DONEGAL COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARDS Planning For Inclusion In County A Mapping Toolkit 2009

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall Foreword Chairman of Donegal County Development Board

Following a comprehensive review of Donegal County Development Board’s ‘An Straitéis’ in 2009, it was agreed that the work of the Board would be concentrated on six key priority areas, one of which is on ‘Access to Services’. In this regard the goal of the Board is ‘to ensure best access to services for the community of Donegal’. As Chairperson of Donegal County Development Board, I am confident that the work contained in both of these documents will go a long way towards achieving an equitable distribution of services across the county in terms of informing the development of local and national plans as well as policy documents’ in both the Statistical and Mapping Documents.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all persons involved in the development of these toolkits including the agencies and officers who actively participated in Donegal County Development Board’s Social Inclusion Measures Group, ’s Social Inclusion Forum, Donegal County Councils Social Inclusion Unit and finally the Research and Policy Unit who undertook this work.

There is an enormous challenge ahead for all of us in 2010, in ensuring that services are delivered in a manner that will address the needs of everyone in our community, especially the key vulnerable groups outlined in this document. I would urge all of the agencies, with a social inclusion remit in the county, to take cognisance of these findings with the end goal of creating a more socially inclusive society in Donegal in the future.

Cllr. Dessie Larkin Chairperson of Donegal County Development Board

Chairman of Donegal’s County Development Boards Social Inclusion Measures Group

Planning for inclusion in requires an in-depth understanding by all agencies and organisations of a number of key questions such as ‘Who are the groups that are most vulnerable to poverty and social exclusion in County Donegal?’; ‘How have their situations changed over time?’ and ‘Where are the pockets of deprivation or poverty located within the county?’. It was with this in mind that the Research and Policy Unit, Donegal County Council began the preparation of both of the ‘Planning for Inclusion Toolkits’ contained in this document.

From the onset there was a strong willingness on behalf of all of the stakeholders on Donegal County Development Board’s Social Inclusion Measures Group and Donegal County Council’s newly established Social Inclusion Forum to become involved in the process. Their participation was greatly facilitated by the work of the Social Inclusion Unit of Donegal County Council.

It is hoped that these toolkits will provide a valuable resource for all agencies with a social inclusion remit to plan their services in a manner that will reach the people who are most susceptible and vulnerable in our community, especially in such economically challenging times. Finally, I would like to thank all of those who have devoted so much of their time and energy to ensuring the preparation of such a robust and timely document.

Mícheál Ó hÉanaígh Stiúrthóir Pobail, Cultúir agus Fiontair

REPORT COMPILED BY: Rosita Mahony, Research And Policy Unit, Donegal County Council.

DESIGNED BY: www.durganmedia.ie Map Index

part 1 - poverty perspectives

Deprivation Perspectives

MAP 1 RANKING RELATIVE DEPRIVATION BY LOCAL AUTHORITY AREA, 2006 03

MAP 2 RELATIVE DEPRIVATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 05

Population Perspectives

MAP 3 PERCENTAGE POPULATION CHANGE BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 1996-2006 07

MAP 4 PERCENTAGE PERSONS 65 YEARS PLUS LIVING ALONE BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 09

MAP 5 PERCENTAGE YOUTH POPULATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 11

MAP 6 PERCENTAGE LONE PARENTS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 13

Educational Perspectives

MAP 7 AGE EDUCATION CEASED LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 15 YEARS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 15

MAP 8 PERCENTAGE POPULATION WITH THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 17

Employment Perspectives MAP 9 RATIO OF MALE VERSUS FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 19

Health Perspectives

MAP 10 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNPAID CARERS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 21

MAP 11 PERCENTAGE PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 23

Ethnic Minority Perspectives MAP 12 TOTAL COUNT OF TRAVELLER FAMILIES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2008 25 Map Index

part 2 - accessing services

ACCESSING EDUCATION

MAP 13 CHILDCARE FACILITIES BY TYPE OF SERVICE IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 27

MAP 14 COMMUNITY BASED CHILDCARE SERVICES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 29

MAP 15 PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 31

ACCESSING QUALITY OF LIFE SERVICES

MAP 16 CONCENTRATION OF COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GROUPS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 33

MAP 17 COMMUNITY FACILITIES, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS  IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 35

MAP 18 CONCENTRATION OF CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 37

MAP 19 PLAYGROUNDS & MINI-PITCHES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 39

MAP 20 A SAMPLE OF SPORTING CLUBS & FACILITIES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 41

MAP 21 A SAMPLE OF YOUTH CLUBS & GROUPS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 43

ACCESSING HEALTH SERVICES MAP 22 HEALTH SERVICES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 45

ACCESSING SERVICES FOR WOMEN MAP 23 NUMBER OF FEMALES BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 47

ACCESSING RECYCLING SERVICES MAP 24 RECYCLING CENTRES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 49

APPENDICES

MAP 25 ELECTORAL AREAS OF COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 52

MAP 26 PRINCIPAL CENSUS TOWNS OF COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 53 INTRODUCTION 01

part 1 - poverty perspectives

‘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, which are considered the norm for other people in society.’

This definition of poverty contained in the National Anti-Poverty Strategy (1997), demonstrates that poverty is much more than a lack of material wealth, in that, those experiencing poverty may have unequal access to social, cultural and economic aspects of life, that others take for granted. Certain people may experience higher levels of poverty because they are old, are a lone parent, have a disability, have a low level of educational attainment or because of where they live; which distances them from society and precludes them from actively participating in activities or availing of services. The causes of poverty are therefore complex in nature, with certain conditions and circumstances making people more susceptible to poverty than others.

Not only is it important to understand the causes and recognise the issues based around poverty, but credence must also be given to the spatial dimensions of poverty, in order to address questions like:

» where are the most vulnerable groups located? » is poverty concentrated to certain parts of the county? » what drives deprivation in particular areas? » what programmes or services exist in responses to combating poverty? » how accessible are those service to those most in need?

In comparing deprivation in line with the national and regional figures, the is ’s most disadvantaged 1 region, while County Donegal is the most disadvantaged when compared to all other local authority areas in Ireland. Yet, the County’s deprivation score conceals substantial disparities even at local or sub-county levels.

Without having an understanding of why people in certain parts of the county are more at risk of poverty, interventions and programmes to tackle poverty cannot be targeted most effectively to those most in need of those services.

Each of the maps contained in this document will show the spatial distribution of poverty and will be accompanied by a definition of each indicator used and the implications for the county. Part 1 (Maps 1 to 12) will examine poverty in County Donegal from population, health, education, deprivation and ethnic minorities perspectives. It is widely recognised that the causes of poverty include a lack of access to education and training, to appropriate healthcare, to community supports and to affordable childcare and recreational activities amongst others. Therefore, the second set of maps (Maps 13 to 24) will examine where essential services are located in response to where they are most needed. For ease in the identification of the 5 Electoral Areas, the 149 Electoral Divisions and the 59 Census Towns in the County, Maps 25 & 26 are included in the appendices for reference.

The Planning for Inclusion: A Mapping Toolkit, 2009 will examine the spatial aspects of poverty to support the findings of The Planning for Inclusion: A Statistical Toolkit, 2009. While it is recognised that poverty is not just a spatial phenomena, it is hoped that the document will allow policymakers to identify ‘poor areas’, to consider underlying processes that contribute to poverty, to formulate policies to increase and improve the quality and delivery of services to those most in need.

Measuring Poverty

It is widely agreed that no single measurement exists to comprehensively assess levels of poverty in Ireland and for that reason various indicators are used to understand the issues and causal factors of poverty.

» Income poverty, which is often referred to as ‘at risk of poverty’, relates to an income, which is well below a certain financial threshold. In Ireland, this is set at 60% of the average national income or approximately €2202 per person per week. It is estimated that 16.5% of the population were at risk of poverty in 2007 in Ireland.

1 See Map 1 – Ranking Relative Deprivation by Local Authority Area, 2006 2 CSO, 2008 02 INTRODUCTION

» D eprivation measures the extent to which people cannot afford certain items identified as necessities in society. Measures of ‘Overall Affluence and Deprivation’ compiled by Trutz Haase, allocates scores to census variables that are considered to be of social disadvantage. Those three aspects of disadvantage include demographic decline, social class disadvantage and labour market deprivation. The relative deprivation score in Ireland ranges from –10 to +16.8 and the national average is +2.1.

» Income and Deprivation often referred to as ‘consistent poverty’ represents those people who are below the income poverty threshold and are deprived of two or more items from an index of eleven deprivation indicators3. 5.1% of the population in 2007 were considered to be in consistent poverty.

MAPPING POVERTY IN COUNTY DONEGAL

Applying Poverty related Indicators Spatially

It is very difficult to determine the exact numbers living in poverty in County Donegal. By using the ‘at risk of poverty’ rate of 16.5%, there are 24,299 people living below 60% of average income, while 7511 would be classified as being in consistent poverty.

On analysis of income poverty, the risk of poverty is 60-70% greater if you reside in County Donegal4. In applying further indicators to County Donegal, it will become evident that the county is at a significant disadvantage.

Map 1 ranks relative deprivation scores according to the Census of Population 2006. Those findings which are based on the Trutz Haase Deprivation Index, clearly reveal that County Donegal ranks last with a score of –10, in comparison to the State figure at +2.1. The County is therefore considered as the most disadvantaged in comparison to all other 34 Local Authority Areas.

3 National Action Plan for Social Inclusion, 2007-2016 4 Mapping Poverty: National, Regional and County Patterns, Combat Poverty Agency, 2005 RANKING RELATIVE DEPRIVATION BY LOCAL AUTHORITY AREA, 2006 03 map 1 04

Deprivation Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 1 - Relative Deprivation

Notwithstanding the fact that the highest deprivation score in national terms is recorded in County Donegal (-10), that figure conceals substantial disparities at local levels. On examination of Map 2, which shows the relative deprivation scores in each of the 149 Electoral Divisions (EDs), it becomes apparent that the levels of deprivation range greatly. The vast majority of EDs, translating to 91%, are classified as being disadvantaged. Moreover, some of the country’s most disadvantaged areas are located in Donegal; those ‘extremely disadvantaged’ EDs are Aran (-58.3), Graffy (-33.6) Meenaclady (-32.5), (-32.2) and Tieveskeelta (-31.6).

Spatially, differences become more apparent when we move from more urban to rural areas. Western parts of the county are more deprived, containing a substantial proportion of the ‘very disadvantaged’ category and all of the five ‘extremely disadvantaged’ EDs. On the converse, the more affluent areas are located in the east and particularly around some of the larger towns with populations in excess of 5000.

Recall that the Relative Deprivation Index comprises of a number of variables of social disadvantage originating in the Census of Population 2006. The indicators contained in the following maps, will uncover what factors are influencing the overall high deprivation score and which indicators in particular are the key determinants of poverty here.

91% of all Electoral Divisions in County Donegal are classified as ‘disadvantaged’ while Affluent areas are located around some of the larger towns. RELATIVE DEPRIVATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 05 Chapter Title map 2 06

Population Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 2 - Urban and Rural Populations

The population of Donegal grew by 13% from 1996 to 2006, albeit at a slower rate than the State at approximately 17%. On examination of Map 3, which shows the percentage change in population over the ten-year period, population growth was most apparent around the larger towns. In particular in the EDs surrounding , population growth was at an unprecedented rate and also in areas close to the City of Derry.

Population decline was experienced among 45 EDs, specifically in western parts of the county and in the peripheries of in the southeast, in the peninsula and parts of in the north.

Those residing in rural locations are more likely to be ‘at risk of poverty’ compared to urban areas (18.9 and 15.1 respectively)5. County Donegal is predominantly rural with 75% of its population residing in aggregate rural areas compared to 39% in the State. Therefore the majority of the population of Donegal are more susceptible to poverty by living there. Compounding the higher risk of poverty in rural areas, are the associated reductions in access to services and the predominance of elderly people, the latter which will be discussed next.

45 Electoral Divisions mainly located in the west of the County, experienced population decline.

5 EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) in Ireland, CSO, 2007 PERCENTAGE POPULATION CHANGE BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 1996-2006 07 map 3 08

Spatial Indicator 3 – Older People

The age dependency rate is the total population who are termed dependent, that is those aged less than 15 years and those aged 65 years and over, expressed as a percentage of the total population. The youth population and the elderly are the age groups most vulnerable to poverty, with ‘at risk poverty’ rates of 19.9% and 16.6% respectively.

18,411 or 12.5% of Donegal’s population are aged 65 years and over in 2006. Also, the percentage change in population between 60 – 64 years of age has increased significantly by 21.2%, which will prompt an increased demand for services for older people in the future6. It is important to note that not all older people face the risk of poverty, however there are some factors, which make them more vulnerable. As well as the risk of income poverty, other issues include living alone, reduced contact with social networks, health and mobility concerns, accessibility and a greater risk of social exclusion.

Map 4 illustrates a spatial perspective of those persons 65 years plus living alone by Electoral Division in 2006, with an average rate of 10% shown. The lowest levels are recorded in the eastern parts of the county namely in parts of the Inishowen peninsula and particularly in and around the larger population centres of Letterkenny, , and . Rural areas in the west have higher concentrations of older people living alone with most of the EDs in the highest category (coloured in dark blue), located there.

With an ageing population who mostly reside in rural areas, it is important that the services exist there to address high levels of deprivation among older people, for example, rural transport initiatives, community and healthcare facilities.

Higher concentrations of older people living alone are located in the Electoral Divisions in the west of the County.

6 Factsheet No.1, Principal Demographic Results, 2006, Research & Policy Unit, Donegal County Council PERCENTAGE PERSONS 65 YEARS PLUS LIVING ALONE BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 09 map 4 10

Spatial Indicator 4 – Young People

One in nine children in Ireland spend their life in consistent poverty7. According to the EU Survey on Income and Living Condition, 2007, children have the highest levels of being in consistent poverty (7.4%) and at risk to poverty (19.9%) across all age groups. Children who are subjected to poverty from an early age are more likely to suffer ill-health, leave school early, have poorly paid employment and as a result get caught in the poverty trap as an adult.

In 2006, 22.7% of County Donegal’s population were aged 0 – 14 years, representing a slightly higher rate than the State at 20.4%. The spatial distribution of the youth population is depicted in Map 5. 48% of all EDs have above average rates and are concentrated in the east of the county. Predominantly, the EDs with the highest number of youths are located in and around Letterkenny. A similar pattern emerges in Ballybofey/Stranorlar, and , with higher youth dependency in the EDs, which straddle the larger towns. This trend indicates that families tend to locate to new developments in the suburbs of the larger towns, which in effect may contribute to the positive population growth there.

Contrary to this, the lowest percentages of the youth population are located along western fringes of the county, which coincidently are characterised with an older population.

The preceding spatial indicators summarise that western areas are typified by population decline, an ageing population with a higher proportion living alone and higher levels of deprivation. In contrast, the eastern parts have experienced positive population growth, have a higher youth dependency, a stronger urban structure, with more affluence evident there.

From a spatial perspective, there is a clear demarcation between the ‘rural west’ and the ‘urban east’ of County Donegal and therefore programmes and interventions in response to poverty needs to be tailored to where specific target groups are located and are most needy.

48% of all Electoral Divisions have above average numbers of youths and are located around mainly urban areas in the east of County Donegal.

7 Barnardos Children’s Budget, 2008 PERCENTAGE YOUTH POPULATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 11 map 5 12

Spatial Indicator 5 – Lone Parents

According to the Combat Poverty Agency (2008), lone parent families are four times more likely to be consistently poor and their children are prone to spending longer periods in poverty.

The EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions reveals that households with ‘one adult with children under 18 years’ have the highest levels of at risk poverty (35.7%) and consistent poverty (17.6%) of all other types of household composition.

In Donegal, 12.4% of private households are headed by a lone parent, a rate that is higher than the State at 11.6%. Map 6 displays the percentage of lone parents whose children are all below the age of 15 years (as a percentage of the total family units). The distribution is sporadic, indicating that lone parents are as much a rural occurrence as an urban one. However some of the highest percentage rates of single parent families are recorded in Buncrana Urban, Letterkenny Urban, Letterkenny Rural, Urban and in the EDs around the towns of , , and .

There are many barriers than inhibit lone parents getting out of the cycle of poverty however access to affordable childcare is probably the single most important factor8. In many cases, lone parents in low-paid employment find it very difficult to afford childcare and in those cases, it may be easier to remain welfare dependent and so the cycle of poverty continues.

Lone parents are as much a rural occurrence as an urban one, however some of the highest percentage rates of single parent families are recorded in the larger urban areas.

8 Initiative for Lone Parents in County Donegal, Donegal County Development Board, 2006 PERCENTAGE LONE PARENTS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 13 map 6 14

Educational Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 6 – Educational Disadvantage

Education is one of the most powerful influences on a child’s development and future wellbeing (Barnardos, 2008). As indicated previously, children who leave school early are more susceptible to poverty and social exclusion.

Not only is it important to ensure a child remains in full time education for as long as possible, but cognisance has to be given to their parents’ educational attainment as an influential factor. Research has indicated that since a child whose parents ceased education at primary level, are 23 times more at risk of having no formal qualifications as opposed to those whose parents have a third level education9, with the net result of the poverty trap being passed on from one generation to the next. Therefore, those who leave education early are at a major disadvantage and for that reason early school leavers are an important indicator of deprivation.

Map 7 displays ‘early school leavers’ by illustrating the population whose full-time education has finished at 15 years or younger, as a percentage of all of the population whose full-time education has ceased, by Electoral Division in 200610. County Donegal has a higher proportion of early school leavers at 21.4%, in comparison to that of all other local authority areas and at a rate of almost twice that of the national average at 11.9%. The county’s figure of 21.4% conceals significant deviation from that average when examined at the ED spatial scale, with 30 EDs having the highest recorded incidence of early school leavers, ranging from 30 to 46%. In total 87 or 58% of all EDs, have above average figures. Based on the data displayed, it is reasonable to conclude that educational disadvantage is more evident in rural areas with the seven largest towns in the county11, having ‘below average’ numbers of early school leavers there.

It is vitally important that equal access to primary and secondary schools exists for children but especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure that they remain in full time education and gain qualifications, in an effort to break the cycle of poverty for future generations. Accessibility to educational facilities will be examined in further detail in Map 15.

87 Electoral Divisions or 58% of all Electoral Divisions have an above average figure of early school leavers which are mainly located in rural EDs.

9 Combat Poverty Agency, 2009 10 Figures illustrated in Map 7 include all persons who are now over the age of 15 years 11 Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Letterkenny, Buncrana & Donegal Town AGE EDUCATION CEASED LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 15 YEARS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 15 map 7 16

Spatial Indicator 7 – Third Level Qualifications

According to the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions, 27% of all persons, where the highest level of education achieved was primary education or below, were at risk of poverty and almost 9% were in consistent poverty in 2007. Alternatively, just 4% of all persons receiving a third level qualification, were at risk of poverty or just 1% were in consistent poverty. Those statistics emphasise the importance of education as a means of curbing an individual’s risk of experiencing deprivation and poverty.

30.5% of the national population completed third level education in 2006. Although the proportion of County Donegal’s population with third level education grew considerably from 1991 to 2006, the rate is still lower that the State at only 22.6%. According to Map 8, areas with the highest proportion of people with third level education are strongly concentrated in and around Letterkenny, particularly the EDs of Corovaddy (33%), Letterkenny Rural (34.9%), (36.9%) and Castlewray (47.9%). This may be due to the location of the Letterkenny Institute of Technology12 and possibly the availability of jobs there for those with third level education.

The areas with marginally below average concentrations of persons with third level education (12 - 23%) are quite dispersed throughout the county, however there is a noticeable consistent pattern in west Donegal. Moreover, this typifies the trend that educational disadvantage is more prominent in rural areas. EDs with extremely low proportions include Crovehy (4.2%), Templecarn (4.7%) and Dunaff (9.8%), all of which have rates below 10%. All of the EDs in the lowest category, below 12%, are located in rural peripheries, particularly around , Pettigo, Aranmore Island, and in parts of north Inishowen.

In summary, the lower the educational level achieved, the more likely a person will experience unemployment and therefore, the more likely the risk of being in poverty. In County Donegal educational disadvantage has a spatial element with the highest levels of early school leavers, primarily located in rural areas, as shown in Map 7. Alternatively, educational advantage is more apparent in the east with the higher proportions of persons with third level education residing there.

All of the EDs with the lowest levels of third level qualifications are located in rural peripheries, typifying educational disadvantage being more prominent in rural areas.

12 Enrolment in LYIT- 2562 full time and 483 part time students (October 2008) PERCENTAGE POPULATION WITH THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 17 map 8 18

Employment Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 8 – Labour Force Participation

Unemployment, particularly long-term is one of the fundamental drivers of deprivation, with those unemployed having a 39% risk of poverty13, which represents the highest level for those 16 years and over by principal economic status. The unemployment rate14 in County Donegal in 2006 was 12.9%, a figure that was the highest of all other counties in the State. However, since the last Census of Population in 2006, the situation has changed significantly with the arrival of the economic recession and an accurate picture of unemployment at local level cannot therefore be shown spatially.

The Live Register15 figures reveal that the total number of persons signing on in County Donegal reached 19,061 in May 2009, an increase of 80% from May 2008. There are fluctuations in live register figures within the county, as displayed in Table 1 below. Analysis of this table, will give some indication of the extent of unemployment spatially in the absence of more current figures. While all local offices experienced increases, Ballybofey, Buncrana, Ballyshannon and Donegal Town had the most significant over the one-year period.

Table 1 Live Register Increases From May 08 To May 09 By Local Office Of Registration

Letterkenny Buncrana Ballybofey Donegal Ballyshannon

76.8% 100.9% 104.6% 46.8% 69.2% 95.7% 97.9% 41.9%

The labour force participation rate is calculated as the total number in the labour force expressed as a percentage of the entire population aged 15. A low labour force participation rate reflects a high dependency ratio and is an indicator of deprivation. In Donegal, the labour force participation rate is 57.2%, a figure lower than the State at 62.5%.

Regarding gender participation, Map 9 compares male and female labour force rates in Donegal. The ratio16 of male to female participation rates indicates that the mean of 0.7 applies (i.e.) one male to 0.7 females. In all areas, the male ratio predictably exceeds the female ratio and in 15 EDs, it is almost two fold. Those areas are outside the main population centres and are characterised by low population density, which may have an influential effect. Other factors to consider may be the student population and the age profile of those areas in contributing to very low female labour force participation rates. Although the highest occurrences (1:0.70 – 1:0.97) are found in clusters in urban areas, there are very marginal differences and therefore there isn’t a major delineation between urban and rural areas.

The low levels of female labour participation mean that females have a high dependency rate, are more likely to be deprived of opportunities for employment. Supporting this trend is that females are more likely to look after the family and home than males17; 25.6% as opposed to 1.4% in County Donegal. This is significant especially for households with one car, which puts constraints especially on those who care for children, People with Disabilities or older people.

In all areas, the male labour force participation ratio predictably exceeds the female ratio and in 15 EDs, it is almost two fold. There isn’t a major delineation of male and female labour force participation ratios between urban and rural areas.

13 EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) in Ireland, CSO, 2007 14 Calculated as 1st time job seekers + numbers unemployed/total in labour force 15 Includes part-time workers (those who work up to 3 days per week), seasonal and casual workers entitled to jobseekers benefits or allowance. Live Register figures are not designed to measure unemployment, CSO 2009 16 Females at work+1st time job seekers + Female Unemployed/Males at work +1st time job seekers + Male Unemployed 17 Factsheet 6, Employment & Unemployment, Research & Policy Unit, Donegal County Council 2008 RATIO OF MALE VERSUS FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 19 map 9 20

Health Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 9 - Unpaid Carers

A carer is defined as ‘one who is providing an ongoing significant level of care on a voluntary basis to a person (of any age) who is in need of care in the home due to illness, disability or age18’.

There are a total of 5,698 unpaid carers in Donegal, with 30% working in excess of 43 hours per week. Map 10 shows the spatial distribution of unpaid carers throughout the county. The average of 38 carers per ED has been defined, with categories ‘above average’ coloured in red, while those ‘marginally below’ and ‘below average’ coloured in light green and dark green respectively. Focusing in on the 53 EDs with above average numbers, there is a notable cluster in the northwest part of the county stretching from the Dungloe to the Dunfanaghy area. Similarly, there is an axis representing a higher number of carers from through Letterkenny to and in the northern peripheries of Inishowen.

Carers are a vulnerable group to poverty and social exclusion, particularly those who have given up full time employment to care, are dependent on benefits for long periods of time or have incurred the extra living costs of those being cared for. As indicated, County Donegal has an ageing population, which will require increased services for older people in the future, those services will include voluntary carers. Care givers not only support older people, but also those with chronic illness or disability, the latter group, which will be profiled next.

Above average numbers of unpaid carers are clustered in the northwest parts and in the central eastern parts of County Donegal.

18 Carers’ Strategy Working Group, 2008 TOTAL NUMBER OF UNPAID CARERS BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2006 21 map 10 22

Spatial Indicator 10 – People with Disabilities

According to the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2007, next to those persons unemployed, People with Disabilities had the second highest at risk poverty rate at 37%, compared to all other individual’s principal economic status.

There are 6,593 persons in Donegal who are unable to work because of illness or disability. Since the ‘at risk poverty rate’ is at 37%, this would equate to 2,439 Persons with Disabilities vulnerable to poverty in the county. Therefore in terms of income poverty, people with disabilities who are unable to work are at a distinct disadvantage.

It is important to note that not every person with a disability is unable to work. Education, access to public transport, housing and accommodation requirements, are all needs to be addressed to ensure social inclusion for People with Disabilities.

14,981 people in Donegal have some form of physical, emotional, intellectual or mental disability, which constitutes 10.2% of the total population and is greater than the corresponding figure for the State at 9.3%. The greatest numbers of persons with a disability are in the 65 years plus cohort (38%)19. Map 11 gives a spatial perspective of the percentage Persons with a Disability by Electoral Division. 70 EDs have concentrations at or above the average rate (10 to 20%) and it is clearly evident that those high incidences are towards the west of the county, particularly Inishkeel, Crovehy, Glentogher, Dungloe & Glen (all above 15%). With the exception of EDs around Stranorlar, Convoy, Lifford, , and Carndonagh, eastern and central parts generally record below average levels.

There is an important role for policymakers and stakeholders to ensure the needs of this key vulnerable group are being met. Equal accessibility to services is important to ensure the full participation of Persons with Disability in society.

Higher numbers of People with Disabilities are in the west of the county, while eastern parts record mostly below average levels.

19 Followed by 45 - 64 years (29%), then 25 – 44 (17%), 0-14 (9%) and finally 15 – 24 (7%) PERCENTAGE PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY BY ELECTORAL DIVISION IN COUNTY DONEGAL 2006 23 map 11 24

Ethnic Minority Perspectives

Spatial Indicator 11 – Members of the Traveller Community

The Combat Poverty Agency (2008) highlights that those groups that are likely to suffer poverty include members of a minority ethnic group such as the Traveller Community and immigrants including asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Members of the Traveller Community in Ireland experience high levels of poverty, social exclusion and disadvantage, due to high unemployment, low educational attainment levels, high levels of illiteracy and the reliance on welfare payments because of decline in traditional economic activities.

According to the ‘Profile of Traveller Families’20, there are a total of 229 families, which are depicted on Map 12. Those families reside mostly in standard housing provided by the local authority (55%), followed by private rented accommodation (35%), then in group housing (5%) while the remainder reside in permanent sites or sharing with relatives.

The distribution indicates a concentration of Traveller Families located in the south and east of the county with an absence in northwestern parts21. Letterkenny has the greatest number, totaling 58% of all Traveller Families residing there. Milford provides residence to 7% of families, while Raphoe is home to 4%. The remaining 31% of Traveller Families are distributed spatially across 19 towns, which are predominantly classified as ‘small urban’ with population ranging from 150 to 500. With the majority of families living in standard housing, it is important that the needs of Traveller Families are met in those towns, irrespective of population size.

58% of Traveller families reside in Letterkenny, 7% in Milford, 4% in Raphoe and the remainder are distributed across 19 towns.

20 Compiled annually by the Traveller Accommodation Unit of Donegal County Council in conjunction with the Donegal Travellers Project on an annual basis 21 Please note those figures don’t take account of transient Traveller Families TOTAL COUNT OF TRAVELLER FAMILIES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2008 25 map 12 26

part 2 - ACCESSING SERVICES Applying Accessibility Indicators Spatially

Certain factors make people more susceptible to poverty. Those factors which include living in a remote or disadvantaged location, being unemployed, having low levels of education, gender, having a disability or being a member of a minority ethnic group, being caught in a poverty trap or having difficulty in accessing quality employment. All these factors have varying degrees of ‘at risk to poverty’ and consistent poverty levels. It is also widely recognised that accessibility to services is another factor, which has a major impact on people’s lives, particularly those who are disadvantaged.

Accessing services that work for those experiencing poverty can go a long way to preventing or reducing those persons experience of poverty and social exclusion.

In light of the spatial findings in the preceding maps, the ‘accessing services’ maps which follow, examine where essential services are located in response to where they are most needed in County Donegal, covering areas such as education, health, youth and other quality of life indicators. CHILDCARE FACILITIES BY TYPE OF SERVICE IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 27 map 13 28

Accessing Education

Spatial Indicator 12 – Childcare Facilities

‘For children living in poverty, pre-school could be the first step on a journey of escape from poverty, a poverty which their own children could easily inherit’ (Barnardos, 2008)

As indicated previously, a lack of access to affordable childcare is a major impediment for lone parents, by deterring them from availing of employment and training opportunities. Also, the lack of facilities and supports to allow families to afford childcare has a direct consequence on employment participation, especially for women. As discussed, female labour force participation rates are significantly lower than the corresponding rates for males in Donegal, with a large proportion of females’ economic status defined as ‘looking after the home or family’.

The geographical dispersion of 173 childcare services is illustrated in Map 13 (page 27). There are 10 types of services offered for children ranging from 0 to 6 years, with ‘pre-school’ and ‘parent and toddler’ services being the most abundant. Map 5 indicated that the youth population are heavily concentrated in eastern parts of the county, particularly around the larger towns with populations of 1500+. Therefore the distribution of childcare services seems adequate to support the youth population and also to serve the needs of lone parent clusterings, located in those larger towns too. However, Kilmacrennan and Creeslough appear to be underrepresented with only one childcare facility in each of their immediate areas.

With access to affordable childcare being an important issue, it is encouraging to note that of 173 Childcare facilities in County Donegal, 70% are community based, with a balanced distribution between rural and urban areas as shown in Map 14. The introduction of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme will allow for free pre-school services, which will facilitate low-income earners and lone parents having adequate access.

With access to affordable childcare being an important issue, it is encouraging to note that of 173 Childcare facilities in County Donegal, 70% are community based, with a balanced distribution between rural and urban areas. COMMUNITY BASED CHILDCARE SERVICES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 29 map 14 30

Spatial Indicator 13 - Primary & Secondary Schools

It is accepted that education is a main route out of poverty. Early school leaving and low literacy levels are particular issues, which have a direct relationship to poverty and social exclusion. County Donegal has a very high proportion of early school leavers (see Map 7), a pattern that is more evident in rural parts. Equal access to primary and secondary schools is paramount for those from disadvantaged communities.

Map 15 shows the locations of both primary and secondary schools. There are 17,975 students attending 178 primary schools in County Donegal. 108 EDs have one or more primary schools located within them. Donegal, Magherclogher and Letterkenny Urban are well represented with 5 primary schools in each of those EDs.

Although primary schools are quite broadly distributed throughout the county, there are still 41 EDs that have no primary schools located within them. With a total youth population of 523922 there, 26 or 63% of those EDs experienced positive population growth from 2002 to 2006; the most notable being Birdstown, Ballymacool and Corovaddy with exceptionally high population growth. As a result children, whose parent(s) have moved into those areas to access employment opportunities, afford housing etc, have to travel further to school. Those locations may need to be examined carefully in terms of the provision of primary schools in the future and accessibility for those from deprived backgrounds, particularly if the current trend of population growth continues.

According to Barnardos (2008), one in five children leaves secondary school without a Leaving Certificate, which will have a profound impact on their employment prospects and quality of life. There are 11,863 students attending 26 secondary schools in Donegal, of which 49% are male and 51% female. Map 15 also shows the locations of those secondary schools and has classified them by total enrolment numbers. Upon examination, the majority of secondary schools tend to be located in the larger urban settlements in catering for the wider population catchments, mostly in eastern parts. The largest six schools service the Letterkenny, Carndonagh and Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Donegal Town and Ballyshannon areas. With the exception of the Gaelscoileanna in Letterkenny and Buncrana, the majority of the smaller secondary schools (15 – 304 students) are to be found on the islands and in more rural areas including , Aranmore, , Ballinamore and Carrick.

Despite the fact that western parts are characterised with the lower levels of youths, it is important that secondary school provision serves the needs of those from rural areas equitably. As Maps 7 & 8 demonstrates, educational disadvantage is more apparent in rural areas, and for that reason, it is of utmost importance to ensure children there, remain in secondary school education until they gain a qualification.

108 EDs have one or more primary school(s) located within them. Donegal, Magherclogher and Letterkenny Urban EDs are well represented with 5 primary schools in each. The majority of secondary schools are located in the larger urban settlements, catering for wider population catchments mostly in eastern parts.

22 0-14 years of age PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 31 map 15 32

Accessing Quality of Life Services

‘Unequal access to economic, social and cultural aspects of life distance certain groups and areas from society. Their inability to exert participation inevitably causes disadvantage, disempowerment and exacerbates the level of inequality’23.

Accessibility and affordability of services has a major impact on people’s lives. The high costs associated with services or the distance necessary to avail of services can make them inaccessible, especially for those on lower incomes. The following spatial indicators will assess the level of access to community, cultural, youth and sports infrastructure by highlighting where there are gaps or overlaps in the current level of service provision, within the context of groups who are at risk of poverty.

Spatial Indicator 14 – Community & Voluntary Groups

Map 16 was composed to assess the level of accessibility to 502 community and voluntary groups, in relation to the county’s settlement pattern. Superimposed onto the group’s layer of information, is a grid measuring five by five metres. The number of community and voluntary groups falling into each grid was recorded and this enables a classification, ranging from 1 group to 34 groups per grid square, to be achieved. Those areas in white have no community and voluntary groups located there and are mainly in more isolated rural communities24. However, each of the 59 towns are represented with a group.

The darkest green colour represents the highest number of community and voluntary groups (15 – 34) and thus enables the ease of identification of the eight locations with the highest concentrations (Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Ballybofey/ Stranorlar, , Letterkenny, Milford, and Carndonagh). Interestingly, the lowest concentrations (68 grids), with just one to three community and voluntary groups, occur outside all of the large urban areas (with population 1500 to 5000+). 41 grids in this category are outside any urban centre and therefore are more likely to be a feature of rural locations. Predictably, areas of higher populations are best served with community and voluntary groups while rural areas are least served.

In line with the findings of the Donegal Community Audit (2006), urban areas and in particular small urban areas (with populations between 150 to 500), are better served with community and voluntary groups (1 group: 158 people), while rural areas, are the least served with groups (1:1425)25.

In terms of access, those findings indicate that rural areas have a much lower level of accessibility to community and voluntary groups. Compounding the higher risk of poverty in rural areas, are the associated reductions in access to services, with those rural inhabitants having to travel further to access community and voluntary groups than those who reside in urban areas.

Ballyshannon, Donegal Town, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Milford, Clonmany & Carndonagh have the highest concentrations of community and voluntary groups. Small urban areas are better served, while rural areas are least served with community & voluntary groups.

23 Local Anti-Poverty Strategy, Donegal County Council, 2004 24 To note; some community & voluntary groups in Donegal may serve the entire County 25 Ratios based on the 2002 Census of Population CONCENTRATION OF COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GROUPS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 33 map 16 34

Spatial Indicator 15 – Community Facilities

Map 17 shows the distribution of Family Resources Centre, Community Development Projects and Community Facilities in the county.

Family Resource Centres (FRC) aim to combat poverty and disadvantage by supporting the family unit and their services include advice and support to target families, education and training opportunities and childcare facilities for those attending courses. With nine FRCs extending from Pettigo to and from Portnoo to St Johnson, the network ensures a balanced distribution throughout the county. Also, on comparison with other counties, County Donegal has a significant number of FRCs. Regarding lone parents, who are one of their target families, those residing in Buncrana, Bundoran, Creeslough and Kilmacrennan26, would have to travel further as there are no FRCs in their immediate vicinity.

In recognition of the role of community development in tackling poverty, Community Development Projects (CDP) were set up and are mostly based in disadvantaged communities. There are nine Community Development Projects located in Carndonagh in the north, Lifford and Ballybofey in the east, Ballyshannon and Killybegs in the south, and Dungloe in the west and two in Letterkenny. The CDPs encourage those experiencing poverty to actively participate in local community based projects. In analysing the location of the nine CDPs with relative deprivation (Map 2), Gortahork, Dungloe, Killybegs, Lifford and Carndonagh CDPs are situated within the Electoral Divisions, classified as ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘very disadvantaged’. Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Ballybofey are categorised as having ‘marginally above average’ deprivation rates, however, those larger urban areas can often conceal severe pockets of deprivation within. It is also important to note that none of the towns in County Donegal have been allocated a RAPID designation27, despite having the highest deprivation score of all local authorities in the State.

The term ‘community facility’ is defined as anywhere a group can hold its meetings and can include primary and secondary schools, public service centres and indoor community facilities. It is accepted that the nineteen community facilities28 depicted on Map 17 represents a sample of all those facilities in Donegal. Through research carried out in the Donegal Community Audit (2006), it was concluded that the distribution of community facilities was equitable between rural and urban areas, with primary schools providing essential meeting places in rural locations in the absence of any other type of meeting facility. Those findings also stated that the community facilities audited as part of the research were under-utilised probably due to accessibility issues including location and lack of transport. Almost half of all facilities audited offered a dual pricing system to encourage the participation of low-income groups.

Accessing the community and voluntary network is a medium through which people who are marginalised in society or living in poverty, can highlight their needs, participate in decisions that affect them and empower them to improve their quality of life and the communities in which they reside.

26 Those areas have high concentrations of lone parents residing there 27 Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development is a focused Government Initiative, which targets 45 disadvantaged urban areas and provincial towns in the country 28 Total respondents to the Audit of Sports, Arts & Community Facilities, Research & Policy Unit, 2009 COMMUNITY FACILITIES, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 35 map 17 36

Spatial Indicator 16 – Cultural Infrastructure

Culture can make an immense contribution to the economic, social and quality of life aspects of individuals. In relation to those who are most vulnerable in society, it was observed that ‘the diverse, rich and accessible mix of cultural activity in County Donegal increases social cohesion, community development, social inclusion, a sense of local identity and empowers the community and the individual’29.

There are a total of 429 cultural providers, practitioners and facilities existing in County Donegal, across twenty different cultural activities including language, heritage, music, drama and visual arts. In an effort to identify cultural clusters or indeed gaps, the same methodology adopted in Map 16 was applied to cultural infrastructure and is shown in Map 18. Upon examination there is an equitable geographical distribution of culture across the county, irrespective of whether an area is rural or urban. Generally, areas with higher populations are matched with high numbers of cultural activity, partially due to the presence of a large town being located there. Alternatively, the lower populated areas are also well served. The Letterkenny ‘grid’ records the highest numbers with 48 individual pieces of cultural infrastructure. This includes the County Museum, the Regional Cultural Centre, An Grianan Theatre and the Central Library to name but a few, located there. However the influence of Letterkenny as a cultural hub, does not adversely affect the existence of cultural activity in the neighbouring towns. Those residing in the 58 other towns can avail of a cultural activity, events or facility within a 10km distance.

The Cultural Compass (2008) concluded that cultural activities provide employment especially in areas of rural decline, can promote access and the participation of marginalised groups and can offset social inclusion by allowing diverse members of society to engage in activities.

There is an equitable geographical distribution of culture across the county, irrespective of whether an area in rural or urban.

29 Cultural Compass Research Project 2007-2008, Donegal County Development Board, 2008 CONCENTRATION OF CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 37 map 18 38

Spatial Indicator 17 - Playgrounds & Mini-pitches in Donegal

Living in overcrowded and confined space with little or no access to play and recreational facilities can have a negative impact on a child’s education, health, ability to maintain friendships and overall well-being30. Child poverty is a multi- faceted problem, associated with lower incomes and can result in an exclusionary effect even extending to a child’s ability to play.

In response to the need for a more co-ordinated approach for the provision of play areas in the county31, Donegal County Council provided and continues to maintain 40 playgrounds and four mini-pitches through progressive development over the last number of years. Map 19 reveals the distribution of those playgrounds (serving ages 0-12 years) and mini-pitches (for all ages) in Donegal.

From a spatial perspective, it is encouraging to note that despite the fact that some urban centres, particularly those defined as ‘small urban’ are not served with a playground or mini-pitch, that no individual would have to travel in excess of 10 miles or 16 kilometres for access. Also, in serving the needs of those areas with higher concentrations of the youth population (aged 0-14) as shown in Map 5, playgrounds are aptly situated. Regarding the high occurrence of lone parents, especially in some of the urban centres, access to playgrounds is adequate (the exceptions being Raphoe, Kilmacrennan and Creeslough).

No individual would have to travel in excess of 10 miles or 16 kilometres to access a playground or mini-pitch. Playgrounds are aptly situated in areas with the highest concentrations of the youth population.

30 Combat Poverty Agency (2005) 31 An Straiteis, Donegal County Strategy 2002 – 2012, Donegal County Development Board, 2002 PLAYGROUNDS & MINI-PITCHES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 39 map 19 40

Spatial Indicator 18 – Sporting Clubs & Facilities

Research conducted for the Combat Poverty Agency has highlighted that there are is a strong relationship between social disadvantage and sport, with lower socio-economic groups less likely to participate in sports (Lunn, 2009). Therefore there is a need to target programmes aimed at increasing levels of participation, to maximise access to sporting clubs and facilities for those who are socially disadvantaged.

There are 49 various types of sporting activities catered for in County Donegal, ranging from; Watersports to Rugby, Golf to Yoga and Hiking to Tennis. Upon further examination, it is evident that:

» Soccer is represented with 89 clubs and facilities » GAA is catered for in most communities with 46 clubs » Bowling is very prevalent with 42 indoor clubs » Equestrian activities are provided by 21 facilities » Badminton is catered for extensively with 20 clubs in the county.

Map 20 shows the distribution of a sample32 of sporting activity and facilities available. Equal accessibility to services is important to ensure the full participation of Persons with Disability in society. Map 11 showed that above average incidence were recorded in western parts and in the EDs surrounding Stranorlar, Convoy, Lifford, St Johnston, Fahan and Carndonagh. By analysing the location of sports clubs in conjunction with those People with Disabilities, it is evident that the highest concentrations (with 13% to 20%), in western parts are not adequately served and neither are those in Fahan, Ards or Doe Castle EDs. However, it is accepted that when the mapping of all sporting infrastructure is complete, a more accurate level of accessibility will be achieved.

32 Total respondents to the Audit of Sports, Arts & Community Facilities, Research & Policy Unit, 2009 A SAMPLE OF SPORTING CLUBS & FACILITIES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 41 map 20 42

Spatial Indicator 19 – Youth Services

Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds can be excluded from participating in leisure activities, due to financial constraints, a lack of service provision of such activities in their local area or a combination of both. Not only will this have a detrimental effect on their quality of life, but also in the way young people perceive themselves and how they fit into society.

Youth clubs are essentially local groups for young people and offer recreational and educational activities for those aged between 12 and 18 years of age. Map 21 locates 95 youth clubs in Donegal, the majority of which are run by Foroige; a national voluntary organisation that works with various agencies33 and the Donegal Youth Service, which is an independent, locally based youth service managed by a voluntary committee. Other national organistions which youth groups are affiliated to include Scouting Ireland, Oige na Gaeltachta and the Girls Brigade. Youth clubs are quite well distributed throughout the county, more concentrated in eastern parts with all of the large towns served with youth clubs, except Bundoran. Rural youths tend to have less access to youth clubs than their urban counterparts34. This trend is evident in Donegal, with a lower representaion of youth clubs there, especially along the western fringes.

Those rural youths have to travel outside their area to access facilities and are either dependent on public transport, which if often sporadic, or on their parents for transport.

Youth clubs are well distributed throughout the County and are more concentrated in eastern parts. Rural youths have less access to youth clubs.

33 Including An Garda Siochana, the HSE, local drug task forces, VECs & Combat Poverty Agency 34 ‘Free time and leisure needs of young people living in disadvantaged communities’, Children’s Research Centre, 2006 A SAMPLE OF YOUTH CLUBS & GROUPS IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 43 map 21 44

Accessing Health Services

Spatial Indicator 20 – Health Services

‘Inequalities in social conditions give rise to unequal and unjust health outcomes for different social groups35’

It is reasonable to assume that there is a strong relationship between poverty and ill health in that those persons who are poor are more likely to be sick and die young compared to those who are better off36. Therefore, the health of an individual is somewhat influenced by their economic and social circumstances. As a consequence, being poor means an increased need for primary healthcare.

Planning for Inclusion: A Statistical Toolkit 2009, utilises a number of key indicators to assess how levels of deprivation contribute to the health of the population of County Donegal. Map 22 has been compiled to examine the location of a range of health services available in the county. Lifestart, which is a home-based, educational and family support programme for parents, are based in Newtowncunningham and Lifford in the east and in in the south. Family Centres are concentrated in the eastern towns of Stranorlar, Letterkenny and Raphoe.

Acute services are offered in Letterkenny General Hospital, which serves a large geographical area.

There is an extensive network of 44 General Practitioners (GP) with a wide spatial dispersion throughout the county. Despite the rural westerly parts of the county, which are characterised with higher levels of deprivation and an elderly population, appearing to be well served with GPs, accessibility is more difficult, with patients having to travel further to access services. The ageing population in westerly parts will only exacerbate the pressure on health services there in the years to come. Also, the GP service in Newtowncunningham serves a large catchment area stretching from Saint Johnson to Muff, possibly with those patients attending cross-border services. Other notable features are the lack of GP services in the Pettigo, Glencolmcille, and Doochary areas.

The location of 47 pharmacies almost mirrors that of the GPs, with gaps also evident from St Johnson to Muff and there is no service provided in Pettigo and in the Glencolmcille area. Additionally, there is a notable gap from Kilmacrennan to Dunfanaghy. Letterkenny, which is the main commercial centre of the county, has a cluster of pharmacies, which in effect would serve a large catchment.

Dental services are offered in 24 locations throughout the county, 10 of which are located in Letterkenny. Outside of the larger towns of Buncrana, Carndonagh, Ballybofey / Stranorlar, Donegal Town and Ballyshannon, dentists are only to be found in Ramelton, Derrybeg and Dungloe. Those areas around Fanad, Dunfanaghy, , Ardara and Glencolmcille are at a distinct disadvantage in terms of accessing dental services.

Inequalities in access to healthcare services are apparent in County Donegal especially for those in disadvantaged rural areas. This only deepens the socio-economic inequalities in health.

Rural westerly parts of the county, with higher levels of deprivation and an elderly population, are well served with GPS, although accessibility is more difficult with patients having to travel further.

35 Tackling health inequalities: an all island approach to social determinants, Combat Poverty Agency, 2008 36 Combat Poverty Agency, 2008 HEALTH SERVICES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 45 map 22 46

Accessing Services for Women

Spatial Indicator 21 – Female Population

While the gender ratio is finely balanced between men and women in County Donegal (49.8% women: 50.2% men), women are considered a more vulnerable group to poverty. According to the EU Survey on Income and Living Condition, 2007, women have a greater chance of being in consistent poverty (5.2%) and at risk of poverty (17%) than their male counterparts. Women have a higher rate of dependency, be it economically, in the home, on the welfare system or the workforce37.

It has already been demonstrated in Map 9 that women’s labour force participation rates in Donegal are significantly lower than men and females are more likely to look after the family and the home.

Map 23 highlights the distribution of the female population by Electoral Division in conjunction with where Donegal Womens’ Network base their services, which aim to increase the effective participation of women in Donegal within key decision making structures and selected workplaces. However, it is important to note that not all females are in poverty or indeed in need of services offered by the network.

Above average numbers of females are recorded in 49 EDs with concentrations recorded in the northwest from Dungloe to Falcarragh, from Letterkenny to Lifford to Stranorlar/Ballybofey and around Donegal Town. Donegal Womens’ Network is concentrated in the eastern parts serving the higher concentrations in Donegal Town, Letterkenny, Lifford and Carndonagh. Evidently, there are a lack of services in western areas, which may deter females from seeking advice or information, particularly those who don’t have access to transport.

There are a lack of services provided by Donegal Womens’ Network in western areas, which may deter females from seeking advice or information particularly those who don’t have access to transport.

37 National Plan for Women, Combat Poverty Agency, 2005 NUMBER OF FEMALES BY ELECTORAL DIVISION, IN COUNTY DONEGAL 2006 47 map 23 48

Accessing Recycling Facilities

Spatial Indicator 22 – Recycling Facilities

The collection of dry recyclables, is provided for by nine waste collectors, for each household in County Donegal, on alternate weeks. Owing to the fact that each household incurs a fee for both the collection of domestic waste (on average €10 per collection) and kerbside recycling (on average €8.50), there may be difficulties for those on lower incomes in terms of affordability. Donegal County Council is not in a position to waive those fees as the operation of the collection services are fully privatised.

Regarding facilities and recycling provided by the Council, Map 24 reveals that there are 67 bring banks in Donegal for the free collection of glass, cans and textiles and 6 civic amenity sites which are purpose built, supervised facilities that accept a wide range of materials for recycling. The civic amenity sites are located in each of the former six Electoral Areas38. Bring banks are well distributed throughout the county, with at least one located in each town with the exceptions of Gleneely, Brinlack, Meenlaragh, Tievebane and Burnfoot, where a bring bank is in close proximity to those towns. Bring banks are deemed as having a high level of accessibility, even on Aranmore and Tory islands, however, it is necessary to have a car or some form of private transport. The majority of recycling facilities at civic amenity sites are free, however there is a minimum of €10 for cardboard, plastic and paper items, which may act as an impediment for lower income groups accessing the service.

In terms of recycling, access to some form of private transport is required, which may not always be possible for those on lower incomes, who as a result, are reliant on kerbside collections and therefore incur higher costs.

Bring Banks are well distributed throughout the county with at least one located in each town. There is at least one Civic Amenity Site in each Electoral Area.

38 Five Electoral Areas introduced in June 2009 in County Donegal RECYCLING CENTRES IN COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 49 map 24 50

Poverty is multi-faceted in nature, and is attributable to a variety of conditions and circumstances. It is important to examine the issues based around poverty, in an effort to understand the causes of poverty.

Moreover, conducting an area based analysis goes someway to understanding why people living in particular parts of County Donegal are more vulnerable to poverty than others and therefore, targeted programmes and interventions can be put into place in those areas most in need. appendices 52 ELECTORAL AREAS OF COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 map 25 PRINCIPAL CENSUS TOWNS OF COUNTY DONEGAL, 2009 53 map 26 Chapter Title

Donegal County Development Board Bord Forbartha Chontae Dhún na nGall

planning for inclusion in coUNTY donegal 2009