Offaly Local Development Strategy

European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Rural Development / LEADER Programme

2014 - 2020

Offaly LDS Summary

The LAG – Governance Model

Organisation Details

Name of LAG Offaly Local Community Development Committee

Postal Address Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore Co. Offaly

Telephone Number (057) 9346800

Email Address [email protected]

Website www.offaly.ie

LAG Roles and Responsibilities

As per the Heads of Agreement, the following will be the proposed mechanisms for delivery of the next Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020.

Financial Management Local Authority as Lead Financial Partner

Administration Offaly Local Development Company

Animation & calls for Offaly Local Development Company proposals

Management of Staff Offaly Local Development Company

Monitoring/Evaluation Offaly Local Development Company and Offaly Local Community Development Committee

Offaly LDS Summary

The LAG – Membership

Statutory Interests - 8 Members Sector Member Name Organisation Cllr John Clendennen Offaly County Council Local Authority Cllr Declan Harvey Offaly County Council Elected Members Cllr Brendan Killeavy Offaly County Council Declan Kirrane Offaly County Council Local Authority Orla Martin Offaly County Council Officials Anna Marie Delaney Offaly County Council Tony Dalton Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board State Agencies Con Feighery Teagasc Graham Touhy Department of Social Protection Non Statutory Interests - 10 Members Community & Tom Finnerty Offaly Public Participation Network Community Voluntary Frances Walsh Representatives (2)

Social Inclusion Elizabeth Fleming Offaly Public Participation Network Social Margaret Murphy Inclusion Representatives (2)

Offaly Public Participation Network Environment Eimhin Shortt Environmental Representative (1)

Local development and community Brendan O’Loughlin Offaly Local Development Company development

Other civic society or Dominic Doheny Construction Industry Federation ‘local and John Keena Offaly Irish Farmers Association community’ Henry O’Shea SIPTU interests Christina Byrne Slieve Bloom Rural Development Co-operative

Offaly LDS Summary

Proposed Implementation Arrangement for LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 in County Offaly with LCDC as LAG & Offaly Local Development Company as lead implementing partner.

Offaly LDS Summary

Area Profile

Area Selection Overview: The development of this area profile and socio-economic profile has been prepared as part of the development of a Local Development Strategy for Offaly, based on key socio economic indicators for the County; data contained in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for Offaly and feedback provided as part of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultation process. This provides the basis for key themes, objectives and actions for the County – outlined in Section Four of this LDS – that will contribute to the economic, social, educational, environmental and cultural development of the County and be consistent with promoting social inclusion, reducing poverty and ensuring the overall economic development of rural Offaly. Area Selection: The proposed geographical area for the LDS is County Offaly; a predominantly rural county with a population of 76,687 (Census 2011). Tullamore is the County Town with a population of 14,361, with other main centres of population being Edenderry, Birr, Banagher, Shinrone, Clara, Kilcormac, Daingean and Portarlington (based on population density of greater than 100 persons per square kilometre being classified as a rural town). The County is bordered by seven counties which are Galway, Roscommon, Tipperary, Laois, Westmeath, Kildare and Meath.

Offaly LDS Summary

Socio – Economic In the context of local development in Offaly and a subsequent tailored LDS, Profile changing settlement patterns and the rural economy play a crucial role. These are linked to a number of key socio economic indicators, detailed below:

Population Growth:

Population Statistics indicate a percentage population increase of 8.2% from 2006 to 2011 consistent with the percentage population increase nationally. The strongest population growth occurred in the Edenderry Municipal District (MD) at 12% with Tullamore MD at 9% and Birr at 4.4%.

Urban / Rural:

Approximately 56% of the population of County Offaly reside in rural areas and 44% residing in urban areas. The percentage share in urban areas increased since 2006 with a corresponding fall in rural areas. Density:

In addition to this, the population density of Offaly is low at 38.2% by comparison to the state figure of 76.7%. Birr MD has the lowest population density within Offaly; with the highest population densities occurring in the three urban centres of Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore. Age Profile:

Analysis of changes to the size of the population cohort between 15 and 24 years of age during the period 2006 and 2011, (i.e. they were 10 – 19 years of age in 2006 and 15 – 24 by 2011), established that 912 persons had left the County. The decline of this cohort represents an overall loss of 5.8% of the 2006 population of County Offaly. Lone Parents:

All three MD areas have lone parent rates that are high by comparison to the E&M Region (22.0%) and nationally (25.8%) with Birr MD at 32%, Edenderry MD at 28% and Tullamore MD at 40%. Lone Mother families account for 85% of Lone parent families across the County. Lone parent family rates are highest in urban areas. Nationality:

The majority (91%) of the population of Offaly are Irish by nationality. UK, Polish, other EU countries and Rest of the World all account for 2% of each population while Lithuanian nationalities account for 1% of the County’s population. Ethnicity:

Offaly is predominantly of White Irish Ethnicity. The White Irish Traveller population represents 1.3% of the total population. Birr Urban and Rural EDs have the highest concentration of Irish Travellers in the County. Male EDR:

Between 2006 and 2011, male EDRs underwent a spectacular reversal and in those Economic five years rose to their highest levels recorded over the period 1991 – 2011. Rural Dependency Ratio males had an EDR of 0.62 while males in rural towns had the highest EDR of all (EDR) groups at 0.85. In other words, for every 100 males at work in County Offaly towns, 85 males were either on pensions or unemployed.

Offaly LDS Summary Female EDR:

Rankings for females are comparable to males in that the EDRs of females in rural

towns are consistently higher than the EDRs of females in rural area with a similar

trajectory as the males with large increases between 2006 and 2011; in 2011 the

female EDR in rural areas was 0.54 and in rural towns was 0.73.

National Comparison: The national male EDR in 2011 was 0.62 compared with 0.71 in County Offaly. The

female EDR for the State in 2011 was 0.53 and, as for males, it was higher again at County level with a value of 0.62

Deprivation Index: Offaly reflected a drop in the absolute deprivation score from -3.2 in 2006 to -11.6 in 2011. This represents a drop of 8.4, compared to a nationwide drop of 6.5. Offaly has significantly worsened from the 10th to the 5th most disadvantaged local authority Deprivation Score area in Ireland.

Over one-fifth (20.3%) of the total population of the County are living in disadvantaged and very disadvantaged areas. Based on Pobal HP Deprivation Index Mapping, 26 new disadvantaged areas emerged between 2006 and 2011, accounting for 46% of the total.

The most deprived small areas in Offaly (Census 2011) are colour-coded, graduating from red to yellow to green in accordance with deprivation levels from highest to lowest, although all are still the most deprived areas in Offaly based on 2011 data. Name places highlighted in bright yellow are those that were not amongst the most deprived in 2006 but became so in the 2011 census (Map attached – Appendix 2).

Principle Economic Male Labour Force: Status: By 2011, the male labour force participation rate returned to 2002 levels (70%), a fall from 2006 when male labour force participation rate was at 73.45%. The higher figure can largely be attributed to dramatic increases in construction related employment between 1991 and 2006 when male employment in the Building and Construction sector increased from 9.1% to 22.5% of the workforce; by 2011 this figure had fallen back to 9.5%. Female Labour Force: Simultaneously the steady rise in the female labour force participation rate tapered off for the first time in two decades - from 31.12% in 1991 to 52.16% in 2011. Despite this the County female participation rate was 52% in 2011, contrasting with the national figure of 55% in 2011. County Labour Force: From analysis two key implications have arisen: (a) the tendency for the female labour force to live in or near rural towns while the male labour force is much more geographically dispersed; (b) the relative stability of labour force participation in rural towns in comparison to rural areas.

Unemployment: From 2006 and 2011 male unemployment rates nearly trebled in rural towns (to 31%) and almost quadrupled in rural areas (to 22%) while female unemployment

Offaly LDS Summary doubled across the County. In 2011 male unemployment rate for Offaly was 26% as compared to the national rate of 22%. The County female unemployment rate of 19.3% compared to national

average of 15%.

Spatial patterns associated with unemployment rates need to be considered regarding sets of Town and their hinterlands e.g. Tullamore town and hinterland VS Banagher town and Hinterland. (See Map 7 and 8 – Appendix 2). Youth Unemployment: th Offaly has the 5 highest level of youth unemployment in the Country at over 40%.

Education: Level Completed: rd 16% of the population in Offaly over 15yrs have completed 3 level education compared to 26% for the E&M Region and 25% for the state. The Edenderry MD fares worst of the three MDs at 13% Since 1991 in general there has been continuous improvement in levels of education among the adult population. In that time there has been a reduction from 41.5% to 16.1% of the adult population with primary education only. However there are several EDs where the adult population have primary education only - including Mountbrisco to the East and Srah, Lea, Broughal and Eglish to the West all presenting by over 24%. Early School Leaving: At primary and secondary school level, Offaly records early schools levers at 17% compared to the national average of 13.8%; Between 2002 and 2011, the proportion of the population who left school early or had no formal education declined across all classes; by 2011 the gender divide increased marginally with more females continuing on at school. The divide was greatest in rural areas where 46% of males left school early compared with 35% of females Highest level achieved by MD: At MD level Birr and Edenderry are stronger than Tullamore in the categories of Primary Education to Advanced Cert / Completed apprenticeship. Tullamore MD takes stronger position into 3rd and 4th level education categories. Participation rate 3rd level: The participation rate in 3rd level education for Offaly in 2011 was recorded as being 45% falling short of the national figure of 51%. Offaly is 3rd from the bottom of National table just ahead of both Laois and Donegal at 41%.

Offaly LDS Summary

Summary of Area Needs Analysis

Area Needs Analysis: Collectively, the county profile and the socio economic changes outlined contribute to the relative concentration of population and employment in

or close to rural towns in the County, thus reinforcing changes to traditional settlement patterns and has implications for rural areas. Rural Towns in Offaly are therefore of increasing importance to sustaining and developing rural areas.

For Offaly these changes have given rise to complex mosaic of areas within the County differentiated by their social and economic profiles. These areas require strategies tailored to their needs. Only through the development of area specific strategies that are attuned to local physical, natural and human resources, and aligned with county, regional and national plans, strategies and initiatives, will the specific challenges associated with particular places be overcome and their opportunities realised. In summary: The data contained this section has clear implications and provides a rationale for framing the direction and actions of Local Development Strategy for Offaly:

 The changing industrial structure of employment in Offaly reflects how the expansion of the Building and Construction sector, in particular, masked the decline of employment in the Agriculture and non-construction related Manufacturing sectors. As the Building and Construction sector collapsed many from a farming background that had converted their enterprise to a low input beef system in order to maintain their farming activity whilst simultaneously working off-farm, reclassified themselves as working in agriculture, i.e. they returned to working on farms. In many cases underemployment is an issue on these farms and this raises concerns regarding the potentially

negative impacts these developments are having on the individual affected, their households and wider society.  While the industrial structure of employment is changing in Offaly so too are the types of jobs available, which are becoming higher skilled. The absence of opportunities resulting from structural changes to the economy and hence the number and type of jobs available for particular groups within the labour force, has given rise to challenges regarding unemployment. This development is also contributing to increased migration from the County.  Levels of deprivation in Offaly have risen at a rate greater than the

Offaly LDS Summary national average over the past five years. Educationally, Offaly continues to lag behind the rest of the country, with a greater

proportion of the population with primary education only and fewer with third level education.  Compounding this is the gender divide in terms of early school leaving, which is a legacy of historically lower educational attainment rates among older farmers, an historical tendency for many older generations to leave school at an early age to take up employment with Bord na Mona and the ESB, along with more recent early school leaving underpinned by the ready availability of jobs for young males in the construction sector during the building boom of the 2000s. This particular group are at risk of long-term unemployment in the absence of a return to education, up-skilling or re-skilling initiatives.

 The effect of the above average rise in unemployment in Offaly during the economic collapse which needs to be addressed through supporting enterprise development and job creation in the County.  Currently there is a very apparent mismatch between availability of work in sectors to suit the labour force, or conversely, in the

education and skill levels of the available labour force for the local jobs market. This identifies the need for a coherent, integrated strategy at County level to better align the labour force with the labour

market.

 With Offaly having the 5th highest youth unemployment in Country – tailored youth initiatives are necessary to address this.  The population and economic dependency data outlined above reflects that for the purpose of social and economic development, the focus needs to shift from comparing rural towns to rural areas to comparisons between sets of towns and their hinterlands e.g. Tullamore town and hinterland versus Birr town and hinterland. Key areas of consideration must include – deprivation increases; depopulation / migration issues; age profile; economic dependency (particularly males) and skills and education levels.  There are distinct spatial and gendered outcomes emerging from changing socio-economic patterns that necessitate that different cohorts of the population, in different areas of County Offaly, will require different actions and types of support. The action plan outlined highlights a number of tailored initiatives to reflect this including community planning reflecting different needs in different areas for different population groups.  Tailoring actions and initiatives at different geographic areas and target groups and communities need to be supported to respond to

specific challenges and opportunities, the resilience of communities needs to be built through targeted leaderships development support and community planning processes.

Offaly LDS Summary

Agreed LDS Community Led Local Development in Offaly – The Offaly Way Priorities Offaly has strong tradition of local and community development, with community participation at all levels as a key driver. As demonstrated from some of the socio economic indicators outlined above, the County

changed significantly over a twenty year period. In dealing with these changes, participation of local communities has been to the forefront of initiating, planning and implementing projects and initiatives (be they social, economic, environmental, educational or recreational) that meet the needs of individuals and the wider community. Community Led Local Development (CLLD) has been the core ethos for successful delivery of a range of local and community development programmes. Building on this experience, the bottom up approach with communities taking the lead in the development of their own areas will continue to be the cornerstone for delivery and implementation of the new Local Development Strategy.

The socio economic data gathered and the wide ranging consultations which have taken place, are the foundations for developing coherent and integrated actions to meet the needs of people living in Offaly, overcome specific challenges and exploit opportunities for future development of the County. As a rural county, the key elements needed for local development in a rural context; based on socio economic data and supported by a comprehensive consultation process strategically key areas for Offaly can be identified broadly into following main elements:  Pre-development and Community Planning, the animation of local groups and the generation of a capacity to work for collective action. Consultations with communities and target groups have identified an interest in pre-development and community planning initiatives that will develop their capacity to achieve their goals e.g. assisting Edenderry Skate park committee in predevelopment work

in identifying need for a community skate park in Edenderry.

 Local and community development to support the social, economic, cultural and environmental development of rural towns and rural areas alike. Communities have expressed a need to develop a package of animation, capacity building and training which will complement funding support for the development of social, economic and environment projects such as training supports for smallholders, animation activities for older people and development of playgrounds and recreation spaces.  Reduction of social exclusion particularly in the context of Youth Unemployment, Economic Dependency, Labour Market Trends, Unemployment levels and overall Deprivation Levels throughout the County – Rural and Urban. Training and animation supports will be put in place to support these target groups, e.g. Youth leadership and volunteer engagement initiatives and bespoke training programmes that are linked to further education and jobs.  Education, Training and Skills Development to address the 10

Offaly LDS Summary gender, geographic and progression trends associated with educational attainment. A training needs analysis was carried out to

establish the training needs across target groups and communities in Offaly. Key areas for training supports were identified included ICT and broadband, interpersonal and communication skills, networking skills and community leadership and capacity building.

 Economic Development, Enterprise and Job Creation as a key driver in the rural economy for Offaly and in combating the changing industrial structure of employment in Offaly. The enterprise sector in the county has identified the following as key economic drivers e.g. access to capital and marketing support, provision of high quality broadband, capital funding to install/ upgrade ICT, shared access to high tech design and manufacturing equipment.

 Tourism that builds on the County’s natural resources alongside the strong and growing tourism product base. Ongoing work with tourism agencies/ providers and Offaly Tourism Forum to develop amenities, facilities and activities that will add value to the growing tourism offering of the County e.g. tourism facility linked to our natural resources such as Grand Canal, River Shannon and Slieve Blooms.

 Environmental expanding on the range of natural assets that are

both ecologically and environmentally significant along with strong tradition in the County associated energy and energy production. The communities are open to exploring and developing

opportunities for protecting/enhancing and sustaining natural resources, while also exploring opportunities to harness energy production. E.g. Kilcormac Water Mill Wheel to supply energy to a

community facility.

These themes outlined reflect Offaly’s social, economic, educational, environmental and recreational development. They have been informed by the extensive consultation that has taken place with all relevant stakeholders and the area profile. The LDS priorities which have been prepared by Offaly LCDC are consistent with the aspirations of the LECP. The Strategic Actions outlined in subsequent chapter to achieve the Local Objectives associated with these themes represent value for money in two ways. First, the returns from financial inputs are reasonable, achievable and comparable to similar activities. Second, the targeting of the specific economic, gender, spatial, demographic and social inclusion challenges in county Offaly identified by the consultation and research for this LDS and as set out in the Strategic Actions, can be best achieved through added value partnerships between the LDS promoters and implementers and mainstream services and programmes.

Offaly LDS Summary Co-Operation Projects It is proposed that a number of co-operation projects will be supported and will address issues across the three cross cutting themes,

examples of these include:

 To support local communities and enterprise to provide amenities Linkage with other and facilities linked to the Slieve Bloom Mountain Bike Trail and LEADER elements Slieve Bloom walking routes. Partner LAG – Laois of RDP  To support local communities and enterprise to provide amenities and facilities linked to the Grand Canal green way tourism product. Partner LAGs – Kildare and Westmeath  To support the craft industry in Westmeath and Offaly, building on inter-territorial work completed under the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013. Partner LAG – Westmeath  To support the expansion of a midland regional food network. Partner LAG – Laois/Westmeath/Longford  To support the development of eco-tourism recreational amenities in

Derryounce Environmental Park. Partner LAG - Laois

Artisan Foods Offaly has a long and strong tradition of producing high quality locally produces produce from cheeses, chocolate to organic beef in the

county. There is increasing demand for training, product development and funding for equipment. The area of artisan food is ever expanding and has potential to develop into food trails. Ferbane Food Campus an innovative facility which offer Food entrepreneurs the opportunities to use a state of art kitchen and training facility to develop their product without prohibiting cost to maintaining their own commercial kitchen. REDZ As part of a submission to Rural Economy Development Zones, eight communities have been identified as pilot areas where there is opportunities to develop and grow a number a number of potential new Social Enterprise Projects in the County using a Social Enterprise Incentive Programme. These social enterprise will reflect with the cross cutting issues of environment, climate change and innovation. Daingean - Recreation/ Water sports / Cycling Holidays – soft adventure tourism Clara - visitor attractions / themed walking loops Ferbane – Food campus and training Moneygall – Tourism development Shinrone – Social services / care of older people Ballycumber – Enterprise space and social supports Rhode – Enterprise space and incubation units Ballinamere – Social supports and recreational supports

Offaly LDS Summary

LDS Action Plan

LDS Vision: To develop a strategy which will “reflect the need to engender a culture of entrepreneurship and the development of SMEs and indigenous enterprise; develop within communities the capacity for action and subsequently initiating action to overcome social exclusion; stimulate community resilience and support communities to take responsibly for their own areas”

The LDS has nine key objectives outlined below. These are aligned with relevant local, regional, national and EU strategies To support enterprise development and job creation in Offaly, that will generate economic activity in rural communities; encourage entrepreneurship at all stages from new start-ups to established enterprises and maximise the County’s potential opportunities in this area; through a range of community based and private projects; targeted and sector specific based initiatives and collaborative actions. Local Objective 1 Overall budget allocation: €800,000 Strategic Action 1.1: €400,000 Strategic Action 1.2: €280,000 Strategic Action 1.3: €120,000

To develop tourism and the tourism product (amenities, accommodation, facilities and activities) as a key economic and employment generator for the County; combining the natural resources available, diversification of rural land uses, the County’s cultural and heritage assets and the central location. Local Objective 2 Overall budget allocation: €1.2m Strategic Action 2.1: €900,000 Strategic Action 2.2: €300,000

To animate and facilitate the development of a Rural Towns Initiative in Offaly that seeks to promote the regeneration and sustainability of these areas; enabling the local community to develop the resilience and capacity to find local solutions to local issues and capitalise on local opportunities.

Local Objective 3 Overall budget allocation: €600,000 Strategic Action 3.1: €240,000 Strategic Action 3.2: €120,000 Strategic Action 3.3: €240,000

Offaly LDS Summary To support local actions in Offaly that will complement the national strategies on broadband so as to enhance the social and economic development of rural areas in the County.

Local Objective 4 Overall budget allocation: €200,000 Strategic Action 4.1: €200,000

To promote social inclusion, reduce exclusion and improve quality of life and access to services for people living in Offaly, through actions that provide for basic services tailored to meet the needs of communities and individuals within those communities in both an urban and rural context. Local Objective 5 Overall budget allocation: €1.2m Strategic Action 5.1: €900,000 Strategic Action 5.2: €300,000

To provide tailored supports that meet the needs of rural young people including those target groups who are at risk of early school leaving and / or not in education, employment or training (NEETS). Local Objective 6 Overall budget allocation: €600,000 Strategic Action 6.1: €600,000

To support the protection and sustainable development of Offaly’s water resources based on creating an awareness of their value and contribution the overall environmental development of the County. Local Objective 7 Overall budget allocation: €350,000 Strategic Action 7.1: €350,000

To provide a package of environmental actions that support the protection, awareness, enhancement and development of the natural landscape and wildlife, the flora and fauna integral to this landscape and the ecosystems that these support; as a key contributor to sustaining the rural environment of Offaly. Local Objective 8

Overall budget allocation: €350,000 Strategic Action 8.1: €350,000

To promote and support the development and use of community based renewable energy initiatives as a basis for contributing to the long term sustainable development of rural communities in Offaly – yielding social, economic and environmental results for communities, rural businesses, households and target Local Objective 9 populations.

Overall budget allocation: €700,000 Strategic Action 9.1: €700,000

Offaly LDS Summary Local Objective 1

Supporting Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Title of Local To support the enterprise development and job creation in Offaly, that will generate Objective: economic activity in rural communities; encourage entrepreneurship at all stages from new start-ups to established enterprises and maximise the County’s potential opportunities in this area; through a range of community based and private projects; targeted and sector specific based initiatives and collaborative actions.

LEADER Theme/Sub Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation – Enterprise Theme Development

Based on the socio economic profiling and on feedback from the consultation process; and in line with key themes of the LECP; support for and development of indigenous enterprise (private and community based) has been identified as a key driver in the rural economy and the cornerstone for development of many rural Brief Rationale for areas of Offaly that are in decline. Furthermore based on the traditional the Objective employment patterns for Offaly – and the reliance on Bordna Mona and ESB – fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and ensuring that training and skills development are in line with employer’s needs, employment and labour market opportunities, are crucial for sustaining and expanding the enterprise base within the County.

Financial Allocation €800,000 (€)

No. of Strategic Actions for the 3 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 1.1 Title of Strategic Expanding the SME Base Action: To support and expand the SME base in Offaly; providing tailored interventions based on the stage of enterprise development – from pre-development – to start up – to new and existing enterprises.

To provide capital, marketing, technical assistance and research and design Brief Description of supports for business development in the County; along with the delivery of a Strategic Action: package of animation community-based engagement initiatives, network development, mentoring and tailored training & entrepreneurship programmes which will complement the provision of capital, marketing technical assistance and research and design supports for business development in the County. Together these actions will meet the needs of enterprises locally, supporting them to grow and develop in line with market opportunities and compatible with LECP and the Local Enterprise Office supports. Also included are:  Capital funding and technical support for businesses to upgrade, install or expand their technology range  Promote and develop shared access to a range of high-tech design and manufacturing equipment relevant to all ages and sectors – stimulating collaborative and open source ways of working while providing an opportunity to experiment and learn from others while being creative and innovative.  Bespoke training and skills development for businesses  ICT business auditing

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 1.2

Supporting Sectoral Growth Title of Strategic To target specific sectors (Artisan Food, Craft and indigenous Action: sectors) for growth and development, building on the high quality which currently exists and with the potential to contribute significantly to the rural economy in Offaly.

To provide a range of sector-led targeted supports including capital funding, training facilities, marketing supports, mentoring, training, Brief Description of product development and collaborative and networking initiatives – Strategic Action: that meets the needs of these sectors, enabling them to grow and develop in line with market opportunities. Actions and supports will be compatible with LECP and the LEO supports.

Strategic Action 1.3

Developing Social Enterprise

Title of Strategic To support and facilitate the development of Social Enterprise in Action: Offaly, recognising the critical role that these play in assisting enterprise and employment creation and in providing much needed services and / or products.

To nurture the development and expansion of the social enterprise sector; working with groups who are at various levels or stages – idea generation / pre-enterprise development; early stage community enterprise development and established community / social enterprises. Each requires a different type of support:  from capacity building and animation to harness community Brief Description of and stakeholder engagement (e.g. social entrepreneur Strategic Action: initiatives that can be adopted by the community),  training,  specific mentoring in specialised areas marketing, ICT, quality assurance, financial management or  investment in form of funding for capital works, marketing / promotion, feasibility studies.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 2

Developing Tourism Infrastructure and Products To develop tourism and the tourism product (amenities, Title of Local accommodation, facilities and activities) as a key economic and Objective employment generator for the County; combining the natural resources available, diversification of rural land uses, the County’s cultural and heritage assets and the central location.

LEADER Theme/Sub Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation Theme – Rural Tourism

As highlighted in the general profile, Offaly has a strong and growing tourism offering, with a range of natural resources – Grand Canal and River Shannon, Slieve Bloom Mountains, Lough Boora Parklands and Clara Bog (peatland areas) – which while being environmentally significant, also provide opportunities to contribute to the tourism product, offering great potential for a range of recreational activities and soft adventure sports. These natural Brief Rationale for resources are complemented by a Monastic heritage - the Objective Clonmacnoise and Durrow Abbey that are of high heritage value as well as the monastic settlement in Rahan, Sier Kieran and Monasterosis.

These natural and heritage assets were also highlighted throughout the consultation process, along with consideration being given to Eco Tourism, Festivals, Cultural Tourism and the role of craft and food for tourism in the County – underpinned by successfully packaging, branding and promoting tourism in Offaly.

Financial Allocation (€) €1.2m

No. of Strategic Actions for the 2 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 2.1

Tourism Products, Services and Events To support the growth of the tourism offering in the County Title of Strategic Action: through the enhancement and development of high quality tourism products, visitor services and tourism events as key elements to the overall experience of visitors and locals alike.

To develop and implement actions, animation and training initiatives that will support tourism providers; build upon the County’s current assets and fosters innovation to exploit future potential opportunities. Capital funding, marketing assistance, mentoring and training supports (reinforced by animation and capacity building) for:  New and current tourism providers to develop, diversify or enhance their tourism enterprise.  Development of walking and cycling trails in the Brief Description of County; recreational and soft adventure tourism using Strategic Action: the natural resources available; cultural and heritage tourism and food, craft and tourism trails as an Experience Offaly Initiative  Development of visitor services associated with tourism products and locations

 Network development, events and initiatives to foster and encourage collaborative actions, learning,

business and trade activity.  Community based tourism initiatives  Festival and events in the County

Strategic Action 2.2

Title of Strategic Branding and Marketing County Offaly Action: To support a County wide branding and marketing campaign that packages and promotes tourism in the County.

To provide funding support towards the development of a tourism strategy for the County that will include branding, marketing and promotion so as to capture and raise awareness Brief Description of collectively of the range of tourism products, amenities and Strategic Action: attractions that the County has to offer. This will be a key element for driving tourism in the County, capitalising on the opportunities tourism provides as a significant contributor to the economy.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 3

Regeneration and Sustainability of Rural Towns To animate and facilitate the development of a Rural Towns Initiative in Title of Local Offaly that seeks to promote the regeneration and sustainability of these Objective areas; enabling the local community to develop the resilience and capacity to find local solutions to local issues and capitalise on local opportunities.

LEADER Theme/Sub Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation – Theme Rural Towns

The socio economic changes within the County, identified as part of planning and preparation of the LDS, indicate a relative concentration of population and employment in or close to rural towns in the County, which reinforces changes to traditional settlement patterns and has implications for rural areas. Rural Towns in Offaly are therefore increasingly important to sustaining and developing rural areas. Brief Rationale for the For Offaly these have given rise to complex mosaic of areas within the Objective County differentiated by their social and economic profiles. These areas require strategies tailored to their needs. The need for a particular focus on development of rural towns and planning for same has been highlighted consistently throughout the consultation process; with tailored actions that improve the quality of life, promote visual enhancement of areas and ultimately encourage people to live, work and play, paramount to continuing to sustain the rural fabric of Offaly.

Financial Allocation (€) €600,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 3 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 3.1

Facilitating Community Planning

Title of Strategic Action: To facilitate an integrated community planning process in twelve communities in Offaly; reflecting geographic spread around the County and differentiated by their social and economic profiles.

To provide animation, capital and technical funding to undertake a process of community planning with local people (existing volunteers, new volunteers, specific target populations and wider community) that will support the local community to take responsibility for their area; identify key strengths of the locality and opportunities for future development.

Adopting the Building Healthy Communities Model (developed for Offaly), whereby members of the local communities to work side by side with agencies, to respond to issues identified through the community planning process. Brief Description of Strategic Action: The approach adopted will differ depending on the geographic area, focussing in more rural areas on a broader community-wide engagement model, with key established community groups and activists leading out on consultations and engagement of target groups. Pro-active targeting of marginalised groups not captured through this area-based approach will involve identifying key representative groups and leaders to act as a bridge to these individuals and groups to begin the process of consultation, needs identification and engagement. Innovative social and recreational engagement strategies may be used to engage with traditionally underrepresented groups.

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 3.2

Fostering Community Engagement Title of Strategic Action: To create a small scale development fund to support communities to undertake engagement strategies and short-term actions as part of the integrated planning process.

To develop a stimulus programme fund (which will cover capital, marketing and technical assistance projects) for communities involved in the planning initiative that will:  Focus on action planning and Brief Description of  Participatory engagement techniques Strategic Action: as core elements of the overall process. The nature of the actions undertaken will vary depending on each community and / or the target populations that are involved. It would involve a maximum of €10,000 per area and be based on nature and scale of actions / engagement initiatives identified.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 4

Complementing Broadband Delivery Title of Local To support local actions in Offaly that will complement the national Objective strategies on broadband so as to enhance the social and economic development of rural areas in the County.

LEADER Theme/Sub Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation Theme – Broadband

In line with the consultation process and complementing strategic actions outlined in the LECP for Offaly, improving access to high quality broadband is crucial to:  the social and economic development of the County;

 stimulating enterprise creation

Brief Rationale for  creating a business environment where industries want to locate to and do in business in the County the Objective  strengthening the economic fabric of towns and villages and their capacity to progress rural economic regeneration. The need for more flexible solutions to creating and operating a

business in rural areas and embracing changes in technology and ICT is also borne out through the socio economic profile in terms of the changing industrial structure of employment in the County. All of which requires access to quality broadband.

Financial Allocation (€) €200,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 1 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 4.1

Facilitating Community-Based Broadband Title of Strategic To facilitate the development of community based broadband initiatives Action: that support access to high quality broadband in rural areas to stimulate the social and economic development of these communities.

 Allocation, animation and training resources to generically support the adoption of high speed broadband as delivered through the National Broadband Plan (NBP).  To facilitate rural residents to be able to take advantage of any employment opportunities the LDS will seek to provide accredited technical training courses to enable the development and deployment of fibre networks. Targeted animation, training and technical support of rural communities and businesses to encourage the full utilisation of high speed broadband. Such support could Brief Description of include: Strategic Action: o Developing models for legal, financial and organisational structures that are both suitable to the local area in the development phase and offer opportunities to cooperate with other regions; o Studies and analysis of the development model for a specific area: identifying equipment and materials requirements, back-haul opportunities, plotting rollout in a strategic manner, etc.; o Developing a sustainable and achievable business plan specific to the local area’s needs.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 5

Promoting Social Inclusion To promote social inclusion, reduce exclusion and improve quality Title of Local of life and access to services for people living in Offaly, through Objective actions that provide for basic services tailored to meet the needs of communities and individuals within those communities in both an urban and rural context.

LEADER Theme/Sub Social Inclusion – Basic Services at Targeted Hard to Reach Theme Communities

The Midlands Region is the third most deprived region in Ireland with Offaly being the second most deprived local authority area within this region. Offaly has been massively affected by the economic downturn and migration from rural areas has been significant as borne out by the socio economic profile. In addition to this Offaly has significant economic dependency ratios (EDR’s): the national male EDR in 2011 was 0.62 compared with a much higher value of 0.71 in County Offaly. The female EDR for the State in 2011 was 0.53 and, as for males, it was higher again at County level with a value of 0.62 At the core of addressing these issues is:  Access to quality appropriate infrastructure in communities Brief Rationale for (urban and rural) – designed to meet their social, economic, the Objective training and recreational needs.  Services tailored to build the capacity of target groups The County also has relatively higher rates of suicide compared to the national level (www.nsrf.ie). Furthermore in all elements of the consultation process and highlighted within the strategic actions of LECP is the requirement to put in place actions that:  support local and community development,  overcome social exclusion and  improve the quality of life for residents of the County so as to facilitate the sustainability of communities into the future; enabling communities and individuals respond to specific challenges and capitalise on opportunities.

Financial Allocation €1.2m (€)

No. of Strategic Actions for the 2 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 5.1

Title of Strategic To support and enhance the social, economic, physical and recreational Action: development of communities in Offaly so as to ensure social inclusion, access to services and regeneration of local areas.

This strategic action will seek to provide funding support for communities to develop facilities, amenities and undertake environmental enhancement initiatives in their areas that are tailored meet the needs of the community and specific target groups. Brief Description of The types of projects to be included are development of playground and Strategic Action: recreational amenities; community and / or training facilities in targeted areas; village renewal and environmental enhancement initiatives. The identification of these projects will be facilitated through capacity building and animation work, training and skills development; complemented with a community based integrated planning process to ensure inclusion and participation of the various target groups in the community.

Strategic Action 5.2

Capacity Building: Title of Strategic Action: To undertake actions that build the capacity of specific target groups in Offaly, strengthening their capacity to reduce social exclusion, disadvantage and poverty and improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

This strategic action is based on developing a package of animation, capacity building and training initiatives, tailored to meet the needs of specific target groups in Offaly; which will provide levels of individualised support that cannot be provided through mainstream services; and ensure their engagement and participation in the social and economic development of their communities. Brief Description of These animation, capacity building and training initiatives will be Strategic Action: complemented by capital funding support for development identified social and recreational projects in targeted communities as means of engagement and sustaining the longer term involvement in their local community. Given the varying social and economic profiles of areas within County Offaly, this means that different cohorts of the population in different areas of the County require different actions and types of support.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 6

Supporting Offaly’s Young People Title of Local To provide tailored supports that meet the needs young people Objective including those target groups who are at risk of early school leaving and / or not in education, employment or training (NEETS).

LEADER Theme/Sub Theme Social Inclusion – Rural Youth

The socio economic profile of County Offaly shows that young people have relatively high levels of early school leaving. There is a gender aspect in that there is a lower rate of early school leaving among females. There is also a spatial aspect in that more males leave school early in rural areas, whereas, in rural towns, early school leaving rates are higher among females. County Offaly has the 5th highest rate of youth unemployment in Ireland with a rate of over 40%. In addition, the changing industrial structure and employment opportunities available in Offaly suggest targeted Brief Rationale for training for early school leavers to try to access such opportunities. Again in the widespread consultation process that took place in the Objective preparation for this LDS, rural young people was identified as key target group for the County; along with specific actions highlighted in LECP. th In addition to this Offaly has the 5 highest level of youth unemployment in the Country at over 40%. Again in the widespread consultation process that took place in preparation for this LDS, rural young people was identified as key target group for the County; along with specific actions highlighted in LECP.

Financial Allocation (€) €600,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 1 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 6.1

Addressing Young People’s Needs Title of Strategic A continuum of supports will be developed to meet the needs of rural Action: young people in line with the local context in terms of existing service delivery and gaps to harness their potential; identify opportunities and facilitate their engagement in the social and economic development of their local areas.

This strategic action is based on developing a package of animation, capacity building and training initiatives, tailored to meet the needs of this specific target group. These include:  activity based youth programmes – local, regional (in Offaly context) and Countywide;  Youth Leadership and Volunteer Engagement Initiatives;  initiatives focussed on personal and social development Brief Description of  innovative Youth Engagement Programmes for those not in Strategic Action: education, employment or training (NEETS),  Pre-apprenticeship and bespoke training programmes linked to further education and job opportunities These animation, capacity building and training initiatives will be supported by capital funding support for development identified youth projects in targeted communities including creation of quality community based training facilities; integration of recreational space for young people into existing community facilities; improved access to ICT within community spaces.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 7

Sustainable Development of Offaly’s Water Resources Title of Local To support the protection and sustainable development of Offaly’s Objective water resources based on creating an awareness of their value and contribution the overall environmental development of the County.

LEADER Theme/Sub Rural Environment – Protection and sustainable use of water Theme resources

Offaly is fortunate to have quality water resources as part of its natural landscape including the River Shannon, River Brosna and Grand Canal as well as tributaries originating from these and wetland ecosystems. In order to conserve, sustain and manage these water resources and build awareness of their environmental value (as well as social and economic value), a package of tailored actions are required. Furthermore this package of supports will be in keeping with the Brief Rationale for LECP, the County Development Plan from Offaly County Council the Objective and EU Water Directives; with the common denominator of protecting and enhancing local water resources whilst also undertaking broader water resource conservation and management planning. Findings from the consultation process also provide a platform for actions that seek to exploit in a sustainable way these water resources for the benefits of the local community while also advocating for green initiatives in the context of Offaly’s natural, built and cultural landscape.

Financial Allocation (€) €350,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 1 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 7.1

Community-based water resource management Title of Strategic To design and implement a package of community based conservation initiatives Action: that seek to address water resource management and the sustainable development of the County’s waterways and their intrinsic environmental as well as social and economic value.

This strategic action is based on developing a tailored package of animation, capacity building and training actions, working with communities, rural enterprises and householders to:  Explore opportunities for protecting and enhancing the County’s waterways and resources so as to sustain them into the future as part of the County’s natural landscape Brief Description of  Identify actions that harness their social, recreational and tourism Strategic Action: potential  Identify initiatives that capitalise on the economic benefit of water resource management for example through community based water harvesting initiatives These animation, capacity building and training initiatives will be supported by capital funding support for development and implementation of identified projects and actions related to the above.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 8

Ecosystem Actions To provide a package of environmental actions that support the Title of Local protection, awareness, enhancement and development of the Objective natural landscape and wildlife, the flora and fauna integral to this landscape and the ecosystems that these support; as a key contributor to sustaining the rural environment of Offaly.

LEADER Theme/Sub Rural Environment – Protection and Improvement of Local Theme Biodiversity

The profile of Offaly has a rich natural heritage and landscape, home to a range of ecosystems, flora and fauna that are synonymous with the County including peatlands (upland and lowland); wetlands; eskers, canal corridor, callows and river Shannon. These present a variety of opportunities for the County in terms of environmental, social and economic impacts. In order to conserve, sustain and manage these, underpinned with Brief Rationale for building awareness of their environmental value (as well as social the Objective and economic value), a package of tailored actions are required. These supports will be in keeping with the LECP and EU Habitat Directives; and based on good practice conservation and management planning. Feedback from the consultation process also highlighted the importance of this natural heritage to the County and provides a basis on which to engage with communities, rural enterprises and individuals in conserving and managing these into the future.

Financial Allocation (€) €350,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 1 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 8.1

Environmental Conservation and Management Title of Strategic Action: To develop and implement a package of environmental conservation and management initiatives that seek to support the County’s natural heritage and landscape.

This strategic action is based on developing a tailored package of animation, capacity building and training actions, which will facilitate communities, businesses and individuals play a key role future sustainable development of Offaly natural heritage, landscape and ecosystems; cognisant of the intrinsic environmental as well as social and economic value.  Explore opportunities for protecting and enhancing the County’s natural resources so as to sustain them into the future Brief Description of Strategic Action:  Identify actions that harness their social, recreational and tourism potential  Identify initiatives that capitalise on the economic benefit of supporting the sustainable development (where possible) of the Grand Canal corridor, the peatlands – Lough Boora Parklands and Clara Bog, Esker Riada, Shannon Callows, Derryounce Lake, Slieve Bloom Mountains and River Brosna These animation, capacity building and training initiatives will be supported by capital funding support for development and implementation of identified projects and actions related to the above.

Offaly LDS Summary

Local Objective 9

Promoting Community-Based Renewable Energy To promote and support the development and use of community Title of Local based renewable energy initiatives as a basis for contributing to the Objective long term sustainable development of rural communities in Offaly – yielding social, economic and environmental results for communities, rural businesses, households and target populations.

LEADER Theme/Sub Theme Rural Environment – Development of Renewable Energy

Offaly has a long tradition in energy production and can sustain this into the future by changing its source of matter from peat fossil fuel to renewable energies such as wind and solar power. There are a range of opportunities available to the County, and Offaly has the potential to led the way in becoming an eco-friendly County and develop community based energy projects; harnessing the County’s tradition and association with energy production. Furthermore, energy production and management is Intrinsically Brief Rationale for linked with sustainability and to encourage people to live and work the Objective in the County, sustainability is a key priority in both the LECP and the LDS. Within the consultation process included were suggestions made specifically around energy production, management and sustainability. These included the opportunity and challenge faced to move further away from the traditional energy generation within the County to more renewable sources of raw material; energy efficiency; green initiatives, community energy; promoting self- sufficiency with community and community gardens – as some suggestions.

Financial Allocation (€) €700,000

No. of Strategic Actions for the 1 Objective

Offaly LDS Summary

Strategic Action 9.1

To (i) research and develop (ii) implement a package of community based Title of Strategic environmental energy production, conservation and management initiatives that Action: support and underpin the future sustainability of communities in the County – creating an environment that will encourage people to live and work in the County.

This strategic action is based on developing a tailored package of research, animation, capacity building and training actions, which will facilitate communities, businesses and individuals play a key role future sustainable development of Offaly’s rural economy.  Explore opportunities and best practice in terms of developing community based energy initiatives  Create an awareness of key role that energy production and management has in the long term sustainability of the County  Identify actions that harness the social, recreational and tourism potential in terms of Offaly becoming an eco-friendly county  Waste reduction/ prevention/mindful consumerism initiatives  Identify initiatives that capitalise on the social and economic benefit of developing and operating renewable energy systems through: o improved performance of building and dwellings; o contribution / gain to local communities; Brief Description o maximising the ability of communities for self-sufficiency; of Strategic sustainable development in business Action: These animation, capacity building and training initiatives will be supported by capital funding support for development and implementation of identified projects and actions related to the above including:  piloted community based energy projects in target communities (rural and urban);  development of Green Hub – a physical and/or virtual space (or both) where companies, entrepreneurs, and job seekers gather to share information and resources around initiatives, work and training in sustainability and Green Economy activities  biomass project linking Edenderry Power to local community  building on animation initiative of community energy audits, provide capital support for upgrading, developing or expanding renewal energy systems in community owned buildings  Support community based Upcycling initiatives as the highest and best re- use for the material rather than the easiest or most obvious - reusing the intact item.  Community Gardens, Composting, Fertility and Nutrient Cycling

Offaly LDS Summary

Offaly Local Development Company will be body responsible for implementing the new Rural Development / LEADER Programme on behalf of Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

For further information please contact:

Offaly Local Development Company, Millennium House, Main Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tel. 057 9322 850 Email: [email protected]

Offaly Local Community Development Committee Offaly L.C.D.C.