and the region is second to none, volunteering his time the promises of the National Broadband Scheme. to the Board, Management team and a number of working groups. He was instrumental in our successful submission for LIFE+ funding Our communities, the life blood of the region and company remain driven by his passion and in-depth knowledge of the environment active and focused on improving the quality of life for everyone in which he has gained from many years of angling and countryside Duhallow. It is no wonder then that the first LEADER measure to be pursuits. fully committed is the Basic Service Measure. We have asked the Department for approval to switch some of the budgets from I want to thank our front office team of Marie Fleming and Derval other measures so that other community projects that are waiting Corbett and also Theresa Collins who have produced this year’s can be progressed. Progress Report.

The Women’s Forum once again provided us with the highlight of We look forward to the year ahead mindful that there will be new the year in the form of the St. Mary McKillop mass led by Fr. Herlihy challenges to be met however I am confident that the resilience of concelebrated by eleven priests here in our Board Room. This was our communities, stewardship and governance of our Board, drive of course the chapel when this house served as a convent and of our Working Groups and professionalism of our Management novitiate for the Sisters of St. Joseph which was founded by St. team and staff will see us achieve even more in the coming year. Mary McKillop of the Cross. A fine grotto has been erected on the grounds and it was great to see so many of the Sisters, who began their journey here, back for the event. We were amazed and humbled at the huge contribution of the 707 girls who entered Maura Walsh religious life here in Newmarket between 1927 and 1973 and set MANAGER out for Australia and New Zealand to set up schools, hospitals and

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IRD Duhallow Ltd. Company Structure

IRD Duhallow is a Community based Rural Development Reflective of the integrated nature of our work, the Company established in 1989. It is a company limited by Company’s Board and Sub Committee Structures have guarantee without share capital. It has charitable status and evolved over the years and enjoy a massive amount of our directors are voluntary and receive no remuneration for good will and voluntary contribution in the region. their contribution. It administers and implements a number Upwards of 3,500 people participate from the bottom up of EU and National Programmes such as LEADER, Local in these structures. Community Development Programme and LIFE+ in order to IRD Duhallow has a number of working groups with achieve the economic, social, cultural and environmental representatives from our Board and staff as well as development of the Duhallow Region. community and state sector representatives. This The Company has adopted the good governance guidelines structure allows us to target specific expertise beneficial as prescribed by the Department of Environment, Heritage to the implementation of the strategic aims of the and Local Government. It’s Memorandum and Articles of particular working group. Association also reflect this best practice and are in IRD Duhallow continues to strive for excellence through accordance with the New Charities Act. the ongoing training and development of our staff. We The Board membership has been laid down by the have maintained the FAS Excellence Through People Government and reflects the integration of Social Inclusion Standard, Ireland’s standard for Human Resource with Rural Development, the importance of the environment Management. and community volunteers and the democratically elected Local Authority Members.

DART

WARMER HOMES CARE AND REPAIR

IRD Duhallow CULTURE & HERITAGE Board BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT 2011 CHILDCARE Social Partners

Local Environment CARERS Authorities LIFE STEERING GROUP MENTAL ILL-HEALTH

Independant Project Evaluation

Operational Sub-Committees Strategic Working Groups Strategic Working Group Sub-Committees Independant Evaluation

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IRD Duhallow Board Members

LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND SOCIAL PARTNERS Michael Twohig John Cooney Michael was elected chair of IRD Duhallow John represents the Trade Union Movement in September 2009. He is a founder member on the Board of IRD Duhallow. He has of IRD Duhallow and served as Finance served as an official with SIPTU, the Services Director until he stepped down in 1996. He Industrial Professional and Technical Union. was reappointed to the Board in 2007 John is based at the Mallow Office where he representing Kanturk Chamber of is a Branch Organiser. His remit has been Commerce. With his wife Noreen he extended to the South West Region where manages the family owned Supervalu in he supports the agri-business sector Kanturk, Abbeyfeale and Askeaton. A keen workers. He has been an active member of angler and hunter he has developed a IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training number of angling projects in Duhallow. Working Group for the past number of Michael is an active member of the years. John lives in Cork City, is married to Enterprise Working Group, LIFE+ Working Linda and they have three children. Group, Finance and Audit Working Group and HR Committee.

Conor Creedon John Linehan Conor was appointed to the Board in 2007 John, a full time Dairy Farmer from as a second representative of the farming Dromtariffe was elected on to the Board in sector. He is a member of the ICMSA (Irish July 2009 as a representative of the farming Creamery Milk Suppliers Association) and sector. John, who is married to Angela, has a participates on its Administrative diploma in Rural Development. He is Committee. Conor is a dairy farmer who Chairman of IRD Duhallow’s Agriculture along with his wife Elisha manages the Working Group and is a member of the family farm in Rathmore, Co Kerry. He is an Focal Farmer Programme. John is Chairman active member of IRD Duhallow’s of Dromtariffe IFA, is an active member of Agriculture Working Group. He also sits on the Duhallow IFA and is on the General and the Kerry Group Advisory Committee in Regional Committee for Dairygold Co-Op. Rathmore. He is also the Secretary of Dromtariffe Community Centre.

John Sheahan Breeda Moynihan Cronin John was re-elected to Kerry County Breeda was a member of Dail Eireann from Council in 2009 and was appointed to the 1992-2007, she served in Kerry County Board of IRD Duhallow. He is an active Council from 1999-2003. She has been co- member of his local community in Killarney opted onto Kerry County Council following and is a member of the Tralee Road the election of Marie Moloney to Seanad Residence Committee. He is a member of Eireann. She is also on the Board of South Killarney Tidy Towns, Legion GAA Club, Kerry Development Partnership, Kerry Celtic FC, Planning SPC, Killarney National Education Services, the HSE, and the Rural Parks Liaison Committee, The Association of Water Committee. She is also Chair of the County and City Councils, Killarney Drugs Housing S.P.C on Kerry County Council. Liaison Committee, The Board of South Breeda lives in Killarney and has been Kerry Development Partnership and The involved in politics in South Kerry for over Rural Water Committee. 20 years and is very familiar with Duhallow.

Dan Joe Fitzgerald John Paul O’Shea Dan Joe is an elected member of Mallow John Paul was elected to the board of IRD Town Council since 1994 and Cork County Duhallow in September 2009 after being Council since 1999. He has recently been elected as a member of Cork County Council. elected as Mayor of Mallow for 2011-12. He At just 27 years of age, he is one of the is Director of North Cork Enterprise Board youngest councillors in the country. John and Mallow Development Partnership. Dan Paul, who lives in Laharn, has been involved Joe is Chairman of Housing SPC, a member in many projects in his community including of the Corporate Policy Group, Cork County taking a leading role in the battle for the Library and Cork County Development retention and automation of rural post Board. He is a member of Irish Red Cross offices. He is Chairman of IRD Duhallow’s Society and former Central Council Youth & Education Working Group and has member. He chairs IRD Duhallow’s expanded the group considerably and he Enterprise Working Group and is actively also sits on our Employment & Training involved in many sporting organisations Working Group. John Paul works with the HSE. including the Duhallow Hunt

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IRD Duhallow Board Members

STATUTORY FORUM AND ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR Suzanne Campion Cormac Collins Suzanne Campion represents Inland Cormac is Vice Chair of IRD Duhallow. He is Fisheries Ireland where she is Head of ESB Networks Area Manager, and has been Business Development and is their appointed to the Board to represent ESB nominated representative to the Southern Networks. The ESB Networks has worked and Eastern Regional Assembly and the closely with IRD Duhallow’s CLÁR program Border Midland and West Regional in delivering three phase electricity to Assembly. She is also on the Board of many small industries in Duhallow and has Kilkenny LEADER Partnership. Suzanne has supported the Warmer Home Scheme since worked as a manager and accountant in the beginning. He is chair of Gneeveguilla the public and private sectors with Community Council, one of Duhallows experience in the agri-food industry, retail, most active, whose plan has won support hospitality, farming and development. As of Kerry County Council, LEADER and CLAR head of Business Development with IFI, her and received a Kerry Community Award. He focus is on developing the business of serves on the HR, Finance and Community angling. Suzanne played a pivotal role in Development Working Groups. establishing the partnership between IRD Duhallow and IFI which made a successful bid for the EU LIFE+ Programme. Michael Doyle Michael represents the Environmental Pillar Dr. Barry O’ Donoghue on the board. He is chair of the IRD Barry is a Ranger with the National Parks Environment Forum and the Equality, and Wildlife Service, the government Disability and Migrants Working Group. He agency responsible for the protection of also is a member of the Finance Committee. wildlife and natural habitats. He holds a He represents IRD Duhallow on the Cork Bachelors and Master degree in Agriculture County Development Board and the Cork & Environmental Science from University Sports Partnership Board. He also College Dublin and was recently awarded represents the Board of IRD Duhallow on his Doctorate from University College Cork several National Fora dealing with Equality for his important work on Hen Harriers. and Intergration. Michael liaises with the From a background of farming and Sports council of Ireland and the National conservation, Barry feels passionately about Trails Committee on the development and enlightening, encouraging and maintenance of long distance and looped empowering the community to appreciate walks. and protect the habitats and wildlife of Duhallow, for which the region is one of the most important in Ireland and Europe. He sits on our environment Working Group. Tom Stritch Tom Stritch is a Director of Services in Cork County Council and joined the Board of IRD John Breen Duhallow in 2008 as the nominee of the John Breen joined the Board of IRD Cork County Manager Mr Martin O’Rioran. Duhallow in September 2008, as a He has responsibility for the management nominee of the Kerry County Manager, Mr. of services in the Northern Division Tom Curran. John holds the position of including roads, recreation and amenity Director of Services, Housing & Social through the Divisional offices in Mallow and Support and Community and Enterprise. the Area Offices in Charleville, Kanturk, He is also Killarney Town Manager. John has Millstreet and Newmarket. He also has previously worked in Dublin and Limerick responsibility for the co-ordination of the City Council and Tralee Town Council. roads service across the County and is Town He and his staff in the Community and Manager for Mallow Town Council Enterprise Department support the work of the Kerry County Development Board and also have an overseeing role in relation to the Kerry Local Sports Partnership, Kerry Inspector Tony Sugrue Enterprise Action Team, Kerry County Tony joins the Board this year. He is an Library and Kerry Community & Voluntary Inspector with An Garda Siochana and is Forum. John lives in Castleisland with his presently stationed in Macroom. Tony was wife Mary and their three children. previously Area Administrator in Kanturk Garda Station from 1994 to 2003. He is a keen angler and is a member of Killarney Salmon & Trout Angling Club and is also very involved with his local football team and manages the senior GAA team in Kilcummin. Tony will join the Social Economy Working Group and HR Sub Committee. He is married to Anne and they have three children Robert, Lisa and David.

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IRD Duhallow Board Members

COMMUNITIES OF INTEREST AND COMMUNITY FORUM Sheila Crowley John Kirwan Sheila was elected to the Board of IRD John is from Banteer and was elected to the Duhallow in June 2009 to represent the Board of IRD Duhallow to represent the South Eastern Duhallow Region. Sheila is South Eastern Duhallow Forum in June 2009. Chair of the IRD Duhallow Carers Working He is Chair of the Community Development Group. She is in her fourth year as secretary Working Group and the Chair of the of Laharn Community Action Group and has Employment and Training Working Group. worked diligently with the Group to He is an active member of Banteer, Lyre and transform the Old School House at Laharn in Districts Community Council and his local to a newly refurbished Heritage Centre. First Responder Defibrillator Group. John is Sheila is a chef by profession and is employed by the Department of Justice & proprietor of Ard Na Coill Bed and Breakfast Equality and is based in Cork. He is married in Laharn, on the Duhallow Way walking to Catherine and they have one daughter, route. Molly.

Jack Roche Judy O’Leary Jack Roche is from Rockchapel and Judy represents Women’s Groups on the represents SAO ĺ the Network of Active Board of IRD Duhallow. She chairs the Retired Groups. He sits on the Social Women & Childcare Working Group and is a Economy and Community Development member of the HR Working Group. Judy is a Working Groups. He is a member of IRD founder member of the Duhallow Women’s Duhallow’s Agriculture Working Group and Forum. She is actively involved with the Irish represents IRD Duhallow on Kerry Country Women’s Association and is Public Community Transport and ILDN. Jack Relations Officer for Cork County and represents ILDN on ELARD the European Information Officer for the Dromtariffe Guild. Association for Rural development of which She has also served as Vice Chair of IRD he is a past president. He sits on the Rural Duhallow. Judy is a strong advocate for Development Forum. His interests are in all equality for women through her work on the things rural but his passion is for the Board of IRD Duhallow. promotion of the unique culture of the Sliabh Luachra Region. Deirdre Green John Cott Deirdre is from Freemount and was elected John was elected to the Board of IRD to the board in June 2010 to represent North Duhallow in 2010 to represent the North East Duhallow. She holds a Bachelor Degree Eastern Community Forum. He sits on our of Business from Cork Institute of Technology Community Development Working Group and a Higher Diploma in Education from the and is a member of our SAOÍ Network. John University of Limerick. She works as an is a beef farmer from Cecilstown in the parish accountant in Mallow. Deirdre is very of Castlemagner. He is a long time member passionate about the development of rural of Castlemagner GAA club, is also involved areas and is deeply involved in the with the Ladies Football Club, the Hall development of her local community. She is Committee and Lohort, Cecilstown a founding member of Freemount Development Association and has served as Badminton Club and currently Joint Chairman of Kanturk Mart. John is married to Treasurer of Freemount Community Una and they have three children . Development Association. Deidre sits on our Community Development Working Group and the Women’s Forum where she has been elected Vice Chair Eugene O’Connor Collette O’Connor Eugene newly elected to the Board of IRD Colette was elected to represent Western Duhallow to represent the Western Duhallow Duhallow Community Forum recently. She Community Forum. He is a Dairy Farmer from has a degree in Business Studies and is Boherbue and a member of the Board of studying for her Masters. She spent 12 years Boherbue Co-op with the past 10 years. in New York, worked with Merrill Lynch and He is also a member of the Boherbue Branch was very involved in the Irish Community of St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Boherbue serving a term as secretary with the Cork Grotto Committee and the Boherbue Tidy Association and played with the Saffron Kilts Towns Committee. Eugene is married to Ancient Order of Hibernians pipe Band. A Sheila and has 3 children. He will join IRD long time member of Cullen Pipe Band Duhallow’s Community Development Collette has always had a devout interest Working Group and Agriculture Working developing Irish music and culture. Collette, Group. a native of Cullen now living in Dripsey with her husband Eamon and family. Collette will join IRD Duhallow’s Community Development Working Group and also our Enterprise Working Group.

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Details of Staff

EILEEN LINEHAN, B.A. (Econ & Geog), MBS CATHERINE CROWLEY, B.Sc (Food Business), (Business Economics), Dip. Personnel Mng. M.Sc. (Food Marketing) With ten years experience in Rural Development, Eileen is With over eight years experience in Rural Development Senior Team Leader with responsibility for Monitoring & Catherine is the Enterprise Team Leader with IRD Programme Management, having previously managed Duhallow. She promotes enterprise, craft and tourism both Community & Enterprise Teams. She has development that will bring vital jobs to Duhallow and responsibility for the LCDP & LEADER Programmes. she facilitates training, development and building She prepares the Programme of Activities and oversees networks in the business community. She oversees the operations of LIFE+, RSS, Warmer Homes, National day to day operations of staff within the enterprise team Childcare Investment Programme. Eileen represents and the operations of the community Service Community Partnerships on the Cork County Childcare Programmes, DART, Tourism and Farm Diversification as Committee, Citizens Information Service and Pobal’s well as the Job Centre. Pension Board.

TRIONA MURPHY, MBS Co-op and Social Enterprise; B.Sc Public Health & Health MARGARET O’CONNOR, MAAT, AIPA Promotion; With fourteen years service, Margaret is the Senior Triona joined IRD Duhallow in 2007 and is now the Accounts Administrator with IRD Duhallow. She is Community Development Team Leader. She works with responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the the communities in Western Duhallow and through company’s financial systems and procedures and the LEADER assists them to develop their local services and implementation of the apportionment of overheads amenities. She also works on Transnational Cooperation across the various programmes delivered including projects. Triona oversees FÁS CE and Equality for Women LEADER and LCDP. She also oversees the Payroll and Measure. She supports the work of the Community, Youth Pension administration and prepares Financial Reports for and Education Working Groups and is co-ordinator of the Management and the Board of Directors. Towards Occupation Programme and the SAOÍ Network.

HELEN O’SULLIVAN, B.Soc.Sc., M.Soc.Sc, Dip Com, Leadership & Mgt, Cert in Agri. KATIE CROWLEY, B.B.S. Postgraduate Dip in With 6 years experience in Rural Development Helen is Rural Dev, Food Mkt, & Co-ops, Cert in Agri. Katie joined IRD Duhallow in 2007. She is responsible for the Community Development Officer for Eastern the Diversification measure of LEADER, the Focal Farmer Duhallow supporting the development of community & Programme, Duhallow Bird-watching Group and GIY voluntary groups. Helen co-ordinates IRD Duhallow’s Duhallow. Katie supports the work of the Agricultural and After-Schools Service, The Bereavement Support Group & Environment Working Groups as well as Duhallow Bee- The Domestic Violence Helpline. Helen supports the keepers. The Environment Working Group puts actions in Community Development, Youth & Education and Social place to maintain and further develop a sustainable Economy Working Groups. Helen is currently covering environment for Duhallow while the Focal Farmer maternity leave for the Enterprise Team Leader and programme directly supports over 400 low income farm oversees the work of the enterprise team while families annually. promoting enterprise development.

MARY MC HUGH, B.B.S. Postgraduate Dip in Rural Dev, Food Mkt & Co-ops. Cert in Com Dev. LOUISE BOURKE, B.C.L., LLMC., Cert in Health & Safety Masters in Management. Mary joined IRD Duhallow in 2006. She is responsible for Louise joined IRD Duhallow in November 2010 where she Employment and Training and has experience in was originally a member of the community development supporting individuals in accessing suitable and team. She now holds the post of Enterprise and Tourism sustainable employment opportunities as well as Officer and co-ordinates LEADER and LCDP project developing a range of training initiatives through applications. Louise is the appointed staff liaison for the LEADER and LCDP allowing opportunities for individuals Duhallow Carers and the Literacy Support Group. She is to up-skill and retrain. Mary supports the work of The presently involved in the establishment of the newly Equality For Women Measure; Integration Fund and is the formed Duhallow Boxing Club. staff resource for the Duhallow Women’s Forum.

MARIE FLEMING, Diploma in Business Skills, PR and Marketing. KASIA MELLER, MA in Political Science, Marie joined IRD Duhallow in May 2006 as clerical officer; IPASS Payroll Technician she provides administration support to Development Kasia, originally from Napole, a village in Central Poland, Officers and supports the Manager’s participation on a was appointed Accounts Officer in March 2007. In January number of National Fora. Marie co-ordinates the monthly 2008, Kasia took over as Finance Officer on the board pack and provides the administrative support for Community Development Team. She is responsible for the Excellence through People, Ireland’s standard for human preparation of weekly and monthly wages and accounts resource development and co-ordinates training for staff for RSS, Walks Scheme, Warmer Homes, FÁS CE, Out of members. Marie is Safety Officer on the Health and Safety school and Dormant Accounts Fund (Carers), financial Committee. Marie is undertaking a 2 year Diploma in reports for the Social Economy Working Group and the Rural Development through distance learning with UCC. Board as well as Pobal.

DERVAL CORBETT, ECDL With eleven years service as Clerical Officer with IRD Duhallow, Derval is based in the Reception and MARTINA O’SULLIVAN SEB (Secretarial Administration Office. She deals with general enquiries Studies), Payroll Technician and administration. She is responsible for the company’s Martina was appointed Accounts Administrator in stationery orders and oversees the Company’s IT systems. February 2007. She is responsible for the preparation of She is also editor of the monthly Newsletter which is weekly and monthly accounts and completes the reports circulated to 10,000 homes in Duhallow. She supports the submitted to Pobal and the Department on a monthly Manager in her participation on a number of National and quarterly basis. She also assists in the compilation of Networks. Derval is the Authorised Signatory for the financial reports presented to the Finance Board on a processing of Garda Vetting Applications for all LEADER monthly basis. Martina completed the IPASS Certified Partnerships. Payroll Technician Course in May 2009.

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LEADER

LEADER 2007-2013 is funded through a number of measures in Axis 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme, the objective of which is to Improve Quality of Life in Rural Areas through actions which promote Minister Jimmy Deenihan, Dept of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht with Jack diversification of the Roche, Maura Walsh & Eileen Linehan IRD Duhallow, Pat Mitchell North & East Kerry rural economy; and John Pierce South Kerry Development Partnership. through maintaining, Success of LEADER restoring and IRD Duhallow has been delivering LEADER for 20 years in the region upgrading the natural and its success over this period is attributable to the seven specific Deirdre Kelly Dept of Community Environment & and built heritage; features of the programme which have been held up across Europe as Local Government showing Triona Murphy of IRD regenerating villages the ingredients for LEADER success. Indeed the recent European Court Duhallow the new LEADER IT Reporting System. and their surrounding of Auditors report reinforced the need to retain all seven features. areas thus improving their economic prospects; improving access to LEADER in Ireland has been the envy of our European counterparts basic services by rural dwellers; encouraging rural tourism built on and if it is to continue to be a success story then these features must sustainable development of natural resources, culture and natural remain. The seven specific features are the Area Based Approach with heritage’; supporting the creation and development of micro our programme broadly covering the barony of Duhallow and its enterprise in the broader rural economy and increasing economic environs a natural areas of development; the Bottom up Approach activity and employment rates; encouraging on farm diversification which facilitates participation from all our communities; and in non agricultural activities. Integrated Approach which we have been delivering across all our programmes since 1994; Innovation which has been at the core of LEADER in Duhallow our strategy since our inception; Co-operation and Complimentary, We are now more that halfway with our involvement in inter territorial projects testament to our though the programme and have commitment, Networking and Transnational Partnerships in which committed 47% of our project IRD Duhallow has always been involved with partners such as Poland, budget and 51% of these Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Finland, the UK as well as our commitment’s have been paid neighbouring groups in Cork, Kerry and Limerick; Financing out, representing an investment Arrangements and most importantly the Local Action Group which of over €1.7 million to local provides the leadership and governance to deliver the support communities and business’s in necessary to empower communities, businesses and individuals to Duhallow. The Basic Services participate in the realisation of the living countryside, and which the measure which was the main majority are volunteers from civil society with the state and elected fund available to communities representatives supporting them. has been fully committed following extensive animation by Finnola Moylette P.O. at the Dept our development officers with all Community Environment & Local of the communities in Duhallow. Government & RDP Division. Funding is still available under the Village Renewal Measure and we are currently supporting communities to access this fund through animation and capacity building, community consultations and support. We have also submitted a flagship project for approval to the department and hope this will develop to realise the potential of the past LEADER flagships including Duhallow Community Food Services, Millstreet Country Park and Bruach na Carraige Teo. Declan Carey (left) facilitated our board training in which Gerry Kearney (right) outlines the importance of Governance and the role of the Board. In the past 30 months, LEADER has facilitated the delivery of 18 training courses to over 3,000 people covering areas such as IT, Status of Projects 2011 computerised bookkeeping, culture, arts education, media, payroll, €1,500,000 running your own business, mentoring etc.

In our strategic plan we have outlined that our economic €1,200,000 development strategy is to deliver new sustainable jobs through the development of enterprise infrastructure, technical support, capital €900,000 investment, mentoring and networking. Due to the stringent rules and regulations surrounding the funding of enterprises under this €600,000 programme, we are no longer allowed to support food processing enterprises and are only permitted to fund micro enterprise with less €300,000 than 10 employees and €2m turnover per year. Despite these roadblocks, LEADER, in Duhallow has supported 10 local enterprises in the current programme sustaining over 150 jobs. There is €0 significant funding available under the Business Support and Development Measure and we are currently working with a number of local businesses who hope to secure capital funding. Paid Pending Payment Committed Remaining

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Enterprise

The primary objective of IRD Duhallow’s enterprise strategy is to fully realise Duhallow’s potential to become self-sustaining by encouraging and fostering entrepreneurship, business development and expansion. This strategy entails a proactive approach to sustaining and creating employment in Duhallow, through fostering a culture of enterprise and excellence, stimulating diversification, expansion and the development of models of self-help through networking. Our Enterprise Strategy has excelled in providing economic activity to attract people to live and work in Duhallow. It has encouraged and strengthened an entrepreneurial climate that has inspired the creation of new enterprises and provided a supportive environment for existing businesses in Duhallow. Catherine Crowley & Eileen Linehan IRD Duhallow with Jack & Tim McCarthy of Kanturk, celebrating the Gold Medal for Black pudding.

Supports to Business LEADER’s Business Creation & Development Measure continues to provide capital grants of 50% up to €150,000 and Analysis & Development Grants of 75% up to €30,000 to local businesses. A Mentoring Programme was funded under the LEADER Programme in 2010 for 10 established businesses where each business received 10 sessions with a mentor to review their business in its entirety and develop an action plan for the business going forward.

Helen O’Sullivan meets Maura Walsh, Catherine Crowley, Eileen Linehan, and Triona Murphy with Sean with the Directors of Gallagher of RTE’s The Dragons Den who was the Keynote Speaker at IRD Duhallow Tec 4, 3 college Enterprise Conference “Growing Your Business in Rural Ireland,” graduates who are budding entrepreneurs, Dan Buckley of Clover who recieved a LEADER Hill Ingredients feasibility grant Millstreet speaks on his towards their business experience of growing idea. his own business in rural Ireland along with Owen O’Brien of New Business Ideas UCC who spoke on the In 2010 four final year Business Students Principles of approached IRD Duhallow with their idea Entrepreneurship. of setting up their own software business “Tec 4” in Duhallow as the job opportunities facing them once they Enterprise Conference graduated were slim. They were The inaugural IRD Duhallow Enterprise Conference “Growing Your supported to tease out their business idea Business in Rural Ireland,” was held in the James O’Keeffe Institute in and were awarded a feasibility grant to October with its key objective being to promote Duhallow’s potential examine the establishment of their to become economically and socially self sustainable. Former business and development of their Minister Batt O’Keeffe officially opened the conference and was software product. followed by local businessman Dan Buckley of Cloverhill Ingredients who spoke on his experience in turning his business idea into a Business Partners Aine Collins Similiary two other entrepreneurs successful enterprise and the importance of the LEADER support he and Veronica Perdisatt of Veronica Perdisatt & Aine Collins both received at the time from IRD Duhallow towards his set up costs. Cube Consulting Millstreet with a vast amount of experience in Owen O’Brien, UCC spoke on the Principles of Entrepreneurship, assess the findings of the business applied to IRD Duhallow for a followed by presentations from IRD Duhallow on the supports LEADER funded feasibility feasibility grant to establish a consultancy study they undertook into company which would help businesses available to entrepreneurs from the LEADER Programme. Sean setting up their consultancy Gallagher of RTE’s “Dragons Den” and Founder of Smarthomes was business. restructure to reflect the current difficult the Keynote Speaker on the day and addressed the crowd on how to trading environment. Seize Opportunities in a Recovering Economy. The conference was a The LCDP Programme continues to support a number of new small great success with business people and future entrepreneurs availing businesses each year. Michaela Nell, Creative Casting sought support of the opportunity to network on the day and making contact towards the initial costs involved in setting up her life casting business afterwards seeking advice and support from IRD Duhallow. from her home in Donoughmore. A qualified sculptor Michaela Maura Walsh Manager specialises in life casting of baby’s hands and feet, couples hands and and Michael Twohig face portraits. Chairperson welcome Minister for Enterprise Similarly, Michaela Donegan owner of Coco Chico approached IRD Batt O’Keeffe to Duhallow for support for her newly established design business which Newmarket to specialises in handmade vintage designer aprons, and personalised officially open the clothing. Michaela participated in the Business Start Up Programme Growing Your Business with IRD Duhallow and following this received grant aid towards in Rural Ireland Conference. equipment.

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Enterprise

Start Your Own Business With the rise in unemployment locally a growing number of people are now considering going into employment for themselves. IRD Duhallow supported 15 potential entrepreneurs to explore their ideas through a 1 day Start Your Own Business Workshop funded by the Local Community Development Programme.

Michaela Donegan displays her unique designed aprons at the IRD Duhallow Christmas Craft Fair. Craft Sector IRD Duhallow recognises that the craft sector in Duhallow has the potential to significantly contribute to the local economy and has placed great emphasis on developing the Hands of Duhallow Craft Network in an effort to foster and nurture such creativity. The Crafts Council of Ireland has designated 2011 as the ‘Year of Craft’ which compliments the advice, guidance and support that IRD Duhallow provides to many talented individuals in need of developing their hobby or part time business into a successful craft enterprise. Now in its 6th Year the Network held its Annual Christmas Craft Fair in the distinctive setting of the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket for the Tadhg de Brún tells Minister Pat Carey and Isobel Fletcher, LEADER Village first time where the artistic structure of the building helped to set the co-ordinator about his hand crafted hurleys at the Ploughing in Athy. scene of creativity and flair. All exhibitors participated in a group Craft & Enterprise Network workshop with Consultant Jennifer Hedderman prior to the Fair with IRD Duhallows Enterprise & Craft Network for the Duhallow Region a focus on product display and maximizing display space. The 2010 meets bi-monthly to allow members to network with other small Fair was our businesses, share experiences and advice on promoting and biggest yet with 28 developing their individual businesses. The Network had the exhibitors taking opportunity to avail of local expertise through two workshops. Firstly part to showcase local Accountant and Auditor Gerard McCarthy spoke to the Network their products and on the Impact of the Budget on Small & Medium Businesses, while skills. Veronica Perdisatt of Cube Consulting Millstreet addressed the network on Marketing on a Budget and the Importance of Business The high standard Planning. Free mentoring has also been provided to members of the of products network in an effort to give new and established businesses ranging from an individual support through all stages of development. artist’s corner, jewellery design, BROADISH BAND sculptors, hand The National made cards, cut Broadband Scheme glass, wood is largely rolled out products, and The foyer of the James O’Keeffe Institute was in Duhallow with 3 bespoke designer transformed for the IRD Duhallow Christmas Craft Fair. Broadband wedding dresses responsible for attracted a large bringing overall crowd on both coverage. Ripple & days. This was Permanet are the topped off by other two local community broadband enterprise providers in Duhallow Helen O’Sullivan assesses the packaging line in Duhallow and Community Food BioAtlantis Plant in Kanturk who were awarded compliment the Services offering a LEADER funding towards a new automated line. National Broadband delectable Scheme. There remains however a large number of “black spots” and selection of home while there are claims of availability of broadband the speeds are so made cakes and slow that we have titled it “Broadish Band. This is a challenge for the desserts in their countryside as a whole and we will continue to lobby for a better Tea Rooms at William Allen displays some of his hand carved products service so that rural areas are not left behind in the digital divide. the Fair. at the IRD Duhallow Christmas Craft Fair.

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Environment

The Hen Harrier is the most elegant and graceful, spectacular and exciting birds in the world. It is an asset to the life, biodiversity and heritage of any country in which it is found. However, the Hen Harrier is an endangered species Dr. Brin McDonnell of Duhallow Bird Watch Group and has suffered keeping a close eye on the Birds of Duhallow. Laura Doody, Newmarket who was up bright and early on National Dawn Chorus severe decline in Morning to celebrate the world’s oldest wake-up call and the beauty of the bird song . recent years. Duhallow is one of the most important areas in Ireland and indeed Europe for the Hen Harrier and the region holds two of The Environment is one of IRD Duhallow’s four key strategic just five Special Protection Areas for the species in Ireland. The harrier objectives. The Environmental pillar nominated Michael Doyle to the is indeed Duhallow’s own special bird and if we fail to protect it, the Board of IRD Duhallow and following that, the Environmental Forum, Hen Harrier and its landscape may soon be consigned to history in to provide feed back and feed in between the sector and the Board. Ireland. The Working Group consists of 13 agencies and has had a prolific first year with several environmental events organised as well as a number of field trips which focused on increasing awareness of specific environmental features of Duhallow. Many of these features are under severe threat and it is vital that the community as a whole gets behind the Working Group if we are to succeed in preserving for future generations what we have inherited.

Conor Kelleher Cork County Bat Group who spoke on the Myths, Legends and Reality of the Bat World followed by a trip to the local Island Wood to witness Bats in full flight in the stillness of the night. Environmental Awareness For the fourth consecutive year IRD Duhallow organised a highly A large crowd gathered in the Island Wood Newmarket to mark National Dawn successful Environmental Awareness month during which seminars, Chorus Day which was followed by a Full-Irish breakfast prepared and served by field trips and information events were organised including: the staff of IRD Duhallow. Importance of Bee Keeping for the Environment, Fresh Water Ecology, the Native Red Squirrel, Up-land flora and fauna, the Eagles Return to Duhallow’s Bird Watching Group Ireland, Bats and Wildlife Gardening. Over 270 individuals attended IRD Duhallow Bird Watch Group established in 2010 already has fifty the month’s events with people of all ages in attendance. An members including professional conservationists, amateur and awareness raising campaign to highlight the destruction caused by beginner bird watchers. Numerous seminars and field trips were gorse fires was also conducted. Burning land from the 1st March – organised throughout the year including a hugely successfully Dawn 31st August is self-defeating, each spring and summer, countless Chorus event which took place on the 15th of May National Dawn numbers of songbirds, curlew, red grouse, bees, butterflies, frogs, bats, Chorus Day. 65 people attended the event and a full Irish Breakfast red squirrel and Irish Hares are destroyed in fires. A poster campaign was cooked and served by the staff of IRD Duhallow which was was launched this year in order to raise awareness of the hazards of sponsored by Supervalu Kanturk. Emily Goldstein UCC Researcher burning during March – August gave a lecture on the Native Red Squirrel. Brin McDonnell presented on the Eagles Return to Ireland a wildlife series following the return Grow it yourself of some of the largest birds of prey ever to darken Irish skies, the GIY Duhallow was launched White Tailed Eagle, the Golden Eagle and the Red Kite. Conor Kelleher, in June 2010 and Cork County Bat Group delivered a highly informative seminar on membership remains strong Myths, Legends and Reality of the Bat World. Barry O’Donoghue at over 100. It aims to inspire Wild-life Ranger with the National Parks and Wildlife Services and IRD people to grow their own Duhallow Board Member led a field trip in Ballydesmond which food and give them the focused on up-land flora and fauna with a particular emphasis on the skills to do so successfully. Hen Harrier. Topics discussed at monthly Michael Doyle Chairperson of the meetings include: growing Environmental Forum attending the Bloom under cover, weed control, Festival in the Phoenix Park. Radish plants sowing seeds, crop rotation grown by GIY Duhallow featured in the and planning a kitchen display of Ireland’s largest edible garden. garden. This year GIY Ireland participated in the Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park which is Ireland’s largest gardening and food event. The aim was to create Irelands largest edible garden, GIY Duhallow contributed radish plants which were grown in the newly constructed LCDP funded Barry O'Donoghue, NPWS who guided members of Duhallow Bird Watching Group Polytunnel which acts as a training facility for the Towards Occupation on an upland flora and fauna walk in Ballydesmond during Environmental participants, the After-Schools Children and the GIY Group. Awareness Month.

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LIFE+

PAT FITZPATRICK, BSc & MSc in BIS, Dip in Agri. Pat joined IRD Duhallow in 2009 as a temporary supervisor on the Rural Social Scheme and in 2010 secured a full time post as LIFE+ Coordinator. He is responsible for the LIFE Project Discussion – Michael Fawl IFI, Michael Twohig, Pat Fitzpatrick, Theresa day to day running of the project while also Collins, Fran Igoe IRD Duhallow, Cathal Gallagher IFI and Martin O’Grady IFI. working with the project partners Inland Fisheries Ireland and also liaises with The conservation status of the river has come under increasing landowners, contractors and other stakeholders involved ensuring pressure where bank erosion and other influences over recent times that both their needs and the needs of the project are met. He have led to increased nutrient enrichment, channel degradation and manages the LIFE team of Scientist, Administrator and also students siltation. These issues, if left unchecked, will have serious working on project and reports to the Senior Team Leader. repercussions on land and river bank stability, native vegetation, sedimentation of salmon spawning beds and ultimately on the habitat and food sources of the pearl mussel, salmon, otter, kingfisher and dipper. In Partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland we are working closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Services to complete various conservation actions designed to significantly improve the health of the river. The Rural Social Scheme is heavily involved in the project, whereby a team of 20 participants are completing project actions along the river which include bank stabilisation, fencing, installation of alternative Minister Phil Hogan, raises the LIFE Flag at the official launch with Cllr’s Timmy Collins forms of livestock drinks, planting and Dan Joe Fitzgerald, Suzanne Campion IFI, Cllr Gerard Murphy, Aine Collins TD, vegetation, pruning of Michael Twohig Chairperson IRD Duhallow, Pat Fitzpatrick, Fran Igoe, Maura Walsh, Michael Doyle and Dr. Ciaran Byrne IFI. overgrowth, installation of Niall Fleming, RSS participant removes nesting boxes and the removal of The IRD Duhallow LIFE+ Project aims to improve river water some Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the Allow. Himalayan balsam from the river. conditions while significantly promoting the river and river life to both the general community and local schools. It was launched by Community and School Education the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Community involvement is an integral part of this project. We will be Mr. Phil Hogan TD in July 2011. LIFE+ is an EU funded programme conducting workshops throughout the project’s life designed to which supports environmental and nature conservation projects improve people’s knowledge of the river, the problems it faces and throughout the EU. Since 1992, LIFE+ has co-financed a total of 3314 also the lifecycle of the target species. There is a need for greater projects, contributing to approximately €2.45 billion to the public awareness and a heightening of environmental stewardship protection of the environment. The IRD Duhallow LIFE+ Project which towards the river and the species it contains which will ensure the began in September 2010 and will finish in August 2014 is focused river is maintained after the project completion in 2014. Communities on the Allow River Special Area of Conservation (SAC) targeting prove to be strong advocates for the environment when made aware improvements of the river and the river bed, so as to improve the of and brought into a stewardship process that will benefit the SAC. habitats of the pearl mussel, salmon, otter, kingfisher and dipper, which are in serious decline.

Conservation Rising in the Mullaghareirk Mountains and flowing through Freemount and Kanturk before joining the main Blackwater River near Banteer, the River Allow catchment forms part of the Blackwater River SAC. The river is Kieran Murphy, Project Student assesses Tom Drinan of UCC presents some pearl Eroding banks on the River Allow designated an SAC due to the the bridge in Kanturk as a suitable mussel shells to Seamus Fleming and James causing deterioration of water presence of the Freshwater Pearl location for a Dipper Nest Box Twomey of Cullen NS at our Freshwater quality and habitat for the Mussel and the Kingfisher bird while Ecology Information Evening. Freshwater Pearl Mussel. also being an important site for the It is a well recognised fact that if school children are educated about presence of other species including Atlantic salmon, European otter nature they are more likely to be positive stewards of the and the Irish dipper bird. An SAC is a prime wildlife conservation area environment in adulthood. Children are naturally interested in in the country, considered to be important on a European as well as animals and plants and they will be the decision makers when it Irish level. comes to the long term management of the river. Fran Igoe All schools in the assesses under Duhallow area will be water conditions for an interview involved in the project with RTE through schools visits, Morning field visits to the river Ireland’s Cian and also a project McCormack. involving students at both primary and IRD Duhallow hosted a meeting of the Blackwater Salmon Development Group. secondary level.

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Diversification Agriculture The first principle in sustaining rural The 2020 Food Harvest report has earmarked agriculture and food development requires the production as the main driver for Ireland’s return to economic diversification of the recovery. The agricultural sector has always been resilient, it has economic base of rural areas. While the overcome many challenges in the past and has demonstrated a competitiveness of the capacity to adapt and innovate. Its influence goes far beyond the farming sector remains farm-gate, into communities the length and breadth of the country. vitally important, farming Against this background and guided by the Agricultural Working alone cannot provide Group IRD Duhallow implements a range of supports for farm sustainable rural families through the LEADER and LCDP Programmes in order to communities. If improve on-farm efficiencies, support diversification, and promote employment in rural areas is agri-tourism enterprises to supplement farm family income. to be sustained and further increased jobs must be created in non-farm sectors. Farm Diversification facilitates farm families to diversify into non- Duarrigle Coach House Self Catering Facility which was funded through LEADER 2007-2013 agricultural activities and maintain or increase the income of the farm household while creating employment opportunities across different sectors. Funding is available through LEADER to support farmers to diversify into non agricultural activity and €106,035 has been committed of the current programme to farm diversification projects in the Duhallow area.

A wood walk adjacent to Duarrigle Coach House Self Catering which is an ideal location for families seeking GIY Duhallow member Roger Cresswell in his vegetable garden in Millstreet. a self-catering holiday Small Holder Programme experience. 2010 was a relatively positive year for Irish Agriculture following on from the two previous difficult years. Prioritisation of Low Income Duhallow Women in Agriculture Farm Families through the Focal Farmer Programme is an integral The formation of a Duhallow Women in Agricultural part of IRD Duhallow’s operations and since its introduction in 1996 group was initiated during the past year. IRD Duhallow actively the programme has assisted over 4,000 farm families in the Duhallow supports greater female participation, and is aware of the enormous area. During the past year the Agriculture Working Group undertook role that women play in agriculture, which is often invisible to the an extensive range of activities that directly assisted low income farm general public. In 2010, 17 women from Duhallow attended the families which included training courses, field trips, and information seminars. Efeirm which is an IT training course specifically designed for farm families was completed by 15 farmers while 17 farmers completed Farm Accounts Workshops which focused on educating farm families on capital depreciation, the tax system, tax profiles, allowances and entitlements. Through our Focal Farmer Programme, 98 farm families received AI, milk recording and soil sampling grants in order to maximise farm efficiency. The Rural Social Scheme has been most effective in supporting Low Income Farm Families and IRD Duhallow has an allocation of 58 participants on the scheme.

A group of farming women from Duhallow who attended the Women in Agriculture Conference in Kilkenny which was Chaired by Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow.

Women in Agriculture Conference in Co Kilkenny. The conference, organised by the Country Living magazine which is part of the Irish Farmers Journal, played host to a raft of top-quality speakers who addressed the issues pertaining to Irish farm life and the event was chaired for the second year running by our Manager Maura Walsh. The Duhallow Women in Agriculture group provides a unique opportunity for women involved in agriculture to come together to Participants who completed an Efeirm IT training course which was part-funded deal with the many issues and challenges confronting farm families in through LCDP. the Duhallow area.

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Agriculture

Members of Duhallow Bee Keeping Association during an outdoor Demonstration A good environment produces top quality yields….Looking well after a winter of in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. good quality silage and enjoying rich grassland as a result of soil and silage sampling Equestrian Farm Assist Ireland has always maintained a strong equine tradition which is The number of farmers on Farm Assist is at an all time high with particularly significant in the Duhallow area. The Irish Sport Horse 10,987 farmers claiming farm assist nationally and 942 of these industry is a growing rural resource. Huge potential exists to develop farmers are from the Cork region. Duhallow has a large number of locally based services, rural tourism and projects towards the low income farm families who will always require support in order to advancement of rural diversification. Through the LEADER remain farming whilst also supporting their families. These farm programme funding is available to support eligible equine activities families provide us with the landscape and environment which gives assisting promoters in maintaining and strengthening the sector and us our living countryside that is rich in biodiversity. Farm assist is a enhancing its valuable contribution to Duhallow’s rural economy. means tested payment and is one of the Social Welfare entitlements enabling farmers and their families to access a place on the Rural Social Scheme. RSS provides additional income to low income farmers or their family while offering communities and associations additional labour for community projects and services. Bee Keeping The Federation of Irish Beekeepers Associations declared 2011 as the Year of the Honeybee . Honeybees are one of the most important species on the planet. They pollinate a range of flowering plants, which in turn provide food for thousands of animal species. During the past year IRD Duhallow and Duhallow Bee Keepers Support for equestrian tourism facilities is eligible for funding through LEADER Association organised a very IRD Duhallow’s Farmers Market successful bee-keeping course Farmers Markets have experienced considerable growth in Ireland in entitled “ Beginning with Bees ”. The recent years. IRD Duhallow Farmers Market was established in 2003, course was designed for the primary focus of the market is to support local farmers and artisan individuals starting out with bees producers by ensuring they have a direct outlet in which to sell their and included lectures on: Getting produce. The market is an ideal venue for producers to test out artisan Started with Bees, The Years Work, food products. The farmers market is a niche market and there is a Swarm Control, Pest and Diseases growing demand for supplies especially for value added products. For and Queen Raring, over twenty the second consecutive year, IRD Duhallow Farmers Market has been individuals successfully awarded the Voluntary Code of Good Practice from the Department Pat Keane, Chairperson of Duhallow completed the course. A seminar of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in conjunction with Bord Bia. The Bee Keepers displaying various entitled “Bee Keeping and its market is located at the rear of Twohig’s Supervalu in Kanturk and is varieties of Honey Bees during a Influence on the Environment” seminar on the Importance of Bee to open from 10.30am-2.30pm every Thursday and Saturday. the Environment. took place during the month of April with 60 bee-keepers of A “Remember Me” varying expertise in attendance, Alzheimer’s coffee guest speaker on the night was morning took Prof. John Breen, University of place in Limerick. A number of practical IRD Duhallow’s outdoor demonstrations were Farmers Market in organised for members of the Kanturk on the 5th Duhallow Bee Keeping May 2011. Association, these demonstrations L-R Katie Crowley IRD Duhallow, took place in the newly developed Ruth O’ Sullivan LCDP funded Apiary which is DCFS, Noreen located on the grounds of the O’ Connell, James O’Keeffe Institute. This Cassie O’ Riordan, Tony Keogh Duhallow Bee Keeper facility is mainly used for training and Marie Hudner. during a Bee Keeping Demonstration and demonstration purposes. at the IRD Duhallow Apiary.

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Community Development

Identifying, Utilising and Optimising Assets IRD Duhallow’s Community Development Working Group promotes the sustainable development of rural communities through an Assets Based approach which is based on the Carnegie Charter for Rural Development. This charter emphasises that rural communities are the key to their own destiny and are indeed their own best assets. The Community Development working group continues to put a face As an result of the increase of rural population in villages, Lyre Hall Committee has on the issues and needs of rural communities in Duhallow and are received LEADER funding to build a new community hall for the area.. acutely aware that the people living in these communities are key to collectively bringing about sustainable positive changes within their Village and Countryside Renewal and Development own areas. At a time when resources are limited communities Having a long interregnum between LEADER+ and the new themselves have taken ownership of local assets, contributing to programme and with ongoing animation from our staff, community imaginative solutions to create vibrant, sustainable and equitable groups have been quick off the mark to avail of funding under the rural communities. Community groups continue to volunteer their Basic Services to the Rural Population Measure of LEADER. This time, expertise and resources to improving the quality of life of measure affords communities the opportunity to enhance their people living in their respective rural areas. community and cultural centres and the measure is now at a commitment level of 87% with 12 community halls and facilities securing commitments of funding in the first year of the programme. Environmental Awareness Month Village renewal is a long term process. The development of many of the rural villages in Duhallow has evolved over many years as a result of successive LEADER programmes and the hard work and determination of local tidy town committees. The LEADER Village Renewal and Development measure aims to provide appropriate supports to enhance the economic and social attractiveness of villages, small towns and the surrounding countryside. Each village in Duhallow is unique in its own way, with its own natural, cultural and physical features. This distinctive character creates a special sense of place for the people who live there. A Community Audit was completed for each of the towns and villages of Duhallow in 2008 to raise community awareness of their surrounding landscape, environment and cultural assets as well as highlight areas of development. These working documents provide a strategic Members of Lismire Community Development Group at the turning of the sod of framework for village communities to co-ordinate specific their new playground. development actions which will add to the local distinctiveness and IRD Duhallow supports these rural community groups through character within their own villages ensuring that the full potential of LEADER funding to develop long term and sustainable community the area is realised. IRD Duhallow has been inspired time and again by projects. IRD Duhallow’s Animation and Community Development the commitment and motivation of these tidy town groups to working group provides a vital support structure to the large number develop their villages. With the LEADER programme well underway € of community groups dispersed throughout the 40 geographical 998,162.00 is still available to communities for eligible projects communities in Duhallow and works towards the implementation of under the Village Renewal and Development Measure and we are IRD Duhallow’s LEADER 2007-2013 Strategic Plan. This framework heartened with the responses so far. places rural community groups at the core and continues to take forward the values and principles of community development work within a rural context. It played a pivotal role in ensuring widespread consultation in drawing up the Local and Community Development Strategic Plan 2011-2013.

Before and after the extensive footpath work took place at Ballydesmond which will The new Cullen Pipe Band Hall which was funded by IRD Duhallow under the LEADER enhance the programme. The band rehearsed for years in a portacabin. look of the Kerry Community Awards village. IRD Duhallow has supported the Kerry Community and Voluntary Forum of the Kerry County Development Board over the past number Empowering Rural Communities of years in its successful Kerry Community Awards. Gneeveguilla Following a public meeting in 2009 to determine the future of the Basketball Club won a community award under the sports section in old school house, Foiloighig Development Association was 2010. With the support of IRD Duhallow the club has increased its established. Traditionally National Schools defined a community membership and now has over 155 members. In May, President providing an integral part of family, school and parish life. This McAleese visited Killarney to acknowledge the forum which derelict building had been laying vacant since the schools closure symbolises the vibrant community spirit that exists in the county. in 2009 and it was feared that if left vacant the building would Gneeveguilla Basketball Club showcased its achievement at the event further deteriorate and attract anti social behaviour to the area. and the president met with members of the Club. She commended With the support of the Parish Priest, Fr. McCarthy, this active the excellent work of volunteers in the community and of Kerry community group has obtained a long term lease and have been County Development Board in supporting, promoting and approved LEADER funding to establish a community resource centre recognising the role of volunteers in the community. for the area.

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Community Development

President Mary Domestic Violence McAleese meets IRD Duhallow has for a number of years raised awareness of the with Eileen Linehan growing problem of domestic violence and the supports available to IRD Duhallow, John those in abusive relationships. Domestic Violence is widespread in all Hurley and Siobhan parts of society regardless of family circumstances, education or Collins on the Gneeveguilla financial situations and Duhallow is no exception. IRD Duhallow has Basketball Club continued to raise awareness through workshops including the stand at Kerry Transition Years in Colaiste Treasa Secondary School and also with the Community Open Door Women’s Group in Kanturk. With more pressure than ever Awards. on couples and families in these recessionary times, the risk of domestic violence is greater and IRD Duhallow is there to provide support. The growing rate of abuse of our elderly population is an Community Elections issue that IRD Duhallow is also very aware of due to our involvement The success of IRD Duhallow has always been attributed to its on the ground with older people. Greater care is needed for older voluntary board and strong community base, with elected people in Duhallow and neighbours, families and friends need to community representatives from it’s three regions. The Western support those who may not be able to support themselves. January Duhallow Community Elections were held in June and Eugene 2011 saw the launch of the IRD Duhallow Domestic Violence Helpline O’Connor, Boherbue Parish Council and Collette O’Connor, Cullen which is one of the few in Ireland that supports both male and Pipe Band were elected to the board. The Chairman Michael Twohig females and is manned by 20 trained volunteers Monday to Saturday paid tribute to Hannah Kelleher from Cullen who retired from the 10am – 10pm. This helpline provides people in abusive relationships board on completion of her term of service. with support and a listening ear during this traumatic period in their life. Information is made available to them on their choices and on the supports that are available to them.

Julie Sullivan received a Special Merit Award on behalf of East Kerry Mental Health At the Western Duhallow Community Elections, Collette O’ Connor of Cullen pipe Association pictured here with L-R Louise Bourke, Helen O’Sullivan, Maura Walsh, band and Gene O’ Connor of Boherbue Parish Council were elected to the Board of Marie Fleming and Cormac Collins of IRD Duhallow at the Kerry Community Awards. IRD Duhallow with Triona Murphy, Michael Twohig and Eileen Linehan. PAL Community Websites The PAL group comprises of lone parents from around the Duhallow IRD Duhallow’s Community Development working group is area, who come together to share experiences and provide peer supporting communities through LEADER to develop their own support. The PAL group meets monthly, and for afternoon meetings websites. These websites offer community groups a way of parents can avail of subsidised childcare in the adjacent Afterschools communicating with their members and the wider public containing service. details such as news, history, current services, facilities and upcoming events. Laharn were one of the first communities to develop their The group regularly runs information evenings and workshops on website. The site is run by the Laharn Community Action Group Ltd. topics which are relevant to Lone Parents. Throughout the last and it's main purpose at present is the promotion of the summer number of months workshops organised included a night on season of Crossroad Dancing held at Laharn Cross every Sunday managing money and finances, which was facilitated by MABS. A legal night from May to September. The administrators have been trained information night for those going through separation, divorce or in and they are updating the site themselves. custody cases and this was run in conjunction with Citizen’s Information Bureau and Michelle O’Mahony, Solicitor. In addition members of PAL regularly participate in training courses and seminars. In 2010-2011 the group organised a basic computer course and a series on stress management and relaxation. Fr Liam Comer, Parish Priest of Dromtariffe officially opens Dromtariffe hall after significant refurbishment funded by LEADER. Following the refurbishment, RSS painted the hall and our CE Scheme provides ongoing support for maintenance and Helen O’Sullivan explaining the services provided by Duhallow Domestic Violence caretaking. Helpline Support Group to members of the Kanturk Open Door Network.

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LEADER Projects 09/1 3

Project Name Description € Support for Business Creation & Development Hickey Metering Ltd Funding to start up business of Hickey Metering which involves the sales, installation and maintenance of milk metering systems. This project involves the purchase of hardware and software. €14,000 Terrprofile Ltd Purchase GPR, Resistivity and Seismic equipment for analysis of sub surface ground conditions €83,500 IRD Duhallow Social Economy Working Group Analysis and development of proposals for development of Community Enterprise €4,410 Brian Paterson & Sarah Evans trading as The Secret Garden To construct a classroom facility, develop outdoor demonstration area and provide car park. €16,100 Remote Healthcare Feasibility into development of new software €30,000 Cube Business Consulting Feasibility on business consultancy €17,625 Maritime Tourism Feasibility study and development of CRM system €20,582 Bioatlantis Manufacturing €52,311 Swipe Solutions Feasibility into new software development €30,000 Night Owl Blending Co Feasibility into new business start up €30,000 Enterprise Development Working Group Enterprise Conference €7,783 Diversification into Non Agriculture Activities Ballymaquirke Fruit Farm Upgrading of facilities of jam production €11,422 Declan & Patricia O’ Riordan Development of 4 star accommodation & walk €47,000 Basic Service for the Economy and Rural Population Kanturk & District Community Council Grant aid material and equipment for display boards and promotion of the first Arts Festival in Kanturk €4,987 Banteer Community Hall The expansion of the facility to include changing rooms, showers, steam room, toilets and gym equipment €143,140 Ballydaly Community Hall To install a new heating system in the hall comprising of seven new radiators, a boiler and a tank for oil €4,035 Freemount Community Playground Development Association Development of site for playground with fencing and soft tiles €42,020 Freemount Community Remove current floor of the Community Hall and replace with new concrete floor incorporating Development Association under floor heating. €39,226 Duhallow Choral Society Purchase of equipment & Uniforms €15,700 Social Economy Working Group Equipment for development of social enterprise €12,558 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Development of media training room for community radio €25,477 JOK Trust Refurbishment of kitchen for after schools service €42,372 Kanturk & District Community Council Replacement of Crib Figures €2,250 Dromtarriffe Parish Hall Association Refurbishments works to hall €54,540 Rathmore Social Action Group Equipment for drama & variety shows €11,196 Rockchapel Community Centre committee Refurbishment works to hall €30,938 Comhaltas Ceoilteoiri Eireann – Rockchapel branch Development of Community Hostel €500,000 Kanturk & District Community Council Refurbishments to Edel Quinn Hall €34,015 Bweeng Community Hall Committee Development of amenity area €37,256 Freemount Development Association Roofing of community hall €38,862 Ballydesmond Community Centre Committee Refurbishment works to hall €47,857 Meelin Community Hall Refurbishment works to hall €16,135 Lyre Old School Refurbishment works to hall €150,000 IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group Youth Animation project €10,071 Village Renewal & Development Boherbue Development Association Reposition the village pump to its original place and lay down stone work and flower beds €2,238 Nadd Development Group Landscaping in village €2,100 Araglen Development Association Extension of glouneen river walk €120,000 Kiskeam Development Association Installation of foot-bridge to complete loop walk and enhance social integration €49,688 Banteer Community Sportsfield Ltd. Upgrading of existing walk €28,996 Ballydesmond Village Renewal Village Renewal Works €21,866 Lismire Community Playground Development of new playground €38,769 Gneeveguilla Hall Feasibility into development of new community multipurpose hall €26,136 Foiloighig Community Centre Refurbishment works to old school €21,560 Kilbrin Community Hall Refurbishment works to hall €4,259 Kiskeam Village renewal Village Renewal works €4,148 Boherbue Grotto Subcommittee Development of grotto €62,317 Boherbue Parish Hall Refurbishment works to hall €150,000 Laharn Community Enhancement project Enhancement of accessibility to heritage centre €16,078 Conservation & Upgrading the Rural Heritage Centenary Committee Infant Child of Jesus Research the history of the arrival of Infant Jesus Sisters from France to Drishane and their impact on the locality. Publish book on research and produce DVD. €59,552 Boherbue Parish Council To publish book on history of the church in Boherbue and Kiskeam €4,404 JOK Trust To develop plan for James O’ Keeffe Institute and Grounds €30,000 Duhallow Women’s Forum To produce a book in honour of Nora Herlihy’s legacy and the Credit Union Movement in Ireland. €44,235 Kanturk Angling Club Acquire the expertise to perform investigative monitoring and surveying on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater and its tributaries €13,607 Fr. John J. O’ Riordan Publication of book “Kiskeam Versus The Empire” €1,949 Newmarket Pipe band Publication of book on history of Pipe Band €3,163 Inchemay Historical Society Erection of War of Independence monument €8,477 Cullen Pipe Band Development of new band practice hall & purchase of uniforms and equipment €98,782

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Project Name Description € IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Upgrading works to Duhallow Way €19,644 Kanturk & District Community Council Refurbishment works to Trade Union Hall €6,815 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Development of Community Websites €45,000 Ballydesmond development Association Publication of book “Ballydesmond Rural Parish” €3,609 Gneeveguilla Community Development Council Publication of book on History of St Josephs Church Rathmore €3,730 Duhallow Women’s Forum Erection of monument of Sr. Mary MacKillop €52,073 Donoughmore Historical Group Publication of book on history of cemeteries €6,352 Cumann Luachra, Rathmore Publication of Sliabh Luachra Journal €5,700 Kanturk Town Twinning Publication of book on history of twinning €2,025 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Cork Choral Fringe Festival €3,500 Kanturk & District Community Council Publication of book on history of Kanturk €3.962 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Development of Booklet & Information boards on holy wells in Duhallow €4,506 Castlemagner Historical Society Erection of memorial plaque to Alasdair MacDonnell €1,125 IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Education field trips for Bird Watching Group €3,150 IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Barn Owl Conservation €4,538 IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Development of environment resource library €15,000 IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Feasibility into conservation of bog land €7,470 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Information boards on walk from City to Glenflesk €3,776 Dromtarriffe Actively Retired Publication of historical book €3,862 Meelins Journey Publication of historical book €6,300 Youth & Education Working Group Folklore project in Sliabh Luachra Primary Schools €10,806 Training & Information Duhallow Choral Society Training for members of Choral Society €6,000 Employment & Training Working Group To deliver a pathways to employment programme for rural dwellers and communities in Duhallow €11,500 IRD Duhallow Enterprise Development Working Group To deliver training workshops to members of the Enterprise Network €2,550 IRD Employment & Training Working Group To deliver Fetac intermediate Computer Course €5,185 IRD Agriculture Working Group To deliver counterbalance forklift training to a number of individuals in the Duhallow area. €4,500 Rockchapel Comhaltas Ceoilteoiri Eireann To run a master class for young people on traditional Irish music and dance and develop a group who will be in a position to perform and teach Sliabh Luachra music and dance. €19,870 IRD Duhallow Enterprise Development Working Group 6 Customised Basic Bookkeeping & Payroll Courses €58,825 IRD Duhallow SAOI Network Memory through Media Training €57,620 IRD Duhallow SAOI Network Third Age training €6,000 IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group Arts Education Programme in 30 Primary Schools €7,000 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Purchase of media equipment €7,925 IRD Duhallow Enterprise Development Working Group Mentoring for business €11,000 IRD Agriculture Working Group Grow It Yourself (GIY) Training €3,200 IRD Rural Development Bursaries Provision of bursaries for the Diploma in Rural development €23,460 IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group Youth Leadership Training €13.800 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Volunteer Training €9,100 IRD Duhallow Employment & Training Working Group Water Meter Installation Training €31,250 Duhallow Women’s Forum Personal development Training €3,535 Encouragement of Tourism Activities Maritime Tourism Ltd Trading as Ballyhass Lakes Construction of a new store and utility building and purchase of equipment for activity centre €43,105 Edward & Pollie Frampton Development of Rural Museum €31,075 Kanturk & District Community Council Produce & Print Walking Guides of Kanturk €2,000 Kanturk Cycling Club Development of off road cycle track €149,863 IRD Duhallow Enterprise Development Working Group Shell Scheme for craft fair €25,111 IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group Wildlife panels and benches on Blackwater Way €8,250 Donoughmore Community Centre Ltd. Development of walk in Donoughmore €41,349 Freemount Development Association Revival of Freemount Festival €5,200 Co-operation projects IRD Duhallow Agriculture Working Group Training for rural abattoirs €8,500 IRD Duhallow Agriculture Working Group Food stand at National ploughing championships €600 IRD Duhallow Enterprise Development Working Group Young Entrepreneurial Programme for 5 secondary schools in Duhallow €49,420 IRD Duhallow SAOI Network Memory Matters Transnational project €60,000 IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group Secret Musical festival €50,000 LEADER Village Initiative Steering Committee LEADER Village Initiative €6,000 LEADER Small Food Programme Steering Committee Small Food Programme €5,000 All Kerry tourism Development of tourism website €10,000 Kerry Graveyards Steering Committee Digitizing of graveyards in Kerry €1,000 Total €3,431,427

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Local Development Social Inclusion Programme Funds Committed to Projects to December 2010

Goal Project Name Description Committed Goal 1: Bereavement Support Drop in Centre €110 To promote awareness, Lone Parents Building Quality Relationships Seminar €655 knowledge & uptake Basic Computer Skills €1,030 of wide range of Information Dissemination IRD Duhallow Monthly Newsletter €11,100 statutory, voluntary & Community Services

Goal 2: Adult & Second Chance Education Education & Training Exhibition €626 Increase access to Eleven Individual Bursaries for Adults who are continuing education €7,195 formal & informal Youth Clubs & Groups Kanturk Basketball Club - Equipment €1,011 education, recreation Kanturk Foroige Youth Club Equipment €422 and cultura Newmarket Youth Club Equipment €310 activities & resources Boherbue Youth Club Equipment €300 Youth Information Service Careers Exhibition €1,078 2 Transition from 2nd to 3rd level seminars €1,635 Dyslexia Parents & Children Literacy Workshops €3,853 Parent Advisory Clinics €2,047 TTRS Licence & Classes €3,120 "Laugh & Learn" Literacy Summer Camp €1,508 Parents Information Night on Literacy supports €563 Afterschools Homework Support Homework Support in four Secondary Schools & one Primary School €11,167 Social & Personal Development Peer Support Education €110 Drive Safe €395 Vegetable Garden €6,418 Public Speaking Competition €422 Youth Health Seminar €792 Drug Awareness Information Night €390 Firmount N.S. School Orchestra Library €1,673 Summer Camps Sliabh Luachra Cultural Camp €750 Asylum seekers & Migrant Workers Money Management Info evening for Migrants & Asylum seekers €305 Summer BBQ Party for Asylum seekers & Migrants €950 Multi Cultural Christmas Event €903 Resources to Groups Lismire Community Hall Equipment €140 Dromtariffe Parish Hall Equipment €239 Tullylease Community Hall Equipment €226

Goal 3: Job Centre Pathfinder Software & HE Licence €293 Increase in people Jobseeking Skills Course €2,690 work readiness and Preparation for employment & enhancing Self Employment Option Programme €1,041 employment prospects employment Jobseekers Workshops €3,326 and cultura Internet & Email Training €1,290 activities & resources "Know Your Rights" Info Evening for Unemployed €445 Enterprise Support Business Fundamentals €1,921 Enterprise Network Meetings €370 New Enterprise Coco Chico €1,032 Mikeala Nell Creation Casting & Crafts €1,500 Business Seminar for potential start up €1,087 Community Enterprise DCFS Piron Oven €3,460 Craft & Enterprise Network Craft Display Workshop €292 Annual Craft Fair €2,816 Focal Farmer Efficiency Farmers Market €1,303 AI €10,094 Soil Sampling €467 Info Meetings €120 Silage Sampling €916 Milk recording €5,457 Broadband Info Seminar €225 Farm Accounts Workshop €295 EFEIRME €706 Mental Health Promotion Towards Occupation €343 Alzheimers Coffee Morning €93 I ASIST Training €1,840 Safe TALK on suicide alertness €99 Polytunnel Training Facility €6,647

Goal 4: Women’s Forum Feile Dhuthalla Seminar on Hanna Sheehy Skeffington €379 Promote engagement Seminar on entitlements & pensions €512 with policy, practice Mary MacKillop Mass €870 and decision making Health Seminar for Women €504 processes on matters Womens Agriculture Conference €850 affecting local Community Development Forum Environmental Awareness Month €1,025 communities Lyre Community Family Day €300 Heritage Week €424 Supporting Volunteerism Care & Repair €178 Community Radio €274 Cork & Kerry Volunteer Bureaus €4,765 Empowerment of Older People Dromtariffe Active Retired €300 Freemount Comhaltas €300 Donoughmore Senior Group - Line Dancing €300 Castlemagner Sinsir Club Art Classes €300 Older Persons Brochure €617 Empowerment of People with disabilities Sign Language Classes €738 Boccia Team Equipment €239 Duhallow Sports Ability Day €322 Basic Sign Language 2nd Course €800 Support for Family Carers Carers Coffee Morning €210 Carers Annual Day out €698 Domestic Violence Workshop on Domestic Violence €300

Total €12 6,816

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Local Community Development Programme

Local Community and Development Programme 2011-2013 The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the successor to the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and was developed in response to the issues and priorities highlighted in the National Strategic Framework for Social Inclusion (2007-2013) in Ireland entitled Supporting and Enabling Dynamic Regions . This new programme focuses the majority of the supports on increasing access to education and increasing the work readiness of people. The programme is split into four goals with 80% of the budget mandatorily allocated to goals 2 and 3. The objectives of the Goals are: 1: Promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services. 2: Increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural development activities and resources. 3: Increase the work readiness of people to enter the labour market. 4: Promote engagement with policy, practice and decision Cover design for our Local & Community Development Plan was created by making processes on matters affecting local Michael John Kearney who is on graduate placement with IRD Duhallow. communities IRD Duhallow hosted a final public consultation evening in March 2011 to further engage people on the challenges and opportunities facing disadvantaged individuals and groups in Duhallow. One of the main topics for discussion on the night was the dramatic reduction in budget allocations over the past three years for the programme. With this in mind, the community development team presented the main supports that have been delivered to the Duhallow region over the past 10 years. It was then open to the floor to discuss the shape of the new strategic plan and what supports should be enhanced, reduced or dropped altogether. The consultation allowed people the opportunity to have their say on where they feel resources should be allocated. From this meeting it became apparent that all of the supports being delivered to the target groups of the region from the focal farmer programmes, carers support, bereavement and domestic violence support groups, dyslexia supports, our monthly newsletter Discussing the roll out of TÚS with Bernie O’ Donoghue Dept. of Social Protection, etc needed to continue if any locally relevant social inclusion was to Ann O Sullivan Cork City Partnership, Eamonn O’ Rielly North & East Kerry, Eileen be achieved in the region. IRD Duhallow was given a clear mandate Linehan and Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow, Tim Meaghar Cork City Partnership and on the night to continue to deliver these essential supports to the Joseph McCrohan South West Kerry Partnership. Duhallow region. Strategic Planning Process IRD Duhallow has just recently submitted our LCDP Strategic Plan 2011-2013 for evaluation to Pobal. The strategic planning process which commenced in 2009 set out to identify local needs and define responses for the next three years by consulting with all beneficiary groups in Duhallow including community groups, youth clubs, older people, carers, lone parents, disability access groups, entrepreneurs, the unemployed, statutory agencies and more. Enhancing community involvement and developing solutions to issues that impact on the quality of life of rural people remains a key focus of the Board of IRD Duhallow. Members of Kanturk Foroíge Youth Club in the St. Patricks Day Parade after receiving LCDP funding for training for their dance and music piece. In planning for the delivery of the programme a concise socio- economic and demographic profile of Duhallow was created. Pobal instructed us to identify the areas of the region that are most disadvantaged and in need of support and accordingly prioritise these regions. It emerged that IRD Duhallow’s catchment territory is the most disadvantaged of any LEADER Partnership area in the South West Region. Thus, there is a very clear need for direct targeting of the entire Duhallow territory in tackling disadvantage. Some Duhallow areas are experiencing depravation scores on a par with conditions in designated urban RAPID areas. Rooted in the bottom up approach to rural development IRD Duhallow will continue to implement the LCDP programme with a LEADER ethos, mobilising the potential of Conor Counihan with participants of the TO Programme who welcomed Sam the most disadvantaged groups and communities throughout Maguire to Newmarket after 20 years. Duhallow in order to improve their lives and circumstances.

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Duhallow Carers Group

Aidan and Advocacy Stephen Engaging in advocacy and raising the profile of Carers issues is seen Bourke with as one of the most important aspects to the Duhallow Carers’ Group. their mom It is often said that ‘ change comes about not through the mighty, but Mary, a Due to the huge member of through lots of little shoves from ordinary people!’ Duhallow strain on the HSE services in the Duhallow area, the need for carers to Carers. actively engage in advocacy is becoming increasingly important in our region. It is through their unity Carers in Duhallow get a voice on both a local, regional and national level. Prior to the general election, the group compiled a lobbying document, which was distributed throughout Duhallow. This helped raise awareness and promote the Carers dedicate their lives to the well-being of those issues experienced by Carers in our area. they care for on an entirely voluntary basis. Statistics show that Duhallow has the greatest ageing population in the country, with an ever increasing number of elderly residents in our region leading to a proportional increase in the number of carers in Duhallow. The issue is that many of these people are thrust into their caring role, having had little or no prior experience of coping in such situations and the majority of carers encounter social isolation, as they care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with little time for themselves. The Duhallow Carers’ Group aims to combat this isolation, and provides peer support, information and advice to carers throughout the region. It also gives carers the opportunity of relaxation outside their home in a welcoming environment. This year the Chair passed Participants of the Care in the Home Course which was accredited by City and Guilds to Sheila Crowley from the Community Sector of the Board. and funded under Dormant Accounts Funding. Carers’ Training Courses Monthly Meetings and Carers’ In 2008 the Duhallow Carers Group was awarded funding under Newsletter Dormant Accounts to run training courses for family and voluntary The Duhallow Carers’ Group meets on a Carers. Throughout 2010 and 2011 this was used to up-skill carers monthly basis in the James O’Keeffe throughout Duhallow. The courses included: a City and Guilds Institute. Other people who have accredited Care in the Home, Caring for Children with Special Needs, experienced similar problems and Patient Manual Handling, Infection Prevention and Control and challenges are often the most valuable Occupational First Aid. Courses like these, give carers confidence in source of information in a time of crisis their ability to carry out their caring role, as well as improving the and worry and so the Carers group quality of life of those they are caring for. provides the perfect space for this networking. There is a theme to each Social Bridget King who cares for her meeting covering a wide and vast range Extremely important aspects niece Rachel King. of topics from important carers’ issues, to the Duhallow Carers’ Group to cookery and stress management. A new initiative this year is the are outings and social publication of the Duhallow Carers’ Newsletter, which keeps carers gatherings. The group informed about upcoming events and issues. regularly organises day trips and outings; In December, the group met to have their traditional Christmas dinner and during the summer Breda Buckley and Kay O’Sullivan examining months the carers went on a some of Glebe Garden’s Vegetables at the bus trip. Carers’ Week is an summer Carers’ outing, which went to internationally recognised Baltimore. week dedicated to raising the profile of Carers world-wide and this year the Duhallow Carers’ Group decided to mark the event by holding a coffee morning in Kanturk Farmers’ Market. Each December, the Duhallow Carers organise a Carers’ mass, which remembers past members of the group and those Members of the Duhallow Carers Group who graduated with theeir certification in who are now deceased, but were cared for by members of the caring from courses run through Dormant Accounts Funding. Duhallow Carers Group. Information Seminars The group regularly hosts information seminars on topical issues affecting carers. Through the dormant accounts funding, and collaboration with other organisations and agencies the Carers’ Group has run seminars on Rights and Entitlements, Tele-Health Systems, Guardianship, Inheritance and Living Wills. These have all proved extremely beneficial to carers, acting as a means of information and Noreen Cronin and her Mom Members of the Duhallow Carers’ Group at the Carers’ Coffee Morning which was held support. Sheila O'Connell. to mark International Carers Week in June.

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Equality, Disability & Migrants

For many years IRD Duhallow and the Equality Working Group have been working to counter disadvantage and promote equality and social inclusion to create a fairer, tolerant and more caring society where everyone can participate equally and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. The Working Group continues to implement initiatives, activities and projects designed to facilitate and encourage more equal participation in all aspects of community life.

IRD Duhallow supported Drishane Sports Day in conjunction with Cork The Intercultural Food Event generated Sports Partnership. huge interest.

The Equality Working Group recognises it is vitally important to build informal links between asylum seekers, migrant workers and the local community therefore support was offered to the Summer Barbeque in Drishane Accomodation Centre which provided an important opportunity to all communities to integrate and to learn more about different cultures. This was a tremendous success with a huge attendance. Disability In the 2006 Census it was recorded A huge turnout at for IRD Duhallow’s Multi-Cultural Community Events in the Trade Union Hall, Kanturk. that there were 2,332 persons with a disability in Duhallow. IRD Integration Supports Duhallow has undertaken a IRD Duhallow has received funding through the Small Grants Scheme number of infrastructural projects – Integration Fund from the Office of the Minister for Integration to make community venues, since 2007 and since 2009 is being administered by the Local facilities and events fully accessible, Authorities. For the last two years IRD Duhallow accessed this Participants learn the basics of Irish and this has worked to challenge Sign Language for communication funding through the Community & Enterprise Department of Kerry prejudices and obstacles that have and conversation. County Council which covers the East Kerry portion of Duhallow. The acted as barriers to enabling Social Inclusion Measure Working Group of Kerry County people with disabilities to realise their full potential. Other supports Development Board which our Manager Maura Walsh is Chairperson that IRD Duhallow offer pertain to the provision of Sign Language developed and launched an Integration Strategy for the County. Training which aims to empower and educate members of the IRD Duhallow would welcome a similar strategy for our Cork Area. Duhallow Community in the use of Sign Language thereby heightening Whilst inward migration the awareness of those with disabilities in to Ireland has reduced it our community. This course covered such has been identified topics as; Meeting People with a hearing through the Social impairment, Finger Spelling, Finger Signs, Centre Meetings in Family, Numbers and Counting, Time, Duhallow that the Food and Drink. Due to the very high foreign nationals that are demand a second course was also in Duhallow at present delivered. intend remaining here A successful Sports Ability Day was Tim Galvin with his eye on the Peter Lesiak with members of our Polish long term. Therefore as a organised by IRD Duhallow which ball learning Boccia for the Community receiving English Language Training. result of the funding that promoted physical activity and sport to first time. is received for Local Community Development the Equality Working people with a disability in the Duhallow Area. This event allowed Group implements a variety of measures to ensure that integration is individuals the opportunity to try out a wide variety of sports and still being supported. physical activities including Badminton and Boccia. Boccia is a sport The development of the Rathmore Social Centre provides an that can be played by individuals, pairs or teams. The game focuses opportunity for foreign nationals to come together to meet, chat and around a target and must be played from a seated position which exchange experiences. Furthermore a very successful Intercultural makes it accessible for wheelchair users and older people. Food Event was held in June 2011 allowing for the chance to Importantly all levels and abilities can partake in this sport and vitally celebrate and encourage participation and involvement of a number it can serve as an outlet for social contact. The Sports Ability Day was of different nationalities through the sharing of diverse and local particularly relevant for individuals, coaches, parents, youth club food. Another enlightening occasion is the continuation of the Multi- leaders, carers, special needs assistants and was also for anyone who Cultural Community events has an interest in promoting sport and physical activity. Importantly which are held annually in to ensure access for all, Duhallow Area Rural Transport was available Rathmore, Kanturk and for anyone who required transport to this inclusive event. Millstreet. Everyone getting These multi-cultural days involved and give adults and children the taking part at the opportunity to integrate and Sports Ability Day held in to find out more about Banteer Solongo Munkhtogloki international traditions and Michelle Bama from Community Hall. cultures. from Mongolia with Mr Kenya after receiving a and Mrs Santa Claus present from Santa.

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Employment & Training

Since 2007, the labour market context in Duhallow has changed Job Centre, workshops were delivered to aid Job Seekers become significantly with unemployment rates rising dramatically. Duhallow more confident and aware when seeking employment. Two has suffered from extensive redundancies in traditional enterprises workshops were delivered focusing on Job Seeking Strategies and which have had a negative impact on the number of opportunities Interview Preparation. available locally; this in turn has proved to be demoralising for those seeking work in the local community. Young people under 25 years, lower skilled workers and craftspeople have been particularly affected by this increase in unemployment. Given the broader economic backdrop and recent unemployment figures, it is no surprise that expectations for 2011 are for modest growth at best, therefore specific interventions and supports are required now more than ever. IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training Working Group which Advanced Computer Class about to embark on a 16 week training course funded consists of representatives from FAS, VEC, DSP, MABS, TEAGASC, SIPTU, by LEADER. and Third Level Institutions is now focusing on intervention Preparation for programmes which will provide people with the necessary skills to Employment and improve their employability. With the support of LCDP and LEADER, Enhancing IRD Duhallow is focusing on reducing long term unemployment, Employability improving youth unemployment, tackling gender gaps and The importance of providing a focused approach to education and training. Education and Training is now more important than ever with Long Term Unemployed and under employed individuals needing to Brid Sullivan, Michael John Kearney and Laura upskill, retrain and Corcoran who have completed work placements with enhance their IRD Duhallow. . employment opportunities. IRD Duhallow recognises that the provision of education and training is a means for which unemployed people can be equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to compete in a restructured labour market. IRD Duhallow has targeted disadvantaged and socially excluded individuals in order to enhance their capacity to participate in the workforce through a number of tailored courses delivered locally.

One to One Meeting with Thomas O’ Connell – CV Preparation. Job Centre IRD Duhallow operates a Job Centre that is available and accessible to everyone. The Job Centre has supported over 350 individuals in a variety of ways such as Job Placement, Career Advice, aid with writing CV’s and Cover Letters, Interview Preparation and the provision of “Pathfinder”. The Job Centre is an essential element to the people of Duhallow as it is flexible and locally based and importantly it supports individuals and their needs on a one to one basis. There is a high demand for broadband training in Duhallow. Provision of the software package “Pathfinder” continues to be an essential career guidance programme for young people and adults, Information Computer Technology Training which will match individual’s interests to jobs, careers and Higher The Working Group appreciates the need to deliver, coordinate and Education subjects and courses. resource training initiatives and in particular the area of I.T. is a key necessity. Skills in I.T. are now required in a variety of sectors including In order to provide targeted manufacturing, tourism, food and technology etc. Therefore it is a interventions to improve the requirement that people who do not have the experience using options available to long computers are given the opportunity to receive training and not be term unemployed, short term unemployed and those most distant from the Labour Market the Working Group recognises that individuals must receive guidance and information in relation to making choices appropriate to their needs Mary Mullane enjoying her training on a Basic and the needs of the Computer Training Course funded through the labour market. Through the Participants on the Basic Bookkeeping and Payroll Training Course funded LCDP Programme. through LEADER.

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Employment & Training

bursaries. In the last year IRD Duhallow has allocated 11 bursaries to target group individuals participating in varied courses from Counselling to Photography to Accounting Technician Training. The provision of these bursaries has enabled these individuals to participate and access Further and Higher Level Education.

A full house at the James O’ Keeffe Institute for participants waiting to receive their certificates. left behind by the technological advances that continue to manifest. Over the past year the Working Group delivered a number of courses in I.T. through funding received from LEADER including Advanced Computer Training, two Internet and Email Training Courses and a Basic Computer Training Course which have successfully trained over 58 people.

Basic and Computerised Bookkeeping and Payroll Training Speakers at the Information Evening on “Know Your Rights”; Hannah Casey, In order to provide locally tailored interventions in driving economic Margaret O’ Doherty of Citizens Information Service along with Colette Vaughan development and diversification IRD Duhallow has provided a Basic representing Department of Social Protection and John Kirwan Chairperson of the and Computerised Bookkeeping and Payroll Training course funded Employment and Training Working Group. through LEADER. This programme has allowed rural dwellers to Information Seminar “Know Your Rights” develop the skills required to set up and manage Bookkeeping and In 2010 we delivered an information evening on “Know Your Rights”. Payroll systems within Micro Enterprises. Through funding received from LCDP the information seminar was specifically targeted towards unemployed individuals in the region. Speakers on the night included Collette Vaughan from the Social Welfare Office in Newmarket and Margaret O’ Doherty from the Citizens Information Office. The working group recognises that it is important to inform those that have lost their jobs, about income, savings and pensions. The information seminar provided an important opportunity to provide information on Social Welfare Payments and Entitlements, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, how to effectively manage your money and tax reliefs that are available. TÚS The Tús initiative is a community work placement scheme providing short-term working opportunities for unemployed people. The work An array of participants who received computer training with IRD Duhallow opportunities are to benefit the community and are to be provided receiving their Certificates at the well attended Graduation Ceremony. by community and voluntary organisations in both urban and rural Adult Celebratory Graduation Ceremony areas. Through LEADER & LCDP we contributed to enhancing the training 5,000 places in the Tús scheme will opportunities available to adult learners in Duhallow. In February of become available during 2011. Forty this year we hosted a graduation ceremony which celebrated the places have been made available to IRD achievements of participants who successfully completed training Duhallow. Unemployed people who courses with IRD Duhallow. This event proved a tremendous success are eligible to participate in the scheme with over 220 individuals receiving certificates in Bookkeeping, were selected and contacted by the Information Computer Technology Training, Sign Language, English Department of Social Protection in Language Training, E-Feirm, Care in the Home, Dependent Adult June and the first scheme got Training, Food Hygiene, Sewing/Upholstery and Cooking. This event underway on Monday 18th July. celebrated the achievements of each individual and also offered an opportunity for participants to catch up with their class. We would Participants had a wide variety of skills like to congratulate everyone who received their certificate. and previous work experience and will Don Murphy work across the Duhallow region and Adult and Second Chance also across the Tús measures which are IRD Duhallow recognises that people from rurally isolated areas face broadly the same as the Rural Social many difficulties when trying to access further and higher education. Scheme. These included Warmer These barriers may include reduced financial means; lack of Homes, community facilities, meals on knowledge and information pertaining to appropriate access routes; wheels, village renewal, countryside lack of suitable and affordable transport; and poor broadband and enhancement heritage projects and communications infrastructure. The Employment and Training community administration. Two Working Group through the Adult and Second Chance Measure supervisors, Don Murphy and Con O’ continues to promote and improve access to relevant and practical Sullivan have been appointed. training & educational opportunities for those who may not have had the opportunity to complete their education through the provision of Con O’ Sullivan

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Mental Health and Transition to Employment

Mental Health and Well Being Looking after our mental health is as important as any other part of our wellbeing. One in four people will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. In this positive sense, mental health is the foundation for individual well-being and the effective functioning of a community. Everyone has mental health needs, whether or not they have a diagnosis of mental illness. IRD Duhallow’s Equality working group promote positive mental health for all and actively aim to reduce the Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme practicing a skincare routine discrimination and social exclusion associated with mental health during a Healthy Living workshop. difficulties in Duhallow. Now more than ever, with a clear absence of open market job opportunities, participants of the Towards Occupation Programme desperately need community based employment opportunities, which provide flexible working arrangements to meet their individual needs. Some of these participants may realistically never be able to access the open labour market due to lack of skills, lack of mobility and reluctance on the part of employers to employ the long term unemployed. The social economy approach offers these individuals the dignity of work and a role in improving their direct environment through the provision of services.

IRD Duhallow is currently in the process of establishing an Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme busy at work in IRD Duhallow’s newly constructed Poly tunnel. innovative furniture recycling and reuse Towards Occupation Programme (TO) project in Duhallow. Participation in valuable work plays a major role in positive mental Participants of the health and for recovery from mental health problems, and is thus RSS have been busy inextricably linked with the human right to the highest attainable collecting unwanted standard of mental health. Unemployment not only creates economic household furniture disadvantage but also decreases self-esteem and increases isolation throughout and marginalisation. The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Duhallow which is Cultural Rights notes that governments must take steps to achieve Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme suitable for re-use. learn new skills in basic furniture restoration. the full realisation of the right to work, including “technical and The project which vocational guidance and training programmes, policies and will be based in techniques to achieve…full and productive employment” (Article Newmarket, will provide furniture for disadvantaged older people 6(2)). The TO Programme strives to provide and deliver a meaningful and low-income householders in the community whilst providing and holistic combination of training, guidance and support to people employment and training opportunities for individuals with mental with mental ill health in their own community. This programme is a health difficulties in furniture repair and reuse. partnership programme between IRD Duhallow, Ballyhoura Development Ltd., Avondhu Blackwater Ltd, West Limerick Resources and South East Cork Area Development. The programme emphasises the principles of social inclusion, choice, participation and equality. TO targets those feeling isolated, lacking confidence and those who are long term unemployed for whatever reason. Participants explore a range of new skills and are supported to set achievable goals. A strong emphasis is placed on confidence Community Caregivers including, health workers, Teachers, Community Workers, building, communication Youth workers & volunteers who took part in one of the I ASIST workshops. skills, increasing self belief and promoting social I ASIST and SAFE Talk Suicide has touched the lives of many people in Duhallow. Aside from Triona Murphy, Development Officer IRD interaction. This year Duhallow having a chat with Towards participants of TO the tragic and unnecessary loss of each life, the devastating impact Occupation Participant Catherine Guerin. participated in Upholstery each suicide has on those left behind is a major issue. In response to classes, Creative Casting and a Healthy Living course. The group are this I ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and Safetalk also taking part in Horticulture classes in the newly constructed Poly training programmes were offered to community groups and tunnel which is based on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute, professionals in Duhallow who come into contact with people who Newmarket. may be expressing suicidal thoughts. These programmes were delivered by the HSE and supported by the National Office for Suicide

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Mental Health and Transition to Employment

Prevention. 60 people were trained in the two-day I ASIST skills and logical way. Four of IRD Duhallow’s Development Officers have programme in 2010. This two day intensive, interactive workshop is been trained by the HSE and the National Learning Network. The designed to equip community members with the skills to help them programme was rolled out to Transition Year students in Scoil Phobail identify individuals who may be at risk of suicide in their Sliabh Luachra, Rahmore and Boherbue Comprehensive in 2010-2011. communities, work places or even their families. Furthermore, the programme provides participants with the awareness, knowledge and confidence to help and enable them to intervene and essentially prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Bereavement & Loss Support The IRD Duhallow Bereavement & Loss Support service is over 10 years in operation and has continued to provide an invaluable free and confidential listening service to people who have experienced a loss or bereavement in their lives. Everyone in life is touched by the loss of a loved one either through death, separation or divorce at some stage in their life and it is when a person experiences difficulty in dealing with this loss and change that this support service can step in and help. The service operates with 14 trained volunteers who meet people on both a one-to-one basis and in a group setting. Volunteers can be met at a suitable time and people can avail of as many one to one sessions as they feel they require. The voluntary effort of local people on this service has helped to ensure that it continues to operate as efficiently as possible. The team of volunteers are constantly raising awareness on the supports available through the distribution of brochures and business cards on the service throughout the region. All volunteers have been trained by IRD Duhallow in Listening Skills and in Bereavement and Loss as well as attending various workshops relevant to the service. IRD Duhallow hosted a Bereavement & Loss Seminar in May 2011. The speakers on the night were Mary Roberts, Psychiatric Nurse and Cindy O’Connor Clinical Director of Pieta House, The Centre for the Prevention of Self Harm or Suicide. Ms Roberts spoke about coping with loss and accessing the supports available. Ms O’Connor spoke on the Pat Fitzpatrick, IRD Duhallow with Students from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore and Mary McHugh IRD Duhallow with student from Boherbue opportunities and help that exist for people at risk of suicide and self Comprehensive who completed the Peer Support Education Programme. harm and she also focused on the assistance available for family members of those at risk. There was good interaction from the Drugs and Alcohol Awareness audience on the night and a lot of questions were asked in relation to IRD Duhallow hosted a Drugs and Alcohol information evening for the grieving process and help for recognising the behavioural signs parents as a result of public concern about the growing drug and and symptoms of those who are at risk of self harm and suicide. alcohol problem in Duhallow. Rural parents often perceive their children to be less at risk, and sometimes struggle more than their urban counterparts to identify and respond to their teenagers’ alcohol and drug use. Olive O’Reilly who is a Drug Counsellor and Manager of the Matt Talbot Adolescent Services (MTAS) and Cara Lodge spoke on the night. Her presentation focused on the realities of the drug and alcohol abuse epidemic, why young people use drugs, warning signs and the ill effects of usage. She also offered some useful strategies for parents. Don Brennan, Community Garda who is based in Kanturk spoke on the night about the extent of underage drinking in Duhallow, the ease of access which young people have to alcohol and the benefits in delaying the age at which young people start to drink. The Irish government published its National Drugs Strategy 2009–2016 in 2009 which aims to create a safer society through the reduction of the supply and availability of drugs for illicit use. Despite a clear need, at present Duhallow does not have a regional drugs worker based in the area. The Youth and Education working group is Mary Roberts, Community Psychiatric Nurse , Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow, in the process of addressing this with the Southern Regional Drugs Kathleen Dennehy, Volunteer, Cindy O’Connor , Pieta House and Helen O’Sullivan, Task Force. IRD Duhallow at the Bereavement and Loss Seminar. Peer Support Education Programme Young adults are often the first point of contact in times of distress and therefore play a valuable role in supporting their friends. Often when a crisis arises, peers are willing to give their time and to offer themselves in the role of listener when professional help is not perceived to be available, accessible, or advantageous. The Peer Support Education Programme is a community based suicide awareness programme specifically designed to address the needs of young people. The programme aims to help participants to develop their listening and communication skills so that they might help Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme receive their certificates at the other young people who are in some difficulty or crisis in a practical IRD Duhallow Graduation Night.

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Kanturk Historic Walking Guide Tourism Kanturk Community Council developed a historic walking guide Duhallow may never be able to compete with more popular tourist promoting the historic significance destinations in Cork and Kerry but can compliment them with its of buildings and structures in the own unique package. Exclusive to Duhallow is the wealth of culture town with LEADER support. The that Sliabh Luachra possesses which coupled with outdoor activities guide consists of 3 walking routes in makes for a unique experience. IRD Duhallow’s strategic plan has set the town with 32 points of interest out a tourism strategy under Environmental, Cultural and Human for walkers to visit. This guide will Resource Themes. It targets cultural training, environmental especially appeal to people returning awareness and heritage management as well as the development of to visit or tracing their heritage. cultural centres, environment projects, facilities for activities including walks, cycle tracks, equine and accommodation. Tim Ring IRD Duhallow discusses the requirements of the National Walks Scheme Community projects such as village renewal and local historic and with landowner Jerry O’Mahony of cultural publications and guides will enhance the tourism product Millstreet. being developed. Cyclists build up speed on the veledrome in the start of the art LEADER funded cycling track in Kanturk

Donie Howard of Millstreet Country Park gets set to Thomas Mulcahy Millstreet Kanturk Cycling Track take a group of outdoor enthusiasts on a guided tour who will be investing in a new In 2010 Kanturk Cycling Club of Millstreet Country Park as part of Millstreet pair of hiking boots after his developed a state of the art off road Walking Festival. enjoyable walk during the Millstreet Walking Festival. cycling track & velodrome that is the largest facility of its kind in Ireland and quickly becoming a major tourist attraction. Like many rural regions our road network is such that most are just about sufficient for two cars to pass, making cycling a very hazardous pastime for adults and children, Local Youth Club utilise the newly moreover when agricultural opened cycling track. machinery and lorries also traverse our roads. From travelling abroad to A great turn out at Millstreet Country Park which was one of the 6 different routes competitions, the committee during the Millstreet Walking Festival. recognised that outdoor recreational facilities in other countries greatly GO Kerry! boosted tourism in these areas and On the Kerry side of Duhallow, IRD Duhallow is involved in a tourism would compliment the existing tourist marketing initiative called Go Kerry, led by All Kerry Tourism (AKT) of attractions in our region such as which we are a member. This initiative aims to exclusively market the Ballyhass Lakes, Angling and Millstreet county of Kerry as a destination involving the business and tourism Country Park. A LEADER Grant funded sectors and community and voluntary groups. Currently an inter- A Local fisherman enjoys the the facility, which is now open to the territorial LEADER funded marketing campaign is underway by AKT solitude of the River Blackwater public with a variety of events planned with the Sliabh Luachra culture being promoted as well as “An Cathair while fishing for trout. for the future. Cubh Dearg” known locally as “The City” at the base of the twin mountains “The Paps” which is the oldest centre of continuous Millstreet Walking Festival worship in the western world. Adding to this is the Source of the IRD Duhallow since it’s inception has undertaken a vast amount of Blackwater River, Ireland’s second largest river, forming the border of work in the development of walking routes. The Duhallow Way Cork & Kerry where IRD Duhallow has developed 2 looped walks. The which is a 30km stretch of the Munster Way and forms part of the work of our Environment Working Group will undoubtedly enhance European E8 Walking Route together with 6 looped walks and 3 long Duhallows tourism product and when coupled with the excellent distance walks have all been developed. accommodation base which LEADER is building will give farm families and the Duhallow economy a further boost. Derry Sheehan, Deputy Aine Collins, Tony McCaul and Gordan O’Keeffe of Millstreet Development Association who were involved in the planning stages of the new Clara Loop Walk along with Tim Ring Rural Social Scheme Supervisor. IRD Duhallow was responsible for developing this walk under the Walks Scheme and will maintain it in the future. The view of Kanturk Footbridge shows how attractive the Duhallow region is for angling.

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Culture

Duhallow is rich in culture stories. As a result, 3 communities were supported this past year to and heritage with many of publish books. Kanturk & District Community Council’s Town Twinning our communities possessing Committee has been active in Duhallow for over 20 years with groups unique resources which if travelling to and from Brittany & Duhallow. Local author John Dillon, developed can contribute to Member of Kanturk Twinning Committee wrote the book entitled the sustainable rural “Town Twinning the Duhallow & Brittany Experience”. Rathmore development of the entire Church also marked its 150th Anniversary with the publication of a Duhallow region. IRD book on the history of the church as well as recording its unique Duhallow has identified gothic architecture and the process involved in its planning and culture as one of the four building. Ballydesmond Development Association published Mrs Gilman, Kanturk shows her son Charles main resources that can “Ballydesmond Rural Parish in its Historic Setting” written by Fr. & Grandchildren her transcript from the contribute to the creation of Tommy Culloty, the book documents emigration from Ballydesmond, 1937 Folklore Project. a living countryside in farming advancements, the drama of the Titanic as well as traditional Duhallow. The oldest site of continuous religious worship is in our crafts and customs. midst in Shrone, An Cathair Cubh Dhearg the first place in Ireland to As part of its Memory Through Media project, IRD Duhallow’s SAOI be populated which is the centre of our Sliabh Luachra region. The Network developed three short films – “A day in the Bog” which cultural significance of the Sliabh Luachra region is well documented documents traditional turf cutting, “The Udder Way” which looks at and IRD Duhallow continues to support the preservation of the old and new milking techniques and “The Box Iron” featuring the old unique traditions of this region through LEADER funding for Master way of ironing clothes. Classes which has resulted in a team of 22 young people being trained in the old Sliabh Luachra style of music song and dance. Based in the Bruach na Carraige cultural centre in Rockchapel, this group is the only of its kind in Ireland and is quickly attracting European demand. Laharn and Freemount Cultural Centres are also playing their part in ensuring the cultural traditions of their regions are preserved and thrive. Dancing at the crossroads is well established in Laharn and Freemount has just this year revived its summer festival. Cullen Pipe Band built a practice hall with LEADER support. Pipe Bands Duhallow is in a unique position to have three pipe bands in the region with Millstreet, Cullen and Newmarket carrying on a long tradition of piping in Duhallow. IRD Duhallow has supported all three pipe bands in the past and earlier this year, Cullen Pipe Band completed works on the new band practice hall which was funded through the LEADER Programme. This facility is a major resource to the band and has positioned them well to attract new younger members with the proper facilities to train them. Members of the Ceoilteoiri Sliabh Luachra Group who have completed Master Classes Training in Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel. Heritage The Irish Folklore Commission devised the Schools Folklore Collection, a collection of material gathered in an eighteen month period during 1937 and 1938 by approximately 100,000 schoolchildren aged between eleven and fourteen. The aim was to seek out and record material dealing with a wide range of Irish folk tradition and embraced folk tales, legends, riddles, proverbs, songs, Members of the Canticum Novum Choir from the Czech Republic who performed customs and beliefs as well as games, pastimes and descriptions of in Kanturk Church to an appreciative audience. traditional work practices and crafts. As part of National Heritage Cork Choral Fringe Festival Week, IRD Duhallow hosted an exhibition of the manuscripts written Duhallow boasts an acclaimed Choral Society that has achieved great in Duhallow for the Folklore Collection. The exhibition was of major success over the years. We were delighted when Eimear Fitzgerald of interest to many of the people who participated in the project and to Cork International Choral Festival contacted us offering the their families and friends. Inspired by this project, IRD Duhallow has opportunity to host a Fringe Concert in Duhallow which featured the devised a new schools project which will collect contemporary acclaimed 48 member Canticum Novum Choir from the Czech accounts from children in the 10 Sliabh Luachra schools, who will Republic. With over 200 in attendance, Kanturk Church proved to be consult their parents, grandparents and other members of the acoustically excellent and we are grateful to Canon Corkery and Fr. community to gather information Linehan for providing access to relating to the same themes set out the venue. The choir was treated by the Irish Folklore Commission in to a meal provided by Duhallow 1937. Their responses to the Community Food Services. The traditions, customs and social festival gave locals an opportunity history will be recorded in the to experience the Arts and talent format of a CD and a radio series. of an international Choir locally. Historical Publications We hope to develop a In order to preserve the history and transnational project in the future culture of our region, IRD Duhallow with Duhallow Choral Society Timmy Lynch at the launch of Agnes O’ Sullivan, Duhallow SAOI network and our friends in the Czech has supported a number of “Town Twinning and the Duhallow who participated in the Memory Through communities to document their own Experience” with author John Dillon Republic. Media Training project.

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Youth and Education

LEADER Young Entrepreneur Programme (YEP) Kerry has been awarded European Entrepreneurial Region for 2011. With the assistance of LEADER funding IRD Duhallow together with the other Kerry Partnerships funded the Young Entrepreneur Students from Colaiste Treasa, Kanturk get information about career opportunities at our Careers Exhibition. Programme 2010-2011 for 18 Secondary Schools in Kerry and Careers Exhibition the 5 Secondary Schools in IRD Duhallow hosted its annual Careers Exhibition in the Edel Quinn Duhallow. LEADER YEP is Hall, Kanturk for all Secondary Schools in Duhallow. Students facing dedicated to raising awareness of decisions and choices in relation to their career, college, training etc. entrepreneurship and illustrating were able to meet with representatives from Universities, Institute’s of the validity of it as a career choice Technology, PLC training colleges, agricultural colleges etc to discuss and enhancing the awareness of, further educational opportunities including information on specific and skills associated with, starting course details and requirements. your own business. The programme provides a unique Claire Murphy, Scoil Mhuire Kanturk opportunity for students with Young Entrepreneur Finalist 2011 with business ideas to learn first hand her new creation the ‘leggit’ from leading Entrepreneurs.

TD, Michael Moynihan, Michael Twohig, Chairman IRD Duhallow and MEP Brian Crowley with students of Scoil Mhuire, Kanturk at the Communicating Europe information workshop. Communicating Europe Initiative Communicating Europe is a Department of Foreign Affairs initiative which aims to build public understanding and knowledge about Irelands EU membership. The EU is anxious that both young and old are aware of the good work being done in local regions as a result of Community Garda John Crowley speaks to students at the ‘Your Turn’ Leadership EU funds. IRD Duhallow secured funding to raise awareness about Programme 2011 how the European Union has benefited our region. Over 10 months ‘Your Turn’ Leadership Programme IRD Duhallow published articles on the EU in our community 30 Young leaders from Duhallow participated in the 3 day ‘Your Turn’ newsletter. MEP’s Brian Crowley and Seán Kelly also spoke at EU Leadership programme which was delivered by Common Purpose. information workshops in the 5 Secondary Schools in Duhallow. The programme was designed to unlock young peoples leadership potential by giving them the information and inspiration they need to make a difference. The students were challenged to think in new ways about real life issues and encouraged to develop their own positive and creative solutions as active citizens in their region. The programme allowed these young people to appreciate their regions diversity and strengths and provided them with an opportunity to better understand decision making processes.

Seán Kelly, MEP, Transition Year Co-ordinator Eileen Lane, Yvonne Brosnan, IRD Duhallow, Vice Principal Mary O’Keeffe and Transition Year students from Boherbue Comprehensive School at the Communicating Europe Information workshop. Afterschools Homework Support Often, those students who perform poorly in school are the same students who have difficulty getting their homework completed. They Pat Fitzpatrick, Life + Co-ordinator Cllr. John Paul O’Shea, Chairperson of the speaks to students about Special Areas Youth and Education Working Group may lack organisational skills, home support or have other obligations of Conservation at the ‘Your Turn’ explains the role of the Council to that prevent them from getting their work done. IRD Duhallow’s Leadership Programme 2011 students at the ‘Your Turn’ Leadership structured afterschools homework support programme is funded in 4 programme 2011 Post Primary Schools and 1 Primary School. It offers the opportunity

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TTRS Youth and Education Touch, Type, Read and Spell, is a software programme, which helps children with dyslexia. It has multiple benefits in that it teaches and support to those students who need assistance to complete children to type, but inadvertently the children also learn to improve their homework. This year we are also supporting one community their spelling, reading and concentration skills. IRD Duhallow’s based Afterschools club organised by a Parents Council in Millstreet. Community Development Team, co-ordinate weekly TTRS classes, A specific time set aside just for homework helps set an example that which compliment the existing Literacy workshops. helps students better structure their own time. Laugh and Learn Summer Camp In the summer months IRD Duhallow facilitated a ‘Laugh and Learn’ summer camp, which provided extra literacy tuition for children, in advance of returning to school in September. This week long camp encompassed a mix of literacy and TTRS classes as well as sports, baking, art and drama. Huge emphasis was placed on the personal development and growing each child’s confidence. Parents Support Group IRD Duhallow co-ordinates a support group for parents of children with learning or behavioural difficulties. The group serves to act as a peer support for parents where they can unite to network and pool information and resources. The group regularly hosts guest speakers who discuss topical issues affecting people with learning and behavioural difficulties. There are also information seminars on understanding assessments, college supports and how and where to access resources. In November, an information evening was held featuring a lecture from the Dyspraxia Association and our in-house literacy support tutor Val Doughty. Following on from this, in May the group went on a day trip to C.I.T. where they viewed the supports and facilities available for students with difficulties. After a tour of the John Paul O’Shea, Chair of the Youth and Education Working Group, Val Doughty, campus, the group met with the Disability Support Office who Literacy Tutor, Louise Bourke IRD Duhallow and Michael Forrest, member of the explained the college application process through DARE for persons victorious Meelin Hurling Team, presenting end of term awards to the children partaking in Literacy Support Classes. with learning or behavioural difficulties. All these focus on what can be achieved by the child and all the supports available to help to Literacy Support prevent early school leaving. IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education Working Group identified that the most common reason for early school leaving was attributed to poor literacy skills, which were exasperated by a learning difficulty. To combat this, a literacy support class was set up to help children with learning difficulties to reach their full educational potential. Throughout the three school terms, IRD Duhallow delivers two literacy support classes to provide extra tuition for primary school children. The classes are given by Val Doughty, an expert in helping children with learning difficulties. They have proved to be extremely successful and have helped many children throughout Duhallow to overcome the huge challenges facing them by their difficulties. Tantamount to supporting the child with special needs is the Louise Bourke, IRD Duhallow with members of the newly formed Duhallow Boxing Club, receiving sponsored equipment from Cork Sports Partnership requirement to support the parents of these children. Each month we hold Literacy Advisory Clinics, that are open to parents of Duhallow Boxing Club children attending the class. This provides regular feedback to Boxing is regarded as being a sport which requires the utmost parents on how their child is progressing, and ensures that the dedication and skill. The Youth and Education Working Group child is getting the support they need and empowers parents to identified the need to set up a boxing club in Duhallow, which will help their child at home. promote the social inclusion of young adolescents, and engage them in a meaningful, disciplined sport. In February, a parents’ information Ancillary to helping children with academic work, the other aim of evening was held and from this, a voluntary committee was formed to these literacy classes is confidence building. Many children who help establish the boxing club. The group has secured LCDP funding struggle in school have low self-esteem and confidence. Through and grant aid from Cork Sports Partnership and the club will literacy support, children can grow and develop in a positive commence training in their newly acquired premises at O’Callaghan’s manner. The group held a show and tell night which incorporated Garage, Kanturk in early September 2011. receiving their awards, and every child was asked to display a . talent, or tell a story. It was a celebration of their achievements, Susan O'Keeffe focusing on their abilities rather than their difficulties. and Ciara O' Sullivan of Kanturk Katie Guerin who Basketball Club in is the literacy action. The club has classroom assistant, received funding helping a student from LCDP with TTRS (Touch, programme for Type, Read and Spell) equipment.

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Equality for Women & Childcare

The Women & Childcare Working Group continues to advocate for the positive development of women’s rights and opportunities especially those disempowered within rural areas. Women in Duhallow are still under represented on all decision making bodies but great potential exists through training, seminars and conferences to encourage and empower women in Duhallow to participate more. The National Women’s Council of Ireland developed a Charter for Women’s Equality which the Board of IRD Duhallow adopted. This Charter highlights that women still face widespread inequalities and (L-R) Dr. Muriel Soden from the Bons Mary Cronin of James Lucey & Sons with discrimination. IRD Duhallow will continue to express a strong, Secours in Tralee with Chairperson of Judy O’ Leary Chairperson Duhallow explicit focus on the needs of women in its strategies, policies, Duhallow Women’s Forum Judy O’ Leary, Women’s Forum and Mary McHugh IRD Dr Mary Joyce Leader of Boherbue, and Duhallow preparing for “Making Your programmes and services. Dr. Zeile Gaffney of Newmarket, at Will and Succession Planning”. “Women’s Health and Well Being”

Michael Twohig, IRD Duhallow’s Local and Community Development strategic plan Chairperson of IRD once again highlights low level of participation in the labour force, by Duhallow gave the women which may lead to social exclusion. To address this IRD opening address at the Duhallow has delivered a number of training and second chance mass concelebrated by education programmes through LCDP, LEADER and the Equality for 11 priests and led by Fr. Women Measure. Herlihy Parish Priest of Newmarket. IRD Duhallow was successful in its bid to secure Equality for Women funding through the Department of Justice and Equality and the Sisters of S. Joseph European Social Fund under the Human Capital Investment back from Australia Operational Programme 2007 – 2013. The Equality for Women and New Zealand joined by family and Measure is a positive action programme for women, which aims to friends in honour of the foster equality in accordance with the National Women’s Strategy canonisation of St. 2007 – 2016. Mary Mackillop.

Notable Women in Duhallow In November 2010, IRD Duhallow hosted a celebratory mass honouring the canonisation of Sr. Mary MacKillop of the Cross who was canonised in Rome in October and officially unveiled and blessed the Grotto of Saint Mary MacKillop in the grounds of the James O’ Keeffe Institute, Newmarket. The Sisters of St. Joseph have a rich history in the Duhallow area as the James O’ Keeffe Institute was their home from 1927-1973, serving as the only Juniorite Convent for that order outside Australia and through which over 700 young women entered the order. Yet another notable contribution from Mná Duhallow. Eleven priest concelebrated mass in the James O’ Keeffe Institute board room which once served as the Chapel in the former St. Joseph Convent. After the mass the crowd of over 200 people including many sisters from the region who returned from Participants of the FETAC “Reception and Communication Skills” course. Australia and New Zealand gathered outside for the official unveiling and blessing of the Saint Mary MacKillop Grotto, which was funded Through the Equality For through LEADER. Women Measure IRD Sisters of St. Duhallow selected “Access Joseph who to Employment” to be its previously focus with the aim of attended the “Providing women who are Juniorite Convent currently outside the labour in the James O’ market with the social skills, Keeffe institute at education, and training to the unveiling of and blessing of Group discussions regularly took place enable women to enter or the Saint Mary throughout the course return to the labour market”. Mackillop Grotto To implement the Duhallow Rural Action for Women Project, IRD Duhallow focused its efforts on a number of distinct phases in order to meet the diverse needs of participants in Duhallow. Information Seminars & Training Each year IRD Duhallow and the Duhallow Women’s Forum host Level One involved the delivery of a range of workshops to cater for information seminars which are of particular relevance to women but women who are outside of the labour market and who wanted to are open and accessible for everyone. In 2010, a seminar entitled decide the best course of progressive action in terms of accessing the “Women’s Health & Well Being” was delivered. job market. The workshops incorporated: Job Seeking Skills, Presentation Skills and Interview Preparation. The Forum organised an evening on “Making Your Will and Succession Planning” which highlighted the importance of making a will and Level Two of the project related to the delivery of four key training illustrated the requirements needed to ensure peace of mind. programmes with the intention of enabling women to upskill and

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Equality for Women & Childcare improve their access to further training, education and employment. the region. IRD Duhallow’s CE Scheme has four places which gives The first training course “Personal Effectiveness ” is a FETAC Accredited work experience and training for participants looking for course in Personal and Interpersonal Skills which delivers career employment in the sector. guidance to the participants through a structured mediation process. The Early Childcare and Education (ECCE) Scheme continues to be a The second training programme was “Reception and Communication success with a large percentage of eligible children now participating Skills ” and was also FETAC accredited. It was particularly relevant for in the free preschool year which was introduced nationally in January women interested in pursuing occupational roles in an office 2010, it is anticipated that the educational advantages that this environment or who wanted to return to the workforce by updating scheme is delivering will be of immense benefit for children as they their office procedure skills. enter formal primary school education and we welcome this ongoing The “Retail Sales and initiative as an effective way of ensuring inclusion of children who Selling” course was also might otherwise not be able to afford pre-school. FETAC Accredited and designed to provide the trainees with the skills, knowledge and attitude to enable them to carry out the sales function in a retail sales setting.

Judith Power practicing before her FETAC Retail The last training course Sales Exam. was “Worklife Balance in Employment”. The intention of this course is to support women in minimising the conflict between managing home and work commitments. It also included the Children at the Newmarket Afterschool facility get a real taster on how to “Grow organisation and advance your Own” at the Polytunnel on the grounds of the James O’ Keeffe Institute. preparation of family Newmarket After Schools meals, healthy eating for a Women who took part in the Worklife Balance In the absence of a community after schools facility, IRD Duhallow set Training course getting a taste on how to family and cooking on a up Newmarket After Schools in the James O’Keeffe Institute. The After prepare healthy meals and cook on a budget. budget. Schools service provides an essential service to parents in the region, Level Three of IRD Duhallow’s Equality for Women Measure collecting children from school through DART with passenger encompassed Structured Mentoring and Guidance and an assistants for safety. The After Schools provides an opportunity for exploration of options for individuals. This allowed the participants to children to complete their homework as well as receiving a nutritious draw support and professional advice and guidance from a meal. A wide variety of activities take place with the childcare team professional mentor. and the facility provides an essential service to parents as it allows them to remain at work or a training course, content in the Key innovative elements to Duhallow Rural Action for Women knowledge that their children are being cared for in a safe and include the provision of transport and childcare as required. It enjoyable environment. The After Schools continues to operate the allowed IRD Duhallow to deliver FETAC Accredited courses and Chidcare Subvention Scheme (CSS) which facilitates a tiered pricing provide mentoring, guidance and advice to individuals taking part system allowing parents regardless of their financial circumstances to regardless of their distance from the centre. The effectiveness of the avail of the service. Former Tánaiste Mary Coughlan visited the facility programme is considerable, particularly in view of the relatively short last year to officially raise the Green Flag that was awarded to the lifespan of delivery. The collaborative work involving a number of our After Schools making it the first facility of its kind to receive the Working Groups must be highlighted. In particular IRD Duhallow will award. The After Schools is currently working towards achieving its continue to support the participants. 2nd Green Flag from An Taisce with all children actively learning Sharon Baily (Left) and Teresa about Energy Conservation. Lawor (Right) getting their first taste of sewing at the Women’s Dressmaking Course organised by IRD Duhallow and the Women’s Forum with funding received through LCDP.

Childcare The development of local, affordable and accessible community childcare services has been integral to IRD Duhallow’s approach to the renewal of rural areas over the past ten years. The success of this strategy can be seen when young families are able to remain and live in Duhallow due to the provision of these local and affordable services. Duhallow has seven community childcare facilities and a number of Parent and Toddler Groups. Childcare facilities across Duhallow welcomed the announcement of a full cabinet ministerial Former Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan raises the Green Flag that post of Minister for Children and congratulate Deputy Frances was awarded by An Taisce to the Newmarket Afterschools Facility with Deputy Fitzgerald as the new minister leading the new Department for Michael Moynihan, Maura Walsh CEO, Michael Twohig Chairperson IRD Duhallow Children. Community Childcare facilities are valuable employers in with the staff and children of the Newmarket Afterschool Facility.

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SAOÍ - Network for Active Retired Groups

IRD Duhallow’s SAOI established in Boherbue which aims to provide a social and Network recreational outlet for all retired men and women in the area. We are Older people are a critical currently in the process of assisting Rathmore in setting up a group resource to their families, also. their communities and the economy with many remaining active after retirement, contributing to community life and social Members of Kiskeam Actively Retired group cohesion. Many older people enjoying their art work. are regular volunteers and are a valuable resource for a number of clubs and associations throughout Duhallow which would not otherwise exist. However, the Lisa Fingleton, Community Film Triona Murphy, IRD Duhallow with Grundtvig context of demographic ageing often gives rise to a negative Director at the screening of films partners from Sisä-Savon Kansalaisopisto, narrative about older people being a burden to society. These for Bealtaine Festival 2012. Finland, Harrow Adult Community and Memory through Media Family Learning Service, London and negative perceptions fail to acknowledge the enormous cultural, the Society of the Warsaw Frederic Chopin social and professional resource represented by older people. Their The SAOI Network is currently University of the Third Age, Poland. ongoing contribution to society often in an unpaid capacity, is too participating in a 2 year often overlooked and their potential for wider involvement and LEADER funded Memory through Media training project which aims to contribution is left untapped. IRD Duhallow’s SAOÍ Network explore the themes of memory and reminiscence through film and represents actively retired groups throughout the region and acts as online social media. In the first phase of the project the participants an advocate for the ‘Third Age’ in Duhallow. These local actively worked with community film director, Lisa Fingleton and learned how retired groups are run entirely on a voluntary basis providing to make a film from start to finish. To celebrate the 2011 Bealtaine educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly Festival, the SAOI Network presented some of the films they created environment. The ‘Third Age’ is a term, adopted from our partners in during the training themed on milking and titled ‘The Udder Way’, Poland which focuses on the opportunities open to older people later cutting turf and the traditional ‘box iron’. ‘Bealtaine’ is the Irish in life. SAOÍ promotes the participation of older people in local National Arts Festival celebrating creativity in older age. It takes place decision making processes as well as encouraging and supporting each May countrywide and is coordinated by Age & Opportunity - the them to avail of the various supports available. It helps to promote national organisation working to promote greater participation by and value the role and contribution of older people in Duhallow older people in society. through coordinating the efforts of locally established groups to develop regional responses to their various needs.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn! IRD Duhallow is focused on responding to the educational challenge of an ageing population in Duhallow and in providing the Third Age with pathways to new learning Triona Murphy, IRD Duhallow with Members of IRD Duhallow’s SAOI Network who are participating in the LEADER funded Memory through Media Training Project. Members of Freemount Thursday Club getting opportunities. Life Long their creative juices flowing! Learning changes the lives Care and Repair Duhallow Through our ongoing interaction with older people through of many older people enabling them to gain new insights and Duhallow Community Food Services, Duhallow Area Rural Transport experiences and by improving self confidence and motivation to and particularly the Warmer Homes Scheme, we identified a need to learn. IRD Duhallow’s SAOI Network were approved LEADER funding carry out small “handyman” odd jobs for the elderly. We established to organise training workshops for a number of actively retired Duhallow Care and Repair in conjunction with Age Action Ireland. groups throughout Duhallow on a variety of different themes The aim is to carry out necessary small repairs and improvements to including Art, Physical Activity, Personal Development etc. These the homes of older people, enabling them to live independently in workshops aim to attract more new members and in particular men the community in increased comfort and safety. The work is identified who are currently under-represented within these groups. With the through our WHS installers and through the DCFS Delivery Staff. support of IRD Duhallow a new actively retired group has been We also advertise the service in IRD Duhallow’s monthly newsletter. The service is free of charge and the older person only has to pay for the cost of the required materials. We have nine volunteers trained who have carried out 12 7 jobs. Smoke and Socially Monitored Alarms The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant support for equipment to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. In 2010, IRD Duhallow received funding through this scheme and we installed socially Theo Moynihan who monitored alarms, smoke alarms, window volunteers for our Care locks, door chains and security lighting for a and Repair Programme repairing the radiator number of vulnerable older people, at the home of Bridie unfortunately we have not secured funding Ben O’Sullivan, Freemount and Paddy Buckley, Banteer filming ‘A Day in the Bog’. Moynihan. for this year.

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Transnational

Networking at regional, The first partner meeting national and European was held in Duhallow in level, inter-territorial and November 2010, with 28 transnational co-operation people from Finland, combine to form one of Warsaw and Harrow seven specific features of attending. The visiting LEADER promoted by the partners participated in European Commission. a Reminiscence Networking forges links Workshop where a between people, projects Eileen Linehan at the Day of the Regions event in collection of traditional and rural areas allowing Germany with representative from the Scottish artefacts were displayed Bigger and better next year please! Former Dumphries and Galloway LAG. Minister Pat Carey launching the LEADER South LEADER groups to and used as memory Region Best Practice Guide in the LEADER disseminate innovative triggers. Over 80 older people representing 12 actively retired groups Village at the Ploughing Championships. experiences and learn from all over Duhallow attended the workshop also. In May, 14 from each other. IRD learners from IRD Duhallow’s SAOI Network visited the University of Duhallow is an active member of ILDN, the National network for local the Third Age in Warsaw. Through this sharing at European level, the development at regional and national level. We are regular attendees partner organisations have found new ways to address the challenges at the South West Regional meetings as well as the quarterly National they face, inspiring and developing new approaches to providing Council Meetings. Our Manager chairs the Operating Rules Working quality adult education for older learners. Group, while our Chairman is represented at the Chairs Forum and Members of IRD the Post 2014 Working Duhallow’s SAOI Group. IRD Duhallow Network who represents ILDN at ELARD- travelled to European Association for Warsaw‘s University of the Rural Development and we Third Age as part represented ELARD at the of the Memory Economic and Social Matters Grundvig Committee of the European Project Union this year. Maura Walsh with Czech MEP Jan Blezina at a Day of the Regions LEADER seminar in the Czech Republic IRD Duhallow has ‘The Day of the Regions’ is a successfully co-operated co-operation project led by with neighbouring LEADER groups in Counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick our partners in Scotland, and Clare on a number of joint projects and with Dumfries and Dumfries and Galloway, which Galloway in Scotland, and groups in Finland, Poland, the Czech celebrates peripheral rural Republic as well as east London. Our co-operation and transnational regions and what we projects allow us to achieve economies of scale as well as to develop Members of Ceoilteoiri Sliabh Luachra dance contribute not only to the links with rural areas, often facing the same challenges as Duhallow. to huge applause at the Secret Music economic and social but Unfortunately we had only 1% of our LEADER budget in this measure Festival, Oland, Sweden. moreover to the cultural and which is totally committed since early 2011. We are awaiting a environmental richness of Europe. Duhallow will attend this year’s decision from our Department to increase this to the EC event in Scotland and will host the event in 2012. recommendation of 3% by transfers from our other measures, until Secret Music Festival this happens no other co-operation or inter-territorial projects can go 22 young people from the Sliabh Luachra Summer School who ahead. We are indebted to Grundtvig for facilitating two terrific participated in the LEADER funded Master Classes in Irish music, song projects that would otherwise have been turned away. and dance in Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel travelled to the island of Ann O Sullivan (centre) Öland which is located off the coast of Sweden to participate in a CEO of Cork City Secret Music Festival. The young people (aged between 14 and 20 Partnership receives a years) performed some of the old Irish traditional music, song and bouquet of flowers from dance including sean nós in four different locations to large her colleagues to mark audiences each night. This LEADER funded transnational project her retirement. Pat provided an international platform for the Sliabh Luachra local Mitchell and Eamonn Reilly NEKD, Deirdre Fox heritage and culture promoting Duhallow as a culturally distinct ILDN, Maura Walsh IRD region. Duhallow and Toni McCaul SECAD. Memory Matters Grundtvig Partnership Project Part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme, Grundtvig focuses on education for adults and it is administered in Ireland by Leargas. Following on from a Grundtvig contact seminar in Tallinn, Estonia in November, IRD Duhallow, Sisä-Savon Kansalaisopisto, Finland, Harrow Adult Community Learning Service, London and the Society of the Warsaw Frederic Chopin University of the Third Age, Poland joined together to develop a two year partnership project entitled “Memory Matters”. The overall objective is Attending the European Economic Social Committee conference “LEADER as a tool to target older isolated people through the technique of for local development” in Brussels from back left Brian Carty, ILDN, Roman Haken, reminiscence and heritage activity. The co-operation projects also EESC, Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow, Doirin Graham, Clare, Ryan Howard, SECAD, places an emphasis on strengthening education and learning Jack Roche IRD Duhallow. Front row L-R Michael Ludlow, Meath, Mario Campli, practices within each organisation whilst enabling and supporting EESC, Hans-Joachim Wilms, EESC, Pedro Brosei, DG Agri, Urszula Bundzich-Szukala, the partner groups in exchanging best practices and know how. PREPARE Network

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environment project, and the expertise of the farmers has proved Rural Social Scheme invaluable in the completion of works along the river Allow. The participants are constantly upgrading their skills and all Background participants have completed Manual Handling training and where Now in its 8th year in necessary they have completed Safe Pass training and training at Duhallow, the Rural heights. All participants undergo Garda Vetting which is necessary to Social Scheme has comply with Garda regulations and which reassures communities grown in strength and that all vulnerable people such as the elderly or young people are not reputation since its at risk. introduction in 2004. The aim of the scheme With the severe weather we is to keep low income experienced again last winter, our smallholders farming RSS Supervisors : Tim Ring and Sheila O’ Keeffe Rural Social Scheme with DCFS by providing them with off farm employment in the community. The were on hand to ensure that the participants on our scheme have contributed significantly to the elderly and isolated people did not development of their own areas as well as the wider Duhallow go without meals and other region. Since its inception, the monetary value of the scheme to necessities. People living in rural Duhallow is over eight million. Not withstanding the importance of areas, often without contact from additional income to low income farmers, the social interaction other people, felt less isolated and Angela Linehan provides administrative afforded to many of our participants is of vital importance and the were confident that the back up for the RSS at IRD Duhallow scheme is key to ensuring positive mental health for rurally isolated participants would be able to ensuring all community projects are smallholders. overcome treacherous conditions scheduled appropriately. to ensure that they did not have to go without nourishing meals during the cold spell. We also provided a social link for isolated people who might need medical assistance or just a friendly face and contact with the outside world. Participants were in a position to inform neighbours or relatives if elderly people were in need of assistance.

Paddy Fleming tending to his sow and new litter of Bonamh’s at his farm and at the Glouneen river walk in Kiskeam as part of his RSS duties. Benefits of the scheme Duhallow’s Rural Social Scheme has 58 participants from across the Tom Healy RSS Participant, servicing one Stephen McAuliffe and Niall Fleming RSS region who work 19.5 hours per week across a variety of different of the Warmer Homes vehicles used by Participants making desks and office RSS participants in insulating homes for furniture in preparation for the community projects. Each brings their own expertise to the scheme those with free fuel allowance. commencement of the TÚS Programme and the wide range of skills available has helped to grow the scheme to a flexible, demand responsive community friendly scheme. The Walks Scheme participants have contributed enormously to restoring pride to In 2010 IRD Duhallow was awarded the National Walks Scheme for the villages and small towns in the area by their work in maintaining and Duhallow Way. Each landowner along the way can participate by upgrading local facilities such as community halls and small rural maintaining their particular stretch of ground along the trail and in schools, and even helping to keep our villages clean and tidy. The return they receive payment for carrying out the maintenance and Green Man street sweeper, which was co-funded by Cork County up-grading work. To date 22 landowners have received over €12,500. Council, is operated by a group of our participants on a weekly basis Where part of the walk is in state ownership or public ground the in the communities that have availed of the service. It plays a Rural Social Scheme complete the maintenance works. continuous role in keeping the streets of these villages clean which RSS participants also maintain looped walks throughout the aids the Communities tidy town efforts. Duhallow region including the Source of the Blackwater in The ever increasing demand from Ballydesmond, Mullaghareirk near Meelin, Mt. Hillary in Banteer and communities for RSS participants is the Island wood in Newmarket. a testament to the positive role they have played in community development. The communities contribute annually to the cost of materials and their willingness to do so demonstrate the quality work Don Horgan RSS participant at work at Tullylease National School. being delivered. Many RSS participants continue to maintain local sporting and community facilities and support community enterprises including crèches. Duhallow Community Food Services and the Warmer Homes Minister Michael Ring Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport opens the Scheme. There is a team refurbished community museum in Millstreet with Deputy Aine Collins TD, Sean Radley Museum Director, Michael Doyle Board of IRD Duhallow, Triona Murphy Sheila Looney and Michael Roche part of the RSS of 20 participants painting team giving Rochchapel Community Community Development Team Leader, Mary Kelleher RSS Participant who is based Centre a protective coat before the winter. working on the LIFE+ in the Museum and Tim Ring Senior RSS Supervisor.

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Warmer Homes Initiative

COLM CROWLEY, Certificate in Business Studies (Marketing) Colm joined IRD Duhallow in July 2007 as the Warmer Homes Coordinator and is responsible for the day to day running of the scheme. He is a registered BER Assessor with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is currently undertaking a 2 year Diploma in Rural Development through distance learning with UCC. Warmer Homes Coordinator Colm Colm Crowley goes over the paperwork Crowley with administrative staff with student Padraig Moynihan from the The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency Denise McGeough and RSS participant University of Limerick who was on work and comfort of homes occupied by low income householders in Nuala Riordan placement in IRD Duhallow. receipt of Free Fuel Allowance. Since the scheme was first rolled out in 2006 in Duhallow, 1400 North Cork homes have had their attics staff, with our current CSP contract approved until December 2013. An insulated and 580 homes have received cavity wall insulation. increase in our targets meant that we had to employ 2 new installers Householders who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their in 2010, adding to the 6 already funded through SEAI. We now home warm and comfortable and to pay their fuel and electricity bills employ 20 people including 8 RSS participants. With the fallout from can benefit from the assistance available through the Warmer Homes the downturn particularly in the construction sector, the jobs available in the warmer homes scheme have afforded the opportunity to skilled construction workers to gain employment locally.

Quality Control Our three cavity wall teams are certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to install Thermosnug cavity wall insulation. A NSAI Before and After Attic Insulation inspector calls on a yearly basis to assess our insulation Scheme which is part funded by the Department of systems prior to approving Communications, Energy and Natural Resources through the certification. All of our Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme is installers have completed available free of charge to eligible householders that are in receipt of FETAC Thermal Installer Free Fuel Allowance. Insulation, working at heights, Successful applicants Michael Corcoran surveys a dwelling in manual handling training and under this scheme avail advance of our Warmer Homes team hold a current Safe Pass. of energy saving insulating the house. measures, which include Houses insulated receive random quality control inspections from attic insulation, cavity Carillion, who are the managing agents of the Warmer Homes wall insulation, draught Scheme. Nationally, IRD Duhallow has an excellent record for quality proofing of external of work done. During these inspections, a member of the team visits doors and windows, cold each house. These inspections ensure our work is carried out to the water tank and pipe highest standards and facilitate ongoing monitoring and insulation, low energy improvements to our service. light bulbs and hot water Warmer home installer Billy Brown goes over tank jackets, all free of State Agency Support the details with Jerry O' Leary who got his house insulated after his heart transplant. charge and installed by IRD Duhallow has been fortunate with the ongoing support it has IRD Duhallows Warmer received from Anne Allen and the ESB Networks, who have to date Homes Scheme. Our trained surveyors provide householders with supplied 4500 low energy light bulbs and 580 hot water tank jackets advice on energy conservation during their visit to the home. and donated two of their retired vehicles. 2010 saw an increase in funding for the scheme, with SEAI increasing our targets to 900 attic and cavity wall measures. As a result we purchased 2 more cavity wall vans and compressors. We now have 3 attic and 3 cavity wall teams insulating houses.

Local Employment The Duhallow Warmer Homes initiative was piloted with Rural Social Scheme (RSS) participants in 2006, while in 2007 the Community Services Programme (CSP) made funding available for a Installers Theo Moynihan and Francis Lee loading Patsy and Caitlin Higgins enjoying the benefits after having their home insulated co-ordinator and four bead to the cavity homes van. “We are delighted that the damp is now gone from the walls and the house is so warm”.

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FÁS Community Employment Scheme

Paddy O’Connor Participant Supervisor Development through Paddy has been the IRD Duhallow CE Training supervisor for over 10 years. As part of the Training is an integral Community Development Team, he has part of the CE Scheme responsibility for the eighteen participants on and each participant is the scheme as well as for liaising with the encouraged and assisted communities where the work is carried out. by the supervisor His role as the supervisor allows him to throughout the identify the needs of participants in the first instance in terms of programme to improve training and further development and also the needs of the their personal and job community. He works closely with the Employment and Training related skills to better Officer in maximising progression for participants using the Job John Gayfer trims the hedges at Banteer assist them in the quest centre. Community Sportsfield and ensures the walk for future employment around the pondfield is maintained. Aim of CE once they have Scheme completed the scheme. This is done through a number of FETAC Community and FAS certified courses organised during the year. Employment The most recent training courses the participants have completed aims to provide were Child development and early childhood programmes, CSCS Sign participants with Lighting and guarding at road works, Start your own business course, an opportunity Occupational First Aid, Lámh course, Millinery Course, Personal to avail of quality Development Exit plan and Health & Safety at road works. training and development The Personal that will enhance Development Exit plan their job course was very prospects on beneficial to the leaving the participants who Billy Dennehy, temporary CE Supervisor and Alfie Cooney scheme. It completed it as they of Cooney Park Soccer Pitch, discuss the work plan at benefits people gained better self Rathcoole Soccer Ground. Jim McPartland has been who have been confidence, assertiveness, assigned to this facility which is new to IRD Duhallow’s CE Scheme. unemployed by interview skills, CV helping them Preparation and tips on gain the experience of working and re-training to get back to full how best to seek time employment. It offers valuable assistance to people with a employment. disability or recovering from illness as it gives a sense of well being Tutor Dan Hickey demonstrates the correct and gradually supports them back to mainstream employment. method of lifting at the manual handling course the participants took part in. It is also a great resource to Community Groups who have the benefit of accessing Community Employment participants who support Integration with other Programmes them to maintain community facilities and assist in the upkeep of the IRD Duhallow provided LEADER funding to Dromtarriffe Hall buildings, Parks, Village Greens and GAA pitches Committee for sizeable refurbishment works to the community hall last year. Two of our CE participants are based there, and they were IRD Duhallow’s CE instrumental in facilitating the work and continue to provide Scheme maintenance and caretaking in the centre. The undertaking of this Our current scheme project was no small feat for the community, and the result is an employs eighteen increased sense of community pride and appreciation for the assets participants who of the community. The work across the works have instilled a sense communities of of pride in work for our Boherbue, Ballydaly, participants and is an Kilcorney, Banteer, excellent example of how Lyre, Dromtarriffe the FÁS CE scheme as an and Rathcoole. The integral part of the work of participants work a Local Action Group can closely with the maximise the benefits to Bernie O’ Driscoll and Donal O’ Sullivan ensure the community groups in both the participant and upkeep of Kilcorney Community Gym as part of their maintaining the the community. duties on the IRD Duhallow CE Scheme. villages, GAA and soccer pitches carrying out duties that included grass cutting, painting, cleaning and weeding. They are also employed as Before: Dromtariffe Hall prior to caretakers in Dromtarriffe Hall, Banteer Community Centre, Kilcorney a major refurbishment which and Banteer gyms. Currently we have four participants providing was undertaken by the hall committee and funded through valuable assistance to Boherbue and Banteer Crèches where they LEADER. help out with childcare, cooking and maintenance of the buildings. The inclusion of the community crèches as part of our scheme was After: FAS participants did extensive work to ensure all the welcomed as it provides the opportunity for participants to gain work was completed for the re- experience in an area where job opportunities exist in the Duhallow opening of the hall as part of its region as we now boast 7 community childcare facilities. 25th anniversary.

page 38 2010 /11 IRD DUHALLOW PROGRESS REPORT

Rural Transport Programme

Yvonne Brosnan B.A. Information Systems Charlie and Eileen Management, Dip. International Business, Cavanagh from Cert. E-Commerce, Cert. Supervisory Banteer along with Management, F.Diploma in Education Mrs Mary Herlihy & Mrs Mary Cronin and Training from Boherbue use With eight years service, Yvonne is responsible our weekly service to the city. for the day-to-day running of the Duhallow Area Rural Transport (DART) and supervising of Passenger Assistants and Administration Services Staff. She generates reports for Pobal under the Rural Transport and When DART was first introduced Community Services Programme and liaises with community groups it was seen as a service for older to meet transport needs. people. As the service and peoples confidence in its The Rural Transport reliability has grown, user levels Programme in Duhallow, have increased dramatically. known locally as DART has Duhallow now runs 56 specific continued to build on its routes, transported 58,000 Despite the severe weather conditions success and increase its passengers in 2010, a massive facing him last winter DART driver Gerard passenger numbers again Stack was able to complete the service increase on the 3000 passengers this year to over 58,000 from Rockchapel to Newmarket safely. carried by DART in its first year of passengers. DART operation in 2003. Our daily service to Mallow College and two subcontracts out services services accessing Cork and Limerick Colleges at the weekends have to nineteen local hackney increased the amount of young people benefiting from DART. DART Team; Eilish Breen briefs the team and bus operators in the members Theresa Collins, Vincent McDonnell Thirteen weekly evening services provide much needed access to area with over €1.7 million and Noreen Courtney on the DART Procedures. local social events such as bingo and other events on in Banteer, paid to operators since the Kanturk and Kilbrin. With the cancellation of a service to Cork City in introduction of the programme in 2003. The Community Services the Summer of 2010, DART Programme funds for a Co-ordinator and four Administration Staff piloted a weekly service and Passenger Assistants. The provision of passenger assistants on from Rockchapel to Cork DART routes ensures passenger safety is taken care of with older which stops in ten villages people, people with disabilities and children receiving help on and on the route and carries off the bus and help with shopping bags etc. over twenty passengers a Rural Transport Network (RTN) week to access services in The Rural Transport Network is the City. the representative body for local Complimentarity with Children from Newmarket and Lismire National transport groups and is chaired other IRD Duhallow School boarding transported daily to the by IRD Duhallow Board Member Programmes Afterschools service in IRD Duhallow. Jack Roche. In 2010 Former In 2011 DART provided a Deputy Mary O’Rourke launched weekly door to door service the Networks Strategy for IRD Duhallow’s Towards Document on the Future of the Occupation Programme Rural Transport Programme and Equality for Women which sets out a clear vision for Measure. DART’ continues the future of rural transport by to service the Newmarket presenting a number of ways in After Schools with routes Minster of State at the Department of which the programme can from both Lismire and School Children from Liscarroll National School Transport, Alan Kelly with Jack Roche deliver an integrated transport Newmarket Schools daily boarding the DART bus after swimming lessons IRD Duhallow at the Rural Transport system in rural areas. Pilot models during the schools terms. in Mallow. Network National Conference held in of integration rolled out to date Local schools and youth clubs Athlone in April. have already made substantial continue to benefit from DART savings to the Exchequer through more efficient use of vehicles and providing subsidised transport for service routes particularly in the area of health clinics and hospital various educational and social outings. appointments. DART provided transport to the Duhallow Carer’s Group for their Annual Outing to West Cork this year. DART also complimented LEADER funded initiatives by providing transport for participants on the Young Entrepreneur Programme, the Your Turn Leadership Training Programme and The Secret Music Festival. The integrated delivery of DART, Local Community Development Programme, Equality for Women and Ciss Guiney Rockchapel who is Yvonne Brosnan DART co-ordinator LEADER means that rural isolation is collected by the DART every Friday congratulating Jerh Scannell Kiskeam, being tackled in a real way and no one Passenger Assistant Kay with the assistance of Passenger celebrating his 90th Birthday on the needs to feel excluded from training O’Sullivan aiding customers on our Millstreet service every Assistant Marie Shire before heading Tuesday DART service to Kanturk. because of geographic location. to Kanturk. Thursday.

page 39 2010 /11 IRD DUHALLOW PROGRESS REPORT

Duhallow Community Food Services

Orlaith has worked at Duhallow Community DCFS operates three Food Services since January 2008. She kitchens, one dedicated to graduated from GMIT in 1994 with a Degree the production of the meals in Hotel & Catering Management. Coming supervised by Louise from the private sector she has brought McBride. Rose Drew with her a wide range of experience in both supervises the Bakery where the food and hospitality industries having her team provides fresh, worked in a number of four and five star scones, bread, tarts, cream hotels. Orlaith completed a Management of buns and cakes to local shops and the Farmers Food Hygiene Course and is a registered We provide healthy lunches to Boherbue Market in Kanturk. The Orlaith Tomkins trainer with the HSE . Comprehensive School on a daily basis. catering in Boherbue DCFS Ltd is managed by its Board of 15 Voluntary Directors and as a Comprehensive School is the responsibility of Mary O Connell and her community enterprise, has 15 staff employed through the team. Each morning freshly baked goods & healthy snacks are taken Community Service Programme and 9 from the Rural Social Scheme. to the school for sale at the morning and lunch break. DCFS does not It is an excellent example of how different schemes can deliver use additives or preservatives of any type in the production of food optimum services to the community through a model of co- which is in line with the healthy eating policy in the school. operation. The service is fortunate to have two volunteers who give The co-ordination of the so generously of their time to assist with deliveries. transportation of the goods for delivery is DCFS provides a valuable service to supervised daily by Neily improve the quality of life of some of O’Flynn. The weather this the more vulnerable people in winter once again Duhallow. It provides a subsidised proved challenging in meal service to older people and to reaching people living those who are not in a position to on higher ground but cook for themselves. Last year over the team rose to the 22,200 meals were delivered in the challenge and no Duhallow area an increase of two customer was left hundred on the year before. The Minister Phil Hogan receives a Duhallow Fine Food without a meal during service is available at the request of Hamper produced by DCFS from Chairman of IRD the snow. As part of the Liz Walsh works part time in the the customer either on a long term meals kitchen. Duhallow, Michael Twohig and Maura Walsh on daily routine staff of basis or occasionally. The facility his recent visit to the region. DCFS check on the operates Monday to Friday with many customers taking three meals wellbeing of the customers reporting any concerns back where we on a Friday to reheat over the weekend. The cook chill technology in make a follow-up call to the family to check all is in order. We often operation at the centre, allows for greater flexibility for the provision refer people to IRD Duhallow’s Warmer Homes Scheme, DART, Care of chilled meals to be reheated safely at a later date by the customer and Repair and other LCDP services. in the comfort of their own home. Meals are also delivered to a number of Community Centres throughout the area on a weekly basis where older people gather to avail of the service in the company of friends and neighbours. The DCFS compliments these social groups and ensures that an older person receives a hot nutritious meal and social interaction in the one location. Food Safety is paramount in our service and all vehicles are equipped with both hot & cold storage units to ensure that meals are delivered to the door at the correct temperature. Each individual’s dietary requirements are catered for e.g. gluten free, diabetic, low salt, dairy free as meeting the requirements of our customers are also key in In 2010 DCFS catered for an increased number of formal dinner events. ensuring we provide a locally relevant service. DCFS regularly operates outside of normal opening times and during the weekend to cater for all types of events. Their Catering Service has expanded significantly over the past year. Events ranged from a retirement party for 600, Birthday parties for 100, formal dinners, buffets for Communions, Confirmations, Stations, birthday parties and funerals. We have developed a brochure in order to market the service locally through assistance from the Local Community and John O'Connell RSS Participant delivers Liam Murphy delivers a hot meal to Development Programme. As DCFS is reliant meals to the home of Sean Dunne. Jerry Withers. on the public supporting local business, they The primary aim of the company is to provide a hot meal served to strive to support local suppliers, spending in excess of €150,000 in materials in the local our elderly at a reduced cost, which is made possible through The new catering funding from the state for staffing and a grant from the HSE. area this year. brochure for DCFS was However, there is still a significant gap between income and the cost Without the support of the local community developed through of production, and so the company must engage in commercial this community service would not be in a funding from the activity in order to bridge the gap and ensure the vital community Local and Community position to continue the rural meals service to Development service to the elderly continues. the most vulnerable of our region. Programme.

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Communities in Duhallow Community Groups in Duhallow

South Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Aubane John Kelleher & Gerald McSweeney Banteer Denis Withers & John Kirwan Bweeng Jeanette O’Connell & Sean Kelly Derrinagree Tom Meaney & Charlie Drake Donoughmore & Stuake Patrick Buckley & Michael Forde Kilcorney Donie Howard & Mary Kelleher Laharn Eileen Forde & Sheila Crowley Lyre Billy Murphy & Donal Murphy Nadd Clodagh McSweeney & Paudie O’Shea Millstreet Eily Buckley & Sean Radley Rathcoole Eamonn Hurley & Liz Burns Firmount Margaret O’Donovan & Peter Cafferkey New Tipperary Mamie O’Shea & Tony Horgan

Western Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Ballydaly Richie O’ Connor & Tim Murphy Ballydesmond Siobhan Moynihan & Billy Lane Boherbue Margaret Murphy & Marie Casey Cullen Tom Riordan & Hannah Kelleher Gneeveguilla Cormac Collins & Caroline O’Sullivan Kiskeam Paddy Joe O’Leary & Batt Casey Duhallow - Knockaclarig June Walsh & Ide Fitzgerald The Land & People Knocknagree Geraldine O’Connor & Claire Fleming The IRD Duhallow region includes Meelin Patrick Buckley & Denis McAuliffe North West Cork and South East Kerry. Rathmore Donal McCarthy & Marie O’ Leary It is approximately 1,800 sq.km and has Rockchapel Mike Allen & Breda O Callaghan a population density of 16 per sq.km. It is Taur Batt O’Callaghan & Jeremiah Murphy a largely Rural area. Over 85% of the Knocknaboul Maureen Fleming & Tim Fitzgerald population live in the open countryside or Toureencahill Cynthia Daly & Lil Fleming in settlements of less than 200 people. Ballinahulla Liam Doody & Betty Collins The Duhallow region has four market towns: Shrone Conon Creedon & Colette Carmody Kanturk (Pop 1915), Millstreet (Pop 1401), Foilogohig Annette O’Rielly & Geraldine Cremin. Newmarket (Pop 949) and Rathmore (Pop 611) and 36 villages. North Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Castlemagner James Twohig & Andy Burke Cecilstown Mary Cooney & William Morrissey I.R.D. Duhallow Dromtariffe Gerald Murphy & John Linehan James O’Keeffe Institute, Freemount Caroline O’Carroll & Pat Keane Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. Kanturk John Fuller & Tommy Mullane Tel: 00-353-29-60633 Kilbrin Patrick Drumm & Sinead Lynch

# # # Lismire Colmon Jones & Sheila Kearney Fax: 00-353-29-60694 # # # # # # ## # Newmarket Eilish Hourigan & Sean Browne Email: [email protected] The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Web Site: irdduhallow.com Europe investing in Rural Areas Tullylease Angela Hannigan & Mary O’Connell REPORT 2010/ 11

I.R.D. Duhallow James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland. Tel: 00-353-29-60633 I.R.D. Duhallow Fax: 00-353-29-60694 Email:[email protected] Progress Report

The Spirit Of Rural Ireland