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 & 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 and only a couple of miles from including: the A6 road, which connects 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 history;

Moneyglass Community Centre • Feature or some form of landmark to recognise the achievements of AP Mc Coy and / or other local sporting or well known figures. • Vital local community facility – very high usage and demand for usage;

• Car parking is a problem at the Community Centre – access and safety issues for users especially children and young people;

Roads / traffic issues

• Road safety concerns throughout the area relating to lack of footpath access (and lighting) and there is a need for additional speed restrictions / traffic calming options;

• Excessive amount of collisions on the Loughbeg / Roguery Road junction area.

8 9 Community Questionnaire

A total of 91 responses were received to the questionnaire distributed to local residents and Respondents were asked to rate a list of issues relating to health, wellbeing and environ- some of the key findings include: ment as “major concern”, of “some concern” and “no concern” based upon their views and experience living in Moneyglass. The following responses were received: • 96% of respondents (85 respondents) indicated that they have been living in the Moneyglass area for at least 5 years • Broadband provision or coverage = 43/88 responses (49%) Issues deemed to be • Access to transport or cost of transport = 29/89 responses (33%) • When asked to rate quality of life within Moneyglass, 85% of “major concerns” respondents (76 respondents) stated quality of life in the village is good or very good • Traffic = 26/88 responses (30%)

• Healthy eating / obesity = 75/89 responses (84%) Issues deemed to be When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within Moneyglass, the following were “major” or of “some • Access to transport or cost of transport = 75/89 responses (84%) the top 3 responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a concern” provided list): • Broadband provision or coverage = 72/88 responses (82%)

When asked to identify community services, activities or events people would like to see • Sport and recreation facilities = 67 respondents (74%) prioritised for the area, the most popular responses were (respondents could mark up to 3 responses): • Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 52 respondents (57%) • Activities for young people = 47 respondents (53%) • Community facilities = 47 respondents (52%) • Community events = 44 respondents (50%) • Road safety initiatives = 36 respondents (41%) Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life in the area.. The most popular response was:

• Sport and recreation facilities = 43 respondents (47%)

When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within Moneyglass, the top priorities ranked by respondents were:

• Number one priority: Sport and recreation facilities

• Number two priority: Facilities specifically for young people and community hall / building (equal responses)

Further information in relation to the questionnaire findings and analysis can be accessed in the appendix to this document.

10 11 Priority Projects for Moneyglass Actions to Progress Priorities On the basis of the process undertaken, the potential projects and issues that were deemed most important for local people, the following key priorities have been identified for action Improvements for the area within Moneyglass over the next 3-5 year period: • Creation of additional car parking to service Moneyglass Community Centre • Community notice board, signage and material for distribution on local places of Improvements for the Area interest / local history • Creation of additional car parking to service Moneyglass Community Centre • Feature or landmark for the area

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources • Community notice board / signage and material for distribution on local places of Funders required interest / local history Engage with Antrim and Newtownabbey Moneyglass GROW Volunteer time Borough Council Officers and public Steering • Feature or some form of landmark to recognise the achievements of representatives to agree key milestones to Committee well known figures associated with the area take each project forward. To include: • Potential costs of each project Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and • Any Antrim and Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Community and Sports Facilities Borough Council funding opportunities Borough Borough Borough for each project Council Council Council Officer • St Ergnat’s GAC Playing Pitch Development •Any permissions that are required in order time to complete • Floodlit walking / running trail development in the grounds of St Ergnat’s GAC •Process to be completed to advance each Public Public of the projects Representatives Representative time • Gortgill Hall Refurbishment Participate in any related council consulta- tion exercises such as: • Enhancement and regeneration of Moneyglass Grotto Capital costs for • Community Planning • Creation of additional car Work as a Steering Committee, with public parking Broader Issues to Address for Moneyglass representatives and Antrim and New- • Community • Road safety measures – to include: townabbey Borough Council Officers to notice board identify potential funders for each project and signage • Expanding the 40mph area on the Roguery Road • Feature / • Traffic calming or speed restriction on the Loughbeg Road leading Liaise with Antrim and Newtownabbey landmark from / to the Loughbeg Road and Roguery Road junction Borough Council Officers and public rep- costs resentatives to ensure that the community is consulted as / when projects can be taken • Street lighting and footpaths – with priority given to the area from Moneyglass forward for delivery Community Centre to the Loughbeg / Roguery Road junction Raise awareness of any completed projects • Seek improved broadband service and coverage for the area within the local community and promote the work of the Steering Committee / funders to secure improvements for • Seek to address the lack of land for housing in the area and restrictions based on current planning regulations Moneyglass

12 13 Enhancement and Development of Local Facilities

• St Ergnat’s GAC Playing Pitch Development • Floodlit walking / running trail development in the grounds of St Ergnat’s GAC • Gortgill Hall Refurbishment • Enhancement and regeneration of Moneyglass Grotto

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required GROW Volunteer time Advocate and provide support for Moneyglass each of the projects from a broad Steering community perspective (oral and CommiIee written support as appropriate) Antrim and Engage with public representatives, Antrim and Newtownab- relevant funders, Council and any Public Newtownabbey bey Borough other relevant agencies to support the representatives Borough Council projects (as appropriate) Council Officer time Share informaton on relevant oppor- tunites to each of the project promot- Public ers (as appropriate to each project) Antrim and representative Newtownabbey time Work as a collective with each of the Borough project promoters to enhance wider Council community buy in and usage of any enhanced or additional facilities created

14 15 Broader Issues to Address for Moneyglass

• Road safety measures • Seek improved broadband provision in the area • Street lighting and footpaths Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Action Stakeholders Resources Funders required required Engage with relevant Council Officers Moneyglass Volunteer Engage with Department for Moneyglass Department Volunteer and local public representatives to ex- Steering time Infrastructure officials and public Steering for time plain issues with broadband coverage Committee representatives to assess the Committee Infrastructure and speeds faced by residents potential for each of the projects Public Public to be brought forward within Public Working with these stakeholders, Representatives Representative time Moneyglass and discuss any key Department for Representative identify any potential solutions or milestones such as: Infrastructure time actions that the local community can Antrim and Antrim and New- • Internal departmental process support Newtownabbey townabbey Borough that must be completed Capital costs Borough Council Council Officer time • Potential costs of each project Public to take forward • Any additional information that Representatives each project Department for the Moneyglass Committee can the Economy provide to support the process

Work with public representatives to lobby for the improvements through all available channels, • Seek to address the lack of land for housing in the area and restrictions based on including: current planning regulations

• Department for Infrastructure Action Stakeholders Resources • Antrim and Newtownabbey required Borough Council Engage with local public representatives Moneyglass Volunteer • MLAs and any other relevant and relevant Council Planning officers Steering time political representatives to outline the demand for housing in Committee the area and impact of current planning Liaise with Department for regulations Public Public Infrastructure officials or relevant Representatives Representative time funder officers to ensure that Working with these stakeholders, the community is consulted as / identify avenues through which the Antrim and Antrim and New- when any works are to be issue can be raised and lobby for ac- Newtownabbey townabbey Borough completed tion as appropriate (this may include Borough Council Council Officer time involvement in relevant consultation processes regarding planning policy in the Borough)

16 17 Project Overview

The village plan was developed during May and June 217. A key element in the • Moneyglass Improvement Project development of the plan was identifying priority projects that could be brought forward to seek funding from the Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Measure. Key Aims Key Benefits

• Floodlit walking / running trail development in the grounds of St Ergnat’s GAC • Create a central notice board in the area • Increase awareness of local community with information on upcoming commu activity and events Key Aims Key Benefits nity activities • Increase knowledge of local places of • Create a safe space for local people to walk • Increased numbers of local people will be • Develop signage and material relating interest and of historical value and run for recreation or sporting use active and take part in regular physical to the local area, places of interest and activity local history which can be accessed by • Enhance the sense of community within • Enhance the quality of facilities available in residents and visitors to the area Moneyglass and feelings of local pride the local community and improve access to • Increased in the levels of mental and facilities physical wellbeing experienced by local • Create a feature or landmark for • Increase awareness of Moneyglass as an people Moneyglass area and community

• Create all year round access to high quality • Improve the general appearance of the area recreation facilities

• Local walkers and runners will be safer as a result of the project

• Creation of additional car parking to service Moneyglass Community Centre

Key Aims Key Benefits

• Enhance the facilities available at Money • Moneyglass Community Centre will be glass Community Centre able to cater for increased levels of usage and number of users • Increase the number of car parking spaces available at or in close proximity to • The area will be safer for all those using the Community Centre the facility or living in close proximity

• Enhance the safety of facility users (especially children and young people), residents with homes close to the Community Centre and road users

18 19 Next Steps and Delivering the Plan The village planning process has achieved a considerable amount of input from local community residents and has been supported by the steering committee representing a range of local organisations throughout all stages. The steering committee has been proactive in engaging in the planning process, with a list of key potential projects developed early in the process following the walkabout exercise, which highlighted some initial proposals for development which were then consulted on with local residents. This helped to identify priority projects and longer term initiatives that can be brought forward for Moneyglass along with other stakeholders including Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, statutory bodies and public representatives for the area.

Moneyglass has a vibrant and active collection of sporting, community and youth organisations and throughout this process it has become apparent that there are opportunities for collective working that can have benefit for all people living in the area. Each of the organisations involved in the Steering Committee have their own programmes of work which takes considerable volunteer time and input to deliver. However, as a collective to help advance some of the actions detailed within the plan, it is recommended that the Steering Committee continues to meet on a bi monthly or quarterly basis to review and agree actions.

As well as incorporating regular updates on progress within Steering Committee meetings, it is important to keep residents updated of progress and any short, medium or long term successes via their participants or members, individual organisation social media accounts and the local parish bulletin. This will help to bring a focus to achieving the priorities within the document whilst also retaining wider community support and input. It is important that the Moneyglass Steering Committee engages with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and local public representatives, to represent the needs and priorities for the area and where possible help to drive investment to the priorities outlined in the Moneyglass plan.

A number of potential funders have been noted in the document however this represents only a small selection of funding opportunities that are or will become available over the lifetime of the plan. It is recommended that funding proposals by organisations individually or advocating as a collective Steering Committee are advanced in line with the projects identified and relevant funding opportunities as they become available. This may include opportunities such as:

• GROW funding programmes within the • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Rural Development Programme funding programmes

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council • Big Lottery funding programmes annual funding programmes

• Department for Infrastructure funding • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care programmes funding programmes

• Funding opportunities through umbrella • Network and the Community Foundation for organisations such as South Antrim Community

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