Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures DIOCESAN

Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures

DIOCESAN BOUNDARIES OPENING THE DISCUSSION

Presented to General Synod 2015

This leaflet focusses on one aspect of the Commission’s remit. For a full review of work on episcopal ministry and structures, please refer to the Book of Reports.

Introduction

The Commission on Episcopal Ministry Introduction and Structures was established in 2012 by a Statute of the General Synod (Chapter II of 2012). Its remit is to prepare proposals for the General Synod on The Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures was established in 2012 by a Statute of the appropriate future arrangements for episcopal ministry ures and struct for the Church of Ireland. General Synod (Chapter II of 2012). Its remit is to prepare proposals for the General Synod on Amongst the many issues to be considered are diocesan structures and geographical boundaries. appropriate future arrangements for episcopal ministry ures and struct for the Church of Ireland. With Amongst this leaf the let many alongside issues to its be considered formal report, are diocesan the Commission structures invites and geographical members boundaries. of the General Synod to reflect on these issues and join a discussion on possible changes in diocesan boundaries. We will With this leaflet alongside its formal report, the Commission invites members of the General Synod listen carefully to what is said as we move to our next step, which is consultation with diocesan to reflect on these issues and join a discussion on possible changes in diocesan boundaries. We will councils later this year. The Commission will learn from the ideas and concerns shared and then listen carefully to what is said as we move to our next step, which is consultation with diocesan bring proposals to the General Synod in 2016. councils later this year. The Commission will learn from the ideas and concerns shared and then Some bring proposals previous to attempts the General to amalgamate Synod in 2016. dioceses or change boundaries have been rejected by diocesan synods or the General Synod. Some proposals have been implemented but at too great a Some previous attempts to amalgamate dioceses or change boundaries have been rejected by cost in distress, energy and time. There is no doubt that this aspect of the Commission’s work asks diocesan synods or the General Synod. Some proposals have been implemented but at too great a hard questions of all of us. Even though the task is difficult, however, the Commission is convinced cost in distress, energy and time. There is no doubt that this aspect of the Commission’s work asks that unless we face up to these issues, the objectives of the General Synod in 2012 cannot be hard questions of all of us. Even though the task is difficult, however, the Commission is convinced achieved: to provide episcopal ministry and structures fit for mission in the 21st century. that unless we face up to these issues, the objectives of the General Synod in 2012 cannot be achieved: The Commission to provide believes episcopal that ministry any changes and structures proposed fit should for mission in the 21st century. be visionary and principled, based on sound evidence. For that reason, we have prepared a set of Principles and general guidelines to The Commission believes that any changes proposed should be visionary and principled, based underpin recommendations, and we have collected statistical information from the church census of on sound evidence. For that reason, we have prepared a set of Principles and general guidelines to 2013 and the two state censuses of 2011. (In the latter case this involved some calculation as the underpin recommendations, and we have collected statistical information from the church census of state censuses are obviously not conducted with Church of Ireland boundaries in mind.) 2013 and the two state censuses of 2011. (In the latter case this involved some calculation as the The state Commission censuses present are s obviously here an not analysis conducted of the with current Church of arrangements Ireland boundaries in mind.) and some examples of how the structure could be adjusted. We emphasise that these are only examples. They are not The Commission presents here an analysis of the current arrangements and some examples of how alternatives from which either the Commission or the General . Synod must choose The discussion the structure could be adjusted. We emphasise that these are only examples. They are not at General Synod will help the Commission when it is consulting further with dioceses and then alternatives from which either the Commission or the General . Synod must choose The discussion framing proposals the for Synod to consider next . year at General Synod will help the Commission when it is consulting further with dioceses and then framing proposals the for Synod to consider next . year

Mrs Ethne Harkness Chairman, Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures Mrs Ethne Harkness

Chairman, Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures

Acknowledgement

Acknowledgement We wish to acknowledge with thanks the kindness of the National Roads Authority in the Republic of Ireland for permitting us to use their aflet. maps for this le The Commission felt it was important when We wish to acknowledge with thanks the kindness of the National Roads Authority in the Republic of considering diocesan boundaries and the examples listed, to take into account the existing transport Ireland for permitting us to use their aflet. maps for this le The Commission felt it was important when infrastructure (particularly in the West of Ireland) and the NRA maps helped us to do that. considering diocesan boundaries and the examples listed, to take into account the existing transport infrastructure (particularly in the West of Ireland) and the NRA maps helped us to do that.

Vision, Principles and Working Guidelines

The Vision of the Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures is “to provide an episcopacy that will allow the Church of Ireland to fulfil its mission in the 21st century:-‐

• by enabling bishops to lead the Church – clergy nd a laity – in living the Christian life, furthering the mission of the Church and building the Kingdom of God; • by learning from our history, the experience of other Churches and the expertise of leaders and directors in other roles and adapting ns those lesso to benefit episcopal ministry; • by providing episcopal structures that are authoritative, accountable, supportive and encouraging, and flexible enough to meet present needs and provide for evolution in our understanding of ministry and mission; and • by valuing the richness of our inheritance as a national and Anglican church and at the same time recognizing current realities in our ecumenical, political, cultural, social and economic life.”

The following Principles have been developed to govern recommendations in relation to Dioceses.

“Arrangements in relation to diocesan structures and geographical boundaries -‐ should:

• provide flexibility for future shapes of mission and ministry; • recognize that different structures may be appropriate es; for different plac • acknowledge that a range of gifts, skills, expertise and experience and significant commitment of time and energy are required to support the worshipping and functioning life of a diocese; • aim towards providing appropriate representation se for each dioce in decision-‐making by central church bodies; • give due regard to historic diocesan identities and their ecumenical significance; • reflect established, cohesive communities and current centres of worship, mission and population; • address the implications of a multiplicity of cathedrals; • present an overall sustainable financial model, taking account of reasonable calls on parishioners, diocese and central church funds; • offer the incumbent bishop a sustainable context for his or her episcopal ministry; and • examine and offer ways of resolving the consequences of ” any proposals for change.

The Commission has adopted Working Guidelines in relation to appropriate numbers of population, worshippers and cures to enhance diocesan capacity and meet CEMS Principles. Following those guidelines, the examples used in this booklet have the following features:-‐

• a diocese should have as a minimum 15,000 Church of Ireland members in its area; • with an average attendance rate of 15.5% of membership, that means 325 2, (rounded to 2,500) worshippers in the diocese on a typical Sunday; • the minimum number of cures in a diocese should be 30; • that generally means at least 80 worshippers in each cure on a typical Sunday.

Historic Church of Ireland Dioceses

1. The raditional t diocesan boundaries of the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church are possibly the most enduring geographical entities in Ireland, dating from the Synod of Ráthbreasail in 1111. At that time the Irish Church adopted a diocesan instead f o a monastic structure and the units were based on factors such as the petty kingdoms of the day, location of monastic centres, and physical convenience. There was some restructuring by later reforming Irish Synods, notably the Synod of Kells in 1152, but we still recognize today what are essentially the boundaries defined in 1111. People identify with the historic boundaries; they remind us of our shared Christian heritage, support ecumenical relationships and give us a sense of continuity and belonging. The Commission view is that they should continue to form the basis of any restructuring.

2. In the years following R the eformation, changes were made to the diocesan structure by the Irish and UK Parliaments. The most significant alterations were made by the Church Temporalities Act of 1833 which reduced the number of Church of Ireland bishoprics from 22 to 12 and the number of Archbishops from 4 to 2. While this is the same number of bishoprics and Archbishoprics as today, the oceses di established in 1833 have not remained unchanged.

3. Following disestablishment of the Church in 1870, the Church of Ireland became responsible for its own governance and several Commissions and Committees of the Church have examined diocesan structures. The current diocesan structure substantially dates from the work of Commission on Episcopal Needs in the 1970s. That group recommended a structure of 11 dioceses. Most of their recommendations on reorganisation were accepted and implemented but their proposal for unifying Tuam, Killala and Achonry with Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh was ultimately rejected. The proposals of the 1998 Commission on Episcopal Needs for a structure of 10 dioceses were rejected.

4. On the opposite page is a map dating from the early 20th century showing all the traditional 32 dioceses of the Church.

Ireland Road Network

Current

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! ! Diocesan N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal Structure Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

A4 Emyvale A3 ! A1 N16 ! Manorhamilton (o !H A509 Belmullet ! ! Ballysadare Monaghan ! Sligo ! Clones Ballina N87 Castleblayney N59 ! ! ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry ! N53 Dundalk N26 ! Cavan ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon ! ! N58 N02 (o ! Ballaghdereen Castlebar ! ! Virginia Ardee ! Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard ! N60 Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! N61 ! N04 Navan M1 N17 ! Ð Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan ! ! Delvin N84 ÐM3 Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne ! ! ! Clifden ! Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 ! Ð Oughterard Athlone ! ! o Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip Claregalway ! ! ! Ballinasloe "/!H ! Athenry DUBLIN ! (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan ! Loughrea ! ! Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Kildare ! ! N18 N65 ! N66 Kilcullen Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! ! Portumna N52 ! ÐM7 Gort ! ! ! Birr ÐM9 N81 Lisdoonvarna ! ! Stradbally Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass ! ! ! ! Abbeyleix Miltown ! Malbay ! Nenagh N78 ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow Templemore Ð N77 ! ! N67 ÐM7 ! N80 M11 Urlingford Ð Shannon N68 ! ! Kilkee Gorey ! o Thurles ! ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! ! Limerick ! Ferns ! N10 Foynes ! ! ÐM20 Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! ! Cashel Enniscorthy N69 ! ! Newcastle N76 Knocktopher Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! ! ! ÐM9 N30 New Ross N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel ! ! on-Suir Wexford Cahir ! ! ÐM8 Mooncoin Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare Castleisland N20 ! !H ! ! ! N73 Buttevant N25 Waterford N86 Farranfore Dingle (o! (o ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Killorglin ! ! ! ! Dungarvan Killarney ! !

N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o !

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Bantry ! Legend

Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary National Secondary Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

The Current Diocesan Structure

1. The current diocesan structure The Current consists Diocesan of 12 Structure dioceses, 7 in the Northern Province and 5 in the Southern Province. 1. The current diocesan structure consists of 12 dioceses, 7 in the Northern Province and 5 in the

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny Southern Province. ! ! 2. The dioceses vary greatly in population size. The largest is Connor with a population of 85,540 in N14 A6 Lifford 74 cures. The smallest is Tuam, Killala and Achonry with a population of 6,710 in 9 cures. In terms Stranorlar ! ! 2. The dioceses vary greatly in population size. The largest is Connor with a population of 85,540 in of average Church attendance on the three Sundays surveyed age in 2013, the largest aver M2 74 cures. The smallest is Tuam, Killala and Achonry with a population of 6,710 in 9 cures. In terms N56 BELFAST attendance was in Down and Dromore (12,731), the smallest was in Tuam, Killala and Achonry Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! of average Church attendance on the three Sundays surveyed age in 2013, the largest aver N15 "/ (612). attendance was in Down and Dromore (12,731), the smallest was in Tuam, Killala and Achonry

Ballyshannon ! M1 (612). Bundoran ! 3. The percentage average attendance (that is the average attendance in a diocese as a percentage

A4 Emyvale A3 of the estimated Church of Ireland population in the same diocese) varies markedly across the ! A1 3. The percentage average attendance (that is the average attendance in a diocese as a percentage N16 ! Manorhamilton island. The highest percentage attendance is in what can broadly be described as the ‘border (o !H A509 Belmullet ! ! of the estimated Church of Ireland population in the same diocese) varies markedly across the Ballysadare Monaghan ! Sligo region’. The two highest percentage attendances are in Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh at 23.5% and ! Clones island. The highest percentage attendance is in what can broadly be described as the ‘border Ballina N87 Castleblayney N59 ! ! Clogher at 22.2%. The two lowest percentage attendances are in Tuam, Killala and Achonry at ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry region’. The two highest percentage attendances are in Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh at 23.5% and ! N53 Dundalk 9.1% and Limerick and Killaloe at 11.7%. The average attendance across the Island is 15.5%. N26 ! Cavan ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross Clogher at 22.2%. The two lowest percentage attendances are in Tuam, Killala and Achonry at Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon ! ! N58 N02 9.1% and Limerick and Killaloe at 11.7%. The average attendance across the Island is 15.5%. (o ! Ballaghdereen Castlebar ! 4. In terms of meeting working the guidelines adopted by the Commission, only 7 of the 12 dioceses ! Virginia Ardee ! Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard satisfy them all. These are Armagh, Clogher, Derry and Raphoe, Down and Dromore, Connor, ! N60 4. In terms of meeting working the guidelines adopted by the Commission, only 7 of the 12 dioceses Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! Dublin and Glendalough and Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. All of the other dioceses are short of the N61 ! N04 Navan M1 satisfy them all. These are Armagh, Clogher, Derry and Raphoe, Down and Dromore, Connor, N17 ! Ð Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan objectives in all three categories (total population, attendance at ship wor and number of cures) . ! ! Delvin Dublin and Glendalough and Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. All of the other dioceses are short of the N84 ÐM3 Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne ! ! ! Clifden ! objectives in all three categories (total population, attendance at ship wor and number of cures) . Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 5. The Commission asks members of the General Synod to consider the implications of this picture. ! Ð Oughterard Athlone ! ! o Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip We suggest that the current structure means the Church in some dioceses is relying too much on Claregalway ! ! ! Ballinasloe "/!H 5. The Commission asks members of the General Synod to consider the implications of this picture. ! Athenry DUBLIN ! too few people to sustain an existing system. While the commitment, dedication and generosity (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore We suggest that the current structure means the Church in some dioceses is relying too much on M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan ! Loughrea ! ! of those ing work so hard to maintain the present arrangements must be acknowledged with real Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Kildare ! ! too few people to sustain an existing system. While the commitment, dedication and generosity N18 N65 ! N66 Kilcullen Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! appreciation, we suggest that a mission focus now requires significant change in episcopal ! Portumna N52 ! ÐM7 of those ing work so hard to maintain the present arrangements must be acknowledged with real Gort ! ! ! Birr ÐM9 N81 ministry and uctures str . Lisdoonvarna ! ! Stradbally appreciation, we suggest that a mission focus now requires significant change in episcopal Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass ! ! ! ! ministry and uctures str . Abbeyleix Miltown ! Malbay ! Nenagh N78 ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow Templemore Ð N77 ! ! N67 ÐM7 ! Diocese COI Attendance Attendance Cures Church Schools N80 M11 Urlingford Ð Shannon N68 ! ! Kilkee Gorey ! o Thurles ! Population (2013) as a % of Buildings (ROI ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! ! Limerick ! Diocese COI Attendance Attendance Cures Church Schools Ferns (2011) population only) ! N10 Foynes ! ! ÐM20 Population (2013) as a % of Buildings (ROI Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! Armagh 34,420 7,102 20.6% 43 89 2 ! Cashel Enniscorthy N69 ! ! Newcastle N76 Knocktopher (2011) population only) Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! ! ! Clogher 17,780 3,951 22.2% 32 72 5 ÐM9 N30 New Ross Armagh 34,420 7,102 20.6% 43 89 2 N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 16.6% 48 121 21 Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel ! ! on-Suir Wexford Cahir ! ! Clogher 17,780 3,951 22.2% 32 72 5 ÐM8 Mooncoin Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 15.1% 75 119 -‐ Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare Castleisland N20 ! !H ! Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 16.6% 48 121 21 ! ! N73 Connor 85,540 10,815 12.6% 74 116 -‐ Buttevant N25 Waterford N86 Farranfore Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 15.1% 75 119 -‐ Dingle (o! (o ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh 9,950 2,343 23.5% 23 99 20 Killorglin ! ! ! ! Dungarvan Connor 85,540 10,815 12.6% 74 116 -‐ Killarney ! ! Tuam, Killala and Achonry 6,710 612 9.1% 9 30 5 Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh 9,950 2,343 23.5% 23 99 20 N22 Dublin and Glendalough 46,930 7,252 15.5% 56 105 48 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! Tuam, Killala and Achonry 6,710 612 9.1% 9 30 5 ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! Meath and Kildare 10,750 1,463 13.6% 17 58 16 ! Kenmare !H Dublin and Glendalough 46,930 7,252 15.5% 56 105 48 Sneem Cobh ! o ! Cashel, Ferns and Ossory 19,230 2,540 13.2% 33 147 27 ( Meath and Kildare 10,750 1,463 13.6% 17 58 16 Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork Cork, Cloyne and Ross 13,990 2,197 15.7% 22 71 21 ! Cashel, Ferns and Ossory 19,230 2,540 13.2% 33 147 27 Bantry ! Legend Limerick and Killaloe 10,310 1,205 11.7% 17 63 11 Clonakilty Cork, Cloyne and Ross 13,990 2,197 15.7% 22 71 21 ! Total: 376,380 58,277 15.5% 449 1,090 176 N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! Limerick and Killaloe 10,310 1,205 11.7% 17 63 11 National Primary Total: 376,380 58,2775 15.5% 449 1,090 176

National Secondary 5 Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example A

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! !

N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o !

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Bantry ! Legend

Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary National Secondary Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example A

1. Example A envisages a merging of Meath, Kildare ; and Glendalough Tuam, Killala and Achonry N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! ! and Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh; and Cork, Cloyne, Ross and Limerick & Killaloe. The only 1. Example A envisages a merging of Meath, Kildare ; and Glendalough Tuam, Killala and Achonry N14 A6 adjustment separate from this would be the s move of the diocese of Clonfert and Kilmacduagh Lifford Stranorlar ! and Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh; and Cork, Cloyne, Ross and Limerick & Killaloe. The only ! (just west of Athlone) from the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe to the Diocese of Tuam, Killlala adjustment separate from this would be the s move of the diocese of Clonfert and Kilmacduagh M2 N56 BELFAST and Achonry. Donegal Killybegs ! o (just west of Athlone) from the Diocese of Limerick and Killaloe to the Diocese of Tuam, Killlala A5 ( ! "/ N15 and Achonry.

Ballyshannon 2. Example A achieves all the guidelines set by the Commission. It would result in 10 dioceses, 5 ! M1 Bundoran ! the Northern Province and 5 in the Southern Province. There could be a ‘tweaking’ period 2. Example A achieves all the guidelines set by the Commission. It would result in 10 dioceses, 5 A4 Emyvale A3 ! allowing parishes to recommend that they be considered for moving to an alternative A1 N16 ! the Northern Province and 5 in the Southern Province. There could be a ‘tweaking’ period Manorhamilton (o !H A509 neighbouring diocese, if they feel that joining that diocese would be better in terms of Belmullet ! ! Ballysadare Monaghan allowing parishes to recommend that they be considered for moving to an alternative ! Sligo ! transportation/communications links. Clones Ballina N87 Castleblayney neighbouring diocese, if they feel that joining that diocese would be better in terms of N59 ! ! ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry ! transportation/communications links. N53 Dundalk N26 ! Cavan 3. While Example A results in a large diocese in the West, it is arguably a more compact and ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon ! ! N58 N02 manageable-‐sized diocese than other examples that may be put forward. In the West of Ireland, (o ! Ballaghdereen 3. While Example A results in a large diocese in the West, it is arguably a more compact and Castlebar ! ! Virginia Ardee ! East-‐West Transportation and Communications Links tend to be better than North-‐South Links Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 manageable-‐sized diocese than other examples that may be put forward. In the West of Ireland, Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard ! N60 (for example, almost all rail links in the West -‐ of Ireland are East West). The Commission therefore Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! East-‐West Transportation and Communications Links tend to be better than North-‐South Links N61 ! N04 Navan M1 N17 ! Ð suggests that this example might allow for better use of current transportation and Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan (for example, almost all rail links in the West -‐ of Ireland are East West). The Commission therefore ! ! Delvin N84 communications links in the eland West of Ir than s other . ÐM3 Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne suggests that this example might allow for better use of current transportation and ! ! ! Clifden ! Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 ! Ð communications links in the eland West of Ir than s other . Oughterard Athlone ! ! o Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip Claregalway ! ! ! Ballinasloe "/!H ! Athenry DUBLIN ! (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan ! Loughrea ! ! Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Kildare ! ! N18 N65 ! Diocese COI Attendance Cures Church Schools N66 Kilcullen Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! ! Portumna N52 ! ÐM7 Gort ! ! Population (2013) Buildings (ROI only) ! Birr ÐM9 N81 Lisdoonvarna Diocese COI Attendance Cures Church Schools ! ! Stradbally (2011) Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! Population (2013) Buildings (ROI only) Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass ! ! ! ! Armagh 34,420 7,102 43 89 2 Abbeyleix Miltown ! (2011) Malbay ! Nenagh N78 ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 75 119 -‐ ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow Armagh 34,420 7,102 43 89 2 Templemore Ð N77 ! ! N67 ÐM7 ! Connor 85,540 10,815 74 116 -‐ N80 M11 Urlingford Ð Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 75 119 -‐ Shannon N68 ! ! Kilkee Gorey Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 48 121 21 ! o Thurles ! ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! Connor 85,540 10,815 74 116 -‐ ! Limerick ! Clogher 17,780 3,951 32 72 5 Ferns ! N10 Foynes ! Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 48 121 21 ! ÐM20 Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! Dublin 35,500 5,444 41 64 34 ! Cashel Enniscorthy N69 ! ! Clogher 17,780 3,951 32 72 5 Newcastle N76 Knocktopher Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! Meath, Kildare and 22,180 3,271 32 99 30 ! ! ÐM9 N30 Dublin 35,500 5,444 41 64 34 New Ross N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Glendalough Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel ! ! on-Suir Wexford Meath, Kildare and 22,180 3,271 32 99 30 Cahir ! ! Tuam, Killala and Achonry, 17,710 3,084 34 138 26 ÐM8 Mooncoin Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare Glendalough Castleisland N20 ! !H ! Kilmore, Elphin and , Ardagh ! ! N73 Buttevant N25 Waterford N86 Farranfore Tuam, Killala and Achonry, 17,710 3,084 34 138 26 Dingle (o! (o Clonfert and Kilmacduagh ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Killorglin ! ! ! Kilmore, Elphin and , Ardagh ! Dungarvan Killarney ! Cashel, Ferns and Ossory 19,230 2,540 33 147 27 ! Clonfert and Kilmacduagh Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Limerick 23,250 3,273 37 125 31 N22 Caherciveen Cashel, Ferns and Ossory 19,230 2,540 33 147 27 ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! and Killaloe and Kilfenora N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Limerick 23,250 3,273 37 125 31 Sneem Cobh (except Clonfert) ! (o ! and Killaloe and Kilfenora Glengarriff Total 376,380 58,277 449 1090 176 ! Bandon Cork ! (except Clonfert) Bantry ! Legend Total 376,380 58,277 449 1090 176 Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary 7

National Secondary 7 Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example B

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! !

N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o !

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Bantry ! Legend

Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary National Secondary Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example B

1. Example B envisages merging Meath, Kildare and Kilmore; Tuam, Killala and Achonry, Elphin, Ardagh, Limerick and Killaloe; Glendalough, Ferns, Ossory and Leighlin; Cork, Cloyne and Ross, N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! ! Cashel, Waterford and Lismore, Ardfert and Aghadoe.

N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! ! 2. Example B does not meet all the guidelines. In regard to attendance in the enlarged diocese of M2 N56 BELFAST Tuam, Killala, Achonry, Elphin, Ardagh, Limerick and Killaloe, the figure would fall well below the Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/ desired figure of 2,500 worshippers per diocese. In other respects it fulfils the statistical criteria. It would result in 10 dioceses, 5 in the in Northern Province and 5 the Southern Province. Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

A4 Emyvale A3 3. The approach would however involve considerable restructuring of the current arrangements ! A1 N16 ! Manorhamilton with the present dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, Dublin and Glendalough Kilmore, (o !H A509 Belmullet ! ! Ballysadare Monaghan ! Sligo Elphin and Ardagh all being altered considerably. There would probably be ‘tweaking’ required, in ! Clones Ballina N87 Castleblayney N59 ! ! particular parishes in the North-‐Western part of Kilmore may seek to be incorporated into ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry ! N53 Dundalk Clogher or Elphin. Similarly, the parts of Glendalough currently in West Dublin (Lucan, Leixlip, N26 ! Cavan ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon Straffan, Newcastle-‐Lyons etc) may seek to be incorporated into Dublin or Meath rather than be ! ! N58 N02 (o ! Ballaghdereen an ‘Island’ separate from the new diocese of Glendalough, Ferns Example and Ossory. Thus, while Castlebar ! ! Virginia Ardee ! Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 B does not of itself undermine the principle of attempting l to keep within traditiona ecclesiastical Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard ! N60 Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! boundaries it does pose a risk to it. N61 ! N04 Navan M1 N17 ! Ð Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan ! ! Delvin N84 ÐM3 4. Another risk with Example B is that as noted above the enlarged diocese of Tuam does not meet Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne ! ! ! Clifden ! Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 the intended figure for worshippers and barely meets the intended figure for the number of ! Ð Oughterard Athlone ! ! o Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip cures. As ocese, a di it would comprise a very large geographical area with a very thinly spread Claregalway ! ! ! Ballinasloe "/!H ! Athenry DUBLIN ! Church of Ireland population. This might be seen as putting the less populous parishes together (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan and thus risking the situation that a future commission -‐ may be required to re examine the entire ! Loughrea ! ! Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Kildare ! ! N18 N65 ! N66 Kilcullen question in a few years’ time. Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! ! Portumna N52 ! ÐM7 Gort ! ! ! Birr ÐM9 N81 Lisdoonvarna ! ! Stradbally Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! 5. Finally, the Commission is conscious of the view expressed mber by a considerable nu of people in Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass ! ! ! ! Abbeyleix Miltown ! both Tuam, Killala and Achonry and Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh (and elsewhere) that dioceses Malbay ! Nenagh N78 ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow should not be too large. In creating a large diocese in the West of Ireland on a ‘North-‐South’ axis, Templemore Ð N77 ! ! N67 ÐM7 ! N80 M11 Urlingford Ð the restructuring of dioceses in the West of Ireland outlined in Example B is not totally Shannon N68 ! ! Kilkee Gorey ! o Thurles ! ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! satisfactory in this regard. ! Limerick ! Ferns ! N10 Foynes ! ! ÐM20 Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! ! Cashel Enniscorthy Diocese COI Attendance Cures Churches Schools N69 ! ! Newcastle N76 Knocktopher Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! ! ! Population (2013) (ROI only) ÐM9 N30 New Ross N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel Armagh 34,420 7,102 43 89 2 ! ! on-Suir Wexford Cahir ! ! ÐM8 Mooncoin Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 75 119 -‐ Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare Castleisland N20 ! !H ! ! ! N73 Buttevant N25 Waterford Connor 85,540 10,815 74 116 -‐ N86 Farranfore Dingle (o! (o ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 48 121 21 Killorglin ! ! ! ! Dungarvan Killarney ! ! Clogher 17,780 3,951 32 72 5

N22 Dublin 35,500 5,444 41 64 34 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! Meath, Kildare Kilmore and 15,960 3,128 31 113 26 ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o ! TKA, Elphin, Ardagh, Limerick Killaloe & 18,520 2,189 30 121 24

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Glendalough, Ferns, Ossory & Leighlin 25,220 3,879 41 157 35 Bantry ! Legend Cork, Cloyne and Ross, Cashel, 22,670 2,972 34 118 29 Clonakilty ! Waterford, Lismore, Ardfert Aghadoe & N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! Total 376,380 58,277 449 1090 176 National Primary

National Secondary 9 Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example C

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! !

N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o !

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Bantry ! Legend

Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary National Secondary Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example C

1. Example C envisages nine dioceses through the merging of the current diocese of Cashel, Ferns

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny and Ossory with Kildare. Meath would be merged with Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh and Tuam, ! !

N14 A6 Killala & Achonry. Finally it suggests merging the current dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross Lifford Stranorlar ! ! Limerick and Killaloe.

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal ! Killybegs A5 (o 2. Example C fulfils all the numerical criteria adopted by the Commission. Indeed the attendance ! "/ N15 figure exceeds 3,000 per diocese, well desired in excess of the minimum.

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran ! 3. With regard to the other criteria, it may be thought that Example C again fails to view meet the of A4 Emyvale A3 ! A1 many people, especially those living in the West of , Ireland that dioceses should not be too large. N16 ! Manorhamilton (o !H A509 Belmullet ! ! The suggested Diocese of Meath, Kilmore and Tuam would be very large, albeit with relatively Ballysadare Monaghan ! Sligo ! Clones good transport links based on an East-‐West axis. Ballina N87 Castleblayney N59 ! ! ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry ! N53 Dundalk N26 ! Cavan ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon ! ! Diocese Population Attendance Cures Churches Schools N58 N02 (o ! Ballaghdereen Castlebar ! 2013 (ROI only) ! Virginia Ardee 2011 ! Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard Armagh 34,420 7,102 43 89 2 ! N60 Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! N61 ! Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 75 119 -‐ N04 Navan M1 N17 ! Ð Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan ! ! Connor 85,540 10,815 74 116 -‐ Delvin N84 ÐM3 Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne ! ! ! Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 48 121 21 Clifden ! Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 ! Ð Oughterard Athlone Clogher 17,780 3,951 32 72 5 ! ! o Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip Claregalway ! ! Dublin and Glendalough 46,930 7,252 56 105 48 ! Ballinasloe "/!H ! Athenry DUBLIN ! (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore Meath, Kilmore EA and 23,830 3,863 42 160 35 M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan ! Loughrea ! ! Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Tuam KA Kildare ! ! N18 N65 ! N66 Kilcullen Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! ! N52 ! Cashel, Kildare, Leighlin 22,810 3,095 40 174 33 Portumna ÐM7 Gort ! ! ! Birr M9 N81 Lisdoonvarna Ð Ferns and Ossory ! ! Stradbally Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass Cork, Cloyne, Ross, 24,300 3,402 39 134 32 ! ! ! ! Abbeyleix Miltown ! Malbay ! Nenagh N78 Limerick and Killaloe ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow Templemore Ð N77 ! ! ! Total 376,380 58,277 449 1,090 176 N67 ÐM7 N80 M11 Urlingford Ð Shannon N68 ! ! Kilkee Gorey ! o Thurles ! ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! ! Limerick ! Ferns ! N10 Foynes ! 4. The Commission also considered the possibility of a Diocese of Belfast in the context of this or ! ÐM20 Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! ! Cashel Enniscorthy N69 ! ! other examples. If a Diocese of Belfast was included in this , example the figures for that Diocese Newcastle N76 Knocktopher Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! ! ! ÐM9 N30 and Down and Dromore and Connor would be adjusted to read as appears on the table below. New Ross N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel ! ! on-Suir Wexford Cahir ! ! ÐM8 Mooncoin Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare 5. If the suggestion of a Diocese of Belfast were to be adopted in this example, the 10 dioceses Castleisland N20 ! !H ! ! ! N73 Buttevant N25 Waterford N86 Farranfore created would still fulfil the criteria set by the Commission. The creation of a new diocese Dingle (o! (o ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Killorglin ! ! ! ! Dungarvan Belfast would be a new endeavour and would involve departing from the principle of maintaining Killarney ! ! traditional ecclesiastical boundaries. When the Commission discussed the suggestion, a variety of N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! views were expressed. N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o ! Belfast 47,030 5,018 39 47 -‐ Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Down and Dromore 67,280 9,940 58 100 -‐ Bantry ! Legend Connor 55,520 8,588 52 88 -‐ Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary

National Secondary 11 Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example D

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny ! !

N14 A6 Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 N56 BELFAST Donegal Killybegs ! o A5 ( ! N15 "/

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran !

N22 Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o !

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork ! Bantry ! Legend

Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary National Secondary Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers Ireland Road Network

Example D

1. Example D envisages 9 dioceses through merging Clogher and Kilmore, Meath and Kildare with

N13 !H Derry Dunglow Letterkenny Leighlin, Ossory and Ferns, Cork, Cloyne and Ross with Ardfert, Aghadoe, Waterford, Lismore and ! !

N14 A6 Cashel and merging Tuam, Killala Achonry and with Elphin and Ardagh, Killaloe and Limerick. Lifford Stranorlar ! !

M2 2. Example D does not fulfil all the requirements set by the Commission. In terms of population, all N56 BELFAST Donegal ! Killybegs A5 (o of the dioceses would meet the minimum of 15,000 Church of Ireland members but in terms of ! "/ N15 attendance in 2013, the newly enlarged diocese of Tuam, Killala and Achonry with Elphin

Ballyshannon ! M1 Bundoran ! Ardagh and Killaloe and Limerick would still fall short of the minimum attendance of 2,500.

A4 Emyvale A3 ! A1 3. Like Example B above, the enlarged diocese of Tuam, Killala, Achonry, with Elphin, Ardagh and N16 ! Manorhamilton (o !H A509 Belmullet ! ! Killaloe does not meet the intended figure for worshippers and barely meets the intended figure Ballysadare Monaghan ! Sligo ! Clones for the number of cures. As a diocese, it would comprise a very large geographical area with a Ballina N87 Castleblayney N59 ! ! ! ! Crossmolina Belturbet Tobercurry very thinly spread Church of Ireland population. Some people might see it as putting the less ! N53 Dundalk N26 ! Cavan ! Boyle Carrick- ! Carrickmacross populous parishes together and thus risking the situation that a future commission may be Charlestown ! ! Foxford Swinford ! on-Shannon ! ! N58 N02 required to -‐ re examine the entire question in a few years’ time. (o ! Ballaghdereen Castlebar ! ! Virginia Ardee ! Westport N05 N55 ! Knock ! Tulsk N52 Ballyhaunis ! ! Granard ! N60 4. Another disadvantage of Example D is that it involves considerable diocesan restructuring with Claremorris Longford N03 ! Kells Drogheda ! ! Slane ! Edgeworthstown ! N61 ! N04 Navan M1 the current dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, Limerick and Killaloe, Clogher and Kilmore all N17 ! Ð Ballinrobe Roscommon N51 ! N83 ! Balbriggan ! ! Delvin undergoing extensive restructuring. N84 ÐM3 Tuam Mullingar Ashbourne ! ! ! Clifden ! Headford N63 ! Kinnegad M2 ! Ð Oughterard Athlone ! ! o 5. Finally, Example D would also orientate the enlarged diocese of Tuam and Limerick and Killaloe Moate ÐM6 M4 ( ! Ð Kilbeggan Leixlip Claregalway ! ! ! Ballinasloe "/!H on a North-‐South axis and as noted above, the Commission is concerned that this does not lend ! Athenry DUBLIN ! (o Ferbane N82 !H ! ÐM6 ! Tullamore itself to making use of better transport links. M50 ÐM11 Naas Ð Bray Kilcolgan ! Loughrea ! ! Galway ! Newbridge Blessington Kildare ! ! N18 N65 ! N66 Kilcullen Ballyvaghan Mountmellick ! ! Portumna N52 ! ÐM7 Gort ! ! ! Birr ÐM9 N81 Lisdoonvarna ! ! Stradbally Portlaoise ! Athy ÐM11 Wicklow ÐM18 ! ! Ennistimon Crusheen Roscrea Baltinglass Diocese Population Attendance Cures Churches Schools ! ! ! ! Abbeyleix Miltown ! (ROI only) Malbay ! Nenagh N78 (2011) (2013) ! Inagh N85 Ennis ! N62 Durow Carlow ! ! ! M8 Tullow Arklow Templemore Ð N77 ! ! Armagh 34,420 7,102 43 89 2 N67 ÐM7 ! N80 M11 Urlingford Ð Shannon N68 ! ! Down and Dromore 84,290 12,731 75 119 -‐ Kilkee Gorey ! o Thurles ! ( ! Bunclody Kilrush !H Kilkenny ! ! Limerick ! Connor 85,540 10,815 74 116 -‐ Ferns ! N10 Foynes ! ! ÐM20 Tarbert Callan Rathkeale ! Derry and Raphoe 36,480 6,066 48 121 21 ! Cashel Enniscorthy N69 ! ! Newcastle N76 Knocktopher Tipperary N74 ! Listowel West ! Clogher and Kilmore 22,990 5,616 46 127 15 ! ! ÐM9 N30 New Ross N21 N24 ! ! Carrick- Dublin and Glendalough 46,930 7,252 56 105 48 Abbeyfeale Charleville ! Clonmel ! ! on-Suir Wexford Cahir ! ! ÐM8 Mooncoin Meath, Kildare, Leighlin, 24,540 3,534 43 174 37 Tralee ! ! Mitchelstown Rosslare Castleisland N20 ! !H ! ! ! N73 Ossory and Ferns Buttevant N25 Waterford N86 Farranfore Dingle (o! (o ! Mallow N72 Fermoy Lismore Cork, Ardfert and 22,670 2,972 34 118 29 Killorglin ! ! ! ! Dungarvan Killarney ! ! Aghadoe, Waterford,

N22 Lismore and Cashel Caherciveen ! Youghal ! Blarney ! ! N70 Ballyvourney Macroom Midleton ! ! Tuam, Killala, Achonry, 18,520 2,189 30 121 23 ! Kenmare !H Sneem Cobh ! (o ! Elphin and Ardagh,

Glengarriff ! Bandon Cork Killaloe and Limerick ! Bantry ! Legend Total 376,380 58,277 449 1,090 175 Clonakilty ! N71 Skibbereen Motorway ! National Primary

National Secondary 13 Northern Ireland Roads 0 50 100 200 Railways Kilometers