Ennis Municipal District Vision for Community Wellbeing for this and Future Generations January 2021 What is a Vision for Community Wellbeing?

A Vision for Community Wellbeing describes the kind of life that people in Municipal District want for this and future generations – a community in which all people can thrive.

Although we often think about wellbeing in terms of good physical and mental health, it can also describe the wider conditions we need as individuals and communities to have a better quality of life, healthier environment and increased prosperity.

This shared vision for the future was created through a process that began in October 2020. Clare Public Participation Network consulted with the public via an online survey in which we asked people to think about what would make their area the best it could be for This vision will be used to guide the work of Clare this and future generations. PPN and its representatives on committees of Clare County Council. It will also be help to inform Clare PPN We then discussed the results with our members submissions to local and national policies. This Wellbeing at Clare PPN plenary meetings and in two online Vision Statement will remain an ‘open’ document that can workshops in Ennis Municipal District, after which this be reviewed annually so that it remains relevant and open Wellbeing Vision Statement was drafted and adopted. to input from new member groups. Vision Statement for Co Clare

Clare is a county that values, protects and restores its unique landscape, environment and biodiversity, where sustainable livelihoods are prioritised for this and future generations and where citizens, migrants, ethnic minorities and people of all abilities, age groups and genders can reach their potential in an atmosphere of support, respect and inclusion, and where Local Government is open, transparent, accountable and committed to reducing poverty and marginalisation within the County. Our vision is for a County to be part of and a County to be proud of.

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Ennis Municipal District

The Ennis Municipal District, with a population of 33,010 people, encompasses the town of Ennis, , and the surrounding villages of Barefield, , Quin, Clooney, and Toonagh and a vibrant network of clusters and countryside areas. Ennis Municipal District is located in an identified Working Landscape and is centrally located on the main economic growth corridor in the Mid-West Region.

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Participation, Democracy and Good Governance

People and communities in the Ennis Municipal participation, including through supporting District are actively involved in the decisions minority communities to engage. LA staff are that affect their lives. People are equipped encouraged to secure community participation, and encouraged to participate meaningfully in and plans remain open to change while such local government and other decision-making consultations or engagement happens. structures. People are equipped to understand democracy Local government is well funded, transparent and and participation, through the school curriculum accountable. Meetings of Clare County Council, and also public education. Participation is both plenary and committee, are live-streamed fostered through ‘town hall’ style meetings and over the internet. community-level forums. Genuine public consultation is an integral part of Democratic structures favour the interests of the Council’s mission. The views of people and people and communities over those of business, community organisations in Ennis MD are actively where they differ, and also ensure that minority sought, listened to, valued and incorporated in voices are represented. policy-making. Community organisations are also transparent Policy and resource allocation are evidence- and accountable and are supported to meet based and this evidence is publicly shared. reasonable governance standards. The local authority values and facilitates public Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Economy, Work and Resources

Ennis is a dynamic, attractive place to live, work Tourism policy prioritises the domestic market and and visit; sustainable livelihoods are prioritised; sustainable tourism and encourages Clare people workers’ rights are protected; and there is high- to make full use of the experiences and places in quality infrastructure, and opportunities for their own county. Food and cultural tourism have lifelong education. been enhanced in Ennis MD and visitors spend time in the town and its environs. There is support for Locally owned businesses are supported to serve community-owned businesses, community farms, local needs and keep money in the community. farm shops and community cafes. The co-operative People are supported to work locally, through model is also supported. remote working hubs, high-speed broadband, high quality public transport and other infrastructure, There is strong protection for workers’ rights resulting in revitalised communities and strong and conditions, including family- friendly, flexible local economies which operate on a circular working hours, affordable childcare, a decent economic model. Co-operatively owned business living wage. Disabled and other marginalised models support artisans, craft workers, service groups people are fully integrated in the workforce. providers and others to collaborate for mutual gain. Excellent training opportunities are available, Businesses strive to co-operate and collaborate in especially for people who are involuntarily Ennis MD for the benefit of the whole community. unemployed.

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Social & Community Development

Ennis MD is a diverse community. It embraces where older and single people can live in the this diversity and promotes social inclusion. centre of their communities. The municipal People of all ages and backgrounds feel district and wider county with its many natural involved and integrated in the community and amenities is open to all through free or affordable there are plans made every year to combat public transport. People with disabilities are isolation and loneliness. facilitated and supported to live active lives as full members of the community. Safe, well-serviced public spaces and social settings both indoor and outdoor are accessible The contribution of voluntary and community to all. Our community works together to ensure groups is recognised and valued, and they that everyone is valued and supported to realise are supported and resourced for their work in their potential and to secure the best possible creating and maintaining inclusive communities. outcomes for all. Everyone in Ennis MD has a suitable home in a safe and well-connected The voices and contributions of all in our community. community are sought, listened to and valued equally, including youth, older people, migrants, Ennis town centre has a range of LGBT, people living with disabilities and others. accommodation including co-housing schemes

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Environment and Sustainability

Ennis MD’s natural environment, biodiversity reach of all areas of the MD and a national car battery and heritage are valued and protected. Land use recycling scheme has been established. Consumption and farming produce affordable, nutritious food, and waste are reduced through the use of shared protect the environment and give food producers resources, community composting facilities. Re-use, a decent living. Urban farming and community repair and recycling are encouraged and facilitated. gardens are available. Organic food production for Biodiversity is protected and promoted, through local sale is supported. People are educated and planting native broad-leaved trees in Ennis and encouraged to grow their own food. on publicly owned land. Harmful pesticides and Our electricity is generated from renewable energy. herbicides are no longer used except under licence Local and national policy favours community-owned when necessary to deal with invasive species. There is wind energy and microgeneration, and projects have a reduced use of chemical fertilisers and public green community consent. Homes and public buildings are spaces are left mostly unmowed. energy efficient. Our waterways are protected from People are empowered to take responsibility for their untreated wastewater and agricultural run-off and natural environment through education and initiatives there is a task force to monitor this. such as community clean-up days and community Car dependency has been greatly reduced through gardens. The climate and biodiversity crises are front major investment in public transport, cycling and and centre in all local authority policy and strategy. walking. Electric car charging points are within easy Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Health (Physical & Mental)

Everyone in Ennis MD has access to a high live in accommodation which is warm and energy standard of affordable, locally-available efficient and has been retrofitted where necessary. healthcare – both physical and mental. There There are policies and resources are in place is awareness, understanding and support for to reduce isolation and to promote inclusive those dealing with mental health difficulties. A and supportive communities, including more holistic view of health and mental health which non-commercial social spaces and access to includes an understanding of the need for public transport such as hop on hop off buses social and recreational opportunities for people connecting Ennis town and its surrounding areas. at all stages of life informs all policy decisions. Healthcare provision in Ennis is locally informed The role of the natural environment in promoting and evidence-based. Ennis hospital has been good health is recognised, and outdoor activities upgraded to serve all but the most specialised are promoted, including through dedicated cycle needs. People with disabilities and special needs and walking paths across the county. Everyone are provided with appropriate services and can has access to quality recreational facilities and fully participate in society. Carers are valued and affordable exercise classes. supported to maintain their own quality of life. Air quality in the Ennis MD is consistently good and people whatever their financial circumstances

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021 Values, Culture and Meaning

Ennis MD is an open, welcoming and inclusive in the community with any supports they need made community, a place from which many have available to them. emigrated and a place that welcomes migrants. Inclusion and belonging are core values; diversity There are a range of community activities which are is promoted. Pride in Irish culture co-exists with a inclusive across differences of class, age, ethnicity, respect for and acceptance of all cultures. nationality, gender, sexuality and ability. These promote equality and interaction between groups Our community prides itself on a strong culture of according to their interests. Festivals and celebrations volunteering and neighbourliness. There is active including street art and music bring together people learning between generations, with older people fully from different backgrounds and cultures and allow for included in the social life of the MD. There are variety cultural exchange and cultural regeneration. Young of cultures and identities acknowledged and valued people are valued and their views and opinions are in particular Traveller culture and history is part of given weight when decisions are being made. the school curriculum and the Traveller contribution to music, craft and storytelling is acknowledged and Traditional Irish culture, including language, music, celebrated in Ennis MD. dancing and storytelling, is valued and celebrated. Traditional crafts and skills are promoted and all The practice of institutional living for International aspects of our Irish, emigrant and inward migrants’ Protection Applicants and of disabled people living heritage are recorded and celebrated. in nursing homes has ended and instead people live

Ennis MD – Vison for Community Wellbeing – Jan 2021