Longford County Development Board
Draft Poverty Profile
Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
May 2009
Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Acknowledgements
This Local Poverty Profile has been compiled by the Social Inclusion Measures (SIM) Working Group: Local Social Inclusion Strategy Research Group of Longford County Development Board. The Strategy Research Group gratefully acknowledges the assistance of all of those agencies, social inclusion organisations and individuals who have contributed to the compilation of this Poverty Profile for the County. The maps used in this Profile are based upon the Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series, and are reproduced under Longford County Council licence. GAMMA statistics and maps are reproduced with permission.
EXODEA Europe Consulting Limited Cork Office: FBD House, Spa Square, Mallow, Co. Cork. T: 022 53407 F: 022 53407 Dublin Office: Fitzwilliam Business Centre, 26 Upper Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. T: 01-6373951 F: 01-6620365 e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.exodea-europe.com Registered in Ireland – Registered No. 391534. VAT Registration No. 6411534I
Page 2 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 5 Framework...... 35 Contents 5.1 Indicators Employed...... 35 5.1.1 Social Inclusion Indicators...... 36 Acknowledgements ...... 2 5.1.2 Consistent Poverty Indicator...... 37 Glossary of Terms ...... 5 5.1.3 At Risk of Poverty Indicator...... 37 5.1.4 Deprivation Index...... 38 1 Introduction ...... 7 5.1.5 Spatial Naming Conventions...... 38 5.1.6 Statistical Base ...... 38 1.1 Report Outline...... 7 5.1.7 Adopted Indicator Rationale ...... 39 1.2 Methodology ...... 7 5.1.8 Information Deficiencies...... 42 1.3 Definitions...... 8 1.3.1 Relative Poverty ...... 8 6 Baseline Data...... 43 1.3.2 Relative Deprivation ...... 8 6.1 Population...... 44 1.3.3 Social Exclusion...... 8 6.1.1 Electoral Divisions...... 45 1.3.4 Poverty Impact Assessment...... 8 6.1.2 Long -Term Population Trend...... 47 2 Executive Summary ...... 9 6.1.3 Settlement Patterns...... 48 6.1.4 Rural Population Base ...... 49 2.1 Principal Indicators ...... 9 6.1.4 Relative Population Distribution ...... 50 2.1.1 Population...... 9 6.1.5 Population Density Trends...... 52 2.1.2 Age Profile and Dependency...... 9 6.1.6 Medium-Term Population Dynamics ...... 53 2.1.3 Household Structure...... 9 6.2 Age Profile...... 56 2.1.4 Social Class...... 10 6.3 Dependency ...... 60 2.1.5 Education and Literacy...... 10 6.4 Household Structure ...... 63 2.1.6 Affluence and Deprivation ...... 11 6.4.1 Households by Type ...... 64 2.1.7 People with a Disability...... 11 2.1.8 Ethnicity ...... 11 6.4.2 Temporary Households ...... 66 6.4.3 Older Person Households ...... 68 2.1.9 Unemployment and Labour Force ...... 12 2.1.10 Housing and Accommodation ...... 12 6.4.4 Single Parent Households ...... 72 6.4.5 Farmers and Small Holders ...... 74 2.1.11 Young People ...... 12 6.5 Social Class...... 79 3 Policy Context...... 15 6.6 Education and Literacy...... 84 3.1 Policy Reference ...... 15 6.6.1 Education ...... 85 3.2 First National Anti-Poverty Strategy ...... 15 6.7 Affluence and Deprivation ...... 90 3.3 Review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy ...... 17 6.7.1 Relative Deprivation in Co. Longford...... 90 6.7.2 Changes in Affluence/Deprivation ...... 92 3.4 The Role of Local Authorities...... 18 6.8 Disability...... 94 3.5 NAP Poverty and Social Exclusion ...... 18 6.8.1 People with Disabilities ...... 95 3.6 Better Local Government...... 18 6.9 Ethnicity...... 97 3.7 Local Government Act 2001...... 19 6.9.1 Nationality...... 98 3.8 National Development Plan 2007-2013...... 19 6.9.2 Traveller Community...... 99 3.9 NAP Social Inclusion 2007-2016 ...... 19 6.10 Health...... 100 4 Local Policy Framework...... 21 6.11 Unemployment and Labour Force...... 101 6.11.1 Unemployment...... 102 4.1 Longford County Development Board...... 21 6.11.2 Employment...... 104 4.1.1 Economic, Social and Cultural Development ...... 21 6.11.3 Labour Force Participation Rate...... 106 4.1.2 County Longford Community and Voluntary Forum..... 23 5.12 Car Ownership ...... 109 4.2 County Longford VEC...... 24 6.13 Housing and Accommodation ...... 112 4.2.1 Education Resources Accessed ...... 25 6.13.1 Housing Stock...... 113 4.3 EDI Centre ...... 25 6.13.2 Social and Affordable Housing ...... 115 4.4 Longford Women’s Link ...... 26 6.14 Young People...... 116 4.5 Employment for People with Disabilities ...... 27 4.5.1 Action Plan...... 27 7 Commentary ...... 120 4.6 Homelessness Service Providers ...... 28 7.1 Young People...... 121 4.6.1 Midlands Regional Settlement Service Review ...... 28 7.1.1 Education ...... 121 4.7 New Communities Services ...... 29 7.2 Working Age Population ...... 124 4.7.1 Intercultural Strategic Plan ...... 29 7.2.1 Employment/Unemployment...... 125 4.7.2 Inclusive Entrepreneurship ...... 30 7.2.2 Adult and Continuing Education...... 125 4.8 ACORN CDP...... 30 7.3 Older People ...... 127 4.9 Traveller Community...... 30 7.3.1 Care in Old Age...... 128 4.9.1 Key Stakeholders...... 30 7.4 People With Disabilities ...... 128 4.9.2 Longford CDB Traveller Inter-Agency Plan...... 31 7.5 Communities...... 128 4.9.3 Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009-2013...... 31 4.9.4 Education Outcomes for Young Travellers...... 31 8 Appendices ...... 130 4.10 Older People’s Needs...... 32 8.1 Terms of Reference...... 130 4.11 Rural Transport Project...... 33 8.2 NAPinclusion High Level Goals ...... 132 4.12 Co. Longford Citizen’s Information Service ...... 34 8.3 CLÁR Designation ...... 134
Page 3 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 8.4 RAPID Designation ...... 135 Figure 60 – Older Disabled People (Source: CSO)...... 127 8.5 Village Policy Statements...... 136 Figure 61 – Carers in Co. Longford 2006 (Source: CSO)...... 128 8.6 References...... 137 Figure 62 – Disabilities Co. Longford 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 128 Figure 63 – Volunteerism 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 129 Figure 64 – Significant Villages (Source: LCC) ...... 136 Figures Maps Figure 1 – Elemental Workplan ...... 7 Figure 2 – Membership of SIMWG (Source: CDB) ...... 21 Map 1 – Co. Longford (Source: OSI)...... 43 Figure 3 – Breakdown of Actions 2002-2005 (Source: CDB) ...... 22 Map 2 – Co. Longford Electoral Divisions (Source: CSO)...... 44 Figure 4 – Key Development Issues and Actions (Source: CDB) ..22 Map 3 – Population Change 2002-2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 46 Figure 5 – VEC Education and Training Provision (Source: VEC)24 Map 4 – Settlement Hierarchy (Source: CSO) ...... 49 Figure 6 – Action Plan Objectives (Source: C&V Forum) ...... 27 Map 5 – Population Density (Source: GAMMA)...... 52 Figure 7 – Potential Future Actions (Source: Midlands Simon) .....29 Map 6 – Population Change 1996-2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 55 Figure 8 – Indicator Commentary ...... 40 Map 7 – % Population 0-14 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO).... 56 Figure 9 – Population by ED 2002/2006 (Source: GAMMA) ...... 45 Map 8 – % Population 15-24 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO).. 56 Figure 10 – Long-Term Population Trend (Source: CSO)...... 47 Map 9 – % Population 65-74 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO).. 57 Figure 11 – Long-Term Population Trend, Ireland (CSO)...... 47 Map 10 – % Population >75 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO) .. 57 Figure 12 – Settlement Population Hierarchy (Source: CSO)...... 48 Map 11 – Co. Longford Age Dependency (Source: CSO)...... 60 Figure 13 – Rural Population Base (Source: CSO) ...... 50 Map 12 – Permanent Private Households 2006 (Source: CSO)..... 63 Figure 14 – Population Density 1996-2006 (Source: CSO)...... 50 Map 13 – % Temporary Households 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 66 Figure 15 – Population Density (Source: CSO) ...... 52 Map 14 – Over 65’s Living Alone (Source: GAMMA)...... 69 Figure 16 – Population Change 1996 – 2006 (Source: GAMMA) .53 Map 15 – Single Parent Households (Source: GAMMA)...... 72 Figure 17 – Age Profile (Source: CSO) ...... 58 Map 16 – Agricultural Employment 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 78 Figure 18 – Age Dependency 2006 (Source: GAMMA) ...... 61 Map 17 – Manual Classes (Source: GAMMA) ...... 82 Figure 19 – Age Dependency (Source: CSO) ...... 62 Map 18 – Professional Classes (Source: GAMMA)...... 83 Figure 20 – Households Types (Source: CSO) ...... 64 Map 19 – Those without Formal Education (Source: GAMMA)... 84 Figure 21 – Temporary Households 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 67 Map 20 – Third Level Education 2006 (Source: GAMMA) ...... 85 Figure 22 – Persons Living Alone 2006 (Source: GAMMA) ...... 69 Map 21 – Relative Deprivation 2006 (Source: GAMMA)...... 90 Figure 23 – Population Over 65 (Source: CSO)...... 71 Map 22 – Absolute Deprivation 1991-2006 (Source: GAMMA) .. 93 Figure 24 – Lone Parent Families (Source: GAMMA)...... 73 Map 23 – People with a Disability (Source: GAMMA)...... 94 Figure 25 – Employment in Agriculture (Source: GAMMA)...... 76 Map 24 – Non-Irish Population (Source: CSO) ...... 97 Figure 26 – Social Classifications (Source: CSO) ...... 79 Map 25 – Unemployment Rate 2006 (Source: GAMMA) ...... 101 Figure 27 – Social Class Structure 2006 (Source: GAMMA)...... 79 Map 26 – Labour Force Participation 2006 (Source: GAMMA) . 108 Figure 28 – Semi & Unskilled Manual Classes (Source: CSO)...... 81 Map 27 – Households Without A Car (Source: CSO)...... 109 Figure 29 – Professional Classes (Source: CSO) ...... 81 Map 28 – Housing Stock Age (Source: CSO)...... 112 Figure 30 – Educational Attainment Longford 2006 (CSO) ...... 85 Map 29 – Percentage Population Aged 0-24 (Source: CSO) ...... 116 Figure 31 – Educational Attainment 2006 (Source: GAMMA)...... 86 Map 30 – CLÁR Designation (Source: DCR&GA)...... 134 Figure 32 – Low Educational Attainment (Source: CSO)...... 87 Map 31 – Longford Town RAPID (Source: Pobal)...... 135 Figure 33 – High Educational Attainment (Source: CSO)...... 88 Figure 34 – Education & Unemployment (Source: GAMMA)...... 88 Figure 35 – Deprivation by ED (Source: GAMMA)...... 91 Figure 36 – Persons with a Disability (Source: CSO 2006)...... 95 Figure 37 – Disability by Age 2006 (Source: GAMMA)...... 95 Figure 38 – Nationality Mix (Source: CSO) ...... 98 Figure 39 – Unemployment Rate by ED (Source: GAMMA) ...... 102 Figure 40 – Employment by Industry (Source: CSO) ...... 104 Figure 41 – Percentage Change at Work (Source: CSO) ...... 106 Figure 42 – Labour Force by Gender (Source: CSO)...... 106 Figure 43 – Employment Change 1996 – 2006 (Source: CSO) ....108 Figure 44 – Private Vehicles/Hhold 2006 (Source: GAMMA).....110 Figure 45 – Household Summary 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 113 Figure 46 – Accommodation Classification 2006 (Source: CSO) 113 Figure 47 – Personal Computer Access 2006 (Source: CSO)...... 113 Figure 48 – Housing Stock Age 2006 (Source: GAMMA)...... 114 Figure 49 – Social/Affordable Housing (Source: DEH&LG)...... 115 Figure 50 – Population 0-19 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO) ..117 Figure 51 – Population 20-29 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO) 118 Figure 52 – Typical Poverty Spiral ...... 120 Figure 53 – ‘Life-cycle’ Model...... 120 Figure 54 – Young People 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 121 Figure 55 – Educational Attainments 2006 (Source: CSO) ...... 122 Figure 56 – HSCL in Co. Longford...... 123 Figure 57 – Special Needs School 2006 (Source: DES) ...... 123 Figure 58 – Occupational Profile 2006 (Source: CSO)...... 125 Figure 59 – 3rd Level Qualification 2006 (Source: CSO)...... 127
Page 4 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Glossary of Terms
CLÁR Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais. CPA Combat Poverty Agency. CSO Central Statistics Office. DCR&GA Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. DEH&LG Department of the Environment, Housing and Local Government DES Department of Education and Science. EDs Electoral Divisions. ESRI Economic and Social Research Institute. FFI Farm Family Income. HSE Health Service Executive. HSCL Home School Community Liaison Scheme. ICSH Irish Council for Social Housing. IPHI Institute of Public Health in Ireland LAPSIS Local Anti-Poverty Social Inclusion Strategy. LDSIP Local Development Social Inclusion Programme. NAP National Action Plan. NAPinclusion National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, 2007-2016. NAPS National Anti-Poverty Strategy. NCCRI National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism. NDP National Development Plan. NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations. NHO National Hospitals Office (NHO). OSI Ordnance Survey Ireland. PCCC Primary, Community and Continuing Care. PwDI People with Disabilities in Ireland. RAPID Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development. RAS Rental Accommodation Scheme. RDs Rural Districts. RDP Rural Development Programme. RSS Rural Social Scheme. SAPS Small Area Population Statistics. SIM Social Inclusion Measures. UDs Urban Districts.
Page 5 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
This page left blank
Page 6 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 1 Introduction
The development of a Poverty Profile and Local Social Inclusion Strategy is one of the thirteen prioritised key actions emerging from the review of the Longford County Development Board Strategic Plan. The Social Inclusion Measures Working Group is charged with the delivery of this action, and established a Steering Group to oversee the development of the poverty profile and social inclusion strategy. The Steering Group consists of representatives from the local authorities, state agencies, local development agencies and the community and voluntary sector. The Social Inclusion Strategy will be informed by the Local Poverty Profile, and will include actions to target the resources of Longford County Council at those areas of the county that are found to be the most disadvantaged.
1.1 Report Outline
Section Two provides the executive summary of the County Longford Local Poverty Profile. Section Three summarises outlines the policy context for the development of Local Poverty Profiles from a national and local perspective. Section Four presents the main body of the Local Poverty Profile. This is achieved by presenting the indicators chosen for study in the report. Each indicator is compared with the national and Co. Longford figures in order to give perspective on the indicator under review.
1.2 Methodology
The development process for the Local Poverty Profile was directed by the Steering Group and carried out by Exodea Europe Consulting Limited. A two-stage Elemental Workplan was adopted to conform to the requirements of the brief. Figure 1 – Elemental Workplan
Page 7 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
1.3 Definitions
By agreement, the following core definitions, as defined by the Office for Social Inclusion (July 2007), have been employed.
1.3.1 Relative Poverty
People are living in poverty if their income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living that is regarded as acceptable by Irish society generally.1
1.3.2 Relative Deprivation
The fundamental implication of the term deprivation is of an absence of essential or desirable attributes, possessions and opportunities that are considered no more than the minimum by that society.2
1.3.3 Social Exclusion
As a result of inadequate income and other resources people may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for other people in society.
1.3.4 Poverty Impact Assessment
The process by which government departments, local authorities and State agencies assess policies and programmes at design, implementation and review stages in relation to the likely impact that they will have or have had on poverty and on inequalities which are likely to lead to poverty, with a view to poverty reduction. In addition, the following terms are used in the development of the Profile. These definitions are provided since it is appreciated that many words concerning poverty and social exclusion are used interchangeably, yet they do have distinct meanings, as defined below: -
Social exclusion is being unable to participate in society because of a lack of resources that are normally available to the general population. It can refer to both individuals, and communities in a broader framework, with linked problems such as low incomes, poor housing, high crime environments and family problems;
Inequality is a comparative or relative concept. It does not measure deprivation or poverty and does not require a threshold. It is possible for inequality to exist with or without poverty. Similarly, poverty can exist with or without inequality; and
Resources can be personal, within the family, or within the society.
1 NAPS 1997 2 Coombes et al., 1995: p.5
Page 8 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 2 Executive Summary
This Local Poverty Profile for Co. Longford is designed to inform the Social Inclusion Strategy. The Strategy will include actions to target the resources of Longford County Council at those areas of the county that are found to be the most disadvantaged.
2.1 Principal Indicators
2.1.1 Population
Demographic Decline is a recognised measure of deprivation. Ireland has experienced a population growth of 20.3% between 1991 and 2006 whilst the Midlands Region grew at a rate of 24.0%, making it, after the Mid East, the second fastest growing region. However, Longford is the exception within the region, with a growth rate of only 13.5% in 2006. Within Co. Longford, Longford UD grew by 24.4%. At local level, the fastest growing EDs were Caldragh (74.0%), Foxhall (44.9%) and Moatfarrell (42.7%). However, these are comparatively low growth rates for the fastest growing areas. In most other counties, at least some areas would have doubled or even trebled their population over the past fifteen years. Longford has a low population density (31.6%) in comparison with the national average of 60.6%.
2.1.2 Age Profile and Dependency
Within any population the young and the elderly are considered to be more at risk of poverty due to dependencies. There has been a continuous decline in the age dependency rate (measured as the proportion of population under 15 years of age or over 64 as a proportion of the total population) throughout Ireland in recent years, from 38.1% in 1991 to 31.4% in 2006. A slightly greater decline applies to Co. Longford (42.4% to 34.3%). The 2006 age dependency rate for Co. Longford remains nearly three percentage points above the national average; due in large part to it is rurality. Within Co. Longford there exists the typical urban-rural differential, with age dependency being slightly lower in Longford Urban (33.2%), and a few percentage points higher in all of its rural areas. Age dependency rates exceed 40% in two EDs, Moyne (42.3%) and Firry/Newgrove (41.2%).
2.1.3 Household Structure
An understanding of the nature and distribution of the structure of households within the county enables the identification of those more likely to be at risk.
Page 9 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
The proportion of lone parents in Ireland has exactly doubled over the past 15 years, growing from 10.7% in 1991 to 21.3% nationally in 2006. County Longford had a rate of 21.6% in 2006; just marginally above the national average, but comparatively high for a predominantly rural county. Reflecting the urban-rural dichotomy within the county, Longford No 1 Urban (48.6%), Longford Rural (34.6%) and Granard Urban (33.3%) have all rates that are high even by comparison with other urban areas throughout the country. In contrast, there are 20 EDs, all of which are rural, where the rate is under 10 per cent. County Longford has the fourth highest percentage of people over 65 years of age and living alone (31.7%), after Leitrim, Cavan and Dublin City. The county has the sixth highest percentage of people over 70 living alone at 30.6%. County Longford has the second highest number of Travellers per 1,000 of population, after Galway City at 15.8. This is almost three times above the national average of 5.3.
2.1.4 Social Class
Social class background has a considerable impact in many areas of life: educational achievements, health, housing, crime, economic status and many more. In Co. Longford, the proportion in the professional classes (27.2%) and the proportion in the lower skilled professions (20.9%) mark a class composition below the national average. Differences in the social class composition within the county reflect those of educational attainment, with Longford RD having the highest composition (31.4% professionals, 18.7% semi- and unskilled manual classes), and Longford UD having the lowest (21.5%, 24.8%). However, the differentiation within the county occurs within a comparatively narrow spectrum.
2.1.5 Education and Literacy
The lack of literacy and numeracy skills are known to be key indicators of individuals at risk. Education attainment levels are linked to employability levels for individuals. County Longford has the sixth highest percentage in the State of people who left school with no primary education, and the tenth highest percentage of people with either primary education or lower secondary education only. The proportion of the population in Co. Longford (20%) whose full-time education ceased before the age of 16 is above the national average (17.9%). This is twelfth highest in the country and the county is eighth highest for those whose full-time education ceased before the age of 15 years. The proportion of Co. Longford’s population with third level education has grown from 8.9% in 1991 to 22.3% in 2006, a growth below that which has occurred nationally and levels also have remained persistently well below national comparison. Within the county, and mirroring the incidence of low education, the proportion of adults with higher education in some areas, Granard Rural (19.8%) has remained lower than is the case for, for example, Longford RD (23.6%), which has the highest levels of third level education amongst its adult population. However, the differences are small when compared to disparities in other counties.
Page 10 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
2.1.6 Affluence and Deprivation
Affluence and deprivation indices relate to three dimensions of social disadvantage: Demographic Decline, Social Class Disadvantage and Labour Market Deprivation. Overall, the Midlands Region is the second most disadvantaged region of Ireland, and Longford is the most disadvantaged local authority area within the region and the third most disadvantaged county in Ireland as a whole. The relative position of Longford has gradually worsened over the past fifteen years from a score of –2.0 in 1991 to a score of –4.5 in 2006. At a local level, the most disadvantaged EDs are Foxhall (-25.6) and Longford No 1 Urban (-21.6), followed by Meathas Truim (-16.3) and Drummeel (-15.0). However, only the first two EDs fall into the ‘very disadvantaged’ category. Five EDs fall into the ‘disadvantaged’ category, whilst all other EDs are marginally below the national average. Caldragh (12.2) is the only ED in the county in the ‘affluent’ category.
2.1.7 People with a Disability
People with disabilities are marginalised, excluded and discriminated against. Poverty can be both the cause and the consequence of disability. County Longford has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 1-14 (8.1%) than is the case either at regional (9.1%) or national (8.4%) level. Equally, the county has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 15-24 (6.7%) than is the case either at regional (7.1%) or national (7.4%) level. The county also has a lower percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 25-44 (16.8%) than is the case either at regional (19.1%) or national (19.9%) level. County Longford has a higher percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 45-64 (30.9%) than is the case either at regional (29.1%) or national (29.2%) level. The county also has a higher percentage of its population with a disability in the age range 65 years and over (37.5%) than is the case either at regional (35.7%) or national (35.1%) level.
2.1.8 Ethnicity
There is a growing body of evidence that poverty levels among minority ethnic groups are disproportionately high. In 2003 there were approximately 700 Refugees and Asylum Seekers predominantly living in Longford town. In 2002, there were over 100 migrant workers per month in Co. Longford registering for PPS numbers. The total number of immigrants into the State in the year to April 2008 fell by 26,000 to 83,800, while the number of emigrants has shown a marginal increase on the previous year to 45,300. As a result net migration is estimated to have fallen from 67,300 in the year ending April 2007 to 38,500 in the most recent period.
Page 11 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
2.1.9 Unemployment and Labour Force
Unemployment rates throughout Ireland have broadly halved over the past 15 years. There were 3,423 persons on the Live Register in Co. Longford in October 2008. This figure stood at 2,287 for the same month in 2007. Unemployment rates for the county (11.4%) remain high in comparison to the national average (8.5%). Co. Longford has the fourth highest unemployment rate after Limerick City, Donegal and Waterford City. Male unemployment rates for Co. Longford have fallen at a slower pace than the nationally prevailing one between 1991 and 2006 (-5.9% compared to -9.6% nationally), whilst female unemployment has actually increased (+1.3% compared to - 6.0% nationally). In 2006, Co. Longford had the highest female unemployment rate in the country. Unemployment black spots at local level include the EDs of Foxhall (26.1%), Longford No 1 Urban (24.4%) and Meathas Truim (22.2%). The labour force participation rate for County Longford stood at 60.9% in 2006, slightly below the national average at 62.5%. Physical access to facilities can often be a major barrier to participation as can affordability, transport, particularly in rural areas and lack of crèche facilities. Agriculture remains an important source of employment in the county. The average farm size in County Longford in 2000 was 26.9 hectares. Farmers with less than 50 acres are likely to be more vulnerable than those with larger tracts of land. In Co. Longford in 2004, there were 48.5% of farms less than 20.2 hectares. The average economic size units for farms in Ireland in 2000 were 20.7, with Co. Longford at 12.8. This was the seventh lowest in Ireland. The majority of farmers are aged 45-54 years.
2.1.10 Housing and Accommodation
A priority for social inclusion is to enable households experiencing poverty and disadvantage to have available to them housing or accommodation, which is affordable, accessible, of good quality, suitable to their needs, culturally acceptable, located in a sustainable community and, as far as possible, in a secure tenure of their choice. There has been a 2.3% decline in the proportion of local authority housing in Ireland over the 15 years, from 9.8% in 1991 to 7.5% in 2006. The proportion in the Midlands Region has declined by 0.4%, from 6.9% to 6.5%. In contrast, Co. Longford has seen an increase of 2.1% from 9.2% to 11.3%, the fifth highest level of local authority housing provision in any local authority area. At ED level, the highest concentrations of local authority housing are found in Longford No 1 Urban (26.8%), followed by Foxhall (23.9%), Ballinalee (18.5%) and Longford Rural (18.1%).
2.1.11 Young People
National policy objectives aim to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
Page 12 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
The size of the population of young people, in proportional terms, is diminishing. There were 12,218 people under the age of twenty-five in Co. Longford in 2006, with 7,463 people under the age of fifteen. Whilst Co. Longford has marginally more young people than the State average (35.5% as opposed to 35.3% for the State), it shares, in the longer term, a trend towards an ageing of society as a whole. The greatest percentage of population under the age of 25 was to be found in Coolamber (42.1%), Milltown (41%), and Mountdavis (40.7%). The lowest percentage population under the age of 25 was to found in Drummeel (28.3%) and Moyne (29.5%).
Page 13 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
This page left blank
Page 14 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 3 Policy Context
The development of a Poverty Profile and Local Social Inclusion Strategy is one of the thirteen prioritised key actions emerging from the review of the Longford County Development Board Strategic Plan. The Social Inclusion Measures Working Group is charged with the delivery of this action and established a Steering Group to oversee the development of the poverty profile and social inclusion strategy. The Steering Group consists of representatives from the local authorities, state agencies, local development agencies and the community and voluntary sector. The focus of the Social Inclusion Strategy is to ‘roll-out’ the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion at a local level. Key to this process will be the adoption of the ‘Lifecycle Approach’ to Social Inclusion at a countywide level.
3.1 Policy Reference
There are two major references in relation to the policy context of Local Poverty Profiles. The first of these is the National Anti-Poverty Strategy – Sharing in Progress (NAPS), 1997, and the second, the policy document Better Local Government – A Programme for Change 1996. In addition, it is important to consider the following: -
Building an Inclusive Society: review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, 2002.
National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAPS/Incl), 2003
The Local Government Act 2001
3.2 First National Anti-Poverty Strategy
Generally, there are two ways that poverty is measured in Ireland – one using ‘relative income lines’ and one combining these with ‘deprivation indicators’ (Sharing in Progress, National Anti-Poverty Strategy, 1997, page 32). Relative income lines are based on disposable income and construct a poverty line by calculating the average household income, taking differences in household size and composition into account. Income Poverty Lines are usually drawn at 50% or 60% of average disposable income. However, it is recognised that poverty lines are arbitrary devices and it does not necessarily mean that all those below a given income poverty line are poor and all those above affluent. The second way that poverty is measured in Ireland combines the above with a measurement of deprivation. A basic deprivation index has been constructed by the ESRI and looks at the enforced lack of a number of items. Those who have both low levels of income and who suffer basic deprivation can be identified as consistently poor. The percentage of people living in consistent poverty is falling in this country. In 1998, 8.2% of people were living in consistent poverty. By 2001, this figure had dropped to 5.2% (ESRI, 2003). However the percentage of people living on below 60% of average income (those living in relative poverty) is growing. In 1998 the percentage was 19.8%.
Page 15 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile By 2001 the figure had grown to 21.9%. Following the United Nations Social Summit in Copenhagen in 1995, the Irish Government decided to draw up what became the first National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS). Launched in 1997, NAPS was published in a climate of substantial economic growth and falling levels of unemployment but it was acknowledged by the government that a rising tide does not lift all boats and that there were a substantial number of people still living in poverty despite the economic boom. NAPS represented the first attempt by the Irish Government to tackle poverty in the medium to long terms in a strategic way. In acknowledging that it was not enough to include those living in consistent poverty alone, NAPS adopted a relative definition of poverty. It also recognised that the term poverty was not inclusive of all those experiencing disadvantage and so included the term social exclusion in the strategy. The notion of social exclusion relates to barriers to participation such as discrimination; physical barriers such as lack of transport or accessible amenities; people lacking in the skills required to fully participate in society or other barriers to full participation in society. The definition of social exclusion used is one defined by Partnership 2000 and is as follows: - Cumulative marginalisation: from production (employment), from consumption (income poverty), from social networks (community, family and neighbours), from decision-making and from an adequate quality of life. The definition of poverty used by NAPS is as follows: People are living in poverty, if their income and resources (material, cultural and social) are so inadequate as to preclude them from having a standard of living, which is regarded as acceptable by Irish society generally. As a result of inadequate income and resources people may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for other people in society. NAPS outlined three very important factors in the way it was to address poverty. Firstly, addressing poverty needs to be based on an understanding of the multidimensional nature of poverty. The need to build responsibility for tackling poverty into the strategic objectives of all government departments and agencies was recognised. Secondly, addressing poverty involves tackling the deep-seated underlying structural inequalities that create and perpetuate it. Thirdly, there is a need to give particular attention to a number of key areas if any significant advance on the tackling of poverty is to be achieved. These were identified as follows: -
Educational disadvantage;
Unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment;
Income adequacy;
Disadvantaged urban areas; and
Rural poverty. NAPS then identified those groups of people who account for a substantial proportion of those living in poverty and those who may be subject to a high risk of poverty. The groups identified as being at greatest risk of poverty were: -
The unemployed, particularly the long-term unemployed;
Children, particularly those living in large families;
Single adult households and households headed by someone working in the home;
Lone parents; and
Page 16 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
People with disabilities. It was also recognised that though people living in poverty can be found anywhere, there are certain areas where large clusters of people living in poverty can be found. Three such areas were identified: -
Decaying inner city areas;
Large public housing estates on city and town peripheries; and
Isolated and underdeveloped rural areas. NAPS looked at the causes of poverty and concluded that unemployment, particularly long-term unemployment, is one of the fundamental causes of poverty. In addition, the education system, the tax system and the social welfare system, if not targeted at those most in need, could become contributing factors. Over the period 1997-2007, the National Anti-Poverty Strategy aimed at considerably reducing the numbers of those who are ‘consistently poor’ from (between) 9 - 15% to less than 5 - 10%, as measured by the ESRI.
3.3 Review of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy
In 2000, Planning For a More Inclusive Society: An Initial Assessment of the National Anti-Poverty Strategy was published by the Combat Poverty Agency. This assessment, agreed by the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, reviewed the progress of NAPS from 1997 to the end of 1999. Based on this, Building an Inclusive Society was launched, which was essentially an updated version of NAPS. It prioritised those living in consistent poverty, which was defined as being below 50-60% of average disposable income and experiencing enforced basic deprivation. The themes to be addressed were also updated to the following: - 1. Educational Disadvantage; 2. Unemployment; 3. Income Adequacy; 4. Disadvantaged Urban Dwellers; 5. Disadvantaged Rural Dwellers; 6. Housing/Accommodation; and 7. Health The following crosscutting themes were also introduced: - 1. Child Poverty; 2. Women’s Poverty; 3. Older People; 4. Ethnic Minorities; and 5. People with Disabilities. The key target set out in Building an Inclusive Society was to: Reduce the numbers of those who are ‘consistently poor’ below 2% and, if possible, eliminate consistent poverty, under the current definition of consistent poverty. Specific attention will be paid to vulnerable groups in the pursuit of this objective.
Page 17 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 3.4 The Role of Local Authorities
Although, the original NAPS mentioned that all government departments and agencies would have a role in its implementation, Building an Inclusive Society specifically mentions Local Authorities as having a role in achieving the targets it sets. It requires local authorities to consider their role in this and also to poverty proof all of their policies. The specific requirements of local authorities includes: - ‘The key remit now given to County and City Development Boards in relation to the preparation of county and city strategies will lead to a key role for local authorities in the setting of strategic development objectives across the full range of public services. The setting of these strategic development objectives will take account of the principles, targets and objectives set out in the NAPS and, over time, local authorities will develop appropriate social inclusion strategies at local level which will underpin and strengthen the national actions being taken’ (Building an Inclusive Society3).
3.5 NAP Poverty and Social Exclusion
The National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion (NAPS/Incl) is part of an EU drive to meet the objective set by the European Council in Lisbon in 2000 ‘to make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty and social exclusion by 2010’. It does not differ significantly from Building an Inclusive Society.
3.6 Better Local Government
Better Local Government: A Programme for Change was published in 1996 and was the policy document on which the subsequent reform of local government was based. It considered the role of Local Authorities and local government in Ireland and directed how that role could be expanded to enhance local democracy. Better Local Government was based on the following principles: -
Serving the customer better;
Developing efficiency; and
Providing proper resources. Better Local Government outlines the vision for local authorities in relation to a wider role for local development. It states that ‘there is a strong case therefore, for greater integration, simplification and reorganisation on a way which retains and strengthens the essence of the local development experience. Accordingly, the Government has decided that from 1st January 2000, an integrated local government and local development system will come into place.’ (p. 29). As local development is primarily, though not exclusively, involved in working with those living in poverty and disadvantage, there are obvious implications for the future direction of the work of the Local Authorities.
3 Page 25 of the strategy.
Page 18 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 3.7 Local Government Act 2001
The Local Government Act 2001 sets out the legislative framework for the implementation of the reform envisaged in Better Local Government. Part 13 outlines the role of the Local Authority and the Local Community and Part 14 outlines the Local Government Service. Specifically: -
Section 69(g) refers to the ‘need to promote social inclusion’.
Section 134 refers to the drawing up of the Corporate Plan and specifically mentions that section 69 has to be taken into account – 134(7). In preparing its corporate plan a local authority shall take account of such policies and objectives in relation to any of its functional programmes as are set out in any other plan, statement, strategy or other shall comply with sections 69, 71 and 129.
3.8 National Development Plan 2007-2013
In the period following the introduction of the first National Anti-Poverty Strategy, responses to poverty and exclusion have been increasingly mainstreamed. The current National Development Plan (NDP) includes Social Inclusion as one of its five priorities and allocates some 27% of its proposed €183.7 billion investment to this area. The Social Inclusion priority of the National Development Plan comprises a number of programmes, focussing on the following: - 1. Children; 2. People of working age; 3. Older people; 4. People with disabilities; 5. Local and community development; and 6. Integration and equality. The Plan recognises that poverty and exclusion will not be dealt with by this priority alone. Social welfare payments will be additional, and other National Development Plan priorities will also contribute significantly. Those contributions will include, among many others, the following poverty and exclusion-related investments: - 1. Economic Infrastructure, including public transport provision; 2. Enterprise; Science; and Innovation, including enterprise; rural development; and tourism development; 3. Human Capital, encompassing education and training; and 4. Social Infrastructure, including housing; health; sports; and culture.
3.9 NAP Social Inclusion 2007-2016
The National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 builds on the work of the previous decade. It places a strong emphasis on actions and targets. The overall goal is to: ‘Reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016’. The National Action Plan is designed to complement the National Development Plan and takes a life-cycle approach across the following themes: - 1. Children;
Page 19 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 2. People of working age; 3. Older people; 4. People with disabilities; and 5. Communities The specific issues underpinning each of these are seen to include: - Children: -
Health: fundamental to a young persons well-being; Education: vital to future prospects; Income Support: helping to secure a good quality of life; and Other priorities: nutrition; homelessness; traveller children; sport and leisure; training; justice; and substance abuse. People of Working Age: -
Employment/Unemployment: the need to improve employability; Education: addressing literacy and ‘second chance’ education; Gender: improving social and economic outcomes for women; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and Other: health, lone parents and justice issues. Older People: -
Care in Old Age: providing the care support needed when and where it’s needed; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and Other: housing; education; and community participation. People With Disabilities: -
Employment and Participation: the need to improve employability and involvement; Income Support: helping secure a good quality of life; and Other: access to services; housing; buildings; transport; and facilities. Communities: -
Housing: meeting housing needs, including those of homeless people; Health: better targeted services and responding to carers’ needs; Other: addressing issues related to Travellers; migrants; transport; libraries; citizenship; fuel poverty; ‘e-inclusion’; and sport; Programmes: maintaining and developing a range of community-based programmes; and National Drugs Strategy: continuing investment.
Page 20 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 4 Local Policy Framework
Key local research and policy documents pertaining to local social inclusion target groups were reviewed. These studies and policy documents provide a local context for the social exclusion issues impacting on target groups in Co. Longford, an overview of the services available, and key recommendations for intervention.
4.1 Longford County Development Board
Longford County Development Board (CDB) was established in 2000. The role of the CDB is to integrate local government and local development systems through partnership. The 27 members of the CDB are drawn from four pillars: local government, local development sector, state agencies and the social partners. There are three sub-committees of the CDB: Economic, Social, and Cultural. The Social sub- committee was expanded to form a Social Inclusion Measures Working Group (SIMWG). The SIMWG was established to co-ordinate the National Development Plan Social Inclusion Measures and in so doing: -
Act as a broker/facilitator of protocols between agencies at local level;
Carry out an assessment of the extent of co-ordination of SIMWG at local level;
Identify gaps and overlaps in the delivery of local social inclusion services;
Share information;
Provide mutual knowledge of each organisation’s key roles and personnel; and
Exchange views and insights. Figure 2 – Membership of SIMWG (Source: CDB)
Longford Women’s Link Longford Gardaí LCRL Health Service Executive Dept. Social and Family Affairs VEC FAS County Childcare Committee ICTU Dept. of Education and Science Acorn (CDP) Community and Voluntary Sector
4.1.1 Economic, Social and Cultural Development
The ‘Way Forward’ Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development in County Longford 2002-2011 contains the ten-year programme to improve the economic, social and cultural quality of life in Co. Longford. It includes an analysis of current provisions, focusing on the strengths, the weaknesses, the opportunities and the challenges within the county. In January 2005, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government requested that all CDBs undertake a review of their strategic plans to facilitate better co- ordination, minimise duplication, and improve the targeting of services. In Co. Longford the review examined the total number of actions that had been undertaken since 2002. The breakdown of actions is categorised under economic, culture/sport and recreation, and social themes, and is presented below.
Page 21 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Figure 3 – Breakdown of Actions 2002-2005 (Source: CDB)
Economic Culture/Sports and Social Recreation Total Actions 227 123 467 Achieved /Ongoing 195 102 400 Of the combined total of 817 actions, 697 had been achieved, some of which were ongoing. The Action Plan devised for the 2006-2008 period outlined key development issues, and the actions required to achieve development targets. Figure 4 – Key Development Issues and Actions (Source: CDB)
Key Issue Actions Economic Develop and support a County Longford Enterprise Forum. Development of Co. Agree a terms of reference for the Forum. Longford Identify the county’s strengths & weakness. Produce an information pack to market Longford as an investment location. Establish the ‘Enterprise Encounter’ programme in the post primary schools. Carry out a skills availability & a skills needs audit. Develop interagency training & education programme to address any perceived skills deficit aimed at up skilling the labour force. Include part time options and online training. Develop third level outreach provision. Provide a range of supports for childcare and transport to improve participation rates. Provide a range of supports to rural smallholders. Increase the availability of land serviced for industrial purposes. Building Local Establish a community taskforce. Communities Draw up a terms of reference for the taskforce. Develop protocols for more effective interagency co- operation. Provide capacity building training to local residents. Implement anti social behaviour policy. Put measures in place to protect the environment, awareness raising and enforcement. Undertake estate enhancement work. Establish a local pride of place competition. Implement village and town enhancement programme. Establish youth services. Involve young people in the decision making process. Develop Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. Support local development associations and Tidy Towns committees. Coordination of Establish an interagency group to develop an integrated response to women & children services for victims experiencing domestic violence. of domestic violence Assess the usage of existing services and the level of co- ordination between services. Increase awareness of service availability. Put in place clear progression routes from crisis to longer-term solutions. Reduction of Early School Leaving. Services for those Establish an interagency group on early school leaving. who have left school Develop terms of reference. early Source funding for after school services. Develop pre school services in disadvantage areas. Support collaboration between primary & post primary schools. Establish a system to enable agencies to work with ESL who are tracked by the Education Welfare Officer. Develop part time options for ESL. Develop a programme of literature events for young children. Organise workshop on reading with your child.
/continued
Page 22 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Key Issue Actions Integration of ethnic Seek funding for two support workers. minorities and Produce literature in different languages. migrant workers Provide language training. Draw up an intercultural programme of events over a three-year period. Consult with asylum seekers and migrant workers to identify their needs. Create awareness amongst agencies on identified needs. Develop an action plan to support the needs of migrant workers. Develop a local Agree a terms of reference. poverty profile Source funding. Develop brief for consultant. Seek tenders & select consultants. Collection of data and mapping. Agree key recommendations. Publish and launch the profile. Utilise the profile data to inform focused and targeted actions. Develop a cohesive Establish shared training and meeting room facilities. approach to service Establish a shared outreach office in Granard. delivery Interagency training in public relations & media skills training. Provide ease of access to local agencies through a Longford internet portal . Establish a Content Management System. Increase awareness/understanding of workers on each agency’s role and operation. Support Services for Pilot a help line for older people. Older People Train volunteers for the help line on existing services & key contacts. Maintain and extend rural transport service. Continue to support and liaise with the Older People’s Network. Expand the number of clubs and activities for older people. Establish a mentoring panel of older people with expertise in a variety of areas. Substance Misuse Participate on the Regional Drugs Taskforce. Establish a Local Forum on education & prevention of substance misuse. Work in collaboration with schools, youth and sporting organisations. Explore methodologies in addressing substance misuse. Secure treatment services in County Longford. Run interagency training on education & prevention Supports for Establish interagency focus group to develop support programme for marginalised. marginalised single Target an area and individual clients. men Assess the needs. Draw up a work programme. Source funding from key stakeholders. Establish the programme.
Implementation The CDB meets at least four times a year to report on progress in implementing the actions. Measurements and indicators outlined in each section are used to monitor progress.
4.1.2 County Longford Community and Voluntary Forum
The Community and Voluntary Forum was established in 2001. Forum membership comprises of over 140 groups. A democratically elected umbrella forum of 22 members operates as a Steering Group at County level and fulfils a key link between the Board and the wider community. Members of the Steering Group are nominated onto the following structures: -
Longford County Development Board;
Page 23 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Social Inclusion Measures Working Group; County Childcare Committee; Regional Drugs Taskforce; Strategic Policy Committees of the Local Authority; Longford Community Resources Limited; Co. Longford Youth Service; Citizen’s Information Service; and County Heritage Forum The key objectives of the Forum are as follows:-
To provide a Forum for community and voluntary groups to network, build linkages, consult and be consulted on a wide variety of topics relating to the social, economic and cultural development of Co. Longford; To act as a nomination body for the community and voluntary sector; To provide a bridge for the exchange of information between local communities, statutory agencies and non-governmental bodies, national and international; and To facilitate the involvement of local communities in policy development and participation in community development. The Community and Enterprise Section of Longford County Development Board resources and supports the Community and Voluntary Forum and maintains a database of registered Community and Voluntary organisations in the County. Since September 2005, Longford County Development Board has employed a full-time support worker to work with the Forum.
4.2 County Longford VEC
The remit of County Longford Vocational Education Committee (VEC) includes the provision of post-primary, second chance, adult and further education together with educational support services. This education provision incorporates full-time day courses and part-time day and evening courses. County Longford VEC’s 2006 Annual Report, ‘Education for Life’ outlines the extent of VEC education provision in the County and details the range of courses delivered. Figure 5 – VEC Education and Training Provision (Source: VEC)
Level Education Provision Second Level Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard Ballymahon Vocational School Lanesboro Community College Templemichael College Longford
/continued
Page 24 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Level Education Provision Adult Education Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) are delivered in the VEC schools in Full-time Ballymahon, Granard, Lanesboro Youthreach - cater for early school leavers-Ballymahon and Granard. Traveller Education - a programme of integrated education, training and work experience for adult members of the Traveller community is available at St Mel’s Education and Training Centre in Longford. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is provided at the Adult Education Centre, Longford. Adult Education Adult Education Centre, Ballymahon. Part-time Adult Education Centre, Granard. Adult Education Centre, Longford. Computer Training College. Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). Outreach Centres A range of courses are available at the Adult Education Centres in Ballymahon, Granard and Longford. These include Basic Education Courses (including family learning programmes, childcare courses, Level 3 and Level 4 FETAC modules). Junior and Leaving Certificate subjects and classes to assist adults with literacy and numeracy difficulties are available as Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) funded programmes. VEC Support Services include: Adult Educational Guidance Service, Community Education, Grants and Scholarships, Childcare, Youth and Sport, and School Transport. County Longford VEC appointed a Community Education Facilitator in March 2003 to provide support and assistance to existing and new community groups, and to set up new educational courses in those community areas.
4.2.1 Education Resources Accessed
Based on an early school leaving survey conducted by Co. Longford VEC in 2008, a profile of all resources being accessed in primary and post-primary schools was developed. Resources accessed in primary schools included: learning support and language support, additional teaching resources, meals, sporting activities, extra curricular activities, enrichment programmes, and homework support. Resources accessed in post-primary schools included: learning support and language support, additional teaching resources, meals, career guidance and counselling, extra curricular activities, enrichment programmes; homework support, Junior Certificate programme, and Leaving Certificate applied.
4.3 EDI Centre
The Longford and District Council of Trade Unions established the Employment Development Information (EDI) Centre in 1998. The progress report on the EDI Centre in 2003 highlights the core activities of the centre and the range of education and support services that the centre provides to the long-term unemployed. The EDI Centre is located in Longford Town and supports unemployed people living in the town, throughout Co. Longford and beyond. The centre has trained staff, well established links with statutory agencies and tailors its services to service users. Longford EDI specialises in: -
Information Provision and Dissemination;
Page 25 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Mediation and Pre-employment supports; Education and Training; Enterprise Development; and Delivery of outreach services to rural areas One of the projects based at the Centre is REVAMP, a furniture reuse and recycling service. This is a FÁS Community Training Initiative. Benefits of REVAMP to the Community include providing local training and additional job opportunities for long- term unemployed people. The Centre works with referral agencies and advice centres to reduce dependence on borrowing by providing quality furniture to low-income families at affordable prices.
4.4 Longford Women’s Link
Longford Women’s Link (LWL) is a local women’s resource centre committed to effecting social change for the benefit of women and their families. The organisation has its own purpose-built facility in Longford Town. It provides a community crèche facility, a CE employment scheme, a domestic violence support service, a refugee/migrant support service, outreach and collective-action work, education and training programmes, and is supported by an administration section. The facility also provides a wide-range of counselling services. The vision of Longford Women’s Link is that women in Longford can fulfil their potential in a safe and equal society. The four strategic objectives identified in LWL’s Strategic Plan 2008-2010 are: - 1. Individual women in Longford can access their rights and entitlements for themselves and for their children; 2. Longford women’s social and economic independence is increased; 3. Women’s collective voice in Longford is making a positive impact on the local community; and 4. The achievement of LWL’s policy development priorities positively impact on the lives of lone parents, victims of domestic violence and new communities both locally and nationally. The three pillars of work that supports these objectives are:- 1. Direct Support; 2. Building Community Capacity; and 3. Advocacy. These pillars are designed to facilitate women (including migrant women, lone parents, survivors of domestic violence) to find solutions to two sets of social inclusion issues: - 1. Socio-economic opportunity and economic independence are key factors in ensuring women’s full participation at all levels of society and breaking a cycle of isolation and welfare dependency. Economic independence is of particular relevance and urgency with women experiencing domestic violence. Women’s Aid (2002) have found nationally that 80% of women cite a lack of economic independence as the main reason for staying in an abusive relationship, and this finding is reinforced by LWL’s local data of up to 94% of women citing a lack of economic independence as the main reason for staying in an abusive relationship. In the ‘Moulding A Model of Best Practice’ domestic violence report, Longford Women’s Link (2008) outlines the necessity for an integrated response to needs, versus the more common response of one-off initiatives that address one aspect of a
Page 26 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile complex issue. For example, women approaching the LWL Domestic Violence service typically require support in addressing financial, legal, accommodation, transportation, social welfare, health and child issues. For women from New Communities experiencing domestic violence, there are additional complexities. These include language difficulties and cultural misunderstandings that frequently compound the other challenges and increase the individual’s isolation, residency and family reunification issues, and, frequently, racism and discrimination. 2. Many women, and especially disadvantaged women, feel deeply alienated from the decision-making structures of society. In the local Longford context, women’s representation in power and decision-making is very low: for example, only two out of twenty-one County Councillors are women. This also gives rise to a lack of gender balance on key Strategic Policy Committees (SPCS). Indeed, in two out of four SPCs there are currently no women represented. Therefore, local decision- making structures have limited capacity to address the gender-specific dynamics of social exclusion. Longford Women’s Link has developed a particular expertise in analysing the reasons why current policy continues to adversely impact on specific groups of women, and in developing policy and practice initiatives to address gender-based poverty, social exclusion and other inequalities. Budgetary cuts inevitably increase the invisible burden of care, which generally falls on women, and which compounds women’s experience of isolation and social exclusion.
4.5 Employment for People with Disabilities
County Longford Community and Voluntary Forum’s research into employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Longford in 2006, entitled ‘The Road to Employment…Under Construction…’ provided an action plan for the year-long examination of the issues of employment for people with disabilities in the county. The action plan informs the work of the Forum and the new steering group, as well as their representatives on the Social Inclusion Measures Working Group and Longford CDB.
4.5.1 Action Plan
Each action had a lead agency whose responsibility it was to lead and report on the action. Ten Action Plan objectives were laid out:- Figure 6 – Action Plan Objectives (Source: C&V Forum)
1. Continue to meet as an inter-agency steering 6. Establish a proactive contact system with group to plan and monitor the implementation employers of recommendations of the research. 7. Provide relevant training for people with 2. Improve the level of understanding and disabilities awareness of disability and employment of 8. Continue to improve access for people with people with disabilities through a coordinated disabilities one-year information campaign. 9. Examine Community Services Programme for 3. Work with people with disabilities to target people who cannot currently engage in the local decision-makers. workforce 4. Provide a full range of follow up supports for 10. Make appropriate recommendations at people with disabilities and employers. national level. 5. Promote information on employment for people with disabilities. By meeting the targets of the action plan the Steering Group aimed to ensure that: -
Employers and people with disabilities are fully informed of supports available;
Page 27 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
People with disabilities have more choices in employment; More people with disabilities are in employment; Better quality of life for people with disabilities; and People with disabilities have improved access to buildings etc The study found that there was a wide range of employment supports available for people with disabilities and employers of people with disabilities. However, people with disabilities were less likely to be in employment due to attitudes, awareness and information issues as well as access, lack of experience, assertiveness and fear of losing key benefits. Concerns expressed by employers were often based on misinformation and lack of knowledge. Employers were generally positive about employing people with disabilities and were open to finding out more about the supports available.
4.6 Homelessness Service Providers
The Midlands Simon Community works with people who experience homelessness in counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. The organisation officially launched its first strategic plan in January 2005. This strategic plan proposed the establishment of a continuum of care and aimed at establishing services where gaps currently exist. In using a continuum of care model, the organisation aimed to develop services from emergency through to supporting people to be settled into a home of their own. The Midlands Simon Midlands Regional Settlement Service is an innovative approach to ending homelessness. The Service operates in accordance with a protocol agreed between the Local Authorities of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath, and the HSE Dublin-Mid Leinster Region. The Service aims to support people to progress out of homelessness.
4.6.1 Midlands Regional Settlement Service Review
A review of the Midlands Regional Settlement Service was conducted in September 2007. Evidence gathered from the review suggests that the Regional Settlement Service makes a positive and qualitative difference to the lives of people in the Midlands who have a history of episodic homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Interviewees reported that the settlement service provided: solutions to homelessness, innovative inter-agency intervention, a continuum of care, and an effective alternative to traditional responses to homelessness. The review found that the active engagement of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath Local Authorities and the HSE Dublin Mid- Leinster, was crucial to the realisation of the continuum of care model. The review highlights potential future actions that could be undertaken by the Regional Settlement Service.
Page 28 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Figure 7 – Potential Future Actions (Source: Midlands Simon)
1. The continuation and expansion of the service. 9. The standardisation by the Local Authorities 2. The need to develop an aggregate data of the assessment procedures for referring collection system. cases to the service. 3. The development of a three-year strategic plan 10. The review of the efficacy of the requirements for the service. for referrals to be only acceptable from Local 4. The review of the terms of Protocol, at the end Authorities. of the pilot. 11. The commissioning of a regional analysis of 5. The review of the Settlement Service policy the allocation of public housing to people who and procedures to ensure that the needs of experience homelessness. dependent children in Service Users’ families 12. The exploration of how the Rental are responded to. Accommodation Scheme could be further 6. The publishing and dissemination of an utilised to meet the needs of service users of information leaflet on the Service. the Settlement Service. 7. The development of a communication protocol 13. The commissioning of an audit of the health to advise agencies when capacity exists to and social care services available to the needs accept new referrals. of the service users of the regional settlement service. 8. The development and publishing of criteria for admission into the Service. 14. The development of a formal policy for closure of case.
4.7 New Communities Services
Longford Women’s Link report that services available in Longford for New Communities in 2007 included: -
LaRed (Longford Against Racism - Embracing Diversity), a network of local statutory and voluntary agencies engaging with minority ethnic communities; ‘Global Longford’ provides advice and advocacy for new male asylum; ACORN CDP provides advice, advocacy, training, and recreation facilities for socially excluded men including the Traveller and asylum seeking communities; Longford EDI employs an Employment Mediation Officer who speaks Polish; The VEC provides English language classes for newcomers to Longford; Longford Library provides books/information in a range of languages, hosts LaRed meetings, and facilitates a Polish mother and baby group; Citizens’ Information Centre has a legal advocate, a Polish information officer and a weekly Slovak information clinic; The Catholic Church is developing its services for the new communities; and Longford Women’s Link provides a range of services to new communities.
4.7.1 Intercultural Strategic Plan
County Longford's Intercultural Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 aims to deliver a coherent, collaborative and inclusive response to the needs of the increasing cultural diversity of Co. Longford. The key partners in developing the strategic plan in 2008 were Longford Community Resources (lead partner), Longford County Development Board, and Longford Women's Link. The strategic plan was organised around the following social themes: justice and legal, family, community and voluntary, business and employment, education and training, health and welfare, culture, leisure and recreation, and cross-cutting issues. Each theme is linked to the five pillars identified within the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) - Protection, Inclusion, Provision, Recognition and Participation. The plan makes recommendations for actions under each theme to achieve a socially inclusive
Page 29 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile cultural diversity for Co. Longford.
4.7.2 Inclusive Entrepreneurship
The ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ireland’ report captured the findings of a study that was conducted in 2007 to examine how disadvantaged or under-represented entrepreneurs, or potential entrepreneurs, are assisted in Ireland. The consultation process revealed many positive dimensions to the Irish system for ensuring that entrepreneurship is open to all groups within Irish society. A number of recommendations were made and are summarised under the themes of: strategy, culture and conditions, start-up support and training, consolidation and growth, access to finance, and international collaboration.
4.8 ACORN CDP
The Acorn Men’s Project provides a drop-in service where people can relax and enjoy a range of social activities and pass-times as well as access basic computer classes and music classes and benefit from advice and information provision. Acorn CDP’s aim is to support community and voluntary initiatives that are targeted at greater social inclusion. The specific objective of the Acorn Community Development Project is to develop and support initiatives that will allow men to access services and opportunities. The project strives to involve men in the issues that affect them and all services provided by Acorn are initiated by the men who use the project. The project responds to the needs of men and, where possible, provides the training and services that men require. The project provides training in the following: -
English Lessons; Men’s Physical Health and Mental Health; Self Help and Coping Skills; Welfare Rights Entitlements; and Computer Literacy. There are also opportunities for involvement with group work, counselling and pre- employment courses. Acorn CDP aims to become a learning organisation that is inclusive of local communities and continually reflects on and reviews its activities, policies and procedures.
4.9 Traveller Community
There is a range of initiatives in Co. Longford to support the social inclusion of the Traveller Community.
4.9.1 Key Stakeholders
Key stakeholders for promoting the social inclusion of Travellers include:
The Co. Longford Primary Healthcare Programme: The Primary Healthcare programme was established in 2003 with the aim of improving the health and quality of life for Travellers in Longford by improving access to health services. Services include: information provision; support and advice, help using services,
Page 30 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile health promotion, linking Travellers with health service providers, working with the HSE Public Health Nurse for Travellers; visiting Travellers in their homes, and referring clients to other organisations and services.
The Longford Traveller Movement (LTM): LTM was established in 2001. In conjunction with LCRL, it received funding from the Traveller Health Unit in March 2003 to employ two workers. Following a strategic planning process in 2004 LTM redefined its aims as follows: promoting Traveller culture and challenging discrimination, ensuring accommodation is appropriate; providing educational, recreational, social, employment (including self-employment) opportunities, improving the health status and education outcomes for Travellers.
LCRL: Although LTM became an independent company from LCRL in 2007, LCRL continues to support the development of the group.
St. Mels Training Centre: A Senior Traveller Training Centre, St. Mels provides vocational and practical training for Travellers over the age of 15. The Training Centre is funded by Longford VEC and is run by a Management Committee with representatives from the VEC, FÁS, St. Vincent De Paul, members of the Church, and members of the Traveller Community.
4.9.2 Longford CDB Traveller Inter-Agency Plan
In 2006, the Government High Level Working Group on the implementation of Traveller Policy tasked all County Development Boards with devising integrated strategic plans for service delivery that would focus on: health, education/training, income/employment/economy, accommodation, culture, and law and order. An initial set of inter-agency actions on Travellers issues arose specifically from the formation of the inter-agency group. The actions include an Employment “front-loading” initiative, an initiative to secure employment for Primary Healthcare trainees, Traveller education and employment prospects, and an initiative to build links between schools and Travellers.
4.9.3 Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009-2013
The Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009-2013 recognises Travellers’ distinct needs and states that good practice around the promotion of good, appropriate service provision and policy structures need to be based on consultation with local Traveller representatives, the Traveller community itself, and Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees. The plan also states that the policy of the Longford County Council is to comply with the directions and guidelines issues by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the provision of Local Authority Accommodation for Travellers as a distinct group. It is estimated that 105 Traveller families will seek Local Authority Housing during the 2009-2013 period.
4.9.4 Education Outcomes for Young Travellers
The overall aim of research conducted on behalf of Longford Traveller Movement in 2005 into the post primary outcomes for young Travellers in Co. Longford was to collect data on Travellers’ post primary experience. The report concluded that young Travellers are still suffering from low educational attainment, very poor work experience and employment prospects and little potential for training later in life. The report also stated that Travellers have limited training options and that there is a lack of coordination and strategic forward planning for training initiatives.
Page 31 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile The report recommended the inclusion of Traveller needs in the County Education Strategy, the establishment of a local Traveller Education and Training Forum and a local Traveller Education Strategy. The report also recommended the development of a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the development of a pilot scheme for work placements for Travellers. A locally based intercultural education and training programme for staff of schools and training centres was recommended as was the establishment of a parent support group led by local Travellers. The report highlighted the need for a local initiative for young Travellers to highlight positive role models and develop mentoring programmes. The development of Traveller liaison posts was also recommended.
4.10 Older People’s Needs
Longford Older Person’s Network and Longford Community Resources Limited commissioned a study into the needs of older people living in Co. Longford in 2008. A series of recommendations for both service providers and Longford Older Persons Network (OPN) were made. Recommendations for older person service providers are outlined under the themes of social and leisure, health, housing, security and safety, finance and information, transport, and crosscutting themes. 1. Social and Leisure: Service providers should explore the option for a county-wide ‘buddy scheme’ and develop links with Positive Age and their Older Men’s Network, undertake exchange visits, work with churches, engage in more arts activities and inter-generational projects, provide more social activities for nursing home residents and promote greater involvement of the GAA, ICA and other organisations. 2. Health: Service providers should ensure the role of the Public Health Nurse on the Older Person’s Partnership Forum, research HSE funding programmes for health promotion activities, improve the coordination of HSE transport services and lobby for a Patient Advocate for older people. It was recommended that service providers work with home help services to instigate sleepover and night-time services, campaign for a dementia unit, geriatrician and other specialist services in Longford, and investigate the feasibility of a one-stop shop in Granard to provide a Holistic Health Service. 3. Housing: Service providers should ensure the implementation of the Housing Needs Assessment recommendations for Older People and increase rural social housing. Service providers should lobby for continued funding for the Panic button scheme, establish a pool of workmen for maintenance and odd jobs, and increase sheltered housing accommodation. 4. Security and Safety: Service providers should initiate volunteer Good Neighbour Schemes, undertake a security and safety system audit, and launch promotional and information campaigns on security and safety devices available. Service providers should lobby the County Council and Government to ensure security and safety systems are automatically processed when a person becomes pension aged. 5. Finance and Information: Service providers should increase older people’s access to IT training, update the CIS directory with services for older people. Service providers should lobby National Fora for year round fuel allowance, use networks like Meals on Wheels to disseminate information, and investigate how to tackle ‘financial abuse’ by family members. 6. Transport: Service providers should initiate a volunteer driver transport scheme and promote awareness of Longford Rural Transport. 7. Crosscutting: Service providers should establish an older person’s partnership forum across sectors, develop a strategy for involvement and provision of services
Page 32 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile to older people, and develop an integrated promotional campaign for the Friendly Call Service. Service providers should develop a training programme for committee members of Longford OPN, and promote and develop links between service providers and older people. Local best practice should be promoted and it should be ensured that issues identified in this research are fed into a local strategy development process.
The report recommended that the Older Person’s Network (OPN) should increase men’s representation on the committee, build links with non-member groups and thereby strive for 100% coverage (including reaching out to Travellers and New Communities). The OPN should encourage the expansion of activities for older people in clubs. In terms of information sharing, the OPN should promote itself to service providers and launch an information newsletter for older people. OPN should play a lead role in the formation of the proposed Older Person’s Partnership Forum and ensure that the voices of older people are represented at service planning and review activities. OPN should also identify potential funding sources for a dedicated staffing resource for older people.
4.11 Rural Transport Project
In 2008, a strategic plan was developed by LCRL for a Rural Transport Project (RTP) to cover all of Co. Longford, excluding Longford Town. The aim of the RTP is to address social exclusion and to contribute to rural development by increasing travel choice. While the current rural transport services provided in North and South Longford are considered to be excellent and much appreciated by users, they operate at fixed times and on fixed days, and cannot bring passengers close to their destination in Longford. Up until 2008, there has been significant unused vehicle capacity within the County coexisting with a shortage of fully accessible transport. Greater collaboration among providers in the community and voluntary sector is needed as is appropriate training for drivers and passenger assistants. The general public need to be made more aware of transport opportunities. Proposed activities for 2008-2010: -
Maintain existing services and optimise capacity; Improve operations through introduction of computerised scheduling; Create a dedicated website for the initiative; Further provision of local services to meet needs of young people students, adult learners and trainees; Introduction of a social car scheme and a taxi voucher scheme primarily to address travel to Mullingar and Tullamore hospitals and but also to target people not served by existing routes; Support local transport planning and community minibus pilot scheme; Establish new routes from outlying towns to Longford Town to facilitate workers on a fare-paying basis; Division on a self-financing basis of existing service provided by the National Learning network into two separate routes to allow wider usage and links with other education and training requirements; and Improvements to accessibility among some vehicles to facilitate people with disabilities.
Page 33 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 4.12 Co. Longford Citizen’s Information Service
County Longford Citizen’s Information Service (CIS) was established in 1999 to provide information, advice and advocacy services in Co. Longford. The CIS Centre is located in Longford Town and has a number of outreach information clinics around the county including: Drumlish, Aughnacliffe, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Ballymahon, and Lanesboro. The Comhairle4 Strategic Plan 2003-2007 aimed to extend and develop its information strategy for this period. Recognising its fundamental role in delivering on Comhairle’s strategic objectives at a local level, Co. Longford committed to develop and implement a further Strategic Plan for 2003-2007 that would: -
Build on Co. Longford CIS’s existing plan; Reflect recent and future developments since the previous strategic plan was developed; and Articulate the future direction of Co. Longford Citizens Information Service. The key strategies outlined in the 2003-2007 strategic plan include: -
Providing quality, customer focused information, advice and advocacy service to all citizens in Co. Longford supported by a team of professionally trained personnel; Liaise with Community, Voluntary and statutory organizations in the County to provide an integrated and complementary service; Ensure that the service is accessible to all by maximising the use of all possible strands of communication; Undertake promotional activities to create a strong profile of the service; and Maintain and promote the strong voluntary ethos of the service and secure core funding for essential resources to deliver a professional and caring service.
4 The on social services in Ireland
Page 34 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 5 Framework
This Local Poverty Profile has the objective of assessing the extent of poverty and social exclusion in Co. Longford. Poverty is a complex, multi-dimensional concept that has proven difficult to measure directly. Over time, methodologies for measuring poverty on a national basis5 have been developed and refined, however this is of limited use, beyond comparison, at county or sub-county levels. It is accepted that it would be far beyond the resources of Longford County Council, or any of the local organisations, to undertake the primary research that would be necessary to measure all of the components contributing to poverty. This Profile, therefore, has been developed following analysis of available secondary data streams relating to disadvantage and social exclusion. To achieve this, the data streams have be refined to encompass a number of variables that, when grouped together into domains, are likely to indicate or suggest the level of poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage in the County. These variables form the indicators, which are then themed to provide the Local Poverty Profile. In summary, the Poverty Profile has been constructed on the basis of the following hierarchy of information: -
Indicators – variables such as the unemployment rate or the percentage of adults with a Third Level education; Domains – thematic areas such as income, employment, health, education, social class and housing; Dimensions – underlying factors that account for the systematic relationships between indicators; and Comparability over time – the need to apply identical structures and units of measurement over successive Census waves.
5.1 Indicators Employed
The following list of indicators was identified as providing the basis for the Poverty Profile: -
Population; Age Profile; Age Dependency; Household Structure; Social Class; Education and Literacy; Affluence and Deprivation; Disability; Ethnicity; Health; Unemployment and Labour Force;
5 The extent of poverty is routinely measured by the ESRI, and the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey and Household Budget Survey.
Page 35 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Car Ownership; Housing and Accommodation; and Young People
5.1.1 Social Inclusion Indicators
The Laeken European Council in December 2001 endorsed a set of 18 common statistical indicators for social inclusion. These were designed to allow monitoring in a comparable way of Member States’ progress towards the agreed EU objectives. The indicators cover four important dimensions of social inclusion (financial poverty, employment, health and education), which highlight the multidimensionality of social exclusion: - 1a At-risk-of-poverty rate by age and gender; 1b At-risk-of-poverty rate by most frequent activity and gender; 1c At-risk-of-poverty rate by household type; 1d At-risk-of-poverty rate by tenure status; 1e At-risk-of-poverty threshold (illustrative values); 2 Inequality of income distribution S80/S20 quintile share ratio; 3 At-persistent-risk-of-poverty rate by gender (60% median); 4 Relative at-risk-of-poverty gap; 5 Regional cohesion (dispersion of regional employment rates); 6 Long term unemployment rate; 7 Persons living in jobless households; 8 Early school leavers not in education or training; 9 Life expectancy at birth; 10 Self defined health status by income level; 11 Dispersion around the at-risk-of-poverty threshold; 12 At-risk-of-poverty rate anchored at a moment in time; 13 At-risk-of-poverty rate before social transfers by gender; 14 Inequality of income distribution Gini coefficient6; 15 At-persistent-risk-of-poverty rate by gender (50% median); 16 Long term unemployment share; 17 Very long term unemployment rate; and 18 Persons with low educational attainment. It has been observed that the EU Laeken Indicators are largely income-based, and do not consider the measurement of poverty of opportunity. Work is currently in hand by Kathy Walsh and Trutz Haase to develop ‘Gravity Models’7 which would provide a mechanism for examining and weighting various opportunities and in addressing the gap in current measurement indexes. It is recognised that this approach may be particularly appropriate in responding to the measurement of poverty in a rural context.
6 The Gini coefficient is a measure of statistical dispersion most prominently used as a measure of inequality of income distribution or inequality of wealth distribution. 7 A technique that enables a systematic examination of various push and pull factors impacting on particular locations.
Page 36 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 5.1.2 Consistent Poverty Indicator
The official Government approved poverty measure used in Ireland is ‘consistent poverty’, developed independently by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). This measure identifies the proportion of people, from those with an income below a certain threshold (less than 60% of median income), who are deprived of two or more goods or services considered essential for a basic standard of living drawn from the following list: - 1. Two pairs of strong shoes; 2. A warm waterproof overcoat; 3. Buy new not second-hand clothes; 4. Eat meals with meat, chicken, fish (or vegetarian equivalent) every second day; 5. Have a roast joint or its equivalent once a week; 6. Had to go without heating during the last year through lack of money; 7. Keep the home adequately warm; 8. Buy presents for family or friends at least once a year; 9. Replace any worn out furniture; 10. Have family or friends for a drink or meal once a month; and 11. Have a morning, afternoon or evening out in the last fortnight, for entertainment
5.1.3 At Risk of Poverty Indicator
The ‘at risk of poverty’ indicator identifies all those (households or people) who fall below a certain income threshold, which in the EU has been set at 60% of the median income. Median income is the amount that divides the income distribution into two equal parts, half of people having incomes above the median and half having incomes below the median. This measure is the best-known and quoted indicator as it affords some comparisons with other countries. It does not, however, measure poverty as such, but rather the proportion of people below a certain income threshold who may be at risk of poverty. Whether persons below the 60 per cent threshold are actually experiencing poverty will depend on a number of factors. These include: - The degree to which income is below the relevant thresholds; The length of time on this relatively low income – a long such period can lead to real deprivation, as a person’s assets run down and cannot be fully maintained or replaced; and Possession and use of other assets, especially one’s own home. The ‘at risk of poverty’ indicator has particular limitations as a measure of poverty in the case of Ireland in recent years. It takes no account of overall living standards and fails to reflect the fact that the 60% median income threshold increased by 98% from €102.44 in 1997 to €202.49 in 2006. Over the same period (1997 – 2006), prices (CPI) increased by just 35.8%, average industrial earnings increased by 61.8% and basic social welfare payments increased by 99.7%. The high levels of economic growth led to an increase in the number of women in the workforce and, consequently, in the number of two income households. Incomes in these cases outpaced the incomes of those who were not in the workforce and of some single income families. All groups in society have benefited from economic growth, therefore the main value of
Page 37 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile the indicator is in identifying particular groups which may have difficulty keeping pace with living standards generally. It has also been acknowledged that the ‘at risk of poverty’ indicator is not suited to making comparisons between countries at different stages of economic development.
5.1.4 Deprivation Index
Deprivation indices are used to indicate the overall level of deprivation in an area. It is constructed by choosing a number of indicators that are representative of certain types of poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage (such as urban poverty or rural poverty) and then they are grouped together and assigned a score. The score is then used to assess the relative incidences of poverty and social exclusion in an area. The Deprivation Index is a more reliable indication of poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage than any one indicator or domain because it takes a number of different indicators into consideration. In Ireland the most commonly used deprivation index is that constructed by Trutz Haase and called the Trutz Haase Index of Relative Affluence and Deprivation. It uses the Census data at ED level, and is reflected in the GAMMA statistical analysis.
5.1.5 Spatial Naming Conventions
For consistency, the naming conventions adopted for the purpose of this Profile follow those adopted by GAMMA in its analysis of the county. In urban areas, individual Electoral Divisions (EDs) are referred to. In referring to a set of EDs surrounding a single urban entity, this is indicated by a suffix ‘UD’ (Urban District). In rural areas, referring to individual EDs is considered to be not as useful, due to the large number of rural EDs and the relatively small number of people living in each. For this reason the aggregation to larger rural areas or ‘Rural Districts’ (RDs) is employed.
5.1.6 Statistical Base
The Local Poverty Profile is based mainly on the Census of Population of April 2006, published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The census figures record the total of all persons present within given area boundaries on the night of the census. The census is, therefore, a snapshot of the county at a given time and like all snapshots may not be reflective of the general position over time. Anomalies do present themselves due to events that might attract groups of people into an area on the census night, causing variance to the known population profile of the area. Generally speaking these anomalies are easily recognised at local level, and can be compensated. The information used in this Profile is based on the CSO published statistics at the national, regional and county level. For smaller areas such as urban and rural areas and electoral divisions the analysis of the Small Area Population Statistics (SAPS) undertaken by GAMMA is employed. The Local Poverty Profile for Co. Longford looks at information at the level of the Electoral Division. The information at this level can then be compared to the same information at the national and county levels. The Census of Population does not provide all of the information to populate the Local Poverty Profile. Where required, information has been augmented with data from other appropriate organisations, including the HSE, the Department of Social and Family
Page 38 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Affairs and various Departments of the County Council.
5.1.7 Adopted Indicator Rationale
One of the most important tasks of the Co. Longford Poverty Profile is to determine the indicators that will most reliably indicate the levels of poverty and social exclusion in an area and to then group them into domains. These have two functions: to monitor change over time, and to indicate population groups and areas of greatest need. What these domains and indicators present is a picture of each ED or Urban/Rural Area in relation to a number of different areas of information. This is then used to suggest whether or not that particular DED or Urban/Rural Area has a relatively high or relatively low incidence of poverty and social exclusion. It is then possible to identify the areas where the incidence of poverty and social exclusion is highest. It is important, however, to treat this information carefully because even within areas of relative affluence there will be individuals and families who are experiencing poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage for all sorts of diverse reasons and it is vital that these are not forgotten. Furthermore, the contrary is also true and it is important to avoid labelling or stigmatising an area or those that live within the area because the indicators chosen to study suggest the area is relatively poor. Referencing the framework of available data above, and reflecting the pooled knowledge of the Steering Committee members on the needs of the county, the following indicators were agreed as being appropriate for the Poverty Profile. This was based on an understanding that the key themes of demographic decline, social class deprivation and labour market deprivation could be captured as follows: -
Demographic Decline – measured by population loss and the social and demographic effects of prolonged population loss (age dependency, low education of adult population); Social Class Deprivation – measured by social class composition, education, and housing comfort; and Labour Market Deprivation - measured by unemployment, lone parents, and low skills base.
Page 39 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Figure 8 – Indicator Commentary
Ref. Indicator Rationale 1 Population Provides the baseline measurement of population within the county, the relative gender components and the distribution of the population across the county. Demographic Decline is a recognised measure of rural deprivation. Long-term adverse labour market conditions in rural areas tend to manifest themselves either in agricultural underemployment or in emigration. The latter is also, and increasingly, the result of a mismatch between education and skill levels, on the one hand, and available job opportunities, on the other. Emigration is socially selective, being concentrated amongst core working-age cohorts and those with further education, leaving the communities concerned with a disproportionate concentration of economically dependent individuals as well as those with lower levels of education. Sustained emigration leads to an erosion of the local labour force, a decreased attractiveness for commercial and industrial investment and, ultimately, a decline in the availability of services. 2 Age Profile Identifies the distribution of various age cohorts generally recognised to be at risk, notably the young and the elderly. 3 Age Dependency Identifies the concentrations of those who are likely to be economically dependent upon others. 4 Household Structure Considers the nature and distribution of the structure of household within the county, enabling the identification of household structures more likely to be at risk. 5 Social Class Social class background has a considerable impact in many areas of life: educational achievements, health, housing, crime, economic status and many more. Furthermore, social class is relatively stable over time and constitutes a key factor in the intergenerational transmission of economic, cultural and social assets. Areas with a weak social class profile tend to have higher unemployment rates, are more vulnerable to the effects of economic restructuring and recession and are more likely to experience low pay, poor working conditions as well as poor housing and social environments. 6 Education and Literacy The lack of literacy and numeracy skills are known to be key indicators of individuals at risk. Education attainment levels are linked to employability levels for individuals. The changes in social class composition experienced throughout Ireland over the past 15 years largely parallels those in educational achievement, with a gradual increase in the number of professionals and an even greater decline in the proportion of semi- and unskilled manual workers. 7 Affluence and Deprivation Affluence and deprivation indices relate to three dimensions of social disadvantage: Demographic Decline, Social Class Disadvantage and Labour Market Deprivation. This approach allows for the same set of dimensions to be applied to successive waves of census data and so changes can be measured over time. Positive scores on the overall index denotes a situation of relative affluence, a negative score denotes relative disadvantage and deprivation.
/continued
Page 40 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Ref. Indicator Rationale 8 Disability PwDI note that ‘every community has its share of people with disabilities. People with disabilities are marginalised, excluded and discriminated against. They lack basic human rights. Poverty is both the cause and the consequence of disability. Policy and practice aimed at reducing poverty exclude people with disabilities. Some estimates state that 1 in 5 people have a disability. Therefore, every family is this country is touched by a disability of some kind’. 9 Ethnicity The NCCRI reports that research is beginning to emerge, particularly from NGOs but also from statutory sources that provide a growing body of evidence that poverty levels among minority ethnic groups is disproportionate. 10 Health The CPA reports that ‘It is now widely accepted that poverty is key in determining health status. People experiencing poverty become sick more often and die younger than those who are better off. Measures of health inequalities, including mortality rates, low birth rates and poor nutritional status, are linked to deprivation measures such as income poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing and accommodation and poor quality built and work environments. 11 Unemployment and Labour Force Unemployment rates throughout Ireland have broadly halved over the past 15 years. Female unemployment rates have tended to be slightly below male unemployment rates, but have not fallen at the same pace due to the increasing levels of female labour force participation (i.e. reflecting the trend of increased female participation in the labour force with more women registering their unemployed status). The male unemployment rate fell from 18.4% in 1991 to 8.8% in 2006, whilst the female unemployment rate fell from 14.1% to 8.1%. 12 Car Ownership There is a known relationship between car dependency and social exclusion. If all adults can own and use a car, then a completely car dependent society does not exclude anyone. A car society can be inclusive, even if not cohesive. As far as the adult population is concerned, the only relevant aspect of the car for social inequality is that poorer income groups are constrained to spend a disproportionate share of their income on a capital asset in order to have any mobility. Given the very weak public transport infrastructure in Ireland it has been shown access to a private vehicle is a necessity, not a luxury. It follows that those who are excluded from access due to age, poverty or disability, may be particularly disadvantaged. 13 Housing and Accommodation The ICSH note that a priority for social inclusion is ‘to enable households experiencing poverty and disadvantage to have available to them housing or accommodation, which is affordable, accessible, of good quality, suitable to their needs, culturally acceptable, located in a sustainable community and, as far as possible, in a secure tenure of their choice’.
/continued
Page 41 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Ref. Indicator Rationale 14 Young People It is recognised that education plays a fundamental role in providing full access to life chances and in avoiding and breaking the cycle of disadvantage. National policy objectives aim to ensure that all young people leave the education system with a high quality education and related qualifications to support their full participation in society and in the economy.
5.1.8 Information Deficiencies
One of the challenges faced in the compilation of the Co. Longford Poverty Profile emerged from the deficiencies that exist in baseline information. Furthermore, different institutions gather information and data in different ways. For example information from the HSE on the number of people in receipt of supplementary allowances is gathered on the basis of Community Welfare District, whilst information on unemployment is gathered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs based on the areas covered by the local unemployment offices. This presents difficulties when it comes to making comparisons and drawing conclusions. A further difficulty emerged from the fact that many agencies maintain data on a regional basis, and do not disaggregate this to a county level.
Page 42 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6 Baseline Data
Map 1 – Co. Longford (Source: OSI)
Longford is a relatively small county of approximately 108,700 hectares, and is bounded by Counties Roscommon, Leitrim, Cavan and Westmeath. The River Shannon, Lough Forbes and Lough Ree form the county boundary to the west and south, while Lough Gowna forms much of the north-eastern boundary.
Page 43 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6.1 Population
Map 2 – Co. Longford Electoral Divisions (Source: CSO)
There are 55 EDs comprising Co. Longford. The term District Electoral Division was changed to Electoral Division by Section 23 of the Local Government Act, 1994. This change came into effect on 24th June 1996. The smallest administrative area for which population statistics are published is the Electoral Division. In rural areas each Electoral Division consists of an aggregation of entire townlands. Electoral Divisions are aggregated to give Towns and Rural Districts that in turn, build- up to counties. The Rural Districts, which numbered 160, were abolished as administrative areas in 1925, but have been retained for census purposes as convenient units of area, intermediate in size between Electoral Divisions and Counties.
Page 44 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.1.1 Electoral Divisions
The Census of Population 2006 records the population of Longford as 34,391 persons, of which 17,573 were males, with 16,818 females. This represents a gender balance of 51:49. The gender balance conforms to both the Midlands Region and State ratios. Figure 9 – Population by ED 2002/2006 (Source: GAMMA)
% Population Population Males Females Actual ID ED Population 2006 2002 2006 2006 Change Change Longford No. 001 3,134 2,841 1,584 1,550 293 0.8% 1 Urban Longford No. 002 794 711 400 394 83 11.6% 2 Urban 003 Agharra 357 331 183 174 26 7.8% 004 Ballymahon 1,802 1,548 915 887 254 16.4% 005 Cashel East 312 324 160 152 -12 -3.7% 006 Cashel West 547 538 287 260 9 1.6% 007 Doory 416 358 217 199 58 16.2% 008 Forgney 446 393 229 217 53 13.4% 009 Foxhall 510 431 252 258 79 18.3% 010 Kilcommock 595 581 302 293 14 2.4% 011 Kilglass 617 588 309 308 29 10.0% 012 Ledwithstown 285 258 151 134 27 10.4% 013 Abbeylara 314 245 164 150 69 28.1% 014 Ballinalee 453 376 217 236 77 20.4% 015 Ballymuigh 246 255 128 118 -9 3.5% 016 Bunlahy 167 167 88 79 0 - 017 Columbkille 605 596 338 267 9 1.5% 018 Coolamber 321 263 162 159 58 22.0% 019 Creevy 344 289 197 147 55 19.0% 020 Crosagstown 217 226 110 107 -9 3.9% 021 Currygrane 125 126 76 49 -1 0.7% 022 Dalystown 175 170 94 81 5 2.9% 023 Drummeel 127 127 61 66 0 - 025 Gelshagh 319 322 166 153 -3 -0.9% 026 Granard Rural 300 256 157 143 44 1.7% Granard 027 933 1,013 483 450 -80 -7.8% Urban 028 Knockanbaun 146 132 74 72 14 10.6% 029 Lislea 152 142 78 74 10 7.0% Meathas 030 1,544 1,098 757 787 446 40.6% Truim 031 Milltown 351 323 184 167 28 8.6% 032 Moatfarrell 187 158 101 86 29 18.3% 033 Moyne 305 321 171 134 -16 -4.9% 034 Mullanalaghta 295 292 153 142 3 1.0% 036 Sonnagh 286 281 146 140 5 1.7% 037 Aghaboy 596 509 320 276 87 17.0% 038 Ardagh East 568 529 275 293 39 7.3% 039 Ardagh West 439 397 221 218 42 10.5% Ballinamuck 040 474 464 261 213 10 2.1% East 041 Ballinamuck West 441 459 231 210 -18 -3.9%
/continued
Page 45 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
% Population Population Males Females Actual ID ED Population 2006 2002 2006 2006 Change Change 042 Breanrisk 711 642 371 340 69 10.7% 043 Caldragh 1,596 1,269 817 779 327 25.7% 044 Cloondara 575 549 296 279 26 4.7% 045 Cloonee 679 618 340 339 61 9.8% 046 Corboy 381 395 195 186 -14 -3.5% 047 Drumgort 435 416 234 201 19 4.5% 048 Drumlish 935 828 470 465 107 12.9% 049 Killashee 284 234 154 130 50 21.3% 050 Killoe 302 284 163 139 18 6.3% Longford 051 5,053 4,317 2,481 2,572 736 17.0% Rural 052 Mountdavis 204 197 111 93 7 3.5% 053 Moydow 589 557 327 262 32 5.7% Newtown 054 892 847 448 444 45 5.3% Forbes 055 Rathcline 1,289 1,268 650 639 21 1.6% Firry/ 701 221 209 114 107 12 5.7% Newgrove
Longford 34,391 31,068 17,573 16,818 3,323 10.6% Midlands 251,664 225,363 127,738 123,926 26,301 11.6% National 4,239,848 3,917,203 1,121,171 2,118,677 322,645 8.2%
Map 3 – Population Change 2002-2006 (Source: CSO)
Page 46 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6.1.2 Long -Term Population Trend
Figure 10 – Long-Term Population Trend (Source: CSO)
The population of Co. Longford increased almost 22% over the 35-year period from 1971 to 2006. However, the population did not grow consistently during each inter- censal period, and declined between 1986 and 1996. The most significant increase in population was between 2002 and 2006, when the population of the county grew by almost 11%. Figure 11 – Long-Term Population Trend, Ireland (CSO)
The national population increased by 42.4% over the 35-year period between 1971 and 2006. The increase in the population during the inter-censal periods was more consistent than Co. Longford. As was the case in Longford, there was a decline in population between 1986 and 1991, but population growth recovered up to 1996 and increased rapidly (by 17%) between 1996 and 2006.
Page 47 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Population Change Summary The information above illustrates the population changes that have occurred in the intercensal period 2002-2006. Those EDs that returned a growth in population below the county average of +10.6% are highlighted in the table. Thirty-six such EDs are identified, indicating that the level of population growth across the county was far from consistent, and that a number of relatively high population growth EDs can be seen to be masking the more modest population performance generally. While the population of Co. Longford grew by almost 22% between 1971 and 2006, this growth rate was low compared to the national average of 42.4% for the same period.
6.1.3 Settlement Patterns
Two National Primary routes traverse the county: the N4 linking Dublin to Sligo, and the N5 linking Dublin to Mayo, as well as the north/south artery of the N55 linking Athlone and Cavan. Figure 12 – Settlement Population Hierarchy (Source: CSO)
Principal Settlement (by population) Population 2006 Longford Town 7,622 Edgeworthstown 1,219 Ballymahon 963 Granard 933 Caldragh 766 Lanesborough 604 Newtownforbes 477 Drumlish 373 Kilcommock 241 Ballinalee 151 Co. Longford is highly rural, with some 60% of the population living in rural areas in 2006. This is reflected in the small urban base, with Longford being the largest town, having a population of 7,620 people in 2006. Longford County Development Plan 2003 –20098 considers the urban hierarchy for the county and the functional roles of the various towns and villages in the context of a settlement strategy. The County Council reflects that ‘the low urban base has had a detrimental impact on the development of the County in terms of the lack of the required critical mass necessary for the provision of a higher order of services, facilities and employment’. The hierarchy of settlements in the County is expressed by the County Council as follows: -
Longford – County town of regional importance. Major growth centre with a high level of access and existing services where majority of industrial, commercial, business and retail development will be channelled. Granard, Ballymahon and Edgeworthstown - County growth centres with a regional element. These towns serve a wide hinterland in terms of service provision and accommodation where major transport nodes are present. Newtownforbes, Drumlish, Lanesboro – Local growth centres. These settlements will continue to provide settlement centres for the population and local-level goods and services provision.
8 Longford County Council
Page 48 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 9 Areas Covered By Village Policy Statements – These are areas which are designated for the primary purpose of fulfilling local housing need. It is envisaged that these will also provide limited local level services such as post offices, neighbourhood shops, schools etc. Consideration will also be given to the provision of childcare facilities at these locations. Map 4 – Settlement Hierarchy (Source: CSO)
Settlement Pattern Summary The county’s main towns are located on or around these transport arteries. The relative population of settlements across the county can be used as a proxy indicator of the dispersion of service provision across the county.
6.1.4 Rural Population Base
For the purpose of this Profile, the rural population of the county is defined as that residing within three specified rural areas - Ballymahon Rural Area, Granard No.1 Rural Area and Longford Rural Area.
9 See appendices for areas covered by Village Policy Statements.
Page 49 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Figure 13 – Rural Population Base (Source: CSO) Total Total Males Females Actual % Area Pop. Pop. 2006 2006 2006 Change Change (Ha) 2002 2002- 2002- 2006 2006 Granard No. 1 7,387 8,133 4,219 3,914 746 10.1% 2,999 Rural Area Ballymahon Rural 5,350 5,887 3,005 2,882 537 10.0% 31,007 Area Longford Rural 11,550 12,749 6,550 6,199 1,249 10.9% 44,663 Area 24,287 26,769 13,774 12,995 2,532 10.4% 78,669
Rural Population Base Summary There are some 25,555 (2006) people living in the rural county. This figure represents almost three quarters of the total county population of 34,391 persons.
6.1.4 Relative Population Distribution
The majority of Co. Longford is relatively lightly populated compared to that of the State. The urban areas of Longford Town and Edgeworthstown provide the highest concentrations of population. The greatest concentration of population growth occurred around the centre of the county, between the poles of Longford Town and Edgeworthstown. Figure 14 – Population Density 1996-2006 (Source: CSO)
Percentage Percentage Percentage Population Population Population Population Population Population ID ED Density Density Density Density Density Density 2006/km2 2002/km2 1996/km2 Change Change Change 1996-2002 2002-2006 1996-2006 Longford No. 1 001 1,790.9 1623.4 1708.0 -5.0% 10.3% 4.9% Urban Longford No. 2 002 478.3 428.3 427.1 0.3% 11.7% 12.0% Urban 003 Agharra 18.9 17.5 18.9 -7.5% 7.9% -0.3% 004 Ballymahon 55.3 47.5 47.8 -0.7% 16.4% 15.6% 005 Cashel East 11.0 11.4 13.1 -12.9% -3.7% -16.1% 006 Cashel West 8.6 8.5 8.9 -4.8% 1.7% -3.2% 007 Doory 16.4 14.1 13.6 3.8% 16.2% 20.6% 008 Forgney 16.4 14.5 14.0 3.4% 13.5% 17.4% 009 Foxhall 27.3 23.0 19.9 15.5% 18.3% 36.7% 010 Kilcommock 18.9 18.4 18.9 -2.8% 2.4% -0.5% 011 Kilglass 18.2 17.4 16.4 5.9% 4.9% 11.2% 012 Ledwithstown 9.9 8.9 9.3 -4.1% 10.5% 5.9% 013 Abbeylara 24.7 19.3 22.1 -12.5% 28.2% 12.1% 014 Ballinalee 32.4 26.9 25.6 5.3% 20.5% 26.9% 015 Ballymuigh 19.5 20.2 20.3 -0.4% -3.5% -3.9% 016 Bunlahy 15.4 15.4 15.3 0.6% 0.0% 0.6% 017 Columbkille 25.6 25.3 25.3 0.0% 1.5% 1.5% 018 Coolamber 16.0 13.1 13.0 0.8% 22.1% 23.0%
/continued
Page 50 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Percentage Percentage Percentage Population Population Population Population Population Population ID ED Density Density Density Density Density Density 2006/km2 2002/km2 1996/km2 Change Change Change 1996-2002 2002-2006 1996-2006 019 Creevy 24.7 20.7 22.5 -7.7% 19.0% 9.9% 020 Crosagstown 17.8 18.6 17.1 8.7% -4.0% 4.3% 021 Currygrane 12.9 13.0 11.3 15.6% -0.8% 14.7% 022 Dalystown 19.7 19.2 19.7 -2.9% 2.9% 0.0% 023 Drummeel 15.2 15.2 13.3 14.4% 0.0% 14.4% 025 Gelshagh 20.3 20.5 18.1 13.4% -0.9% 12.3% 026 Granard Rural 18.1 15.4 15.8 -1.9% 17.2% 14.9% 027 Granard Urban 115.5 125.4 145.2 -13.6% -7.9% -20.5% 028 Knockanbaun 15.7 14.2 13.3 6.5% 10.6% 17.7% 029 Lislea 17.2 16.0 18.4 -12.9% 7.0% -6.7% 030 Meathas Truim 114.0 81.1 77.3 5.0% 40.6% 47.6% 031 Milltown 20.8 19.2 19.5 -1.8% 8.7% 6.7% 032 Moatfarrell 21.0 17.7 13.9 27.4% 18.4% 50.8% 033 Moyne 17.0 17.9 17.8 0.6% -5.0% -4.4% 034 Mullanalaghta 12.9 12.8 13.2 -3.0% 1.0% -2.0% 036 Sonnagh 17.4 17.1 17.1 0.0% 1.8% 1.8% 037 Aghaboy 40.0 34.2 33.0 3.5% 17.1% 21.1% 038 Ardagh East 18.8 17.5 17.5 0.0% 7.4% 7.4% 039 Ardagh West 22.2 20.1 17.3 15.7% 10.6% 28.0% Ballinamuck 040 23.5 23.0 24.0 -4.3% 2.2% -2.3% East Ballinamuck 041 18.8 19.6 19.4 1.3% -3.9% -2.6% West 042 Breanrisk 35.3 31.9 30.0 6.3% 10.7% 17.7% 043 Caldragh 76.0 60.4 53.6 12.6% 25.8% 41.6% 044 Cloondara 20.8 19.9 20.0 -0.5% 4.7% 4.2% 045 Cloonee 29.5 26.8 26.0 3.2% 9.9% 13.4% 046 Corboy 18.4 19.0 17.4 9.4% -3.5% 5.5% 047 Drumgort 22.3 21.4 22.1 -3.3% 4.6% 1.2% 048 Drumlish 46.7 41.3 39.9 3.6% 12.9% 17.0% 049 Killashee 13.1 10.8 10.8 -0.4% 21.4% 20.9% 050 Killoe 19.7 18.6 20.0 -7.2% 6.3% -1.3% 051 Longford Rural 191.7 163.8 135.7 20.7% 17.0% 41.3% 052 Mountdavis 6.8 6.6 6.2 6.5% 3.6% 10.3% 053 Moydow 20.8 19.6 20.0 -1.6% 5.7% 4.1% 054 Newtown Forbes 31.0 29.5 26.7 10.3% 5.3% 16.1% 055 Rathcline 32.6 32.1 31.6 1.6% 1.7% 3.3% 701 Firry/Newgrove 9.8 9.3 8.8 5.0% 5.7% 11.1%
Longford 31.6 28.6 27.7 3.0% 10.7% 14.0% Midlands 38.0 34.0 31.0 9.6% 11.7% 22.4% National 60.6 56.0 51.8 8.0% 8.2% 16.9% The EDs that returned a population density in 2006 below the county average of 31.6 persons per km2 are highlighted in the above table. 42 such EDs are identified, representing 76% of the total number in the county. This indicates the relative rurality of the population.
Page 51 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 5 – Population Density (Source: GAMMA)
6.1.5 Population Density Trends
Population density in Co. Longford increased from 27.7 people per km2 in 1996 to 31.6 people per km2 (14%) in 2006. This increase in population density was in line with the increase in population density nationally over the same period. However, the population density of Co. Longford remained at approximately half the national average. Figure 15 – Population Density (Source: CSO)
Page 52 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Population Distribution Summary The average population density in Co. Longford in 2006 was 31 persons per km2. The north and south of the county were largely areas of population decline, with population density rates in just over half of the 56 ED’s in the county returning less than 20 persons per km2, a strong indicator of the county’s predominantly rural nature. While the population density of the county increased by 14% between 1996 and 2006, it remains relatively sparsely populated when viewed in comparison with the 2006 national average density of 60 people per km2.
6.1.6 Medium-Term Population Dynamics
The population growth rate for Co. Longford recorded between 1996 and 2006 was 14%, slightly below the national average of 16.9%. However, the regional population increase has far exceeded the national figure at 22.4%. Figure 16 – Population Change 1996 – 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
% Pop. Change 1996 - % Pop. Change 2002 - % Pop. Change 1996- ID ED 2002 2006 2006 001 Longford No. 1 Urban -5.0% 10.3% 4.9% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 0.3% 11.7% 12.0% 003 Agharra -7.5% 7.9% -0.3% 004 Ballymahon -0.7% 16.4% 15.6% 005 Cashel East -12.9% -3.7% -16.1% 006 Cashel West -4.8% 1.7% -3.2% 007 Doory 3.8% 16.2% 20.6% 008 Forgney 3.4% 13.5% 17.4% 009 Foxhall 15.5% 18.3% 36.7% 010 Kilcommock -2.8% 2.4% -0.5% 011 Kilglass 5.9% 4.9% 11.2% 012 Ledwithstown -4.1% 10.5% 5.9% 013 Abbeylara -12.5% 28.2% 12.1% 014 Ballinalee 5.3% 20.5% 26.9% 015 Ballymuigh -0.4% -3.5% -3.9% 016 Bunlahy 0.6% 0.0% 0.6% 017 Columbkille 0.0% 1.5% 1.5% 018 Coolamber 0.8% 22.1% 23.0% 019 Creevy -7.7% 19.0% 9.9% 020 Crosagstown 8.7% -4.0% 4.3% 021 Currygrane 15.6% -0.8% 14.7% 022 Dalystown -2.9% 2.9% 0.0% 023 Drummeel 14.4% 0.0% 14.4% 025 Gelshagh 13.4% -0.9% 12.3% 026 Granard Rural -1.9% 17.2% 14.9% 027 Granard Urban -13.6% -7.9% -20.5% 028 Knockanbaun 6.5% 10.6% 17.7% 029 Lislea -12.9% 7.0% -6.7% 030 Meathas Truim 5.0% 40.6% 47.6% 031 Milltown -1.8% 8.7% 6.7% 032 Moatfarrell 27.4% 18.4% 50.8% 033 Moyne 0.6% -5.0% -4.4% 034 Mullanalaghta -3.0% 1.0% -2.0% 036 Sonnagh 0.0% 1.8% 1.8% 037 Aghaboy 3.5% 17.1% 21.1%
/continued
Page 53 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
% Pop. Change 1996 - % Pop. Change 2002 - % Pop. Change 1996- ID ED 2002 2006 2006 038 Ardagh East 0.0% 7.4% 7.4% 039 Ardagh West 15.7% 10.6% 28.0% 040 Ballinamuck East -4.3% 2.2% -2.3% 041 Ballinamuck West 1.3% -3.9% -2.6% 042 Breanrisk 6.3% 10.7% 17.7% 043 Caldragh 12.6% 25.8% 41.6% 044 Cloondara -0.5% 4.7% 4.2% 045 Cloonee 3.2% 9.9% 13.4% 046 Corboy 9.4% -3.5% 5.5% 047 Drumgort -3.3% 4.6% 1.2% 048 Drumlish 3.6% 12.9% 17.0% 049 Killashee -0.4% 21.4% 20.9% 050 Killoe -7.2% 6.3% -1.3% 051 Longford Rural 20.7% 17.0% 41.3% 052 Mountdavis 6.5% 3.6% 10.3% 053 Moydow -1.6% 5.7% 4.1% 054 Newtown Forbes 10.3% 5.3% 16.1% 055 Rathcline 1.6% 1.7% 3.3% 701 Firry/Newgrove 5.0% 5.7% 11.1%
Longford 3.0% 10.7% 14.0% Midlands 9.6% 11.7% 22.4% National 8.0% 8.2% 16.9% According to the CSO10, the population of the Midlands Region is projected to increase at a rate of 1.4% per annum, from 251,664 in 2006 to 296,000 in 2021. CSO projections from 1996 proposed a population figure in the region of 35,000 by 2016 for Co. Longford. However, the 2006 Census recorded a population of 34,391. When the 2006 figure is projected based on a 1.4% average regional growth rate, a population projection in the region of 395,000 by 2016 may be more a more realistic illustration of future trends. Despite an overall average population increase of 14%, Longford has experienced a very sporadic pattern of population change, with both rural and urban experiencing positive and negative migration flows at different stages within the two censal periods. However, there clearly is an issue with rural depopulation within certain areas, particularly to the north and south east of the county, with many other areas witnessing only minimal in-migration within the last decade.
10 Regional Population Projections 2006 – 2021.
Page 54 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 6 – Population Change 1996-2006 (Source: CSO)
The population of Longford Urban District has grown by an average of 6.2% for the period 1996 – 2006, with a population increase of 12% in Longford Urban No. 2 Electoral Division. Population Change Summary The highest rate of population increase from 1996 – 2006 in Co. Longford occurred in Meathas Truim (47.6%) and Moatfarrell (50.8%) ED’s. Five ED’s experienced strong growth rates of between 24% and 41.9%. These were Ballinalee (26.9%), Ardagh West (28%), Foxhall (36.7%), Longford Rural (41.3%) and Caldragh (41.6%). However, there were a number of ED’s experiencing decline, most notably Lislea (-6.7%), Cashel East (-16.1%) and Granard Urban (-20.5%).
Page 55 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.2 Age Profile
Map 7 – % Population 0-14 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
Map 8 – % Population 15-24 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
Page 56 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Map 9 – % Population 65-74 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
Map 10 – % Population >75 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
Page 57 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Figure 17 – Age Profile (Source: CSO)
Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Aged 0 Aged 15 Aged 25 Aged 45 Aged 65 Aged 75 Total ID ED to 14 to 24 to 44 to 64 to 74 Plus Pop 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%)
Longford 001 3,134 21.0% 15.9% 31.9% 19.4% 6.7% 5.1% No. 1 Urban Longford 002 794 16.0% 14.0% 32.5% 27.6% 5.5% 4.4% No. 2 Urban 003 Agharra 357 21.8% 9.0% 28.6% 26.6% 8.1% 5.9% 004 Ballymahon 1,802 21.0% 14.3% 27.9% 25.4% 6.5% 5.0% 005 Cashel East 312 14.1% 17.0% 22.4% 30.8% 8.7% 7.1% 006 Cashel West 547 19.4% 12.1% 21.8% 29.1% 9.5% 8.2% 007 Doory 416 20.0% 13.5% 27.6% 22.8% 7.0% 9.1% 008 Forgney 446 23.5% 9.6% 29.6% 21.5% 8.7% 7.0% 009 Foxhall 510 23.9% 12.4% 28.2% 26.5% 6.3% 2.7% 010 Kilcommock 595 22.2% 12.9% 27.9% 23.4% 7.1% 6.6% 011 Kilglass 617 22.0% 14.3% 27.4% 25.4% 6.0% 4.9% 012 Ledwithstown 285 18.6% 13.3% 30.5% 27.4% 7.4% 2.8% 013 Abbeylara 314 22.3% 14.0% 26.8% 24.8% 6.4% 5.7% 014 Ballinalee 453 23.6% 11.5% 24.9% 27.8% 6.8% 5.3% 015 Ballymuigh 246 20.3% 14.2% 19.1% 32.9% 10.2% 3.3% 016 Bunlahy 167 21.6% 12.6% 29.3% 18.6% 10.8% 7.2% 017 Columbkille 605 21.2% 13.6% 23.0% 24.0% 10.1% 8.3% 018 Coolamber 321 29.6% 12.5% 28.3% 21.5% 5.3% 2.8% 019 Creevy 344 22.7% 13.4% 22.7% 26.2% 8.1% 7.0% 020 Crosagstown 217 23.5% 12.9% 24.9% 27.2% 8.3% 3.2% 021 Currygrane 125 20.8% 10.4% 24.8% 27.2% 9.6% 7.2% 022 Dalystown 175 22.9% 10.9% 28.0% 26.3% 7.4% 4.6% 023 Drummeel 127 16.5% 11.8% 24.4% 29.1% 9.4% 8.7% 025 Gelshagh 319 24.1% 10.0% 33.5% 19.7% 7.5% 5.0% 026 Granard Rural 300 24.7% 12.7% 26.3% 21.7% 8.0% 6.7% 027 Granard Urban 933 16.1% 16.7% 26.7% 26.6% 9.1% 4.8% 028 Knockanbaun 146 17.8% 12.3% 34.9% 22.6% 8.2% 4.1% 029 Lislea 152 17.8% 12.5% 30.9% 17.8% 13.8% 7.2% 030 Meathas Truim 1,544 22.9% 16.5% 27.3% 19.8% 5.6% 8.0% 031 Milltown 351 23.1% 17.9% 26.5% 24.5% 4.8% 3.1% 032 Moatfarrell 187 24.6% 6.4% 33.7% 25.7% 6.4% 3.2% 033 Moyne 305 19.7% 9.8% 23.0% 24.9% 13.1% 9.5% 034 Mullanalaghta 295 23.4% 10.8% 29.8% 21.4% 7.5% 7.1% 036 Sonnagh 286 19.9% 16.4% 23.8% 28.3% 3.8% 7.7% 037 Aghaboy 596 24.5% 13.9% 25.5% 24.2% 7.4% 4.5% 038 Ardagh East 568 17.3% 13.4% 28.0% 27.6% 6.9% 6.9% 039 Ardagh West 439 28.5% 10.9% 28.0% 23.2% 3.9% 5.5% 040 Ballinamuck East 474 19.2% 16.2% 24.7% 24.3% 7.8% 7.8% 041 Ballinamuck West 441 21.8% 13.8% 22.4% 25.9% 8.8% 7.3% 042 Breanrisk 711 23.6% 12.5% 29.4% 24.8% 5.1% 4.6% 043 Caldragh 1,596 24.1% 12.5% 31.9% 23.5% 4.9% 3.1% 044 Cloondara 575 21.6% 11.5% 28.2% 25.9% 7.1% 5.7% 045 Cloonee 679 25.9% 13.3% 27.2% 23.3% 5.6% 4.7% 046 Corboy 381 20.7% 11.8% 29.1% 26.0% 8.1% 4.2% 047 Drumgort 435 17.7% 14.3% 22.1% 28.7% 9.9% 7.4% 048 Drumlish 935 20.3% 14.7% 28.4% 24.8% 5.9% 5.9% 049 Killashee 284 19.4% 11.6% 31.7% 21.5% 8.8% 7.0% 050 Killoe 302 17.2% 13.6% 25.5% 29.1% 8.3% 6.3%
/continued
Page 58 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Total Aged 0 Aged 15 Aged 25 Aged 45 Aged 65 Aged 75 ID ED to 14 to 24 to 44 to 64 to 74 Plus Pop 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 051 Longford Rural 5,053 23.3% 15.0% 30.4% 20.1% 5.5% 5.8% 052 Mountdavis 204 27.9% 12.7% 25.5% 24.0% 6.9% 2.9% 053 Moydow 589 22.1% 14.3% 26.0% 24.8% 5.4% 7.5% 054 Newtown Forbes 892 19.8% 14.5% 27.6% 25.2% 7.5% 5.4% 055 Rathcline 1,289 20.4% 11.5% 26.9% 25.6% 9.2% 6.4% 701 Firry/Newgrove 221 23.5% 11.8% 25.3% 21.7% 10.4% 7.2% Longford 34,391 21.7% 13.8% 28.2% 23.7% 6.9% 5.7% Midlands 251,664 22.3% 14.3% 30.6% 21.8% 6.1% 4.9% National 4,239,848 20.4% 14.9% 31.7% 21.9% 6.2% 4.8% The figures highlighted in the above table records incidences where the percentage population exceeds the equivalent county figure, indicating EDs that may have particular concentrations of the age cohorts. Age Profile Summary Each of the six age cohorts of the population are represented in percentage terms that largely conform to the age profile at both Midlands Regional and National levels. Granard Rural has the highest percentage of the population below 14 years of age, Milltown has the highest percentage of the population aged between 15 and 24 years, Knockanbaun has the highest percentage of the population aged between 25 and 44 years, Ballymahon has the highest percentage of the population aged between 45 and 64 years, Lislea has the highest percentage of the population aged between 65 and 74 years, and Doory has the highest percentage of the population of over 75 years of age.
Page 59 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.3 Dependency
Map 11 – Co. Longford Age Dependency (Source: CSO)
Age Dependency provides a measure of the dependency on the contributions of those in full employment to those members of the population too young or too old to be employed full-time. In Ireland, those below 16 or above 65 are considered to be age- dependent. Many studies have confirmed that as population growth slackens, and as health care improves, there are large numbers of retired people whose accumulated savings have been eroded by inflation, and who cannot, therefore, support themselves. The ageing of the population means that fewer workers are obliged to support increasing numbers of old people. In common with the State, the population of Co. Longford has been aging over time, with 12.6% of the total population being classified as dependent and aged over 65 years in 2006 (Source: GAMMA), compared to 11% nationally. Moyne returned the highest percentage age dependent population in 2006 of 42.3%, as compared to the county figure of 34.3%, and the State figure of 31.4%. This return was driven by 22.6% of the population being over the age of 65 years, compared to the county and State figures given above.
Page 60 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Figure 18 – Age Dependency 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
Dependent Dependent Population Age Total Pop. Population Population ID ED Aged 15 to 64 Dependent 2006 Aged 0 to 14 Aged 65 Plus 2006 (%) 2006 (%) 2006 2006 (%) Longford No. 1 001 3,134 21.0% 67.2% 11.8% 32.8% Urban Longford No. 2 002 794 16.0% 74.1% 9.9% 25.9% Urban 003 Agharra 357 21.8% 64.1% 14.0% 35.9% 004 Ballymahon 1,802 21.0% 67.5% 11.5% 32.5% 005 Cashel East 312 14.1% 70.2% 15.7% 29.8% 006 Cashel West 547 19.4% 62.9% 17.7% 37.1% 007 Doory 416 20.0% 63.9% 16.1% 36.1% 008 Forgney 446 23.5% 60.8% 15.7% 39.2% 009 Foxhall 510 23.9% 67.1% 9.0% 32.9% 010 Kilcommock 595 22.2% 64.2% 13.6% 35.8% 011 Kilglass 617 22.0% 67.1% 10.9% 32.9% 012 Ledwithstown 285 18.6% 71.2% 10.2% 28.8% 013 Abbeylara 314 22.3% 65.6% 12.1% 34.4% 014 Ballinalee 453 23.6% 64.2% 12.1% 35.8% 015 Ballymuigh 246 20.3% 66.3% 13.4% 33.7% 016 Bunlahy 167 21.6% 60.5% 18.0% 39.5% 017 Columbkille 605 21.2% 60.5% 18.3% 39.5% 018 Coolamber 321 29.6% 62.3% 8.1% 37.7% 019 Creevy 344 22.7% 62.2% 15.1% 37.8% 020 Crosagstown 217 23.5% 65.0% 11.5% 35.0% 021 Currygrane 125 20.8% 62.4% 16.8% 37.6% 022 Dalystown 175 22.9% 65.1% 12.0% 34.9% 023 Drummeel 127 16.5% 65.4% 18.1% 34.6% 025 Gelshagh 319 24.1% 63.3% 12.5% 36.7% 026 Granard Rural 300 24.7% 60.7% 14.7% 39.3% 027 Granard Urban 933 16.1% 70.0% 13.9% 30.0% 028 Knockanbaun 146 17.8% 69.9% 12.3% 30.1% 029 Lislea 152 17.8% 61.2% 21.1% 38.8% 030 Meathas Truim 1,544 22.9% 63.5% 13.6% 36.5% 031 Milltown 351 23.1% 68.9% 8.0% 31.1% 032 Moatfarrell 187 24.6% 65.8% 9.6% 34.2% 033 Moyne 305 19.7% 57.7% 22.6% 42.3% 034 Mullanalaghta 295 23.4% 62.0% 14.6% 38.0% 036 Sonnagh 286 19.9% 68.5% 11.5% 31.5% 037 Aghaboy 596 24.5% 63.6% 11.9% 36.4% 038 Ardagh East 568 17.3% 69.0% 13.7% 31.0% 039 Ardagh West 439 28.5% 62.2% 9.3% 37.8% 040 Ballinamuck East 474 19.2% 65.2% 15.6% 34.8% Ballinamuck 041 441 21.8% 62.1% 16.1% 37.9% West 042 Breanrisk 711 23.6% 66.7% 9.7% 33.3% 043 Caldragh 1,596 24.1% 67.9% 8.0% 32.1% 044 Cloondara 575 21.6% 65.6% 12.9% 34.4% 045 Cloonee 679 25.9% 63.8% 10.3% 36.2% 046 Corboy 381 20.7% 66.9% 12.3% 33.1% 047 Drumgort 435 17.7% 65.1% 17.2% 34.9% 048 Drumlish 935 20.3% 67.9% 11.8% 32.1% 049 Killashee 284 19.4% 64.8% 15.8% 35.2% 050 Killoe 302 17.2% 68.2% 14.6% 31.8% 051 Longford Rural 5,053 23.3% 65.5% 11.2% 34.5%
/continued
Page 61 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Dependent Dependent Population Age Total Pop. Population Population ID ED Aged 15 to 64 Dependent 2006 Aged 0 to 14 Aged 65 Plus 2006 (%) 2006 (%) 2006 2006 (%) 052 Mountdavis 204 27.9% 62.3% 9.8% 37.7% 053 Moydow 589 22.1% 65.0% 12.9% 35.0% 054 Newtown Forbes 892 19.8% 67.3% 12.9% 32.7% 055 Rathcline 1,289 20.4% 64.0% 15.6% 36.0% 070 Firry/Newgrove 221 23.5% 58.8% 17.6% 41.2%
Longford 34,391 21.7% 65.7% 12.6% 34.3% Midlands 251,664 22.3% 66.7% 11.0% 33.3% National 4,239,848 20.4% 68.6% 11.0% 31.4% The EDs highlighted above indicate returns that exceed the comparative county figure. Figure 19 – Age Dependency (Source: CSO)
There has been a continuous decline in the age dependency rate (the proportion of population under 15 years of age or over 64 as part of the total population) throughout Ireland over the 15 years, from 38.1% in 1991 to 31.4% in 200611. There has been a similar, continuous decline in the age dependency rate in Co. Longford over the same 15 years period. Although the dependency rate remains higher in Co. Longford, its reduction was slightly greater than the national average. Age Dependency Summary A slightly greater decline than the national rate applies to Co. Longford (42.4% to 34.3%), leaving the age dependency rate for Longford nearly three percentage points above the national average, perhaps owing to the comparatively rural nature of the county and its aging demography. Within Co. Longford, there exists the typical urban-rural differential, with age dependency being lower in the county’s urban areas (Longford average 29.4%) and higher in rural areas rising to 42.3% in the Moyne ED.
11 Trutz Hasse (2008) - Longford Area Key Profile
Page 62 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.4 Household Structure
Map 12 – Permanent Private Households 2006 (Source: CSO)
The CSO defines a private household as comprising of either one person living alone or a group of people (not necessarily related) living at the same address with common housekeeping arrangements; that is, sharing at least one meal a day or sharing a living room or sitting room. A permanent private household is defined as a private household occupying a permanent dwelling such as a dwelling house, flat or bedsitter. The highest concentrations of Permanent Private Households recorded in the 2006 Census of Population were to be found in the EDs of Longford Rural (1,672 – 13.8%) and Longford Town No. 1 (1,275 – 10.5%). Outside of Longford town and its environs, Ballymahon accounts for 656 (5.4%) of Permanent Private Households, Meathas Truim for 492 (4.1%), Caldragh for 539 (4.5%), and Rathcline for 488 (4.0%).
Page 63 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.4.1 Households by Type
The following table details the breakdown of private, rental and local authority housing in the county. Figure 20 – Households Types (Source: CSO)
ID ED
Total Permanent Private Households Owner Occupied with Mortgage Owner Occupied No Mortgage Buying from Local Authority Rented from Local Authority Rented from Voluntary Body Rented Unfurnished from Other Rented Furnished from Other Occupied Free of Rent
Longford No. 001 1,268 195 256 55 325 147 27 195 13 1 Urban Longford No. 002 295 102 92 5 7 10 5 46 9 2 Urban 003 Agharra 132 46 66 2 10 1 - 2 3 004 Ballymahon 651 156 221 15 103 33 7 67 15 005 Cashel East 111 39 54 2 6 - - 3 2 006 Cashel West 202 70 112 2 3 2 1 3 4 007 Doory 142 52 69 2 11 1 - 1 3 008 Forgney 157 59 79 3 2 1 4 4 2 009 Foxhall 187 64 56 5 42 2 - 5 2 010 Kilcommock 211 52 94 6 33 2 2 7 6 011 Kilglass 202 80 94 4 8 2 1 5 2 012 Ledwithstown 107 33 48 3 10 5 1 5 1 013 Abbeylara 103 36 50 1 6 1 - 4 2 014 Ballinalee 162 50 76 2 30 1 1 1 1 015 Ballymuigh 90 33 43 1 2 3 - 2 3 016 Bunlahy 57 23 22 2 6 2 - - 2 017 Columbkille 204 48 136 1 3 3 1 2 5 018 Coolamber 95 40 41 - 4 1 2 1 2 019 Creevy 114 38 65 1 2 3 - 1 1 020 Crosagstown 72 31 28 - 4 - - 1 3 021 Currygrane 45 18 21 - 1 - - 3 - 022 Dalystown 55 22 28 - 1 1 - - - 023 Drummeel 43 10 27 - 6 - - - - 025 Gelshagh 108 45 53 1 3 - 1 4 1 026 Granard Rural 99 35 50 2 3 1 1 1 1 Granard 027 362 70 130 12 55 12 7 36 8 Urban 028 Knockanbaun 48 21 25 - 1 - - - - 029 Lislea 47 14 27 1 4 - - - 1 Meathas 030 491 121 137 12 73 29 9 49 11 Truim 031 Milltown 105 32 48 5 11 - - 3 2 032 Moatfarrell 64 23 27 2 2 1 - 4 - 033 Moyne 114 28 70 2 4 1 - 3 4 034 Mullanalaghta 101 27 60 3 1 1 - 1 2 036 Sonnagh 94 31 53 1 3 1 1 2 2
/continued
Page 64 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
ID ED ther
Total Permanent Private Households Owner Occupied with Mortgage Owner Occupied No Mortgage Buying from Local Authority Rented from Local Authority Rented from Voluntary Body Rented Unfurnished from Other Rented Furnished from O Occupied Free of Rent
037 Aghaboy 203 72 104 2 13 1 2 3 1 038 Ardagh East 198 71 104 3 6 1 - 4 7 039 Ardagh West 134 69 50 2 7 - - 1 3 040 Ballinamuck 161 47 100 4 4 1 1 2 - East 041 Ballinamuck 150 44 95 - 5 2 - 2 1 West 042 Breanrisk 234 97 93 6 15 2 - 3 8 043 Caldragh 538 257 182 3 32 15 10 24 3 044 Cloondara 202 84 94 3 4 - - 4 3 045 Cloonee 221 85 103 2 7 3 5 8 4 046 Corboy 125 59 58 3 2 1 - 1 - 047 Drumgort 157 50 83 1 3 2 - 3 5 048 Drumlish 331 125 138 5 29 15 1 9 7 049 Killashee 107 42 52 1 5 1 - 1 2 050 Killoe 111 32 64 - 5 1 1 5 1 051 Longford 1,669 486 430 24 284 115 15 199 13 Rural 052 Mountdavis 66 29 30 1 3 - - 1 1 053 Moydow 183 79 90 1 - 1 - 3 2 054 Newtown 346 117 123 6 38 9 8 31 11 Forbes 055 Rathcline 487 157 207 9 53 11 4 31 9 701 Firry/ 81 25 43 - 5 1 - 1 1 Newgrove
Longford 12,042 3,771 4,701 229 1,305 449 118 797 195 Midlands 84,877 33,535 31,652 1,352 5,346 2,635 848 5,281 1,293 National 1,462,296 569,966 498,432 23,547 105,509 50,480 16,621 128,696 21,701 The Census of Population 2006 recorded 12,042 permanent private households in Co. Longford in April 2006, representing 8.23% of the equivalent State figure. The county at a population of 34,391 accounted for 0.8% of the State total in 2006. It follows that the average size of a permanent private household in 2006 was 2.86 persons in Co. Longford, which is comparable to that of the State (2.89 persons). In 2006 there were a total of 1,534 households living in accommodation rented, or in the process of being purchased, from the local authority. Expressed a percentage of the total permanent private households in the county, this represents 12.74%, and compares with a national equivalent figure of 8.8%, and a regional figure of 7.8%. Permanent Households Summary The total number of permanent households in Co. Longford stood at 12,042 in 2006. The county has a significantly higher percentage of households living in accommodation rented, or in the process of being purchased, from the local authority in 2006.
Page 65 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6.4.2 Temporary Households
The CSO defines a temporary private household as a private household occupying a caravan, mobile home or other temporary dwelling, and includes travelling people and homeless persons living rough on census night. It is not possible to disaggregate individuals who are homeless in any further detail from the Census of Population. Map 13 – % Temporary Households 2006 (Source: CSO)
The Census of Population 2006 recorded 69 temporary households in Co. Longford. It is also noted that 340 respondents to the Census did not state their household type. The 69 temporary households represented 0.6% of the private households in the county, and is comparable to a national figure of 0.5%, and a regional figure of 0.8%. The ED with the highest percentage of temporary households was Currygrane at 4.3%. In numeric terms Longford No. 1 Urban returned 7 temporary households.
Page 66 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Figure 21 – Temporary Households 2006 (Source: CSO)
ID ED ary Total Private Households Total Permanent Households Temporary Households Not stated Households Total Permanent Households (%) Tempor Households (%) Not stated Households (%)
Longford No. 1 001 1,275 1,219 7 49 95.6% 0.5% 3.8% Urban Longford No. 2 002 295 280 - 15 94.9% 0.0% 5.1% Urban 003 Agharra 133 132 1 - 99.2% 0.8% 0.0% 004 Ballymahon 656 634 5 17 96.6% 0.8% 2.6% 005 Cashel East 111 108 - 3 97.3% 0.0% 2.7% 006 Cashel West 204 199 2 3 97.5% 1.0% 1.5% 007 Doory 144 140 2 2 97.2% 1.4% 1.4% 008 Forgney 158 157 1 - 99.4% 0.6% 0.0% 009 Foxhall 188 184 1 3 97.9% 0.5% 1.6% 010 Kilcommock 215 203 4 8 94.4% 1.9% 3.7% 011 Kilglass 205 198 3 4 96.6% 1.5% 2.0% 012 Ledwithstown 108 105 1 2 97.2% 0.9% 1.9% 013 Abbeylara 103 101 - 2 98.1% 0.0% 1.9% 014 Ballinalee 164 161 2 1 98.2% 1.2% 0.6% 015 Ballymuigh 90 87 - 3 96.7% 0.0% 3.3% 016 Bunlahy 57 56 - 1 98.2% 0.0% 1.8% 017 Columbkille 208 200 4 4 96.2% 1.9% 1.9% 018 Coolamber 96 92 1 3 95.8% 1.0% 3.1% 019 Creevy 116 108 2 6 93.1% 1.7% 5.2% 020 Crosagstown 72 69 - 3 95.8% 0.0% 4.2% 021 Currygrane 47 43 2 2 91.5% 4.3% 4.3% 022 Dalystown 55 53 - 2 96.4% 0.0% 3.6% 023 Drummeel 44 43 1 - 97.7% 2.3% 0.0% 025 Gelshagh 110 105 2 3 95.5% 1.8% 2.7% 026 Granard Rural 100 95 1 4 95.0% 1.0% 4.0% 027 Granard Urban 363 343 1 19 94.5% 0.3% 5.2% 028 Knockanbaun 48 47 - 1 97.9% 0.0% 2.1% 029 Lislea 47 47 - - 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 030 Meathas Truim 492 454 1 37 92.3% 0.2% 7.5% 031 Milltown 105 103 - 2 98.1% 0.0% 1.9% 032 Moatfarrell 64 60 - 4 93.8% 0.0% 6.3% 033 Moyne 115 112 1 2 97.4% 0.9% 1.7% 034 Mullanalaghta 101 96 - 5 95.0% 0.0% 5.0% 036 Sonnagh 95 92 1 2 96.8% 1.1% 2.1% 037 Aghaboy 203 197 - 6 97.0% 0.0% 3.0% 038 Ardagh East 200 198 2 - 99.0% 1.0% 0.0% 039 Ardagh West 135 131 1 3 97.0% 0.7% 2.2% 040 Ballinamuck East 163 161 2 - 98.8% 1.2% 0.0% 041 Ballinamuck West 152 148 2 2 97.4% 1.3% 1.3% 042 Breanrisk 236 229 2 5 97.0% 0.8% 2.1% 043 Caldragh 539 527 1 11 97.8% 0.2% 2.0% 044 Cloondara 203 200 1 2 98.5% 0.5% 1.0% 045 Cloonee 222 215 1 6 96.8% 0.5% 2.7% 046 Corboy 125 125 - - 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 047 Drumgort 159 149 2 8 93.7% 1.3% 5.0% 048 Drumlish 331 327 - 4 98.8% 0.0% 1.2%
/continued
Page 67 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
ID ED ds Total Private Househol Total Permanent Households Temporary Households Not stated Households Total Permanent Households (%) Temporary Households (%) Not stated Households (%)
049 Killashee 107 107 - - 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 050 Killoe 113 110 2 1 97.3% 1.8% 0.9% 051 Longford Rural 1,672 1,609 3 60 96.2% 0.2% 3.6% 052 Mountdavis 67 66 1 - 98.5% 1.5% 0.0% 053 Moydow 183 179 - 4 97.8% 0.0% 2.2% 054 Newtown Forbes 347 343 1 3 98.8% 0.3% 0.9% 055 Rathcline 488 480 1 7 98.4% 0.2% 1.4% 701 Firry/Newgrove 82 75 1 6 91.5% 1.2% 7.3%
Longford 12,111 11,702 69 340 96.6% 0.6% 2.8% Midlands 85,535 82,879 658 1,998 96.9% 0.8% 2.3% National 1,469,521 1,430,493 7,225 31,803 97.3% 0.5% 2.2%
6.4.3 Older Person Households
In 2006 the total number of people over the age of 65 living alone in Co. Longford was 1,272, or 18.3% of the total number of the population aged over 65. The level of one-person households is relatively high with a large proportion of ED’s, particularly within the north and south of Co. Longford. There are a high number of rural ED’s experiencing rates of more than 12% in this regard. The highest rates can be found in Moyne (20.0%) and Abbeylara (20.4%). Cloonee, Mullanalaghta, Killashee, Drumgort Firry/Newgrove and Cashel West all displayed rates of above 15%. EDs showing a low incidence of one-person households where the individual was aged over 65 years (under 4%) in 2006 were mainly located around the centre of the county with Coolamber recording the lowest rate of 3.1%. Older People living on their own are not only at great risk in the incidence of health emergencies or serious injury, but are also at risk of suffering from social exclusion and the isolation and loneliness that being out of regular contact with people and the community can cause. The problem is further complicated for older people as they often lack the access to transport and mobility necessary to maintain regular contact with others. The quality of housing stock is also another serious issue for older people living alone. Statistics show a correlation with the age of the housing stock in EDs with high incidences of people over 65 years of age living alone, the figures suggest that these areas have particularly high levels of pre-1960 housing stock. Housing of this vintage is likely to require high levels of maintenance, which might tend to leave older people in these homes at a potential greater risk of fuel poverty.
Page 68 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 14 – Over 65’s Living Alone (Source: GAMMA)
Figure 22 – Persons Living Alone 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
Total Private Persons Persons Persons Living Persons Living ID ED Households Living Alone Living Alone Alone 45+ (%) Alone 65+ (%) 2006 45+ 65+ Longford No. 1 001 1,275 259 134 20.3% 10.5% Urban Longford No. 2 002 295 43 21 14.6% 7.1% Urban 003 Agharra 133 26 14 19.5% 10.5% 004 Ballymahon 656 111 64 16.9% 9.8% 005 Cashel East 111 25 12 22.5% 10.8% 006 Cashel West 204 43 32 21.1% 15.7% 007 Doory 144 29 18 20.1% 12.5% 008 Forgney 158 33 20 20.9% 12.7% 009 Foxhall 188 40 13 21.3% 6.9% 010 Kilcommock 215 48 34 22.3% 15.8% 011 Kilglass 205 43 22 21.0% 10.7% 012 Ledwithstown 108 20 9 18.5% 8.3% 013 Abbeylara 103 28 21 27.2% 20.4%
/continued
Page 69 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Persons Persons Persons Persons Total Private ID ED Living Alone Living Living Alone Living Alone Households 2006 45+ Alone 65+ 45+ (%) 65+ (%) 014 Ballinalee 164 36 21 22.0% 12.8% 015 Ballymuigh 90 22 7 24.4% 7.8% 016 Bunlahy 57 12 9 21.1% 15.8% 017 Columbkille 208 44 32 21.2% 15.4% 018 Coolamber 96 6 3 6.3% 3.1% 019 Creevy 116 22 12 19.0% 10.3% 020 Crosagstown 72 9 6 12.5% 8.3% 021 Currygrane 47 10 7 21.3% 14.9% 022 Dalystown 55 9 3 16.4% 5.5% 023 Drummeel 44 5 2 11.4% 4.5% 025 Gelshagh 110 17 9 15.5% 8.2% 026 Granard Rural 100 24 18 24.0% 18.0% 027 Granard Urban 363 79 47 21.8% 12.9% 028 Knockanbaun 48 5 3 10.4% 6.3% 029 Lislea 47 8 5 17.0% 10.6% 030 Meathas Truim 492 73 46 14.8% 9.3% 031 Milltown 105 20 13 19.0% 12.4% 032 Moatfarrell 64 12 5 18.8% 7.8% 033 Moyne 115 33 23 28.7% 20.0% 034 Mullanalaghta 101 26 19 25.7% 18.8% 036 Sonnagh 95 22 14 23.2% 14.7% 037 Aghaboy 203 36 22 17.7% 10.8% 038 Ardagh East 200 45 25 22.5% 12.5% 039 Ardagh West 135 21 14 15.6% 10.4% 040 Ballinamuck East 163 37 25 22.7% 15.3% 041 Ballinamuck West 152 33 26 21.7% 17.1% 042 Breanrisk 236 40 16 16.9% 6.8% 043 Caldragh 539 56 29 10.4% 5.4% 044 Cloondara 203 33 20 16.3% 9.9% 045 Cloonee 222 42 21 18.9% 9.5% 046 Corboy 125 19 17 15.2% 13.6% 047 Drumgort 159 42 25 26.4% 15.7% 048 Drumlish 331 69 43 20.8% 13.0% 049 Killashee 107 20 17 18.7% 15.9% 050 Killoe 113 27 10 23.9% 8.8% 051 Longford Rural 1,672 209 94 12.5% 5.6% 052 Mountdavis 67 18 9 26.9% 13.4% 053 Moydow 183 27 19 14.8% 10.4% 054 Newtown Forbes 347 74 43 21.3% 12.4% 055 Rathcline 488 102 63 20.9% 12.9% 701 Firry/Newgrove 82 21 16 25.6% 19.5%
Longford 12,111 2,213 1,272 18.3% 10.5% Midlands 85,535 12,897 7,267 15.1% 8.5% National 1,469,521 223,115 121,157 15.2% 8.2% The highlighted above indicate instances where the percentage of persons living alone of more than 45 or more than 65 years of age exceeds the comparative county figure. In 2006 18.3% of the total private households in Co. Longford consisted of an individual living alone and of over 45 years of age. This was significantly above either the State figure of 15.2%, or the regional figure of 15.1%. In 2006 10.5% of the total private households in Co. Longford consisted of an individual living alone and of over 65 years of age. This was also significantly above
Page 70 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile either the State figure of 8.2%, or the regional figure of 8.5%. Figure 23 – Population Over 65 (Source: CSO)
While the proportion of the national population over the age of 65 decreased marginally from 11.4% in 1991 to 11% in 2006, the reduction was more marked for Co. Longford. The most significant reduction in the proportion of the population over 65 years in Co. Longford was between 2002 and 2006. This reflects a relatively high birth rate nationally and also the extent of inward migration. In terms of absolute numbers, the national population of people over 65 years increased from 402, 900 in 1991 to 467, 926. This represents an increase of 16%. The increase in absolute numbers in Co. Longford was just 91 people (from 4,235 to 4,326).
Page 71 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6.4.4 Single Parent Households
Map 15 – Single Parent Households (Source: GAMMA)
The above map indicates the incidence of single parents measured as the percentage of single parent households with at least one dependent child (aged under 15) taken as a proportion of all households with a least one dependent child (aged under 15). The proportion of people parenting alone (as a proportion of all households with dependent children) in Ireland has exactly doubled over the past 15 years, growing from 10.7% in 1991 to 21.3% nationally in 2006. Recent years have seen considerable changes in family structures and formation. The Department of Social and Family Affairs12 finds that, at a national level: -
The majority of one-parent families (80%) are headed by women; Unmarried people parenting alone tend to be younger and have fewer children than those who are separated; People parenting alone have low levels of educational attainment (almost 60% have only primary level education);
12 Review of the One-parent Family Payment Scheme, DSFA (2003)
Page 72 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
The majority of people parenting alone depend on social welfare payments as their main or only source of income; and That 66% of single parents live with their own parents. Figure 24 – Lone Parent Families (Source: GAMMA)
ID ED y Units
ldren < 15 Years Total Family Units With Children, All Children Total Famil Minimum One Child < 15 Years Lone Parent, All Children Lone Parent, Minimum One Child < 15 Years Lone Parent, All Children < 15 Years Percent Lone Parent, (All Children) Percent Lone Parent, Minimum One Child < 15 Years Percent Lone Parent, All Chi
001 Longford No. 1 Urban 526 354 253 172 147 48.1% 48.6% 27.9% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 124 68 29 16 10 23.4% 23.5% 8.1% 003 Agharra 62 42 10 2 1 16.1% 4.8% 1.6% 004 Ballymahon 340 202 103 52 39 30.3% 25.7% 11.5% 005 Cashel East 62 26 9 1 - 14.5% 3.8% 0.0% 006 Cashel West 99 54 18 6 3 18.2% 11.1% 3.0% 007 Doory 74 45 12 5 4 16.2% 11.1% 5.4% 008 Forgney 87 54 12 4 2 13.8% 7.4% 2.3% 009 Foxhall 94 63 20 11 11 21.3% 17.5% 11.7% 010 Kilcommock 116 72 27 13 10 23.3% 18.1% 8.6% 011 Kilglass 122 71 26 12 8 21.3% 16.9% 6.6% 012 Ledwithstown 54 29 14 3 3 25.9% 10.3% 5.6% 013 Abbeylara 58 32 17 4 4 29.3% 12.5% 6.9% 014 Ballinalee 88 53 23 13 12 26.1% 24.5% 13.6% 015 Ballymuigh 36 26 6 3 1 16.7% 11.5% 2.8% 016 Bunlahy 30 15 7 2 2 23.3% 13.3% 6.7% 017 Columbkille 106 57 20 5 2 18.9% 8.8% 1.9% 018 Coolamber 62 45 10 2 1 16.1% 4.4% 1.6% 019 Creevy 64 34 17 2 1 26.6% 5.9% 1.6% 020 Crosagstown 44 24 9 3 3 20.5% 12.5% 6.8% 021 Currygrane 27 17 8 2 2 29.6% 11.8% 7.4% 022 Dalystown 32 16 6 2 2 18.8% 12.5% 6.3% 023 Drummeel 23 9 5 - - 21.7% 0.0% 0.0% 025 Gelshagh 57 35 13 1 - 22.8% 2.9% 0.0% 026 Granard Rural 55 34 6 1 1 10.9% 2.9% 1.8% 027 Granard Urban 158 84 51 28 20 32.3% 33.3% 12.7% 028 Knockanbaun 32 16 4 - - 12.5% 0.0% 0.0% 029 Lislea 29 14 4 2 2 13.8% 14.3% 6.9% 030 Meathas Truim 252 172 70 46 33 27.8% 26.7% 13.1% 031 Milltown 66 37 7 1 1 10.6% 2.7% 1.5% 032 Moatfarrell 32 19 3 2 2 9.4% 10.5% 6.3% 033 Moyne 49 27 11 3 2 22.4% 11.1% 4.1% 034 Mullanalaghta 57 32 12 1 1 21.1% 3.1% 1.8% 036 Sonnagh 60 29 16 2 1 26.7% 6.9% 1.7% 037 Aghaboy 110 69 25 10 9 22.7% 14.5% 8.2% 038 Ardagh East 100 54 17 6 2 17.0% 11.1% 2.0% 039 Ardagh West 84 62 11 6 4 13.1% 9.7% 4.8% 040 Ballinamuck East 87 42 21 4 3 24.1% 9.5% 3.4% 041 Ballinamuck West 72 45 13 7 4 18.1% 15.6% 5.6% 042 Breanrisk 144 94 31 11 7 21.5% 11.7% 4.9%
/continued
Page 73 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
ID ED
Total Family Units With Children, All Children Total Family Units Minimum One Child < 15 Years Lone Parent, All Children Lone Parent, Minimum One Child < 15 Years Lone Parent, All Children < 15 Years Percent Lone Parent, (All Children) Percent Lone Parent, Minimum One Child < 15 Years Percent Lone Parent, All Children < 15 Years
043 Caldragh 295 202 57 31 26 19.3% 15.3% 8.8% 044 Cloondara 117 67 20 5 3 17.1% 7.5% 2.6% 045 Cloonee 129 86 25 13 7 19.4% 15.1% 5.4% 046 Corboy 69 44 10 2 - 14.5% 4.5% 0.0% 047 Drumgort 75 35 15 2 2 20.0% 5.7% 2.7% 048 Drumlish 174 104 41 23 17 23.6% 22.1% 9.8% 049 Killashee 52 29 15 6 2 28.8% 20.7% 3.8% 050 Killoe 57 32 15 7 6 26.3% 21.9% 10.5% 051 Longford Rural 847 572 303 198 162 35.8% 34.6% 19.1% 052 Mountdavis 39 25 2 - - 5.1% 0.0% 0.0% 053 Moydow 117 61 18 3 3 15.4% 4.9% 2.6% 054 Newtown Forbes 174 108 53 32 29 30.5% 29.6% 16.7% 055 Rathcline 231 132 58 26 24 25.1% 19.7% 10.4% 701 Firry/Newgrove 41 26 11 5 4 26.8% 19.2% 9.8%
Longford 6,191 3,796 1,619 819 645 26.2% 21.6% 10.4% Midlands 45,899 29,142 10,695 5,514 4,402 23.3% 18.9% 9.6% National 749,557 461,382 189,171 98,304 78,209 25.2% 21.3% 10.4% The EDs highlighted above indicate instances where the percentage of single parents exceeds the respective figure for the county. In all three instances noted in the table above Co. Longford returned a higher percentage of single parents13 than either the State or the region. Lone Parent Households Summary Co. Longford returned a rate of lone parents of 21.6 % in 2006, in line with the national average of 21.3%. Reflecting the urban-rural divide, urban parts of the county had higher long parent rates than rural areas, with Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown and Longford Town all experiencing lone parent rates above 20%. Longford Town returned a particularly high rate of lone parents in 2006 (48.6% Longford urban No. 1), which stands in stark contrast to many rural EDs within the county, two of which in fact recorded no lone parents: - Drummeel and Knockanbaun.
6.4.5 Farmers and Small Holders
The total area of Co. Longford is 104,387 hectares, of which 73,867 hectares or 71% is described as farmland. Land quality varies significantly from dry, free draining soils mostly in the southern half of the county, comprising 40,000 hectares or 38% of the total area, to the wet impermeable Drumlin soils of the North. This variation in soil type is reflected in the potential stock carrying capacity of the various soils – from 2.0 livestock units per hectare in the south to less than 1.3 livestock units/hectare in the northern part of the county. Approximately 51% of land in Co. Longford has been classified as severely disadvantaged by the EU.
13 When measured as the percentage of single parent households with at least one dependent child (aged under 15) taken as a proportion of all households with a least one dependent child (aged under 15).
Page 74 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Farm sizes in the county are generally small, averaging 24 hectares, with significant differences in the size and quality of farms between the north and south of the county. The CSO Census of Agriculture 2000 found beef farming to the predominant type of agriculture in the county with 2,095 out of a total of 2,746 farms being involved in beef production in 2002. The total livestock population in 2006 was made up of 117,518 cattle and 64,825 sheep. For the same year, there were 1,975 breeding herds in the county and 36,416 calves born, representing 1.7% of national calving14. In 2003, 467 sheep farmers applied for Ewe Premium on 35,328 ewes, giving an average flock size of 76 ewes. This represents a drop of 380 who applied for the premium on 45,900 ewes a decade ago. Co. Longford has approximately 1.3% of the National Flock. The majority of farmers are operating full-time in Co. Longford with farms of between 10 and 50 hectares. Sheep or drystock enterprises predominate. However, in a situation similar to the rest of the country, part-time farming is on the increase as traditional modes of farm practice continues to decline, and farm diversification projects and off- farm employment is becoming an increasingly common practice among farm families.
Farm Income Results from the National Farm Survey 2007 showed the average Family Farm Income (FFI) for 2006 averaged €16,680, a decline of 25.7% on the 2005 average of €22,459. Gross output on farms declined by 11%, whilst both direct costs and overhead costs each declined by 2% and 0.3% respectively, resulting in a decline of 1.2% in total costs. Within the Midlands region, the vulnerability and declining viability of the sector is evidenced by lower farm incomes in recent years. Other enterprise – pigs, mushrooms, forestry and horticulture - make a significant contribution to Gross Agricultural Output in the county and provide both full-time and part-time employment for an estimated 200 people. There are 15 substantial pig units in the county, four of which are finishing units only, with 11 integrated units in operation. Fifty-five people are employed full time in pig production with a small number (10 – 15) being involved on a part-time basis. In 2004 there were 25 businesses in the mushroom growing and processing industry, providing employment for 50 full-time and up to 200 part-time workers. Average output generated stood in the region of €4m per annum. However due to mounting difficulties within the sector, the number of mushroom producers in the county dropped to just three in 2007.
Farm Viability Agriculture remains a highly stressed sector of the economy in Ireland. The National Farm Survey 2006 identified that, nationally, farm incomes declined to their traditional levels in 2006 following a once off boost in 2005 due to increased direct payments arising from the changeover to the Single Farm Payment system15. The impact being that Family Farm Income (FFI) decreased from €22,459 per farm in 2005 to €16,680 in 2006 – a decrease of 25.7%. Gross output per farm declined by 11% with direct and overhead costs each declining by 2% and 0.3% respectively in 2006, resulting in a decline of 1.2% in total costs. When the decline of 25.7% in 2006 is combined with the
14 CMMS Statistics Report 2006 – Dept of Agriculture and Food 15 Teagasc Press Release July 2007
Page 75 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile increase of 44.4% in 2005, the net effect is that farm incomes have increased by 7.2% from 2004 to 200616. The decline in FFI ranged from 5% for those engaged mainly in tillage to 38% for those engaged in cattle rearing with a decline of 35% and 25% respectively for those in dairying. Income on Specialist Dairy farms fell by 9% in 2006. The majority of farmers are operating full-time in Co. Longford, with farms of between 10 and 50 hectares. Sheep or drystock enterprises predominate. However, in a situation similar to the rest of the country, part-time farming is on the increase as traditional modes of farm practice continues to decline, and farm diversification projects and off- farm employment is becoming an increasingly common practice among farm families. Three hundred farmers have progressed through the Teagasc ‘Options’ Programme. This programme enables farm families to examine their present situation in some details, including an assessment of current Family Farm Income (FFI) and living expenses. Significant numbers of former full-time farmers have progressed to part-time farming through this support mechanism. The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) was established in 2005. It has 55 participants, a coordinator and two supervisors within Longford Community Resources Limited. The RSS operates from 32 locations around the whole county. Of the 55 participants, 19 are women (mostly farmers wives). Some are widows with land. Sixty percent of RSS participants are single. Figure 25 – Employment in Agriculture (Source: GAMMA)
- - -
-
ID ED (%) Persons 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry Persons 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry Males 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry (%) Females 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry (%)
001 Longford No. 1 Urban 10 0.9% 1.0% 0.6% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 8 1.9% 1.6% 2.3% 003 Agharra 15 10.0% 14.6% 3.3% 004 Ballymahon 44 5.8% 9.2% 0.3% 005 Cashel East 18 13.3% 19.8% 2.0% 006 Cashel West 55 22.7% 35.4% 3.2% 007 Doory 26 15.4% 23.8% 1.6% 008 Forgney 29 15.6% 20.3% 7.4% 009 Foxhall 14 8.0% 10.1% 4.5% 010 Kilcommock 25 10.1% 13.6% 4.3% 011 Kilglass 36 13.2% 20.9% 2.6% 012 Ledwithstown 18 13.5% 20.3% 3.7% 013 Abbeylara 14 11.3% 16.3% 2.3% 014 Ballinalee 21 12.1% 19.8% 1.4% 015 Ballymuigh 15 14.3% 25.0% 0.0% 016 Bunlahy 17 21.8% 30.2% 4.0% 017 Columbkille 46 18.5% 25.9% 3.6%
/continued
16 National Farm Survey 2005
Page 76 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
- - -
-
ID ED
les 15+ at work Persons 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry Persons 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry (%) Males 15+ at work Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry (%) Fema Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry (%)
018 Coolamber 18 14.8% 23.4% 0.0% 019 Creevy 21 16.7% 22.6% 4.8% 020 Crosagstown 11 11.2% 18.0% 0.0% 021 Currygrane 12 21.8% 27.5% 6.7% 022 Dalystown 22 25.6% 36.2% 3.6% 023 Drummeel 11 22.0% 36.7% 0.0% 025 Gelshagh 17 12.2% 14.9% 7.7% 026 Granard Rural 22 18.3% 29.7% 0.0% 027 Granard Urban 18 4.3% 6.9% 0.0% 028 Knockanbaun 8 12.1% 16.3% 4.3% 029 Lislea 9 15.8% 25.7% 0.0% 030 Meathas Truim 21 3.8% 6.3% 0.0% 031 Milltown 20 13.2% 20.0% 1.8% 032 Moatfarrell 8 9.0% 12.5% 3.0% 033 Moyne 20 17.5% 26.3% 0.0% 034 Mullanalaghta 23 19.0% 26.8% 2.6% 036 Sonnagh 18 17.3% 23.6% 3.1% 037 Aghaboy 16 7.2% 10.1% 2.4% 038 Ardagh East 26 9.7% 14.5% 2.7% 039 Ardagh West 22 12.4% 19.0% 2.7% 040 Ballinamuck East 29 14.1% 20.1% 1.5% 041 Ballinamuck West 20 11.5% 17.4% 0.0% 042 Breanrisk 15 4.6% 7.0% 0.0% 043 Caldragh 31 3.9% 5.5% 1.5% 044 Cloondara 17 6.5% 11.3% 0.0% 045 Cloonee 20 6.8% 10.1% 1.7% 046 Corboy 23 12.8% 20.4% 1.4% 047 Drumgort 23 11.9% 15.6% 4.6% 048 Drumlish 35 8.6% 14.5% 0.0% 049 Killashee 20 14.9% 22.9% 2.0% 050 Killoe 10 8.0% 12.5% 0.0% 051 Longford Rural 55 2.6% 4.1% 0.5% 052 Mountdavis 6 7.7% 8.9% 4.5% 053 Moydow 40 15.3% 24.0% 0.0% 054 Newtown Forbes 28 7.0% 10.1% 2.9% 055 Rathcline 34 5.8% 7.3% 3.9% 701 Firry/Newgrove 16 18.4% 27.8% 3.0% Longford 1,176 16.6% 12.2% 1.6% National 89,277 13.6% 7.2% 1.1% The EDs highlighted in the table above indicate instances where the percentage population employed in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector as recorded in the Census of population 2006 exceeded the comparative county figure. From this it can be seen that there was 3% more people employed in agriculture, fisheries and forestry than was the case nationally, and that these were predominantly male.
Page 77 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 16 – Agricultural Employment 2006 (Source: CSO)
The map above records the population of each ED employed in the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry sectors in 2006, expressed as a percentage of the working population of each ED. The highest percentage employment in the Agriculture, Fishery and Forestry sectors was to be found in Dalystown (25.6%), followed by Cashel West (22.7%) and Drummeel (22.0%). The lowest percentage employment in the sectors was to be found in Longford No. 1 Urban (0.9%) and Longford No. 2 Urban (1.9%).
Page 78 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.5 Social Class
Social class is a good indicator of the concentrations of relative affluence and poverty as a large proportion of the population in the professional social classes suggest good educational attainment and earning potential, while a large proportion of the population in the lower social class indicates lower levels of educational attainment, fewer qualifications and lower income generating potential. Figure 26 – Social Classifications (Source: CSO)
Social Class Classification 1 Professional Worker 2 Managerial and Technical 3 Non-Manual 4 Skilled Manual 5 Semi-Skilled Manual 6 Unskilled Manual 7 All Others Gainfully Employed The social class of all persons aged 15 years and over is determined by their occupation and by employment status, where appropriate. The social class of family dependants is derived from the social class of the parent having the highest social class. It follows that the combined higher and lower professional classes (Professional Workers and Managerial and Technical Workers), and the semi and unskilled manual class represent the social classes most appropriate for consideration in respect of the Poverty Profile for Co. Longford. Figure 27 – Social Class Structure 2006 (Source: GAMMA) ional
ID ED
& Unskilled Social - Pop 2006 Pop Social Class 1 (%) Pop Social Class 2 (%) Pop Social Class 3 (%) Pop Social Class 4 (%) Pop Social Class 5 (%) Pop Social Class 6 (%) Pop Social Class 7 (%) Higher & Lower Profess Classes (%) Semi Classes (%)
001 Longford No. 1 Urban 3,134 1.0 9.3 12.6 16.9 13.8 6.4 40.0 10.2 33.6 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 794 13.2 27.7 16.9 15.7 8.8 2.1 15.5 40.9 13.0 003 Agharra 357 4.5 26.9 15.4 21.0 7.6 2.8 21.8 31.4 13.3 004 Ballymahon 1,802 3.4 24.6 13.9 16.3 12.8 4.5 24.5 28.0 22.9 005 Cashel East 312 4.8 19.6 11.5 23.7 14.4 6.4 19.6 24.4 25.9 006 Cashel West 547 2.0 36.4 18.8 17.7 9.7 3.3 12.1 38.4 14.8 007 Doory 416 3.6 24.8 18.0 19.5 11.3 6.0 16.8 28.4 20.8 008 Forgney 446 8.3 27.6 15.9 19.1 9.2 4.7 15.2 35.9 16.4 009 Foxhall 510 2.9 10.2 9.4 20.4 21.4 6.7 29.0 13.1 39.5 010 Kilcommock 595 4.4 21.3 13.9 24.4 7.7 6.7 21.5 25.7 18.4 011 Kilglass 617 3.6 25.6 18.5 20.1 7.3 5.8 19.1 29.2 16.2 012 Ledwithstown 285 1.8 32.3 14.7 25.3 11.6 3.2 11.2 34.0 16.6 013 Abbeylara 314 4.5 23.2 13.7 24.5 15.9 3.5 14.6 27.7 22.8 014 Ballinalee 453 4.9 26.9 20.3 19.0 12.8 3.8 12.4 31.8 18.9
/continued
Page 79 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
ID ED
& Unskilled Social - Pop 2006 Pop Social Class 1 (%) Pop Social Class 2 (%) Pop Social Class 3 (%) Pop Social Class 4 (%) Pop Social Class 5 (%) Pop Social Class 6 (%) Pop Social Class 7 (%) Higher & Lower Professional Classes (%) Semi Classes (%)
015 Ballymuigh 246 0.8 31.3 15.9 19.9 12.2 4.5 15.4 32.1 19.7 016 Bunlahy 167 3.6 24.0 21.6 29.9 9.6 1.8 9.6 27.5 12.6 017 Columbkille 605 3.1 27.4 18.5 22.5 6.6 6.4 15.4 30.6 15.4 018 Coolamber 321 4.7 27.7 16.8 18.7 8.4 3.4 20.2 32.4 14.8 019 Creevy 344 4.4 24.4 16.9 24.1 5.5 4.4 20.3 28.8 12.4 020 Crosagstown 217 5.1 29.0 9.2 24.0 18.9 1.8 12.0 34.1 23.6 021 Currygrane 125 5.6 29.6 9.6 24.8 4.0 9.6 16.8 35.2 16.3 022 Dalystown 175 8.6 17.1 22.9 21.7 12.0 2.9 14.9 25.7 17.4 023 Drummeel 127 5.5 26.0 17.3 22.0 11.8 1.6 15.7 31.5 15.9 025 Gelshagh 319 5.0 19.4 19.4 33.5 9.4 2.8 10.3 24.5 13.6 026 Granard Rural 300 3.3 29.3 20.3 17.0 10.7 3.7 15.7 32.7 17.0 027 Granard Urban 933 2.8 15.3 14.7 24.9 11.5 6.2 24.7 18.1 23.5 028 Knockanbaun 146 7.5 24.7 8.9 29.5 6.8 3.4 19.2 32.2 12.7 029 Lislea 152 2.6 39.5 9.9 23.7 11.2 3.9 9.2 42.1 16.7 030 Meathas Truim 1,544 3.2 15.5 9.8 15.9 19.9 4.5 31.2 18.7 35.5 031 Milltown 351 3.7 21.4 20.2 18.5 9.4 2.6 24.2 25.1 15.8 032 Moatfarrell 187 2.7 18.7 17.1 24.6 10.7 5.3 20.9 21.4 20.3 033 Moyne 305 1.6 34.8 11.8 15.4 14.1 2.0 20.3 36.4 20.2 034 Mullanalaghta 295 3.7 24.7 14.2 26.4 7.1 3.4 20.3 28.5 13.2 036 Sonnagh 286 2.4 22.4 19.9 26.6 5.6 2.8 20.3 24.8 10.5 037 Aghaboy 596 2.5 19.6 16.8 19.3 11.9 6.0 23.8 22.1 23.6 038 Ardagh East 568 4.9 29.2 15.8 16.5 9.5 2.6 21.3 34.2 15.4 039 Ardagh West 439 4.3 33.0 18.5 14.1 6.4 5.7 18.0 37.4 14.7 040 Ballinamuck East 474 0.6 23.6 16.2 26.6 12.0 7.4 13.5 24.3 22.4 041 Ballinamuck West 441 2.5 21.8 15.6 37.0 9.5 1.6 12.0 24.3 12.6 042 Breanrisk 711 4.9 20.8 18.4 23.3 12.4 10.7 9.4 25.7 25.5 043 Caldragh 1,596 6.1 34.1 17.2 17.3 9.8 2.9 12.5 40.2 14.5 044 Cloondara 575 3.8 27.1 13.6 23.1 12.0 3.3 17.0 31.0 18.4 045 Cloonee 679 4.1 28.9 17.5 19.9 9.6 2.7 17.4 33.0 14.8 046 Corboy 381 4.5 36.7 17.8 15.5 7.9 4.2 13.4 41.2 13.9 047 Drumgort 435 5.7 21.6 13.8 22.3 9.2 6.0 21.4 27.4 19.3 048 Drumlish 935 3.3 24.0 20.6 20.5 15.5 4.8 11.2 27.3 22.9 049 Killashee 284 6.7 31.3 15.1 15.5 7.7 4.9 18.7 38.0 15.6 050 Killoe 302 4.6 23.5 17.9 25.2 10.9 6.6 11.3 28.1 19.8 051 Longford Rural 5,053 4.2 21.3 14.0 14.1 10.6 4.8 31.0 25.4 22.4 052 Mountdavis 204 1.5 38.2 9.8 19.1 15.7 5.9 9.8 39.7 23.9 053 Moydow 589 2.5 34.1 18.7 16.8 11.5 3.4 12.9 36.7 17.2 054 Newtown Forbes 892 2.9 22.4 22.1 17.7 10.8 4.0 20.1 25.3 18.5 055 Rathcline 1,289 4.3 26.1 17.2 22.0 12.7 6.7 10.9 30.4 21.8 701 Firry/Newgrove 221 1.8 34.8 15.4 14.5 10.9 5.4 17.2 36.7 19.7
Longford 34,391 3.9 23.3 15.5 19.2 11.5 4.8 21.8 27.2 20.9
Midlands 4.8 24.4 16.6 19.0 11.5 5.0 18.6 29.3 20.2 251,664 National 4,239,848 6.5 26.4 17.0 17.1 11.1 4.3 17.6 32.9 18.6 The EDs highlighted above returned a percentage of population of the semi- and unskilled classes in excess of the county figure. Co. Longford had a higher percentage
Page 80 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile of semi-and unskilled classes than was the case in either the national or regional populations. Figure 28 – Semi & Unskilled Manual Classes (Source: CSO)
Both the proportion and trend in reduction between 1996 and 2006 of the semi and unskilled manual classes in Co. Longford mirrors the national average quite closely. The Census of Population 2006 recorded that Co. Longford had a significantly lower percentage of population in the combined higher and lower professional classes than was the case in either the national or regional populations. While the trends for Co. Longford and the national average both reveal consistent growth in percentages in the higher and lower classes, the gap between Co. Longford and the national average was greater in 2006 than it was in 1996. Figure 29 – Professional Classes (Source: CSO)
Page 81 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 17 – Manual Classes (Source: GAMMA)
The changes in social class composition experienced throughout Ireland over the past 15 years largely parallel those in educational achievement, with a gradual increase in the number of professionals and an even greater decline in the proportion of semi- and unskilled manual workers. At the national level, the proportion of professionals in all classes rose from 25.2% in 1991 to 32.9% in 2006, whilst the proportion of the semi- and unskilled classes declined from 28.2% to 18.6% over the same period.
Page 82 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 18 – Professional Classes (Source: GAMMA)
Social Class Summary In Longford, the proportion in the professional classes (27.2%) and the proportion in the lower skilled professions (20.9%) mark a class composition below the national average. Differences in the social class composition within the county reflect those of educational attainment, with Longford Rural Area having the highest composition (31.4% professionals and 18.7% semi- and unskilled manual classes), and Longford UD having the lowest (21.5% and 24.8%). Differences in the social class composition within the county reflect those of educational attainment, with many rural areas retaining a higher proportion of professionals than urban areas17. This can be seen in the case of Edgeworthstown and Granard EDs, which recorded the lowest rates of professionals at 3.2% and 26.3% respectively.
17 GAMMA 2008 Longford Statistics
Page 83 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.6 Education and Literacy
Map 19 – Those without Formal Education (Source: GAMMA)
The map above indicates the dispersion of the population without formal education, or who have only attained primary education, expressed as a percentage of the population aged over 15, whose full-time education had ceased in 2006. It is proven that there is a clear link between low educational attainment and low skilled employment or unemployment. It follows, therefore, that with individuals exhibiting low levels of educational attainment there is a greatly increased risk of poverty. Additionally, the CPA have found that children of the low or unskilled classes are less likely than the children of the professional classes to go on to higher second and third level education. Studies have also shown that there is a likelihood that the increased risk of poverty and disadvantage will be passed on to the next generation in families where there is little or no understanding of the value of education. According to the CSO, the higher the educational level attained the less likely the risk of unemployment and thus the less likely the risk of entering into poverty.
Page 84 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 20 – Third Level Education 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
The map above indicates the dispersion of the population that had obtained a Third- Level Education, expressed as a percentage of the total population of over 15 years of age and whose full-time education had ceased in 2006.
6.6.1 Education
Figure 30 – Educational Attainment Longford 2006 (CSO)
Pop. no Pop. Lower Pop. Upper Pop. with Pop. with 3rd Pop. Formal or Secondary Secondary Technical or Level Ceased Primary Education Education Vocational Education Education Education Education < or = 15 Only Years Co. Longford 24.2% 22.9% 20.3% 10.4% 22.3% 18.7% Midlands 21.0% 23.6% 21.7% 9.7% 24.0% 20.0% National 18.9% 21.1% 20.6% 9.0% 30.5% 25.6%
It is generally accepted that the level of educational disadvantage in an area may be regarded as a proxy for social and/or economic deprivation. In 2006, the percentage of persons in Co. Longford with no formal education, or just primary education only stood
Page 85 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile at 24.2%. This figure was higher than both the comparative regional figure (21.0%) and the national figure (18.9%). Figure 31 – Educational Attainment 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
ID ED
Pop Education Ceased Pop No Formal or Primary Education Only (%) Pop Lower Secondary Education (%) Pop Upper Secondary Education (%) Pop Technical or Vocational Education (%) Pop 3rd Level Education (%) Age Education Ceased < or = 15 (%) Age Education Ceased > or = 20 (%)
Longford No. 1 001 2,073 30.0% 23.7% 18.8% 13.8% 13.8% 18.0% 14.5% Urban Longford No. 2 002 584 13.9% 16.8% 19.4% 12.4% 37.5% 5.5% 34.6% Urban 003 Agharra 254 29.3% 17.2% 18.4% 9.6% 25.5% 17.6% 21.3% 004 Ballymahon 1,205 24.4% 19.1% 22.3% 10.5% 23.7% 13.8% 21.2% 005 Cashel East 227 30.3% 25.4% 18.4% 8.5% 17.4% 22.9% 14.9% 006 Cashel West 389 30.4% 20.3% 20.0% 9.6% 19.7% 27.5% 17.9% 007 Doory 277 20.9% 29.8% 18.2% 9.7% 21.3% 13.2% 12.8% 008 Forgney 303 24.0% 15.4% 18.6% 9.7% 32.3% 11.8% 23.7% 009 Foxhall 338 33.4% 31.2% 17.2% 4.9% 13.3% 19.8% 11.0% 010 Kilcommock 379 19.5% 28.5% 22.2% 8.1% 21.6% 10.5% 13.2% 011 Kilglass 402 24.9% 23.1% 18.7% 10.9% 22.5% 14.2% 16.1% 012 Ledwithstown 209 20.9% 28.6% 21.8% 7.8% 20.9% 18.0% 13.1% 013 Abbeylara 202 32.0% 20.3% 21.8% 7.6% 18.3% 14.2% 13.7% 014 Ballinalee 296 25.2% 23.4% 22.1% 11.0% 18.3% 17.2% 16.6% 015 Ballymuigh 163 30.8% 26.7% 17.1% 8.9% 16.4% 18.5% 9.6% 016 Bunlahy 112 34.2% 20.7% 23.4% 4.5% 17.1% 28.8% 15.3% 017 Columbkille 416 38.0% 23.2% 15.1% 6.3% 17.3% 26.3% 10.0% 018 Coolamber 192 20.1% 24.6% 18.4% 9.5% 27.4% 15.6% 23.5% 019 Creevy 230 31.3% 22.4% 20.1% 8.9% 17.3% 17.8% 13.1% 020 Crosagstown 140 23.5% 18.9% 21.2% 9.8% 26.5% 16.7% 22.0% 021 Currygrane 85 27.2% 25.9% 16.0% 13.6% 17.3% 11.1% 9.9% 022 Dalystown 124 35.0% 15.8% 13.3% 15.8% 20.0% 16.7% 15.0% 023 Drummeel 93 36.6% 23.7% 17.2% 8.6% 14.0% 23.7% 17.2% 025 Gelshagh 216 31.9% 21.3% 21.8% 6.5% 18.5% 26.4% 13.0% 026 Granard Rural 183 28.7% 20.5% 20.5% 7.0% 23.4% 13.5% 19.3% 027 Granard Urban 655 29.5% 24.6% 18.8% 9.7% 17.4% 16.6% 18.5% 028 Knockanbaun 101 24.7% 18.0% 19.1% 11.2% 27.0% 7.9% 23.6% 029 Lislea 111 34.3% 22.2% 20.4% 5.6% 17.6% 23.1% 15.7% 030 Meathas Truim 989 24.4% 20.8% 20.8% 12.5% 21.6% 11.6% 19.3% 031 Milltown 222 23.8% 21.4% 24.8% 7.6% 22.4% 13.3% 18.1% 032 Moatfarrell 126 23.1% 19.7% 13.7% 15.4% 28.2% 12.8% 17.9% 033 Moyne 224 31.9% 22.7% 19.4% 9.3% 16.7% 19.9% 16.2% 034 Mullanalaghta 199 29.8% 21.3% 18.1% 8.0% 22.9% 16.5% 14.9% 036 Sonnagh 186 25.7% 30.6% 16.4% 10.9% 16.4% 17.5% 14.8% 037 Aghaboy 379 27.3% 29.5% 18.7% 7.0% 17.5% 21.4% 14.2% 038 Ardagh East 409 26.9% 18.2% 19.5% 9.0% 26.4% 23.4% 24.4% 039 Ardagh West 267 23.6% 25.1% 17.1% 10.3% 24.0% 15.6% 17.9% 040 Ballinamuck East 338 28.7% 26.6% 20.5% 5.4% 18.7% 20.8% 13.6% 041 Ballinamuck West 301 29.9% 25.9% 19.7% 9.5% 15.0% 23.8% 12.6%
/continued
Page 86 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
ID ED
Pop Education Ceased Pop No Formal or Primary Education Only (%) Pop Lower Secondary Education (%) Pop Upper Secondary Education (%) Pop Technical or Vocational Education (%) Pop 3rd Level Education (%) Age Education Ceased < or = 15 (%) Age Education Ceased > or = 20 (%)
042 Breanrisk 478 20.9% 23.7% 22.0% 12.2% 21.1% 10.2% 15.9% 043 Caldragh 1,062 11.9% 20.8% 21.6% 11.5% 34.3% 5.9% 27.7% 044 Cloondara 405 16.3% 23.5% 20.9% 12.6% 26.7% 8.3% 20.1% 045 Cloonee 423 19.3% 24.5% 20.0% 13.3% 23.0% 11.8% 18.8% 046 Corboy 269 19.8% 17.2% 28.2% 10.3% 24.4% 12.6% 20.6% 047 Drumgort 320 29.5% 27.9% 13.8% 9.8% 19.0% 17.4% 12.1% 048 Drumlish 613 22.3% 26.4% 21.3% 9.6% 20.4% 14.2% 16.8% 049 Killashee 200 24.4% 19.3% 17.8% 13.2% 25.4% 12.7% 23.9% 050 Killoe 217 33.8% 23.5% 19.7% 7.0% 16.0% 21.1% 13.6% 051 Longford Rural 3,274 19.7% 21.6% 21.9% 10.8% 26.0% 11.1% 23.2% 052 Mountdavis 121 23.9% 29.1% 21.4% 6.0% 19.7% 12.0% 16.2% 053 Moydow 404 23.4% 26.0% 20.8% 9.4% 20.3% 16.4% 13.8% Newtown 054 613 17.6% 22.6% 25.0% 10.4% 24.3% 8.5% 18.4% Forbes 055 Rathcline 922 17.5% 25.9% 21.2% 12.0% 23.4% 9.6% 21.3% 701 Firry/Newgrove 142 36.5% 24.1% 15.3% 2.9% 21.2% 21.2% 15.3%
Longford 23,062 24.2% 22.9% 20.3% 10.4% 22.3% 14.7% 18.7% Midlands 167,681 21.0% 23.6% 21.7% 9.7% 24.0% 12.4% 20.0% National 2,850,333 18.9% 21.1% 20.6% 9.0% 30.5% 11.9% 25.6% The EDs highlighted above indicate instances where the population without formal education, or who have only attained primary education18, and whose full-time education had ceased in 2006 exceeded the county average. Figure 32 – Low Educational Attainment (Source: CSO)
There was a significant reduction between 1996 and 2006 in the proportion of the population that had attained either no formal education or just primary education from 33% to 22.6%. Although the reduction in Co. Longford was greater than the national average for the same period, it did start from a lower base (33.3% compared to 25.1%). In 2006 Co. Longford remained relatively disadvantaged compared to the rest of the
18 Expressed as a percentage of the population aged over 15.
Page 87 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile country with almost 23% of its population having attained either no formal education or primary education only. The national average was 18%. Figure 33 – High Educational Attainment (Source: CSO)
The proportion of the population that achieved a degree or higher at third level more than doubled nationally between 1996 and 2006 from 8.6% to 18.5%. The increase in Co. Longford was even greater (5.2% to 11.8%). Although the trend is positive, Co. Longford still lags significantly behind the national average in terms of third level educational attainment. Education Attainment Summary 15 EDs recorded a rate of over 30% of persons with no formal education, or just primary education. These were predominantly located in rural areas, with the highest percentages being located in Columbkille (38.0%), Drummeel (36.6%) and Dalystown (35.0%). The trend for educational attainment in the county is positive in terms of a reduction in the proportion of the population with low educational attainment and an increase in the proportion with high educational attainment. However, Co. Longford remains relatively disadvantaged from an education perspective and much work needs to be done to attain even the national average.
Figure 34 – Education & Unemployment (Source: GAMMA)
Total Unempl Total Unempl Total Unempl Total Unempl Total Unempl No Formal or Lower Upper Technical or 3rd Level ID ED Primary Secondary Secondary Vocational Education Education Only Education (%) Education (%) Education (%) (%) (%) Longford No. 001 41.5% 28.2% 15.3% 8.5% 6.5% 1 Urban Longford No. 002 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 42.9% 2 Urban 003 Agharra 43.8% 50.0% 0.0% 6.3% 0.0% 004 Ballymahon 42.2% 26.5% 15.7% 4.8% 10.8% 005 Cashel East 25.0% 50.0% 12.5% 0.0% 12.5% 006 Cashel West 27.3% 18.2% 36.4% 9.1% 9.1% 007 Doory 30.0% 20.0% 30.0% 0.0% 20.0% 008 Forgney 55.6% 11.1% 0.0% 11.1% 22.2% 009 Foxhall 32.6% 41.9% 11.6% 2.3% 11.6% 010 Kilcommock 25.0% 25.0% 41.7% 0.0% 8.3%
/continued
Page 88 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Total Unempl Total Unempl Total Unempl Total Unempl No Formal or Total Unempl Lower Upper Technical or ID ED Primary 3rd Level Secondary Secondary Vocational Education Only Education (%) Education (%) Education (%) Education (%) (%) 011 Kilglass 31.3% 43.8% 6.3% 6.3% 12.5% 012 Ledwithstown 16.7% 41.7% 33.3% 8.3% 0.0% 013 Abbeylara 41.7% 33.3% 8.3% 8.3% 8.3% 014 Ballinalee 25.0% 18.8% 31.3% 12.5% 12.5% 015 Ballymuigh 57.1% 14.3% 14.3% 14.3% 0.0% 016 Bunlahy 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 017 Columbkille 41.7% 25.0% 0.0% 25.0% 8.3% 018 Coolamber 28.6% 35.7% 14.3% 7.1% 14.3% 019 Creevy 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 020 Crosagstown 0.0% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 66.7% 021 Currygrane 0.0% 50.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0% 022 Dalystown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 33.3% 66.7% 023 Drummeel 40.0% 30.0% 30.0% 0.0% 0.0% 025 Gelshagh 66.7% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 026 Granard Rural 50.0% 33.3% 0.0% 16.7% 0.0% 027 Granard Urban 31.6% 39.5% 18.4% 2.6% 7.9% 028 Knockanbaun 40.0% 60.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 029 Lislea 50.0% 16.7% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 030 Meathas Truim 29.4% 36.3% 16.7% 7.8% 9.8% 031 Milltown 25.0% 50.0% 25.0% 0.0% 0.0% 032 Moatfarrell 16.7% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 50.0% 033 Moyne 40.0% 20.0% 40.0% 0.0% 0.0% 034 Mullanalaghta 0.0% 66.7% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 036 Sonnagh 16.7% 50.0% 33.3% 0.0% 0.0% 037 Aghaboy 18.8% 56.3% 0.0% 12.5% 12.5% 038 Ardagh East 50.0% 18.8% 25.0% 0.0% 6.3% 039 Ardagh West 30.8% 30.8% 15.4% 0.0% 23.1% Ballinamuck 040 11.1% 22.2% 44.4% 0.0% 22.2% East Ballinamuck 041 27.3% 45.5% 27.3% 0.0% 0.0% West 042 Breanrisk 33.3% 14.3% 19.0% 19.0% 14.3% 043 Caldragh 19.4% 44.4% 25.0% 2.8% 8.3% 044 Cloondara 0.0% 81.8% 9.1% 0.0% 9.1% 045 Cloonee 20.0% 20.0% 26.7% 20.0% 13.3% 046 Corboy 18.2% 36.4% 27.3% 9.1% 9.1% 047 Drumgort 60.0% 20.0% 0.0% 0.0% 20.0% 048 Drumlish 20.8% 54.2% 12.5% 4.2% 8.3% 049 Killashee 11.1% 44.4% 22.2% 22.2% 0.0% 050 Killoe 33.3% 33.3% 11.1% 11.1% 11.1% 051 Longford Rural 31.5% 30.7% 20.7% 7.6% 9.6% 052 Mountdavis 0.0% 50.0% 0.0% 25.0% 25.0% 053 Moydow 27.3% 18.2% 31.8% 4.5% 18.2% Newtown 054 14.3% 33.3% 19.0% 23.8% 9.5% Forbes 055 Rathcline 20.6% 35.3% 23.5% 17.6% 2.9% 701 Firry/Newgrove ****** ****** ****** ****** ******
Longford 32.1% 32.4% 18.0% 7.7% 9.9% Midlands 28.6% 32.6% 20.4% 7.0% 11.3% National 25.8% 31.7% 19.6% 7.4% 15.6% The Eds highlighted above indicate instances where the defined educational levels of the total unemployed, expressed as a percentage, exceeds the county figure.
Page 89 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile 6.7 Affluence and Deprivation
Map 21 – Relative Deprivation 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
The Absolute Deprivation Index Score measures the actual affluence/deprivation of each ED on a single fixed scale, which, for 1991, has a mean of zero and standard deviation of ten. As the economy has greatly improved over the past fifteen years, the Absolute Index Scores for most EDs have increased significantly. Because affluence/deprivation is measured on a fixed scale, it is possible to use the Absolute Index Scores to evaluate this progress across successive Census data. In respect of determining the spatial effects of disadvantaged, the relative position of each ED at a specific point in time is of great importance. This is represented by the Relative Deprivation Index Score, which has been rescaled so as to have a mean of zero and standard deviation of ten at each census wave. This provides the comparative situation of any given ED relative to all other EDs in 2006.
6.7.1 Relative Deprivation in Co. Longford
The Midlands Region is the second most disadvantaged region of Ireland, and Longford is the most disadvantaged local authority area within the region and the third most
Page 90 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile disadvantaged county in Ireland as a whole. The relative position of Co. Longford has gradually worsened over the past fifteen years from a score of –2.0 in 1991 to a score of –4.5 in 2006. The county is not characterised by particular extremes either with regard to affluence or deprivation. The only slightly more affluent areas are situated in the wider environs of Longford town and to the Western part of the county, but excluding the town and its immediate surroundings. The whole Eastern part of the county is below the national average, with some local areas falling into the disadvantaged spectrum. Figure 35 – Deprivation by ED (Source: GAMMA)
Change in Relative Index Scores Absolute Index Score 1991 - 2006 ID ED 2006 2002 1996 1991 001 Longford No.1Urban 1.7 -21.6 -15.3 -10.5 -8.4 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 2.6 9.5 12.0 11.9 13.1 003 Agharra 12.2 -5.7 -5.7 -8.6 -7.4 004 Ballymahon 7.3 -6.3 -8.3 -3.8 -2.9 005 Cashel East 11.5 -9.0 -13.9 -8.8 -9.2 006 Cashel West 6.2 -2.3 -4.8 -5.6 1.0 007 Doory 16.0 0.6 -6.3 -5.6 -6.7 008 Forgney 13.3 2.0 -1.8 -5.9 -3.0 009 Foxhall 8.1 -25.6 -21.7 -15.6 -17.6 010 Kilcommock 19.5 1.9 2.9 -1.1 -9.3 011 Kilglass 12.5 -2.3 -3.7 -5.7 -5.3 012 Ledwithstown 15.1 0.1 -6.3 -4.3 -6.2 013 Abbeylara 1.1 -12.2 -12.8 0.0 -1.0 014 Ballinalee 6.0 -3.7 3.3 1.6 0.2 015 Ballymuigh 12.5 -7.6 -8.4 -6.7 -9.1 016 Bunlahy 11.0 -2.9 -1.3 -5.5 -4.3 017 Columbkille 5.8 -11.7 -10.5 -7.1 -5.3 018 Coolamber 13.2 2.3 3.0 -1.4 -2.7 019 Creevy 3.6 -5.9 -8.3 -7.0 1.0 020 Crosagstown 10.5 -0.5 1.8 -3.2 -2.1 021 Currygrane 15.6 0.5 0.0 3.1 -6.4 022 Dalystown 12.0 -7.3 -3.9 -3.1 -8.4 023 Drummeel 4.6 -15.0 -4.3 -9.7 -6.6 025 Gelshagh 12.2 -4.6 -2.8 -5.3 -6.7 026 Granard Rural 14.6 -4.0 -2.6 -5.9 -8.6 027 Granard Urban 9.2 -11.4 -10.0 -13.0 -8.4 028 Knockanbaun 16.4 -2.3 1.9 -5.5 -9.3 029 Lislea 8.1 -8.6 -8.2 -6.0 -5.5 030 Meathas Truim 1.2 -16.3 -14.4 -6.8 -4.0 031 Milltown 18.0 -0.4 -10.2 -2.9 -9.4 032 Moatfarrell 6.0 -3.6 1.6 2.5 0.3 033 Moyne 10.0 -4.7 -8.3 -5.6 -4.5 034 Mullanalaghta 10.6 -2.8 -2.5 -6.1 -3.8 036 Sonnagh 11.8 -2.1 -6.7 -9.8 -4.5 037 Aghaboy 10.3 -6.7 -6.5 -4.3 -6.3 038 Ardagh East 12.8 -0.8 -3.0 2.3 -4.5 039 Ardagh West 7.7 1.2 -0.3 2.0 2.1 040 Ballinamuck East 12.9 -3.8 -5.5 -6.3 -6.7 041 Ballinamuck West 11.8 -3.8 -4.7 -2.5 -5.6 042 Breanrisk 18.9 0.0 -0.8 -5.6 -10.1
/continued
Page 91 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Change in Relative Index Scores Absolute Index Score 1991 - 2006 ID ED 2006 2002 1996 1991 043 Caldragh 4.5 12.2 12.2 16.8 13.1 044 Cloondara 9.6 5.4 7.1 7.7 3.2 045 Cloonee 5.1 2.4 5.6 6.5 5.5 046 Corboy 7.0 5.4 6.0 3.5 5.7 047 Drumgort 11.1 -2.7 -7.2 -3.7 -4.1 048 Drumlish 9.2 -2.2 -5.5 -4.2 -2.0 049 Killashee 12.4 1.2 0.7 0.7 -2.7 050 Killoe 6.2 -9.3 -8.9 -6.0 -4.0 051 Longford Rural -0.1 -4.2 0.9 3.7 5.9 052 Mountdavis 7.1 1.2 -2.4 1.2 2.7 053 Moydow 4.9 0.2 1.2 0.7 4.1 054 Newtown Forbes 10.7 3.3 3.2 1.8 0.6 055 Rathcline 7.8 3.1 3.5 1.8 3.3 701 Firry/Newgrove 11.8 -4.9 -12.1 -8.4 -6.5 Longford 7.6 -4.5 -3.4 -2.3 -2.0 Midlands 8.4 -0.3 -0.1 0.1 0.3 National 8.1 2.1 3.3 3.0 2.3
Deprivation Summary At a local level, the most disadvantaged EDs are Foxhall (-25.6%) and Longford No 1 Urban (-21.6%), followed by Meathas Truim (-16.3%) and Drummeel (-15.0%), but only the first two EDs fall into the ‘very disadvantaged’ category. Five EDs fall into the ‘disadvantaged’ category, whilst all other EDs are, at the most, marginally below the national average. The overall level of disadvantage in the county is due less to the outcome of extreme instances of deprivation, but due more to the almost complete absence of any affluent areas. There is only one ED in the affluent category: Caldragh (12.2%).
6.7.2 Changes in Affluence/Deprivation
The Absolute Deprivation Index Scores permit the tracking of changes in the levels of affluence and deprivation over time across the county. It can be seen from the map below that there are no EDs that indicated either very strong or strong improvements or disimprovements over the intercensal period 1991-2006. The EDs of Longford (Urban and Rural), Meathas Truim and Abbeylara all returned a disimprovement over the period.
Page 92 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile Map 22 – Absolute Deprivation 1991-2006 (Source: GAMMA)
Page 93 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.8 Disability
Map 23 – People with a Disability (Source: GAMMA)
The map above indicates the relative distribution of people with a disability around the county, as measured against the total number of people with a disability in 2006 (3,285). From this map it can be seen that the greatest concentration of people with a disability in any ED are to be found in Longford Rural (519 persons), followed by Longford No. 1 Urban (361 persons).
Page 94 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.8.1 People with Disabilities
People with Disabilities Summary The Census of Population 2006 records 3,285 persons with a disability in Co. Longford. This equates to 9.6% of the total population, and is in line with the national average of 9.3% The breakdown of conditions as determined by the CSO shows that many individuals with a disability experience multiple disadvantages, for example a person who is severely vision impaired might also state that they have difficulty going outside the home alone or working. Figure 36 – Persons with a Disability (Source: CSO 2006)
Nature of Impairment Total Number Total Number of People with a Disability in Co. Longford 3,285 Blindness, deafness or a severe vision or hearing impairment 677 A condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities 1,634 Difficulty learning, remembering or concentrating 907 Difficulty dressing, bathing of getting around inside the home 796 Difficulty in going outside the home alone 1,059 Difficulty in working or attending school/college 1,175 Learning or intellectual disability 561 Psychological or emotional condition 459 Difficulty in participating in other activities 1,128 Other, including chronic illness 999 Total Disabilities 9,395 When the Census figures are disaggregated by age, the trends show that the number of persons with disabilities rises steadily until the age of 60, this is due to multiple factors including onset of chronic illness, accidents and deterioration of condition. Although the actual number of persons with a disability drops from the age of 60 onwards, the relative number of persons with a disability in the age brackets from 60-90+ is substantially higher and rises rapidly with old age. 30.1% of all persons aged between 65+ reported having a disability. Figure 37 – Disability by Age 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
Persons Persons Persons Persons Persons Total with a with a with a with a with a Persons ID ED disability - disability - disability - disability - disability - with a aged 1-14 aged 15-24 aged 25-44 aged 45-64 aged 65+ Disability (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Longford No. 1 001 361 6.4% 7.2% 22.2% 32.4% 31.9% Urban Longford No. 2 002 62 3.2% 6.5% 17.7% 40.3% 32.3% Urban 003 Agharra 40 5.0% 2.5% 22.5% 32.5% 37.5% 004 Ballymahon 192 7.8% 7.3% 19.3% 34.9% 30.7% 005 Cashel East 29 3.4% 3.4% 17.2% 31.0% 44.8% 006 Cashel West 51 5.9% 3.9% 9.8% 31.4% 49.0% 007 Doory 36 5.6% 2.8% 16.7% 27.8% 47.2% 008 Forgney 29 13.8% 0.0% 10.3% 44.8% 31.0%
/continued
Page 95 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile /continued
Persons Persons Persons Persons Persons Total with a with a with a with a with a Persons ID ED disability - disability - disability - disability - disability - with a aged 1-14 aged 15-24 aged 25-44 aged 45-64 aged 65+ Disability (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) 009 Foxhall 50 2.0% 8.0% 28.0% 36.0% 26.0% 010 Kilcommock 51 7.8% 5.9% 27.5% 23.5% 35.3% 011 Kilglass 57 10.5% 10.5% 22.8% 36.8% 19.3% 012 Ledwithstown 24 4.2% 4.2% 12.5% 66.7% 12.5% 013 Abbeylara 27 11.1% 3.7% 29.6% 18.5% 37.0% 014 Ballinalee 37 10.8% 10.8% 13.5% 40.5% 24.3% 015 Ballymuigh 21 9.5% 9.5% 9.5% 47.6% 23.8% 016 Bunlahy 9 22.2% 0.0% 11.1% 33.3% 33.3% 017 Columbkille 75 5.3% 6.7% 9.3% 32.0% 46.7% 018 Coolamber 27 25.9% 3.7% 22.2% 18.5% 29.6% 019 Creevy 34 11.8% 5.9% 11.8% 29.4% 41.2% 020 Crosagstown 17 5.9% 11.8% 11.8% 41.2% 29.4% 021 Currygrane 12 8.3% 0.0% 8.3% 33.3% 50.0% 022 Dalystown 14 14.3% 0.0% 35.7% 14.3% 35.7% 023 Drummeel 17 5.9% 5.9% 11.8% 29.4% 47.1% 025 Gelshagh 23 0.0% 4.3% 8.7% 26.1% 60.9% 026 Granard Rural 26 7.7% 3.8% 3.8% 23.1% 61.5% 027 Granard Urban 98 3.1% 6.1% 17.3% 39.8% 33.7% 028 Knockanbaun 14 7.1% 14.3% 7.1% 28.6% 42.9% 029 Lislea 14 14.3% 7.1% 7.1% 14.3% 57.1% 030 Meathas Truim 182 9.3% 6.6% 14.3% 25.3% 44.5% 031 Milltown 37 10.8% 10.8% 24.3% 40.5% 13.5% 032 Moatfarrell 18 16.7% 5.6% 16.7% 27.8% 33.3% 033 Moyne 33 9.1% 6.1% 12.1% 33.3% 39.4% 034 Mullanalaghta 25 8.0% 12.0% 20.0% 16.0% 44.0% 036 Sonnagh 36 8.3% 11.1% 0.0% 30.6% 50.0% 037 Aghaboy 47 6.4% 8.5% 8.5% 38.3% 38.3% 038 Ardagh East 33 6.1% 21.2% 9.1% 30.3% 33.3% 039 Ardagh West 35 20.0% 8.6% 17.1% 25.7% 28.6% 040 Ballinamuck East 39 5.1% 10.3% 15.4% 28.2% 41.0% 041 Ballinamuck West 43 4.7% 7.0% 18.6% 20.9% 48.8% 042 Breanrisk 75 18.7% 8.0% 8.0% 36.0% 29.3% 043 Caldragh 97 3.1% 12.4% 20.6% 32.0% 32.0% 044 Cloondara 51 7.8% 3.9% 17.6% 39.2% 31.4% 045 Cloonee 60 10.0% 6.7% 13.3% 30.0% 40.0% 046 Corboy 31 6.5% 3.2% 29.0% 32.3% 29.0% 047 Drumgort 39 7.7% 2.6% 17.9% 35.9% 35.9% 048 Drumlish 80 7.5% 8.8% 17.5% 30.0% 36.3% 049 Killashee 30 0.0% 10.0% 16.7% 23.3% 50.0% 050 Killoe 35 8.6% 0.0% 11.4% 34.3% 45.7% 051 Longford Rural 519 8.3% 6.2% 16.0% 27.7% 41.8% 052 Mountdavis 9 22.2% 11.1% 22.2% 22.2% 22.2% 053 Moydow 56 8.9% 1.8% 19.6% 26.8% 42.9% 054 Newtown Forbes 92 6.5% 6.5% 19.6% 30.4% 37.0% 055 Rathcline 110 12.7% 4.5% 11.8% 22.7% 48.2% 701 Firry/Newgrove 26 19.2% 0.0% 11.5% 19.2% 50.0%
Longford 3,285 8.1% 6.7% 16.8% 30.9% 37.5% Midlands 22,838 9.1% 7.1% 19.1% 29.1% 35.7% National 393,785 8.4% 7.4% 19.9% 29.2% 35.1%
Page 96 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.9 Ethnicity
Map 24 – Non-Irish Population (Source: CSO)
The map above illustrates the dispersion of people of non-Irish origin around the county in 2006.
Page 97 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.9.1 Nationality
For the first time the census of population in 2006 identified the nationality of all respondents. The responses showed that the population composition of Co. Longford presented a similar profile to the rest of the country. Nationality Summary There were 3,880 non-Irish nationals living in the county in 2006, representing 11.3% of the total population. Of these 3.1% were from the UK; 2.1% were Polish; 1.6% came from the EU (excluding Poland), 0.9% were Lithuanian and 2.5% came from the rest of the world19. The further 1.1% of non-nationals did not state their nationality. The highest concentration of non-Irish nationals was to be found in Longford Town, while a high proportion of UK citizens in particular, lived in rural EDs throughout the county; notably Lislea (7.9%), and Aghaboy (7.2%).
Figure 38 – Nationality Mix (Source: CSO)
Rest of Total Not Irish Polish Lithuanian EU 25 the ID DED Pop. UK (%) Stated (%) (%) (%) (%) World 2006 (%) (%) Longford No. 1 001 3,134 76.5% 2.4% 6.1% 1.2% 4.4% 7.7% 1.7% Urban Longford No. 2 002 794 82.0% 2.4% 5.9% 2.3% 3.2% 3.0% 1.2% Urban 003 Agharra 357 94.3% 3.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.0% 0.6% 004 Ballymahon 1,802 89.6% 3.5% 1.9% 1.6% 1.2% 0.9% 1.2% 005 Cashel East 312 96.1% 1.0% 0.0% 0.6% 1.3% 0.0% 1.0% 006 Cashel West 547 94.7% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 0.5% 0.4% 007 Doory 416 92.3% 4.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 0.0% 2.2% 008 Forgney 446 93.2% 2.3% 0.9% 0.0% 1.8% 1.4% 0.5% 009 Foxhall 510 92.9% 5.1% 0.6% 0.0% 0.4% 0.4% 0.6% 010 Kilcommock 595 89.9% 6.4% 1.4% 0.0% 0.2% 0.7% 1.5% 011 Kilglass 617 94.8% 3.4% 0.0% 0.3% 0.2% 0.7% 0.7% 012 Ledwithstown 285 95.8% 3.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% 0.4% 0.0% 013 Abbeylara 314 95.8% 1.3% 0.0% 1.9% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 014 Ballinalee 453 93.9% 4.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 0.9% 015 Ballymuigh 246 95.1% 3.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% 0.8% 016 Bunlahy 167 97.0% 1.2% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 017 Columbkille 605 95.7% 3.2% 0.0% 0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.5% 018 Coolamber 321 96.9% 0.9% 0.0% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 1.9% 019 Creevy 344 92.4% 3.2% 1.7% 0.0% 0.3% 1.2% 1.2% 020 Crosagstown 217 94.0% 4.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 0.5% 0.5% 021 Currygrane 125 87.8% 4.9% 0.0% 4.1% 1.6% 0.8% 0.8% 022 Dalystown 175 98.9% 1.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 023 Drummeel 127 97.6% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 025 Gelshagh 319 96.2% 2.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3% 0.6% 026 Granard Rural 300 98.0% 1.0% 0.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 027 Granard Urban 933 83.7% 1.1% 7.4% 1.3% 1.6% 3.4% 1.6% 028 Knockanbaun 146 97.9% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 029 Lislea 152 90.8% 7.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.3% 030 Meathas Truim 1,544 80.0% 2.9% 2.2% 4.5% 4.1% 4.7% 1.6% 031 Milltown 351 93.4% 3.4% 0.0% 1.1% 0.6% 0.9% 0.6% 032 Moatfarrell 187 93.0% 2.1% 1.6% 0.0% 2.1% 0.5% 0.5%
/continued
19 GAMMA 2006 Statistics, Co. Longford.
Page 98 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Rest of Not Total Irish Polish Lithuanian EU 25 the ID DED UK (%) Stated Pop. 2006 (%) (%) (%) (%) World (%) (%) 033 Moyne 305 96.7% 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3% 1.0% 034 Mullanalaghta 295 96.6% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 036 Sonnagh 286 95.1% 2.8% 0.0% 0.4% 0.0% 1.1% 0.7% 037 Aghaboy 596 88.9% 7.2% 0.0% 0.3% 0.5% 0.7% 2.4% 038 Ardagh East 568 94.3% 2.3% 1.2% 0.5% 0.4% 0.5% 0.7% 039 Ardagh West 439 94.9% 3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 0.9% Ballinamuck 040 474 96.6% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.6% 0.4% 0.6% East Ballinamuck 041 441 97.7% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 0.2% West 042 Breanrisk 711 95.3% 2.7% 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.7% 0.6% 043 Caldragh 1,596 89.4% 3.8% 2.0% 1.1% 0.8% 1.5% 1.3% 044 Cloondara 575 93.4% 4.5% 0.3% 0.0% 0.2% 0.5% 1.0% 045 Cloonee 679 91.9% 3.6% 2.4% 0.0% 0.4% 1.3% 0.4% 046 Corboy 381 94.9% 3.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.4% 0.0% 047 Drumgort 435 93.6% 3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 0.2% 2.1% 048 Drumlish 935 89.1% 3.3% 0.9% 0.0% 1.5% 4.0% 1.2% 049 Killashee 284 92.8% 5.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% 1.4% 0.0% 050 Killoe 302 93.0% 4.3% 0.0% 0.0% 1.7% 1.0% 0.0% 051 Longford Rural 5,053 81.4% 2.8% 4.7% 1.6% 2.8% 4.9% 1.9% 052 Mountdavis 204 93.6% 4.4% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 0.0% 1.0% 053 Moydow 589 97.3% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.7% 0.2% 0.2% Newtown 054 892 87.4% 5.2% 1.1% 0.2% 1.1% 4.9% 0.1% Forbes 055 Rathcline 1,289 88.9% 3.8% 1.1% 0.8% 3.3% 1.4% 0.7% 701 Firry/Newgrove 221 95.0% 0.9% 0.0% 0.0% 1.8% 0.0% 2.3%
Longford 34,391 88.6% 3.1% 2.1% 0.9% 1.6% 2.5% 1.1% Midlands 251,664 90.4% 2.6% 1.5% 0.8% 1.3% 2.3% 1.1% National 4,239,848 88.8% 2.7% 1.5% 0.6% 1.8% 3.5% 1.1% The EDs highlighted in the table above returned population percentages above the county average for the nationalities indicated. Co. Longford recorded a relatively high percentage of its population from a non-Irish origin in 2006 at 11.4%, compared to 9.6% regionally, and 11.2% nationally.
6.9.2 Traveller Community
The Census of Population 2006 indicates that at 15.8 per 1,000 of total population, Co. Longford stands second only to Galway City in terms of the having the highest density of Travellers in the country. The Traveller Census of November 2007 indicates that there were approximately 320 travelling families living in Co. Longford. The greatest concentration of the Traveller Community in Co. Longford resides in Longford town20. Traveller Community Summary Co. Longford has a relatively high density of travellers resident in the county, compared to the national figure. According to the 2007 Traveller Census, there were 320 Travellers normally resident in Co. Longford.
20 LCC – Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009 – 2013.
Page 99 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.10 Health
The CSO reports that Co. Longford has the lowest percentage of births to unmarried couples that are living together in the country. Almost one in six births (or 2,815) recorded in Ireland during the first quarter of 2008 were to unmarried couples who were cohabiting, but Co. Longford returned only 10% of the births registered in the county during that period being to cohabiting couples. There were 188 births registered in Co Longford during the first quarter of 2008, and 135 of these babies had parents who were married. The other 53 remaining children were born to couples out of wedlock, 25 of which were cohabiting at the same address and the other 28 were living at separate addresses. Nineteen of these births were to mothers of under 25 years of age. Only two of the births registered outside of marriage were to mothers over the age of forty. The average age of Co. Longford mother's at maternity stages in 2008 was between 30 and 34 (30%). The average age of mothers in Co. Longford giving birth to their first child was 29. This was similar to the national average, where mothers were generally aged 31 during maternity stages and 28.8 when having their first child. There were only 8 births registered to teenage mothers during the same timeframe in Longford (4%) and 12 births to women aged over 40 years (6%). Out of the 7,531 deaths registered nationally during the first quarter of 2008, 72 were resident in Co Longford. Thirty-nine of the deceased were male and 33 were female. In 2006 Co. Longford had twice the mortality rate from heart attacks and higher death rates from ovarian cancer than the national average. In 2008 the CSO noted that the prevalence of cancer in the county is highlighted in that fifteen of these deceased died from malignant neoplasms (21%). A large majority of the deceased passed away due to diseases of the circulatory system/heart related problems (40%), and 12 died from respiratory ailments. Three of the deaths registered in Co. Longford were as a result of external causes and the remaining 13 were caused by other ailments. Four young babies also died in Co. Longford during the first quarter of 2008, two of these infants were neonatal (under four weeks old). Nationally there were 63 infant deaths during the same period, 42 of these being neonatal deaths, representing a neonatal mortality rate of 2.2 deaths per 1,000 live births. Co. Longford shares its acute hospital services with Westmeath, with the service based in Mullingar. Consultants serving Co. Longford patients are situated at the acute hospital sites in both Mullingar and Tullamore. Co. Longford has an outpatient clinic based in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Longford town. The Mental Health outpatient services are provided locally in Longford with in-patient services provided at St. Loman’s Hospital, Mullingar.
Page 100 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.11 Unemployment and Labour Force
Map 25 – Unemployment Rate 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
The map above indicates the unemployment rate for Co. Longford. This is calculated as the sum of those who were unemployed and those who were first-time job seekers, expressed as a percentage of the sum of the unemployed, the first time job seekers, and those who were employed. The ED returning the highest unemployment rate in 2006 was Foxhall at 26.1%, followed by Longford No. 1 Urban at 24.4%, and Meathas Truim at 22.1%. Drumgort, Bunlahy and Firry/Newgrove returned unemployment rates below 4% in 2006. The national average unemployment rate for 2006 was 8.5%.
Page 101 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.11.1 Unemployment
The CPA cite unemployment as the largest single cause of poverty in Ireland. The link between unemployment and poverty is particularly strong in the case of long-term unemployment and those who are excluded from the labour market. There is a high risk of poverty when the household head is long-term unemployed, when no other person in the household is in paid work, and when there are a number of dependents. Unemployment Summary The number of unemployed persons in Co. Longford stood at 1,873 individuals (11.4% of total workforce) in 2006, presenting a 1.3% decrease in unemployment from the 2002 Census period. Unemployment in Co. Longford ran approximately 2.9% higher than the national rate (8.5%) for 200621. At the Electoral Division level, aggregate unemployment rates in the urban areas of Dundalk and Drogheda reached considerably higher levels than those prevailing county wide, and are highest in Longford Urban No.1 (22.7% males/26.9% female), and Meathas Truim/Edgeworthstown (20.3% male/24.8% females). Unemployment rates for rural EDs generally ran under 10% with a few exceptions, highlighted below.
Figure 39 – Unemployment Rate by ED (Source: GAMMA)
Unemployment Rate Unemployment Rate Unemployment Rate ID ED 2006 Males 2006 Females 2006 001 Longford No. 1 Urban 24.4% 22.7% 26.9% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 7.0% 5.6% 8.9% 003 Agharra 10.7% 13.6% 6.2% 004 Ballymahon 12.8% 11.0% 15.6% 005 Cashel East 9.4% 8.5% 10.9% 006 Cashel West 4.7% 4.5% 5.0% 007 Doory 9.6% 7.1% 13.5% 008 Forgney 4.6% 4.1% 5.6% 009 Foxhall 26.1% 24.8% 28.0% 010 Kilcommock 8.8% 6.7% 12.1% 011 Kilglass 7.5% 6.0% 9.5% 012 Ledwithstown 9.5% 9.2% 10.0% 013 Abbeylara 11.4% 11.1% 12.0% 014 Ballinalee 9.4% 7.3% 12.2% 015 Ballymuigh 9.5% 11.8% 6.3% 016 Bunlahy 1.3% 0.0% 3.8% 017 Columbkille 6.7% 6.7% 6.7% 018 Coolamber 10.9% 9.4% 13.5% 019 Creevy 7.4% 8.7% 4.5% 020 Crosagstown 5.8% 6.2% 5.1% 021 Currygrane 5.2% 4.8% 6.3% 022 Dalystown 6.5% 3.3% 12.5% 023 Drummeel 16.7% 16.7% 16.7% 025 Gelshagh 5.4% 7.4% 1.9% 026 Granard Rural 7.7% 6.3% 9.8% 027 Granard Urban 11.5% 10.3% 13.5% 028 Knockanbaun 10.8% 8.5% 14.8%
/continued
21 The unemployment rate reflects the percentage of unemployed people and first time job seekers, as a proportion of the total labour force.
Page 102 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
Unemployment Rate Unemployment Rate Unemployment Rate ID ED 2006 Males 2006 Females 2006 029 Lislea 10.9% 14.6% 4.3% 030 Meathas Truim 22.2% 20.3% 24.8% 031 Milltown 7.9% 6.9% 9.5% 032 Moatfarrell 7.3% 6.7% 8.3% 033 Moyne 5.8% 7.3% 2.6% 034 Mullanalaghta 6.9% 6.8% 7.1% 036 Sonnagh 8.0% 6.5% 11.1% 037 Aghaboy 8.6% 10.4% 5.6% 038 Ardagh East 6.6% 7.0% 6.0% 039 Ardagh West 6.8% 5.4% 8.8% 040 Ballinamuck East 5.1% 5.4% 4.3% 041 Ballinamuck West 6.5% 1.7% 14.5% 042 Breanrisk 6.6% 6.6% 6.6% 043 Caldragh 5.9% 4.9% 7.4% 044 Cloondara 5.7% 4.5% 7.4% 045 Cloonee 5.8% 3.8% 8.7% 046 Corboy 6.8% 3.6% 11.3% 047 Drumgort 4.0% 3.8% 4.4% 048 Drumlish 8.7% 8.4% 9.2% 049 Killashee 6.3% 6.7% 5.6% 050 Killoe 8.1% 7.0% 10.0% 051 Longford Rural 15.6% 13.6% 18.3% 052 Mountdavis 4.9% 0.0% 15.4% 053 Moydow 8.7% 8.7% 8.7% 054 Newtown Forbes 8.1% 8.1% 8.0% 055 Rathcline 6.7% 6.3% 7.3% 701 Firry/Newgrove 1.1% 1.8% 0.0%
Longford 11.4% 10.2% 13.2% Midlands 8.5% 7.9% 9.4% National 8.5% 8.8% 8.1% The Eds highlighted in the table above returned unemployment rates above the county average in 2006. The unemployment rate was higher among women (13.2%) than for men (10.2%). In respect of female unemployment, statistics run almost 4% higher than the regional figure and almost 5% higher than the national figure. The male unemployment is also higher than regional averages, highlighting the need for greater employment opportunities, particularly for women. The closure of a number of industries in Co. Longford in recent years has led to increased levels of unemployment including the closure of Kimball Electronics, which announced the loss of 66 jobs in May 2007 in Longford Town. The most recent Live Register Statistics22 showed 5,091 persons signing-on in Co. Longford in April 2009, compared to 2,745 persons for the same month in 200823. This represents an 85% increase. In April 2009, the proportion of males in receipt of unemployment benefits was far greater than females, with 3,519 males as opposed to 1,572 females. 21% of persons signing on were under the age of 25 years, which is equal to the national average.
22 The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time workers (those who work up to three days a week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. 23 Department of Social and Family Affairs/CSO, April 2008
Page 103 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.11.2 Employment
Co. Longford has a long tradition of primary and secondary sector activities. Agriculture has long been a major contributor to the local economy, from direct farming through to food processing. Manufacturing and processing has also played a key role over the last 20 years. It has been argued, however, that an over-reliance on foreign investment has left the county vulnerable to job losses and factory closures in recent years as increasing numbers of multi-national companies restructure their operations to eastern economies24. The County Development Board identifies a number of key goals in driving and sustaining a strong local economy: -
To increasingly support existing businesses through a range of financial and soft supports; To create and foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Co. Longford; To market Longford and an ideal investment location; and To have available adequate, affordable and physical infrastructure strategically located throughout the county, and access to employment for all. Figure 40 – Employment by Industry (Source: CSO) Percentage of persons of 15+ years of age at work by industry in 2006.
ID ED
, Fish, -
Agri Forestry Manufacturing Construction Commerce and Trade Transport and Communicatio ns Public Administration Professional Services Other
001 Longford No. 1 Urban 0.9% 17.0% 14.3% 23.2% 3.1% 4.0% 8.8% 28.6% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 1.9% 20.5% 9.9% 24.9% 1.6% 9.2% 14.8% 17.2% 003 Agharra 10.0% 14.7% 14.7% 17.3% 5.3% 6.7% 16.7% 14.7% 004 Ballymahon 5.8% 13.9% 15.0% 21.2% 3.4% 5.8% 19.7% 15.2% 005 Cashel East 13.3% 17.8% 11.1% 14.8% 2.2% 4.4% 26.7% 9.6% 006 Cashel West 22.7% 8.3% 13.2% 16.5% 2.9% 5.4% 21.5% 9.5% 007 Doory 15.4% 16.0% 14.8% 17.8% 3.6% 5.9% 14.2% 12.4% 008 Forgney 15.6% 13.4% 11.8% 15.1% 3.2% 7.0% 22.0% 11.8% 009 Foxhall 8.0% 19.3% 13.1% 19.9% 4.5% 4.5% 14.2% 16.5% 010 Kilcommock 10.1% 15.7% 12.9% 15.7% 4.8% 8.1% 19.4% 13.3% 011 Kilglass 13.2% 12.9% 12.9% 22.1% 2.2% 7.4% 19.1% 10.3% 012 Ledwithstown 13.5% 24.8% 7.5% 15.8% 5.3% 7.5% 14.3% 11.3% 013 Abbeylara 11.3% 13.7% 16.9% 14.5% 4.8% 5.6% 21.8% 11.3% 014 Ballinalee 12.1% 15.0% 19.1% 19.1% 4.0% 4.6% 19.1% 6.9% 015 Ballymuigh 14.3% 13.3% 11.4% 18.1% 1.9% 6.7% 20.0% 14.3% 016 Bunlahy 21.8% 15.4% 23.1% 11.5% 2.6% 6.4% 14.1% 5.1% 017 Columbkille 18.5% 10.8% 21.7% 15.7% 2.8% 3.2% 16.1% 11.2% 018 Coolamber 14.8% 10.7% 14.8% 20.5% 0.0% 4.1% 22.1% 13.1% 019 Creevy 16.7% 18.3% 11.9% 15.1% 5.6% 6.3% 17.5% 8.7%
/continued
24 Longford County Development Board
Page 104 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
ID ED
, Fish, - Agri Forestry Manufacturing Construction Commerce and Trade Transport and Communications Public Administration Professional Services Other
020 Crosagstown 11.2% 20.4% 12.2% 18.4% 2.0% 5.1% 21.4% 9.2% 021 Currygrane 21.8% 20.0% 12.7% 9.1% 5.5% 9.1% 9.1% 12.7% 022 Dalystown 25.6% 16.3% 22.1% 7.0% 2.3% 5.8% 15.1% 5.8% 023 Drummeel 22.0% 12.0% 16.0% 16.0% 6.0% 6.0% 12.0% 10.0% 025 Gelshagh 12.2% 13.7% 23.0% 21.6% 7.2% 2.9% 16.5% 2.9% 026 Granard Rural 18.3% 15.0% 13.3% 15.8% 5.0% 5.0% 18.3% 9.2% 027 Granard Urban 4.3% 30.0% 8.9% 17.3% 2.6% 4.1% 14.4% 18.3% 028 Knockanbaun 12.1% 18.2% 18.2% 10.6% 3.0% 0.0% 24.2% 13.6% 029 Lislea 15.8% 8.8% 14.0% 24.6% 5.3% 3.5% 15.8% 12.3% 030 Meathas Truim 3.8% 25.0% 12.2% 21.5% 2.5% 3.6% 12.6% 18.9% 031 Milltown 13.2% 13.8% 19.7% 15.8% 3.3% 4.6% 18.4% 11.2% 032 Moatfarrell 9.0% 19.1% 11.2% 18.0% 4.5% 5.6% 19.1% 13.5% 033 Moyne 17.5% 14.0% 14.9% 10.5% 5.3% 6.1% 19.3% 12.3% 034 Mullanalaghta 19.0% 14.9% 12.4% 9.9% 7.4% 6.6% 17.4% 12.4% 036 Sonnagh 17.3% 12.5% 23.1% 11.5% 3.8% 3.8% 15.4% 12.5% 037 Aghaboy 7.2% 16.6% 16.1% 17.9% 3.6% 8.1% 16.1% 14.3% 038 Ardagh East 9.7% 19.3% 4.8% 17.8% 1.9% 10.8% 19.7% 16.0% 039 Ardagh West 12.4% 12.9% 11.2% 20.8% 6.2% 10.7% 17.4% 8.4% 040 Ballinamuck East 14.1% 18.4% 24.3% 13.1% 2.9% 3.4% 16.0% 7.8% 041 Ballinamuck West 11.5% 12.6% 23.6% 14.9% 5.2% 2.9% 12.6% 16.7% 042 Breanrisk 4.6% 17.2% 20.6% 18.4% 4.9% 11.0% 12.3% 11.0% 043 Caldragh 3.9% 15.1% 14.0% 24.8% 3.9% 8.1% 19.4% 10.8% 044 Cloondara 6.5% 15.2% 13.7% 18.3% 4.2% 8.0% 19.0% 15.2% 045 Cloonee 6.8% 17.7% 14.3% 23.5% 2.4% 4.1% 16.3% 15.0% 046 Corboy 12.8% 10.6% 10.1% 24.0% 5.0% 9.5% 18.4% 9.5% 047 Drumgort 11.9% 8.3% 24.9% 11.9% 5.7% 6.7% 14.0% 16.6% 048 Drumlish 8.6% 16.7% 13.7% 23.0% 3.2% 7.4% 13.5% 14.0% 049 Killashee 14.9% 21.6% 11.9% 20.9% 3.7% 5.2% 16.4% 5.2% 050 Killoe 8.0% 21.6% 18.4% 18.4% 0.8% 10.4% 16.0% 6.4% 051 Longford Rural 2.6% 16.7% 12.5% 23.4% 3.7% 6.4% 15.6% 18.9% 052 Mountdavis 7.7% 30.8% 11.5% 10.3% 5.1% 2.6% 23.1% 9.0% 053 Moydow 15.3% 12.2% 14.5% 14.1% 4.2% 6.5% 19.1% 14.1% 054 Newtown Forbes 7.0% 15.5% 9.5% 23.3% 5.8% 8.0% 14.3% 16.5% 055 Rathcline 5.8% 16.6% 15.4% 22.9% 3.4% 7.2% 17.8% 10.8% 701 Firry/Newgrove 18.4% 6.9% 18.4% 23.0% 2.3% 3.4% 18.4% 9.2%
Longford 16.6% 14.1% 20.1% 15.8% 6.2% 6.2% 15.0% 15.0%
Employment Summary The rural nature of the county is evident given that 16.6% of the county are engaged in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector or primary sector work. EDs with particularly high concentration of primary sector employment are Bunlahy (21.8%), Currygrane (21.8%), Drummeel (22.0%), Cashel West (22.7%) and Dalystown, the highest at 25.6%. The greatest concentration of commerce, trade and business services are found within Longford Town and Edgeworthstown.
Page 105 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Figure 41 – Percentage Change at Work (Source: CSO) Percentage Change of persons of 15+ years of age at work by industry during the intercensal period 1996 - 2006.
Agri, Fish, Forestry Manufacturing Construction Commerce and Trade Transport and Communications Public Administration Professional Services Other
Longford -13.4% -5.1% 6.9% 3.1% 0.1% 0.5% 0.4% 7.5% Midlands -10.1% -7.8% 6.3% 4.4% 0.4% -0.6% 0.0% 7.2% National -5.6% -6.8% 4.5% 6.3% -0.5% -0.7% -2.0% 4.8% The above table indicates that agricultural employment was in decline over the intercensal period at a rate significantly greater than that of the region. The lack of a significant rise in other employment sectors may imply an aging rural population and out-migration of young people to other parts of the country. The decline in primary sector activities is the most notable sectoral decrease for the intercensal period 1996 – 2006, slowing at a rate of 13.4%. This decline in primary sector employment in Longford is over double the comparative national average rate of decrease experienced in the agricultural, fishing and forestry sectors.
6.11.3 Labour Force Participation Rate
Much of Co. Longford’s strength as a source and provider of employment is focused along the central axis of the county, from Edgeworthstown through to Longford town, where the majority of industrial and service sector employment is located. Labour Force Participation Summary There were a total of 26,928 people aged 15 years and over in Co. Longford in 2006. Of this 16,400 people (60.9%) were participating in the labour force. This is slightly below the regional averages (62.2%) but almost 10% higher than the national average (52.7%).
Figure 42 – Labour Force by Gender (Source: CSO)
Labour Force Labour Force Labour Force ID ED Participation Rate Participation Rate Participation Rate 2006 Males 2006 Females 2006 001 Longford No. 1 Urban 61.9% 71.1% 52.3% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 68.5% 79.7% 57.2% 003 Agharra 60.2% 73.0% 47.1% 004 Ballymahon 61.3% 73.8% 48.8% 005 Cashel East 55.6% 68.1% 42.3% 006 Cashel West 57.6% 68.8% 46.1% 007 Doory 56.2% 67.3% 44.8% 008 Forgney 57.2% 68.3% 44.7% 009 Foxhall 61.3% 72.9% 49.2% 010 Kilcommock 58.7% 68.5% 48.2% 011 Kilglass 61.1% 70.9% 51.6% 012 Ledwithstown 63.4% 71.9% 54.1% 013 Abbeylara 57.4% 69.8% 43.5% 014 Ballinalee 55.2% 62.6% 47.7%
/continued
Page 106 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
Labour Force Labour Force Labour Force ID ED Participation Rate Participation Rate Participation Rate 2006 Males 2006 Females 2006 015 Ballymuigh 59.2% 64.8% 52.7% 016 Bunlahy 60.3% 74.6% 43.3% 017 Columbkille 56.0% 66.7% 42.4% 018 Coolamber 60.6% 75.9% 45.6% 019 Creevy 51.1% 60.1% 38.9% 020 Crosagstown 62.7% 73.9% 50.0% 021 Currygrane 58.6% 70.0% 41.0% 022 Dalystown 68.1% 81.1% 52.5% 023 Drummeel 56.6% 70.6% 43.6% 025 Gelshagh 60.7% 72.3% 47.3% 026 Granard Rural 57.5% 64.8% 49.0% 027 Granard Urban 60.0% 71.4% 47.6% 028 Knockanbaun 61.7% 75.8% 46.6% 029 Lislea 51.2% 62.1% 39.0% 030 Meathas Truim 60.1% 71.3% 49.3% 031 Milltown 61.1% 71.8% 49.2% 032 Moatfarrell 68.1% 76.9% 57.1% 033 Moyne 49.4% 59.9% 36.1% 034 Mullanalaghta 57.5% 72.7% 40.0% 036 Sonnagh 49.3% 65.8% 32.1% 037 Aghaboy 54.2% 63.9% 43.1% 038 Ardagh East 61.3% 74.7% 48.5% 039 Ardagh West 60.8% 71.6% 50.3% 040 Ballinamuck East 56.7% 70.0% 40.5% 041 Ballinamuck West 53.9% 63.9% 42.6% 042 Breanrisk 64.3% 80.0% 46.9% 043 Caldragh 69.6% 78.6% 60.0% 044 Cloondara 61.9% 69.2% 54.5% 045 Cloonee 62.0% 74.4% 49.8% 046 Corboy 63.6% 71.8% 54.8% 047 Drumgort 56.1% 67.9% 42.0% 048 Drumlish 60.0% 72.1% 48.4% 049 Killashee 62.4% 71.8% 51.4% 050 Killoe 54.4% 66.2% 41.7% 051 Longford Rural 64.1% 76.1% 52.8% 052 Mountdavis 55.8% 65.9% 41.9% 053 Moydow 62.5% 72.9% 50.0% 054 Newtown Forbes 60.7% 70.6% 51.2% 055 Rathcline 61.0% 69.6% 52.7% 701 Firry/Newgrove 52.1% 62.5% 40.7%
Longford 60.9% 71.8% 49.6% Midlands 62.3% 72.9% 51.5% National 62.5% 72.3% 52.8% There are significantly more men participating in the labour force than women in the county – 71.8% of men and just 49.6% of women. Co. Longford has enjoyed a favourable employment trend since 1996, with a positive percentage change in the numbers of people at work in the county of 8.6%, only 1% below the national average (9.5%), for the period 1996 – 2006. Despite this, however, unemployment has only decreased by -0.2%. This means that while employment is being created in the county, it is more likely to be relative to migration into the area
Page 107 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
rather than being accompanied by any corresponding drop in local unemployment. Figure 43 – Employment Change 1996 – 2006 (Source: CSO)
% Unemployment % 1st time Job % At Work % Labour Force Change 1996 - 2006 Seekers Change Change 1996 - Change 1996 - 2006 2006 1996 - 2006 Longford -0.2% -0.1% 8.6% 8.3% Midlands -1.4% -0.1% 9.9% 8.4% National -2.0% -0.1% 9.5% 7.5%
Map 26 – Labour Force Participation 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
The map above indicates the labour force participation rate in 2006 for Co. Longford. The labour force participation rate measures the percentage of the population of Co. Longford who are of over 15 years of age and who are active in the labour force25. The national average unemployment rate in 2006 was 8.5%.
25 Active by way of being employed, a first-time job-seeker, or are unemployed.
Page 108 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
5.12 Car Ownership
Map 27 – Households Without A Car (Source: CSO)
The map above indicates the percentage of households in each of the EDs that does not have a private car. As can be seen, the majority of EDs in Co. Longford have between 10% and 19.9% of households that do not have a private car. The average percentage of households without a private car in 2006 was 20.4%. This return was higher than either the State (19.7%), or the Midlands Region (16.8%). The links between transport disadvantage and social exclusion are well documented. Pobal reports that ‘research has shown that those who are most marginalised by lack of access to transport in rural areas are women, older people, disabled people, people on low incomes and young people’. More affluent family units have access to more private cars, and the vehicles are likely to be more modern, more fuel-efficient, and less costly to maintain. Family units on lower incomes are more likely to have a lower access to a private car, and where they do have a vehicle, it is likely to be older, less efficient, and expensive to maintain. Those who do not have access to a private car are highly likely to be living on a low income, and the lack of a vehicle will limit social, educational and employment opportunities – for those outside of urban and peri-urban locations, the
Page 109 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
limits may be severe. Figure 44 – Private Vehicles/Hhold 2006 (Source: GAMMA)
Total Households Total Households with ID ED Total Households with No Car (%) 1 Car (%)
001 Longford No. 1 Urban 1,268 50.9% 39.6% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 295 16.9% 43.4% 003 Agharra 132 16.7% 33.3% 004 Ballymahon 651 20.9% 42.7% 005 Cashel East 111 10.8% 42.3% 006 Cashel West 202 11.4% 38.1% 007 Doory 142 4.9% 40.8% 008 Forgney 157 7.6% 36.3% 009 Foxhall 187 21.4% 49.7% 010 Kilcommock 211 18.5% 39.8% 011 Kilglass 202 12.9% 35.1% 012 Ledwithstown 107 6.5% 50.5% 013 Abbeylara 103 13.6% 38.8% 014 Ballinalee 162 16.7% 43.8% 015 Ballymuigh 90 11.1% 45.6% 016 Bunlahy 57 17.5% 35.1% 017 Columbkille 204 13.7% 36.3% 018 Coolamber 95 11.6% 33.7% 019 Creevy 114 11.4% 38.6% 020 Crosagstown 72 13.9% 31.9% 021 Currygrane 45 15.6% 31.1% 022 Dalystown 55 14.5% 29.1% 023 Drummeel 43 2.3% 41.9% 025 Gelshagh 108 6.5% 38.9% 026 Granard Rural 99 19.2% 31.3% 027 Granard Urban 362 33.4% 42.0% 028 Knockanbaun 48 14.6% 22.9% 029 Lislea 47 10.6% 31.9% 030 Meathas Truim 491 30.5% 40.3% 031 Milltown 105 13.3% 32.4% 032 Moatfarrell 64 12.5% 28.1% 033 Moyne 114 14.9% 44.7% 034 Mullanalaghta 101 12.9% 37.6% 036 Sonnagh 94 14.9% 37.2% 037 Aghaboy 203 14.3% 43.3% 038 Ardagh East 198 10.1% 41.4% 039 Ardagh West 134 11.9% 30.6% 040 Ballinamuck East 161 10.6% 36.6% 041 Ballinamuck West 150 17.3% 32.7% 042 Breanrisk 234 10.7% 38.9% 043 Caldragh 538 7.4% 37.2% 044 Cloondara 202 7.9% 42.1% 045 Cloonee 221 9.0% 37.1% 046 Corboy 125 8.0% 28.0% 047 Drumgort 157 15.9% 39.5% 048 Drumlish 331 18.7% 36.9% 049 Killashee 107 14.0% 39.3% 050 Killoe 111 9.9% 46.8% 051 Longford Rural 1,669 24.9% 45.0%
/continued
Page 110 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
Total Households Total Households with ID ED Total Households with No Car (%) 1 Car (%) 052 Mountdavis 66 9.1% 40.9% 053 Moydow 183 9.8% 36.6% 054 Newtown Forbes 346 15.0% 47.4% 055 Rathcline 487 16.8% 39.6% 701 Firry/Newgrove 81 14.8% 46.9%
Longford 12,042 20.4% 40.2% Midlands 84,877 16.8% 38.2% National 1,462,296 19.7% 38.6% The EDs highlighted in the table above identify those instances where the percentage of households without a car, or with only one car exceeds the comparative county average figure. According to the CSO, the private car continues to be the main means of transport for Irish workers and just over 55% of primary schoolchildren were driven to school by car in 2006. Having access to a car, particularly in a predominantly rural county like Leitrim, is an important way of facilitating work, education, economic and social activities. Access to two cars in a household with two or more adults can be necessary, especially in areas where public transport services are poor. The marginalisation experienced by people without transport in rural areas, especially women, the elderly, the mobility impaired, the unemployed and young people, is acknowledged by the National Action Plan against Poverty and Social Exclusion (p. 29). Car Ownership Summary Electoral Divisions recording a rate of 20% or more households with no car include Longford Urban No. 1 (50.9%), Foxhall (21.4%), Ballymahon (20.9%) and Edgeworthstown (30.2%), predominantly urban EDs. Caution is advised when interpreting this table, however, as much evidence exists to show that there is a greater level of private car ownership in rural areas out of necessity, rather than is the case in urban and peri-urban locations.
Page 111 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.13 Housing and Accommodation
Map 28 – Housing Stock Age (Source: CSO)
The above map illustrates the percentage of households that occupied a house constructed before 1970, expressed as a percentage of all households in the respective ED. The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPHI) reports that: ‘fuel poverty occurs when a household needs to spend more than 10% of their income on energy in order to maintain an acceptable level of heat throughout their home. Fuel poverty arises as a result of the relationship between household income, energy efficiency of the dwelling and fuel prices. People in fuel poverty frequently live in cold and damp houses and living in such conditions has an adverse impact on health. The consequences of fuel poverty include social exclusion, ill health and general feelings of helplessness. Fuel poverty is, therefore, a social issue’. IPHI note that ‘people living in cold, damp and mouldy houses as a result of fuel poverty are at an increased risk of a significant range of illnesses, including respiratory
Page 112 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
conditions, worsening arthritis, and impaired mental health’. The IPHI concludes that ‘fuel poverty contributes to the deterioration in the quality of houses and to spatial shrink, where householders only occupy those rooms which can be heated’. The CPA have identified three components contributing towards fuel poverty: - Fuel affordability; Energy efficiency; and Thermal comfort. The age of the housing stock will determine the likely level of domestic energy inefficiency. This can occur where there is inadequate home insulation or there is residual dampness. It can also arise from inefficient heating systems (e.g. open fires, no central heating). The 2006 Census of Population recorded that in Co. Longford more than 21% of EDs were comprised of households living in properties constructed prior to 1970. Of these, Drummeel had more than 58% of pre-1970 dwellings, followed by Mullanalaghta (56.4%) and Moyne (56.1%).
6.13.1 Housing Stock
Figure 45 – Household Summary 2006 (Source: CSO)
Number of Households Number of Persons in Households Total Permanent Temporary Total Permanent Temporary Private Private Private Private Co. Longford 12,111 12,042 69 33,839 33,708 131 From the above table it can be seen that there were some 2.79 persons per household in Co. Longford in 2006, compared to 2.80 persons per household in the State. Figure 46 – Accommodation Classification 2006 (Source: CSO)
Flat or Semi- Purpose- Detached Terraced Apartment Not Detached Built Flat or Bed-Sit House House in a Stated House Apartment Conversion Co. Longford 8,016 1,794 1,356 360 143 33 340 % Households 66.5 14.9 11.3 3.0 1.2 0.3 2.8
Figure 47 – Personal Computer Access 2006 (Source: CSO)
Personal Computer Ownership Internet Access Yes No Not Stated Broadband Other No Not Stated Connection Connection Internet Access Co. Longford 5,778 5,923 341 1,189 3,326 6,610 917 % Households 47.9 49.2 2.8 9.9 27.6 54.8 7.6
Ownership of a personal computer and access to the internet are becoming more and more necessary in society as an aid to communication and education. It should be noted that the information on PC ownership and access to the internet presented here refer to personal computer ownership, and not to business ownership or access. In 2006, the rate of Personal Computer ownership in Co. Longford was lower than that
Page 113 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
of the State (56.6%). The Broadband penetration was also considerably lower than that in the State (19.9%). Figure 48 – Housing Stock Age 2006 (Source: GAMMA) eholds
ID ED
Pre 1919 1919 to 1940 1941 to 1960 1961 to 1970 1971 to 1980 1981 to 1990 1991 to 1995 1996 to 2000 2001 or Later Not Stated Total Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Hous - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households - Permanent Private Households -
Longford No. 1 001 1,268 94 80 184 103 73 123 81 145 251 134 Urban Longford No. 2 002 295 20 11 7 24 70 7 24 51 62 19 Urban 003 Agharra 132 29 17 12 3 20 15 7 8 20 1 004 Ballymahon 651 80 40 52 44 94 74 20 57 153 37 005 Cashel East 111 14 12 22 7 13 14 5 7 11 6 006 Cashel West 202 40 31 17 12 28 27 4 13 27 3 007 Doory 142 30 11 12 6 16 23 5 15 23 1 008 Forgney 157 35 28 11 13 13 9 5 12 29 2 009 Foxhall 187 24 18 15 11 18 22 11 17 47 4 010 Kilcommock 211 46 17 18 6 28 31 16 14 24 11 011 Kilglass 202 38 18 11 16 29 27 10 14 29 10 012 Ledwithstown 107 18 7 8 6 12 16 7 11 20 2 013 Abbeylara 103 15 13 11 5 14 17 5 9 12 2 014 Ballinalee 162 30 16 11 7 19 11 8 16 43 1 015 Ballymuigh 90 15 11 19 5 12 11 2 3 7 5 016 Bunlahy 57 15 7 5 3 7 3 2 3 12 - 017 Columbkille 204 49 16 19 12 28 26 16 15 20 3 018 Coolamber 95 14 5 11 4 6 10 6 8 28 3 019 Creevy 114 32 9 9 7 19 13 1 6 14 4 020 Crosagstown 72 5 12 5 5 14 12 2 5 10 2 021 Currygrane 45 8 4 5 3 2 7 2 3 6 5 022 Dalystown 55 16 8 3 2 6 9 3 4 3 1 023 Drummeel 43 13 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 5 - 025 Gelshagh 108 21 12 6 6 17 8 7 12 15 4 026 Granard Rural 99 26 7 12 6 13 10 5 7 12 1 027 Granard Urban 362 68 29 38 31 74 32 7 15 21 47 028 Knockanbaun 48 3 7 4 3 8 5 2 6 9 1 029 Lislea 47 9 4 4 9 4 5 1 4 7 - 030 Meathas Truim 491 47 31 37 18 66 36 13 25 178 40 031 Milltown 105 10 15 10 5 12 16 7 9 18 3 032 Moatfarrell 64 15 9 7 2 8 7 1 3 10 2 033 Moyne 114 18 18 18 10 12 16 5 7 6 4 034 Mullanalaghta 101 24 14 16 3 8 10 5 8 8 5 036 Sonnagh 94 22 8 13 7 14 9 7 4 9 1 037 Aghaboy 203 35 14 13 9 26 24 12 22 42 6 038 Ardagh East 198 45 15 12 11 28 26 7 21 31 2 039 Ardagh West 134 24 11 9 2 17 18 8 17 25 3 040 Ballinamuck East 161 42 11 17 7 22 25 9 7 20 1 041 Ballinamuck West 150 32 18 14 9 15 21 9 8 23 1 042 Breanrisk 234 44 20 18 6 32 36 13 21 36 8 043 Caldragh 538 29 18 11 20 81 75 56 46 188 14 044 Cloondara 202 36 21 13 8 37 24 11 18 31 3 045 Cloonee 221 30 18 14 17 33 26 13 25 40 5 046 Corboy 125 30 12 6 4 17 21 6 18 11 - 047 Drumgort 157 30 21 10 12 24 18 7 11 19 5 048 Drumlish 331 55 16 13 7 47 47 24 22 95 5 049 Killashee 107 25 12 4 3 14 4 3 8 33 1 050 Killoe 111 26 14 10 5 17 15 - 11 11 2 051 Longford Rural 1,669 43 33 67 117 356 185 94 235 411 128
/continued
Page 114 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
to 1990 Pre 1919 1919 to 1940 1941 to 1960 1961 to 1970 1971 to 1980 1981 1991 to 1995 1996 to 2000 2001 or Not Stated
ID ED ------
olds
Total Permanent Private Househ Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Permanent Private Households Later Permanent Private Households
052 Mountdavis 66 15 7 1 3 13 6 5 3 12 1 053 Moydow 183 38 18 10 11 30 22 9 19 22 4 054 Newtown Forbes 346 40 22 15 10 51 68 14 36 85 5 055 Rathcline 487 46 20 93 47 67 59 16 45 85 9 701 Firry/Newgrove 81 11 10 8 2 5 14 3 10 13 5
Longford 880 994 718 624 572 1,619 1,713 1,398 1,142 2,382 12,042
Midlands 6,011 7,413 5,078 8,918 4,575 9,517 3,669 84,877 10,346 11,033 18,317
National ,382 93,086 69,210 154,352 107,645 142,414 112,969 212 166,021 154,774 249,443 1,462,296
6.13.2 Social and Affordable Housing
There has been a 2.3% decline in the proportion of local authority housing in Ireland over the past 15 years, from 9.8% in 1991 to 7.5% in 2006. The proportion of rented local authority housing in the Midlands region stood at 6.2% in 2006. The figure for Co. Longford stood at 10.8% for the same year, with Longford Urban No. 1 (25.6%), Longford Rural (17.0%), and Ballymahon (15.8%), recording the highest concentrations of local authority housing. According to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government there was a total of 255 social and affordable houses provided by Longford Co. Council and Longford Town Council in 2006, an increase of 52.5% from the 2000 total of 134 houses. Figure 49 – Social/Affordable Housing (Source: DEH&LG)26
Longford Co. Longford Co. Longford Co. Council / Town Council / Town Council / Town Council 2006 Council 2005 Council 2004 Total Local Authority Completions and 112 173 68 Acquisitions Voluntary and Co-operative Housing 5 4 4 RAS; Extensions/Improvements works in lieu of Rehousing; Traveller new and refurbished 42 4 2 units Houses Available for rent from existing stock 91 80 97 Total Social Rented Accommodation 250 261 171 Affordable Housing Units 5 8 22 Total Social/Affordable Housing Provision 255 269 193
26 Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government – Social and Affordable Housing Statistics.
Page 115 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
6.14 Young People
Map 29 – Percentage Population Aged 0-24 (Source: CSO)
A ‘young person’ means a person who has not attained the age of twenty-five. The map above indicates the population of each ED that was under the age of 25 in Co. Longford in 2006, expressed as a percentage of the respective total ED population. Young People: Summary The size of the youth population, in proportional terms, is diminishing. There were 12,218 people under the age of twenty-five in Co. Longford in 2006, with 7,463 people under the age of fifteen. Whilst Co. Longford has marginally more young people than the State average (35.5% as opposed to 35.3% for the State), it shares, in the longer term, a trend towards an ageing of society as a whole. The greatest percentage population under the age of 25 was to be found in Coolamber (42.1%), Milltown (41%), and Mountdavis (40.7%). The lowest percentage population under the age of 25 was to found in Drummeel (28.3%) and Moyne (29.5%).
Page 116 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Figure 50 – Population 0-19 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
2(%) 4(%) 8(%) - - - 6(%) 10(%) - - - - - ID ED
p Aged 7 Pop Aged Under 1(%) Pop Aged 1 Pop Aged 3 Pop Aged 5 Po Pop Aged 9 Pop Aged 11 12(%) Pop Aged 13 14(%) Pop Aged 15 19(%)
Longford No. 1 001 1.3 3.3 4.1 2.8 2.4 2.4 2.2 2.6 6.3 Urban Longford No. 2 002 1.4 2.1 1.1 2.5 2.6 2.3 2.4 1.5 5.9 Urban 003 Agharra 1.1 2.8 2.8 3.1 3.6 3.1 3.1 2.2 3.9 004 Ballymahon 1.7 2.7 3.3 2.8 2.8 2.3 2.8 2.6 6.0 005 Cashel East 1.6 2.6 1.9 1.3 1.6 0.6 1.6 2.9 10.3 006 Cashel West 0.5 2.7 2.7 2.2 2.6 2.6 2.4 3.7 6.0 007 Doory 1.4 1.9 1.2 1.7 4.3 3.4 3.1 2.9 8.4 008 Forgney 1.3 4.0 4.5 3.1 3.6 2.0 4.0 0.9 5.2 009 Foxhall 1.2 4.1 3.1 3.5 2.5 3.3 2.7 3.3 4.7 010 Kilcommock 1.5 2.5 2.5 3.5 3.4 3.0 2.9 2.9 7.9 011 Kilglass 1.1 3.2 2.9 2.9 2.4 2.8 3.6 3.1 7.0 012 Ledwithstown 1.1 1.8 1.4 3.2 3.9 2.8 2.8 1.8 7.4 013 Abbeylara 1.9 1.6 2.9 3.5 1.9 2.5 5.1 2.9 8.6 014 Ballinalee 1.1 2.4 4.2 3.3 4.0 3.5 2.4 2.6 7.1 015 Ballymuigh 0.4 4.1 1.6 2.0 2.8 2.0 2.0 5.3 9.8 016 Bunlahy 0.6 2.4 2.4 3.0 2.4 5.4 3.6 1.8 5.4 017 Columbkille 1.7 2.3 2.5 2.8 3.6 3.5 2.3 2.5 6.3 018 Coolamber 1.9 4.4 4.0 3.1 5.0 3.4 3.4 4.4 8.4 019 Creevy 0.6 3.8 4.1 2.9 2.3 1.7 2.9 4.4 9.3 020 Crosagstown 1.4 2.3 2.3 3.7 2.8 4.6 3.7 2.8 6.0 021 Currygrane 2.4 0.8 4.0 1.6 2.4 1.6 4.0 4.0 4.8 022 Dalystown 1.7 3.4 4.6 2.3 2.9 1.7 3.4 2.9 5.1 023 Drummeel 0.8 0.8 3.1 1.6 2.4 3.1 1.6 3.1 9.4 025 Gelshagh 2.2 1.6 4.1 3.4 5.0 3.1 2.5 2.2 5.0 026 Granard Rural 1.0 3.3 4.0 3.3 3.3 3.7 3.3 2.7 7.3 027 Granard Urban 1.6 2.1 1.5 1.9 1.9 2.4 1.9 2.7 7.5 028 Knockanbaun 0.7 2.1 4.1 4.8 1.4 0.7 0.7 3.4 7.5 029 Lislea 2.0 1.3 2.6 2.0 0.0 2.0 5.3 2.6 6.6 030 Meathas Truim 1.6 4.1 4.0 3.2 2.2 2.7 2.2 2.9 7.3 031 Milltown 1.7 3.1 2.8 2.8 3.7 3.7 2.8 2.3 8.3 032 Moatfarrell 0.5 3.7 4.3 4.3 3.7 2.1 2.7 3.2 3.2 033 Moyne 2.0 3.6 3.9 2.0 2.3 2.3 1.3 2.3 4.3 034 Mullanalaghta 1.7 1.7 2.0 2.7 4.4 4.7 2.7 3.4 4.7 036 Sonnagh 0.7 4.2 1.0 4.2 2.1 2.4 2.1 3.1 9.8 037 Aghaboy 1.2 2.3 3.9 4.4 3.4 3.0 3.2 3.2 9.6 038 Ardagh East 1.4 2.3 1.6 1.4 3.5 1.9 2.6 2.5 7.9 039 Ardagh West 1.6 3.2 5.0 3.2 3.4 3.2 4.6 4.3 7.7 040 Ballinamuck East 1.7 3.6 2.7 2.1 2.5 1.9 2.3 2.3 6.8 Ballinamuck 041 1.4 1.1 2.0 2.0 3.9 4.1 3.4 3.9 9.3 West 042 Breanrisk 1.8 3.2 3.4 2.5 2.4 3.4 3.9 3.0 6.5 043 Caldragh 1.9 2.7 2.7 3.3 3.8 4.0 2.4 3.2 6.9 044 Cloondara 1.0 2.6 3.5 4.3 2.8 1.7 2.1 3.5 6.8 045 Cloonee 1.8 2.5 3.1 2.5 3.7 4.3 4.0 4.1 7.2 046 Corboy 1.3 2.1 2.1 2.6 2.4 4.2 3.1 2.9 7.1 047 Drumgort 1.4 2.1 2.8 2.8 1.6 2.8 2.3 2.1 8.5 048 Drumlish 1.1 2.0 3.2 2.5 2.1 3.0 3.1 3.3 9.6
Page 117 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
12(%) 14(%) 19(%) 2(%) 4(%) 8(%) - - - 6(%) 10(%) - - - ID ED - - ged 1
Pop Aged Under 1(%) Pop A Pop Aged 3 Pop Aged 5 Pop Aged 7 Pop Aged 9 Pop Aged 11 Pop Aged 13 Pop Aged 15
049 Killashee 1.1 3.2 0.7 3.9 1.1 2.8 3.2 3.5 6.0 050 Killoe 1.7 4.6 1.7 2.0 1.3 2.6 2.0 1.3 7.6 051 Longford Rural 1.8 3.7 4.0 3.0 2.8 2.8 2.5 2.7 6.1 052 Mountdavis 1.5 1.5 3.4 4.9 3.9 4.9 2.9 4.9 9.8 053 Moydow 2.4 2.9 3.1 2.9 2.7 3.1 1.9 3.2 6.6 054 Newtown Forbes 1.0 2.6 3.4 2.8 2.6 1.6 2.7 3.3 6.7 055 Rathcline 0.7 2.9 3.2 3.1 2.8 2.9 2.6 2.2 6.5 701 Firry/Newgrove 0.9 0.5 3.2 2.7 3.2 3.6 4.5 5.0 10.0
Longford 1.5 2.9 3.2 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.9 6.9 Midlands 1.5 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.0 2.9 2.8 2.8 7.0 National 1.4 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.6 6.8 The table above records the age profile of the population of less than 19 years of age, represented as a percentage of the total population per ED in 2006. The EDs highlighted returned a percentage of their respective age cohort above the county average. Coolamber and Ardagha West both returned a percentage of their respective populations above the county average across all of the nine age cohorts, as measured by the Census of Population 2008. Figure 51 – Population 20-29 Years of Age 2006 (Source: CSO)
ID ED Pop Aged 20-24 (%) Pop Aged 25-29 (%) Pop Aged 0-29 (%) 001 Longford No. 1 Urban 9.6% 9.9% 46.7% 002 Longford No. 2 Urban 8.1% 11.7% 41.7% 003 Agharra 5.0% 6.4% 37.3% 004 Ballymahon 8.2% 7.5% 42.8% 005 Cashel East 6.7% 4.8% 35.9% 006 Cashel West 6.0% 4.6% 36.0% 007 Doory 5.0% 7.0% 40.4% 008 Forgney 4.5% 6.1% 39.2% 009 Foxhall 7.6% 4.7% 41.0% 010 Kilcommock 5.0% 5.2% 40.3% 011 Kilglass 7.3% 6.5% 42.8% 012 Ledwithstown 6.0% 7.4% 39.3% 013 Abbeylara 5.4% 6.7% 43.0% 014 Ballinalee 4.4% 6.6% 41.7% 015 Ballymuigh 4.5% 2.8% 37.4% 016 Bunlahy 7.2% 10.8% 44.9% 017 Columbkille 7.3% 5.6% 40.3% 018 Coolamber 4.0% 4.7% 46.7% 019 Creevy 4.1% 4.4% 40.4% 020 Crosagstown 6.9% 5.1% 41.5% 021 Currygrane 5.6% 5.6% 36.8% 022 Dalystown 5.7% 10.3% 44.0%
/continued
Page 118 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
/continued
ID ED Pop Aged 20-24 (%) Pop Aged 25-29 (%) Pop Aged 0-29 (%) 023 Drummeel 2.4% 4.7% 33.1% 025 Gelshagh 5.0% 8.2% 42.3% 026 Granard Rural 5.3% 6.0% 43.3% 027 Granard Urban 9.2% 9.6% 42.4% 028 Knockanbaun 4.8% 12.3% 42.5% 029 Lislea 5.9% 8.6% 38.8% 030 Meathas Truim 9.1% 8.8% 48.1% 031 Milltown 9.7% 5.4% 46.4% 032 Moatfarrell 3.2% 8.0% 39.0% 033 Moyne 5.6% 3.6% 33.1% 034 Mullanalaghta 6.1% 8.1% 42.4% 036 Sonnagh 6.6% 7.0% 43.4% 037 Aghaboy 4.4% 5.9% 44.3% 038 Ardagh East 5.5% 7.4% 38.0% 039 Ardagh West 3.2% 3.4% 42.8% 040 Ballinamuck East 9.5% 7.6% 43.0% 041 Ballinamuck West 4.5% 4.5% 40.1% 042 Breanrisk 6.0% 7.3% 43.5% 043 Caldragh 5.6% 6.9% 43.5% 044 Cloondara 4.7% 3.7% 36.7% 045 Cloonee 6.0% 4.0% 43.2% 046 Corboy 4.7% 5.0% 37.5% 047 Drumgort 5.7% 4.6% 36.6% 048 Drumlish 5.0% 7.5% 42.5% 049 Killashee 5.6% 8.8% 39.8% 050 Killoe 6.0% 6.0% 36.8% 051 Longford Rural 8.8% 9.6% 47.9% 052 Mountdavis 2.9% 5.9% 46.6% 053 Moydow 7.6% 4.6% 40.9% 054 Newtown Forbes 7.7% 7.3% 41.6% 055 Rathcline 5.0% 5.2% 37.1% 701 Firry/Newgrove 1.8% 4.1% 39.4%
Longford 6.9% 7.3% 42.9% Midlands 7.3% 7.9% 44.5% National 8.1% 8.8% 44.1% The table above records the age profile of the population of 20 to 29 years of age, and the population of 0 to 29 years of age, represented as a percentage of the total population per ED in 2006. The EDs highlighted returned a percentage of their respective age cohort above the county average.
Page 119 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
7 Commentary
Poverty and exclusion are dynamic rather than static issues. People generally experience them in multiple forms, with one aspect effectively compounding another. Disadvantage is rarely one-dimensional. For example, lone parents will frequently be out of work; usually survive on low incomes; tend to live in poor housing; often suffer health problems; and may be low achievers in educational terms. The difficulties that one generation experiences are usually, in turn, experienced by the next generation. The type of downward or vicious spiral that this can create can be represented as follows: Figure 52 – Typical Poverty Spiral The preceding section provides a significant level of statistical data on the profile of key elements of the population of Co. Longford, as recorded in the Census of Population, April, 2006. This section analyses the data, augmenting where necessary, to provide a life-cycle profile, complementing the vision of both the National Development Plan 2007-2013 ‘Transforming Ireland’, and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-201627. Figure 53 – ‘Life-cycle’ Model T i the Lifecycle Model identifies the key populations recognised to be in particular danger of poverty. These key populations are: children; the working aged population; older people, and people with disabilities. NAPinclusion recognises that education at all stages of a child’s life is of central importance for their development and future well being. In addition, the importance of income support in tackling child poverty is also recognised. With respect to individuals of working age, NAPinclusion notes the importance of employment in combating poverty and social exclusion. The Action Plan makes provision for supports for those who are furthest from the labour market to take up employment. For those outside the labour force, income supports are seen to be important to provide the individual with an acceptable standard of living. NAPinclusion recognises that community care services are essential to enable older people to maintain their health and wellbeing, in order to live active, full independent
27 See appendices for lifecycle definitions: National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016.
Page 120 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
lives, at home for as long as possible. Income also has a key role to play in alleviating poverty in old age. In considering people with disabilities, NAPinclusion observes that many such individuals would like to take up employment if given the opportunity. It is noted that this measure is crosscutting, in that disabilities can impact on all people in society, including children, people of working age, and older people. The Action Plan notes that building and supporting sustainable communities is of crucial importance, particularly those that are subject to disadvantage. Again, the thrust of this measure is multidimensional, in that the need for sustainable communities, be they geographical communities or communities of interest, will have a positive impact on all people in society, including children, people of working age, and older people.
7.1 Young People
Co. Longford has a marginally higher percentage of young people aged under 25 (35.5%) in its population than the State (35.3%). This accounted for 12,218 people under the age of twenty-five who were resident in Co. Longford in 2006, of whom 7,463 were under the age of fifteen. Figure 54 – Young People 2006 (Source: CSO)
7.1.1 Education
The table below indicates the educational attainment level of the county population of over the age of 15. There are lower than average attainments than the comparative national figures. Whilst the number with only primary educational attainment has fallen since 2002, the category is still well over-represented in the Co. Longford population. The figures also show a persistence of educational under-achievement. The numbers with only lower secondary education increased in the intercensal period 2002-2006, measured both in absolute terms and relative to the national situation.
Page 121 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Those with a 3rd level degree increased by almost 50% during the intercensal period, there has been little growth relative to the national pattern. Co. Longford continues to be substantially under-represented in this category at 0.52%. Figure 55 – Educational Attainments 2006 (Source: CSO)
Over 15 years of Age: 2006 % national 2002 % national Education Ceased 23,062 .81 20,665 .79 Primary Only 5,223 1.02 5,663 1.03 Lower Secondary 4,942 .86 4,669 .83 Upper Secondary 6,631 .83 5,432 .75 3rd level non-degree 2,090 .69 1,584 .63 3rd level degree 2,722 .52 1822 .46 Not stated 1,454 1.12 1495 1.12 Education not ceased 3,866 .74 3,428 .73 At school, college 2,400 .69 2,471 .70 At work 1,466 .84 957 .82
Primary and Post Primary Education There are currently 44 primary and 9 post primary schools (4 voluntary secondary schools, 3 vocational schools, 1 community school and 1 community college). There were 3,898 students in primary education in Longford in 2006, with the accompanying figure for students in secondary education standing at 3,388.
National Education Welfare Board
The National Education Welfare Board was set up under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 to support families and ensure that every child receives an education as required by law, almost all children do this by attending school.
The NEWB is the agency set up to support regular school attendance and the education of children between 6 and 16 years and young people up to 18 years old. Co Longford has a full-time Educational Welfare Officer since 2006.
Visiting Teacher Service for Travellers This Department of Education and Science service aims to ensure that young people from the Traveller community participate fully in an intercultural, anti-racist education system. It provides opportunities for Traveller parents, their children and schools to engage in a process of development that maximises participation; attainment levels, combats racism and promotes interculturalism. Co Longford has had this service since 1999.
Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) The DEIS programme has an integrated, strategic approach to addressing the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years). It builds on the success of existing measures for tackling educational disadvantage, while identifying and effectively addressing the issues that reduced their overall effectiveness in the past. Many Co Longford schools avail of resources under the School Support Programme, School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Programme
Page 122 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
School Support Programme The School Support Programme builds on existing interventions for schools and school clusters/communities with a concentrated level of educational disadvantage 28. There are 13 schools in Co. Longford involved in the SSP to varying degrees, encompassing nine primary and four post-primary schools.
School Completion Programme The School Completion Programme aims to have a positive impact on retention of young people at risk of early school leaving and is a key component of the Department of Education and Science’s strategy to discriminate positively in favour of children and young people who are at risk of or who are experiencing educational disadvantage, leaving school early and not reaching the significant educational milestone of school completion. Statistically, early school leavers are more likely to experience social exclusion and unemployment or underemployment. While attaining a Leaving Certificate does not constitute a guarantee of success and social inclusion, it is recognised as an important qualification on many career paths. Seven schools (3 primary and 4 post-primary) are involved in this initiative.
Home School Community Liaison Scheme The Home/School/Community Liaison Scheme is a preventative strategy that is targeted at pupils who are at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system because of background characteristics that tend to affect adversely pupil attainment and school retention. The scheme is concerned with establishing partnership and collaboration between parents and teachers in the interests of children's learning. It focuses directly on the salient adults in children's educational lives and seeks indirect benefits for the children themselves. 3 primary and 5 post-primary schools in Co Longford are involved in this scheme. Figure 56 – HSCL in Co. Longford
Primary School Post Primary School Scoil Naomh Micheal, Longford Town Ballymahon Vocational School, Ballymahon St. Josephs Convent, Longford Town Lanesboro Community College, Lanesboro The Sacred Heart Primary NS, Granard Ardscoil Phádraig, Granard Templemichael College, Templemichael Moyne Community School, Moyne
Special Needs Education Co Longford has 1 primary school designated to children with special education needs. In addition, there are special units attached to six mainstream primary schools and special units attached to 2 second-level schools providing for the educational needs of children with specific disabilities.
Figure 57 – Special Needs School 2006 (Source: DES)
Pupils with Special Needs in Pupils in Special Needs Schools Total Pupils with Special Ordinary Schools Needs Pupils Classes Pupils Classes 263 17 25 5 288
Youthreach
Page 123 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
The two Youthreach27 centres offer education, training and work experience to young people from the age of 16 who have left school without completing formal or vocational training Located in Ballymahon and Granard, and run under the aegis of Co Longford VEC these centres cater for students from their own areas and students who are transported from Longford town. Referrals to Youthreach come from second level schools, parents, the Educational Welfare Officer and statutory agencies.
7.2 Working Age Population
There were significant changes recorded in the composition of the population of the county in the intercensal period 2002-2006.
Immigration In common with studies across the country, immigration was fuelled by an improving economy coupled with policies that did not debar the arrival of fellow EU citizens from those States that joined the EU during the period. Whilst the overall immigrant population is proportionate with the whole of the country, there are some discernable variations in the experience in Co. Longford. A significant number of immigrants from the new EU States moved to the county. In 2002 there were 261 individuals from the EU 15 (Except UK). The 2006 Census of Population recorded a total of 1,641 persons from the EU25 States, representing a growth of 800%. Of these, the majority (1,477) were from the new accession States. Thus, the 2006 figure for people from the new accession states represents 1.47% of the total population; significantly above average for the county. During the intercensal period there was also a growth of 50% in the numbers of African immigrants. They are slightly over-represented in Co. Longford, at 0.97% of all Africans in the country. This compares to Asians who are comparatively under- represented at 0.35%.
Migration Longford has a lower than average proportion of native Irish-born people living in the county. Across Ireland 64.96% of people live in the county of their birth. In Co. Longford that figure is 57.33%. While the national rate of cross-county migration has been increasing (from 19.72% in 2002 to 20.36% in 2006) the rate of increase in Co. Longford is greater. Travellers make up a significant proportion of the county population. A total of 542 Travellers28 were recorded in the 2006 Census of Population, comprising of 293 females and 249 males. Members of the Traveller Community constitute 15.8 per 1,000 of the whole population. This is very significantly in excess of the national figure of 5.3 per 1,000 population. The comparative Co. Longford figure of Travellers for 2002 was 17.5 per 1,000 of population.
28 The School of Public Health and Population Science in University College Dublin is currently undertaking a major census of the Traveller Community on behalf of the HSE. Whilst focussed on health issues, it is likely to provide a significantly more accurate return of the number of Travellers, who have been considered to be consistently under-represented in previous Census of Population.
Page 124 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
7.2.1 Employment/Unemployment
The labour force of Co. Longford grew by over 3,000 during the intercensal period 2002 - 2006. Farming was the only sector showing a decline. The largest growth was in the construction sector with 1,230 people employed in that sector in 2002, increasing by more than 50% by 2006. With the downturn in the construction industry Co. Longford may reasonably be expected to be harder hit than the rest of the country. Figure 58 – Occupational Profile 2006 (Source: CSO)
Occupations 2006 % State 2002 % State. Labour force 16,400 .78 13,233 .73 Looking for First Job 269 .92 134 .63 At work 16,131 .78 13,099 .74 Farming 1,217 1.38 1,391 1.44 Manufacturing 2,271 .93 1,826 .81 Construction 1,888 1.03 1,230 .81 Comm. & trans. 746 .65 612 .60 Commercial 1,742 .61 1,403 .58 Professional, Technical and Health 2,084 .61 1,744 .59 Service workers 1,650 .73 1,224 .72 Other 2,423 1.05 1,910 .97
7.2.2 Adult and Continuing Education
Co Longford Vocational Education Committee provides a variety of part-time and full- time services to meet the needs of adults wishing to combine education with work, personal and family demands.
Post Leaving Certificate Courses (PLC) Post Leaving Certificate courses are normally of one year, full-time duration and offer programmes of integrated education, training and work experience. 330 PLC places are allocated to adults in Co Longford on programmes which prepare participants for employment or further education and training and develop the skills needed for specific occupations. PLC courses are suitable for school leavers and mature students and generally lead to accreditation at FETAC level 5.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a full-time second chance education and training programme for adults aged 21 years and over who are at least 6 months unemployed. This two-year course enrols 20 students each year. The course, including all materials and examination fees, is provided free of charge. Those attending the course receive support towards their childcare costs.
Senior Traveller Training St Mel’s Education & Training Centre provides full-time education and training courses and aims to prepare students to make a successful transition to work and adult life. Students are prepared for Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate and FETAC accredited courses.
Page 125 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) Back to Education Initiative courses are part-time and provide return to learning opportunities for unemployed people and for those at work who wish to up-skill and gain certification. BTEI courses are free to social welfare recipients, people who do not have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent and certain holders of medical cards. Courses offered under the BTEI must offer access to national certification. Childcare support is available.
Adult Learning Part-time free basic education programmes are offered by Adult Learning. Based in Longford town with outreach centres in Granard and Ballymahon, a range of courses are offered to adults who have literacy difficulties; adults with low educational qualifications; adults who have been away from education for a long time; adults who do not have English as a first language; adults who need to improve basic skills; and adults who need basic computer skills. Certified courses lead to FETAC Level 3 and 4 accreditation and Junior and Leaving Certificate subjects. Adult Learning courses assist adults to gain confidence, improve literacy and educational skills, gain access to employment and further training/education. Other programmes organised through Adult Learning include Family Learning which aims to support parents involvement in children’s education and break the cycle of educational disadvantage; Workplace Learning programmes; Return to Education programmes with FAS; and English for Speakers of other languages programmes.
Community Education The Community Education Service supports the development of community education courses within local community settings around the county. The service also provides a link between the non-formal and formal education sectors, advises on funding applications as well as encouraging community links with statutory and other providers.
Adult Guidance County Longford Adult Educational Guidance Service provides a free, confidential and impartial service to BTEI, Literacy, Community Education and VTOS students and to members of the public. The service includes personal, educational and career guidance which covers the pre- entry, entry, on-going and pre-exit stages. The service also provides: information on grants and other supports; access to reference library and on-line resources; assistance with CV preparation; assistance with applications to colleges of further education and assistance with CAO applications.
Third Level Education Despite the relatively high number of people in the county who are only educated to primary level, third level participation rates for Co. Longford have more than doubled over the past 15 years to 22.3% in 2006. This is over eight percentage points less than the national average. Reflecting the incidence of low third level educational attainment in rural areas, the proportion of adults with higher education in Granard No.1 Rural Area for example (19.8%), was lower than in Longford Urban Area, which displayed the highest levels of
Page 126 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
third level education in the county, at 23.6% in 2006. While the county average for non-degree level third level qualifications (43.4%) was in line with the regional average (43.1%) and a good deal above the national average (36.6%), the levels of degree level qualifications or above were noticeably lower. EDs with levels below 10% attainment in this regard are recorded below. Figure 59 – 3rd Level Qualification 2006 (Source: CSO)
ID ED Non Degree Third Level Qualification Degree 016 Bunlahy 63.2% 5.2% 021 Currygrane 57.1% 7.1% 032 Moatfarrell 57.6% 6.1% 034 Mullanalaghta 39.5% 7.0%
7.3 Older People
In Co. Longford the Census of Population 2006 recorded that total number of people >65 years of age and with a disability had decreased by almost 8% during the intercensal period from 2002. However, the proportion of those living alone had increased. Figure 60 – Older Disabled People (Source: CSO)
2006 2002 Over 65 with a Disability 1,044 1,131 Over 65 with a Disability and Living Alone 372 372 Over 65 with a Disability and Living Alone 35.6% 32.9% Comparative Figure for State 32.7% 33 4% Males over 65 with a Disability 446 464 Males over 65 with a Disability and Living Alone 137 128 Males over 65 with a Disability and Living Alone 30.7% 27.6% Comparative Figure for State 24.8% 25.5% Females over 65 with a Disability 598 667 Females with a Disability and Living Alone 235 244 Females with a Disability and Living Alone 39.3% 36.6% Comparative Figure for State 38.3% 38.6%
Page 127 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
7.3.1 Care in Old Age
There are 1,381 people who were identified as carers in the Census of Population 2006. This represents 5.1 % of the total population over 15 years of age in Co. Longford, which is above the comparative national figure of 4.8%. These relate to 543 males and 838 females. The estimated number of hours given over to unpaid caring is as follows. It will be noted that the figure for + 43 hours is over-represented in Co. Longford. Figure 61 – Carers in Co. Longford 2006 (Source: CSO)
2006 % National Population Total Number of Carers 1,381 0.86 1 - 14 hours per week 772 0.83 15 - 28 hours per week 137 0.80 29 - 42 hours per week 68 0.71 >43 hours per week 404 0.99
7.4 People With Disabilities
In Co. Longford a total of 3,285 individuals registered a disability in the 2006 Census of Population. This equates to 9.6% of population, and is marginally above the State figure of 9.3%. While Longford has 0.81 % of the general population it has 0.84% of disabled people in the State. The Census of Population records that 685 women in Co. Longford find it difficult to go out of home alone, with 521 finding it difficult getting around the house. Figure 62 – Disabilities Co. Longford 2006 (Source: CSO)
Nature of Disability Number % of State Population Total with a Disability 3,285 .83 Blind, Deaf or Impaired 677 .88 Limited Physical Activity 1,634 .92 Memory Difficulty 907 .80 Difficulty Moving in Home 796 .90 Difficulty Getting Out of Home 1,059 .90 Difficulty in Work, School, or College 1,179 .83 Intellectual Disability 561 .79 Psychological Condition 459 .71 Difficulty Participating in Other Activities 1,128 .83 Other Disabilities, Including Chronic Illness 999 .74 Total Disabilities 9,395 .84
7.5 Communities
The total number of people who were identified as volunteers in the Census of Population 2006 was 4,805. This comprised of 2,424 males and 2,381 females. This represents 14.48% of the Co. Longford population, and is above the comparative State figure of 13.56%. Co. Longford scores highly in the categories identified below, especially notable in regard to sporting commitments among males, and
Page 128 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
political/cultural commitments among females. Figure 63 – Volunteerism 2006 (Source: CSO)
Category Male Female Total Social/charitable 679 987 1,666 Religious 518 792 1,310 Sporting 1,242 543 1,785 Political/cultural 251 201 452 Other 482 459 1,041 All 2,424 2,381 4,805
Page 129 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8 Appendices
8.1 Terms of Reference
It is understood that the poverty profiling exercise will involve a process of gathering socio-economic data from appropriate sources and reviewing relevant research undertaken in order to develop a picture of the main poverty and social exclusion indicators in the county. The SIM Steering Group considers that the work should encompass a number of main areas, including: - Data acquisition from both local authority sources and external sources. This is likely to include CSO Census of Population 2006 information, relevant GAMMA Statistics, and other available sources. Community and Sectoral consultations around specific themes identified by working group. Data presentation is required to be in table format, and also ‘MapInfo’, in Microsoft ‘Excel’ or ‘Access’ compatible format, to facilitate uploading into GIS mapping. It is anticipated that liaison will be required with the GIS Officer of Longford Local Authorities to facilitate the development of poverty indicator maps for publication. Statistical analysis will be required of the socio-economic and demographic information to identify the underlying trends and isolate the particular indicators of social exclusion. Interim and final reporting formats will be agreed with the SIM Working Group Sub-Committee. It is required that following specific tasks will be required to be undertaken: - Gathering and examining appropriate primary sources of data that impacts upon Social Inclusion, from within the functional areas of the Longford Local Authorities. This will involve meeting with a key individuals and groups from each functional area to identify existing data and reports which will assist in the development of a poverty profile. Assessment of available research on poverty and other social exclusion in the county, particularly in relation to the ‘vulnerable groups’ identified in NAPS / Action Plan for Social Inclusion and other groups at risk of poverty and other forms of social exclusion. Provision of relevant data from research and analysis undertaken in stages at ED level, where possible. Data format required compatible with Microsoft ‘Excel’, or ‘Access’ to facilitate GIS uploading. Assessment of the main socio-economic indicators of poverty and other forms of social exclusion in the county, drawing on the most recent census data and other data sources on poverty. Assistance will be provided to the SIM Working Group Sub-Committee in selecting locally relevant themes and indicators. Assessment and identification of the main socio-economic and demographic trends identifiable in the intercensal period 1996-2006, where these relate to those at risk, or in danger of being at risk of poverty and other forms of social exclusion. Attendance at monthly meetings with the SIM Working Group - Research Group responsible for overseeing the poverty profiling exercise. Production of a Draft Poverty Profile of the county, to be presented under agreed thematic headings, and which will include a section with main conclusions. To develop and issue a Final Report incorporating relevant comments (both in electronic format, and in hard-copy), following consultation on the draft poverty profile with the SIM Working Group - Research Group and presentation of results and conclusions to the SIM Working Group. The final required output from the process will be a publication-ready document to be entitled ‘Local Anti- Poverty Strategy 2008’. Twenty printed and bound copies of the document will be required containing the following detail: - Local Anti-Poverty Strategy based on a lifecycle approach. This will be required in an easily accessible format to be used to focus the work of SIM and to influence the work of the statutory and voluntary agencies in Longford to ensure that those engaged in the process will have a greater understanding of the causes and effects of poverty and social exclusion in Longford and a greater capacity to propose local interventions. Identification of Key Pilot Actions; developed with indicators, timeframes and lead agents. All actions will be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-framed. The Key Pilot Actions should be based on the findings of the poverty profile and be linked to recommendations.
Page 130 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
Draft policy statements prepared for adoption by Longford County Development Board. Identification of any gaps in information or underlying statistics in relation to the five indicators of poverty It is understood that the SIM Working Group require the following to be presented within the Social Inclusion Strategy: - Proposals identifying the methodology for developing the Social Inclusion Strategy: The methodology will be consultative and action based. The outcome of these consultations will be actions to address the identified barriers highlighted in the poverty profile. These are likely to include educational attainment, employment opportunities, and social interaction, and will be based upon consultations referencing the ‘Life Cycle Approach’ both with inter-agency groups and general public. Appropriate creative methodologies to engage with stakeholders and other identified organisations will be identified for approval by the SIM Working Group - Research Group prior to implementation. Facilitate the Sub-Committee and the SIM Working Group to develop appropriate local responses to the identified situation in Longford. Work will be undertaken with the SIM Working Group - Research Group to ensure the Local Anti-Poverty Strategy Document is publication ready.
Page 131 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8.2 NAPinclusion High Level Goals
The following is extracted from the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016: Office for Social Inclusion. The NAPinclusion sets out a wide-ranging and comprehensive programme of action to address poverty and social exclusion. To ensure that a decisive impact on poverty is made, the Government believes that significant interventions are required to prioritise a small number of high level goals. These targeted actions and interventions are designed to mobilise resources to address long-standing and serious social deficits with the ultimate aim of achieving the objective of reducing consistent poverty. The overall goal of this Plan is: Overall Poverty Goal To reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2% and 4% by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016, under the revised definition. Within each section of the lifecycle, a number of high level goals are being prioritised to achieve this goal. Children Education at all stages of a child’s life is of central importance for their development and future well-being. Accordingly, it forms the basis for the main targets in this area. In addition, the importance of income support in tackling child poverty is also recognised. The high level goals for this life stage are to: - Goal 1: Education: Ensure that targeted pre-school education is provided to children from urban primary school communities covered by the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) action plan; Goal 2: Education: Reduce the proportion of pupils with serious literacy difficulties in primary schools serving disadvantaged communities. The target is to halve the proportion from the current 27%-30% to less than 15% by 2016; Goal 3: Education: Work to ensure that the proportion of the population aged 20-24 completing upper second level education or equivalent will exceed 90% by 2013; Goal 4: Income Support: Maintain the combined value of child income support measures at 33%-35% of the minimum adult social welfare payment rate over the course of this Plan and review child income supports aimed at assisting children in families on low income. People of Working Age Employment plays a key role in combating poverty and social exclusion. Therefore, the main high level goals for this life stage aim to provide supports for those who are furthest from the labour market to take up employment. For those outside the labour force, it is important that income supports are provided to sustain an acceptable standard of living. These two aspects are covered as follows: Goal 5: Employment and Participation: Introduce an active case management approach that will support those on long-term social welfare into education, training and employment. The target is to support 50,000 such people, including lone parents and the long-term unemployed, with an overall aim of reducing by 20% the number of those whose total income is derived from long-term social welfare payments by 2016. This target will be reviewed in the light of experience; Goal 6: Income Support: Maintain the relative value of the lowest social welfare rate at least at €185.80, in 2007 terms, over the course of this Plan, subject to available resources. Older People Community care services are essential to enable older people to maintain their health and wellbeing, in order to live active, full independent lives, at home for as long as possible. Income also has a key role to play in alleviating poverty in old age. Therefore, the high level goals for this life stage focus on these two areas. Goal 7: Community Care: Continue to increase investment in community care services for older people, including home care packages and enhanced day care services, to support them to live independently in the community for as long as possible; Goal 8: Income Support: Maintain a minimum payment rate of €200 per week, in 2007 terms, for all social welfare pensions over the course of this Plan and, if possible, having regard to available resources and the Government’s commitment in Towards 2016, to enhance this provision. The overall pension structures and system to provide income supports for pensioners will be reviewed in the light of the forthcoming Green Paper on Pensions, to be finalised at end March 2007. This will review all the pillars of pension provision. People with Disabilities Many people with disabilities would like to take up employment if given the opportunity. Therefore, the
Page 132 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
high level goal for this life stage focuses on how employment and participation can help people with disabilities to lead full and rewarding lives. Goal 9: Employment and Participation: Increase the employment of people with disabilities who do not have a difficulty in retaining a job. The immediate objective is to have an additional 7,000 of that cohort in employment by 2010. The longer term target is to raise the employment rate of people with disabilities from 37% to 45% by 2016 as measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey. The overall participation rate in education, training and employment will be increased to 50% by 2016. These targets will be reviewed in the light of experience and the availability of better data. Communities Building and supporting sustainable communities is of crucial importance, particularly those that are subject to disadvantage. Many of the policy responses required in this area have benefits for people across the life cycle, and some are crosscutting, involving the co-ordination of policies in a number of areas. The high level goals focus on housing, health and the integration of migrants and are to: Goal 10: Housing: Deliver high quality housing for those who cannot afford to meet their own housing needs and to underpin the building of sustainable communities. An important element will be the enhanced housing output reflected in Towards 2016, which will result in the accommodation needs of some 60,000 new households being addressed over the period 2007 to 2009. This will embrace meeting special housing needs (the homeless, Travellers, older people and people with disabilities); Goal 11: Health: Develop 500 primary care teams by 2011 which will improve access to services in the community, with particular emphasis on meeting the needs of holders of medical cards; Goal 12: Integration of Migrants: Develop a strategy aimed at achieving the integration of newcomers in our society. As an initial action, resources for the provision of 550 teachers for language supports in the education sector will be provided by 2009 and access to other public services through translation of information and supports will be improved.
Page 133 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8.3 CLÁR Designation
The CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais), launched in October 2001, is a targeted investment programme in rural areas. CLÁR complements both the RAPID programme for disadvantaged urban areas and RAPID II, the programme for provincial towns. They were introduced on foot of commitments in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness for a targeted investment programme in both urban and rural disadvantaged areas. The CLÁR Programme in Co. Longford is designed to address depopulation as well as the decline and lack of services in rural areas, by providing funding and co-funding to Government Departments, State Agencies and Local Authorities in accelerating investment in selected priority developments. Map 30 – CLÁR Designation (Source: DCR&GA)
Page 134 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8.4 RAPID Designation
Map 31 – Longford Town RAPID (Source: Pobal) RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) is a focused Government initiative to target the 46 most disadvantaged urban areas and provincial towns in the country. The priority is to ensure that designated areas have first call on State interventions. Longford town is a RAPID Strand II area, and Longford Town Council administers the initiative. RAPID will facilitate investment and to bring about better co- ordination in service delivery with the specific aim of tackling social exclusion. Key areas identified under the RAPID Programme in Longford town are community development, employment and training, health, sport and leisure, environment, crime and safety and culture. Key projects undertaken have included: - Community Development: Acorn Project targeting men and children of less than eleven years of age, Community Employment schemes in local authority housing estates experiencing high levels of social exclusion and projects looking at Travellers and Asylum Seekers. Employment and Training: Stay in School Retention Initiative, soccer coaching skills, independent living training centre, school transition programme and employment development information centre. Health; Facility for persons who are homeless. Sport and Leisure: Play and recreation facility and area. Environment: Redesign of layout of local authority housing estates experiencing social exclusion. Crime and Safety: Crime prevention projects, Revamp Project providing local certified training and employment opportunities and installation of CCTV cameras. Culture: Longford Museum, refurbishment of old streets in the town.
Page 135 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8.5 Village Policy Statements
The County Development Plan 2003-2009 committed Longford County Council to the production of Village Policy Statements, subject to the availability of resources. This list, therefore, identifies smaller settlements that are of significance in the county. Figure 64 – Significant Villages (Source: LCC)
Abbeylara Abbeyshrule Aughnacliffe Ardagh Ballinalee Ballinamuck Ballycloughan Ballywillin Barry Bunlahy Clondra Coolarty Colehill Cullyfad Derraghan Dring Enybegs Forgney Keenagh Kilashee Kilnatruan Legan Legga Lisryan Melview Moydow Moyne Mullinalachta Newtowncashel Ratharney Stonepark Taghshinny These locations have been selected by the County Council on the basis of the existence of existing services such as schools, shops, post offices, public houses and residential houses.
Page 136 Longford County Development Board Poverty Profile
8.6 References
Acorn Community Development Project (2008) - Information Brochure. Co. Longford Citizen’s Information Service (2002) - Strategic Plan 2003-2007. Co. Longford Community and Voluntary Forum (2006) - ‘The Road to Employment …Under Construction - Research into Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities in Longford’. County Longford Primary Healthcare Programme (2008) - Information Brochure. County Longford Vocational Education Committee - ‘Education for Life’ Annual Report 2006. Co. Longford Vocational Education Committee, (2008) - Early School Leaving Survey. EU EQUAL Programme (Multi-Agency) Project (2008) - ‘Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ireland’. Midlands Simon Community (2007) – ‘Providing Solutions to Homelessness: Inter-Agency Partnership in Action. A Review of the Midlands Regional Settlement Service’. Longford Employment Development Information Centre (2003) - Progress Report. Longford Community Resources Ltd (Lead partner of Local Inter-Agency Initiative) (2008) - ‘Intercultural Strategic Plan for Co Longford’. Longford Community Resources Limited (2008) -‘Changing Faces - Study into the needs of Older People Living in Co. Longford’. Longford Community Resources Limited (2008): - ‘Rural Transport Strategic Plan 2008-2012’ Longford County Council (2008) - Traveller Accommodation Plan 2009-2013. Longford County Development Board (2001) - ‘The Way Forward - Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development in Co. Longford 2002-2011’. Longford County Development Board (2005) – ‘Review of “The Way Forward” Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development in Co. Longford 2002-2011’. Longford County Development Board (2007) - Traveller Inter-Agency Plan. Longford Traveller Movement (2005) - ‘Moving Forward From Here - Post-Primary Outcomes for Young Travellers in Co. Longford’. Longford Traveller Movement (2005) – ‘The Role of Community Development Co-ordinator and the Community Health Worker of Longford Traveller Movement - An Evaluation’. Longford Women’s Link (2007) - Business Plan (2008-2010). Longford Women’s Link (2008) - ‘Moulding A Model of Best Practice - STOP (Steps to Overcome Poverty) Evaluation Report’.
Page 137 EXO DE A Europe Co nsulting Limi ted Cork Office: FB D Ho use, Spa Square, Mallow, C o. C ork. T: 022 53407 F : 022 53407 Dublin Off ice: Fit zwilliam Bu siness Centre, 26 U pper P emb roke Stre et, D ublin 2. T: 0 1-6373951 F: 01-6620365 e-m ail: info@ exodea-euro pe.com Web: www. exodea-europe.com
Registere d in Ire land – Registered No . 3 91534. VAT Registratio n No. 6411534I