Erris: committed to community

people, pride, progress > In Shell, we are committed to working in partnership with the Since taking over from Terry Nolan as Managing Director of Shell communities in which we operate, in order to bring benefits to the E&P Ireland Limited, I have been struck by many things in the Erris local area. This is something we do all over the world through our community: the beautiful landscape, the warmth of the people, community investment programmes. the close-knit nature of the many villages and townlands that make up the barony of Erris. Most striking of all, however, has We now have three strands to our community investment been the central role volunteerism plays in the life of the local programme in Erris. The Local Grants Programme has been in community. existence since 2006, the Third-Level Scholarship programme was launched in 2007 and, in 2009, the long-term Erris Development I have heard many tales of these voluntary endeavours, and Fund was initiated. they have left a powerful impression of a caring and energetic community. Over the coming years, I look forward to seeing these I am proud to say that all three have worked very positively for efforts for myself as I get to know the area. And I expect I will be the Erris community. Great credit in this regard is due to the even more impressed with the Erris volunteer spirit. two independent boards that oversee these programmes, the Terry Nolan scholarship board and the Erris Development Fund board. The ten Like Terry, I too have been struck by the sheer breadth of activities people who comprise these boards bring with them professional taking place and organisations doing work here – all for the expertise, integrity and a strong desire to see Erris progress – all vital benefit of the community. I am proud that Shell has been able to ingredients in the smooth and efficient running of our programmes. assist many different organisations in furthering key projects and to support ongoing projects in a small way. The greatest contributors to the success of these initiatives, however, are the people of Erris. When applications first began to I believe that communities should benefit from the presence pour in for our local grants, I was amazed by the sheer volume of of large organisations like Shell. It is a value that we have as a community and voluntary organisations working in this area. From company and is one of which I am fully supportive. It is essential, GAA clubs to soccer clubs, women’s organisations to meals on of course, that the community rather than the company leads in wheels services, cancer support providers to guardians of cultural terms of ideas and plans. Clearly this has been the case on Corrib heritage, Erris is blessed with an exceptionally rich network of over the last four years and it has paid dividends. people doing good for their community. It is the ‘meitheal’ spirit in its truest and most positive form. My commitment as I take over as Managing Director is to continue to support the realisation of benefits for the Erris community. As Investing in a community can only bear fruit when that community our programmes evolve moving forward, working in partnership has a vision for itself and the determination to see it realised. The with the community and with other agencies that serve this many volunteers involved in the development of Erris have the community will continue to underpin our activities. necessary vision and drive and are willing to work in partnership with others to shape their community in a positive and sustainable way. I look forward to getting to know the people of Erris and the many voluntary organisations within it and to developing a fuller During my time as MD of Shell E&P Ireland Limited, I was privileged appreciation of the work they do. to be part of such a proud community. Long may its success Working in Partnership continue. Sincerely, Michael Crothers Is mise, le meas,

Michael Crothers MD, Shell E&P Ireland Limited Terry Nolan Shell E&P Ireland Limited, 2006-2011 Corrib Gas Partners’ community investment in Erris Local Grants Programme Third-Level Scholarships Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund For the past five years Shell’s vision (allied to that of its The Local Grants Programme has been in operation since 2006 The Third-Level Scholarship Programme was launched in 2007 for The final strand of our Community Investment Programmes in partners, Statoil and Vermilion) of being a good neighbour in the and is designed to give small-scale financial support to local an initial three-year period, offering scholarships to ten students Erris is the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund, which communities in which it operates has been manifesting itself organisations which are working to contribute to the economic, each year from the four secondary schools serving the Erris was launched in January 2009 with an initial fund of €5m for the in positive ways in the community of Erris, through our three cultural, social, environmental and sporting development of region – Coláiste Chomáin, Rossport; St Patrick’s College, Lacken- construction phase of the project. The objectives of the Erris Community Investment initiatives – the Local Grants Programme, the communities in which they exist. When construction of the Cross; Ours Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet, and St Brendan’s Development Fund are twofold: the Third-Level Scholarship Programme and the long-term Erris Bellanaboy Bridge Gas Terminal was at its height, this programme Secondary School, Belmullet. The scholarships are valued at • To contribute to the long-term economic, social, environmental Development Fund. From 2007 to 2011 alone over €5m was was run in partnership with contractors who worked there. These €4,000 per student per year of their degree programme, with the and cultural development of Kilcommon and the wider Erris area committed in funding across these three programmes – benefiting included PM Group, Roadbridge Ltd, Mercury Engineering Ltd, SIAC applications assessed by an independent Scholarship Board. over 155 voluntary and community-based projects across the five Butlers Steel Ltd, Kilcawley Construction and Hertel Ireland Ltd. • To contribute to capacity-building in Kilcommon and the wider The programme proved so successful that, in January 2010 Shell, parishes of Erris, in addition to 51 secondary school students from Awards of between €500 and €10,000 are made to the successful Erris area by providing both financial and non-financial assistance following a recommendation from the Board, announced an the area. applicants. which will benefit the local community extension for a further three years. This represents a further In addition to this, many of our staff at a local level have given For applications to be successful they must meet our three stated investment of €450,000 in the young people of Erris over the period There are three categories for funding: Enterprise and Knowledge freely of their time and expertise in various community fundraising criteria: they must be local to Erris (serving the needs of the Erris 2010 to 2012, in addition to the €450,000 that was spent from (including education), Marine and Environment (including tourism) initiatives, and have also assisted second level students with CV community or bringing benefits to Erris residents), they must 2007 to 2009. and Sports and Culture. The Fund is administered on behalf of the preparation and interview skills. show that they are inclusive and widely beneficial, and they must Corrib Gas Partners by an Independent Advisory Board, comprised show that the project/activity is sustainable. Priority is given to of community development agency representatives from all over applications from organisations within the parish of Kilcommon as Mayo, who consider the applications and make recommendations this is where our operations are centred. Between 2007 and 2011 for funding to the Corrib Gas Partners. Fiona Togher over €1.3m was allocated to 136 different organisations under this The Fund has now been in operation for over three years working programme. within clearly defined terms of reference. From the start of 2009 to the end of 2011, in excess of 55 applications were received with commitments of funding totalling €3.4million to 26 different projects within Erris. In the pages that follow you will read about the wonderful projects and activities undertaken by community and voluntary groups within the five parishes of Erris, initiatives that the Corrib Gas Partners have been proud to support. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine”.

Fiona Togher Community Investment Advisor

Community

Community investment overviewCommunity investment Showcase > Support born out of experience born Support

“I came away from the Glenamoy feeling Organisation Glenamoy Community dazed by the experience, from our walk Organisation Cara Iorrais Cara Iorrais can be contacted on Angling Association up to the upper catchment area . . . to our Parish Belmullet 097 20590. Contact can be made Parish Kilcommon thrilling adventures among grilse and Nature of organisation Cancer support service outside of the house opening times. Nature of organisation or Promotion of or activities activities angling tourism sea-trout as the flood tempered” – Chris McCully, Trout and Salmon angling magazine

The Glenamoy Community Angling Association came into being Extensive fishing is available from the new bridge pool down to Almost every family has been touched by cancer at some stage – The Cara Iorrais house offers a wide range of services: in 1999 when they leased the Glenamoy river from the State. The Spirog. A ‘fly only’ rule is in place. For the past number of years, as and all have been helped through the ordeal by a network of people primary objective of the association is to promote tourism in the a conservation measure, a catch and release system operated. This they trust. • A drop-in centre where people can have a cup of tea and a area by developing the fishery and bringing in more anglers. The catch and release policy ceased in 2011 when a new rule came into chat in a friendly, homely and understanding atmosphere Cara Iorrais is a voluntary organisation that offers support and association has about 30 members and is run by a committee effect. encouragement to Erris people who are diagnosed with cancer • Monthly meetings for men and women with a cancer elected at the AGM. Classified as a ‘late’ river fishery, it opens in late May/early June and also supports their families and friends. All the volunteers at diagnosis with anglers tending to enjoy the most successful angling during the Cara Iorrais support house in Belmullet have been through the The Glenamoy river is located in the Bangor district and gets a • Complementary therapies, such as massage reflexology etc August and September. The venue is growing in popularity with trauma of cancer and so can empathise with people who are faced good run of grilse and sea-trout from July to September. It is a • Beauty therapy for ladies spate river, approximately seven miles long, with the best of the fishermen visiting from England, Wales, Germany and Spain, as well with the challenge themselves. as from many parts of Ireland. • Health awareness seminars for men and women angling to be had as the water levels recede after a flood. Cara Iorrais was set up in 2004 by a small group of women who, at Club member Philip Irwin said the investment in the river was well the time, had been diagnosed with or were undergoing treatment • Professional counselling on a one-to-one basis In recent years, considerable development works have been carried worthwhile. for cancer. As the need for the service grew and the group increased out, under the catchment management initiative run by the North • A wide range of information booklets in numbers a more formal organisation was put in place and, in Western Regional Fisheries Board (now the Inland Fisheries Ireland) “Already we are seeing the benefits in terms of an increased number 2006, the members rented a house at No 2 Church Street, set up All the services are free of charge and the aim of the Cara Iorrais and with some financial support from the Corrib Gas Partners. of anglers and improved catches. There is also the benefit to the as a registered association and began to use the house as a drop-in support centre is to continue providing support and encouragement landowners whose lands are now well protected against the floods Access has been improved with an extensive bush clearance centre and meeting place. to those in need of the services. in the river,” he said. programme and with the erection of stiles and footbridges along Over the years there has been a considerable increase in the The Cara Iorrais house is open: Tuesday, 11.30 to 2pm; Thursday, the length of the fishery. River banks have been strengthened In 2010 the river got an excellent review when it was prominently Angling river growing in popularity in growing river Angling services provided and the members are proud of the fact that 7pm to 9pm; Friday, 11.30am to 2pm. through the placement of rock armour. Angling pools have been featured in the prestigious Trout and Salmon Angling magazine. so much has been achieved in a relatively short period of time. excavated and a 150-metre wheelchair accessible concrete runway The email address is [email protected]. Further details on the river can be viewed at The success is a huge tribute to the members and hard-working and guard rail was constructed to improve facilities for disabled www.glenamoyangling.com. volunteers who are always available to assist in every way possible anglers. Parking was also improved to facilitate access to this pool. to keep Cara Iorrais running in such a smooth and efficient manner. Creating equality in the workplace

Organisation Cill Chomáin GAA Club Organisation Irish Association of Supported 1887 – the year Cill Chomáin Employment (IASE) 56 – the number of people with Parish Kilcommon GAA Club was founded Parish Based in Belmullet, but offering disabilities who have got job Nature of organisation Gaelic games for boys services nationwide or activities and girls of all ages; placements as a result of the Job community activities and Nature of Promoting equal employment facilities organisation opportunities for people with Shadow Initiative since 2008 or activities disabilities

Cill Chomáin GAA club is firmly rooted in the parish of Kilcommon Since it was re-established a huge effort has gone into the While equality of access and opportunity is a concept that has In 2010, the ‘Working a ‘Way’ project, part-funded by the Corrib and has a history of service stretching back to the early years of the development of facilities and into the promotion of the games at been embraced in Ireland in recent years, it is still not something Natural Gas Erris Development Fund, was undertaken by the IASE. Association. underage level. Cill Chomáin now has one of the finest grounds in all people with disabilities can take for granted when it comes to It involved 100 students from five secondary schools in North North Mayo and regularly fields 14 teams ranging from Under-8 seeking employment. Mayo surveying 500 employers across all employment sectors As in many rural areas, the club occasionally fell upon lean times to Intermediate. The club also fields five ladies teams (Under-13 to nationwide, with the focus on assessing their attitudes to employing and had to cease its activities. Without a club of their own young Based in Belmullet and operating since 1994, the Irish Association Intermediate) and provides players for Mayo teams at all grades. people with a disability. A written report on the findings was men from the area “loaned” their services to other units of the of Supported Employment (IASE) is a national organisation that produced, which will be used by IASE to influence positive policy association, often with considerable success and maintaining a acts as an advocate and information provider for people with The club is deeply involved in the community, development in the area of disability and supported employment. tradition and example for other young players in the parish to disabilities, while also seeking to work with and educate employers. co-operating in the running of the local lotto, sponsoring follow. It is, as Belmullet native Sarah Togher, who is the National Co- A short film was also produced by the participating students around the local FÁS scheme and running the Rural Social Ordinator for IASE, points out ‘the only national charity based in a the topic of supported employment and attitudes in the community But always the pride in parish remained and those periods of Scheme. The Community Games are held every year in Gaeltacht area’. regarding the employment of people with disabilities. inactivity were followed by a new zeal and commitment to parish Cill Chomáin grounds. and success. The present club was reconstituted in 1998 as the Cill One of the IASE’s best-known and most successful programmes “It’s amazing how quickly attitudes can be changed once In 2000, the members celebrated the opening of their grounds at Chomáin club with people such as Pat Healy, JP Murphy, Anthony is its Job Shadow Initiative, through which people with disabilities awareness is created,” says Sarah. Deane (RIP), Brendan Maloney (RIP) and Philip Irwin taking the Lenarevagh, which are dedicated to the memory of Anthony Deane are given an opportunity to ‘shadow’ a workplace mentor as they and Brendan Maloney, two of the founding members. A festival “That’s one of our greatest achievements, but it would not be

More than just a football club a football just than More initiative to enter a junior team in the North Mayo championship. go about their daily work. This gives the participant an insight possible without the fantastic support we receive from many is also held annually in memory of both men, who were stalwart into the skills and education required to succeed in the workplace, The club in now firmly established on the Erris landscape with a different people and organisations here in Erris.” players and officers of the club. while helping the employer to see how concerns they have about well-appointed ground and dressing-room facilities at Lenarevagh, employing someone with a disability can be overcome. Glenamoy. The club draws on players from all over the parish of Cill Further major development plans are currently in the offing, as Cill Chomáin, which has a population of approximately 2,000. Chomáin GAA club endeavours to be the best it can be. Supporting GAA development traditions traditions development GAA Supporting

Organisation Erris Tourism Organisation Belmullet GAA Club “Carne is, quite simply, the most stunning €1.8m – the overall cost Parish Erris-wide Parish Belmullet ‘discovery’ I have made in golf. Even the of Belmullet GAA Club’s facilities Nature of organisation Provision of tourism impressive reports I heard about the place Nature of organisation Gaelic games for 4,000 or activities services or activities members; community at Tallagh hadn’t prepared me for the splendour of facilities and activities the terrain” – Dermot Gilleece, Irish Times

Since its inception in 1985, Erris Tourism’s focus on responsible and And Erris Tourism’s achievements have been many. The world- The proud position Belmullet holds in the history of Mayo GAA “The stumbling block in all major developments is sustainable tourism has been underpinned by a belief in community renowned Carne Golf Links is, undoubtedly, the jewel in the crown has been cemented in recent times with the completion of a €1.8 finance,” said Seán Ó Gallchóir. involvement and ownership. With over 115 members, a board of and it continues to be Erris’s flagship tourism product, attracting million development at Tallagh that includes two full-size Prunty 20 people and a host of community volunteers who help out in over 11,000 golfers to the area annually. playing pitches, a state-of-the-art clubroom, four spacious dressing “We were fortunate that we were able to call on the different ways at different times, development of the vital tourism rooms, a covered stand and parking facilities. Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Securing Blue Flag status for three of the area’s beaches has also sector has been a community-wide project in Erris. and FÁS for support.” been an achievement of note, while the restoration of the old The massive development was completed in record time to host the This community-based approach has been the key to the company’s Church of Ireland building in Belmullet town is another success prestigious Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta competition in June 2010. “We also applied to the [Corrib Natural Gas] Erris success, on many levels. story to which the company can point. The event attracted 25 teams and more than 10,000 people to the Development Fund and because we were able to show Erris capital and, to crown a magnificent development effort by the that we were capable of delivering the project and that “Local ownership is very important in an organisation like this,” With a detailed strategic plan now being worked through, other club, the Belmullet team went on to win the tournament. the development was community-based and sustainable, explains Eamon Mangan, one of the founding directors of the areas such as nature-based tourism, outdoor pursuits, walking we secured an allocation of €250,000,” said Seán. non-profit company. “From day one we set out to involve as many and cycling, cultural activities and festivals are all also being It was the culmination of a hectic period of planning and completion people as possible because we recognised that involving people by the club membership under the guidance of chairman Seán Ó developed and enhanced. The financial support was critical but to ensure the development encouraged them to take pride in what was happening. Gallchóir. For decades the club had been long-term tenants of the Offering a variety of value-for-money holidays and short was ready for the Comórtas required a massive effort by the club town park in Belmullet, but when this property became essential “As a result of this, we have always had an abundance of help and breaks, combining the excellent local accommodation members and the players. to the development of the town, the members agreed a plan to re- this has also been of great benefit to us when it came to fundraising. offerings with other activities and services, is also a key focus. locate to Tallagh. “Everybody, young and old, put their weight behind the effort and In the early days, the amount of funding you would get from State it all paid off with an official opening by the President of the GAA, or European sources depended on your ability to raise a local And with two full-time development staff, funded by the Corrib They used a payment of €65,000 from Mayo County Council to Christy Cooney, and of course the team’s win in the final of the contribution. When agencies realised that we could raise funds Natural Gas Erris Development Fund, now employed by Erris secure a 20-acre site and commenced an ambitious programme of Comórtas,” added Seán. locally, doors opened for us.” Tourism, progress is set to continue. development. Owning the community’s greatest asset Leading the way for soccer in Erris

Organisation Erris Branch of Irish Wheelchair Organisation Iorras Aontaithe Association 1982 – the year the Erris branch of IWA 2004 – the year national glory Parish Kilmore Erris Parish Based in Belmullet but with was established came to the club with the winning of Erris-wide services Nature of organisation Soccer club for all ages or activities the Under-18 FAI Youth Challenge Cup Nature of organisation or Individual needs-based services activities for people with disabilities

A glance through the history of the Irish Wheelchair Association enabling the service to expand three-fold with support from Founded in 1984, Iorras Aontaithe (Erris United) is a soccer club and by 2001 they had grounds and dressing rooms that more than (IWA) in Erris reveals the determination and ambition that has HSE West, CLÁR, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the national IWA with over 200 members and a great record of success in all levels of matched the criteria for Super League status laid down by the Mayo attended its efforts since its inception. From humble beginnings, organisation. competition. FAI. These developments have been part-funded by the Corrib it has grown steadily and surely, suffering setbacks along the way Gas Partners, the FAI, the local Leader Programme, and Roinn na Since that move further consultation identified a clear need for They have developed Carne Nash Park as their home ground and it but never being deterred from its aim of providing the best possible Gaeltachta, in addition to their own local fundraising activities. increased services, including residential respite, employment is replete with two full-size playing pitches, clubhouse with dressing services for people with disabilities all over Erris. opportunities, independent living, training, extended communal room facilities and an all-weather astroturf pitch. In 2003 Erris United were crowned Super League Champions. centre programmes and the provision of various therapies. Now, after almost 30 years of proud service – along with From an early date the club members were conscious of the need The following year, on Easter Sunday 2004, in Milebush Park, vigorous campaigning and fundraising – its impressive new, A campaign was launched for a new purpose-built centre and, late to develop underage football so that there would be a continuous Castlebar the club won the Under-18 FAI Youth Challenge Cup – purpose-built multi-resource centre is finally complete. in 2010, these efforts were crowned with success when funding was stream of players to underpin the club’s future. Resulting from this the first club in Connacht to win this cup. It was a proud day for everyone associated with the club. secured from a variety of sources, including the Corrib Natural Gas emphasis on underage, the club began to enjoy success in Under-18 Originally the service began on a small scale with a two-day per week Erris Development Fund, for the new facility at the Logmore site. competitions and by the early ‘90s were twice runner-up in the In 2006 the Mayo Association in Dublin saw fit to acknowledge the operation from a one-room premises in Carter Square, attending to Mayo Youth Championships (Quigley Cup). In 2009 they reached According to Rose Coyle, Service Co-Ordinator, the key to the work done by the club and awarded them the Mayo Meitheal of the the needs of 35 people with disabilities. In 1993/1994 a survey and the semi-final of the FAI Umbro Junior Cup. consultation process established the need for day activity, respite and success of the Erris IWA is the commitment of the local volunteers. Year Award. “This commitment is essential in the provision of services and When Erris United entered the Mayo League in 1984 they joined housing in Erris and the west. As a result, the service was relocated to In 2008 the Club reverted to using the Irish name of Iorras also in the area of fundraising. We have been fortunate that the the old Division 3. The first game was played at Carne Nash Park the CYMS hall in the church grounds in 2000. Aontaithe. local community always responds generously and this support is in 1996 and the facility has gone from strength to strength since. A more diverse range of training and social activities was now being recognised at national and regional level with the result that we also After continued success on the field and regular promotions, they Mr Tom Reilly, Club Chairman, said the future looked bright for offered. The transport services were improved and expanded, have the full backing of the national IWA for the development of reached the Super League. However, due to the criteria laid down by Iorras Aontaithe. “We now have well laid-out playing grounds and out-reach facilities were provided in Kilcommon and there was an our services,” she added. The contribution of Rose Coyle to the work the Mayo League in terms of necessary facilities, including dressing training and dressing room facilities. We continue to place a big increase in the number of centre-based services. of the IWA in Erris was rewarded with the accolade of Erris Person of rooms, Erris United could not progress to the Super League. emphasis on underage football and we are confident that we can the Year in 2012. meet with even greater success in the future.” In 2004, it relocated to pre-fab accommodation at Logmore, That setback galvanised the club into developing their facilities Adapting to changing community needs Enhancing a village’s a Enhancing beauty natural

Organisation Lower Owenmore River Organisation Pullathomas Village Development Association 211 square miles – the size Enhancement Scheme 1,000 – the number of towns and Parish Kiltane of the area drained by the Parish Kilcommon villages that have participated in the Nature of organisation Angling/tourism Owenmore River Nature of organisation Improvements to safety Tidy Towns since 1958 or activities or activities and appearance of village

One of the great tourism assets that Erris has is its angling potential owners and the fisheries board came together in a somewhat “We have wonderful natural amenities but it was necessary to There is also provision for additional public lighting, erection of and the Owenmore river stands out as a beacon, attracting anglers unique grouping – The Lower Owenmore River Development brighten up a few areas to have the village looking its best.” new gates and fencing, the repair and construction of stone walls, from near and far throughout the angling season. Association – to approach the Corrib Gas Partners with a improved recreational facilities for children, additional signage in So says Tommy Coyle, explaining the simple but noble purpose comprehensive and costed plan for the lower section of the river. Irish and English and information boards detailing the history of the Now, thanks to a recent development project, its future value has behind the Pullathomas Village Enhancement Scheme. While They also put their hands in their own pockets to contribute match area and the planting of flower beds and hedges. been secured for everyone who benefits from it. some community development projects result in modern and funding to the project. well-equipped new amenities coming to an area, this initiative aims Among the works completed in the past three years are pavements, The Owenmore river is one of the most productive wild salmon and “The development of the plan,” according to Fisheries Board only to bring about ongoing improvements for the enjoyment of kerbing and surface water drainage and the construction of stone sea trout fisheries in Ireland. Over the years the North Western inspector Michael Hughes, “generated enormous goodwill among residents and visitors to the area. walls and fencing. Regional Fisheries Board (now Inland Fisheries Ireland, Ballina) had the landowners, the fisheries rights owners and anglers who have been concerned about erosion of the lower section of the river To date a number of pieces of work have been carried out, in not always co-operated in the past. It became clear that there were An extension to these works got under way in 2011, with the stretching from the village of Bangor to the estuary where it flows conjunction with Mayo County Council and with support from significant gains to be achieved for everyone by working together.” help of a €100,000 allocation from the Corrib Natural Gas Erris through extensive farmland of fertile, alluvial soil. various funding agencies, including Leader and the Corrib Natural Development Fund. The ongoing benefits of this work are clear, according to Fisheries Gas Local Grants Programme. The nature of this soil makes it very vulnerable to erosion, Board Secretary, Denis Neary. something that was also of concern to the local farmers who From small beginnings the committee received requests for further Pullathomas native Tommy Coyle spent much of his life living and watched as their land was being swept away by occasional raging developments and now has ambitions to develop the area such that working in England but returned to the village over three years ago “The landowners benefit by having the land protected from floods. In 2004 the Fisheries Board drafted a plan – “Towards a new it will be in a position to submit strong entries to the Tidy Village, and quickly became interested in enhancing the appearance of the further erosion, the fishery owners have the fishery restored area. era for the Owenmore” – for the management and development and improved and anglers will benefit from better fishing Baile Bheo and Pride of Place competitions. of the fishery. One of the key recommendations of the plan was to and improved access to the angling pools. “Also, the wider Another important aspect of the enhancement programme is to “When I came back to the area I decided to join in with a number “quantify the bank erosion problem in the catchment and prepare a community will benefit as more anglers visit the area thus make the area safer for local people, especially children and the of other people to see if we could make some improvements to the plan for its remediation”. providing an important boost to tourism. It is a fine example of elderly, and priority is given to the construction of footpaths in village, for the benefit of everyone,” says Tommy. Sustainable community development Sustainable sustainable community development in action,” said Denis. In May 2008 19 local landowners along with the fisheries rights’ suitable sections of the village. Catering for community the

Programme Corrib Natural Gas Third-Level Organisation Seirbhísí Cúram Chill “Our motto is ‘Actions speak louder Scholarships 51 – the number of Erris Chomáin Teo than words’” – Micheál Ó hÉalaithe Open to Leaving Cert students in four Erris students who have been Parish Kilcommon secondary schools awarded scholarships Nature of organisation Provision of community or activities services

Once the Leaving Cert was the pinnacle of educational St Brendan’s College, Belmullet; Our Lady’s Secondary School, Seirbhísí Cúram Chill Chomáin Teo began life as Coiste Forbartha throughout Kilcommon parish. Meals are also provided in the centre achievement, now third-level is considered a natural follow-on. Belmullet and St Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross. The successful Ceathrú Thaidhg, which was set up in 1998 at a public meeting seven days a week. Exercise, bingo and cómhra are facilitated twice students are chosen by an independent board of five people. attended by 120 people drawn from the Ceathrú Thaidhg/Ros a week, once in Cornboy and once in Inver. It can be daunting – leaving home for the first time, moving to a Dumhach area. city, not getting home for weeks on end, meeting a whole new set There is a “morning call” service for the elderly living alone. Guest Vinnie’s course offered a good mix of study, projects and of people. But for Carne native Vinnie McDonnell, who completed a practical work, as well as a lengthy work placement, which he A committee was established with two members nominated by the speakers are invited from time to time to address topics of interest degree in Quantity Surveying in Limerick Institute of Technology in undertook with Kilcawley Construction, who were working various villages in the catchment area. The first cathaoirleach was in the area. Courses such as art, crochet, health and safety, basic 2011, it was the experience of a lifetime. on the Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal at the time of his Máistir Liam De Búrca with Micheál Ó hÉalaithe as rúnaí. computers for the elderly and money and budgeting advice are placement. made available on a regular basis during the winter months. “It was a bit off-putting at first going to Limerick and not knowing The twin objectives of the coiste were to address the socioeconomic anyone there, but it was the best thing I ever did,” says the graduate issues affecting the community and to improve the social amenities For all those faced with the prospect of filling in a CAO form in the Music sessions and dancing are organised on a monthly basis. of St Brendan’s College, Belmullet. of the area. coming months, Vinnie offers some words of encouragement. Trips and tours to places of interest are organised every other “It was tough at times, but a fantastic experience. I learned how to In 2002, a limited company was set up which is now Seirbhísí week. A care/repair service is made available to the elderly and “I always wanted to go to college and I’m so glad now that I did. I survive on my own, how to cook for myself, how to put myself out Cúram Chill Chomáin Teo. A lease on the former curate’s house in there is an annual Christmas party. A small library service is had heard a lot about it from other people and it is something that I also available. there and not be shy. You learn a lot about yourself in college and Cornboy was acquired from St Muredach’s Trust and this enabled the believe everyone should do if they get the opportunity.” education will never hamper you in any way.” development, refurbishment and extension of the centre now known “Our motto is ‘Actions speak louder than words’,” says Micheál Details of the Corrib Natural Gas Third-Level Scholarships are as Ionad Lae/Pobail Greannaí. The cost of €300,000 was financed Vinnie is one of 51 people in the Erris area who has been awarded a Ó hÉalaithe, Secretary, Seirbhísí Cúram Chill Chomáin Teo. “The available in the four schools in springtime. from local fund-raising and assistance from Roinn na Gaeltachta. scholarship over the last five years through the Corrib Natural Gas centre employs a manager and 12 part-time staff and every

Taking educationTaking to another level Third-Level Scholarship programme. Each year, scholarships are The Corrib Natural Gas Third-Level Scholarship programme got The centre was officially opened on April 22, 2005 by an tAire day each one of them lives up to our motto. We are now firmly awarded to ten Leaving Cert students attending the four second- under way in 2007 and is currently in the final year of its second Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, Éamon Ó Cuív. established in our area and have a sound reputation for the efficient level schools in the Erris area – Coláiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach; three-year cycle. service provided to our people.” Among the services provided from the centre is meals-on-wheels, through which up to 180 meals a week are delivered to homes The service has received funding from the Corrib Gas Partners. Leading the way on sustainable fishing sustainable on way Leading the

Organisation RNLI in Mayo Organisation Iascairi Chois Chósta Iorras Selfless, dependable, Teo/Erris Lobster Conservation 20% - the level by which Parish Erris-wide and Restocking Association juvenile lobster stocks are Nature of organisation or Saving lives at sea trustworthy, courageous Parish Erris-wide activities expected to grow – the values of the RNLI Nature of organisation Lobster conversation and or activities restocking initiative

It is estimated that as many as 22 lives per week are saved by the It also covers the north coast of Achill Island right down to Achill The biggest v-notching programme ever rolled out on a regional Environmental Management System is soon to be introduced on Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in response to incidents Sound and to Ballycroy and Doohoma. basis in Ireland was launched in Erris is 2010 and funded under the a national basis, which will bring in regulations in regard to waste at sea. With such a lengthy coastline and a rich maritime tradition, Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund. management by fishermen in terms of recycling oil, plastics and old The all-weather lifeboats have a range of up to 100 nautical miles Mayo knows the value of such a service better than most counties. fishing gear etc. By becoming part of this Management System the off the coast at a constant speed of 25 knots and can travel in all V-notching is a lobster restocking and conservation Erris fisheries will be given accreditation for their vessels which in weather conditions. Across the county, the RNLI has invested in excess of €12 initiative and it has been jointly undertaken here by turn will become a marketing tool for particular brands of lobster million in the provision of lifeboats and lifeboat stations The Ballyglass lifeboat first came into service in 1989 when the the two representative Erris fishermen’s associations and other catch. which are located in Erris and Achill. In addition, over 50 “City of Bradford” Arun class lifeboat was commissioned for a – Iascairí Chois Chósta Iorras Teo and the Erris Lobster Erris fishermen are also in the process of establishing a brand label trained voluntary crew members are on call around the twelve-month operational evaluation. The following year the Conservation and Restocking Association – and overseen for Erris seafood, which will also be accredited as being fished from clock. station was permanently established when the “Mabel Williams” by BIM. a sustainable source, with traceability back to the vessel. There are was named by President Mary Robinson. The station boathouse and also proposed changes at a national level to give local fishermen There is a Trent class all-weather lifeboat located at the slipway was completed in 1993. The initiative involves fishermen cutting a v-notch in the tail of Cloughmore (Achill) lifeboat station while there is a Severn class female lobsters, which are then returned live to the ocean so that local management of their own inshore fishing area into the future, After an evaluation period that commenced in 2002, the inshore all-weather lifeboat and lifeboat station at Ballyglass, Belmullet, they can continue to breed and produce young, thus increasing the and closing such management areas to vessels from outside that lifeboat station was put in service with a Class D boat in 2003. In together with a Class D Inshore lifeboat and station at Belmullet. numbers of juvenile lobsters by an average of 20% in total, and area, thereby also increasing sustainability of the industry at a local 2007 construction started on the inshore boathouse and in 2008 a level. High stakes on the high seas high the on stakes High increasing the sustainability of the industry. All data associated with This inshore boat is the latest addition to the RNLI’s lifesaving new Class D boat “The Western” was officially named at the official the v-notched lobster is recorded in logbooks. It is proposed to run the v-notching scheme for a minimum of four capabilities in Mayo. It can be launched within five minutes of an opening of the boathouse. emergency call-out and its rapid response capacity is augmented by This scheme will complement, at a local level, the proposed years – from 2010 through to 2013 – as this is the minimum time for Since the Ballyglass station was established, the lifeboat has the fact that it can be towed to an appropriate launch site. national changes to the Irish inshore fisheries industry. A Seafood a scheme of this size to have measurable impacts on stocks. launched on 163 occasions and the inshore lifeboat has launched on It can cover the entire North Mayo coastline and is particularly 37 occasions. Seventy-nine persons have been assisted in the last effective in the shallow bays of Broadhaven and Blacksod. five years. Organisations funded by the Local Grants Programme (2008-2011) Projects with committed funding under the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund

KILCOMMON BELMULLET Kiltane Social Services Erris Beo tourism initiative Belmullet GAA Club (pitch and clubhouse €250,000 Cill Chomáin GAA Belmullet Tidy Towns Committee St Vincent de Paul (Erris development at Tallagh) Cill Chomáin Bord na nÓg Committee Doohoma Cemetery branch) Restoration Committee RNLI (in-shore lifeboat and associated €200,000 Coláiste Chomáin, Ros Glencastle National School Erris Rugby Football Club facilities at Belmullet) Dumhach Our Lady’s Secondary Erris Rovers Football Club Erris Rib Run Challenge School Mná Gaoth Sáile EZO Teo (acquaculture research and €30,000 Inver Utd Football Club Multiple Sclerosis Society of development project) Mná Ros Dumhach/Ceathrú Belmullet Hurling Club SST Cill tSéandna Ireland (Erris) Thaidhg Belmullet GAA Cáirde le Chéile Erris Agricultural Show Geesala Community Development Council €100,000 (refurbishment of Geesala community centre) Seirbhísí Cúram Chill Belmullet Bord na nÓg Kiltane U-16 GAA Club Committee Chomáin, Greannaí Naíonra Béal an Mhuirthead Attawalla Residents North West Mayo Hill Irish Leisure Consultants (needs analysis of €12,520 Walking Club sports and community facilities within Erris) Inver Community Belmullet Junior Golf Club Committee Development Project Rainbows Programme CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Erris Belmullet Golf Club Comharchumann Forbartha Erris Tourism (funding of two tourism €250,000 Pullathomas Village Cill tSéandna Teo Golden Gloves Boxing Club development posts for Erris) No Name Club members at the Enhancement Scheme Bangor Tourism office MISCELLANEOUS Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo Erris Business Initiatives (Mayo County €262,500 opening of Páirc Bheo; Féile Iorrais Glenamoy Community Bangor Erris St Patrick’s Day (providing benefits to Angling Association (Áras Inis Gluaire) Erris) Enterprise Board – three stranded supports committee members at launch; Parade Committee to small and medium-sized enterprises within Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail Belmullet Sports Complex River Moy Search & Rescue Geesala’s annual festival; Erris Beo Ballymunnelly Reunion the Erris region) Chill Chomáin Belmullet Scouts Group Festival Service website launch; members of Bangor Glenamoy Women’s Group Glencastle Reunion Festival 50/50 Phone a Friend Belmullet Hurling Club (hurling development €30,000 Suicide Awareness plan for Erris Kilcommon Activity for the Coiste Oidhreacht Iorras Riiverwalk Committee; presenting a BALLYCROY Organisation Elderly Group (restoration of Church defibrillator to Iorras Aontaithe. Ballycroy GAA Club Irish Wheelchair Association, Erris branch €175,000 Greannaí Village of Ireland building in Mayo Autism Action (new multi-resource centre at Logmore) Enhancement Scheme Belmullet) Ballycroy Boxing Club Marine Institute (tidal Irish Association of Supported Employment €10,750 Cornboy United Football Club Farraige Iorras Ballycroy Tourism and monitoring equipment at Ballyglass Pier) (Schools Project 2010) Club Belmullet Sub-Aqua Club Heritage Group Killala Diocesan Glengad Village Belmullet Rose (fundraising Naíonraí Bhaile Chruaich Belmullet Sub Aqua Club (towards facilities at €28,000 Pilgrimmage to Lourdes Enhancement Scheme event) Teo Ballyglass) (Erris participants) West Coast Vintage Society Comórtas Peile na Drumslide National School Gráinne Uaile Sub Aqua Erris No-Name Club (Multi Usage Games Area €170,000 Gaeltachta Ballycroy Community The Lighthouse Tavern Walk Club in Belmullet) Committee Barrnatra Community Council Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eó Enhancement Scheme Ballycroy Strawboys Group Cornboy Community Centre (new extension) €220,000 Belderrig Women’s Group KILMORE Belmullet Racquetball/ Ballycroy Sheep Show Kilmore Community Sports Field €60,000 Handball Club Bellacorick Women’s Group Development Committee (lighting costs) The Mullet Drama Group Drumgallagh National Belmullet Sea Angling Club School REHAB (Mayo branch) Coiste Forbartha Cuan Mayo Ideas Lab (entrepreneurial programme) €8,275 Oiligh/Fód Dubh Glencastle Church Area Bellacragher Bay Boat Club Mayo Palliative Care (‘In his Name’ project in memory of Lower Owenmore River Development Project €150,000 Community Alert scheme Ballycroy Ladies Football Kilmore Football Club Liam Costello) (riverbank enhancement works) Belmullet Junior & Senior Club Comharcumann Naíonrai School Humbert Summer School Cois Fharraige Teo Ballycroy Community Field Bangor Hibs Football Club (development of all €75,000 Iar Ros Teic Management Committee Mayo Mountain Rescue weather pitch) Kilmore Ladies Football Team Club Belmullet Neighbourhood Joint V-Notch Scheme for Erris inshore €486,500 Mayo Water Safety Area Watch Scheme ERRIS-WIDE fishermen Kilmore Triathlon Club Committee Féile Iorrais Folk Arts Shanahee Community Mayo Ideas Lab Jigging Reels Scheme for Erris Inshore €206,000 Council KILTANE Festival Fishermen’s Association (EIFA) North Mayo Development Kilmore Community Sports Geesala Boxing Club Western Care Association Group Jigging Reels Scheme for Erris Lobster €80,000 Field Development Geesala Festival Committee (Erris branch) Western Alzheimers Conservation and Restocking Association Erris Children of Chernobyl Achadh na Glaisín National Geesala National School Association (ELCRA) School Geesala Tidy Towns Erris Chamber of Commerce Achill-Belmullet Powerboat Pullathomas Village Enhancement Scheme €100,000 Termoncarragh Committee Irish Association of Club Development Committee Supported Employment (final phase of enhancement programme) Geesala Cemetery Football Association Carne Old Cemetery Committee Cara Iorras of Ireland (Erris-based Erris United Football Club (astroturf facility) €50,000 Restoration Committee initiatives) Kiltane Rural Social Scheme Ógra Iorras Aontaithe (Erris Áras Inis Gluaire (employment of an Artistic €100,000

Local project funding list Kilmore Erris National Utd FC) Shraigh National School Comhlacht Pobal Bheildeirg Director) School Teo Bangor Cemetery Iorras Domhnann St Brendan’s College, Belmullet (pitch €80,000 Binghamstown Village Committee Irish Wheelchair Association Mayo Roscommon Hopsice Enhancement Scheme facilities on school grounds) Bangor Children’s Centre (Erris branch) Innovation in Business Carne/Shanahee Senior Erris Tourism Centre, GMIT, Castlebar Kilcommon GAA Club (pitch and clubhouse €230,000 Citizens’ Organisation Kiltane Community Games Erris Darts League Belderrig Curragh Project development) Comharchumann Ionad Bangor-Hibs Football Club Deirbhle Bangor Erris Tidy Towns Erris Heartbeat Defibrillator Erris Fresh Start Programme (personal/social/ €18,000 Committee vocational learning programme for adults Cross Graveyard Committee Committee This gives a total of 136 Cumann na mBunscol, Erris groups/projects funded with a learning disability) Corclough/Carne Sports Bangor-Erris Parish Hall under the LGP Field Development Bangor-Erris National Erris Lions Club Total €3,382,545 Committee School Cumann Chapaillín Iorras Corrib Natural Gas Erris Corrib Natural Gas Third- Development Fund Board Level Scholarship Board

Pádraic Cosgrove Seán Staunton A native of Cloontakilla, Bangor, Pádraic worked as a teacher in Geesala from 1968 to 1981 and from 1981 Seán Staunton is a former member and chairman of Mayo VEC. A journalist by profession, he was editor

to 1992 in St Brendan’s College, Belmullet. He also served as an elected member of Mayo County Council of The Mayo News for almost 20 years. He was a member of Westport UDC for over 30 years and boardsMeet the from 1985 to 1999. He was a long-serving member of Mayo VEC and still sits as a parents’ representative chairman on eight occasions. He also served as chairman of Ireland West tourism. He has been involved in on the committee. He is currently chair of the Board of Management of Coláiste Chomáin in Rossport and community development, both in his native Westport and further afield, for most of his life. was previously a member of the board of St Brendan’s College.

Frank Fullard Bridie O’Donnell Frank Fullard has been synonymous with the work of the Mayo County Enterprise Board since its inception A native of Muinginaune in Kilcommon, Bridie O’Donnell lives in Bangor Erris. She served as a member of in 1993 and was CEO of the board until his retirement at the end of 2010. A native of Roscommon Town, the National Parents’ Council in the 1990s, was a founder member of the Mayo Parents’ Association and is he previously worked as County Development Officer in Longford for 12 years. He also has a particular a past member of two local boards of management. She joined the Scholarship Board in 2011 following the interest in female entrepreneurship and runs the social network website for women in business, www. decision of Ian McAndrew to step down after serving on the Board for four years. irishbusinesswomen.com.

Seán Ó Coisdealbha Tony McGarry Feidhmeanach Forbartha (Development Executive) with Údarás na Gaeltachta based in Belmullet, Seán Tony McGarry is a native of Inver and now resides in Killala. He is a former second level teacher, having has extensive community development experience. Working in Belmullet since 1996, he is also a director spent almost 40 years teaching in St Patrick’s College, Lacken Cross, where he was principal for 19 years. of a number of other companies in the area, including Erris Tourism, Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla and He retired at the end of 2006. He served for seven years on Mayo VEC. He was Ireland representative Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo, and is a committee member of Belmullet Hurling Club, Belmullet Golf Club, Erris for many years on the European Community Development Exchange and was chairman of the Humbert Players, Gael Linn and Mayo County Hurling Board. He is a native of Indreabhán, Conamara. Summer School for more than 20 years. Meet the boards theMeet boards Seán Hannick Killala man Seán Hannick set up his own company, Killala Precision, which specialises in the manufacture Fr Kevin Hegarty of components for the engineering industry, in 1981. Long before that, however, he was involved in Fr Kevin Hegarty is a priest of the parish of Kilmore. He taught for a number of years in our Lady’s community development work as a volunteer, having first fundraised to build a handball alley in his Secondary School, Belmullet. He is a columnist with The Mayo News and is former editor of Intercom and native parish 50 years ago. He was a key member of the Mayo 2000 lobby group, which put pressure on Céide. He has been involved in community development in Erris for many years and served on the Board of government for greater development in Mayo and the west generally. He has also been chairman of the Iar Ros Teic and the Local Development Programme. He is on the committee of the RNLI. Council for the West for more than a decade.

Pádraig Philbin Breda Holmes Pádraig works as a Senior Executive Engineer with Mayo County Council and has responsibility for Breda Holmes is a former national school teacher. She taught for 35 years as teacher and principal of the development of tourism infrastructure in the west Mayo region. He was centrally involved in the Doohoma NS and was a member of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation. She was involved for many completion of the famed Greenway walking and cycling route from Westport to Achill. A native of years in the Doohoma Come Home Festival and took an active part in the family business which includes Castlebar, he worked as a Council engineer in the Belmullet Electoral Area from 2002 to 2007. He also accommodation, restaurant and licensed trade. She continues to take an active interest in Erris Comhaltas previously worked for Louth, Galway and Limerick county councils. Ceoltóiri Éireann. Erris community life people, pride, progress

Kilmore Kilcommon Erris Ballycastle

Belmullet

Belmullet Killala Erris Parish Map Kiltane

Bangor Erris Crossmolina

Ballina

Ballycroy Keel Foxford

Cashel

Mulranny Swinford

Newport

Castlebar Knock

Westport Louisburgh Roonagh Ballyhaunis Quay

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Leenáun Ballinrobe

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Pics: Eamonn O’Boyle and Henry Wills