Disclaimer
Although the author has made every effort to ensure that the information in this document was correct at submission, the author does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any loss, damage or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
© Erris Interagency Working Group
Foreword
Rural Ireland faces well-documented challenges in terms of rising immigration, lack of services, isolation etc., and in a peripheral area like Erris, these challenges are all the more stark when combined with rural depopulation, lack of job and career opportunities and an ageing population.
Recognising the resourcing issues faced by community organisations, and the value of volunteering in helping upskill individuals and combat isolation, Mayo Volunteer Centre initially wanted to become more involved with the many organisations in Erris. Mayo Volunteer Centre aims to promote the value of volunteering and encourages more people to become involved in volunteering across the county and supports them in doing so.
A meeting was set up to assess the various needs in the area, and Rosaleen Lally, Manager of the Irish Wheelchair Association, Belmullet and Ann McKenzie of Western Care were both on hand to provide input. After some discussion it was agreed that firstly, a showcase of the various services and facilities Erris had to offer would be organised. Secondly, in order to facilitate the provision of evidence-based solutions in the long-term, some research would be collated, by means of a survey to be circulated within the region to assess the needs of people living there.
A number of other agencies indicated an interest in facilitating this research, including Tusla, Mayo North East and Mayo County Council. Anne Finn of Strategic Direction was commissioned to collate the survey and analyse the data.
Mayo Volunteer Centre is delighted to partner with the Erris Interagency Committee to present this report on the findings of this survey ‘Looking from the Inside Out’. This piece of research has given an opportunity to gather information directly from people living within the Erris region. It provides a better understanding of issues on the ground and gaps within services. It is an insightful piece of work as Anne made it visually appealing for everyone to gain understanding of the research at a glance. In addition, Anne provided statistics which will help us in planning different projects which was outside of her brief and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for this additional input. The findings of the survey will be used in future to support funding applications, in the development of strategic plans and further developing the Erris region, as well as providing information and insights for the various groups within the Erris community.
While this report focuses on the needs within the communities living in Erris, it should be noted that the community spirit and sense of community is especially strong in this area and this research will facilitate them to grow and flourish into the future.
Manager, Mayo Volunteer Centre
Executive Summary
This report is the result of primary research carried out on behalf of the Erris Interagency Working Group. The purpose was to capture the views of people living in the Erris region in relation to services and supports for:
1. Parents/Guardians, children and young people 2. Working age population (aged 18 – 64 years) 3. Older people (aged 65+ years)
Some common themes that emerged throughout the survey included:
The need for Mental Health supports (especially out of hours services) The lack of access to rural/community transport The lack of local employment opportunities The lack of hours available in home-care packages The main barriers identified included distance from services and lack of access to broadband
There was also a sense emerging from the responses that there is a need to establish different types of groups (in local areas in the region) that will provide social opportunities for men, women and parents (especially those with children aged 0-3 years). This was in the context of combating social isolation and reducing loneliness. The need for supports for parents (eg through a Family Resource Centre) was also identified.
The main strengths identified were the people (generous, hardworking, kind), community (community spirit and sense of community), satisfaction with services (meals on wheels and disability) and the unique landscape and culture of the region (including the Irish language).
The main fears expressed included an increase in the levels of drug and alcohol dependency, declining population, lack of services and safe ‘hang out’ places for young people, lack of supports for Carers and full-time Mothers as well as distance from services and the poor condition of the roads.
According to the respondents, the things that they value most about living in the Erris region are the community spirit and unspoilt environment.
Albeit that the majority of respondents were volunteers (or had previous experience of volunteering), just 10% were registered with Mayo Volunteer Centre. The majority of people volunteer to give something back to the community and the main barrier to volunteering identified was the lack of time.
The types of supports identified so that local community groups can ‘survive and thrive’ included access to training; funding; support existing and recruit new volunteers as well as the benefits of networking opportunities to link in with other community groups.
CONTENTS
Introduction and Methodology ...... 1
Mayo Social Inclusion Week ...... 1
The Erris Region: An Overview ...... 2
Profile ...... 5
Parents/guardians, children and young people ...... 7
Gaps in existing services for parents/guardians, children and young people ...... 7
Youth ...... 7
Parents/Guardians ...... 8
General ...... 8
Working Age Population ...... 9
Gaps in existing services for Working Age Population ...... 9
Employment ...... 10
Enterprise ...... 10
Education/Training ...... 10
Health and Wellbeing...... 10
Develop a Strategy ...... 10
Older People ...... 12
Gaps in existing services for Older People ...... 12
Transport ...... 12
Homecare ...... 13
Healthcare ...... 13
Social inclusion and combating loneliness ...... 13
Information ...... 13
Main barriers to accessing services ...... 14
Main strengths of the communities in Erris ...... 15
Main concerns of the communities in Erris ...... 17
What people value most about the community they live in ...... 18
Volunteering ...... 19
Supports that local community groups need to survive and thrive ...... 21
List of Charts
Chart 1: Responses by gender (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 5
Chart 2: Responses by location (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 5
Chart 3: Responses by age (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 6
Chart 4: Responses by Employment Status (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 6
Chart 5: Importance of services ranked for parents/guardians, children and young people (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 7
Chart 6: Importance of services ranked the Working Age Population (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 9
Chart 7: Importance of services for Older People ranked from in order of importance (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 12
Chart 8: Main barriers to accessing services (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 14
Chart 9: Responses re Do you currently volunteer? (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 19
Chart 10: Responses re registration with Mayo Volunteer Centre (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 19
Chart 11: Responses re what encourages people to volunteer (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) 20
Chart 12: Responses re what prevents people from volunteering (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018) ...... 20
List of Figures
Figure 1: The Barony of Erris with Parishes ...... 2
Figure 2: Population change 2011-2016 by 1Km sq grid, CSO 2016 ...... 3
Figure 3: Population by lifecycle, Erris, CSO 2016 ...... 3
Figure 4: Pobal HP Deprivation 2016, Erris (CSO 2016) ...... 4
Figure 5: Strengths - The People (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 15
Figure 6: Strengths - Community (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 16
Figure 7: Strengths - Environment and Infrastructure (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 16
Figure 8: Concerns - Population (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 17
Figure 9: What people value most about their community (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 18
Figure 10: What Local Community Groups need to Survive and Thrive (Erris Community Survey 2018) ...... 21
List of Appendices
Appendix I: Background information for Erris Interagency Forum and list of member organisations 22
Appendix II: Age by single year (0-4 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 23
Appendix III: Age by single year (5-12 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 24
Appendix IV: Age by single year (5-12 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 25
Appendix V: Age by single year 18-19 and cohort 20-24 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ... 26
Appendix VI: Age by five year cohort, 25-64 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 27
Appendix VII: Age by five year cohort, 65+ years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 28
Appendix VIII: Totals 0-4, 5-12, 13-17, 18-24, 25-64 and 65+ years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 29
Appendix IX: Total population with % population change, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 30
Appendix X: Pobal HP Deprivation Score, CSO 2016 by Parish and ED ...... 31
Appendix XI: Percentage Lone Parent Households, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 ...... 32
Appendix XII: Percentage unemployment rate (male and female), Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 33
Appendix XIII: Percentage population change 2011-2016, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 34
Appendix XIV: Population with Primary Education only, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016...... 35
Appendix XV: Population with 3rd Level Education, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 36
Appendix XVI: Population living in Local Authority Rented Accommodation, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 37
Appendix XVII: Age Dependency Ratio, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 ...... 38
Appendix XVIII: List of National and Local Policies, Strategy Statements, Frameworks and Plans ...... 39
Appendix XIX: Erris Community Survey Online References ...... 43
Appendix XX: Steering Group members Erris Community Survey 2018 ...... 44
Appendix XXI: Poster from Erris Community Expo ...... 45
Appendix XXII: Erris Community Survey 2018 ...... 46
List of Abbreviations
CSO Central Statistics Office ED Electoral Division EU European Union
INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY
This survey was commissioned by the Erris Interagency Working Group (See Appendix XXX for background information and list of member organisations). The purpose of the survey was to establish the needs of different communities living in the Erris Region. Membership of the Erris Interagency Working Group includes representatives from the Statutory Agencies as well as community-based organisations that are delivering services on behalf of various Government Departments. A Steering Group (see Appendix XX for list of members) was established drawn from membership of the Interagency Working Group to support the research process. The survey questions were designed to get input around the needs of the whole of community from Early Years to Older People. This in itself was a challenge in designing the questions so that people would be encouraged to respond to the questions relating to different age cohorts in the community. The Researcher undertook some desk research to learn what had worked well in terms of question design by others (See Appendix XIX for further details).
To achieve this, the questions designed to elicit answers to statements in relation to:
1. Families, children and young people 2. Working Age Population 3. Older People
In keeping with the theme of the Community Expo “Connecting people …. Connecting Communities “Looking from the inside out!” open questions were also included to allow the respondents to state what they felt were the strengths and also the weaknesses of living in the Erris region.
The final section of the survey focused on the whole area of Volunteering and the types of support that local community groups require to survive and thrive.
An initial draft was circulated to the Steering Group to test and provide feedback on the survey design and structure of questions. Recommendations in relation to changes were made and the final survey reflects these changes.
The survey was designed for online circulation and was distributed locally by people promoting on Social Media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. In addition, an email link was circulated to all of the Interagency members to forward on to relevant people in their contact lists. Paper copies were made available in local offices that have regular footfall and were also available on the night of the Community Expo at the registration desk. This approach helped make it accessible to people that may not have internet access. A total of 161 persons responded to the survey, the majority female and from Belmullet and this should be taken into account when considering the limitations of the study.
The quantitative responses were analysed using Survey Monkey and Excel and the open questions were coded and categorised using Excel to interpret the responses.
MAYO SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK
This event was organised as one of many that took place during Social Inclusion Week 20181 (15-21 October). The purpose of this week is to support and highlight initiatives throughout the county that
1 https://www.mayosocialinclusionweek.com/
Page 1 foster inclusion and equality. It is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of people in County Mayo, to showcase the work of community groups and organisations that promote inclusion throughout the year.
THE ERRIS REGION: AN OVERVIEW
The Barony of Erris (commonly referred to as the Erris Region) is situated in the West/North-west of county Mayo and is a rural coastal area on the western seaboard of Ireland. It also forms part of the Atlantic rim of the European Union (EU). It stretches from Ballycroy in the south to Ceathrú Thaidhg in the north. The Erris region contains approximately 89,755 hectares and is equivalent in size with County Louth. Its peripheral location is accentuated by mountains and vast tracts of largely uninhabited bog, and this separates it from the rest of county Mayo. It is located in the West Mayo Municipal District.
Erris is one of three areas that make up the Mayo Gaeltacht2. The Gaeltacht 2012 Act gives statutory effect to the implementation of the 20 year Strategy for the Implementation of the Irish Language Act 2010-2020. Under this Act, Gaeltacht areas are redesignated as Gaeltacht Language Planning areas.
There are five Catholic parishes in Erris namely Kilmore, Belmullet, Kilcommon, Kiltane, and Ballycroy (See Figure 1). There are two main towns in the Erris region, Belmullet (located in Belmullet Parish) and Bangor Erris (located in Kiltane Parish). Belmullet serves as a hub town for the region with the majority of services available there. With the exception of Belmullet town and surrounds, settlement patterns in the region are largely dispersed. The administrative town of Castlebar is a 154Km round trip to the south, whilst Ballina to the East of the region is a 124Km round trip.
Figure 1: The Barony of Erris with Parishes
Source: Mayo County Council
Overall, Ireland reported a growth in population in the intercensal period 2011-2016. County Mayo during that period reported a small population decrease of 131 persons and the Erris region reported an
2 The other two Gaeltacht areas in Mayo are Achill and Tourmakeady
Page 2 overall decrease of 390 persons. Figure 2 below shows the population distribution and movements by 1Km square grid based on the 2016 Census Data. A full breakdown of the population change by Electoral Division (ED) is available in Appendix IX.
Figure 2: Population change 2011-2016 by 1Km sq grid, CSO 20163
Source: CSO (hppt://census.cso.ie/P2Map12)
Figure 3: Population by lifecycle, Erris, CSO 2016
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
3 CSO Population grid map (1Km sq) 2011-2016 interactive go to: http://census.cso.ie/P2map12/
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Having information on the age profile of the population is a key tool to use when planning services. Figure 3 shows the total number of persons at the different stages of the lifecycle. A full breakdown of the age profiles for Erris by Parish and ED are available in Appendix II to Appendix XVII).
Another tool commonly used in Strategic Planning at a national, regional and local level is the Pobal HP Deprivation Index4. The whole of the Erris region is considered to be disadvantaged according to the Index with some areas considered to be very disadvantaged.
Figure 4: Pobal HP Deprivation 2016, Erris (CSO 2016)
A list of current national and local policies, frameworks, strategy statements and plans is appended at the end of the document for further reference (See Appendix XVIII: List of National and Local Policies, Strategy Statements, Frameworks and Plans) .
4 Pobal HP Deprivation Index https://www.pobal.ie/app/uploads/2018/06/The-2016-Pobal-HP-Deprivation-Index-Introduction-07.pdf
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PROFILE
A total of 161 persons (See Chart 1) took part in the Erris Community Survey 2018 (29 Male and 132 Female) with the majority of respondents from Belmullet Parish (see Chart 2).
Chart 1: Responses by gender (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Gender? 90.00% 80.00% 70.00% 60.00% 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% 29 132 18.01% 81.99% Male Female
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
Chart 2: Responses by location (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Location by Parish Ballycroy Kilmore 4% 7% Kiltane 12%
Kilcommon Belmullet 15% 62%
Belmullet Kilcommon Kiltane Kilmore Ballycroy
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
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The majority of respondents were aged 35-44 years, followed by 45-54 and 55-64 (See Chart 3). Over 60% of the respondents were either employed or self-employed (see Chart 4).
Chart 3: Responses by age (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
What is your age?
75 or older
65 to 74
55 to 64
45 to 54
35 to 44
25 to 34
18 to 24
13 to 17
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
Chart 4: Responses by Employment Status (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Which of the following best describes your status?
Full time parent
Disabled
Carer
Retired
Unemployed
In part time education
In full time education
Employed (including self-employed)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
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PARENTS/GUARDIANS, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Survey respondents were asked to rank a number of statements from 1 to 6, with 1 being the most important in relation to services for parents/guardian, children and young people. This question was followed with an open question asking respondents to give their opinion on the main gap in relation to services for this section of the population.
Chart 5: Importance of services ranked for parents/guardians, children and young people (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Thinking about parents/guardians, children and young people, how important is it to have the following services available in your area? Please rank from 1 to 6 with 1 being the most important.
Services for adults and children experiencing domestic violence
Mental health services for young people
Services for children and young people with disabilities
Out-of-school activities (educational, cultural, recreational)
Parenting and family supports
Affordable childcare
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
Score
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
The majority of respondents ranked Mental Health services for young people as the most important followed by services for children and young people with disabilities. (See Chart 5).
GAPS IN EXISTING SERVICES FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
The responses to this question were coded and categorised into the following:
Youth Parents/Guardians General comments.
YOUTH
The need for additional Mental Health Supports, especially in relation to out of hour supports was documented by a number of respondents and as stated by one respondent “We need a Pieta House facility. Suicide takes too many lives in Erris annually and has done for decades. Help is too far away …. too late”. It should be noted that Mindspace Mayo provide an Erris outreach service that runs one day a week (Wednesdays) and is based in the Irish Wheelchair Association in Belmullet.
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In addition to the need for expanded mental health supports, common themes emerging from the responses related to the lack of after school services, homework clubs, non-sporting activities for teens and no space for young people to hang out. These correspond with the findings in the research carried out during the consultation and planning phase of the Mayo Children and Young People’s Plan 2018- 20205 (CYPP) by the Mayo Children and Young People’s Services Committee6 (CYPSC).
In relation to a space for young people to hang out one of the respondents commented that “…young people could do with a hub/café in the area to hang out rather than on the streets” and another respondent noted that “Erris has fantastic clubs and services …but parents need to step up. They want everything for their children but want other volunteers to provide it.”
One specific comment in relation to services for young people with disabilities in the Erris region is worth transcribing in full as it gives an indication of the isolation that the young people can experience once they reach a certain age:
“Disability services in Erris would be rated as good, however disability services for young people aren’t great. If they don’t fit into one of the service providers’ criteria, they are often left in the house once they finish education. We need to provide young people with disabilities with further education, training and employment opportunities in the local area, they are equally as important in our society and having some or similar opportunities to their peers are essential.”
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
The responses to this category included social activities and supports for parents. Some of the suggestions included:
Men’s Shed/Women’s Group Family Resource Centre and parenting supports Planned activities for children and parents so that they can do things together Affordable and flexible childcare Services for new mums (this respondent noted that “there are no services for 0-3 year olds”)
GENERAL
The themes that emerged in this category included lack of transport; lack of broadband; long waiting lists and distance from services. A number also commented on the lack of information in terms of what’s available/happening in the area. In relation to the lack of transport, one respondent noted that “any family with both parents working would find it very difficult to transport the children/young people to all of these services, meaning that although they are needed they are underused”.
5 https://www.cypsc.ie/_fileupload/Documents/Resources/Mayo/Mayo%20Children%20and%20Young% 20People's%20Plan%202018-2020.pdf 6 For more information on Mayo CYPSC go to https://www.cypsc.ie/mayo/resources.392.html
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WORKING AGE POPULATION
Survey respondents were asked to rank a number of statements from 1 to 3, with 1 being the most important in relation to services for the working age population in the region. This question was followed with an open question asking respondents to give their opinion on the main gap in relation to services for this section of the population.
Chart 6: Importance of services ranked the Working Age Population (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Thinking about the working age population, how important is it to have the following services available in your community? Please rank from 1 to 3 with 1 being the most important.
Access to adult education and learning
Supports for businesses
Supports for Job Seekers
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Score
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
The majority rated access to adult education and learning as being the most important, followed by supports for Job Seekers and finally supports for businesses (See Chart 6).
GAPS IN EXISTING SERVICES FOR WORKING AGE POPULATION
After coding and categorising, the responses to the open question that asked the survey respondents to give their opinion on the main gap to services for the Working Age population are presented as follows:
Employment Enterprise Education and Training Health and Wellbeing Develop a strategy
The responses to these are explored further in the following sub-sections. In addition to the above, a small number referred to the cost of childcare (mentioned in Section above) and some noted the lack of adequate support for Carers.
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EMPLOYMENT
The main issues that emerged in this category were the lack of local employment opportunities; the distance to travel to get work outside the area and the real costs (time and fuel) associated with it; the lack of local jobs for people that had qualified at 3rd level was named as well as there being insufficient training opportunities for people to improve skills. One of the respondents noted that “there is very little for anyone under 18 that school doesn’t suit. We need a new factory for men and women to work, not to be gone working away from home and their families” which was corroborated by another respondent whose opinion was that “an industry is needed with flexible working hours to suit all ages”. A number of respondents also noted that there was a lack of information in relation to entitlements for Job Seekers described by one respondent as “a lot of the Working Age population do not know their entitlements as there is no information out in the area from the services that’s out there for them”. One respondent opined that there was a gap in terms of supporting people “to get work online and be able to work from home”.
ENTERPRISE
The main comments in this category related to training for small businesses and incentives for small businesses to employ people.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
It was noted by some respondents that the majority of training is delivered in Belmullet town and very little in the other areas in region. A number also referred to the types of training being delivered and opined that it was “heavily geared towards Social Care”. Some respondents noted the lack of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
A small number of respondents mentioned Health and Wellbeing7 in their answers to this question with reference to things such as “work/life balance” and “knowledge of how to look after our health” being named.
DEVELOP A STRATEGY
One responded identified this as being the main gap in relation to services for the Working Age population and they choose to reflect on the opportunities and reasons to remain in the area. Their response is presented in full below:
“We need to develop a strategy for Erris, which clearly outlines our assets and the broad range of resources; human, physical and cultural that we can utilize. Give young people in school the tools to be innovative and creative in using this area to our advantage, highlight what we have here, what makes us unique, teach them about their community. Make them proud and determined to contribute to the community by living and working here. We have
7 For more information on current policy see: http://www.healthyireland.ie/about/cities-and-counties/ and at a local level see: http://www.mayococo.ie/en/Services/CommunityEngagement/CommunityandIntegratedDevelopment/ HealthyIreland/
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so much potential and Erris is an amazing place, for all the negatives and issues we face, there are also so many positives. The measure of success for young people in Erris should not be that they left it, but that they stayed and were able to make a life for themselves.”
A number of initiatives at a regional and local level should be considered in relation to developing a strategy for the area and include a recent report “Integrated Rural Development”8 which focused on the Erris region and Achill Island. Another initiative is the Smart Atlantic Way9 which was launched in November 2018. Mayo Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2015-202110 as well as other Local Plans developed by Agencies/Local Development organisations can inform this. Relevant national strategies and frameworks include the Action Plan for Jobs 201811 and the Action Plan for Rural Development12. .
8 Available online at http://mayoecocampus.com/ 9 For more information go to: www.smartatlanticway.ie and https://www.wdc.ie/smart-atlantic-way- roadmap-to-a-smarter-future-in-the-west-of-ireland-launched/ 10 http://www.mayococo.ie/en/media/Media,29142,en.pdf 11 https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Action-Plan-for-Jobs-2018.pdf 12 DRCD Action Plan for Rural Development – Third Progress Report: see https://drcd.gov.ie/wp- content/uploads/APRD-Third-Progress-Report.pdf
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OLDER PEOPLE
Survey respondents were asked to rank a number of statements from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most important in relation to services for Older People living in the region. This question was followed with an open question asking respondents to give their opinion on the main gap in relation to services for this section of the population.
Chart 7: Importance of services for Older People ranked from in order of importance (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Thinking about older people, how important is it to have the following services available in your area? Please rank from 1 to 5 with 1 being the most important.
Accessible venues
Accessible transport
Locally organised activities
Social contact (visitation service/daily phone call)
Meals on wheels
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
Score
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
The majority of respondents indicated that having social contact (such as a visitation service/daily phone call) was the most important, followed by meals on wheels and accessible transport.
GAPS IN EXISTING SERVICES FOR OLDER PEOPLE
After coding and categorising, the responses to the open question that asked the survey respondents to give their opinion on the main gap to services for Older People in the Erris region the responses are presented as follows:
Transport Homecare Healthcare Social inclusion and combating loneliness Information (provision and access to)
TRANSPORT
The lack of transport was named as an issue and specifically comments in relation to the lack of affordable transport to hospitals (eg Castlebar, the nearest hospital is a 156Km round trip); with the exception of the IWA, there is no other accessible transport; and existing rural transport services only
Page 12 runs one day a week. One respondent identified the lack of late night transport suggesting that “there are many events that our older citizens would be more involved in if they had reliable evening and night- time transport”.
Mayo Community Transport13 is in the process of putting together their Strategic Plan and this piece of research is timely from that perspective.
HOMECARE
In this category, the responses focused on the short-comings in the current homecare packages available in the area with many referring to the lack of hours. A number referred to the limitations whereby the Homecare Assistant/PA is prohibited from taking the older person ‘anywhere’ in their car eg to do some shopping.
HEALTHCARE
Some of the respondents reported that it can be very difficult to get a Doctor to visit an older person at night; others noted that the Healthcare providers can be working through large caseloads and do not have enough time to spend with the older person. The reduction in the number of beds available at Belmullet hospital was also named as a gap. One responded stated that:
“Locally provided health services are also crucial, where at all possible older people should not have to travel long distances for check-ups and procedures. Localised, community healthcare is essential in Erris.”
SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMBATING LONELINESS
Some of the respondents referred to the need to have a “home visitation service where the most isolated would have contact especially if they were not in receipt of other services such as meals on wheels”. Following on from this, other respondents named the need for “social inclusion especially opportunities that would support intergenerational learning/socialising” in order to reduce loneliness14.
INFORMATION
Access to and the provision of information to older people was one of the gaps identified. To put it in context as one respondent noted “if an older person is living alone and not getting any services, then they often don’t know what’s going on in their area”. Some also referred to the “lack of information available in public places” about events taking place in the local areas.
13 For more information see: http://mayocommunitytransport.ie/ 14 For more information on loneliness see the Report From the Loneliness Task Force (June 2018) https://lonelinesstaskforce.com/a-connected-island-an-ireland-free-from-loneliness/
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MAIN BARRIERS TO ACCESSING SERVICES
The distance from services and the lack of public transport to access services were identified as the main barriers to accessing services. This was followed by the lack of information about services and cost of services. The respondents were also given the option of providing additional comments in the ‘other’ comment box and this elicited responses that referred to the lack of good quality broadband and bad roads.
Chart 8: Main barriers to accessing services (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
In your opinion, what are the main barriers to accessing services? Please tick all that apply.
Distance from services
Lack of public transport
Lack of information about services
Cost of services
Other (please specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
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MAIN STRENGTHS OF THE COMMUNITIES IN ERRIS
This was an open question that asked the respondents to comment up to a maximum of three strengths of the community that they live in. The responses were coded, categorised and are presented below under the sub-headings People, Community, Services and Environment and Infrastructure.
People: Comments under this heading provided richness to the data where words such as kindness, generosity (giving of their time to help vulnerable members in the community), considerate, friendship, pride, determination; hardworking, entrepreneurial, support (that people offer each other, whether that be a new business, or a local charity or a new school), and look after each other were used by the respondents.
Figure 5: Strengths - The People (Erris Community Survey 2018)
Community: The most common unsolicited responses in this related to community spirit, community values, community support and a sense of community. There was a sense from the responses that the local community is important and valued by those who live in it. Some responses referred to active local community groups, volunteering, delivery of services, accessible venues and overall a community that is always trying to improve with examples such as Tidy Towns and the organisation of Festivals cited. (See Figure 6)
Services: Respondents choose to name specific services and these included the Irish Wheelchair Association; Áras Inis Gluaire; Western Care and Meals on Wheels15. One commentator also noted that services that exist are strong. Good childcare services were also mentioned.
15 Meals on Wheels are delivered in the Erris region by Ballycroy Social Services; Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSeadhna and Seirbhisí Curam Chill Chomain.
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Figure 6: Strengths - Community (Erris Community Survey 2018)
Environment and Infrastructure: The respondents referred to the area as safe, having unspoilt scenery, accessible venues, quiet rural area with minimum crime, rural and unspoilt, distinct. In addition, the uniqueness of the area and the value of the Irish Language were named.
Figure 7: Strengths - Environment and Infrastructure (Erris Community Survey 2018)
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MAIN CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITIES IN ERRIS
This was an open question that asked the respondents to comment up to a maximum of three concerns of the community that they live in. The responses were coded, categorised and are presented below under the sub-headings People, Community, Services, Environment and Infrastructure.
People: The two main concerns that emerged here related to the lack of local employment opportunities and the increasing levels of drug and alcohol dependency (youth were specifically named by some respondents). Some respondents also noted the lack of services for young people and named training; activities (especially for those not interested in sport). Other concerns in relation to people included increased levels of loneliness; isolation and exclusion.
Community: The main concern expressed by the respondents related to the declining population, young people not coming back to live in the area after leaving for college/work and the increasingly older population profile. One respondent summed up the concern about the declining population and is presented in Figure 8. In addition, the respondents reported being concerned about the increased isolation and exclusion of people living on their own, especially older people (this links with the lack of available transport). Some respondents reported a lack of support for local youth clubs.
Figure 8: Concerns - Population (Erris Community Survey 2018)
Services: The lack of rural transport was named by the majority of respondents as a concern, followed by Mental Health Services (out of hours and access to counselling locally). Other concerns included the reduction of or lack of outreach services (reference to the lack of transport and people living in the more remote areas), reduction in the allocation of Home help hours, difficulty in accessing out of hours Medical support (distance from hospital and Doctors on call at night were named). Specifically the lack of supports for Carers and full-time Mothers was named. The lack of services for young people was cited as well as the lack of a ‘hang out space’ for youth.
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Environment and Infrastructure: The main concern cited by respondents was the distance from mainstream services, followed by the poor condition of the roads to those services (the Bellacorrick to Castlebar road was named by a number of respondents). Other concerns cited that fall into this category included difficulties in getting Planning Permission; lack of Inward Investment and poor Broadband.
WHAT PEOPLE VALUE MOST ABOUT THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN
The survey respondents were asked to comment on what they valued most about their community. This was an open question. The responses were coded and categorised and the findings are presented in the following section.
The responses overwhelmingly related to the community spirit that exists within the region; the friendliness and support from friends and neighbours as well as the wider community. Some commented on the geographic location and unspoilt environment. Some valued the peace, rural life, minimal travel to work, child safety and good schools.
Figure 9: What people value most about their community (Erris Community Survey 2018)
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VOLUNTEERING
The survey respondents were asked if they currently volunteered and if they were registered with Mayo Volunteer Centre. Less than half of the respondents currently volunteer (48%) with a further 17% reporting that they did in the past but not at present. Ten percent of the respondents reported that they were registered with Mayo Volunteer Centre.
Chart 9: Responses re Do you currently volunteer? (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Do you currently volunteer?
I have no experience of volunteering
Did in the past but not at present
No
Yes
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
Chart 10: Responses re registration with Mayo Volunteer Centre (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
Are you registered with Mayo Volunteer Centre?
No
Yes
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
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Survey respondents were asked to choose from a number of statements, what in their opinion encourages people to volunteer and had seven statements to choose from as well as being given an ‘other’ option. The majority choose ‘give something back to the community’ (74%), followed by ‘helping others less fortunate’ (59%) and the third highest score was ‘proud of the community they are part of’ (55%). See Chart 11.
Chart 11: Responses re what encourages people to volunteer (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
In your opinion, what encourages people to volunteer? Please tick all that apply.
Give something back to the community Helping others less fortunate Proud of the community they are part of Being part of improving services for the community Making a difference to the community Gaining new skills Gaining confidence and self-esteem Other (please specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
‘Lack of time’ (69%), followed by ‘lack of confidence’ (46%) and being ‘unaware of the types of volunteering opportunities’ (45%) were the main reasons that respondents reported in their opinion prevents people from volunteering.
Chart 12: Responses re what prevents people from volunteering (Erris Community Survey, Nov 2018)
In your opinion, what prevents people from volunteering? Please tick all that apply.
Lack of time Lack of confidence (not sure what they can offer) Not aware of the types of volunteering… Not aware of local groups looking for volunteers Concerns about all the regulations/paperwork Feeling too old or too young The financial cost of volunteering Other (please specify)
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Responses
Source: Erris Community Survey 2018
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SUPPORTS THAT LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS NEED TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE
The final section in the survey related capturing data in relation to the supports that local community groups need to survive and thrive. This was an open question that allowed the respondents to provide data that related to their opinion on this. The responses were coded and categorised and the results are presented under the headings Training, Funding, Volunteering and Networking.
Training: The main areas that were mentioned here included supports for group development; setting common goals and developing strategic plans. Support in dealing with the increasing levels of bureaucracy involved in operating a local community group as well as the administrative burden of applying for grant-aid were cited.
Funding: This was named by a number of respondents but they did not expand on this other than eg funding for local clubs, funding is essential for all groups to survive. It would be useful to follow up on this to establish the exact funding requirements of the local community groups in the area.
Volunteering: A number of respondents cited the importance of volunteering, the need to recruit and encourage new people to volunteer and the challenges associated with that.
Networking: Some of the respondents reported that it would be advantageous to have networking opportunities for local community groups where they would have an opportunity to meet and share experiences. Supporting networking opportunities could help build better relationships between local community groups and dispel perceptions of competition and encourage co-operation.
Some of the statements made by the respondents encapsulate the above headings and are presented in below.
Figure 10: What Local Community Groups need to Survive and Thrive (Erris Community Survey 2018)
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Appendix I: Background information for Erris Interagency Forum and list of member organisations
Erris Interagency Forum
The Erris Interagency Forum is an informal network of statutory agencies, local development, community development and voluntary organisations that all provide services to the people of Erris. The Forum has been in existence for approximately 10 years and meets 4 to 5 times yearly. Membership is always open and new service providers and their staff are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings – always held on a weekday at 11.00am for 90 minutes.
The aim of the Forum is to provide an opportunity for services to share information about their work, and especially on new initiatives and projects. It is also an opportunity for staff and members of the various organisations to meet and get to know each other – thus making for better joined-up thinking and planning. Thirdly, various speakers are invited to address the Forum from time to time to inform the members of initiatives ongoing in the county which will be of interest to the members and of benefit to their clients.
Organisation Organisation Organisation
Aras Inis Gluaire Irish Wheelchair Association Our Ladies Secondary School Ballycroy Community Council Mayo Local Employment Service Seirbhisí Curam Cill Chomain CLG Bangor Tidy Towns Mayo County Council The Family Centre Belmullet Tidy Towns Mayo North East Tusla CAD Mayo Mayo Rape Crisis Centre Údarás na Gaeltachta Carers Ireland Mayo Women’s Support Services Westbic Citizens Information Service MSLETB Western Alzheimers Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSeadhna CLG Muintearas Western Care HSE National Learning Network Western Development Commission Ionad Deirbhile
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Appendix II: Age by single year (0-4 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by single year 0-4 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Parish Electoral Divisions 0 1 2 3 4 Erris ED total by ED Kilmore An Geata Mor Theas 12 13 14 10 12 61 13.3% (Total = 125) An Geata Mor Thuaidh 7 13 14 15 15 64 14.0% Belmullet Belmullet 25 28 22 21 26 122 26.7% (Total = 152) Glencastle 5 4 5 13 3 30 6.6% Glenamoy 2 2 2 1 2 9 2.0% Knocknalower 6 10 6 9 8 39 8.5% Kilcommon Knockadaff 3 3 1 4 2 13 2.8% (Total = 72) Muingnabo 2 0 2 3 2 9 2.0% Barroosky 0 1 0 0 1 2 0.4% Glenco/Sheskin 1 1 1 3 0 6 1.3% Bangor 9 7 6 4 3 29 6.3% Kiltane Munigs 4 3 2 4 2 15 3.3% (Total = 85) Goolamore 1 1 0 1 0 3 0.7% Rathill 5 5 4 7 11 32 7.0% Ballycroy Ballycroy North 2 1 2 2 2 9 2.0% (Total = 23) Ballycroy South 2 4 1 4 3 14 3.1% Totals by year of age 86 96 82 101 92 457
% of overall total by year 18.8% 21.0% 17.9% 22.1% 20.1% 100.0%
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Appendix III: Age by single year (5-12 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by single year 5-12 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Erris Parish Electoral Divisions 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 ED total 5- 12 years by ED An Geata Mor Theas 12 6 14 5 9 12 9 17 84 10.2% Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 11 18 13 17 17 10 14 8 108 13.1% Belmullet 27 30 20 36 27 25 23 21 209 25.4% Belmullet Glencastle 6 11 6 10 10 8 10 5 66 8.0% Glenamoy 1 3 2 2 3 5 5 3 24 2.9% Knocknalower 5 7 9 11 4 5 11 11 63 7.6% Kilcommon Knockadaff 5 5 7 4 7 2 3 7 40 4.9% Muingnabo 1 0 1 2 1 1 4 2 12 1.5% Barroosky 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 6 0.7% Glenco/Sheskin 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0.4% Bangor 2 2 1 8 7 3 5 3 31 3.8% Kiltane Munigs 4 5 1 4 1 4 1 2 22 2.7% Goolamore 2 1 1 0 1 2 1 2 10 1.2% Rathill 6 9 10 9 10 13 8 12 77 9.3% Ballycroy North 2 5 4 3 3 5 5 5 32 3.9% Ballycroy Ballycroy South 1 2 5 7 4 4 6 8 37 4.5%
Totals by year of age 86 107 95 118 104 100 106 108 824
% of overall total by year 10.4% 13.0% 11.5% 14.3% 12.6% 12.1% 12.9% 13.1% 100.0%
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Appendix IV: Age by single year (5-12 years), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by single year 13-17 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Erris Parish Electoral Divisions 13 14 15 16 17 ED total 13- 17 years by ED An Geata Mor Theas 11 12 26 76 14 139 22.0% Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 15 13 15 15 16 74 11.7% Belmullet 26 24 24 25 22 121 19.2% Belmullet Glencastle 6 7 7 3 7 30 4.8% Glenamoy 1 5 1 3 1 11 1.7% Knocknalower 14 12 11 11 14 62 9.8% Kilcommon Knockadaff 1 7 2 3 6 19 3.0% Muingnabo 4 1 2 5 5 17 2.7% Barroosky 2 0 3 1 0 6 1.0% Glenco/Sheskin 2 1 2 1 0 6 1.0% Bangor 6 6 6 4 10 32 5.1% Kiltane Munigs 2 4 2 3 0 11 1.7% Goolamore 1 1 1 1 0 4 0.6% Rathill 9 8 10 10 8 45 7.1% Ballycroy North 5 3 8 6 4 26 4.1% Ballycroy Ballycroy South 8 4 5 5 6 28 4.4%
Totals by year of age 113 108 125 172 113 631
% of overall total by year 17.9% 17.1% 19.8% 27.3% 17.9% 100.0%
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Appendix V: Age by single year 18-19 and cohort 20-24 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by single year 18-19 and cohort 20-24 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
% of overall Parish Electoral Divisions 18 19 20-24 Total by ED Erris total 18- 24 years by ED Kilmore An Geata Mor Theas 14 9 47 70 12.7% (Total = 89) An Geata Mor Thuaidh 7 4 29 40 7.2% Belmullet Belmullet 19 13 83 115 20.8% (Total = 127) Glencastle 5 5 26 36 6.5% Glenamoy 6 5 6 17 3.1% Knocknalower 11 8 41 60 10.9% Kilcommon Knockadaff 3 2 15 20 3.6% (Total = 87) Muingnabo 2 1 7 10 1.8% Barroosky 1 1 1 3 0.5% Glenco/Sheskin 1 0 4 5 0.9% Bangor 6 11 33 50 9.1% Kiltane Munigs 4 4 15 23 4.2% (Total = 115) Goolamore 1 3 8 12 2.2% Rathill 8 8 29 45 8.2% Ballycroy Ballycroy North 6 2 6 14 2.5% (Total = 35) Ballycroy South 5 8 19 32 5.8%
Totals by year of age 99 84 369 552
% of overall total by year 17.9% 15.2% 66.8% 100.0%
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Appendix VI: Age by five year cohort, 25-64 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by five year cohort, 25-64 years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Erris Parish Electoral Divisions 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 ED total 25- 64 years by ED An Geata Mor Theas 36 67 48 46 47 65 73 68 450 10.9% Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 46 65 61 60 60 55 67 64 478 11.6% Belmullet 111 155 106 132 129 111 114 123 981 23.9% Belmullet Glencastle 22 28 27 30 30 28 44 47 256 6.2% Glenamoy 8 10 12 12 15 21 16 16 110 2.7% Knocknalower 30 35 32 34 49 87 82 47 396 9.6% Kilcommon Knockadaff 11 17 23 18 23 25 22 27 166 4.0% Muingnabo 8 11 8 26 12 19 23 28 135 3.3% Barroosky 7 5 7 6 9 3 17 6 60 1.5% Glenco/Sheskin 3 3 1 6 4 6 10 9 42 1.0% Bangor 37 26 22 28 39 39 30 30 251 6.1% Kiltane Munigs 2 12 11 12 12 23 19 12 103 2.5% Goolamore 7 7 4 7 9 14 16 9 73 1.8% Rathill 21 45 32 43 55 38 42 56 332 8.1% Ballycroy North 10 5 14 24 16 23 18 19 129 3.1% Ballycroy Ballycroy South 9 19 17 21 17 29 19 17 148 3.6%
Totals by year of age 368 510 425 505 526 586 612 578 4110
% of overall total by year 9.0% 12.4% 10.3% 12.3% 12.8% 14.3% 14.9% 14.1% 100.0%
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Appendix VII: Age by five year cohort, 65+ years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Age by five year cohort, 65+ years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Erris Parish Electoral Divisions 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85+ ED total 65+ years by ED An Geata Mor Theas 62 51 24 19 20 176 10.3% Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 60 44 33 21 17 175 10.3% Belmullet 120 87 72 55 72 406 23.8% Belmullet Glencastle 24 19 12 11 9 75 4.4% Glenamoy 20 8 6 5 5 44 2.6% Knocknalower 33 27 30 26 21 137 8.0% Kilcommon Knockadaff 39 16 9 7 8 79 4.6% Muingnabo 23 17 11 4 3 58 3.4% Barroosky 10 7 4 1 1 23 1.3% Glenco/Sheskin 11 7 5 4 2 29 1.7% Bangor 34 16 12 7 5 74 4.3% Kiltane Munigs 12 12 5 8 10 47 2.8% Goolamore 12 6 8 2 5 33 1.9% Rathill 63 49 25 27 17 181 10.6% Ballycroy North 26 25 20 10 12 93 5.5% Ballycroy Ballycroy South 28 17 13 9 7 74 4.3%
Totals by year of age 577 408 289 216 214 1704
% of overall total by year 33.9% 23.9% 17.0% 12.7% 12.6% 100.0%
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Appendix VIII: Totals 0-4, 5-12, 13-17, 18-24, 25-64 and 65+ years, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Totals 0-4, 5-12, 13-17, 18-24, 25-64, and 65+ years Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 % of overall Total by Total by Total by Total by Total by Total by Total all Erris Parish Electoral Divisions ED 0-4 ED 5 -12 ED 13-17 ED 18-24 ED 25-64 ED 65+ ages total all years years years years years years ages by ED An Geata Mor Theas 61 84 139 70 450 176 980 11.8% Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 64 108 74 40 478 175 939 11.3% Belmullet 122 209 121 115 981 406 1954 23.6% Belmullet Glencastle 30 66 30 36 256 75 493 6.0% Glenamoy 9 24 11 17 110 44 215 2.6% Knocknalower 39 63 62 60 396 137 757 9.1% Kilcommon Knockadaff 13 40 19 20 166 79 337 4.1% Muingnabo 9 12 17 10 135 58 241 2.9% Barroosky 2 6 6 3 60 23 100 1.2% Glenco/Sheskin 6 3 6 5 42 29 91 1.1% Bangor 29 31 32 50 251 74 467 5.6% Kiltane Munigs 15 22 11 23 103 47 221 2.7% Goolamore 3 10 4 12 73 33 135 1.6% Rathill 32 77 45 45 332 181 712 8.6% Ballycroy North 9 32 26 14 129 93 303 3.7% Ballycroy Ballycroy South 14 37 28 32 148 74 333 4.0% Totals by year of age 457 824 631 552 4110 1704 8278
% of overall total by year 5.5% 10.0% 7.6% 6.7% 49.6% 20.6%
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Appendix IX: Total population with % population change, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
% of Population Total Population overall Parish Electoral Divisions change % CSO 2016 population (2011-16) in Erris An Geata Mor Theas 980 0.08 Kilmore 1,919 23.2% An Geata Mor Thuaidh 939 -0.04 Belmullet 1,954 -0.06 Belmullet 2,447 29.6% Glencastle 493 -0.06 Glenamoy 215 -0.12 Knocknalower 757 -0.09 Kilcommon Knockadaff 337 1,650 19.9% -0.06 Muingnabo 241 -0.14 Barroosky 100 -0.12 Glenco/Sheskin 91 -0.06 Bangor 467 0.01 Kiltane Munigs 221 1,626 19.6% -0.12 Goolamore 135 0.05 Rathill 712 -0.04 Ballycroy North 303 -0.06 Ballycroy 636 7.7% Ballycroy South 333 -0.03
8,278
Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix X: Pobal HP Deprivation Score, CSO 2016 by Parish and ED
Pobal HP Deprivation Score, CSO 2016 by ED and Parish Parish Electoral Divisions Pobal HP Deprivation Score An Geata Mor Theas disadvantaged -11.56 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh disadvantaged -10.3 Belmullet marginally below average -8.89 Belmullet Glencastle disadvantaged -11.36 Glenamoy disadvantaged -18.32 Knocknalower disadvantaged -18.08 Kilcommon Knockadaff disadvantaged -18.34 Muingnabo disadvantaged -16.66 Barroosky marginally below average -9.17 Glenco/Sheskin disadvantaged -12.65 Bangor disadvantaged -10.03 Kiltane Munigs disadvantaged -16.55 Goolamore disadvantaged -16.04 Rathill disadvantaged -16.19 Ballycroy North disadvantaged -14.95 Ballycroy Ballycroy South disadvantaged -16.05
With the exception of Belmullet and Barroosky EDs (which are classed as marginally below average) all of the ED s are classed as disadvantaged according to the Pobal HP Deprivation Index 2016
Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XI: Percentage Lone Parent Households, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016
Percentage Lone Parent Households, Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 Lone parent ratio Parish Electoral Divisions (%) An Geata Mor Theas 20.40 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 15.60 Belmullet 24.75 Belmullet Glencastle 18.00 Glenamoy 12.00 Knocknalower 24.50 Kilcommon Knockadaff 16.50 Muingnabo 30.00 Barroosky - Glenco/Sheskin - Bangor 14.67 Kiltane Munigs 11.00 Goolamore 20.00 Rathill 14.60 Ballycroy North 10.00 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 10.50
Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XII: Percentage unemployment rate (male and female), Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
% Unemployment rate (male and Female), Erris by ED and Parish, CSO 2016 Unemployment rate - Unemployment rate - Parish Electoral Divisions male (%) female (%) An Geata Mor Theas 37.81 18.48 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 19.59 12.11 Belmullet 17.70 13.44 Belmullet Glencastle 25.50 14.16 Glenamoy 35.59 19.44 Knocknalower 35.78 18.94 Kilcommon Knockadaff 37.50 21.18 Muingnabo 28.43 24.76 Barroosky 20.69 10.00 Glenco/Sheskin 15.79 11.76 Bangor 25.07 20.36 Kiltane Munigs 33.33 25.00 Goolamore 28.57 14.29 Rathill 26.13 21.96 Ballycroy North 21.64 16.93 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 29.56 22.34
Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XIII: Percentage population change 2011-2016, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Percentage population change 2011-2016, CSO 2016 Population Total Parish Electoral Divisions change % Population (2011-16) 2016 An Geata Mor Theas 0.08 980 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh -0.04 939 Belmullet -0.06 1,954 Belmullet Glencastle -0.06 493 Glenamoy -0.12 215 Knocknalower -0.09 757 Kilcommon Knockadaff -0.06 337 Muingnabo -0.14 241 Barroosky -0.12 100 Glenco/Sheskin -0.06 91 Bangor 0.01 467 Kiltane Munigs -0.12 221 Goolamore 0.05 135 Rathill -0.04 712 Ballycroy North -0.06 303 Ballycroy Ballycroy South -0.03 333 Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XIV: Population with Primary Education only, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Population with Primary Education only, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 Prop. primary Parish Electoral Divisions education only (%) An Geata Mor Theas 28.8 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 24.2 Belmullet 21.3 Belmullet Glencastle 22.3 Glenamoy 41.0 Knocknalower 35.0 Kilcommon Knockadaff 39.5 Muingnabo 38.0 Barroosky 28.0 Glenco/Sheskin 40.0 Bangor 23.3 Kiltane Munigs 40.0 Goolamore 37.0 Rathill 36.6 Ballycroy North 43.0 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 40.0 Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XV: Population with 3rd Level Education, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Population with 3rd Level Education, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Prop. third level Parish Electoral Divisions education (%) An Geata Mor Theas 22.4 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 18.1 Belmullet 23.6 Belmullet Glencastle 19.1 Glenamoy 14.1 Knocknalower 12.0 Kilcommon Knockadaff 13.0 Muingnabo 15.7 Barroosky 18.3 Glenco/Sheskin 14.9 Bangor 17.8 Kiltane Munigs 19.4 Goolamore 11.8 Rathill 16.0 Ballycroy North 20.4 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 14.5 Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XVI: Population living in Local Authority Rented Accommodation, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Percentage of population in Local Authority Rented Accommodation, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 Prop. local authority Parish Electoral Divisions rented (%) An Geata Mor Theas 3.29 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 6.91 Belmullet 8.15 Belmullet Glencastle 4.07 Glenamoy 14.10 Knocknalower 10.21 Kilcommon Knockadaff 8.43 Muingnabo 8.23 Barroosky 4.76 Glenco/Sheskin 0.00 Bangor 13.38 Kiltane Munigs 7.14 Goolamore 0.00 Rathill 6.40 Ballycroy North 3.56 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 8.67 Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XVII: Age Dependency Ratio, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016
Age Dependency Ratio, Erris by Parish and ED, CSO 2016 Age Parish Electoral Divisions Dependency Ratio (%) by ED An Geata Mor Theas 35.35 Kilmore An Geata Mor Thuaidh 39.52 Belmullet 39.6 Belmullet Glencastle 37.4 Glenamoy 38.6 Knocknalower 34.93 Kilcommon Knockadaff 41.27 Muingnabo 34.89 Barroosky 33 Glenco/Sheskin 45.05 Bangor 31.55 Kiltane Munigs 40.72 Goolamore 35.56 Rathill 42.96 Ballycroy North 47.17 Ballycroy Ballycroy South 41.12 Source: Pobal (https://maps.pobal.ie/WebApps/DeprivationIndices/index.html)
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Appendix XVIII: List of National and Local Policies, Strategy Statements, Frameworks and Plans
Author Title Online access to report
Department of Children and Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The https://www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/cypp_framework/BetterOutcomesBetterFut
Youth Affairs National Policy Framework for Children ureReport.pdf and Young People 2014-2020
Department of Enterprise, Action Plan for Jobs 2018 https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Action-Plan-for-Jobs- Business and Innovation 2018.pdf
Department of Health A Healthy Weight for Ireland : Obesity https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/A-Healthy-Weight-for-
Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025 Ireland-Obesity-Policy-and-Action-Plan-2016-2025.pdf
Department of Health Healthy Ireland : A Framework for https://health.gov.ie/wp-
Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013- content/uploads/2014/03/HealthyIrelandBrochureWA2.pdf 2025
Department of Health National Positive Aging Strategy https://health.gov.ie/wp- content/uploads/2014/03/National_Positive_Ageing_Strategy_English.pdf
Department of Health Creating A Better Future Together, http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Final-version-27.01.16.pdf National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026
Department of Justice and National Disability Inclusion Strategy http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/dept-justice-ndi-inclusion-stratgey- Equality 2017-2021 booklet.pdf/Files/dept-justice-ndi-inclusion-stratgey-booklet.pdf
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Author Title Online access to report
Department of Rural and Framework Policy for Local and https://drcd.gov.ie/community/framework-policy-for-local-and-community-
Community Development Community Development in Ireland development-in-ireland-2015/ (2015)
Department of Rural and Strengthening Rural Economies and https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/Rural-Booklet-2040.pdf Community Development Communities
Department of Rural and Statement of Strategy https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/DRCD-Statement-of-Strategy-ENGLISH-
Community Development final-14032018.pdf
Department of Rural and Action Plan for Rural Development – https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/162404-rural-ireland-action-plan-web-2- Community Development Realising Our Potential 1-1.pdf
Department of Rural and Action Plan for Rural Development - https://drcd.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/APRD-Third-Progress-Report.pdf Community Development Third Progress Report
Government of Ireland Project Ireland 2040: National http://www.gov.ie/en/project-ireland-2040 Development Plan 2018—2027
Government of Ireland ‘First 5’ A Whole-of-Government https://www.dcya.gov.ie/documents/earlyyears/19112018_4966_DCYA_EarlyYea Strategy for Babies, Young Children and rs_Booklet_A4_v22_WEB.pdf their Families 2019-2028
Healthy Ireland Get Ireland Active! National Physical http://www.healthyireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Healthy-Ireland-
Activity Plan for Ireland 2013-2025 Framework1.pdf
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Author Title Online access to report
Healthy Ireland National Sexual Health Strategy 2015- https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/National-Sexual-Health-
2020 Strategy.pdf
HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland: the https://www.breastfeeding.ie/uploads/breastfeeding-in-a-healthy-ireland.pdf HSE Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016 - 2021
HSE The Nurture Programme: Infant Health https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/child/nurture/ and Wellbeing (2016)
Mayo Children and Young Mayo Children and Young People's Plan https://www.cypsc.ie/mayo/resources.392.html People's Services 2018-2020 Committee
Mayo County Council Mayo Age Friendly Strategy http://www.mayococo.ie/en/media/Media,29328,en.pdf
Mayo Local and Community Mayo Local Economic and Community http://www.mayococo.ie/en/media/Media,29142,en.pdf Development Committee Plan 2015-2021 (LCDC)
Mayo North East Rural Development Programme Currently not available online (LEADER) 2014-2020
Mayo North East Social Inclusion and Community Currently not available online Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-
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Author Title Online access to report
2022
Mayo North East Integrated Rural Development www.mayoecocampus.com
Mayo Sports Partnership Strategy and Action Plan 2017-2021 http://www.mayosports.ie/media/Media,29610,en.pdf
Tusla Children First, National Guidance for the http://www.tusla.ie/uploads/content/Children_First_National_Guidance_2017.p
Protection and Welfare of Children df 2017
Údarás na Gaeltachta Strategic Plan 2018-2020 http://www.udaras.ie/en/faoin-udaras/foilseachain/doicimeid-straiteise/
Western Region Drugs and Family Support Strategy 2017-2020 http://www.wrdatf.ie/family-support-strategy-submission.php Alcohol Task Force
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Appendix XIX: Erris Community Survey Online References
The following are links to the online references consulted that informed design of survey questions.
Community Toolbox: https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community- needs-and-resources/conducting-needs-assessment-surveys/main
Centre for Urban Research and Learning and the Department of Psychology Loyola University Chicago: https://cyfar.org/sites/default/files/Sharma%202000.pdf
Education and Training Unit :http://www.etu.org.za/toolbox/docs/organise/needs.pdf
Pennyrile Allied Community Services: http://www.pacs- ky.org/Editor/assets/pennyrile%20needs%20assessment%20survey.pdf
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Appendix XX: Steering Group members Erris Community Survey 2018
Name Organisation Ann McKensie Western Care Declan Turnbull Mayo County Council – Community Engagement Elaine English Tusla Child and Family Agency Kathy Rowland Mayo Volunteer Centre Rina Garrett Mayo North East Rosaleen Lally Irish Wheelchair Association
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Appendix XXI: Poster from Erris Community Expo
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Appendix XXII: Erris Community Survey 2018
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