Illage Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure
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Moneyglass Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 is part financed by the European The Village Renewal Scheme will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through Village Plans. The Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities village plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide Within South Antrim) has been set up to manage and deliver LEADER Priority 6 of the Northern a needs based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 across the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council area. Support for Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrate with the Village Renewal plans supported under the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme. The GROW South Antrim Strategic Vision is: “South Antrim as a vibrant, prosperous and The measure will aim to build on the overarching fabric of a village / town integrating with inclusive region whose roots are locally grown but whose focus is, at the same time, outward other funding from other government departments and agencies. The measure will aim to looking and expansive.” address rural dereliction and prioritise the reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure. Within the South Antrim area, LEADER Priority 6 of the programme provides provision for the following Schemes: Support is limited to within the “village” development limits or in simple terms 30 miles per hour zone and may include: • Rural Business Investment Scheme • Development or updating of integrated village plans for Local Government Districts Rural Basic Services Scheme • • Village investment emanating from the integrated village plans such as: Village Renewal Scheme • > Derelict and vacant site enhancement > Environmental improvements • Co-Operation Scheme > Shop frontage enhancements > Conservation and upgrading of rural culture and heritage (natural and built), except monuments and wall murals which will not be considered eligible for funding > Gateway projects The beneficiaries of the Village Renewal Scheme are local authorities and community groups. Local authorities must work in partnership with the rural community to roll out the village plans. 2 3 Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning Context published the draft Community Plan for the Borough covering the period to 2030 in early 2017. It details 4 Community planning is the responsibility of local authorities since local government reform outcome statements for the Borough: was introduced in April 2015. Councils will work with statutory bodies and their communities to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the well being of an • Our citizens enjoy good health and well being area, community cohesion and improving the quality of life of its citizens. • Our citizens live in connected, safe and vibrant The plan for Moneyglass has been developed using a community led approach, with places consultation with residents on key issues, priorities and projects for development forming Our citizens benefit from economic prosperity the central elements of the planning process. The approach taken to develop the village plan • is therefore reflective of the principles of community planning. • Our citizens achieve their full potential The plan for Moneyglass incorporates a broad range of issues and initiatives across many aspects of life from day-to-day issues such as litter to traffic and speed- ing related issues to recreation and well- being issues. The proposed projects and initiatives to improve these aspects of life within Moneyglass therefore corre- late directly to these issues and also align to the outcome statements detailed with- in the draft Community Plan. Issues and proposed projects for Moneyglass relate to various local government and NI Executive policies and strategies and responsibilities. The plan therefore can help to inform community planning at a local level and direct resources from the process to develop positive outcomes for the residents of Moneyglass. 4 5 Area Overview Planning Process In order to develop the plan for Moneyglass a number of key steps have been completed, Moneyglass is a settlement located close to the village of Toome and only a couple of miles from including: the A6 road, which connects Belfast and the North West. One of the challenges in the planning • Area walkabout – representatives from the Moneyglass Steering Committee along process has been defining the geographical area of Moneyglass, with local people indicating that with the consultant team identified and discussed key areas and issues for the area the settlement as outlined within the most recent Antrim Area Plan as not being reflective of the during a site visit. This was an opportunity to highlight areas of noted concern in local definition of the area. As such, it is difficult to provide information relating to the population Moneyglass and to explore initial ideas or proposed plans for improvement and demographic profile of Moneyglass. • Hosting a public meeting for all local residents and stakeholders to engage in the planning process and offer their views in terms of key issues and priorities for Moneyglass and development proposals for the next 3-5 year period Community infrastructure and facilities are quite disjointed within Moneyglass, spread out across a considerable distance and a number of sites rather than a central location that might be ex- • Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual pected in a “village”. However, the local community is well served by Moneyglass Community basis from as many local residents as possible Centre, St Ergnat’s Gaelic Athletic Club facilities, the local Parish Church facilities and Gortgill Hall. There are also two shops located in the area. The two main facilities in the area, Moneyglass Com- This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element munity Centre and St Ergnat’s GAC, both experience very high demand for usage from the local of the planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process following engagement with the Moneyglass Steering Committee to feedback key findings from the community organisation and residents. This reflects the growing membership base of St Ergnat’s consultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced for Moneyglass and identify key and also the vibrant range of local community, sports and youth organisations that are active in actions required to advance priorities. the area and which rely on Moneyglass Community Centre for facilities to provide activities and events for the local community. Moneyglass has a strong story to tell as an area not least because of some of the famous Consultation Findings & Analysis sporting heroes that have lived in the area such as renowned champion jockey AP Mc Coy and rugby union legend Willie John McBride. The Moneyglass Grotto is also a local landmark which is Public Meeting well known throughout Ireland and attracts regular visitors to the area, and the filming of television A public meeting was held in Moneyglass Community Centre on 7th June 2017 with a total series “Game of Thrones” in Moneyglass has also raised the profile of the area. of 22 people in attendance. The meeting was publicised through notices distributed to lo- cal homes (along with the community questionnaire) and via local community networks. The planning process has taken place in the period May 2017 to June 2017 and has been Details of the public meeting were also distributed to local elected representatives. supported by the establishment of a steering committee of local sports and community The public meeting allowed for group discussion and also individual comment based on the organisations. following key questions: • What are the key priorities and issues for Moneyglass in your view? • What physical improvements would you like to see taken forward for Moneyglass? • What community activities or events would you like to see continued, developed or expanded in the area? 6 7 Potential Physical Improvements The following list of potential physical improvements was noted from the public meeting: Some of the key points noted from the public meeting were as follows: Issues and Priorities • Construction of footpaths with lighting within the area (a number of priority areas Lack of housing land within Moneyglass including the area around Moneyglass Community Centre); • Young couples are forced to move outside of Moneyglass to seek housing; • Gortgill Hall Refurbishment; Sport / recreation facilities • Floodlit walking / running trail development in the grounds of St Ergnat’s GAC; • One Gaelic pitch – only outdoor facility for sport and recreation. Moneyglass Community Centre can be used but very high demand for usage; • Creation of additional car parking to service Moneyglass Community Centre; • Kids playing football have nowhere to play – too dangerous to get involved in the running club ; • Enhancement and regeneration of Moneyglass Grotto; • Local people have nowhere to access for walking / running etc for recreation and • Community notice board / signage and material for distribution on local places of leisure; interest / local