September 2017

Issue 3 Cavan LECP

Newsletter of the Cavan Local Economic and Community Plan

Special Greenway Funding Awarded for Cavan Interest: Over half a million It is part of a larger property and at euro has been Greenway Bellaheady on Cavan €33,000 in approved in funding development that will County Council community and voluntary for a Greenway see 54km developed. property. grants was development in The project will The total cost of the approved in Cavan. The stretch involve developing a project is €746,637. 2017 will cover 5.5km from walking and cycling The project is a joint

€150,000 was Ballyconnell to trail from Ballyconnell initiative between awarded in Bellaheady. Funding to Bellaheady Bridge Cavan County Municipal for this section was along the Woodford Council and District Discretionary approved River on the Waterways Ireland. Grants (€50k under the Outdoor Shannon-Erne Two other projects (in per MD area) Recreation Waterway and Lavey and Kilnaleck) Infrastructure associated were also awarded Cathaoirleach’s Awards took Scheme 2017 accommodation funding of €10,000 place in May (Department of Rural works with trailheads each under this with winners in and Community at Ballyconnell on scheme. six categories. Development). Waterways Ireland

€64,500 allocated in “LECP Action 6.2h is Community to improve walking Facilities grants for small scale infrastructure capital projects including Greenways.”

Chef Neven Maguire with, Cathaoirleach Paddy McDonald, Chief Executive Tommy Ryan at the launch of Taste of Cavan 2017, in Cavan Equestrian Centre.

Cavan LECP Page 2 of 12 Comhairle na nÓg Organises its First Ever ‘Pop Up’ Gaeltacht

Castlesaunderson promoted the Irish classroom and make Scouting Centre was language among young people more the venue for Cavan’s young people comfortable speaking first ever ‘pop up’ whilst showcasing all their cúpla focal with Gaeltacht experience, that County Cavan their friends. organised by Cavan has to offer. Comhairle members Comhairle na nÓg Comhairle Leader from Ulster and (Junior council) in Thomás McPhillips, Connacht were given June. decided to bring Irish a guided tour of This was a two-day out of the Gaeltacht County Cavan all ‘as overnight event that and out of the Gaeilge’. “LECP Action 9.4e is

to support and

develop Cavan

Comhairle na nÓg.

“LECP Action 12.1a is to protect and encourage use of the Irish language.”

“LECP Action 11.1c is to support Traveller integration and inclusion.”

Traveller Cultural Awareness School Workshops

Cavan Traveller by the Department of facilitators and Movement delivered Justice and Equality. delivered the cultural awareness It aimed to increase workshops in St workshops in May understanding of Felim’s NS, St Clare’s and June to over 300 Traveller culture and NS and St Killian’s primary school promote equality in NS Mullagh. children in three schools. Cavan schools. This Local members of the initiative was funded Traveller community were trained as

Page 3 of 12 Cavan LECP

New Joint Policing Strategy for County Cavan “LECP Action 9.3a is A new strategy to Communications. Ambassadors to develop and enhance community Chair of the JPC Programme for older implement a Joint safety has been Councillor John Paul people, setting up a Policing Committee launched by Cavan Feeley said: “This plan JPC linkage group strategy.” Joint Policing sets out how all with the Public

Committee. relevant agencies, Participation Network,

The committee is organisations and property recovery comprised of Garda communities can work events, developing and local authority in partnership to Text Alert, supporting officials, elected educate the public, the installation of members, and promote safety and community CCTV community reduce crime thus systems, and representatives. making our County a establishing a new Caption describing picture or graphic. The plan identifies five welcoming, secure, Divisional Drug Unit. key areas of focus: safe and healthy An annual work plan Community Relations place in which to live, has been prepared to & Engagement, Road work in and visit.” help deliver the Safety, Drug & Specific actions in the actions. Alcohol Misuse, plan include rolling out Safety & Policing, and a Crime Prevention Making Cavan a Food Destination

A new Food Strategy for consultation the following key A key stakeholder steering Cavan was launched in areas were identified for group will be established to June 2017. The five year development: oversee the implementation strategy aims to promote a . Communication of the strategy and will act more coordinated and . Business Supports as a catalyst for its success. collaborative approach to . Food Tourism The strategy was adopted the development of the by Cavan County Council . Routes to Market ‘Cavan Food Product’. The on 9th May 2017. implementation of the actions set out in the LECP: Action strategy will help strengthen 6.1(a) our current food initiatives, is to develop encourage new activity and and support all those involved in implement the food sector in Cavan. a Food Strategy for During the preparation of County the strategy consultation Cavan. was carried out with a broad range of stakeholders involved in the sector in the County. From this

Cavan LECP Page 4 of 12

Older People’s Council AGM elects new Committee

Cavan Older People’s as the County communities are age Council held their Council, HSE, friendly and what AGM on 18th May. Education and more we need to do The event also Training Board, to prepare for a “LECP action 11.2a launched Cavan’s Cavan Chamber of growing proportion of aims to support second consecutive Commerce and the older people in our older people and County Age Friendly GAA. society in years to Strategy. come. New figures create age friendly Catherine McGuigan, communities.” The strategy outlines National Age Friendly from Census 2016 activity planned to Programme Manager, illustrate how the support older people asked the audience to population is ageing.

by organisations such consider if our

Intergenerational Work with Schools

Older and younger the Royal School People’s Council to people have been Cavan have taken see their performance actively engaging in a part, with Virginia of John B. Keane’s series of College expressing ‘The Field’. intergenerational an interest in similar One participant said: workshops in three work in the autumn. “There was a great schools in Cavan. Members of Cavan sense of bonding as This work has Older People’s words of wisdom focused on story- Council initiated this were dispensed, telling, reminiscing project as part of the friendly banter was and music and drama County’s Age Friendly exchanged…great performances. Programme. memories from a great bunch of So far St Clare’s St Clare’s School people.” Ballyjamesduff, later invited members Loreto College and of Cavan Older

“LECP action 11.2e promotes intergenerational work between older and younger people.”

Page 5 of 12 Cavan LECP

It’s Our Space Too! Disability Network Conference

Cavan Disability presentations and social model of Network hosted a workshops. disability and the highly successful two Keynote speaker possibility of day conference in Jack Kavanagh spoke establishing a Centre June in the about his personal for Independent Castlesaunderson experience and Living in Cavan. Scout Centre. provided much food The event was The network was for thought on how to organised by the established in 2016 to respond to personal network with support represent the voice of challenges. from Breffni people with a Peter Kearns likewise Integrated local disability in Cavan spoke of personal development and advocate for ambitions and company. change. ‘It’s Our Jack Kavanagh speaking challenged It featured various Space Too’ was their at the ‘It’s Our Space conventional attitudes information stands rd first conference. It Too’ Conference on 23 to disability. from local service June 2017. attracted a large and providers. diverse audience for Workshops looked at the programme of sport, access, the speakers,

Connecting for Life Suicide Prevention Plan launched

On 20th June 2017 average rates of include awareness “LECP Action 10.1c is the HSE launched a suicide and self harm. raising and targeted to support the new plan aimed at Mental health has campaigns, training development of a local preventing suicide long been a major for staff and suicide prevention and reducing self concern for volunteers, support for plan.” harm in Cavan and communities in parenting initiatives, Monaghan. Cavan, with a variety policy development, Helen McEntee TD and This is the first time of initiatives being developing new HSE staff at the launch that a local plan taken by the HSE, services such as of the local suicide th dealing with this topic elected members, youth mental health prevention plan on 20 has been in operation. agencies and June 2017 in Cavan supports, and review Institute. It is aligned to the community groups to of bereavement national ‘Connecting raise awareness and services. for Life’ strategy and respond to the issue. contains actions to be An implementation implemented by group will start different agencies and meeting in September the voluntary sector to help deliver the over a three year actions. period. Actions in the plan Cavan has above

The plan can be downloaded at: www.connectingforlifecavanmonaghan.ie

Cavan Volunteering Information Service

(VIS): Case Study on Volunteer Patsy

Sheridan

For further Patsy Sheridan is and around”. but not from hard information always has been a So, at first he joined a work; it’s all from contact: local of Cavan Town. small amateur radio laughter. You see, for Patsy was not station. A place Patsy a Men’s Shed involved in his local where he knew no is there to produce Maria O’Sullivan Men’s Shed or the one and he could sit two things; a place for VIS Co-ordinator Community Radio and keep busy but men to go and a on before 2014 because get out and about place for men to 087 097 6402 he always kept busy, nonetheless. Two laugh. Patsy provides or he’s a man with many years on Patsy is this on a daily basis. email plans and he likes to making 2 shows a So, in three years info@volunteercavan keep active and week with thousands Patsy has gone from .ie about. of listeners tuning in a hard working Then, in 2014 Patsy all throughout the workaholic who had fell ill. It was the type year. Everywhere he the rug torn from of illness that shakes goes in town, people under him by illness you to your core and beep and wave and and circumstance to makes you question Patsy brings a smile. seeing that everything. Doctors Next, a Men’s Shed volunteering can forbade him from the opened up and Patsy transform your life, hectic and physically – being inclined to be make you a new and demanding lifestyle a handy enough fella better person and not he once had. He’s not – joined on the only bring a smile to “LECP Action 9.2b young, but nor is he promise to his family his face but put a is to establish a old so Patsy could not he’d take it easy. He smile on others. volunteer simply lie down and doesn’t though. He’s Patsy is a volunteer information die. His motto is “life’s in there three times a hero and we’re proud service.” for living, not moping week busting a gut, to have him with us.

The Cavan Volunteer Information Service was established in 2016 by Cavan Public Participation Network. The service matches volunteers with community groups who are looking for people. Both individuals and groups can register with the service to find a match. A regular newsletter and a lot of networking help to promote the volunteering opportunities available.

Page 7 of 12 Cavan LECP

Belturbet Youth Hub Progressing

Cavan Monaghan Work Ireland and a Community and Education and Training childhood support officer

Sporting Facilities Board is leading an from ISPCC.

interagency group to The need for this project Report develop new youth was identified through a

services in Belturbet. The comprehensive needs Cavan County Council proposal to develop a analysis for the town. recently completed an Youth Hub is progressing a Services under the project audit of community and pace with the extension of will address specific issues sporting facilities in the the Bounce Back youth of mental health and well- county. The study was service to the town in May being and will involve the designed to find out what and the identification of development of a Youth buildings are in the suitable premises in HSE Resilience Group Work ownership of community premises and former fire Programme for schools. It and sporting facilities and station. This will operate as will also involve a crisis 24 available for use by the dedicated youth meeting hour freephone helpline community. space such as a youth with ISPCC for parents

cafe. and a detached youth The survey did not cover A steering group of work service for young private premises such as CMETB, Cavan County people experiencing hotels, or other non profit Council, TUSLA, CYPSC, issues with drug and premises such as schools Breffni Integrated, Youth alcohol use, anti social or health care centres. Work Ireland and ISPCC is behavior or mental health. 125 groups responded to overseeing the project. The Department of this survey. The staff led service is Children and Youth Affairs

funded by the Department has also granted approval Findings showed: of Children and Youth for the establishment of a

Most facilities were in Affairs and is delivered in new Sample ‘Value for good condition Belturbet by detached Money’ youth service for 41% had voluntary staff; youth workers from Youth West Cavan.

11% had full-time paid staff “LECP objective 9.4 30% had an outdoor pitch is to develop an Only 28% were serviced integrated response by public transport to the needs of young people 85% of facilities had a helping them to kitchen but only 11% had reach their full a computer suite. potential”

The report is available At the announcement of the new youth service from the Community & “LECP action 9.1a were (back row L-R) Martin Keeney (CYPSC), Enterprise Department or sets out to Claire Barkey (Bounce Back), Niall McVeigh (St on www.cavancoco.ie. Bricin’s), Sharon Ivers (Bounce Back), Sandy undertake an audit Holland (Breffni Integrated), and front row L-R of community Mary Sheridan (St Bricin’s), Patricia Boyle (HSE), infrastructure.” John Kearney (CMETB), Maureen McIntyre (CMETB), Sinead Tormey (Cavan Co Council).

Tri–Heroes Primary National Bike Week 2017 Schools Programme Inclusive Cycling Fifteen primary schools have engaged in the programme ‘Tri-Hero programme’ in partnership with Inclusive cycling was one of ten initiatives that Triathlon Ireland. The ‘Tri-Heroes’ programme took place throughout the county to mark aims to increase participation in triathlons and National Bike Week 2017 which took place increase physical activity amongst school from 10th-18th June and is an initiative of the children with approximately 355 pupils taking Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. part in the programme throughout the county. As part of the week, the Sports Inclusion The programme has been a huge success Programme delivered an inclusive cycling with ‘non sporty’ children really enjoying it and programme for children with a disability. shining through. When asked about the programme Helen Flynn, Principal of Scoil ‘Brilliant, Kevin has been riding everyday Bhride Killeshandra commented “The children since...on his sister’s pink bike! His balancing are actively involved, and are enthusiastic and fear is gone... he is one of the boys now. eager to participate in all the activities which Francis (tutor) was fantastic with him. He is include running, cycling and learning to now waiting on his new BMX bike to be dismount a bicycle. The training is challenging delivered and he hasn’t stopped smiling since’ but it is very inclusive, and suits all levels of Caroline (Mum) fitness. It is an excellent and fun way of promoting physical fitness and is particularly suited to children who are not interested in other sports. I would highly recommend it to all primary school children.”

______

Cavan County Childcare Committee

“LECP Action 10.2 is “LECP Action 9.4d is to support to support the early opportunities for childhood care and sporting and education sector recreational life.” through funding, advice and

networking”

Pictured above are early years sector workers with their certificates following completion of Equality and Diversity training delivered by Cavan County Childcare Committee in January 2017.

Page 9 of 12 Cavan LECP Cavan Green Energy Mile Social Inclusion A new network called the Cavan Energy Mile Network has recently been formed under the Community Activation Sustainable Energy Community Initiative. Supported by the Sustainable Energy Programme Authority of Ireland, the initiative aims to The SICAP Programme is a encourage communities to work together to national programme to promote energy efficiency awareness and support social inclusion. It develop sustainable energy systems within is delivered in Cavan by their own community. Breffni Integrated, a local There are a number of benefits to being part development company. of a Sustainable Energy Community Network, Between January and June such as exchange of knowledge and 2017, the programme worked with 528 information on energy efficient projects, disadvantaged people on a one-to-one basis access to financial, technical supports and and supported 20 local community groups. mentoring expertise to realise sustainable Breffni Integrated staff provided educational or energy ambitions in the future. developmental support to 460 children and The Cavan Energy Mile Network was set up young people so far this year. by the Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre Ltd in association with the Local Enterprise 307 people were given employment supports Office Cavan. and 12 progressed to employment in this To find out more go to www.seai.ie/SEC/ or period. contact the Local Enterprise Office on 67 people progressed to self employment. [email protected] or Cavan The programme met its KPI mid year targets. Innovation & Technology Centre Ltd on (049) 437 7277. For the remainder of 2017 the programme will focus on community development, progression of groups and additional work with young people who are ‘Not in Education, Training or Employment’ [NEETs].

Pictured at the second meeting of the Cavan Energy Mile Network on Friday June 2nd 2017 in the Hotel Kilmore - back row (L to R): Niall Cusack, Cusack Electrical; Vincent Reynolds, Cavan Innovation & Technology Centre Ltd; Niall Murray, Tractamotors Ltd; Ciaran Murray, Tractamotors Ltd; Mel Gavin, Institute of Technology Sligo, Sustainable Energy Community Mentor and Technical Advisor. Front row left to right: John Murphy, Monaghan Electrical; Niamh McKenna, Workshops and support provided for young Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board; Tony people under the SICAP Programme in Finlay, House of Fabric; Shane Stirrat, Eastern Kilnaleck. Electrical Ltd.

Bakehouse who is also a ‘dragon’ on the very Enterprise Conference popular TV Programme – Dragons Den, Dr. Christine Cross, University of Limerick who showcases Women gave a very informative presentation on the Entrepreneurs changing face of today’s Irish female entrepreneur, Sarita Johnston, Head of Female Entrepreneurship – Enterprise Ireland, In June, the ‘Fuelling Ambition - Steps to Joanne Hession, Owner and Founder of the Success’ Roadshow in Cavan attracted 140 Entrepreneurs Academy and Becci Harrison, women. President of Network Ireland. Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland, in An element of the ‘Fuelling Ambition’ road- collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office show was an Elevator Pitch competition with a Cavan and The Entrepreneurs Academy prize package worth €4,000 which was won by joined forces with the Cavan Business Fiona Fegan, Finca Skin Organics, Women’s Club to host a conference aimed at Jenkinstown, Dundalk who manufactures and women in business and potential female sells a skincare product that helps a condition entrepreneurs. called "Rosacea".

Green Flag Schools So far in 2017, local authority staff from the Environmental Section have carried out Green School visits to: Crossreagh National School, Loreto College, Farnham National School, Gowna National School, Lacken National School, Killoughter National School, St. Clare’s National School, Cavan, Scoil Mhurie, Swanlinbar, Mullohoran Pictured L-R (back row): Joanne Hession, National School, Scoil Bhride, Killeshandra, Entrepreneurs Academy, Becci Harrison, President, Network Ireland; Alison Cowzer, EastCoast Bakehouse Muff National School, Cabra National School, and Dragons Den; Marcella Rudden, Head of and Scoil Naomh Padraig, Blacklion. Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Cavan; Dr. Christine Cross, University of Limerick: Front L-R: Mary O’Rourke (Former Minister); Fiona Fegan, Finca Skin Organics who won the ‘Elevator Pitch Competition’ and Sarita Johnston, Enterprise Ireland.

Over 140 business women from 11 counties attended the Fuelling Ambition ‘Steps to Success’ Roadshow on Wednesday 28th June in the Farnham Estate Hotel. Counties Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Dublin, Fermanagh, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Meath and Monaghan were all represented on the night. As well as Marcella Rudden, Head of Enterprise, LEO Cavan, the speakers at the event included Mary O’Rourke, former Politician, Alison Cowzer, Eastcoast

Pride of Place Nominations

The All-Island Pride of Place Competition aims to recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration, including promoting social cohesion, heritage and environmental Bawnboy Workhouse awareness, across 32 counties.

The competition focus is about people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.

This year the Cavan entries are:  Bawnboy Workhouse, Men’s Shed and Tidy Towns, Bawnboy.  Erica’s Fairy Forest, Cootehill.  Extern Traveller Project Judges visit to Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre,  Cavan and W.P (Windows Publications) Bawnboy Poetry, Cavan. The 2017 IPB Pride of Place in association with Co-operation Ireland judging got under way in Cavan in August. Pride of Place judges Declan Nelson and Tom Coughlan visited four locations in Cavan for the adjudication process. Each judging visit consisted of a presentation, a ‘question and answer’ session and a walkabout of specific locations of civic pride. Erica’s Fairy Forest The winners will be announced at the Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal on Saturday, 2nd December 2017.

Heather Brett from W.P. Poetry Extern Traveller Project

 Participated in the “Sleeper Creeper” Environmental News! Arts Education project which was held at St. Clare’s NS, Cavan. The event The Environmental Section of Cavan County was co funded by the Arts office and Council has been busy working to develop Waste Management section. It was a green and sustainable communities (LECP play which promoted waste prevention Objective 12.4). Activity this year has included:  Gum Litter Taskforce launched their

campaign in Cavan at Supervalu,  Increase in the number of Tidy Towns Kingscourt. Groups (from 21 to 22 groups).  LMO attended the raising of the  Promoted National Tree Week in Biodiversity Green Flag at Mullahoran partnership with the National Tree Central NS. Council of Ireland which took place in March.  The Stop Food Waste Challenge was announced and an awareness  Distributed 200 saplings amongst 20 campaign commenced in groups. Bailieborough and Cavan town.  Promoted Maghera Development  The Launch of the 2017 National Association’s ‘Reusable Cup Initiative’. Spring clean for County Cavan took  Met with 3 Tidy Towns Committees to place on the 13th of March. Clare’s NS, discuss future projects for this year and St. Felim’s NS and Castletara National to advise them on their Tidy Town School. application for 2017.  Meeting with a representative of Shercock Development Association with a view to supporting a number of Litter and Waste Prevention initiatives.  Litter wardens assisted 72 groups who registered their clean ups with An Taisce as part of the National Spring Clean in April. This saw an estimated 2,450 people get involved which is an increase on the previous year. Launch of ‘National Spring Clean’ Week Cavan in  The Litter Management Officer visited March. Cavan Institute to provide guidance on the formation of a Green Campus at Community & Enterprise Department this location. Cavan County Council Courthouse  An awareness campaign was run in the Cavan local media over a number of weeks promoting Brown Bins and informing Phone: (049) 437 8581 the public on the benefits of reducing Email: [email protected] food waste and what food waste can be diverted to Brown Bins and We’re on the Web! Composting. See us at:  An awareness campaign on Bogus Bin www.cavancoco.ie Collectors was run.