Borrisokane 09/12 Needs / Resources Analysis Report

Undertaken by Chris Chapman, independent facilitator. On behalf of Borrisokane Community Forum and North Tipperary LEADER Partnership. Edited by Gearóid Fitzgibbon, with assistance from members of Borrisokane Community.

Borrisokane Needs / Resources Analysis Report

09/12

Executive Summary 7 1 Introduction 11 2 Methodology 13 3 Profile of Borrisokane 16 4 Assets, Resources and History 23 5 Survey of Community Groups and Businesses 27 6 Outcomes of Community Discussions 29 7 Conclusions and Recommendations 33 Appendix A: Youth and Emigration 38 Appendix B: Survey of Community Groups 39 Appendix C: Survey of Local Businesses 40 Appendix D: Summary of Ideas from Borrisokane 41 Community Forum Meetings (July-October 2011)

Appendix E: Progress and Achievements to Date 43

Acknowledgements: Borrisokane Community Forum and North Tipperary LEADER Partnership would like to warmly thank all those who have given their time and expertise to enable the production of this report.

Executive Summary

BACKGROUND Borrisokane Community Forum came together in October 2011 to develop shared goals to address needs of the community, maintain its heritage and environment, and promote greater cohesion among groups in Borrisokane. This Report is the culmination of a series of community meetings, discussions and surveys which sought to create an up-to-date overview of the social and developmental resources and needs of Borrisokane town, which would inform activities of Borrisokane Community Forum and local community groups over the next 1-5 years.

Participation in the surveys and meetings, undertaken by Borrisokane Community Forum, as part of this report, showed the willingness of a wide range of stakeholders to work together. However a significantly lower percentage of people in Borrisokane are involved in voluntary activity compared to the rest of the county (11.7% compared to 19.2% in the County as a whole – Census 2006). This highlights the potential for greater voluntary involvement within the community.

KEY DATA

A number of headline figures jump ŸAbout 13% of population (297 out from the 2011 census pointing to people) had left school aged social needs within the Borrisokane 16 or earlier (about 8% in the Electoral Division, in particular: county and nationally)

Ÿ16.3% of population (211 people) ŸOf the population over 15 aged over 65 (11% nationally) years, 42% (390 people) have no higher than primary or lower Ÿ44 older people living on their secondary education, (33% in own and as many men over 65 as the county, and 30% nation- women. ally)

Ÿ23% of families with children ŸThe percentage of people with under 15 (27 families) headed by a disability is 17.9% (232 lone parents (18 % in County as a people) (13.7% in the county) whole)

7 426 people in Borrisokane identified RECOMMENDATIONS themselves as employed, 152 people as unemployed, and 78 as unable to The recommendations of this report work due to permanent sickness or focus on actions relating to commu- disability (2011 Census). Within the nity, business and the local environ- town itself, there were 290 working, ment. The two main ingredients 108 unemployed, and 69 unable to necessary in achieving the goals of work due to permanent sickness or this report are: disability. a)Maximising the number of These figures show that the population people and agencies contributing of Borrisokane has to support to the future of the town, and; approximately 25% more economically inactive people than the national b)Ensuring there is effective average. This is a considerable communication and co-ordination challenge for business and the wider between all involved. community, to understand why this is the case, and to find ways of support- During the community consulta- ing those in need within the commu- tions, many people came forward nity, given current national and offering their help. Key issues will be international challenges. how to sustain this momentum and maximise the return on the energy The research undertaken has people have to invest. highlighted opportunities for more Borrisokane Community Forum can people, from all backgrounds, to get play role in maintaining awareness more involved in the town, including: and involvement among all local Outings for older people and families; groups, as well as helping moving Setting up non-sporting activities; actions forward (A progress update Environmental projects; Website on the Forum's activities for development; Building projects 20 11 /2 01 2 is g iv en in A pp e nd ix E Fundraising; Developing an allotment below). scheme; Visiting people living alone. The report outlines 14 recommenda- The Report recognises considerable tions in total, divided into two main assets existing within the town, themes: particularly a strategically central location, the Town Park, under- A. Communications and co- exploited history/heritage, a large ordination; number of active community and special interest groups, a wide range B. Specific initiatives responding of local sports facilities, a close-knit to identified weaknesses, or community potential for Eco- harnessing local resources. tourism/food initiatives.

8 A. RECOMMENDATIONS fostering community cohesion. RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS AND CO-ORDINATION 6.Local development agencies to support a dedicated community 1.Local groups working more worker in the area to support the local effectively together, using umbrella voluntary community development groups like Borrisokane Community activities, and consolidate the work Forum to facilitate information sharing carried out in 2012 by the Community and co-operation. Local agencies to Support Officer hosted by NTLP. NTLP also ensure duplication does not should ensure that its Old Church occur among local groups seeking office is used to its full potential to the funding. benefit of the area.

2. North Tipperary County Council and other relevant agencies to support initiatives recommended in B.RECOMMENDATIONS FOR the report. SPECIFIC INITIATIVES

3. Community groups to co-operate 7. Borrisokane Community Forum in developing: should help co-ordinate a youth initiative, with assistance from (i) Community Information points Regional Youth agencies. This might involve a local youth focus groups, (ii) A regular community newsletter followed by training for local volunteers and the identification of local (iii) Re-vamp town's website facilities with the potential for re- www.borrisokane.com as a cross development – e.g. Teach Na n-Óg as community project. a youth and community centre.

(iv) Update Borrisokane's heri- 8. A Community Garden/Allotment tage/tourism leaflet within the town to be developed in conjunction with specialist support agencies, such as 'Grow it Yourself 4. North Tipperary County Council, Ireland'. North Tipperary LEADER Partner- ship and other agencies to support 9. Local volunteers and community local groups in developing a distinct groups to be supported to develop brand for Borrisokane, to highlight the volunteer-led Care and Repair town's economic, tourism, heritage services for local elderly and and community assets. vulnerable people.

5.Development of Borrisokane 10. Local agencies to support Community Radio as a focused ongoing development of local resource for the town and surround- Afterschool Club services. ing area, promoting communication, 11. Given the high unemployment and

9 dependency rates, there is a need for targeted training interventions (iii) Building the capacity of local in the town. economic initiatives (iv) Support new businesses that can - Local Educational providers should harness and add value to local consult with local voluntary groups agricultural produce. and businesses to develop innovative adult education options within the (v) Assisting with study visits and area. linkages to similar initiatives in Ireland and abroad. - Explore the possibility of running outreach courses from third level institutions: University of Limerick, LIT, UCC or other institutions. 13. Local businesses and other interested agencies to work - Borrisokane Community Forum together to re-establish a market should request and facilitate provision within the town of job club services from North Tipperary LEADER Partnership. 14. All Groups and organisations within the community should - Examine the potential of a pilot Mentoring and Placement scheme advocate the use of empty and where local businesses host historical buildings along the placements with people wishing to main street in Borrisokane. Local upskill. businesses should strive to maintain their facades to the highest - Local training initiatives should possible standard. develop strategies to address the digital divide in Borrisokane. Retention 15. Borrisokane has connections to of the local library service is vital to tackling these issues. a number of distinguished figures: e.g. Martin Sheen, Rex Ingram. 12. Local community groups and Borrisokane Community Forum, businesses, North Tipperary and local groups involved in history County Enterprise Board, and genealogy should foster links Shannon Development, Tipperary with these. Energy Agency and North Tipperary LEADER Partnership 16. Local churches and groups need to be brought together to have a role in foster a co- e x p l o r e a n d s u p p o r t s e l f- operative/holistic ethos within the help/locally driven economic community, inspired by the spiritual development, job creation: and human values of the area's religious traditions – e.g. organising (i) Developing shared services shared ecumenical/inter-faith event for resources that serve a range of individuals and groups within the local businesses town.

(ii)Supporting local energy projects

10 1. Introduction

1.1 BACKGROUND TO REPORT

Borrisokane is a small town in North Tipperary of 1,293 people (population of Electoral District according to 2011 Census Preliminary Data).

In July 2011, 2 local women, Miriam Lewis and Catriona Lennon, decided to try to do something to see how gaps in social and community services could be addressed. Between July and Participants at a community discussion at Borrisokane Methodist Hall, October 11th, 2011 September 2011, North Tipperary LEADER Partnership assisted these volunteers in facilitating a series of planning meetings. One of the key 1.2 INTENTION OF THIS REPORT points to emerge was the need for g r e a t e r c o - o r d i n a t i o n a n d This report has been designed to give communication between community a 'whole' picture to the people in and special interest organisations in Borrisokane who are working on Borrisokane. This led to the formation of projects and initiatives that deal with Borrisokane Community Forum, with different parts of the town's problems the aim of addressing this need. and different parts of its potential. This will enable links to be made between In November 2011, North Tipperary different projects and more to be L E A D E R P a r t n e r s h i p ( N T L P ) achieved than would be the case if commissioned Chris Chapman to everyone worked separately. deliver facilitated training sessions to The second intention of this report is Borrisokane Community Forum to that it should be of benefit to people assist the group in drafting a outside of the town, to give some Needs/Resources analysis for insight into the key resources and Borrisokane and a work plan to direct potential of Borrisokane, the the group's activities. challenges it faces and how the community is choosing to respond. This report has been produced as a It is hoped that this report and the work result of that work. of Borrisokane Community Forum will provide a focus to the work of local groups, and assist in building p a r t n e r s h i p s w i t h r e l e v a n t organisations and agencies.

11 12 2. Methodology

2.1 OVERVIEW OF APPROACH 2.2 SOURCES OF DATA

This report has been based on the This study began by identifying key following sources: sources of data relevant to Borrisokane Town. These included: Previous reports and studies relevant to Borrisokane town, Borrisokane Area Network and Census data Development files (held by North Tipperary LEADER Partnership) Engagement with local people, identified by members of Borrisokane Settlement Plan Borrisokane Community (amended), extracted from North Forum, in particular via brief Tipperary County Development questionnaires circulated to Plan 2010-2016 local community groups and businesses (replies were Central Statistics Office Ireland received from 21 Community 2000 Census of Agriculture (2010 G r o u p s a n d 4 1 l o c a l unavailable) businesses) Central Statistics Office Ireland A facilitated public meeting in Census Results 2006 and 2011. February 2012, attended by over 70 people, which explored Central Statistics Office Ireland the question 'What could our Live Register (January 2012) community achieve if we all worked together?’ N o r t h T i p p e r a r y C o u n t y Childcare Committee : Childcare Discussions with the members Strategy for North Tipperary of Borrisokane Community 2007-2010 Forum, based on inputs from all stakeholders. North Tipperary County Council Housing Waiting List (November These sources have given an 2011) indication of where the community's energies lie, and have fed directly N o r t h T i p p e r a r y C o u n t y i n t o t h e c o n c l u s i o n s a n d Development Plan 2010-2016 recommendations. Dr. Brendan O'Keeffe, Dept. of Geography, Mary Immaculate

13 Methodology

College - “North Tipperary: A businesses responded to this survey S o c i o - E c o n o m i c a n d including 13 food / catering busi- Demographic Profile” (2007) nesses, 12 other retail businesses and 8 public services. Nora Walls, on behalf of Copies of the survey forms used are Nenagh Community Network attached as an appendix to this report. Limited and Roscrea 2000 Results from these surveys were L i m i t e d - R e p o r t o n presented at a public meeting on Consultations for Local February 9th. Development Social Inclusion Programme, April 2008

2.4 COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONS

2.3 CONSULTATION PROCESS The public meeting held on 9th February 2012 received the results A survey of local community groups from the consultation process and the was undertaken in December 2011. 70 plus people who attended were This work was driven by Donna then asked to convene conversations McLoughlin, who had been around the things that mattered most appointed by North Tipperary to them that they were willing to take L E A D E R Pa r t n e r s h i p a s a responsibility for. Community Support Officer, under the JobBridge National Internship 11 discussions were prioritised Scheme, with a specific mandate to (numbers in brackets show the support the development of the numbers of people who said they Forum for a 9 month period. were willing to help with the particular topic) The survey was designed to promote the work already being A. Ensure the building of the day undertaken by Borrisokane care centre takes place and care of Community Forum, to identify what the elderly (14) groups were already doing and to elicit their views on what the B. Community Owned Energy Community Forum should be doing. Company (13)

21 responses to the Community C. Business working together / Group survey were received Chamber of Commerce - Mentoring including responses from 6 groups new business, workspace, employ- providing 'care', 6 groups working ment, work schemes (11) on local environment / heritage and groups representing over 400 D. Local Radio in Borrisokane (11) people involved in local sports. A similar survey of local businesses E. Promoting Pride in Borrisokane followed in January 2012. 41 - Borrisokane as a brand (signage

14 Methodology

and awareness) (10) These discussions showed where the energy of community members F. Re-establishing the market rite who attended was focussed. These in the town and holding a market conversations have been followed (9) up by the Community Forum with a view to facilitating people's ongoing G. Establishing and re- involvement in the issues. invigorating Community Spirit (9) Conclusions from these conversations have been carried forward into H. How to start an allot- the recommendations of this report. ment/community garden in It is important to recognise the Borrisokane (8) sections of the population that were least represented at the meeting I. Facelift for every premise in (particularly young people) and to the Main Street (3) acknowledge that plans and recommendations will need to J. Harnessing the "Passing evolve as more people come on Traffic Euro" – How to get people board with the process. to stop in Borrisokane and spend money instead of just driving through. (3)

K. CCTV Cameras for the town (2)

Some of the participants at the public meeting in February 2012 (facilitated by Chris Chapman) which explored the question 'What could our community achieve if we all worked together?'

15 3. Profile of Borrisokane

3.1 LOCATION

Dr. Brendan O'Keeffe described Borrisokane as one of those “rural areas (that) have a fragile economic base with a high dependence on agriculture, but they are steeped in tradition, heritage and culture and have a pristine natural environment, such that their development potential is very considerable.” (2007)

“Borrisokane is located 15km north is Charleville, Co. Cork, over 1 hour of Nenagh on the intersection of the away (94 kilometres). The Regional N52 to Birr, and the N65 to Portuma. Road R490 to Cloughjordan is located While the town is primarily at the southern side of the settlement residential, it acts as a market town and Local Roads (L-1100 and L-1092) for services, being conveniently branch to the west towards Lough located in relation to the major towns Derg. of Nenagh, Roscrea, Birr and Portumna, and amenities such as Bus Eireann operate services to Lough Derg.” (Source: Borrisokane Athlone, Birr, Limerick , Nenagh. Settlement Plan)

Funded by the Department of Transport, North Tipperary LEADER Partnership operates the Rural Transport Programme in North Tipperary. This programme offers cheap transport to areas of North Tipperary not well served by public or private transport companies. 15 of these routes are overseen the Rural Transport offices based in the Old Borrisokane is located on the Church, Borrisokane. 13 are located National Secondary Road (N52 Birr) in the Borrisokane area . and the N65 Galway route. As the (see www.ntlp.ie/programme/27). town has not been bypassed, it is still able to offer services to long distance motorists. For passengers travelling southwards to Cork, the next un-bypassed town on the route

16 Profile of Borrisokane

The town sits on two of the North Tipperary Cycle Routes, linking it with Nenagh, Terryglass and Ireland's first eco-village in Cloughjordan.

3.2 POPULATION

The population of Borrisokane Electoral Division in 2011 was 1294 (CSO preliminary data) (a 13.5% rise compared to 2006) The adult population of Borrisokane had previously fallen from 850 in 1996 to 823 in 2002 (CSO), which was a decline of 2.1% in that census period. It remained at 823 in 2006 (CSO). The 2011 Age Profile shows Borrisokane to have a higher than average proportion of older people (65+) and a lower than average proportion of younger adults (15-44)

On examining this more closely, there is a significantly higher than average percentage of older men (as a proportion of the overall population)

Caution should be expressed before over-interpreting these figures. The absolute numbers are relatively small (there was a total of 102 men aged 65+ in the Borrisokane Electoral Division in 2011, of whom 42 were over 75 and 12 over 85. Of these, 78 live within Borrisokane town itself. There were a total of 44 older people living on their own). However, the statistics are significant enough to raise questions about care needs and isolation.

17 Profile of Borrisokane

52 people in Borrisokane described In Borrisokane Town, there were 483 themselves as carers (4.57% of total houses, 103 of which were vacant. population compared to 4.8% Over half the households in nationally) Borrisokane were constructed before 38% of all family units with children 1980. 9 houses had no central under 15 years of age in heating, and 71 had no car. Borrisokane were headed by a lone parent (compared to 29% nationally The North Tipperary County Council and 23% in North Tipperary, as a reported 40 people on its housing whole) (source Childcare Strategy waiting list for Borrisokane in for North Tipperary 2007-10) November 2011 (compared to 21 in 23 people in Borrisokane identified December 2009) themselves as travellers in the 2011 Census. 315 households had a personal Only 11.7% of the population aged computer, of which 252 had access to over 15 identified themselves as broadband. 172 households had no being involved in one or more personal computer, and 184 voluntary activity (compared to households were still without access 19.2% in the County as a whole and to broadband. 16.4% nationally) 3.4 SETTLEMENT FORM 3.3 HOUSING “Borrisokane is situated in an area The Borrisokane Settlement Plan dominated by agriculture, lying in a describes the town as having “a bowl-shaped syncline. The town itself current imbalance between social rises towards the north and south with and private housing, previously the important buildings, such as the majority of housing developments Catholic Church, the Terrace and AIB have been completed by the County bank located in prominent positions. Council in the form of social The town is intersected by the housing.” Ballyfinboy River. There is a strong historic legacy evident in the town, The town also includes an and many of the key architectural unfinished (ghost) estate, where elements that give the town its according to one local Councillor in character are still intact.” (Source : 2010, there were “blocks hanging Borrisokane Settlement Plan down off scaffolding that are ready extracted from North Tipperary t o f a l l d o w n o n c h i l d r e n ” County Development Plan 2010- (Source: Tipperary Star: 9 2016) November 2010) 3.5 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT According to the 2011 Census, the OBJECTIVES total housing stock of Borrisokane This extract from Borrisokane Electoral Division was 627, of which Settlement Plan (North Tipperary vacant households numbered 126. County Development Plan 2010-

18 Profile of Borrisokane

2016) gives an idea of an envisaged footbridge access, and to provide a direction for the town. riverside park to north of GAA field as part of new residential “The Council will seek to implement development which would be the following objectives: subject to a flood risk assessment.

-Facilitate people to live in high - To seek the undergrounding of quality, primarily low density Cables and wirescape on Main housing in a rural town location. Street

- Maintain services at a local level. - To seek the protection of the architectural conservation area, -Reinforce the attractive rural particularly elements such as town which exists at present by coach arches. permitting appropriate and sensitively designed new - To seek the protection of trees at development. the following locations:

-Facilitate the creation of i. Hardwood trees north and south commercial, industrial and other along Mill Road. employment opportunities. ii. Beech trees on southern -The rate of growth must be in approach road and west of The accordance with the Council's Terrace. policy on towns and villages and the availability of services - To reserve land for a future link (including physical and social road between N65 and N52 to the provisions). north east of the town.

- To provide a new streetscape as - To provide a cycle track on the part of redevelopment of current access road to the Community playing fields. College.

- To provide a park as part of new - To ensure that proposals for new residential development on lands development of lands adjacent to south of Cloughjordan Road. public roads provides access to backlands and land that does not - To provide a river side walk and have road frontage. park as follows; (1) Maintain link from Main Street east along river, - To provide pedestrian linkage as (2) maintain right of way from Mill p a r t o f n e w t o w n c e n t r e Street through Opportunity site development. 'C', develop the land between the river and stream to the rear of the - To seek the redevelopment of 'Old Church Centre' as park with derelict and vacant dwelling and

19 Profile of Borrisokane

sheds to town centre uses. increasing numbers of commercial and professional employees work in - To seek the redevelopment of Limerick and commute from North this riverside site to provide town Tipperary, rather than working within centre uses that include new the County itself. While the proportion streetscape on Mill Street, off- of the workforce engaged in street parking, preservation of the manufacturing has remained Georgian house and retention of consistent since the mid-1990s, the right of way through the recent closures, such as that of northern part of the site to the Procter & Gamble in Nenagh river and land north of the river. underline the vulnerability of Irish manufacturing to global competition. - To provide new town centre The construction sector has development on land off Shannon experienced very considerable Street that is currently occupied growth since 1996, and has provided by derelict limestone buildings. increased employment throughout the New development may provide County in both urban and rural areas. for the restoration of the However, its current situation is limestone buildings, or the reuse precarious, and there is a clear need of the stone and arches. to promote new employment opportunities, particularly in more - Restoration of derelict building rural areas.” (Source: Dr Brendan to town centre uses.” O'Keeffe)

T h i s p i c t u r e h a s c h a n g e d 3.6 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AND considerably. In the period, 2007 to TRENDS 2012, the national unemployment rate has jumped from 4 to 14 %, caused, in Writing in 2007, prior to the the words of economist Stephen recession, Dr Brendan O'Keeffe had Kinsella, by an “old fashioned credit made these general comments on boom.” The decline in construction the local economy: and related industries has seen a large drop in consumer spending, “Agriculture, food processing and and a difficult climate for retailers. agriculture-related services are very Feedback from the survey of local significant components of North businesses in Borrisokane showed Tipperary's economic base. that for many their primary current Despite a contraction of the focus was survival. Seven local agriculture sector over the past ten businesses had closed in the 2 years years, land-based activities will before the production of this report. continue to be central to North Tipperary's economic development. T h e s e r v i c e s s e c t o r h a s Agriculture – a key local driver experienced considerable growth The total number of farms in North over the past decade, although Tipperary is 3805, the total area

20 Profile of Borrisokane

farmed (UAA excl. commonage) 3.7 LABOUR FORCE was 150685.61 hectares, the PARTICIPATION average farm size was 39.6 hectares. According to the 2006 census, the labour force participation rate (i.e. the In the Rural district of Borrisokane proportion of people aged 15+ who (stretching from Ardcrony to are at work) was 48% in Borrisokane Rathcabban), the total number of (compared to 56.5% in North farms for this rural district was 730, Tipperary as a whole and 57.2% the total area farmed (UAA) was nationally). 35,239 hectares. Of these, 408 farms are between 30 and 100 In 2011, 426 people in Borrisokane hectares, 259 under 30 hectares, identified themselves as employed, and 82 farms of less than 10 141 people as unemployed, and 78 hectares. as unable to work due to permanent sickness or disability (2011 Over 86% of the total area farmed is Census). Within the town itself, there for a mixture of silage, hay, pasture were 290 working, 108 unemployed, and grazing. The remainder farms a and 69 unable to work due to mix of crops, including cereals and permanent sickness or disability. potatoes (twice the national average). Only 9.5% of farm owners In the period 2006-2011, local are under 35, with almost 20% over unemployment jumped from 9% to 65. 29% for males, and 11% to 22% for females (Source: Pobal Maps According to the CSO 2010 Census http://maps.pobal.ie). The figures for of Agriculture, the smaller Nenagh Social Welfare Office have Borrisokane Electoral Division has increased by approx 236%. 36 farms, down 4 from the 2000 farm census, which farmed a total of 1805 hectares. There were 3752 cattle 3.8 EDUCATION (3131 in 2000) and 1243 sheep (down from 2514 in 2000). Locally, In the 2011 Census, about 13% of agriculture remains a key local population had left school aged 16 or employer. The 2011 Census gives earlier (compared to about 8% in the 45 people employed in agriculture county and nationally). Of the and forestry. National trends show a population over 15 years, 42% have renewed importance of agriculture no higher than primary or lower given the collapse in the building secondary education, (compared to industry. This is also borne out by 33% in the county, and 30% the huge jump in registrations at nationally). agricultural colleges (locally (e.g. 11.3% were educated to primary Green College) and nationally) and degree level or above (compared to by the increased numbers of 19% in North Tipperary as a whole and applications for the Farm Assist 24% nationally) payment.

21 Profile of Borrisokane

3.9 ECONOMIC DEPENDENCY the community. This of course RATIO affected by what is happening nationally and internationally. The mean Economic Dependency Personal and government debt is a Ratio (EDR) varies considerably legacy of recent years. Lack of throughout North Tipperary. The lending by credit institutions, means EDR is calculated as the ratio of the also a lack of investement, and high total economic inactive population levels of personal savings. Foreign (children aged 14 and under, direct investment has played a key unemployed people, first-time job- role in Ireland's development. seekers, those engaged in home Recently, the “smart economy” has duties, retired people, students and been lauded as offering Ireland a way those unable to work) to those at out of the downturn. However, work. The resulting ratio is the according to economist U.L. number of inactive persons to every economist Stephen Kinsella “if the one active person. Therefore the smart economy succeeded beyond higher the EDR, the more inactive our policy makers' wildest dreams, it people are dependant on the active wouldn't help most of the people in the population. The EDR helps to Mid West region who are unemployed highlight those areas with smaller for 3-5 years. This is because the idea numbers of income earners relative of the smart economy is at variance to the economically dependent with the facts of the type of population. Nationally, the EDR is unemployment in the Mid West right 1.20, while in North Tipperary, it now.” Local economic initiatives must stands at 1.25. In Borrisokane, the take account that many of those newly EDR stands at over 1.5. (Source Dr unemployed are from construction Brendan O'Keeffe 2007). and services. In Kinsella's view the M i d -W e s t , ( w h i c h i n c l u d e s 3.10 EMIGRATION Borrisokane) has a reserve of labour which can be best helped by intensive The downturn following 2008 has retraining and retooling of a portion of seen a large number of young the workforce. people seek employment abroad. This is both an economic and a From this stand point, local cultural loss to the area. Appendix development agencies must support includes a snapshot on emigration initiatives that provide opportunities through the eyes of two youths who right here, right now for this unused have left Borrisokane. workforce. Such initiatives require investment, and in this respect, there 3.11 CONCLUSION is an opportunity for locally owned financial institutions, and state This report is about local agencies to pay a role in creating a development in Borrisokane and local investment fund, to back local local ways of improving the initiatives. economic, social and cultural life of

22 4. Assets, Resources and History

4.1 CURRENT COMMUNITY / VOLUNTARY GROUPS AND Business & Finance: RESOURCES Borrisokane Credit Union Arrabawn Co-op/Farm Shop Businesses of Borrisokane The community discussions and Farmers Market planning sessions identified a large AIB Bank (closing in 2013) and active number of local groups and resources: Halls & Venues: Clubs and Organisations: Pastoral Centre BDDA–Borrisokane District Develop- Clarke Memorial Hall ment Association Church of Ireland (Tennis Courts, Soccer Field, Running Methodist Hall Track) Sports Complex Town Park Committee Sports Field Tidy Town Committee Swimming Pool (closed since 2007) Christmas Lights Committee Active Retirement Group Other Resources: Senior Citizen's Group Tipperary Lakeside/Old Church (office Mother & Toddler Group space, tourist info) Local Churches Lifelong Learning Centre/ Adult Literacy Macra na Feirme Borrisokane Community College Drama Group Three National Schools Billards and Snooker (Borrisokane, Kyle, Aglish) GAA Library Irish Dancing Historical buildings (listed and unlisted) Tennis Soccer Athletics Club Initial facilitated discussions indicated Cycling Club that resources were not all being used Vintage Club as effectively as they might be, and Borrisokane Historical Society & Website that benefit could be gained by local Gospel Choir groups, pulling together, to better Gun Club communicate and co-ordinate their activities.

Other Groups: Traveller Group Rural Transport Programme North Tipperary Disability Support FÁS CE Scheme FÁS Local Training Initiative 23 Assets, Resources & History

4.2 STATE SUPPORTED ·A transition programme was run COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT for children moving from primary to 1995-2006 second level school

In 1995, 2 local groups had applied · 2 Summer Programmes f o r f u n d i n g t o A D M ( A r e a Development Management Ltd). ·Subsidies to students from low These were merged in January 1996 income families to take part in the to form BAND (Borrisokane Area Study Group at Borrisokane Network Development). Community College

The Original BAND Mission ·There were Youth Clubs in Statement was to “combat rural de- Borrisokane and Ballingarry population and decline by responding to local needs for · A s u c c e s s f u l P a r e n t i n g education, enterprise and social Programme was run with HSE initiatives and, by facilitating a sense funding and staff. of opportunity and co-operation, achieve an enhanced quality of life ·There were subsidies to attend for all.” VEC night courses and third level courses B o r r i s o k a n e A r e a N e t w o r k Development lost its funding in ·Borrisokane Women's group 2006, when its contract was stopped meeting on closure of withdrawn by Pobal, following BAND. They were reported by a issues identified during an audit staff member to have been “totally process. dependent on BAND”.

Consultations undertaken by Nora ·Sixteen men came weekly for 6 Walls for the Local Development months to the Methodist Hall in Social Inclusion Programme Borrisokane. This included men (LDSIP) in early 2008 identified the who had recent experience of following services which were lost: suicide in their families.

·Borrisokane Childcare service ·Single Parent Group stopped on had been open three mornings closure of BAND (it had been weekly and provided places for 15 supported by the Development to 18 children Worker and Parent Co-ordinator.) T h e g r o u p w a s d o i n g a · A Parent and Toddlers group was Communications and Computers held in Borrisokane on one course funded through the morning each week. Department of Social & Family Affairs. The group included ·Two After-Schools groups members of LDSIP target groups ‘worked very well in Borrisokane’ including Traveller parents.

24 Assets, Resources & History

The Rural Transport Scheme has greater co-ordination and communi- continued (now operated under cation among local groups. It was set North Tipperary LEADER Partner- up as an umbrella group to improve ship). The Active Retirement the co-ordination of activities and Group that had received support communication among local groups from BAND continues to meet. in the community. As described in its draft Mission Statement and Objec- The loss of these services was a tives (October 2011), the intention great setback for the local commu- was not to duplicate the work of nity. Understandably also, the others. closure of BAND led to some reluctance on the part of some M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T F O R people to get involved in new BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY community initiatives. The advent of FORUM October 2011 a new unifying community group like Borrisokane Community Forum, “We are a group which has come has the potential to be of huge together to improve and promote the benefit to the whole community. town we live in, by developing shared Many of the same issues exist, but goals, in order to address needs of the the current economic climate, and community, maintain its heritage and reduced availability of state support, environment, and promote greater means that a unified self-help c o h e s i o n a m o n g g r o u p s i n approach is the only one likely to Borrisokane.” bring about real change in the community. The Objectives of the group are Promotion, Communication and Co- 4.3 BACKGROUND TO CUR- ordination Promotion RENT COMMUNITY DEVELOP- MENT IN BORRISOKANE •To promote Borrisokane as a positive, safe, accessible place to live, Between the demise of BAND in do business in, and visit 2006 and the establishment of Borrisokane Community Forum in •To promote the potential of 2011, there was no co-ordinating Borrisokane as a Hub for tourism in the body operating in the town. While Lough Derg area organisations (e.g. those listed in In these objectives to link with and section 4.1) have continued to do highlight activities of existing good work, there has been a groups/organisations in Borrisokane, tendency for them to act independ- eg. BDDA ently of each other. •Communication: To develop a plan Borrisokane Community Forum and resources to disseminate came together in October 2011 information on Borrisokane – to following a number of public residents, new comers, visitors and meetings which identified a need for investors•Internal: To identify,

25 Assets, Resources & History

highlight, and link up existing Following a public meeting in r e s o u r c e s / t a l e n t s / a c t i v i t i e s , February 2012, the Forum set itself between individuals and groups the following vision: within the community

•External: communicating to the “By the end of 2012, Borrisokane wider public beyond Borrisokane - Community Forum should be firmly Communicating with funders and established and widely recognised as stakeholders re local identified a dynamic forward thinking group needs and how they can be fostering community spirit, co- supported - Presenting Borrisokane operation and joined up thinking in a positive light to investors and within the town” other potential parties in these objectives, not to be a self interest group, but be guided by the needs of The Forum also developed a work the community plan, progress on which is outlined Appendix D: Borrisokane Community •Co-ordination: Be a hub/umbrella Forum – Progress and Achievements. group for community activities in the The viability and impact of these town actions would clearly be enhanced if further resources could be attracted •Update existing Studies/Plans, with to the area. information from census, new studies, local surveys and facilitated discussions

•Create a realistic work plan for the group, on the basis of the needs assessment and which will complement the objectives of other local groups/organisations.

26 5. Survey of Community Groups & Businesses

5.1 PURPOSE OF SURVEYS theprocess was about more than just The purpose of undertaking the eliciting information. surveys was: Questions were drafted by Forum members, with the support of the -To raise the profile of Borrisokane facilitator. Community Forum with local The survey of community groups community groups and businesses was undertaken just prior to Christmas 2011. Whilst this wouldn't -To gather information on the normally be thought of as a good activities of local businesses and time for such an undertaking, it did voluntary groups. serve to highlight the importance being given to this by members of -To ascertain people's perceptions the Community Forum. The survey of needs and potential within the of local businesses followed early in town 2012, with support from the Community Support Officer, hosted -To generate conversations and by North Tipperary LEADER build relationships around things Partnership under the Jobbridge that matter to people in the town, Internship Programme. e.g. employment and business Copies of the survey forms used are opportunities, identifying areas attached as Appendices B and C to need among local groups. this report.

-To feed into the February 9th 5.3 SUMMARY OF KEY POINTS public meeting that followed, and FROM SURVEYS OF LOCAL allow for cross-community input COMMUNITY GROUPS AND into the Need/Resources Analysis BUSINESSES Report. The surveys of local community 5.2 UNDERTAKING OF SURVEYS groups and businesses revealed key points that have fed into the Lists of local groups and recommendations of this report, and businesses were drawn up by should be taken on board by local members of the Community Forum groups and agencies: and each member of the Forum was allocated a group with whom •Perceived main assets to to make contact. It was felt that build on this element of personal Local sports facilities relationship was important; Town Park

27 Survey of community groups & businesses

Close-knit community •Volunteering opportunities Central location highlighted included History / heritage Outings for older people and Eco-tourism / food families Demand for more sports teams •Most effective ways perceived Environmental projects for promoting the local Website development community Delivering leaflets Website Building projects Newsletter Fundraising Nenagh Guardian Someone to develop an allotment Community Noticeboard(s) scheme Visiting lonely people •Suggested main issues for Community Forum to focus on Health and well-being of young The surveys gave an insight into the people potential for what could happen if Jobs more people came forward to get Getting existing facilities involved in the future of the town and finished if their efforts were co-ordinated Physical environment and effectively. It provided a good appearance starting point for discussions at the Bringing people together public meeting which followed. A 'Buy Local' campaign

•Main ideas suggested for businesses to work together on Improve the physical appearance of town (including road surfaces) A 'Buy Local' campaign / loyalty card – possibly specific promotions for older people A local 'food' group Promotion to get people to stop in town A 'cash for cardboard' scheme A Friday evening market and events Sustainable energy Group purchasing (improving efficiency) A group insurance scheme Improving Parking

28 6. Outcomes of Community Discussion

6.1 INTRODUCTION 6.3 SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS Meetings of the Community Forum FROM PUBLIC MEETING HELD ON have performed many important 9TH FEBRUARY 2012 functions. One has been to open up people's perceptions of what is Following the issue and collection of needed and what is possible in the the the survey of community groups town. A complementary function and businesses, it was decided to has then been to narrow this down hold a public meeting, where the again and identify what exactly is to results of the surveys, as well as be done to have the maximum findings of the research, would be impact within the available shared with members of the resources. community. In some ways, it was a Community Forum meetings have risky endeavour for the Community generated very large numbers of Forum – What if no-one turned up? ideas. The surveys and public That would surely be a victory for the meeting processes were necessary cynics who had said no-one cared to ensure the involvement of other and nothing could be done. stakeholders and an effective prioritising of all these ideas. The February 9th meeting was widely The public meetings worked well to advertised through all available demonstrate that there was means. All those who had contributed considerable interest in the future of to the survey were invited and the town and a wider willingness to encouraged to come and hear more get involved. It also pointed about what they had been part of. towards the issues that people felt particularly motivated to get In the event over 70 people showed involved in. up, in spite of there being other events happening in town the same night. The summary of survey results was 6.2 POSSIBLE IDEAS posted on the walls and talked through as part of the introduction for At the various meetings of the the evening. People were then given Borrisokane Community Forum in the chance to talk in small groups late 2011, there were many ideas about what they thought would be the and a lot of energy for things that keys to unlocking further community would be good to do. A sample of involvement in the town. After brief these ideas is given in Appendix D. feedback, people were then asked to

29 Outcomes of community discussion identify the discussions that would Community Forum. Investigate Age be the most useful for moving things Action “Care and Repair Scheme” forward, as a means of enabling people to connect with others who B. Community Owned Energy shared the same concerns and Company (13) ideas as them. Establish the most beneficial local energy food and transport projects BACKGROUND that can happen on a community METHODOLOGIES scale in Borrisokane. It is recognized The format and rationale for the that there exists significant potential in small group discussions drew on Borrisokane for the community or two particular methodologies: clusters within the community to develop their own energy, food, and (i)World Café transport assets, to boost the local (www.theworldcafe.com ) – a economy, create jobs, and reduce the simple, effective, flexible format for cost of living for individual house- hosting large group dialogue holds. It is proposed to ascertain what ( i i ) O p e n S p a c e Te c h n o l o g y resources are available, and what the (www.openspaceworld.org ) – a way potential is for community owned of finding where the energy is within a ventures to capitalize on these local large group and forming action resources, which could remain in groups around key interests that control of and for the benefit of local people are willing to take some communities. responsibility for. C. Business working Eleven discussions followed, as together/Chamber of Commerce - summarised below. (Numbers in Mentoring new businesses, brackets indicate the number of Community workspace, employ- people at the meeting who said they ment, work schemes (11) were willing to help) Set up Chamber of Commerce or similar group to support local A. Ensure the building of the day suppliers and businesses within care centre takes place and care Borrisokane and the surrounding of the elderly (14) areas. Produce a high quality leaflet to promote Borrisokane to tourists and A Day Care Centre has been residents. Support employment promised to Borrisokane for the scheme in Old Church, Borrisokane. elderly in our community. There is a need for a local group to advocate to D. Local Radio in Borrisokane (11) ensure that Day Care Centre is built Give the local community a voice and and that services are initiated by improve communication. A local 2013. Idea to set up a voluntary community radio station could be run register of people who are willing to by volunteers, with the potential of help the elderly in our community, providing employment prospects in forge links between the Public the future. Health Nurse and Borrisokane

30 Outcomes of community discussion

E. Promoting Pride in Borrisokane allotment scheme in Borrisokane. - Borrisokane as a brand (signage Participants will learn how to grow, and awareness) (10) prepare and cook vegetables and To improve and promote the town fruit, increasing knowledge, aware- we live in, by developing shared ness and skills in relation to fruit and goals, in order to address needs of vegetable production. Aim to promote the community, maintain its heritage a healthy lifestyle through physical and environment, and promote activity outdoors and an opportunity greater cohesion among groups in for social and personal development. Borrisokane. Promote Borrisokane Alleviate social, economic and ethnic as a positive, safe accessible place exclusion within the community. to live, do business in and visit, by developing a plan and resources to I. Facelift for every premise in the disseminate information on Main Street (3) Borrisokane to the wider public. Improve and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the town and local F. Re-establishing the market right environs. Support local Tidy Towns in the town and holding a market committee in promotion of keeping (9) Borrisokane tidy, through a scheme to Set up and promote a weekly paint, restore and enhance local market in Borrisokane, providing an buildings. opportunity for local producers and business to sell their produce. Re- J. Harnessing the "Passing Traffic invigorate Borrisokane as a place to Euro" – How to get people to stop in shop and add value to the shopping Borrisokane and spend money experience in the town, other instead of just driving through. (3) businesses to embrace the benefits Borrisokane lies on the N52, the of increased footfall in the town. principal national road running through the Irish Midlands, linking G . E s t a b l i s h i n g a n d r e - Belfast and Dundalk in the north-east invigorating Community Spirit (9) to Limerick /Kerry in the south-west. Bring all voluntary groups under one It's location on main road between umbrella; improve communication Nenagh and Birr makes it an ideal between the groups in a cohesive location to explore near Lough Derg. manner. Channel communication “The countryside all around is t h r o u g h a n e n h a n c e d a n d unspoiled and undulating, with many u p g r a d e d w e b s i t e castle ruins, peat bogs, woodland and (Borrisokane.com), production of freshwater lake dotting the land- brochure for tourists and residents scape. The town is an ideal base for of the town. walking, cycling, horse riding and other activities in the area” Promote H. How to start an allot- and harness the potential economic ment/community garden in benefits of being close to Lough Derg Borrisokane (8) and located on the main routes Create a community garden or through the midlands.

31 Outcomes of community discussion

K. CCTV Cameras for the town (2) night, or in other ways. (Appendix E a Improve security in the community fuller progress update on these by erecting CCTV at both sides of ideas.) town, as a deterrent for crime. The meeting served to bring a cross section of people together, allowing new people to step forward and The meeting of February 9th might become involved, and bringing a level yet prove a turning point in how of acceptance to the aims and work of Borrisokane develops as a town, Borrisokane Community Forum. and responds to the current People enjoyed participatory and economic climate. The meeting was informal format of the meeting, which part of the process undertaken to allowed people to put their views compile this report. However, the across. The evening got people evening was significant in the level talking about what mattered to them of involvement and participation. for the future of their town and area. Five of the ideas discussed have developed as coherent actions (Care and Repair scheme, Commu- Not just an information night, the nity Energy initiative (Borrisokane meeting brought a renewed vision Local Switch), Radio, Community a n d e n e r g y m e m b e r s o f Allotment, Local Market). Many of Borrisokane Community Forum, to the people who stepped forward proceed in its work, with the then are still involved in, whether in backing of the community behind the specific topic discussed on that them.

32 7. Conclusions & Recommendations

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." (Quote attributed to American anthropologist Margaret Mead)

If everyone who cares about the for 2012, which is attached as community and the future of Appendix D to this report. Borrisokane can be enabled to come together and work effectively, SUMMARY OF then small groups of committed RECOMMENDATIONS people (such as the 11 groups listed above coming out of the public These recommendations build on meeting) really can change at least work carried out by the Community this bit of the world. Forum and serve two main functions:

Borrisokane Community Forum A. Identifying how groups and has been successful in adding new agencies can work together to meet impetus to communications, co- identified and evolving needs within ordination and the stimulating of the community of Borrisokane (i.e. new initiatives in the town. This recommendations relating to should be widely welcomed and communications and co-ordination) may serve as a model for others in other places. It has done this with B. Identifying initiatives that respond very limited resources of its own and to identified gaps and weaknesses by with the support of North Tipperary harnessing available services and LEADER Partnership It has been resources able to be successful, thus far, by keeping focussed on its role as a A. RECOMMENDATIONS catalyst, not taking too much on and RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS being clear to other groups that not AND CO-ORDINATION only is it not a threat to what they are doing, but that it seeks to enhance 1. All community groups in the town their effectiveness. s h o u l d a c k n o w l e d g e t h e i r Following the processes outlined in responsibility to work together to this report, Borrisokane Community e n s u r e t h a t d a y t o d a y Forum has developed a work plan communications function as

33 Conclusions & recommendations

effectively as possible. As a local w i t h i n f o r m a t i o n f r o m a l l umbrella group set up to co- organisations, and have a community ordinate communication among diary. Local groups to co-operate to groups in Borrisokane, Borrisokane fund the ongoing running of the Community Forum should facilitate website e.g. through advertising, the sharing of information and subscriptions and fundraisers. promote co-operation among local Borrisokane Community Forum can groups. Local agencies should play a role in helping co-ordinate this. ensure adequate consultation takes (iv) Borrisokane's heritage/tourism place between active local groups leaflet should be updated and seeking funding, so that duplication distributed widely throughout the does not occur. town, and at other tourist centres, to attract tourists and passing traffic into 2. North Tipperary County Council the town. and other relevant agencies to link closely with Borrisokane 4. Local groups to co-operate in Community Forum on initiatives for seeking support of North Tipperary Borrisokane Area and District that County Council, North Tipperary will complement or help the LEADER Partnership and other recommendations in this report agencies to develop a distinct brand come to fruition. Local Authority for Borrisokane, based on a development plans should be recognisable niche identity for the cognisant of the work and plans of town. The brand should highlight the local groups. Local Councillors can town's economic, tourism, heritage play an important role in this. and community assets. New signage should be erected on the entrances to 3. All community groups in the B o r r i s o k a n e , w h i c h w o u l d town should acknowledge their incorporate the newly developed responsibility to work together to brand. develop shared sources of i n f o r m a t i o n a n d r e s o u r c e s 5. Relevant agencies to work with regarding the town, tourism and local interested parties and support community activities, in particular: the development of Borrisokane Community Radio as a focused (i) Information points should be r e s o u r c e f o r t h e t o w n a n d developed e.g. a community surrounding area, promoting information window (Cloughjordan communication, fostering community offers an example of this) cohesion. (ii) A regular community newsletter (suggested frequency – three times a year) (iii) A re-vamping of the town's website www.borrisokane.com as a cross community project. The website should be regularly updated

34 Conclusions & recommendations

6. Local development agencies to 8. A Community Garden/Allotment continue to support Borrisokane within the town to be developed in and the work of the Borrisokane conjunction with specialist support Community Forum. A dedicated agencies, such as 'Grow it Yourself community worker in the area Ireland'. Such a community garden should be appointed on an should be an educational resource for interagency basis (e.g. North children and adults, a focal point for Tipperary LEADER Partner- social inclusion and a contributor to ship/HSE/other) to support the local positive mental health. voluntary community development activities, and consolidate the work carried out in 2012 by the Commu- 9. Local volunteers and community nity Support Officer hosted by NTLP. groups to be supported to develop This person could also cover the volunteer-led Care and Repair wider Lower Ormond area as there services for local elderly and are similar needs throughout these vulnerable people. Borrisokane has areas. Employment schemes (e.g. a higher proportion of this category of Rural Social Scheme, Community people than the rest of the county. Employment, Tús) could provide Particular support should be sought administrative back up to the efforts from relevant agencies such as Age of local volunteers. NTLP should Action Ireland and North Tipperary ensure that its Old Church office is LEADER Partnership. In the longer used to its full potential to the benefit term, such a service could be of the area. anchored in the local Daycare Centre, scheduled to be completed by 2013.

B. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 10. North Tipperary LEADER SPECIFIC INITIATIVES Partnership, North Tipperary County Childcare Committee, the Health Services Executive and local schools 7. There is a need to address the to continue to support local volun- lack of non-sporting facilities and teers in the development of local activities for young people in Afterschool Club services. (Such B o r r i s o k a n e . B o r r i s o k a n e support may include materials, day Community Forum should help co- trips, and the ongoing training and ordinate a youth initiative, with development of volunteers.) assistance from Regional Youth agencies. This might involve a local youth focus groups, followed by training for local volunteers and the 11. Given the high unemployment identification of local facilities with and dependency rates, there is a the potential for re-development – need for targeted training interven- e.g. Teach Na n-Óg as a youth and tions in the town. community centre.

35 Conclusions & recommendations

(i) Local Educational providers (e.g. 12. This report highlights local Borrisokane Community College, enthusiasm to promote a self-help VEC Lifelong Learning, Borrisokane approach to driving local economic Local Training Initiative, B.T.E.I.) development in the area. Local should consult with local voluntary community groups and businesses, groups and businesses to develop North Tipperary County Enterprise innovative adult education options Board, Shannon Development, within the area. These should align Tipperary Energy Agency and North with local community and business Tipperary LEADER Partnership need initiatives in the area, e.g. the Local to be brought together to explore how Switch Initiative. to support locally driven economic development, job creation and (ii) Explore the possibility of running counter the effects of emigration from outreach courses from third level the area. Particular focus should be institutions: University of Limerick, given to: LIT, UCC or other institutions.

(iii) Borrisokane Community Forum (i) Developing shared services / should request and facilitate shared resources that serve a range of provision of job club services from local businesses N o r t h T i p p e r a r y L E A D E R Partnership. Either on a clinic basis, (ii) Supporting local energy projects or through the active provision of CV (including energy efficiency, district preparation, interview skills, career heating, energy generation and guidance, and vocational training community waste recycling projects) opportunities. (iii) Building the capacity of local (iv) Examine the potential of a pilot economic initiatives through the mentoring and Placement scheme provision of training support for where local businesses host project management and social placements with people wishing to enterprises development. upskill. (iv) Examine the opportunities for new (v) Local training initiatives should businesses that can harness and add develop strategies to address the value to local agricultural produce. digital divide in Borrisokane – lack of access to computers, lack of (v) Assisting with study visits and internet access, lack of social media linkages to similar initiatives in Ireland skills, as well as the high level of and abroad. people with low or no educational attainment. Retention of the local library service is vital to tackling 13. Local businesses and other these issues. interested agencies to work together to re-establish a market within the town (during the consultation, there

36 Conclusions & recommendations

was particular interest in this 15. Borrisokane has connections to a happening on Friday evenings and number of distinguished figures: e.g. being a magnet for encouraging Martin Sheen, Rex Ingram. passing traffic to stop in the town) Borrisokane Community Forum, and local groups involved in history and 14. All Groups and organisations genealogy should foster links with within the community should these. The Gathering and Ireland advocate the use of empty and Reaching Out offer further opportuni- historical buildings along the main ties to attract emigrants and their street in Borrisokane. (The 2011 descendants back to the area. Census found that over 20% (one fifth) of all houses in Borrisokane 16. Local churches and groups Town are vacant (103 out of 383), should foster a co- opera- compared to a 14% in the county.) tive/holistic ethos within the Local businesses should strive to community, inspired by the spiritual maintain their facades to the highest and human values of the area's possible standard. Buildings of Christian traditions, remembering that particular interest should be everyone in the community is maintained and highlighted in a important, combating injustice and potential regeneration plan with promoting positive values. Heritage and Tourism agencies. Local denominations should organise (Buildings such as the old work- an ecumenical/inter-faith event for houses, the old Roman Catholic individuals and groups within the Church, Workhouse Graveyard, town. Fairy fort all require maintenance.)

37 Appendix A: Youth – Emigration

A snapshot on emigration through there or go abroad and have the the eyes of two youths who have left chance to make good money and get Borrisokane: experience.

Dwayne Power 24th May 2012 What would make you come back to Ireland? Why did you go to Australia? I love Ireland and of course I want to My girlfriend and I decided to go to go back, there is no place like home Australia to travel, see the world and but I have a good job here. If I do have a good time but the main decide to go back anytime soon, I will reason I left Ireland is because there be going back to try a new career are no opportunities left in the maybe. I feel the only opportunity country for young people like young people have is to go back to myself. I am a qualified electrician, I education. had to work very hard to become qualified as there was and still is very little work in the construction area, ******** because of the recession. When I was in 6h I remember my teacher asking me where do I see Shane Egan 31st May 2012 myself in 5 years, I never thought that I would be struggling to finish Hey sorry with the delay on my reply my trade and leaving the country just been pretty busy with work doing because I didn't have any other 12 hour days Monday-sat, I came to choice. Canada in nov of 2010. I wanted to leave and see North America since I Did you want to leave Ireland and was younger and with job and your family? economic situation in Ireland, Canada was pretty appealing. I could have Of course I always wanted to go gone to Oz or England but always travelling but I never wanted to feel wanted to see North America. like I had no other choice but to leave Ireland and my family and I At present I don't see myself returning certainly didn't want to think that to Ireland the chance of a well-paid coming home might not be an sustainable permanent job would option anytime soon. entice me but with the way the country has been run into the ground and our Did you have any other choice? education and health care system with rising crime and unemployment Not really, it was either stay in Ireland rate I have a much better standard of and work a couple of days here and living here.

38 Appendix B: Borrisokane Community Forum – Survey of Local Community Groups

A.CONTACT DETAILS Name of group Contact Person Phone number e-mail Are you OK for these details to be made available publicly? Yes or No B. ABOUT YOUR GROUP IN 2011 1. What has your group done in 2011? 2. How many people has your group involved in 2011? a) As volunteers / staff b) As service users / participants

C. YOUR PLANS FOR 2012 3. What plans do you have for 2012? 4. What would you like to do in 2012 if you could attract substantially more volunteers?

D.HELPING BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY FORUM TO DEVELOP ITS PLANS

5. What do you think would be the three most effective ways to promote what happens in Borrisokane to people in the town? (i) (ii) (iii)

6. What do you think are the three main assets that should be focussed on in promoting Borrisokane to the wider world? (i) (ii) (iii)

7. What do you think are the main issues that Borrisokane Community Forum could most positively focus on?

Thank you for your help. Please return this survey to ______by ______.

39 Appendix C: Borrisokane Community Forum – Survey of Local Businesses

A. CONTACT DETAILS

Name of business Contact Person

Phone number e-mail

Website

Are you OK for these details to be made available publicly? Yes or No

B. ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IN 2011

1. What has been the primary focus of your business in 2011?

2. How has your business changed in 2011 compared to previous years?

3. In what ways does your business support local good causes?

C. YOUR PLANS FOR 2012

4. What plans do you have for 2012?

5. What would you like to do in 2012 if local businesses were able to work together better? (Nb one idea that interests us is that some businesses could use waste from other businesses as raw material – if you have any thoughts on that or anything else, please put them here!)

6. What potential do you see in your business to further support employment in Borrisokane? (i.e. to develop new jobs, to take on an intern, support transition year students etc)

D. HELPING BORRISOKANE COMMUNITY FORUM TO DEVELOP ITS PLANS

7. What do you think would be the three most effective ways to communicate effectively within the town about what happens

in Borrisokane? (i) (ii) (iii)

8. What do you think are the three main assets that should be focussed on in promoting Borrisokane and Borrisokane

businesses to the wider world? (i) (ii) (iii)

9. What do you think are the main issues that Borrisokane Community Forum could most positively focus on?

10. Are there any specific business initiatives you would like to participate in? (ideas mentioned so far include a buy local

campaign, a discount scheme for local older people and a promotional campaign to get passing traffic to stop in the town)

Thank you for your help. Please return this survey to ______by ______.

40 Appendix D: Summary of Ideas from Borrisokane Community Forum Meetings (July-October 2011)

Afterschool club Community garden Allotments Community Newsletter Area map Community premises Artisan shops Community Radio Arts and crafts Community vegetable program ATM Participate in RTE's “Dirty Old Badminton Towns” Bandstand Display window advertising Bingo community services and opening Biomass production BMX Bike Track times etc Drop in Crèche Borrisokane in Business – gather Eco initiatives / training courses support from local enterprise Emigrant Weekend Borrisokane Sports and Craic Empty shops initiative for display / Festival (week long) each year to pop-up shops / charity shop tie in Vintage Day, Clarke Hall Enterprise Centre events, Town Park event, G.A.A. Enhance entrances to town games, Soccer Cup, Athletics, etc Event show to promote existing – a week of activities involving charities for new volunteers large numbers and promoting the Facebook Group Town and its new Community Spirit Footpaths Genealogy Centre – Prize giving, Awards, Festival Grant applications Queen, Festival Dance, etc. Gym Bring together all town groups to Heritage initiatives understand their future plans Homework club Brochure for the town promoting Horse riding groups and Community Services Information / tourist office Buy Local Initiative CCTV Cameras Integrated Community Weekend CE schemes for the Integration programme for unemployed minority groups Ciné Club Internet Cafe Coffee shop in park Jobs Club Community Alert Scheme Job creation Community Farm Job noticeboard / Advertising

41 Board accommodation Sensory Knowledge-Based enterprise Garden Language based evenings in Sheltered accommodation Country Kitchen (French Irish Signage German) Skateboard Park Litter project Social employment schemes Mens shed Sponsorship from a paint More use of facilities in town e.g. company Clarke Memorial Hall, Snooker Summer market – event days Swimming Pool revamp and Club, Methodist Hall.. Morning courses indoor pool Music nights (in Clarke Memorial Talks on interesting topics Teen projects – run by teens for Hall?) Nature Trail smaller kids Needs Analysis for the town Teen Zone Parking Tourism calendar Pay it Forward – people with Town landmarks project skills in community to pass them Trips to eco village + other trips on to young people More links with Rural Transport Picnic areas Scheme Potholes Volunteering programme – Practical courses courses for people in existing Promoting town charities Public Toilet Walking Trail (there is a right of Reclamation of site on way by the water tower leading to Ballinderry Road adjacent to Marian Avenue, this could be part Park of the local trail that could be Regular discos established around the town.) Retail Park Weekend work parties Resource centre local artists - Website updated display space Weekend Challenges Ringed Fort at Ballyhaden Window boxes restoration Woman's Group River walk Work experience schemes Road Safety signs for crossing Youth Club / facilities at school Youth hostel Roundabout at Seanie Egan's Youth - Teen zone Corner Youth theatre Scor (GAA cultural activities) Zebra crossings Self-catering tourist

42 Appendix E: Borrisokane Community Forum - Progress & Acheivments (2011-2012)

43 INITIATIVE DESCRIPTION LINKS WITH OTHERS PROJECT UPDATE Communication A comprehensive report on the North Tipperary LEADER Report launched January 2013, as Needs /Resources Jan 2012 to Jan needs and resources for the Partnership/ Chris Chapman / guide to local development Analysis Report 2012 Borrisokane Area Donna McLoughlin initiatives Weekly update to local Full time full-time support ended in Communication for newspaper. Creating and Borrisokane Community Groups, Oct. 2012, following conclusion of all initiatives and updating daily news in social Businesses. Changing Ireland Jobbridge Internship. Podcast Ending Oct 5th meetings media - Facebook, blogging. Magazine available on Morning Ireland, RTE Press Releases and articles. 1. Borrisokane.com , a local North Tipperary LEADER Group Formed. Funding applied Upgraded Website website for all groups and January 2012. Partnership / Irish Web HQ for and approved. In progress organisations.

44 Establishment of community North Tipperary LEADER radio station to improve Partnership / Athlone Community Steering committee Formed. communication within Radio / Broadcasting Authority of Stella Fm local and NTLP funding training initiative From October Borrisokane and Lower Ormond Ireland. 85% Adult radio community radio through Rural Development 2012 - (lack of co- listenership every day. 50% Programme. ordination/communication listening to local regional stations identified). (The Journal, 2012)

North Tipperary LEADER Partnership / Tipperary North Initial inspection carried out, plan Restoration project of 1850's VEC / Tipperary North County to engage with local community From October The Workhouse three storey building and annex. Enterprise Board/Heritage and agencies to gain support and 2012 organisations / Local Historical volunteers for this project. Group 45 Notes

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