Milford, County Cork

Áth an Mhuilinn, Contae Chorcaí.

Milford Community Socio-Economic Plan 2008-2013 Contents

Introduction 3

Profile of Milford 4

Historical Background 5

Population 6

Community Structures 7

Employment, Retailing & Economic Activity 8

Milford Creamery 9

Infrastructure & Services 10

Housing, Planning & Development, 10

Health and Care Services 11

Education & Training 11

Amenities & Facilities 11

Tourism, Heritage & Culture 12

SWOT Analysis 13-14

Outline of Community Plan 15

Action Plan 16-26

Implementing the Plan 27

Appendices 28-30

Appendix A: Community Groups

Appendix B: List of Protected Structures

Appendix C: Townlands in Milford DED

Additional Resources 31

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 2 Milford Community Socio-Economic Plan 2008-2013

Introduction

This Milford Community Socio-Economic Plan has been undertaken by the people of Milford Community to identify the needs of the community into the future and to plan adequately to make sure that these needs can be met.

The Milford Community Socio-Economic represents the community’s vision for how it would like to see Milford develop and prosper in the future by proposing certain action points to make Milford a more attractive place to live and recreate and seeks to enhance quality of life. It is long-term in its focus and covers a wide range of social, environmental and economic issues in an attempt to promote, facilitate and guide development in the community of Milford. The plan aims to guide the work of local clubs and organisations and provide a reference point for the local community.

It must be remembered that this is a plan for the people of Milford. It is the result of a series of meetings which were held to seek the views of the local community. Every effort was made to include all local organisations and members of the public with meetings advertised locally, through community groups and in the press. Thus, responsibility for implementing the plan rests largely with the community.

The method 1 used in compiling the plan aims to provide a more strategic approach to involving representatives of the local community in their own community’s development in that it is an inclusive approach to community planning and representation. • The first meeting on 24 th October 2007 outlined the planning process and the procedures involved. • The second and third meetings on 8th November and 22 nd of November 2007 identified the key issues facing Milford and the steps needed to address them. • On 24 th January 2008, meetings were held with representatives of the various state agencies and public service providers to seek their support for the plan and to discuss their potential roles. • A draft plan was presented and discussed at a public meeting on Thursday, 5th February 2009 . • This final version of the Plan was approved by Milford Area Community Council at a meeting in March 2009 The planning meetings were facilitated by Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

1 “ADOPT: a development model to strengthen the community sector in Ireland’s local development process”. Pat Gibbons, UCD, 2003 .

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 3 Profile of Milford – Area in Context

The community of Milford is situated in north County Cork close to the County Limerick border. It is located on the R515 regional road that runs between Charleville and Newcastle West. In the context of the Kanturk Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2005, Milford is designated as a key village as it has many key services and has the potential for future growth as varied.

At the first Public Planning Meeting in the consultation process, it was decided by those present that the Community of Milford was defined as the DED of Milford plus 5 additional town lands in three DED’s (see table).

For statistical purposes, figures for Milford DED will be considered through this plan.

Townlands within Milford Community

DED Townland Name Acres Hectares Milford Acres 54 21.9 Milford Ballagharea 316 127.9 Milford Ballyhane Lower 262 106.0 Milford Ballyhane upper 167 67.6 Milford Coolnagour 229 92.7 Milford Delliga 182 73.7 Milford Doony 301 121.8 Milford Gortaheeda 29 11.7 Milford Gortnagoul 339 137.2 Milford Kilbolane 421 170.4 Milford Kilmore 336 136.0 Milford Kinteera 53 21.4 Milford Kyle 181 73.2 Milford Laragh 542 219.3 Milford Lyragh 171 69.2 Milford Moanarnane 180 72.8 Milford Moanavraca 209 84.6 Milford Moanroe 117 47.3 Milford Prohust 611 247.3 Milford Scart 221 89.4 Milford Shronepookeen 277 112.1 Milford Teeracurra 144 58.3 Milford Trienieragh 269 108.9 Newtown Main North 817 330.6 Newtown Main South 495 200.3 Allow Concealment 87 35.2 Allow Cromoge 560 226.6 Dromcolliher Gorteens 128 51.8 TOTAL 7698 3115.2

* This table shows the DEDs & Townland’s which represent geographically the Community of Milford

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 4 Historical Background

Milford is a quiet rural village at the foot of Kilbolane Hill. Kilbolane Castle sits on top of the Hill and dates back to the coming of Strongbow to Ireland. It was the stronghold of the De Cogans and later of the Fitzgibbon branch of the Fitzgeralds. The Castle was partially destroyed by Cromwell’s troops in 1642.

It is recorded that in 1905 2 Milford Village had the following trades, professions or businesses: Shopkeeper and Vintner x 4, Carpenters x 4, Vintners x 2, Blacksmiths x 2, Shopkeepers x 2, Cooper x 2, and Grocer/General Merchant, Watchmaker, and shoemaker x 1, Post Office, Creamery, and the R.I.C. Station with living quarters, and National School.

Time moves on and today in 2008, the residents of Milford Community are no strangers to the economic terms of the “Celtic tiger” and perhaps the more damaging the “global village” and as a Community how has this benefited us? We have 1 shop/post office, 2 Vintners, 2 Garages, 1 cabinetmaker, 1 Builder, a Garda Station which is staffed remotely on certain opening hours,. In 1973 when the Dairy Co-ops were amalgamating / reorganizing / rationalising this resulted in the loss of 20 permanent jobs and 15 to 20 seasonal jobs in our Creamery. The National School went from being a 6 teacher school to a 4 teacher school over a period of two years in the 1970s due to falling enrolments. Another loss here is the social interaction which is the heart of any Community and gives people a sense of belonging and community spirit, this loss cannot be measured in monetary terms.

What does the future hold for Milford, or more importantly how can we as a Community influence or shape the future, for us as a Community going forward. In 2005 elections were held to elect a new Milford Community Council {term of Office 3 yrs.} which elected 26 members from across the whole Community. And in 2008 a new Community Council was elected with 29 members reflecting the growth in numbers in the Community. The Community Council on its own does not have the resources to achieve its goals but it does have the social capital i.e. the dedicated and skilled people capable of bringing about much needed progress and change in the community with assistance from local agencies and national statutory bodies.

* A rticle provided by Gerard Falvey, Kilbolane.

2 Grove-White, James, Historical and topographical notes, etc... on North Cork , (four vols.,1905-1918). Covers part or all of the four northern baronies of County Cork Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 5 Population

Census 2006 showed a total population of 603, comprised of 298 males & 305 females in the Milford DED. This figure indicates a percentage change in population between 2002 and 2006 of minus 2.1%, going against the trend of the previous Census figures which had shown an increase in population.

Milford DED Population Statistics Population Males Females 2006 2002 1996 2006 2002 1996 2006 2002 1996 603 616 571 298 304 284 305 312 287

*The table above shows population changes in Milford DED between the years 1996-2006 (CSO 2006)

Milford DED Population Statistics Population Change Males Change Females Change 2002- 2006 1996- 2002 1991- 1996 2002- 2006 1996- 2002 1991-1996 2002- 2006 1996-2002 1991-1996 -2.1% 7.3% -8.5 % -1.97 % 7.04% -11.3% -2.24% 8.7% -5.6%

*The table above shows percentage population changes in Milford DED between the years 1996-2006(CSO 2006)

Milford DED Population by Age (CSO 2006) Age Male Total Female Total 0-4 20 19 5-9 23 24 10-14 18 24 15-19 27 25 20-24 14 21 25-29 15 19 30-34 20 13 35-39 18 17 40-44 21 25 45-49 23 28 50-54 28 20 55-59 17 17 60-64 16 11 65-69 14 12 70-74 8 15 75-79 11 4 80-84 3 7 85 + 2 4 Total 298 305

*The table above gives a breakdown of population in Milford DED by sex and age (CSO 2006)

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 6 Community Structures

Milford has a vibrant community, voluntary and sporting sector with up to 15 active groups and sub- committees.

Milford Community Council

Milford Community Council reformed in 2004 to undertake projects that would benefit the community of Milford. Members of the Community Council are elected and representative of all areas of the community. The council has regular monthly meetings and an AGM. There are 29 elected members on the council.

Aims of Milford Community Council:

• To promote the involvement of the people of Milford in the promotion of education, cultural and economic welfare of the whole community regardless of class, political or religious persuasion. • To represent each member of the community in dealings with local government, statutory bodies and other agencies in seeking technical, financial and other assistance in the promotion of the common good. • To acquire by rental, lease, purchase or donation such property or effects as shall be necessary or expedient to those ends.

Subgroups of and associate member groups affiliated to Milford Community Council Sub-Groups: Associate Members Milford Social Club Milford Tennis Club Milford Tidy Towns Milford Historical Society

Milford Camogie Club

Milford Camogie Club was formed in January 1997. Prior to its establishment, the local girls had won two Community Games All Ireland titles in 1996 & 1997. Since its inception, the club has won every county title from U12 to Senior B as well as reaching the Feile na nGael All Ireland Finals in 1999 and 2007. Many of the girls have represented Cork at Inter County level which included three members of the club captaining the Cork three in a row minor team they were Maria Watson (2001), Elaine O Riordan (2002) and Anna Geary (2003).

See Appendix A for list of community, voluntary and sporting groups in Milford

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 7 Employment, Retailing and Economic Activity

Agriculture in particular dairy and beef farming are the main employer and source of economic activity in the area. The Creamery / Store has recently been modernised and has a substantial customer base and attracts business from a wide radius. Access to the N20 national route at Charleville is an important factor to the future development of Milford as it allows locals to commute to work in Limerick and Cork and easy access for those who wish to do business in the area. Other commercial facilities in the community include a convenience store / post office, a play school, 2 car sales garages, 2 public houses and an engineering company. The table below outlines the various industries providing employment to Milford.

Persons at Work by Industry 2006 in Milford DED Male Female Total

Agriculture 32 6 38 Construction 16 0 16 Manufacturing Electrical & Gas 46 8 54 Commerce 19 33 52 Transport 13 1 14 Clerical / Administration 6 25 31 Professional Services 10 24 34 Other 5 5 10

Total persons at work 15+ 147 102 249

Type Name(s) Engineering Quaid Engineering Seamus Kirwan Agricultural Store Kerry Group Oil Distribution Byrnes & Dillon Oil Public Houses Collins Lounge Bar O Doherty’s Bar Auto Repair & Sales Peter O Gorman Michael Donegan Grocery Shop/ Post Office Casey’s Food store / Post Office Agricultural Contractors Boyce’s Sheehy Brothers

School Milford Primary School Medical Dr Mary Roche Dairy / Agricultural Sextons Equipment Gerard O Regan Milford Play School Fitted Furniture George Fitzgibbon Builders Vincent Cremin Sand and Gravel John Dillane

* The table above outlines the main providers of employment in the community as at March 2008

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 8 Milford Creamery – Co-operative Employment

Milford Dairy Factory Co Ltd was formed in 1887. It was one of the first creameries in Ireland and was a very successful venture. In the succeeding years creameries were set up in all the surrounding parishes. In the early years butter making and milling were the main activities. Around 1915 the creamery started to generate electricity and by 1918 the church and most of the houses in the village had electric light from the creamery generator. On a few occasions during the war of independence the Black and Tans tried to burn the creamery and on the second attempt severe damage was done. The creamery company was subsequently awarded £10,000.00 in compensation.

In 1928 Milford CoOp took over the running of Dromcollogher and Dromina Creameries. In 1937 a new cheese house was built in Milford to cater for the increased production of cheese. In the 1940s and 1950s the creamery was a hive of activity with over 30 people employed. The creamery ran a very successful machinery contracting business; offering ploughing, harrowing, spraying, mowing, mole ploughing and reaper and binder for hire.

The creamery had a good business in the supply of day old chicks and the collection and export of eggs. It also supplied day old turkeys to be reared for the Christmas market. This business gave extra employment leading up to the Christmas period.

In 1943 the Creamery purchased a farm at Kilbolane. This was used to supply milk to the creamery and also as a pig fattening unit. In 1949 the creamery appointed a veterinary surgeon to deal with the veterinary needs of its suppliers.

In the 1960s Milford Creamery won several awards for butter and cheese making. In 1966 at the world Cheddar Championships in Wisconsin USA, Milford won best European entry. In 1969 Milford Cheddar Cheese won a silver medal at London International Dairy Show, it also won a number of awards at the Spring Show in Dublin.

In 1968 there were 320 milk suppliers in the Milford Dromcollogher and Dromina area. In 1973 Milford CoOp Creameries amalgamated with Golden Vale CoOp Ltd. Bulk Collection followed, in the following year’s cheese and butter production and the milling business ceased in Milford. Gradually all the milk suppliers went to bulk collection. Today there are 25 milk suppliers in the Milford area.

*Article provided by Billy Broderick, Scart.

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 9 Infrastructure and Services

According to the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), Milford also has access to a good water supply. The village is supplied with water from the Allow Water Supply Scheme. Cork County Council stated in January 2008 that this is adequate for the needs of the community in the medium term and that there is adequate water pressure. The waste water treatment plant has sufficient capacity to deal with the development needs of the community during the lifetime of the County Development Plan.

Due to its location and the topography of the area, Milford does not have an adequate broadband service (situation as of spring 2008). An adequate broadband service is integral to the economic development of the community. The provision of an efficient broadband service with adequate capacity for local needs will be a priority in this socio economic plan.

Housing, Planning and Development

According to Kanturk Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2005, there are a total of 7.4 hectares of land within the development boundary of Milford zoned for residential development

The village is termed as being elongated in nature. The development boundary has been tightly drawn to encourage development on zoned areas within the boundary. Land has been zoned for both residential and light industrial development. As there is a history of agricultural small industry in the area the potential exists for future developments (Cork County Development Plan 2005, as varied).

Planning permission was granted in 2005 for the construction of 35 no. dwelling units at Gortnahowan in Milford and in phase one, 14 no. units are currently under construction (2008). It is anticipated that further housing development will take place in the future as Milford is recognised as a community with potential for growth due to its location and the level of services in the community (Cork County Development Plan 2005, as varied).

Number of private households by type accommodation (CSO 2006) House/Bungalow Flat/Apartment Bed-sit Caravan/Mobile Not stated Total 202 1 0 2 6 211

The figures below show a large proportion of the housing stock in the DED had been built pre 1980 and also that a significant proportion of the population lives in this housing

Number of private households by year house built (CSO 2006) 1919 to 1941 to 1961 to 1971 to 1981 to 1991 to 1996 to 2001 or Not Pre 1919 Total 1940 1960 1970 1980 1990 1995 2000 later stated 34 26 32 13 16 26 17 9 26 10 209

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 10 Number of persons in private households by year house built (CSO 2006) 1919 to 1941 to 1961 to 1971 to 1981 to 1991 to 1996 to 2001 or Not Pre 1919 Total 1940 1960 1970 1980 1990 1995 2000 later stated 70 77 69 30 41 112 60 30 78 38 605

With almost two-thirds of the existing housing stock built pre-1991, a key consideration of community members is ensuring that houses are adequately insulated

Health and Care Services

There are no formal care services provided in Milford. However there are excellent facilities in the neighbouring communities of Dromcolliher and Charleville, including Respite and Day-Care Centres, semi- sheltered housing, health centres, and a Child and Family Education Centre which cater for the needs of surrounding communities including Milford.

Education and Training

There has been a formal educational structure in Milford since 1838 when the first National School was built at Scart on the Feenagh road. Kilbolane Boys & Kilbolane Girls Schools were located here. This was extended in 1893 when two classrooms were added and a total of 4 teachers employed. The current school was built in 1959 and is named Schoil Mhuire. It was built as two separate schools with 6 teachers but they were amalgamated in 1969. In the mid 1970s the school was adapted to include a general purpose room and 2 new classrooms. The school currently has 7 staff members and 91 pupils.

The surrounding towns of Dromcolliher and Charleville cater for the second level educational needs of the area. With the provision of a modern community facility Milford could benefit from additional Adult Education or other outreach services.

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 11 Amenities and Facilities

The village of Milford has a number of community facilities including a primary school, a church, a Garda Station, a Community Centre, a GAA Pitch and Clubhouse, Tennis Courts and Clubhouse, a Town Park and a Play School.

The Community Centre building was constructed around 1911 and has been a focal point for community and voluntary activity, serving as a hall for meetings and other community events.

The Village Park was previously incorporated as part of the creamery property but has since been transformed into an attractive riverside park in the centre of the village.

Milford Tennis Club was founded in 1936 and currently has in excess of 100 members its facilities include 2 grass courts, 1 hard court and a club house.

While there is no definitive date, it is believed that the GAA Club in Milford was founded in the late 1800s. Its facilities include a playing field, changing rooms and ball alley.

Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Milford is an area rich in heritage and culture. Kilbolane Castle is a visible reminder that Milford was an important focal point in the region down through the ages and it has been a wish for the community for many years to have its presence greater highlighted. There has always been a strong sporting tradition in the area, especially in the GAA, having a proud tradition and enjoying particular success on the playing fields during the 1970s and 80s.

There is a very active branch of Ceolmhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in the community. It was founded in 1992 and provides music and set dancing classes on an ongoing basis. In 2000, Milford CCE hosted the County Fleadh Ceoil, with visitors coming to the community from all over Munster; this event proved to be a great success.

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 12 SWOT Analysis Overcoming Weaknesses and Threats, Building on Strengths and Identifying Opportunities

Strengths

• Volunteers: Good community spirit and significant voluntary movement o 15 voluntary organisations in the community. o Community Council is the umbrella group. • Garda Station in the community • Landscape and riverscape • FAS Scheme • The river Deel, which flows through the centre of the village, is an untapped resource for fishing and walking • Kilbolane Castle – history available • GAA has a very strong tradition in the community and has excellent facilities • Tennis Club has over 100 members and is in process of developing its facilities • School • Playschool is located within the school and caters for children from surrounding parishes • Good facilities in Dromcolliher for the elderly, with the Daycare centre, and at Hazelwood College with the education and sporting facilities • Roads in generally good condition

Weaknesses

• Community Centre – current facility is unsuitable for community needs.(need for large and small rooms in any redevelopment) • Limited public transport particularly for elderly – need to examine Rural Bus routes • Improved wheelchair access to the church • Lack of industry means lack of local employment. Land is zoned for light industry but no industrial units have been built. • Petrol station closed recently • Lack of catering facilities for sporting events: (there are no catering facilities at the GAA pitch) • Resources for youth and teenagers limited • Lack of full day-care facilities • Lack of Broadband access (this is a barrier to business development). • Public Lighting - Lighting from village to Kilbolane Castle needs upgrading, as well as Hardingville to Dr. Croke Place, and out the Old Schoolhouse Road (Scart) • Land Zoning - The wrong land (i.e. land that will never be for sale) is currently zoned – The council appear to have ignored local representations regarding areas zoned for development • Derelict sites - Need to be continually monitored. Has been highlighted with Council by Tidy Towns committee, but its safety is still in doubt. • Footpaths – A number in need of repair, path from school to castle needs to be constructed. • Water – the pressure in the current system is low, potential to upgrade? • Sewage System - is it adequate for new houses in Gortahowan development? • Repair work to bridge in the centre of the village following car accident of very poor quality. • Speed Signs: why were they moved?

Threats

• Garda Station is manned part-time • Community centre currently closed

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 13 • Current sewage system may not have capacity if extra housing is to be attracted to the area • Lack of broadband is not helping to attract people back to area • Incorrect zoning – both residential and industrial – may not be appropriate • Speeding – may be needed to include traffic calming measures. • Anti-social behaviour. • Farm diversification – a change in way of life, and also the amount of land going to forestry • Retail premises closed lately, possibility of more? • Derelict sites must be continually monitored • Lack of facilities for classes

Opportunities

• An improved community facility which could accommodate the wider community activities, such as childcare, youth, elderly groups and activities. This could be a new greenfield location. • Planning granted for 35 houses near the village. Could part of these be for social/sheltered housing, to include appropriate facilities? • Need to get correct land zoned and housing developments to follow • Land owned by Diocese adjacent to Church could be used for community purposes • Potential to develop walkways (i.e. in Newtown, around GAA field) • Broadband (if in line of sight from Bweeng, can access Broadband) • Castle: Land privately owned but building is state owned, attracts many visitors • Develop Walkways based on historical aspects of community or broader (historical road) • Riverside could be promoted more • River, for fishing, walking • With a new Community Centre, a greater range of educational courses could be made available • Childcare/elderly facilities could be incorporated into new community centre development

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 14 Outline of Actions for the Milford Socio-Economic Plan

During the course of drawing up the plan, the issues identified were placed under specific headings, or sectors. Groups of local volunteers were formed under each of these headings to discuss and develop the ideas, meet with the relevant state agencies and identify specific areas of work and potential projects under individual headings.

Implementation of the plan will require the involvement of existing clubs and organisations in Milford, with the establishment of new working groups in some cases, and have a central structure for reporting purposes, ideally, Milford Community Council.

SECTOR PAGE

1.0 Community Structures 16-17

2.0 Environment, Infrastructure & Enterprise 18-21

3.0 Tourism, Culture & Heritage 22

4.0 Sports & Recreation 23-24

5.0 Family Services 25-27

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 15 1.0 Community Structures (including community groups and Community Hall)

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 1.1 Milford Community Centre: The community Milford Business / Dev 2008 - Ongoing Community centre is in need of repair and an Community Ballyhoura Plan Centre engineering report conducted in 2007 has Council Development outlined requirements for refurbishment. Ltd. − Review of the needs of the various Funding Cork County groups in the community who Council currently use the hall and those who may require facilities. Department of − Accommodate all needs if possible in Community, refurbishment Rural and − Examine gaps in service provision Gaeltacht Affairs − If gaps exist, could a potential replacement facility be an option, with the right supports in place? HSE 1.2 Political Local County Councillors and TD’s must All Community Lobbying Ongoing Local County Representation be lobbied to promote Milford to agencies Groups Councillors and and support this plan. They in turn will be TD’s kept updated on progress

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 16 Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 1.3 Increased There are up to 15 community and Milford All clubs and Training 2008 - Ongoing Communication voluntary groups in the Milford area. Community groups in Milford between Groups There is a need for continued and Council and the wider increased communication and Vale Star, Community cooperation between the various Corkman Funding groups for the development and wellbeing of the community. Second or Third Website: Groups to feed level students information to existing site – from the area www.milfordparish.com Community to identify if a student form the area Ballyhoura could maintain site Development Ltd Welcome Pack: Publish a Welcome Pack which would provide details of services and organizations in the Community for new residents in Milford. Volunteerism: Groups should have good volunteer practices and policies for volunteers Identify appropriate training for Volunteers

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 17 2.0 Environment, Infrastructure & Enterprise

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 2.1 Infrastructural • Traffic Calming: Speeding traffic Cork County Milford Public Funding 2008 - ongoing Issues entering the village from Kilbolane Council Community through Local Hill is a concern to the community. Council Authority This traffic is passing the school at speed and is a serious safety issue Milford Tidy − Implement traffic calming Towns measures at school with adequate approach warning • Public Lighting: There is a need for lighting from the village to Kilbolane Castle. Improved lighting is to be put in place at the school and at Dr Croke place during 2008. The lighting at end of Doona Road is inadequate also. • Derelict sites: These need to be continually monitored. The County Council will act to deal with such sites under the appropriate legislation

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies Infrastructural • Roads and Footpaths : A footpath Cork County Milford Issues (cont) is needed from the school to Council Community Kilbolane Castle. The path from the Council school to the creamery will be repaired in 2009 and wheelchair Milford Tidy access will be put in place at the Towns post office around this time. The

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 18 footpath at the 1 st terrace at the west end is to be replaced and new footpaths to be constructed between the quay wall and the bridge during 2008. o The Scart Road also needs to have a path in place and the road surface needs to be upgraded.

• Water: Cork County Council have highlighted the fact that the water pressure in the village is very good and individual households experiencing low water pressure may have internal plumbing problems. • Sewage System: The waste water treatment plant has spare capacity and is due to be upgraded in the near future Bridge: The repair works previously carried out by Cork County Council on the bridge need to be revisited to ensure that they are in keeping with its distinct architectural merit.

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies Infrastructural • Graveyard: The surface at the Cork County Milford Issues (cont) entrance to Delga Graveyard will be Council Community tarred during 2008 and the grass will Council be cut regularly. Ballyhoura Milford Tidy • Road Maintenance: Good road Development Ltd Towns maintenance is important in the Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 19 community. The problem with flood water run-off on Donna will be investigated by the Council in 2008.

• Street Sweeping: The possibility of Tidy Towns groups coming together at district level to purchase a street sweeping machine is to be investigated this may be coordinated by the CE or RS Schemes.

• Litter: Illegal dumping is an issue in the community. Instances should be reported to Cork County Council.

• Bottle bank: A concrete base will be put in place at the bottle-bank this year (summer 2008).

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 2.2 Tidy Towns Continue with the 3 year Tidy Town Milford Tidy Cork County Cork County 2008 - ongoing Plan Plans which guide the development of Towns Committee Council Council Amenity the Built and Natural Environment in Grant Milford. Ballyhoura Development Ltd Ballyhoura Development Ltd Heritage Council 2.3 Rural Bus: The rural bus service for Dromina Rural Bus Community Transport needs 2008 Transport and Newtownshandrum will be extended groups and analysis to Milford. This should commence during Milford Social individuals the spring / summer of 2008. Committee

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 20 • A transport needs analysis of the local people will be carried out by the Social Committee. • Routes to be identified and commenced 2.4 Provision of There is currently little or no broadband Milford Private broadband Critical capacity of 2008 Broadband access in Milford (spring 2008) but there Community providers – subscribers Internet is local interest in obtaining the service. Council to co- Amocom, BBNet access • Identify local interest ordinate Broadband • Meet with service providers Cork County infrastructure • Identify costs involved or Council infrastructural work required • Identify strategy for implementation 2.5 Promote New housing developments will require Milford Ballyhoura Advice/Mentoring/ 2009 retail activity a retail base and potential employment, Community Development Ltd Training for however, a critical population mass and Council individuals favourable economic environment North Cork required to sustain such an enterprise Enterprise

3.0 Tourism, Culture & Heritage

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 3.1 Develop Milford has great potential for tourist Milford Tidy Cork-Kerry Various funding 2008 & Ongoing tourism activity, with the main attractions being Towns Tourism potential of Kilbolane Castle and riverside. Milford − Examine potential to maximize use Ballyhoura of Castle. Apply to OPW & County Development Ltd Council for permission to install spot lighting at the Castle − Examine development of historic or other walkways around river

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 21 − 3.2 Document Milford has much history and folklore Local historical National & Rural 2009 history of both documented and not. group Secondary School Development Milford − Co-ordinate information from existing pupils Programme community sources and publish an extensive (LEADER) funding history of Milford Ballyhoura − Examine a potential display area Development Ltd − Source funding for History project

4.0 Sport & Recreation

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies 4.1 The provision The need for safe walking areas has Milford Ballyhoura LEADER funding 2009 of safe off- been highlighted. Community Development Ltd. road Walks in Plans are in progress for the Council Sports Capital the area provision of a 1000m walk around Grants the GAA pitch. Landowners Dept of Arts The provision of a sand based trim Sports and trail is also to be investigated as an Tourism alternative GAA The provision of lighting is also an issue which will have to be given serious consideration e.g. solar powered lighting The potential development of riverside walks also exists as does the development of walkways based on historical or other aspects of the community. 4.2 Catering The fact that there are no community Milford GAA LEADER funding 2009 facilities for facilities for cooking or catering has been County Cork visiting highlighted. Milford Camogie Local Sports Sports Capital groups − Joint project between GAA & Club Partnership Grant

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 22 Camogie to consider catering facilities on the GAA grounds Milford Ballyhoura Alternatively, Community Centre could Community Development Ltd. accommodate these facilities in a Council redevelopment or relocation. Dept of Arts Sports and Tourism

4.3 Support Milford Tennis Club has been in Milford Tennis County Cork Funding 2008 ongoing upgrading of existence since 1936. There is a current Club Local Sports existing membership of 60 juveniles and 25 Partnership Sports Capital facilities of students and 20 adults. There are 3 Grant Milford courts, 2 grass and 1 hard court. The Ballyhoura Tennis Club proposed upgrade will entail the Development Ltd. LEADER − Installation of 2 artificial surfaces and floodlighting for same Dept of Arts − Replacement of fencing around the Sports and facility Tourism − re-roofing and upgrade of clubhouse

4.4 Increased The redevelopment of the community Milford County Cork Training & indoor sports centre should include increased Community Local Sports Equipment facilities facilities, especially for youth and elderly Council Partnership

Ballyhoura Development Ltd 4.5 Playground There is a large population of children Playground Cork County Identify site 2008 under the age of 10 in the community Committee Council and the current housing development (Milford Funding will add to this number. The need for a Community Ballyhoura Playground has been highlighted. Council) Development Ltd • Form playground committee • locate a site for a playground • source funding and information 4.6 Community The park is an important amenity in a Tidy Towns / Cork County Funding for 2008 Park central location in the village its upkeep Community Council landscaping and maintenance is important

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 23 Ballyhoura Development Ltd

5.0 Family Services (including Education & Training, Health, Elderly, Childcare, Youth)

Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies

NOTE: THE PROVISION OF A SUITABLE VENUE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ROLL OUT OF THESE ACTIONS. Timescale dependent on this

5.1 Provision of Potential to increase amount of Local groups Co. Cork VEC. Annually conducted Ongoing local training community education and training Training Needs and courses in the Community Centre e.g. HSE Analysis education computers − Conduct survey to identify Ballyhoura Co- funding for courses demand and type of training Development Ltd. needed − Source support − Provide venue

5.2 Setting up of The need has been highlighted for Local youth club Foróige Training for leaders Ongoing a youth club activities for the youth of Milford steering group and although the lack of a suitable venue County Cork Venue activities for for meetings is currently a barrier. VEC young Foroige have committed to assisting Funding for adults the establishment of a youth club Ballyhoura equipment/programmes − A needs analysis with the youth of Development Ltd the area may be undertaken 5.3 There is no purpose built childcare Local childcare Cork County Needs analysis Ongoing Development facility in the community. While the steering group Childcare

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 24 Lead Support Number Action Description Organisations / Organisations / Resources Timescale Agencies Agencies of childcare community recognise a need for such Committee Venue facilities a facility. The HSE will only provide funding when a survey of the childcare HSE Funding needs in the community has been undertaken and the needs quantified Local schools / i.e. Children’s ages and Working Parents hours of parents etc Association − Establish local childcare steering group to investigate − Carry out needs assessment − Identify suitable location − Source funding for capital & staffing 5.4 Provision of Milford has a substantial elderly HSE Venue Ongoing service and population with 13% of the population Social committee support for aged 65 and over. The only social Co. Cork VEC Training & Funding older activities organized in the community members of are the twice yearly outings organized Cork County community by the social committee of the Sports community council. Partnership Carry out needs assessment − Assess demand − Establish an active retirement group − Identify suitable venue − Set up activities and schedule − Source appropriate funding 5.5 Create With an active group for elderly and Social committee HSE Various funding 2009 ongoing vibrant primary school there is links potential for developing joint projects Local School Co. Cork VEC between (e.g. Friendship Tree in Dromina) older Cork County persons and Council Arts youth Office

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 25 Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 26 Implementing the plan

The benefits of the Plan will only be achieved if its policies are translated into action. The implementation of the Plan will be through:

• The development control process; • Developing partnerships with agencies; • Ongoing management of the Plan; • Monitoring and reviewing the Plan regularly.

Responsibilities of community groups and agencies

Implementation of the plan will depend primarily on ensuring strong local involvement and voluntary effort. The plan is a community plan and the greater support it has in the local community, the more likely it is that the goals identified can be met. The plan will require a strong umbrella structure to be put in place in place to ensure that it is implemented.

Statutory bodies and other support agencies must also recognise that the Milford Community have a legitimate role in the in the development of the area and that both they and the community must work together in partnership to achieve the actions contained in this plan.

Structures required implementing the actions

Milford Community Council, which was established in the 2007, acts as an umbrella organisation and coordinating body for groups in the community. With such an umbrella structure in place it is important that it uses this plan as a guiding document for planning and development within the community for its duration, subject to review. Specific actions have been assigned to other local groups within the plan and it is important that they participate in the process and engage relevant supports where required.

Training needed to assist implementation

There is a need for training to assist local volunteers in implementing the plan. This is particularly relevant in terms of putting local community structures on a firm foundation. Ballyhoura Development Ltd. will assist with providing advice, information and training for community groups on committee skills, legal and structural issues (e.g. charitable status), insurance, attracting and keeping new volunteers, improving facilities and in other areas where support might be required.

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 27 Appendix A Community, voluntary, sporting and political groups in Milford, Co. Cork

Group Name First Name Surname Contact Position Address1 Address2 Address3 County Milford Community Council Gerard Falvey Chairperson Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork Sarah Broderick Secretary Scart Milford Charleville Cork Milford Camogie Club EllenAnn Geary Chairperson Gurteen Milford Charleville Cork Kay Galvin Secretary Coolagour Milford Charleville Cork Milford GAA Club Sean Carroll Chairman Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork John Dillon Secretary Gibbonsgrove Milford Charleville Cork Milford Juvenile GAA Club Eamon Murphy Chairman Bunmona Milford Charleville Cork Sean O’Gorman Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork Milford Coursing and Gun Club Paul Buckley Secretary Scart Milford Charleville Cork Garry O’Mahony Chairman Lauragh Milford Charleville Cork Milford Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Eamon Murphy Chairman Bunmona Milford Charleville Cork Mary Healy Secretary Ballyhrea Milford Charleville Cork Milford Golf Society Pat O’Friel President Scart Milford Charleville Cork Sean Carroll Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork Milford Historical Committee Gerard Falvey Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork Fr. Padraig Keogh Chairman Milford Charleville Cork Milford Fianna Fail Donal O Murchu Chairman Kyle Milford Charleville Cork Bart Donegan Secretary Blossomville Milford Charleville Cork Milford Fine Gael Pat O’Connell Secretary Gortnagaol Milford Charleville Cork Denis Holmes Chairman Fortwilliam Milford Charleville Cork Milford Parents Council Mairead Stritch Chairperson Tieracurra Milford Charleville Cork Valerie O’Sullivan Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork Milford Tidy Towns Ena Enright Chairperson Scart Milford Charleville Cork Hanna Waker Treasurer West End Milford Charleville Cork Milford Tennis Club Billy Broderick Chairman Scart Milford Charleville Cork Anthony Geary Secretary Monabraca Milford Charleville Cork

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 28 Appendix B

Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in Milford area

RPS No. Name of Structure Townland

00001 Kilbolane House Kilbolane 00002 Kilbolane Castle (Tower House) Kilbolane 00003 Former Scart School Scart 00015 Gibbingsgrove House & Lodge Maine South 00018 Prohust House Prohust 01094 Thatch House Doony 01096 Thatch House Cloonleagh South 01097 Thatch House Cloonleagh South 01100 Thatch House Kyle

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 29 Appendix C

Milford District Electoral Division

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 30 Other Resources

National The National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 The National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020

County The Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social & Cultural Development of County Cork, 2002 - 2011 (County Development Board) Retail Strategy March 2004 – Variation to the Cork County Development Plan 2003. Cork Recreational Needs Report (1999) Ready Steady Play – A National Play Policy. (National Children’s Office) The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001 – 2020 The North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 – 2020 The Cork County Development Plan 2003

Local www.milfordparish.com

Further information

Further information on this plan can be obtained from Milford Community Council.

Alternatively, please contact:

The Community Development Officer Ballyhoura Development Ltd. Main Street, Charleville, Co. Cork. Tel. +353 (0)63 21008 Fax. +353 (0)63 21147 Web www.ballyhouracountry.com

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 31