Companyreport 2012
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SOUTH WEST MAYO DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Annual Report 2012 Table of Contents Chairperson’s Foreword ............................................................................................................ 1 CEO’s Report .............................................................................................................................. 3 SWMDC Board Members ............................................................................................................ 5 South West Mayo Development Company Staff ...................................................................... 6 About South West Mayo Development Company ................................................................... 8 1. Rural Development Programme (LEADER) ..................................................................... 10 About LEADER ................................................................................................................... 10 Case Study - Craftworks Mayo ......................................................................................... 11 Case Study - Banna Píob Chuan Modh ............................................................................ 12 Case Study - Bellacragher Bay Boat Club ....................................................................... 13 Case Study - Cherry Blossom Bakery ............................................................................. 14 Case Study - Crossboyne Community Park .................................................................... 15 Case Study - Full Health Medical Ltd ............................................................................... 16 Case Study - Mayo Abbey Community Cookery School ................................................ 17 Case Study - Reek and Roll .............................................................................................. 18 2. Local and Community Development Programme .......................................................... 19 LCDP Overview .................................................................................................................. 19 LCDP Target Groups ......................................................................................................... 19 Overview of 2012 ............................................................................................................... 20 Preparing for the Workforce ............................................................................................. 21 Supporting young people ................................................................................................. 23 Supporting communities ................................................................................................... 26 Looking towards 2013 ....................................................................................................... 27 3. Community Employment Schemes ................................................................................. 28 Case Study - TACU Family Resource Centre .................................................................. 28 Case Study – McMahon Park ............................................................................................ 28 Case Study – St Vincent de Paul ...................................................................................... 28 Case Study – Linenhall Arts Centre ................................................................................. 28 Case Study - Sharkey Hill Community Centre ................................................................ 28 4. Rural Social Scheme ......................................................................................................... 29 Case Study – Ballindine RSS ............................................................................................ 29 Case Study - Louisburgh Meals on Wheels .................................................................... 29 Case Study - Crann Mór Sensory Garden ....................................................................... 30 5. Tús Initiative ....................................................................................................................... 31 Case Study – Piotr, Ballinrobe ......................................................................................... 31 Case Study - Western Care ............................................................................................... 31 Case Study - Red Grouse Conservation .......................................................................... 32 6. Walks Scheme and Rural Recreation Programme ......................................................... 33 7. Western Regional Drugs Task Force ............................................................................... 34 8. Newport Local Training Initiative ..................................................................................... 35 Completed LEADER Programme Projects as at 31st December 2012 ................................ 36 Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................................... 42 SWMDC Annual Report 2012 Chairperson’s Foreword After four years on the Board of South West Mayo Development Company as a nominee of the Irish Farmer’s Association (IFA) on the SWMDC social partners pillar, I was elected to the position of Chairman in August 2012. Since that time, work in the company has continued apace. Our well- attended monthly Board meetings reflect the interest in the varied and full agenda. At these meetings we make decisions on LEADER grant applications, ratify programme plans such as the LCDP annual plan, are updated on our work activation schemes, rural recreation and walks schemes and drug task force work amongst others. In 2012, SWMDC was chosen to deliver the LCDP and LEADER programmes in the areas of Achill, Ballycroy and Tourmakeady. This was achieved without any extra staff or administration allowance. We have thoroughly enjoyed working in these areas and have achieved much success in a very short space of time. As Chairman and as a Board, we are responsible for oversight of a wide variety of programmes. However, one thing I am always struck by is the integrated way in which these programmes are delivered. This is a unique model in Ireland and one that is under threat as we approach the end of the current programming period. The next LEADER programme 2014-2020 is already agreed and while we expect it will be a smaller programme, I believe that it will still represent a significant investment into south and west Mayo. There are moves to align the local and community development companies more closely with the Local Authority and I agree that more local coordination of supports is needed. SWMDC has an excellent working relationship with Mayo County Council, and we want to maintain and enhance that relationship for the benefit of the people and communities in our area of operation. However, SWMDC must maintain its autonomy as the holder of the next LEADER programme contract. There is no organisation with more experience in delivering a portfolio of local and rural development programmes, as we have done for the past 21 years. In association with our colleague organisations around the country, through the Irish Local Development Network, we have made our position clear to Minister Hogan and hope that a resolution, which will best serve south and west Mayo, will be achieved. 1 SWMDC Annual Report 2012 During the year, SWMDC has played host to several high profile guests including An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD. Also, our local Government Minister Michael Ring TD, Minister for State at the Department of Tourism and Transport officially launched a number of projects during the year. Other illustrious visitors included former Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan and John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the South West Mayo Development Company past and current Board members. They have brought this company to the point where; • We are delivering our largest ever LEADER programme • Our LCDP programme despite cuts, has exceeded targets for 2012 • Our Rural Social Scheme is one of the largest in Ireland • We have secured an additional 40 Tús participant places in addition to our original allocation of 60 I would also like to acknowledge the work of the dedicated members of our sub- committees, who give their time and expertise so generously to assist the company in its work. Finally, I must give special mention to our Company CEO and staff. They have supported me in my new role and work tirelessly to make sure that SWMDC upholds its reputation as the key local development company in south and west Mayo. Michael Biggins Chairman 2 SWMDC Annual Report 2012 CEO’s Report Looking back on the past 12 months, it has been one of the most challenging years in my time as CEO. Increased bureaucracy, reduced budgets and resources have meant that we must meet the increasing needs of local people and communities with less. However, I am delighted to say that SWMDC has risen to the challenge. As the current LEADER programme comes to its conclusion, 2012 saw a significant increase in grant applications and approvals. In April, the grant rate to businesses increased from 50% to 75%, which was a very welcome development. By the end of 2012, we had paid €3.6million in LEADER grants under the current programme. This represents an actual total investment in the local economy of over €5million. Like all other local development