ChangingChanging IrelandIrelandCHRISTMAS ’05 e ISSUE 16 The National Newsletter of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME - funding 190 Community Development Projects 2.25 Should be a Needs a little dream home work

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INSIDE • Youth development • Fighting discrimination • Paris riots • Discovery in the Liberties

This publication and most projects featured inside are part of the COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME EDITORIAL Your house should be your home

IRELAND has the greatest gulf between wonder community leaders wish there rich and poor in the EU. In terms of were double the number of community developed countries, we are second only workers available to them. to the USA for inequality in this regard. When you are working in a The statistics from the EU and UN have community where houses prices are been challenged. But there are other more than Û100,000 lower than, let’s ways of examining the issue. For say, over the wall in a leafier part of instance, houses in disadvantaged parts Dublin, Cork or Limerick, there are of Dublin sell for Û130,000 less than the many forces that are outside your average house price. A heck of a lot of control. Dubliners are moving to the country as a result. There seem to be four factors behind the lower prices: In Limerick, hundreds of families have no choice government neglect, criminal gangs operating in the about moving. They are stuck in houses that are areas, poverty, and negative perceptions (some real, Û regularly put up for sale for no more than 30,000. some imagined) about the areas. This is the price many people in Ireland will be shelling ‘Changing Ireland’ in this edition attempts to identify out in January for a new car or SUV. Derelict shacks in the problem, takes comment from inside and outside the countryside sell for three times more. the communities and shows how the government’s In every area where house-prices are low, the Community Development Programme has a project. If regeneration programmes may help. they were not there, there would be as big a gulf Even An Taoiseach, on a visit to north Limerick city, between the authorities and the communities as there was surprised to see houses selling for Û30,000. already is between rich and poor in Ireland. No Your house should be your home, not your prison.

Published by: ‘Changing Ireland’ is published by the Community Development CONTENTS Network, Moyross, Limited, Limerick, Ireland, with funding from the Department Housing 3-5 of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Address: ‘Changing Ireland’, Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick. Community programmes news 6-7 Tel Editor: 061-458011. Tel Administrator: 061-458090. YROSS Youth development 8-9 ED IN MO Fax: 061-325300. RODUC NITY Regeneration 10 P COMMU E-mail: [email protected] BY THE TWORK MENT NE Riots in Paris 11 Website: www.changingireland.ie DEVELOP Happy New Year for social economy 12 Editor: Allen Meagher Caught for discrimination 13 Editorial team: Sharon Browne, Sean Dooley, Viv Sadd and Allen Meagher Travellers and the Aherns 14-15 Design: PrintZone, Limerick. Printed by: Walsh Printing Services, Castleisland, Co. Kerry New premises 16 Limerick shows the way 17 THANKS TO . . . ‘Changing Ireland’ thanks everyone involved in the production of Issue 16. In fear of the Community Development sector 18 Young and out of work 19 DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the author concerned. Discovery Channel in the Liberties 20-21 They do not, by any means, necessarily reflect the views of the Editor, the Suicide prevention 22-23 editorial team, the management committee of the Community Development Network, Moyross, Ltd., or the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Publications 24 Affairs. Campaign against violence 26-27 Help me Horrace 28 changing ireland 2 the average house-price in 1996 was €75,000 Housing ‘Celtic Tiger’ pushing Dubliners out of the city THE average price paid for a house in Dublin Crime does nothing for house-prices, he said: in September 2005 was e356,220, well over "We have had a couple of gang-related e100,000 more than you would pay to buy in murders in Clondalkin recently." North Clondalkin writes Allen Meagher. The main things effecting house-prices in "Here, the average 2-3 bedroomed house Clondalkin are: - the environment, rubbish piles on the streets; sells for around e220,000," outlined Andy - the levels of perceived and actual anti-social Lane behaviour in the estates; of North Clondalkin CDP (a project that - the level of drug and alcohol use; carries out annual studies on housing and social - the perception people have of the place, the impact). negative ideas outsiders get when they see kids e " 220,000 is good money, if you want to loitering on street-corners. move out of Dublin," he said. "But most people "The attitude many people have - whereby here who sell their houses move to Kildare. If they wouldn’t even go there for a visit - doesn’t they want to stay in Dublin, you are really help the confidence in the community. I even screwed." Pic © Derek Speirs. know one TD who said he wouldn’t go near "And if you are forced out into the country, Clondalkin," said Andy. then you are probably forced to commute to compared to house-prices in Clondalkin Village The government investment in areas such as work. Your quality of life decreases. If you move which cost up to e50,000 more. It costs a lot Clondalkin is too little, too late. to Kildare, you lose your community, and it more again to buy a house in well-off part of the "People are disenfranchised, so the destabilises the community left behind. city," he added. politicians don’t care what happens to these "North Clondalkin prices are not great areas," pointed out Andy.

‘Anti-social’ appeal to CDPs from Rich-poor gap is now ‘a ‘Changing Ireland’ WHAT community, and therefore what CDP, is not effected by the anti-social behaviour DR.gulf’Eileen Humphreys – isDr. a specialist Humphreys on difference on housing. But they can have a issue? There may not be one. It is a hot sustainable development with the Tipperary role if the laws are enforced and if badly- issue in Ireland today and ‘Changing Institute, Thurles. Recently, she addressed a behaving tenants are penalised. Ireland’ want you to help us showcase CDP regional conference for CDPs in the mid-west - St. Mary’s has reputational problems and solutions to the problem. Let us know, and and south-west. She has walked the yet the people there are amazing. Parts of let us know in particular what your project disadvantaged estates of Limerick, talking to Moyross are terrific, but this is mostly only is doing regarding the following: people on the street and door-to-door. She known by people living there. They are has extensive views on housing and believes - local authorities, housing, planning, very nice people there, though they are the gap between rich and poor has become a disillusioned. developers, profit-making versus social gulf. Here’s what she had to say – the extra- - CDPs make a huge difference. If you took benefits, planning laws, regeneration. ordinary, the good and the bad: them out of the communities they are in, - parenting; look at the gulf that would be there - drugs and alcohol; THE EXTRA-ORDINARY between the people and the establishment, - guns and gangs; - If you want to get from Moyross to the council and the state. - gardai, CCTV; Caherdavin – jump over the wall and - Community Safety Statements; house prices go up e100,000. THE BAD - vigilantism; - For definite, there are more inequalities in - If you are serious about regeneration, you How we handle the above determines the Ireland now than before the ‘Celtic Tiger’. need good tenants. level of social infrastructure in a community. Those left behind are left further behind - Government policy on social housing looks The new housing developments being built and the rich-poor gap has widened. good, on paper. at rapid speed around the country should - There are many really salt-of-the-earth - There is no incentive for people to not become the community deserts of the people, who are trapped in poverty, stuck regenerate older council housing estates, future. Let us know how. And, tell us, what in houses they cannot sell and they are not when there is an oversupply of private should the role of City/County forgotten about. There are really good housing. Development Boards be in all of this. people living in these disadvantaged areas - It has been widely documented how the Contact details for ‘Changing Ireland’ are and they are all tarred with the same dirty tenant purchase schemes was the worst on page 2. brush. But you never get a headline saying thing to hit many estates. (Tenants who had Thanking you, in advance: ‘Southill – they’re great people!’ bought their houses from the council could The Editorial Team: Viv Sadd, Sharon sell them back, because the local Browne, Sean Dooley and Allen Meagher. THE GOOD authorities were short of housing stock, and - It is very hard for CDPs to make the get e5,000 more than their market value). changing ireland 3 42,500 over-30s live with their parents: Census 2002 Housing

What you’re getting e for e30,000 Houses for 30,000 and in good condition A 2-BEDROOMED terraced house recently put up for sale in O’Malley Park for e30,000 was advertised as having double- ALLEN MEAGHER reports matter earlier this year, goes under-reported by people into selling their houses at low-prices glazed windows, dual oil/fire heating, he said the Government the media. However, Mr. (as a way of laundering money, for instance) fully-fitted kitchen with appliances, sitting HOUSES are for sale in urban were doing their best Murray is not shy to and it is known the Criminal Assets Bureau room in pine-antique style, bedrooms with disadvantaged areas outside Dublin for as across the country. highlight the issues. keeps an eye on what is happening. built-in-wardrobes, and an electric shower. low as e30,000. Due to a mixture of "By resourcing He spoke on the Late The best way to take on the gangs, The house was fully alarmed and came government neglect and rising criminality, facilities - educational, Late Show recently about according to Mr. Murray, has been through with a garage. certain parts of Limerick estates have leisure, crèches and so a Limerick resident he community-backed initiatives: suffered from declining popularity. on - we are doing a lot knew of who had a "One of the big pluses for Limerick is that it Houses in Ireland for Now, hundreds of families are trapped in and pushing big money house valued at is small enough for residents groups, e good quality houses that cannot be sold for through," he said, e80,000. He decided to community reps and Gardai to resist the below 100,000 more than a few thousand euro. The quoting examples from a sell, a crime-gang criminal gangs. But it doesn’t happen easily, it HOUSES in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary desperation is evident from a pattern of plethora of government offered him e16,000, takes a lot of work and collaboration." occasionally sell for under e100,000. A activity that in any other situation would be programmes aimed at the owner refused and While unhappy with Limerick City Council former council house sold, in November, for considered insane: supporting communities. was burnt out. He ended over O’Malley Park, Mr. Murray feels strongly e70,000. There are confirmed reports of residents, Even in Dublin - where up broke and homeless. that people "should not be forced to see the In rural Tipperary, Cavan and Mayo, frustrated with their lot, walking clean away houses rarely sell for less Reports circulate value of their house decrease because of houses can be purchased for under from their homes. In other cases, council- than e200,000 - the fact about gangs who bully intimidation by criminal gangs." e 50,000, though they are usually in poor housed residents have been suspected of that house-prices in disadvantaged areas are condition. torching their homes so as to be allocated up to e130,000 below average mean that In New Ross, Co. Wexford, you can buy houses elsewhere. a house on Michael Street or Bewley Street many Dubliners are being forced to move out An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, on viewing an for under e40,000. However, the houses of the city. advert for a house in O’Malley Park, Limerick, In Limerick, the problem is particularly are part of the Tottenham Estate, an e anomaly from pre-independence days and where the seller was looking for 25,000, obvious in O’Malley Park - which is they cannot be (easily) purchased outright. recognised the disparity: "In the heart of earmarked for regeneration - but is common In Limerick this year, the following prices estates in Dublin, you wouldn’t have prices to many other estates. were sought for well-maintained 2/3-bed like that. In the housing estates in Salford, Houses can be purchased for under houses in city estates: England, there are houses selling for 30,000, e50,000 in other parts of the country - but e O’Malley Park (2-bed) - 30,000; though that is sterling." they are usually rural, in poor condition or e O’Malley Park (3-bed) - 36,000; When told that the price advertised was not have complex legal conditions attached to the Moyross - e45,000; unusual for houses in disadvantaged and sale, as is the case in New Ross. Keys Park - e55,000; crime-troubled parts of Limerick city, An Limerick’s estates have no such excuse and Carew Park - e56,000; Taoiseach responded: "I never liked the term the State Solicitor for the city, Michael Murray, St. Mary’s Park - e60,000; ‘disadvantaged’ - there are no disadvantaged for one, has been scathing in his criticism of Ballynanty - e80,000. people, I prefer to say ‘communities under the city council for neglecting some estates. The average price paid nationwide for stress." "I know of some very good local authority a house in September of this year was Speaking to ‘Changing Ireland’ on the housing schemes in Limerick and they have e 268,040. (source: TSB/ESRI House price worked very well, with estate management index). committees and good social interaction," he began. Trapped "But I am not at all surprised at the house- prices in O’Malley Park. It is scandalous the in England way the Limerick City Council has let it go. I IN NORTH and central England, including was up there and was appaled by what I saw. Salford (which has been mentioned by An "I know there is a long-term plan to Taoiseach) house prices have plummeted in redevelop the area, but what has happened in inner-city areas, trapping thousands in the meantime is that a new generation of brats negative equity. have been given the impression that they can do what they want. They run the place and the decent people have to leave. The council CCTV in the allowed it to happen. community "My experience is of Limerick, but I suspect Crime and fear are obviously factors in there are areas in Dublin and Cork with the people’s lives; 83 groups are so far seeking same kind of problems. There are areas in funding for CCTV cameras in their north Dublin and nobody in their right mind communities. would want to live in those places if they could It is believed that 13 communities in help it," he commented. Dublin were seeking funding along with nine The side-effects of criminal activity on urban in Cork, six in Galway, five in Wexford and disadvantaged communities is something that changing ireland 4 over 100,000 people are on local authority housing lists Housing d in good condition CDP volunteer slams “decades goes under-reported by people into selling their houses at low-prices of neglect” the media. However, Mr. (as a way of laundering money, for instance) Murray is not shy to and it is known the Criminal Assets Bureau highlight the issues. keeps an eye on what is happening. A CDP volunteer of many years’ He spoke on the Late The best way to take on the gangs, experience in community development Late Show recently about according to Mr. Murray, has been through and who lives in one of Limerick’s a Limerick resident he community-backed initiatives: disadvantaged areas felt s/he could only knew of who had a "One of the big pluses for Limerick is that it house valued at is small enough for residents groups, talk openly on housing by being e80,000. He decided to community reps and Gardai to resist the anonymous. S/he said drug-gangs often sell, a crime-gang criminal gangs. But it doesn’t happen easily, it buy people’s houses in disadvantaged e offered him 16,000, takes a lot of work and collaboration." parts of the city and it was not wise to be the owner refused and While unhappy with Limerick City Council seen talking openly about their activities. was burnt out. He ended over O’Malley Park, Mr. Murray feels strongly up broke and homeless. that people "should not be forced to see the Here are the points s/he makes: Reports circulate value of their house decrease because of - "There have been decades of neglect, about gangs who bully intimidation by criminal gangs." prior to the upsurge in gang-violence. St. Mary’s Park, for example, was built in the 1930s and forgotten about. Ahern’s hopes for Southill and beyond Poverty has been ingrained in people’s minds over four generations. - "It is no surprise St. Mary’s has the lowest level of electoral turnout in the entire state. In the past, people didn’t even think they were entitled to have a voice. The CDPs do represent the main voice of the community, though you have to be careful how you represent the community. - "Moyross and Southill, 30 years ago, were fantastic places to go to, but the E5,000 tenant purchase scheme finished all that. - "At the moment, there are certain families from one estate who are being Pic © Derek Speirs. moved by the city council to another MINISTER of State, Noel Ahern, is responsible earmarked for social and affordable housing. estate where a family they fighting with e for Housing and Urban Renewal, with the That’s 6,000,000. live. Everyone knows these two families Department of the Environment and Local During Mr. Ahern’s tenure, the number of don’t mix. Government. houses built has reached an all-time high, In the long-term, O’Malley Park and the wider though affordability was obviously another - "The authorities need to clampdown on area of Southill in Limerick, as well as numerous issue. drug-dealing. It is spreading into more e other disadvantaged areas throughout the Despite a slow start, 1.6bn was spent on and more estates. But the Gardai are country, are to benefit from a refit or from entire social and affordable housing in 2004, regeneration programmes. providing homes for more than 12,000 doing absolutely nothing as far as I can Minister Ahern visited Limerick last year to households. see. They are probably so peed off announce details of the five-year plan for This year saw Minister Ahern spend a total of bring criminals to court and the judges Southill. The overall refurbishment of the 600 e 922 million (which was a record increase of letting them off. The judges should be houses (including O’Malley Park) will cost 19.3% on 2004). It went on the following around e80 million. Som e houses will be programmes:- made live in one of our estates for a knocked, some new ones built, and a e1 million Provision of local authority housing = e841 week. community centre constructed. million; - "My neighbour had a window shot in On the national stage, for the first time ever, Provision of traveller accommodation and by mistake. All because she lived next housing was included in the National support = e45 million; door to someone who was a target." Development Plan (2000 -2006) with £6 billion Remedial works to local authority dwellings = changing ireland 5 homeless people have died of cold on our streets Community, Rural & Gaeltacht due a 12% increase THE budget estimates (published in But opposition deputies argued it was too little November) showed that the Department of (see Dáil report). Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is in The following are the highlights from the line for a 12% increase in funding for 2006. estimates, as regards community development The extra money will bring the total spend for generally: next year by the Department to e366 milllion. HIGHLIGHTS: "This clearly indicates the importance National Rural Development Scheme - up attached to this sector by Government," said 21%. the Department in a statement. RAPID - up 17% to e8,800,000. The 12% increase will not, however, apply Drugs Initiative - Young People's Facilities 'across the board'. The 'Community Affairs' and Services Fund - up 8% to e34 million. section will get a 5% increase. The Minister Ó Cuív e93,255,000 community budget will provide, Community Affairs (including CDPs, e among other things for CDPs, Partnerships and The fact that the overall increases are above Partnerships, etc) - up 5%, to 93 million. e other community groups funded through the the rate of inflation will be broadly welcomed. Udaras na Gaeltachta - up 5% to 36 Department. It also includes budgeting to Nonetheless, there was also criticism. The million. promote cohesion among projects/ budget for the Drugs Initiative - which includes Islands funding - up 8% to e17 million. programmes and to improved co-ordination of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund Social Economy Scheme - not available at local and community schemes. - is due to be increased up 8% to e34 million. time of going to press.

RAPID up 17% FUNDING for the RAPID programme is to increase by 17% to e8,800,000. And the New estates should not Minister intends to at least double this figure through matching funds from other Government departments and local HOUSINGbecomeestates devoid community of community cover every part deserts of the country. She further authorities. facilities are a phenomena the Minister for asked, "Was there any discussion on policies Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, as regards the obligations on developers?" Rural Social Scheme Éamon Ó Cuív, is naturally anxious to avoid. Replied Minister Ó Cuív: "[Regarding] the There are now 1900 people employed Such shortcomings are, he said, the reason whole question of supervision of community on the Rural Social Scheme and the why his Department "must intervene time and centres, that is not my Department's direct number of participants should rise next again to deal with problems of anti-social responsibility. However, as the Minister with year to 2,500. "It has been a great success," said behaviour, community breakdown, etc." responsibility for community, I have an absolute Minister Éamon Ó Cuív. "It plays a major He found himself, during a debate with belief that each community must have the part in providing development and opposition member, Ms C. Murphy, in complete requisite buildings. Under a new arrangement services in rural Ireland, while dealing with agreement with her on the matter. where levies are being taken out of all the problem of declining farm incomes". She had put it to the Minister: "There are developments, it is absolutely imperative, as the The scheme works by providing areas where nothing but houses are Deputy rightly points out, that local authorities employment to low-income farmers in constructed and they are devoid of community provide that land is available and ensure that return for the provision of community facilities. This is a significant disadvantage as the fund is used to construct the community's services. It began in the summer of last year and work done under the scheme regards community development." buildings." includes village enhancement, the building Ms. Murphy pointed out that national bodies "I have repeatedly said that the idea of of walkways, the maintenance of such as Combat Poverty and the national building housing estates without providing the community facilities and the provision of institute for regional and spatial analysis have necessary community facilities at the same time care services. categorised this as a type of poverty. is the reason our Department must intervene Provision has been made in the 2006 She asked would the new all-in-one time and again to deal with problems of anti- budget to increase participant numbers to community programme being devised by the social behaviour, community breakdown etc. I Minister deal with this issue, given that it is to fully accept the point made by the Deputy."

THE Government'sMo spendingre on ncounteringee thed drugse problemd tin oDepartment ta of Healthck andl Childrene andd ther HSEu spendg mores than that Ireland was attacked, after the budget estimates were published. every year on treatment. There is massive Government funding across An 8% increase was promised for the Drugs Initiative, which a range of headings." includes the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. But it was Aengus Ó Snodaigh,T.D. said, "The money for anti-drugs and drugs not enough, argued opposition parliamentarians in a Dáil debate, rehabilitation and awareness programmes will be EURO 15 million on November 30th. short." Tony Gregory, T.D. stated that because, "the planned strategic He asked the Minister, if funding was not increased beyond what response to the drug problem by the regional drugs task forces will was promised in the budget estimates, would he "resign as having soon be in a shambles" and asked was this the reason why "a long failed in his job." serving and committed member of the national drugs strategy team has submitted his resignation to the Minister". Mr. Ahern countered, saying, "I do not consider myself as having He asked Minister of State, Noel Ahern: "Is it not the problem that failed." the Minister is ignoring the scale of the drugs problem?" He said it had been brought to his attention last year that, as the Mr. Ahern outlined Government's achievements on the issue: drugs situation evolves, additional funding would be needed to deal "Almost 600 people are now working on drugs task force projects and with some key emerging needs. young people's fund projects. …we spend approximately EURO 50 He suggested the Government would look at the matter again in the million on projects that begin on local drugs task force level (and) the revised estimates due to be published in January. changing ireland 6 www.lookwest.ie (for a less stressful life!) The future will be Concern simple, effective raised over amalgamations and cohesive PEOPLE working in Government-funded programmes believe that plans to merge - Minister Ó Cuív on merger of national programmes LEADER groups and Partnership groups at city and county-level will affect both MINISTER Éamon Ó Cuív has outlined much better services to our citizens who funding and accountability, stated Sinn his plans to amalgamate LEADER are the ultimate target of what we do. Fein T.D., Martin Ferris, speaking in the groups, Partnership companies and As well as that, it will ensure that every Dáil in late October. other certain types of community citizen in the state who requires services Mr. Ferris said the concern was that the groups by the end of next year so from programmes will be able to avail plans would lead to a significant dilution there is more cohesiveness to the of them. And thirdly, it will ensure that of local control over programmes. Government's funding of community schemes such as the Rural Social Replying to questions, Minister Éamon initiatives. Scheme and perhaps the Social Ó Cuív, said it is intended to introduce While some national programmes are Economy Scheme can be delivered simplified local delivery structure and that to be merged, the Community through Community Area Based this would lead to more coverage and Development Programme does not companies to all eligible citizens within improved levels of services to appear to be one of them. the state." communities. In outlining how it will take shape, in Minister Ó Cuív remarked, a keynote speech made on November "Everything is changing, changing In a later Dáil debate, on November 24th, at the Conference of Comhar utterly." 30th, the Minister elaborated on the level LEADER na hÉireann, the Minister said, "All boards of these new companies of funding available to improve cohesion "what is to be gained from engaging in will have membership from the at local level between groups: " In 2005- this change far outweighs any community, the statutory sector, the 06 I am making funding of Û7 million downside." social partners and public elected available for measures focused on the He stated: representatives. The exact details of how alignment of local, community and rural "To ensure that there is a simple, the various appointments will be made development organisations to achieve full effective and cohesive approach to the will be worked out in the coming county-city coverage by 2006. In rural delivery of programmes across the months," he added. areas, this will involve LEADER and country, my Department have engaged People working as volunteers and with the Department of the Environment, workers at local community level, Partnership companies coming together Heritage and Local Government in a including in CDPs, will no doubt be to secure a unified structure that will cohesion programme that sets about keen to influence the development of a provide full area cover." achieving the following from the 1st fair, democratic and community-friendly January 2007. process for appointing people to the 1. That all areas of the country, urban new companies. Knock-Knock! and rural, will be covered by an Since he was appointed to the newly- area based company delivering a created position of Community, Rural wide range of services and and Gaeltacht Affairs, Mr. Ó Cuív's Who's there? programmes. dream has been to introduce a one-stop THE Decentralisation Programme, which 2. That there shall be in any one area, shop in each city and/or county for the should see the Department of Community, only one such area based company provision of community services. He Rural and Gaeltacht move entirely from and that they will deliver those wanted a system the public could easily Dublin, is "now proceeding apace", programmes. understand. reported Minister Éamon Ó Cuív recently. 3. The CDPs or Community The process began in 2003. The "It is hoped that by this time next year 70 Development Projects which are Minister's aim (in partnership with his focused either on specific themes or colleagues, the Ministers for Justice, public servants will be in place in the groups in society such as Travellers, Equality and Law Reform and the Knock Airport region with the full Men’s Groups, Women’s Groups, or Minister for Environment, Heritage and decentralisation of the Department being on focused areas of disadvantage, Local Government) was: "streamlining completed in 2007. will be retained. However I want to and rationalising structures so as to "Furthermore ADM, which will confirm that programmes such as avoid overlaps, duplication and undue henceforth be known as POBAL, have the LDSIP, Rural Development administrative overheads; bringing advertised for 10 positions in Clifden as Programmes and the Rural Social transparency, co-ordination and part of their decentralisation of 40 staff to Scheme and potentially a number of improved control to the funding and this area," said the Minister. other programmes will be delivered operation of local-community A recent survey found that, on average, by the one area based company in development measures; and one in nine civil servants is willing to each area." strengthening the democratic He proposed that, "such an area- accountability of agencies and service decentralise. Many posts will need to be based arrangement would provide providers in this area." filled by newcomers to the civil-service. changing ireland 7 in some classes 60% of students quit before the ‘leaving cert’ Youth Development Youth Development

Young people in small towns all over the country, who have no interest in sport, find there are next to no public facilities for them. While most manage to entertain themselves sufficiently, some slip into anti-social behaviour, vandalism, intimidation and petty criminality. It’s likely that Anti-Social Behaviour Orders will only serve to further the Older people in alienation of young people in these areas. The real crime is the slow pace of Cavan/Leitrim investment in young people's obvious talents and energies. Millions of euro resist bullying have been poured into programmes and services, but mostly in the cities. It would be fine if they could wait, but young people don’t stay young for long. SINCE 2003, the nine Active Age groups The following stories come from two sides of the Shannon - counties Clare in North Leitrim and West Cavan have - along with Community Connections CDP - and Limerick - and show that youth throughout rural Ireland, as they grow up, been working to get a realistic picture of need to be given more than the remote control for the television. how older people feel about the factors that influence and affect their lives. They have looked at practical things such as attitudes towards money, where to access legal advice, and also issues such as loss, bereavement and the abuse 'Psychotic Episode' youths feel excluded of older people. The groups learned and discussed - for example - some of the subtle ways in - A Rock Concert in 'Ballyanonymous', Co. Limerick which people can be the victims of abuse and the variety of forms this can take, be By GER FITZGIBBON seems like people in this area don't give a it physical punishment, emotional damn about young people. If you try to blackmail or withholding love and ON a winterish Saturday night in late organise something like this they say 'go affection. October, six young, loud and noisy bands away, you'll only cause trouble.' Of course The 200-plus members of the groups played a concert at the Community Hall in the reason young people start messing in the have now come up with ideas on how 'Ballyanonymous', Co. Limerick (it could be some of their concerns can be addressed. first place is that there's nothing to do. It's like anywhere in Ireland. The town's name is For more information, contact Brenda they'd prefer if we just disappeared." Whitley, tel. 071-9853380 or e-mail: held back; the reasons become apparent People complain about anti-social [email protected] later). From 8pm to 12.30am, playing behaviour, about 'menacing youths' hanging through a sound system more suited to around, yet rarely if ever look beyond that to somebody's bedroom than a community see why that is the case? This concert was not Women's projects a hall, a bunch of mostly teenage youths 'rock a pretty event. Thrown together by a handful out'. of young teenagers desperate for a public model for Hungarians "Loads of people wanted to have a gig space in which to share their creative interests A 19-STRONG Hungarian delegation around Halloween, so I decided to try to with their peers and blow off steam during the anxious to learn about setting up organise one," said the main organiser, 17 school holidays, the concert started and women's projects visited CDPs in the year old Tom Cregan. finished late, was completely disorganised West to get ideas to put into action back A huge revival in playing and performing and there was no supervision of any kind. home. original music has being going on among Some local youths showed up with bottles Hungary has the lowest percentage of Ireland's youth over the last few years. of beer, unsupervised 12 and 13 year olds female workers in the labour market and According to Adam from the band Psychotic ran amok, throwing water and sniffing the delegation have the task of boosting Episode "the reason more and more young aerosols cans and for a while the whole the ratio of women to men in the people are forming their own bands is the event teetered on the brink of anarchy. workforce. Among the delegation were lack of meaning and substance in mainstream Luckily no-one was hurt or injured. A number potential project managers, government commercial music." of interested 'adults' showed up officials and researchers. With names like Blind-Arsed Monkey, Blind unannounced and managed to rescue the They specifically visited four projects Christ and Psychotic Episode these bands are situation. that are backed by the European Social not exactly middle of the road: "For me and I Yet despite everything that went wrong, it Fund (ESF) to see how they operate and think for most of us, music is a creative outlet, manage to keep going while continuing was inspiring to see a group young people to meet the needs of participants. " says Adam, "and playing gigs, as well as trying, against all the odds, to do something Hungary has received ESF funding to being a good laugh, is a chance to show positive with their free time. If this is what train and educate women to make it what you can do." young people can achieve with no support easier for them to get paid employment. Although happy at the chance to play, or training, just think what could be done if The four sites the delegation visited neither Tom nor Adam were happy with the there was a government-funded Youth were Tuam CDP, Women of the North- ‘Ballyanonymous’ gig: "We tried to get a Service or CDP in the area to help out. (Such West CDP, the Longford Women's Link, venue in a nearby town, but everyone turned as in Scariff, Co. Clare. See attached report. along with the FAS training centre in us down. We had no support. Sometimes it - Ed). Athlone. Afterwards, the delegation wrote to say the tour was an "incredible success" and had helped them in their understanding of how Ireland dealt with ESF projects and also the way women interact with the Irish Labour Market. Irish Rural Link organised the visit with European support. changing ireland 8 eu - 23% of Irish women are at risk of poverty Youth Development

Out of it on alcohol and drugs Û149m THERE are problems in East Clare as in drop off their children, but they don’t all go to for youth every rural area. the disco. Some of them just hang around "Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, outside here getting drunk. under we have groups of youngsters gathering at "The EMC hasn’t solved that problem," Facilities the edge of our housing estate and roaring said Tracey. "But my hope is that the next and shouting all night. They are out of it on generation of kids will have something to do and alcohol and drugs, boys and girls aged 14 now and will develop a greater sense of Services and up," said local volunteer, Tracey Doyle. self-worth. In the meanwhile, there are three "And every second Friday night, there is a schools in the area - Youthreach, the VEC Fund teenage disco in a hall here. There is no school and the Alpha Project - and I am THE Young Peoples Facilities and Services alcohol served at the disco, but the problem is hoping we can organise alcohol and drug Fund (YPFSF) - set up in 1998 by the that parents come along in their cars and awareness work with these schools." Government - targets those young people most at risk from substance misuse in disadvantaged areas. By developing youth, sport and other recreational facilities, the YPFSF seeks to youths feel excluded attract "at risk" young people away from the potential dangers of substance misuse, into safe, non-threatening and constructive environments. Since 2000, the YPFSF has been allocated a total of Û149 million under the National Development Plan and its spending on social inclusion has so far included the following: * Û56.4 million to the 14 Local Drugs Task Force (LDTFs) areas; * Û1.9 million to 4 urban areas (Galway, Limerick, Carlow and Waterford); * Û0.6 million to Voluntary Organisations; * Û9.1 million to the Springboard Initiative. Youth club members spin the discs in Scariff, Co. Clare. EMC beats the frilly knickers A JUNIOR youth group has been established 25 year olds. in Scariff by volunteers working with the "The majority of younger ones had nothing support of East Clare CDP. Quite coolly, it’s to do, unless they were into hurling, camogie called ‘EMC Youth Club’ where E, M and C or Irish dancing," continued Tracey. She has stand for ‘Every Moment Counts’. four children herself and grew tired of It took three months for seven adults and 25 watching them often sitting in at home with young people from Scariff to agree on the little to do. name," said Tracey Doyle, a management It is not as if Tracey sees no merit in sport; member with the CDP. she coaches the local under-10 camogie "We had lots of discussions. Some early team. No surprise then that, when Tracey got suggestions were quite funny, for example involved in the CDP, the first target group she ‘The Rockin Rabbits’ and ‘The Frilly Knickers’ identified with was the youth. (which didn’t exactly appeal to the boys) and "I asked what was happening with youth D’n’A (as in ‘Devils and Angels’/DNA). EMC and the committee said they hadn’t got to that was the winner." yet, so I said I’ll get it going. "We started the group in Brian and Joe’s An EMC meeting at Brian and Joe’s Coffee Shop. "We now have seven trained youth club Coffee Shop with weekly meetings and got leaders - all volunteers - and we have all been support from the Brothers of Charity," she "Now, we are moving into our local GAA trained and vetted by the Clare Youth reported. hall where we will have access to a multi- Service," she concluded. "So far we have held a photography function sports hall and a stage. And there is As well as having family at home and now workshop - the best photos are displayed in a chill-out area which at present is a blank the youth club, her paid work is as a part-time the coffee shop. We then held a fundraising canvas so the young people are very eager to playschool assistant. A good thing Tracey Halloween disco for national schools in East be let loose with paints and other materials to likes working with young people! Clare which was a great success on lots of make it their own," she added. If anyone would like to get involved on levels, from one of the group being the DJ to The reason the EMC Club is targeted at the any level offering workshops,ideas or the amount of work the whole group put into 12-16 years age-group is because Scariff themselves contact Tracey Doyle on 087- it. already has a ‘Fishbowl Youth Group’ for 15- 2620011/061-640764. changing ireland 9 eu - 20% of Irish men are at risk of poverty Urban Regeneration process criticised at TCD conference THERE was heavy criticism of the lack of an Several contributers at the Trinity College effective community role in the Public Private conference commented that there now seemed Partnership model of Urban Regeneration at to be ‘definite rowback’ in Dublin City Council a recent conference in Trinity College hosted policy since the experience of Fatima by the Centre for Urban and Regional Mansions. (See story below). Studies. Joe O’Donoghue of Fatima Groups United Representatives from the Community Forum admits there is a lot of drawbacks with the PPP in O’Devanney Gardens questioned the process but says that as a result of the local accuracy of the claim from Claire Feeney from organisation of community groups and the Dublin City Council when she said that the effective use of media and lobbying, the local Regeneration Board for the O’Devanney community has been able to gain significant Gardens project had already been set up. concessions in the regeneration process. "The Regeneration Board has not been set GERRY McKEEVER reports Earlier in the year CDPs working in several up as a separate company as was the case in Dublin City Council areas were concerned that Fatima Mansions," said Lena Jordan from the agreed, they were effectively by-passed," she they were being purposefully ‘bypassed’ by O’Devanney Gardens Community Forum. "We said. Dublin City Council officials in consultation also query the status of the community charter Michael Punch from the Centre for Urban processes linked to urban regeneration. agreed by Dublin City Council because the and Regional Studies, was also critical of the According to the CDPs, Dublin City Council Regeneration Board has no teeth, and the process undertaken within O’Devanney seemed intent on regarding the CDPs as an developer will put pressure on to get more Gardens. A good regeneration process, he ‘external layer’ and wanted only to deal with private apartments and retail space at the said, requires two things in order that there is tenant groups directly. In a later meeting with expense of community facilities." an effective delivery of community gain - a Dublin City Council the CDPs were reassured The e280million O’Devanney Gardens period of capacity building for the local by DCC representatives that their role in development is one of the biggest undertaken community groups, and a regeneration board consultation and regeneration was fully by Dublin City Council through the Public- with legal status and an independent chair. recognised. Private Partnership (PPP) process. The tender Summarising a research paper based on the Further doubt has been thrown on the PPP process is almost complete and the developer O’Devanney Gardens experience, he said the process in a recent article in the Irish Times by will be announced shortly. Grainne Foy, recommendations at community level were to: Dr Eoin Reeves of the University of Limerick. Development Worker with An Siol CDP was a) develop an independent and strong local "The economic case for PPP is weak," he critical of the way existing community structure, said. A project to contract and build schools structures such as the Community Forum were b) don’t get divided, was recently subject to a review by the Auditor by-passed in the consultation process. c) keep asking questions, and Comptroller General who found the cost "The Community Forum had been working d) and learn from elsewhere and seek advice was 8% to 13% higher than using the on this issue since 1997, but at a critical time from groups such as the local CDPs conventional approach of direct state when the Community Charter was being working in your area. expenditure. President fan of Fatima people-power President Mary McAleese visited Fatima where their talents blossom naturally and Mansions United CDP in mid-November to where poverty and disadvantage are under congratulate the local regeneration board for constant attack until they disappear from our "setting an agenda for disadvantaged history books for good." communities everywhere." The first phase of the redevelopment, the "There is an air of optimism and excitement completion of 110 houses for Dublin City in the area as the work of Fatima Groups Council tenants, is finished and Phase Two is United and The Fatima Regeneration Board, due to start soon. Some of the old flats under the chairmanship of Finbarr Flood, remained to be demolished. reveals itself in one of our country's most Once finished, there will be homes, gardens, ambitious regeneration projects," she said. a Luas stop, shops, a community centre, a In Fatima Mansions, the Regeneration swimming pool, gym, crèche and outdoor Company was set up as a separate company football areas. with an independent chairperson and CEO "The people who live here will, I hope, find employed by the Regeneration company. A here the happiness of a peaceful community Social Regeneration Agenda forms a major free from the scourges that threatened their part of the local plan in achieving peace of mind for so many long years," said ‘community gain’ from the Public-Private President McAleeese, adding: "Fatima has Partnership process. She hoped that community spirit is "soaring set the standard and awakened the "When I last was here, your plans were just with pride", adding: "This is people power at ambitions of other neighbourhoods that that – a book of ideas, born out of very its shining best." yearn for regeneration. Fatima is now the bleak times and a strong determination that "A community knocked down by so many place that others are looking to for advice things were going to get better. Your faith, adversities has fought back, taken control of and guidance – what a transformation – resilience and commitment are as incredible its landscape, its future and the future of its what a credit to the people of Fatima as they are inspirational, for few children. You have said loud and clear that Mansions." communities experienced such overwhelming tomorrow's Ireland is going to be a place She thanked CDP members Gemma problems as you did," said the Republic’s where people care about one another, where McKenna and Joe Donohoe of the Fatima President. children grow up in safe neighbourhoods, Groups United for their invitation to Fatima. changing ireland 10 vdep - 70,000 Irish children live in consistent poverty Riots in Paris: that could never happen here, but then Limerick becomes Fairtrade City again, it might! LIMERICK has won Fairtrade City status after a ten-month campaign. The By PHILIP MUDGE Other interviewees were certain that race certificate was accepted on behalf of the riots were not likely in the near future. city by Mayor Diarmuid Scully at a TEN homeless people ‘stormed’ Leinster Said veteran CDP worker, Seanie Lambe: ceremony in the city centre on November House on November 30th, getting as far as "The numbers of young people immigrating 22nd. the front door of Dáil Eireann in an attempt into Ireland are too small for ghettos to form Fairtrade is about justice - not charity - to hand their petition to An Taoiseach, Bertie here. Don’t believe the stories that you hear and aims to improve the lives of Ahern. on the news, the numbers of immigrants to producers and workers throughout the Unlike the French ‘banlieui’ protesters, the Ireland are so small compared to other developing world. It ensures the homeless Irish campaigners were ‘armed’ countries that we will not have immigrant producers receive a fair and guaranteed with hundreds of sheets of paper containing ghettos in my lifetime." price for their produce while workers in 20,000 signatures demanding action on "We can learn from the mistakes of plantations and factories receive a fair homelessness. Not for them the petrol bombs England and France and make sure that we wage. and stones used in the recent French don’t have these types of problems in 20 or Limerick is one of a number of Irish cities to earn the Fairtrade City status. It suburban riots. 30 years," added Seanie. took collaboration by retailers, catering However, the Taoiseach warned that similar A co-ordinator in a Limerick CDP believes riots could happen in Ireland (‘Sunday outlets, schools and community that the issues in France are not about race organisations to win the award. Business Post’, November13th) if our society but about poverty but we don’t need to worry did not take action to prevent them and he There are now eight places with about disaffected youth rioting as its not in Fairtrade City/Town status, the others warned about ‘ghettoisation’ and ‘social our psyche: "We’re not as militant as the being: Clonakilty, Cork City, Kilkenny dumping’ of immigrants. French," she said. "I’m not promoting rioting, City, Kinsale , Waterford City, Galway So what were the causes of the riots in Paris but sometimes I wish people would be more City and Thurles. and could similar riots happen here? concerned, get angry about the issues. Then While retail outlets mark-up the prices ‘Changing Ireland’ asked CDP staff and maybe society would listen to us. The Celtic of Fairtrade-labelled products as they do volunteers, most of whom - sadly - were tiger has turned us all into pussy cats." all products, at least now consumers in unwilling to have their name published. This Yet other CDP staff felt that the issues that the Mid-West have a choice. despite the fact that they had clear and well- contributed to the Paris riots are not issues Nonetheless, it pays to shop around thought out opinions on the subject. here. when buying Fairtrade products. In Our sample were evenly split on what One volunteer said the communities in Limerick, 'Café Direct 5065' can cost up were the causes of the riots in Paris: Ireland that could become ghettos for to Û5.85 in a Londis store, while Dunnes Some thought that the riots were caused by immigrants have already become ghettos for Stores sell the same product for Û4. the alienation of young members of Irish people on the margins of society, but immigrant communities, others that the riots projects like CDPs are working in those were about poverty and not really to do with Collins criticises race. communities. "Poor people will become disaffected if "If we do our work properly then we can ‘cheap’ talk society doesn’t listen to them, it makes no ensure that these communities do not become ghettos," said yet another volunteer, adding: FINE Gael reaction to the Ward difference whether they are black or white, manslaughter/Nally conviction was from Dublin, Limerick, rural Ireland or North "Everybody knows what needs to be done for youth in the marginalised communities, we "short-sighted, cheap and dangerous", Africa," said one development worker from according to Martin Collins, Pavee Point's Dublin. need youth clubs for all young people, Irish and immigrants, but volunteers don’t want to assistant director. Collins claimed some Another said that they didn’t know what Fine Gael politicians were guilty of run youth clubs anymore and most staff was the cause of the riots in Paris. "We are incitement to hatred, but refused to name working in the state agencies knock off at half relying on what we see on the television, so names. He said the Incitement to Hatred we don’t really know the background or what five or six o’clock and then they aren’t Act needed to be reviewed also. It is is really happening," complained one working when the kids need them most. We judged weak and convictions under it are volunteer. also need accessible services for health, rare. A CDP worker in the South-East thought drugs and employment." A Fine Gael spokesperson responded that the story "isn’t appropriate for a Added another: "We need to really listen to to the criticisms, saying: "Fine Gael is not magazine like 'Changing Ireland'!" young people, not just pay lip service to anti-Traveller. When we were in ‘French-style’ rioting could happen here, them." government we brought in equal status said some community workers: So the jury is out amongst CDPs . . . What legislation." "If the riots were caused by immigrants do you think were the causes of the Paris Mr. Collins said the political and media responding to racism then of course they riots? Do you think they could happen in hype around the Ward could happen here. Everyone knows that Ireland? manslaughter/Nally conviction have "set Ireland is a racist society. Bertie Aherne and Ed’s note: Unless there are special us back five years" when it comes to Michael McDowell may disagree, they would circumstances for a witness/spokesperson developing relations between Traveller wouldn’t they, but everyone talking to needing to retain anonymity, we do not in and settled communities. ordinary people in communities knows that the future intend on publishing anonymous As part of its work, Pavee Point is a racism is everywhere," argued one CDP co- quotes. It possibly allowed for some Specialist Support Agency to projects funded by the Community Development ordinator. straight-talking on this occasion. changing ireland 11 since 1 year ago, there are 20% less children begging on dublin streets CDP in campaign Social Economy for ‘POW’ releases COISTE na nIarchimí welcomed the release in November of two prisoners, Kieran Kiely and Michael Nugent, whose sentences had been served in full. A function was held in Cork to welcome the men home. However, the project wants politicians to Looks like a "take seriously" the issue of quickly releasing all remaining IRA members still in prison. "Let them know that this is not an election issue, it is a natural consequence of the Happy New ending of armed conflict. It is outrageous that our prisoners will not be at home with their families and friends again this year. Make sure that those in power know this," Coiste urged its newsletter readers. Not all CDPs are geographically-focussed Year for on particular neighbourhoods. Many cater for sectoral communities and Coiste na nIarchimí, based in Dominick Court, Dublin 1, was established to support groups and individuals working for the social, economic Social Economy and emotional well-being of republican ex- NICK MURPHY reports prisoners, displaced persons and former activists and their families. People with THE Social Economy Programme will receive a Republican backgrounds who served time new name. From January it will be called the can experience discrimination and there are Community Services Programme and in future now 19 local groups established. will lean towards social rather than commercial benefits. And the Programme will move from FAS Clondalkin: control to administration by Area Development Managemnt (ADM) starting from New Year’s Once-a-day is not Day 2006. ADM will administer the a ‘bus service’ programme on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaelteacht Affairs. Senior civil servant David Brennan made the announcement on 23rd November 2005, at a Seminar in Mullingar (organised by the Wicklow Social Economy Network). Close to 200 people attended the seminar and they elected delegates to form a group to YOU can catch a 76B bus from Clondalkin set-up a national network and to consult with Village to Tallaght Hospital any morning the Department during the changeover. Up to before 8am. After that, the 'service' ends and there is no direct bus back to now, FAS have administered the Programme on Clondalkin. behalf of the Department of Trade and The one early-morning bus to the hospital Enterprise. David Brennan. was only put on the route recently after a At the seminar, Mr Brennan announced a long-running campaign by the South West number of welcome changes to be implemented with inflation for participant wages. Clondalkin Community Safety Forum. immediately. He assured projects that: He said that new Employment Criteria may However, resident and other members of • The enterprise element which is central to only require about 70% of participants to be the Forum are angry that one bus is all the some projects will remain. from the live register. community got from Dublin Bus. Patients • The stipulation that participants be over 35 In addition finance may be available for a and hospital visitors have to fork out for two years of age and 3 years unemployed will be small number of additional projects, no more buses each way, take a taxi or walk/cycle. scrapped. than 20 to 30 nationally, later in the year. Dolcan CDP is trying to highlight the In answering questions from workshops, Mr issue. It argues: "Dublin Bus has been • Clearer easier reporting processes similar to repeatedly asked to provide a proper bus those used by CDP’s will be introduced Brennan speculated that adjustments may be service for the people of South West including alignment of audits with projects made to the programme to reflect the wide Clondalkin to their local hospital. Their financial years. range of projects in the programme and that solution is to provide one early morning • Movement to multi-annual funding will projects presently funded through the Social bus. What about getting home from the happen over time. Economy Programme might in future move to hospital? What if your appointment in the • There are no plans to cut budgets. All projects other funding streams if that seemed hospital is in the afternoon? One bus is will receive funding in January. ADM hope to appropriate. simply not good enough." make all payments to projects by the first 15 CDPs around the country may take the The CDP urges residents to complain in working days in January. All payments opportunity to lobby the department to slant the writing to Dublin Bus if they agree, and, in new programme criteria towards areas of the meanwhile, the area's safety forum outstanding from FAS at 31/12/05 will be continues to negotiate with the company to honoured by ADM in ‘06. Payments will be social need. Now is the time to do so. increase the level of service. quarterly in advance from January. ED’s NOTE: On November 29th, ADM was For more information, contact: Mr. Brennan also said discussions are taking renamed Pobal. The above story concerns Dolcain CDP, Bawnogue Enterprise and place with the Department of Finance with a statements made a few days prior to the Community Centre, Bawnogue Road, view to (a) revising social economy managers’ change; however, readers should take note Clondalkin, Dublin 22. wages which have not increased in four years that Pobal is the name that will be used for Tel. 01-457-6055. Fax. 01-457-6293. and (b) building in an element to keep pace ADM from now on. changing ireland 12 dutch sociologist - ireland is 4th happiest place to live in the world 2nd pub punished . . . Robert Emmet CDP know what’s needed ROBERT Emmet CDP are making sure the community is fully included in plans by . . . all because Dublin City Council to provide a community centre in their area. In Spring, the CDP published a report that (following a year's research) identifies of a cuppa clearly what the locals want most in a community facility. The CDP has drawn up a detailed plan for how the facilities should be JOAN COURTNEY reports When the case came before Judge Ní developed which was delivered to all Chondúin again in October this year, she took residents in November. WHAT is described as a landmark case this into consideration when she made the A 'community facility' is proposed by the against a pub in Listowel, Co. Kerry, took order of closure. council as part of the Bridgefoot Street place in October. The Judge found that the public house had Redevelopment. This will see the sale of The ‘Mighty Dollar’ bar in Market Street was discriminated against both parties under the some undeveloped council-owned land to a ordered to close down for two days because of Equal Status Act, 2000, as amended by the private developer. The developer will then discrimination against Travellers. It is hoped the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2003. be commissioned to design and deliver the ruling may help to improve the situation for The ruling was greeted with delight by the community facility as part of the overall Travellers wishing to go out, as it was the Travelling community and the ruling was development (which will include both public second time a pub in the Cork/Kerry region reported in both local and national and private housing). was punished by a Judge in a District Court for newspapers and radio. The CDP's key findings are that the discrimination. "This will send a strong message to community needs: both indoor and outdoor Tellingly, in both instances, the victims were publicans around the country," said Karen. youth facilities (37% of those surveyed voted experienced in CDP work and had the backing "Discrimination is not acceptable and they will this as their number one priority), a creche of a project behind them as they lodged their be held accountable for breaching the Equal (16% said this was number one), senior complaints. Status Act." citizen facilities (13%) , a medical clinic At 12 o’clock in the day, on February 2004, "It can be very intimidating to have to (11%). Other needs include: adult education Karen Gearon and Leonard Evans, the former appear in court," Karen continued. "You also courses, a community café and a gym. a Traveller project co-ordinator, the latter a have a cost implication as well because you Robert Emmet CDP serves the member of the Travelling community, went into need to employ a solicitor. Because of this lots geographical area of Winetavern Street to the Mighty Dollar. They asked for a cup of of cases of discrimination don’t get reported." Watling Street, south of Thomas Street to the coffee and an orange juice. The support of a CDP seems to be crucial quays with particular emphasis on They were refused. Ironically the meeting when taking these discrimination cases to Bridgefoot St./Island St., Robert Emmet they had come from was about discrimination court. CDP’s can provide information on the Buildings, Oliver Bond House and St. against Travellers by publicans in Listowel. Equal Status Act and can get people in touch Audeon's House. The discrimination case first came before the with a solicitor. For more information, contact: Robert court in March of this year, when Judge Karen explained: "Compensation is not what Emmet CDP, St. Auden's House, Cook St., Aingeal Ní Chondúin sent both parties away to most travellers want when they take a case. Dublin 8. Tel. 01-474-3093. E-mail: see how they would get on. She was taking six They want justice. It is a matter of principle and [email protected] Web: www.recdp.ie to seven months to deliberate. Two weeks after the publicans are breaking the law. In fact the first court case Leonard was again refused when compensation is ordered in most cases service in The Mighty Dollar. the money is donated to a charity." Strong feelings on drugs "I FEEL frustrated, angry and sad that Equality cases now in District Courts intelligent young people of this community THE Equal Status Act 2000 came into force on In 2003 the publicans lobbied to get the act are allowing themselves be manipulated by the 25th October 2000. changed. The publicans have a strong lobby the drug-pushers and are being slowly It was amended by the Equality Act 2004 on group so the act was amended as part of the weaned into being the next generation of the 19th July 2004. intoxicating liquor act. drug addicts, by not recognising the The Acts relate to discrimination based on the Since this change all cases involving different stages of becoming a drug addict. following 9 grounds: Gender, Marital Status, publicans must come before the district court. Dealing drugs is done openly in our Family Status, Age, Race, Religion, Disability, The three rulings that can be made for community. When a deal is going down, I Sexual Orientation, and Membership of the breach of the act are: can see death, death of young people, our Traveller community. • withdrawal of licence families and our communities." The Acts apply to people who: (i) Buy and sell • compensation - Margaret McLoughlin, North Clondalkin a wide variety of goods, (ii) Use or provide a • order of closure CDP, urging young people not to feel afraid wide range of services, (iii) Obtain or dispose If you think you are discriminated against by or alone and pleading with them to use the of accommodation, (iv) Attend at, or are in a shop, school or cinema, a different process is support services in the community and help charge of, educational establishments. (v) There followed (not involving court cases). Contact the stop the manipulation of our children and are separate provisions on discriminatory clubs. Equality Authority for more information: our future. As published in the October All complaints must relate to at least one of www.equality.ie 2005 edition of the CDP's magazine, 'North the 9 discriminatory grounds listed in the The two day closure of the Mighty Dollar in Clondalkin Buzz'. previous point. Listowel is the first such order in the country.

Christmas is coming,Discrimination writes JOAN COURTNEY, and we doesn’t are looking Ifstop you are a Travellerfor it isChristmas unlikely you will have this option. forward to parties and celebrations. "It is very difficult to book a venue for any kind of a social gathering We are choosing where we would like to go, getting lists of venues for Travellers here," says Karen Guerin, co-ordinator of the Kerry and picking the most suitable. Travellers Development Project. changing ireland 13 did jesus really say: 'the poor will always be with us.' Travellers & Aherns Minister Noel opens new Southside Travellers centre Zimbabwean co-ordinator tells JOAN COURTNEY reports progressed into employment as co- ordinators of the Youth Programme and of Ireland-shock THE willingness of people to work the Women’s Training Programme (and - Goretti says public officials towards enhancing the quality of life two others who were engaged as need more education in their communities is "one of our assistant co-ordinators). The assistant co- THE Co-ordinator of the STAG CDP is Goretti major national assets," according to ordinator of the primary Health care Mudzongo (pictured extreme right) who joined Minister of State Noel Ahern. programme is also a woman who passed the project in 2004 after waiting seven months The Minister was speaking at the through STAG training programmes and while paperwork around a work permit was official opening of the Southside three link workers on that scheme are sorted out. She is from Zimbabwe. also Traveller women. "My first reaction when I visited a halting site Travellers Action Group Premises in was, ‘How can a country which claims to be Sandyford on Thursday 11 November. Minister Ahern said he was pleased democratic treat some of their citizens like this?’ "I have always been impressed by the that the Department was in a position to My background in Zimbabwe was as a commitment and vitality of community make Û110,000 available through the programme manager for a human rights organisation. I had never seen such basic toilet organisations," he said, "and that Young People’s Facilities & Services Fund facilities before coming here." community strength is well represented to help develop the project. After getting over initial shocks, Goretti has here in the form of the management The Department of Community, Rural got used to things here, but can see plenty room committee of Southside Travellers Action and Gaeltacht Affairs supports the for improvement, especially in the way public employment of the Southside Travellers officials are trained and educated. Group". "Government officials often don’t see it as The Minister praised the activities and Action Group CDP staff as well as their job to support the rights of minorities. If it’s achievements of the group in the service supporting (along with the Department of not their job whose is it? Officials need to know of their community, which in 2004 Education & Science) the employment of what people’s rights actually are." included two traveller women who two youth workers. She said, "We have worked to gain the support of the politicians, and we believe the political will is there, but the actions of officials sometimes block progress. There seems to be a lack of accountability if something the politicians decided should happen fails to materialise. Brother Bertie opens Traveller "Traveller accommodation is a huge problem for instance. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council’s accommodation policy called for 118 housing units to be provided, but only 18 were centre in heart of Cork built. A NEW Û1.25m Traveller centre was ON CHILDCARE law-abiding majority in the Traveller "The officials said there were problems with opened in the heart of Cork city on Of course, there are many other sources of community." land acquisition and this was causing delays. November 27th. Local CDP - the Traveller support for traveller projects. One grant he ON ADVOCACY One of the sites earmarked for traveller Visibility Group - will run the centre focussed on came through the Equal accommodation is presently occupied by a Talking about TVG and other Traveller which was officially opened by An Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) groups, he said: "As well as continuing to council depot. The chairperson of the Local which had enabled the purchase and Traveller Consultative Committee, Cllr. Dennis Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern. provide effective advocacy for Travellers, I renovation of this building and the equipping O’Callaghan, has written to Council officials to In his speech, Mr. Ahern announced that the would very much like to see [these] of the new childcare facility in the centre. ask them to move, but without success." project is to receive a further grant of organisations taking an active part in "This new service will provide 20 much The Council does some things well and the Û143,718 from the Department of Community, supporting the delivery of services in a more needed childcare places for children whose challenge is to recognize their strengths and Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs towards co-ordinated and focused manner." work to correct difficulties" she said. parents are in employment, education or refurbishment work in the John Street premises. He looked forward to "an enhanced "STAG believes you should give a voice to training. In addition, facilities such as this will partnership between the State and the Located bang in Cork city centre, the TVG the voiceless, not seek to become that voice," help to ensure that children can develop community and voluntary sector in helping to centre will be a focal point for Travellers from said Goretti, explaining: "Therefore nine of the emotionally, socially, intellectually and improve opportunities and delivering practical 13 members of the management committee are far and wide. physically through play." results for all Travellers." Tavellers." "The opening of this new centre is a prime The opening was followed by Mass "With the help of the funding the Minister example of the efforts being made on the In Cork City and County as a whole, Û celebrated by the Bishop of Cork, Christy [Noel Ahern] mentioned, we have been able to ground to bring the ideal of a fully inclusive childcare projects are availing of over 41 Buckley. Afterwards, actor, Michael Collins put very worthwhile programmes in place. Our society to reality," said Mr. Ahern. million in funding under the EOCP, leading to Youth workers help about 170 young people. the provision of over 4,000 new childcare performed a one-man play, and a book of Congratulating TVG CDP, An Taoiseach images of Travellers was launched. The programmes include horse riding and ice remarked: "I hope that you take pride in the places and supporting over 3,000 existing skating. They have also set up a handball team, places. "Over time, we hope to build this centre into manner in which you have achieved your goals a well-resourced and meaningful place that which we hope will compete against other On anti-Traveller discrimination, An teams under the auspices of the GAA," said – namely Traveller and settled people working will help create genuine opportunities for Taoiseach said, "There is a need for continuing Goretti. together, side by side, with a common Travellers to make concrete positive changes in work to combat discrimination" "We hope to increase the youngsters’ self- purpose." their lives," said the CDP in their Traveller confidence and encourage them to go to youth Mr. Ahern detailed the many millions of euro acknowledging, "Of course, legislation will not News magazine. centres local to where they live, alongside that have been spent by various Government solve everything." The centre includes a creche, education and children from other cultures. departments in 2005 in relation to Traveller He said he knew that, as with other elements training facilities, and - in time - will also house "We also have a primary health care accommodation programmes, the National of society, there is criminal activity among a a resource library. Primary health care and programme which employs Travellers as link Traveller Health Strategy and in the education small number of Travellers, but pointed out: other health initiatives will become a main workers with the community to encourage sector. "The most immediate victims of this behaviour focus of the work carried out in the new centre. people to take better care of their health. And Û we also plan a homework club for early 2006," "In 2005, a total of 108 million is being are often other Travellers. It is essential A specific section of the building is designated she added. allocated," he said, adding, "I believe that this therefore that agencies can take concerted for young Travellers in particular, so they have level of funding is justified." actions against crime with the support of the their own space. changing ireland 14 getting rid of poverty; the idea is fine, the plans less popular Travellers & Aherns Rural Lift launches Southside Travellers centre car scheme progressed into employment as co- RURAL Lift - having begun by providing ordinators of the Youth Programme and marginalised people with a mini-bus the Women’s Training Programme (and service - has launched a 'Social Car Scheme' in west Cavan. two others who were engaged as Rural Lift is a rural transport service assistant co-ordinators). The assistant co- set up by Community Connections CDP ordinator of the primary Health care six years ago. It has since become an programme is also a woman who passed organisation in its own right. Throughout through STAG training programmes and Ireland, subsidised rural transport three link workers on that scheme are schemes set up by local communities also Traveller women. have transformed lives, particularly the Minister Ahern said he was pleased lives of older people. that the Department was in a position to The novel car-lift scheme in Cavan is make Û110,000 available through the available especially for those experiencing social exclusion, including Young People’s Facilities & Services Fund older peple, lone parents, women in the to help develop the project. home, youths, people with disabilities. The Department of Community, Rural The idea is that approved voluntary and Gaeltacht Affairs supports the drivers from the local area provide the employment of the Southside Travellers use of their car to transport passengers Action Group CDP staff as well as to and from the passenger's chosen supporting (along with the Department of destination. Passengers must first become Education & Science) the employment of members of the scheme and for each lift two youth workers. they pay a small nominal fee. The drivers are paid mileage expenses and given training. Lifts must be booked • For more information, drop in to a few days in advance. Many over-65s in rural areas lived in TVG’s BRAND NEW OFFICE at isolation and had no use for their free 25 John Street, near the city centre, in Cork. travel passes until the rural transport ns Traveller Chrissie O'Sullivan is the Project schemes now found in every county in Co-Ordinator. Ireland were born. For more information on the 'Social Tel. 021-450-3786. Corklaw-abiding majority in the Traveller Car Scheme', contact: Clare O'Shea, Fax. 021-450-3693, f community." Rural Lift, tel. 071-964-3933. E-mail: [email protected] e ON ADVOCACY l Talking about TVG and other Traveller Web address: Community ) groups, he said: "As well as continuing to http://groups.msn.com/TravellerVisibilityGroup d provide effective advocacy for Travellers, I centrres g would very much like to see [these] organisations taking an active part in will be more h supporting the delivery of services in a more e co-ordinated and focused manner." Need a accessible r He looked forward to "an enhanced driver THE Programme's Disability Equality l partnership between the State and the Specialist Support Agency (DESSA) and STAG CDP in Dublin has received funding to p community and voluntary sector in helping to the PAUL Partnership Equality Sub-Group buy a mini-bus and pay for insurance. d improve opportunities and delivering practical held a training seminar in November on results for all Travellers." However, they are in need of drivers. Some making community facilities more The opening was followed by Mass travellers are undergoing training but will not , accessible to people with disabilities. celebrated by the Bishop of Cork, Christy have their licences for a while yet. 1 The seminar, held in the new St. o Buckley. Afterwards, actor, Michael Collins If anybody with a current clean D1 licence performed a one-man play, and a book of could volunteer some of their time, this would Munchin's Community Centre, in e Thomondgate, Limerick, aimed to support g images of Travellers was launched. help greatly. Volunteers should contact STAG "Over time, we hope to build this centre into on 01-295-7372. participants in using the DESSA a well-resourced and meaningful place that accessibility guidelines 'Access Inside n will help create genuine opportunities for Out', which were published earlier this g Travellers to make concrete positive changes in Taoiseach year. " their lives," said the CDP in their Traveller Participants' awareness was tested t News magazine. on Traveller through small group discussions and The centre includes a creche, education and children interactive exercises that were intended s training facilities, and - in time - will also house to be thought-provoking, stimulating and a a resource library. Primary health care and "It is vital that all our children, including fun. It seems likely that, in the future, : other health initiatives will become a main Traveller children, have equal opportunities community centres will become more r focus of the work carried out in the new centre. to participate and develop their individual accessible to everyone in the community. l A specific section of the building is designated talents." Similar workshops were held by d - An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, for young Travellers in particular, so they have DESSA in Tralee and Cork. e their own space. November 27th, TVG CDP, Cork. changing ireland 15 29 per cent of the population live in dublin St. Munchin’s Youghal CDP gets the ‘Eco Eye’ from Duncan 'ECO EYE', RTE's environmental tv show presented by Duncan Stewart, visited Cumann na Daoine CDP, in Youghal, Co. Cork in the Autumn. RTE will air the programme in January, which will focus on the CDP's promotion of a Global Action Plan on environmental issues. One of the results of the work has been the establishment of a weekly Farmer's Market in the town. The Global Action Plan involved a series of workshops delivered by environmentalist Mike Holden dealing with issues such as Energy, Waste, St Munchin’s CDP is now accessible to everyone. Consumerism and Community Activity. The workshops were very successful and the idea has spread throughout East Cork. New premises, new way of working By PHILIP MUDGE people are aware on a daily basis of the CDP and are accessing its services more often. WHEN St Munchin’s CDP in north Limerick "Obviously this means more work for our city were preparing to move to new staff and volunteers," says Susan, "but we’re premises after spending many years in an getting a buzz out of responding to the old first floor office over a shop, the staff community. In the past it sometimes felt like and volunteers looked forward to the the project was leading initiatives - now the increased comfort and accessibility of the community is leading us." new offices. What they did not expect Sharing the community centre has also was that the new premises - which are enabled the various projects to work together shared with the local Action Centre, Local on joint initiatives. For example, the CDP Employment Service, and health services - obtained funding for information technology would also change the way the CDP equipment through the Department of works with the community. Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Susan O’Neill, project co-ordinator, says, RAPID initiative and the Health Service "We knew that the new premises would be an Executive (HSE). This equipment is now being Cumann na Daoine CDP have made improvement because it is purpose-built and used to upskill participants identified by the the Global Action Plan available to the in the heart of the community. Our old offices CDP and the other service providers sharing local people (with support from ECAD, were right at the edge of the community and the new premises. Cork Environmental Forum and the the two flights of stairs meant that the project The CDP had also planned a support Department of the Environment). was almost inaccessible to older persons, programme for older persons in partnership The Eco Eye programme will also parents with buggies and many people with with the HSE that was to include a drop-in feature the story of Youghal's Farmers' physical disabilities. programme, outreach service and Market. A group of people who did the "Most importantly the new building is educational programme. Now it is hoped Global Action Plan at Cumann na Daoine completely accessible. We are now a CDP for that the service will be enhanced with the got together to form a food group the whole community! provision of an outreach worker and drop-in because of their common interest in food "What we weren’t expecting was the programme worker through a Community issues. They wanted to promote healthy added value to our work that has come from Employment initiative that is being jointly being in a building that is shared with the eating and access to local food. After sponsored by the partners in the community other community agencies. The St. Munchin’s intensive research, they worked with the centre. Community centre has become the hub of Chamber of Commerce to launch a The CDP expects that many initiatives in the Farmers' Market. The market has been activity for the whole community, so the profile of all the projects has increased. community will be joint developments in the welcomed by the people of Youghal who future. are turning out every Friday at Barry's "People involved in the CDP are using the other services such as the Local Employment "A co-ordinated approach works best," Lane by the Clock Gate to support it. says Susan The only difficulty Cumann na Daoine Service and we are making contact with some of the more difficult-to-reach individuals who Sharing the new centre also means that CDP now have in getting their message back up services such as receptionists, out is that ‘Eco-Eye’ clashes with are coming to the centre." An example of the increased visibility of the security staff, cleaners and the centre Coronation Street! You have been CDP is the third level education bursaries manager are not the responsibility of the CDP. alerted! scheme which the CDP administers. In "We can get on with our real function, For more information, contact: Eanna previous years, there were about six-to-eight supporting the community and assisting Dowling at Cumann na Daoine CDP, tel. applicants; this year there were over 20. The individuals to get involved in programmes 024-91900. CDP project is sure this is because more and activities." changing ireland 16 www.literacytools.ie = literacy learning & tuition website Limerick groups Once-off grants very popular show there is MINISTER Noel Ahern announced, on November 21st, the allocation of over Û680,000 under Phase 2 of the Community Development Programme’s ‘Once-Off a solution Grants Scheme’. Over Û750,000 was approved by the - as 1,000 kids nationwide miss Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in the initial phase of the out on secondary school Scheme, based on 162 applications from CDPs nationwide. Under the second phase PHILIP MUDGE reports get places, but this time they were not from of the Scheme, a further 59 applications disadvantaged city schools but mainly from with a value of over Û680,000 have been LIMERICK has become the leading player the city’s hinterland and County Limerick. approved. nationwide in showing how a school- While all the children were eventually offered Minister Ahern was delighted with the enrolment policy can be adopted on a places, yet again some children were not take-up under the Scheme. He said that the city/county-wide basis to ensure every child given their constitutional right to be cherished allocation of over Û1.4m under both phases is offered a place in second-level education. equally in our society. of the Scheme would significantly benefit It is believed there are up to 1000 children As Juan Carlos explained: "With communities throughout the country annually spread throughout the country who intervention from the Department of experiencing disadvantage. are denied places in second-level education, Education, the schools expanded the "The additional funding will enable CDPs but their plight is ignored. Limerick city’s enrolment procedure to ensure that every working in these areas to provide a more experience is becoming a lesson in how to child would get an offer of a school-place." approach the problem. Trish Forde Brennan, PRO of the National comprehensive range of services at local In 2004, over 50 children attending Parents Association for Vocational Schools level," he said. disadvantaged schools in the city were and Community Colleges said that although The scheme provides grants to denied places in second level. A campaign every child was eventually offered a place, local CDPs for: was launched, led by the Community the effect on the child who is not offered a • Programme Activities including Development Network (CDN) Moyross - the training; local CDP - and the Northside Education place when the first offers are made "cannot be underestimated." • Equipment, and; Committee, the Social Inclusion Measures • Refurbishment of Premises. Group, and the Community and Voluntary "We believe that notification should be offered to all children at the same time, CDPs have been advised to submit grant Forum. applications for 2006 along with core As a result, the then Minister Noel because when some children have offers and budget applications (due to be submitted by Dempsey visited Limerick and forced other are waiting it creates a perception of mid-December). It is expected that decisions secondary schools to offer places to the inequality," she said. regarding grants for 2006 will be made excluded children and a system was Added Juan Carlos: "We will find out early established to ensure that in future all children in 2006 if everyone gets a place under the much earlier next year (March-April) to would be offered second level places. new system and we will be monitoring facilitate better planning in respect of Juan Carlos Azzopardi co-ordinator of progress on the promises." programme activities over the course of the CDN Moyross recalled: Though Limerick has piloted a system that is year. "Last year, after a campaign that ended up beginning to work for every child, it is crucial on the television and radio news, the Minister that there is ongoing monitoring by those who for Education promised that never again originally launched the campaign for would children be left without places in changes. New DVD: schools just because of where they lived." Now, perhaps other groups in other However, this year, children again did not counties will follow suit. ‘Fitness for All’ THE Kerry Network of People with Disabilities have produced a DVD called 'Fitness for All'. It was put together by Paul Audley (from the Tralee Institute of Technology), Ursula Barrett and Margaret O'Shea, CDP project co-ordinator.

21 Wicklow families have no loo "IN County Wicklow, there are still 57 Traveller families living on the roadside. And out of the 57 families, 21 have no sanitation. This is in 2005. Even a lot of CDPs don't know much about Traveller issues and facts." Limerick shows the way. - Jim O'Brien, Bray Travellers CDP changing ireland 17 nala = national adult literacy agency Community and voluntary sector

Government ‘fear’ rviving Su mas Christ the y of community Part development 1. Turn up. The biggest error is not going to an office party that is a ‘must-attend’ event. If someone else doesn’t make it, you can then keep everyone busy trying sector raised to guess where the missing person is. 2. Don’t forget the Boss. Remember: the boss is grand, nothing wrong with the boss. You may even have a number of bosses present. Avoid trying to snog in Dáil Éireann him/her and particularly them. Actually, better not snog anyone in your party. was one of the Department's key You’ll enjoy 2006 better. MINISTER of State, Noel Ahern, was questioned in the objectives." 3. Don’t talk about work. Some young Dail in November as to Deputy Boyle then asked the professionals let ambition drive them. whether or not the Minister if the definition of They don’t know how to enjoy government were afraid of "community" within his conversation unless it is about business. Department is strictly geographic; So, if you overhear young professionals the 'community development sector'. and if support is forthcoming from talking like this you should get back to his Department on community your community group party. Dan Boyle, Green TD, on November 9th, asked, "Does groupings formed on any other 4. Don’t be flatulent, indolent, the Minister share the opinion basis. omnipotent, abrasive, uninhibited, of many in the community Minister Ahern stated: "Under incontinent, don’t sing (badly), snore, development sector that part of the Community Development snort, smell, slide under the table or do the reason there is not ongoing Programme, funding is targeted at anything that would make the evening a support from the Government is the support of disadvantaged and memorable and enjoyable one for the fear that the sector Green TD. Dan Boyle socially excluded communities. everyone else. represents an alternative to politics?" The network of 185 community 5. Enjoy the party. When you get home, "Rather than the old approach of cumainn development resource centres and projects drink two pints of water, eat an onion and branches, people can now effect consists of both locally-based communities and sleep in a room on your own with a development in their own communities, and communities of interest. A number of chimney and an open window. If you discover the nature of their own difficulties projects with a national remit are receiving stuck sensibly to orange juice, you can and seek to find their own resources. It is funding under the programme, including the ignore this advice. because of this threat that the Government is National Traveller Women's Forum, the Bosnian CDP, the Senior Citizens Parliament These survival tips have been mostly not responding adequately," Deputy Boyle approved by Padraig Kelly of West argued. and Interaction. In addition, funding is also Training, who was again this year Minister Ahern replied: "Regarding Deputy provided to Women's Aid, Pavee Point and unanimously elected as chair, secretary Boyle's question, people on different sides the National Consultative Committee on and treasurer of his staff Social have different expectations as to what can be Racism and Interculturalism towards the Committee. achieved. Much progress has been made and specialist support needs of projects in the significant funding has been provided, which programme." Lynch warns: tough times ahead

KATHLEEN Lynch, activist and Referring to the quiet struggle by many College, Dublin, had been cut as the professor of equality studies, warned older people to get by on non-contributory university sector becomes more capitalist the Community and Voluntary sector pensions, she said: "The flip-side of the SUV and profit-orientated. lifestyle of overt consumption is the to be ready for tough times ahead. "I, as an academic, already have to concealment of poverty." spend up to 50% of my time writing funding "The problem of neo-liberal politics is Ms. Lynch said the Community and proposals, because of the neo-liberalism," here and at full tilt: people now believe they Volantary sector should fight for statutory are fully responsible for their own problems funding or local groups would end up she said. and situations. The sense that we have an spending half the time just trying to fund- Ms. Lynch was speaking at the launch in obligation to other people is being eroded. raise. November of a new Development Education Some people say you are a fool to be She drew attention to the fact that funding guidebook published by Lourdes Youth and working for your own community." to the Equality Studies section of University Community Services CDP in Dublin. changing ireland 18 visit mongolia and walk around like you’re supposed to be there Invest in Many uneducated young drug-rehab people are out of work projects -demand Citywide - drug-seizures not a full solution WHILE the media and public spotlight focuses on multi-million-euro drug-seizures, the measures required to help addicts off drugs and to get their lives back on track get scant attention. A new campaign from CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign is highlighting the fact that while there were 7,637 people in drug treatment, FAS was only able to sponsor 1,120 work rehabilitation places. CityWide wants the Government to deliver more resources for rehabilitation programmes to get people back to work. At the launch of a report titled – 'Drug Rehabilitation, A View from the Community' - the Citywide co-ordinator, Anna Quigley, called for increased investment in rehabilitating former drug-users.

SOCIAL and Family Affairs Minister, Seamus wish to move into a work situation. Extra Brennan, asked earlier this year why there income immediately affects the payments were still 150,000 people on the dole when these people receive making it difficult to A child’s soft toy (a tiger) torn up for use by so many immigrants are getting jobs. move slowly into a work situation by taking a heroin addict. The drug is inhaled from the foam. In the last issue, we answered part of the on only a few hours per week. Other question: people with disabilities find it very difficulties such as affordable childcare make The statistics she provided spoke for hard to get jobs and, in places, face up to it difficult for those needing to upskill in themselves: "We have 7,500 people on 80% unemployment. advance of seeking employment as funding is methadone, and the vast majority don’t have Here, NICK MURPHY, asks some CDP not available to them. access to rehabilitation places. On its own, people and the Irish National Organisation Meanwhile, the INOU mentions people methadone is not a treatment and we need to for the Unemployed (INOU) who they believe have investment in rehabilitation." such as those working only one or two days a SIPTU is supporting Citywide's campaign is ‘still on the dole’. week and legimately claiming a payment for Mary Good of PIECE CDP in Snowdrop for more investment in rehabilitation for drug- the rest of the week as well as those signing users. Walk, Dublin feels that young people in their for credits. The INOU also said jobs are hard Ms. Quigley also called for an inter- late teens and early twenties who have left to find by those who are often discriminated agency approach to combat drug abuse school with little qualifications are a group against, such as Travellers and migrant nationwide. Ms. Quigley pointed out that who are particularly in need of support. drug users can have multiple-needs, for workers. "Young people who perhaps have never example regarding housing and childcare, Indeed, An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, drew worked but have taken training such as our but the inter-agency action this required was Office Skills Course find it difficult to get attention in late November to unemployment not always forthcoming. She emphasised: "As well as all that action employment. They have no previous among Travellers in a speech he made in Cork: around cutting the supply of drugs, we need experience and little chance of getting any if to see the resources invested on the ground." somebody does not employ them. There "At a time of unprecedented economic Citywide celebrated its 10th anniversary appears to be no firm out there willing to give success, Travellers should be able to share in earlier this year. It is one of the them a chance," she said. the benefits of our increased wealth. Programme’s six Specialist Support Those with mental health problems in their Unemployment levels amongst travellers are Agencies and provides support to CDPs past, those from new communities and people at an unacceptable level. I believe that State around the country who wish to work on agencies can play a more pro-active role in the issue of drugs in the community. with disabilities all need support according to Adopting a community development the co-ordinator of the Special Project for the supporting Travellers to develop skills and approach to the drugs problem means Long Term Unemployed. access employment, in the public and private involving the people who are most affected Brenda O’Neill from the Rialto Community sectors," he said, speaking at the opening of by the problem in dealing with the problem Network points to the difficulties experienced the new Traveller community centre on John – drug users, their families and by those on welfare/disability payments who Street, Cork. communities. changing ireland 19 have a question about inclusion, try: www.socialinclusion.ie Wickerman Wickerman A 'clean' Liberties people burn ONE aspect to note regarding the Wicker Man, is that it was a ‘clean’ reclaim Bonfire Night burn. No tyres or other such toxic items were used therefore the fire did not -Discovery Channel film 40’ Wicker Man burn produce any pollutants.

By ALLEN MEAGHER was surrounded by Wicker Man ingredients, Even two blocks away, Gardaí were students, community development workers called to an illegal bonfire, as the Is this ‘real’ IN THE Liberties, Dublin, local community and the Eblana artists that led the safety of those at the fire had become groups have beaten the assumption that construction. threatened by anti-social behaviour. Bonfire Night spells trouble and reclaimed "It was a really successful night with no Down to the final cinder, the crowd at community Halloween as an event that can be trouble," he said. the Wicker Man revelled in the celebrated by young and old. The biggest experience, without incident! Wicker Man burnt in Dublin - reputedly - in HUMAN SACRIFICE "It is not a case of banning bonfires development? 500 years had people coming to see from all Before anyone started building, a UCD - they are social gatherings - it’s about organising such traditional festivities LOCALS applauded what they said was directions. lecturer called in to give the full history. In Celtic times, when a Wicker Man was set in a safe and organised environment, the biggest bonfire in Dublin for 500 The burning of the 40 foot Wicker Man - against a backdrop of derelict flats - thrilled a alight, a human sacrifice was burned in the involving the local community in the years, crying 500-strong crowd and a 'Discovery Channel'. structure. This was a focal point of much process," said Sarah Williams, one of "Wicker….wicker…..wicker" as the The Halloween Night burning was a joint interest to the student-builders. the organisers. flames devoured the Wicker Man in the initiative between a youth intervention project The Man took three weeks to assemble and managed under the umbrella of the South Eblana artists, two CDPs (SICCDA and Robert FUTURE PLANS Liberties. Inner City Community Development Emmet CDP) and children targeted under the "The success of this event was due to the at least," noted organiser Jim Gilsen. But what on earth are CDPs and other School Completion Programme. On the night, dedicated hard work and goodwill of people Association (SICCDA) and the School Any CDPs who feel they deal well with the Civil Defence, Order of Malta and Gardai who work and live in the Dublin Liberties community interests doing burning Completion Programme. Student volunteers Halloween, turning it from a showcase for were present to ensure safety. area. If this event is resourced properly in the wooden men outside derelict buildings and a host of local projects and state agencies anti-social behaviour into a true community "This is our history! Tonight is history, I’m coming years, it will not only provide a safe worked like clockwork to see that October event are urged to contact ‘Changing in inner-city Dublin, some readers might proud to be here!" cried one father proudly as environment to celebrate Halloween, but 31st, 2005, would not feature the usual - Ireland’ with their approach. Other projects ask. You could argue that these locally- the Wicker Man went up in flames. Liam was would also reduce the negative press and dangerous and disorganised - Halloween and communities may appreciate your tips. not normally happy leaving his children out publicity usually surrounding this time of led development groups should have mayhem. Telephone/e-mail details are on page 2. on Halloween night, but this time he felt year," added Sarah. enough 'real' work to be doing given "It shows other community groups that stuff like this can work and be a roaring success secure. The organisers had done their It didn’t cost the earth - around Û3,500 in Check out the Liberties’ Wicker Man on the levels of deprivation, disadvantage (no pun intended)," said Kevin Roche who homework on fire- and crowd-safety and cash which came from the Irish Youth 'Discovery Channel's ‘Six Degrees’ travel and plain hardship facing many works for the School Completion Programme Liam’s appreciation was typical. Foundation and the Youth Intervention show. The burning will be the final scene of Liberties residents. On the contrary, the in Dublin 8 (Liberties, Inchicore area). For On the same night, riot police made up to Service. the hour-long show, due to air this December three weeks in the run-up to Halloween, Kevin 30 arrests at bonfires in other parts of the city. "The voluntary input was worth double that, (date unavailable as we went to press). reclaiming of Bonfire Night by local communities is at the heart of what Ireland's 190 projects in the Community Development Programme aim to do. Community Development seeks to challenge the causes of inequality and to offer new opportunities to those lacking choice, power and resources. It involves people in the community making the changes they identify to be important. Halloween is a traditional festival, which has been celebrated in Ireland throughout the centuries. Our Celtic ancestors celebrated their new year at this time, at the Festival of Samhain. Over recent years, the Halloween period and how people choose to celebrate the festival has resulted in negative publicity; under age drinking, illegal fires and general anti-social behaviour. Wicker Man under construction. changing ireland 20 the word abbreviation - why so long? Wickerman ple e Night UN days: December to March THE following are United Nations international days for action and Even two blocks away, Gardaí were called to an illegal bonfire, as the remembrance taking place from mid- safety of those at the fire had become December to the end of March ‘06. The threatened by anti-social behaviour. organisations - if not the UN Down to the final cinder, the crowd at the Wicker Man revelled in the DECEMBER experience, without incident! 10 Human Rights Day "It is not a case of banning bonfires 11 International Children's Day - they are social gatherings - it’s about 18 International Migrants Day organising such traditional festivities JANUARY in a safe and organised environment, involving the local community in the 1 World Day of Peace (Vatican) process," said Sarah Williams, one of the organisers. FEBRUARY 21 International Mother Language FUTURE PLANS Day "The success of this event was due to the at least," noted organiser Jim Gilsen. dedicated hard work and goodwill of people MARCH Any CDPs who feel they deal well with who work and live in the Dublin Liberties Halloween, turning it from a showcase for 8 International Women's Day and area. If this event is resourced properly in the anti-social behaviour into a true community United Nations Day for Women's coming years, it will not only provide a safe event are urged to contact ‘Changing Rights and International Peace environment to celebrate Halloween, but Ireland’ with their approach. Other projects 21 International Day for the would also reduce the negative press and and communities may appreciate your tips. Elimination of Racial publicity usually surrounding this time of Telephone/e-mail details are on page 2. year," added Sarah. Discrimination It didn’t cost the earth - around Û3,500 in Check out the Liberties’ Wicker Man on 21-28 UN Week of Solidarity with the cash which came from the Irish Youth 'Discovery Channel's ‘Six Degrees’ travel Peoples Struggling against Foundation and the Youth Intervention show. The burning will be the final scene of Racism and Racial Discrimination Service. the hour-long show, due to air this December 22 Water Day. Note: Water is going "The voluntary input was worth double that, (date unavailable as we went to press). to be a big issue from now on. Yet the UN and the World Health Organisation (WHO) both celebrate water on different days. WHO called their event the THEHow Wicker toMan ideabuild was initially a WickerEblana artists presented Man sessions on the ‘World Day for Water’ and hold discussed in early 2005. However, the engineering aspect of the project. Then the it on March 23rd. actual mechanics were set in motion a manual work began. The year 2006 has been named by the mere five weeks prior to the burning Students from a local secondary school UN as ‘International Year of Deserts and came after classes to soak, weave, chop, Desertification’. date. All aspects of preparation and hammer and saw the wood. A group of We are also in the middle of a number organisation were initiated and community workers, volunteers and friends completed during this short time-frame. were drafted in on the evenings and of ‘Decades’, including: Materials used to build the Wicker Man weekends, to ensure that the structure would 2001-2010: International Decade for a were; willow rods, hazel branches, recycled be ready for Halloween night. The man Culture of Peace and wood, dried brush and copper for the eyes. himself took three and a half weeks to create. Non-violence for the Children of the World. 2001-2010: Second International Decade for the Eradication Halloween works in Clondalkin of Colonialism. Community groups in Clondalkin this group consisting of Dolcain CDP, local 2003-2012: United Nations Literacy year held organised Halloween events schools, the local youth service and other Decade: Literacy for All . including a scary film night, a haunted groups. They took place in both Bawnogue 2005-2014: United Nations Decade of house and a fireworks display in St. and St. Ronan's community centres and it is Education for Sustainable Cuthbert's Park. hoped to make the organised Halloween Development. The fun was organised by an umbrella celebrations an annual event.

changing ireland 21 the average housefly lives for one month Suicide prevention Suicide prevention 20 projects throw weight behind prevention By Padraig Kelly, in the West and Midlands

IN the last edition, 'Changing Ireland' looked at some of the Family Resource Centres in Galway/Mayo and responses by government nationally and projects locally to the CDPs in the West and Midlands region. Mary social phenomena of suicide in Ireland today. explored with Project representatives: As funds are at last invested into tackling this long-ignored • The work Projects have carried out scourge, 'Reach Out - the National Strategy for Action on Suicide already in this area Prevention’ was published by the Government on September 8th. • What research tells us about suicide The Strategy identified a role for Voluntary and Community • Myths about suicide organisations: • Responses to the issue of suicide in both the statutory and [The office and team responsible for implementing the Strategy voluntary sector aim]: "To develop formal and structured partnerships between The seminar then planned for the future by discussing: Voluntary and Community organisations and the Statutory sector in • The availability of future training for Project staff and volunteers order to support and strengthen community based suicide on suicide issues prevention, mental health promotion and bereavement support • West Training and Development in conjunction with the Resource initiatives." Officer for Suicide Prevention would draft a 'policy & procedure' On November 14th, West Training and Development hosted a template that would be a guide to projects in addressing issues seminar on Suicide Prevention. Mary O’Sullivan, Resource Officer related to suicide and self-harm for Suicide Prevention with the Health Service Executive (H.S.E.) in the Western Region, addressed 20 project representatives from Frank discussion broke the mould - a letter from the Samaritans Dear Editor, and there have been many examples of low- from suicide. Those who have the tough role of Dropping you a line to thank you for quality reporting and portrayal of suicide. Also supporting someone who says they feel suicidal discussing in frank terms the suicide issues in the media has neglected related issues - such as should themselves access support available from Ireland and how this relates to Community self-harm, depression, stress, anxiety and a the organisations listed above. Samaritans for Development Projects and other community plethora of emotional health issues which The instance, is available 24-hours and is often organisations (Issue 15, ‘Changing Ireland’). Samaritans argue cannot be treated in isolation. recommended to patients by clinicians as a I think the point you made in your editorial, For the majority of our media, news is mechanism to provide out-of-hours and echoing the warnings for such groups about inherently negative. I find that too often it is weekend support. Samaritans is very happy that trying to take too much on in supporting people repeated and repeated that there's 'nothing out they do this because it’s what we're here for. who are suicidal, is especially relevant. It leads there' for suicidal people, that 'no services' exist, Commentators have said that responses to to a key part of the Government's new 'Reach that 'no help was available'. suicide should not be left in the hands of well- Out' strategy that suggests more awareness While not wishing to comment on the levels of meaning charities and - of course - they cannot. needs to be spread about help that exists from psychiatric or psychological services we have Well-meaning charities have a lot of very voluntary and other agencies. here - I don't know enough about them to say valuable experience though (The Samaritans This strategy will reduce duplication of effort anything good or bad - I feel that we underplay have 50-years’ worth) and dedication is second and the burden this places on the already hard- the role of community-based organisations and to none from many committed volunteers. pressed community sector. In the current climate charities. For example, The Samaritans, AWARE Charities like The Samaritans are often able to of debate, it seems strange to talk about (which got a mention in the article on page operate at a very high level and we feel we want duplication because the impression is that 20/21), Mental Health Ireland, GROW and the there's nothing out there for suicidal people and many, many bereavement support an active place doing what we do best in the those who support them. organisations. development of the responses outlined in the Suicide became a widespread discussion I think that CDPs and other local groups could government's new strategy. topic about 5-6 years ago. Anyone who says link heavily into these groups and find that these Sorry for the long letter, but I wanted to that it's a taboo subject that needs more airing is expert organisations can provide a lot of advice, illustrate the ways in which existing charities no longer accurate because it’s hard to open a training, support and accept referrals. such as ourselves can help CDPs and the people newspaper or turn on the radio without hearing This will help combat duplication of effort. If in communities they serve in a very practical it mentioned in some context or another. services which already exist are replicated, it way. The trouble is that we're not very good as a could prevent us in Ireland from implementing And we are glad to support journalists in their nation at having effective discussions about the best range of services to help reduce suicide efforts to cover the issue in a way that educates suicide and other emotional health issues. because, literally, we're doing too much but and informs. There's no longer a taboo, but we have not yet doing the same thing. Paul O'Hare, PR Manager - Ireland, burst the myths. The Samaritans believe that no one should The Samaritans, Dublin The media is leading a lot of this discussion feel solely responsible for 'rescuing' anyone else More info: www.samaritans.org changing ireland 22 get rid of half your stuff! Suicide prevention

7 suicide deaths in

-Clondalkin Buzz says 'Let's stop suicides' andin shows 2005 how

THE ‘North Clondalkin Buzz’ magazine Signs of suicidal highlighted deaths in the community from suicide in its September edition. behaviour ‘7 young people from North Clondalkin • Increased alcohol or drug consumption. died through suicide in 2005’ stated the front page headline with the number ‘7’ standing • Disinterest in possessions - giving away large and alone at the top. prized belongings. "Let's stop suicides" called the magazine, behaviour and pointers to help out in a • Withdrawing from friends and social urging people to "talk more to family, friends, suicide crisis. We reprint the tips here. The involvement. doctors and others." North Clondalkin now information comes from Suicide Prevention • Sleeping pattern changes - may have has a 'Community Action on Suicide' group Information New Zealand. SPINZ is a non- difficulties in getting off to sleep; have that people can contact (through Rowlagh interrupted sleep; early morning Parish Church). governmental organisation. For, more awakening; feeling tired after sleep; The Buzz listed examples of suicidal information, check out: www.spinz.org.nz sleeping too much. • Self-mutilation behaviour, eg cutting/gouging. BEHAVIOUR • Sudden and striking personality changes There are five aspects of suicidal behaviour: communication calling attention to the and mood-changes. 1) suicidal thoughts. A person doesn't become person's plight. They can involve physical • Risk-taking and careless behaviour. actively suicidal suddenly - the process is an injury to oneself or others, or reckless • Sudden happiness after a prolonged accelerating one. A person begins by behaviour like overdosing, alcohol abuse, period of depression. thinking, "It would be better if I wasn't dangerous driving. All are indicators of • Apathy. May stay indoors, stare at the tv. around." Never ignore what may be a emotional distress and a cry for help. Not Loss of interest in previously pleasurable message of a suicidal thought. The person all such gestures, however, can be activities. needs to be listened to and taken seriously. interpreted as suicidal. • Repetitive medical conditions - feeling 2) suicidal threats. This is anything that a nauseous, frequent headaches, injuries. person says or does that indicates intent to 4) attempted suicides. Attempted suicide is a • Death or suicide themes dominate self-harm. Suicidal threats are sometimes serious and potentially lethal event. It can written, artistic, musical or creative work. not recognised and can be overlooked. All leave the person emotionally and/or • Unrealistic expectations of self. threats should be taken seriously. physically devastated, possibly for the rest • Excessive promiscuousness, or loss of 3) suicidal gestures. These are generally of their life. interest in sex. regarded as extreme forms of 5) suicidal death. • Overly dependent, clinging behaviour. • Changes in eating patterns - not eating, over-eating, changes in weight. Helping in a suicidal crisis • Verbal expression of suicidal intent or depression. Direct statements, for MOST people who have died by suicide have done so when they have been alone. The example, "I wish I was dead!", "I'm risk of suicide is greatly increased if the person has been drinking, is alone, and has going to end it all." ready access to the means. In this state, the person may act impulsively. Here are things to do in a suicidal crisis: • Indirect statements such as, "No-one • Assess if the person is at risk of suicide. cares if I'm dead or alive", "Does it hurt • If the situation is life-threatening or dangerous, call 999 for emergency services or to die?" take the person to a hospital emergency department. • If help has been called, stay with the person until help arrives. The ‘Buzz’ magazine is published by the • If emergency services are not needed, encourage or assist the person to get North Clondalkin CDP. appropriate professional help. To contact the ‘Buzz’, write to: • Encourage the person to talk - listen without judgement. Be polite and respectful. Christy Melia House, • If the person is consuming alcohol or drugs, try to prevent them from taking any 24 Neilstown Park, Dublin. more. Tel. 01-457-5616. • Try to ensure the person does not have easy access to some means to take their life. E-mail: [email protected] • Give reassurance about the short-term nature of feeling suicidal. changing ireland 23 non-profit making news organisation: www.indymedia.ie Publications New manual on Development Education

of Equality Studies in UCD, Dier Tong from the By ALLEN MEAGHER Africa Solidarity Centre, the book's author, Helena, and John Farrelly, LYCS Chairperson. IT'S one thing for the voluntary Mr. Farrelly, said, "It is great to see a Dev. management committee of a local CDP Ed. guidebook coming from the Community to attempt to understand and come up Development sector - there are strong links with answers to the problems facing between the two." their own community. But, Lourdes Dier Tong noted: "Dev. Ed. is trying to Youth and Community Services (LYCS) correct the influence of the media. This book CDP go a step further - for ten years the helps you think critically about things like project has been educating people power-relations." Incidentally, LYCS runs four distinct about development issues globally. programmes: the Community Training Centre, That's going too far, you might say, and the First Steps Creche, the Adult Education you'd be wrong! Programme (which includes the Dev. Ed. In learning about the plight of poor work), and the Youth Programme. LYCS children in Afganistan, people soon begin to celebrated its 21st anniversary this year. reflect on the challenges facing children in their own communities, for example. The The guidebook is available for Û15. If you degree of challenges faced may differ, but the want a copy or want information on causes of inequalities are often the same, running a Dev. Ed. course in your area, people find. contact Riona (who is employed specifically Around Sean McDermott Street, groups to assist CDPs all around the country to run consisting of older women, drug users, street courses) or Helena (who works with CDPs traders and community workers have Development Education, or Dev. Ed. as we and community groups in Dublin) at LYCS, explored human rights, world trade, violence call it, succeeds in doing that. Lower Sean McDermott St., Dublin 1. Tel. 01- against women, poverty and many other "Dev. Ed. makes people think: What we 836-3416. E-mail: [email protected] issues from both local and global have got in common with other people in the perspectives. world? What are the differences? It forces 10 workshops In October, to satisfy continuing demand people to think about who holds power, who for information on how to run these gets to make the decisions that effect their in one book workshops, LYCS published a highly- lives. Dev. Ed. therefore has an impact on the readable guidebook to Development individual and on communities." THE 184-page pack contains a range of Education so other projects may adopt the LYCS received funding to publish the book informative material and 10 workshops same approach. The publication is targeted at from Development Co-operation Ireland covering such areas as the thousands of people working with adult which is concerned that, there are (as Sarah • global inequality; learners in hundreds of community education explained) "very few community development • causes and consequences of debt; and community development organisations. organisations doing Dev. Ed. and they wants • housing, a human need; Titled 'Connecting Communities: A to see that change." • a look at health inequality; Practical Guide to Using Development Ms. Kelleher praised the author, Helena Education in Community Settings', the manual McNeill, as "the new Maeve Binchy of the • exploring work and the economy; includes ten sections, each with community sector", adding, "She put two • gender and development; recommended group-exercises and facilitator years of huge energy, time and work went • drugs and the international drugs trade; tips. into the book. It reads very well, flows like silk • human migration; The guidebook aims to encourage those and is basic and simple." • understanding racism; working with groups to introduce a global Other speakers at the launch included • people and power. view when examining the basic things that Kathleen Lynch, author, activist and Professor effect their own marginalised communities. As LYCS co-ordinator, Sarah Kelleher - standing on a crate at a podium - explained at the launch: " We do Dev. Ed. because it works." ‘Ireland from Below’ magazine ‘IRELAND from Below’ is a new company was "terrified" of the "Why we produced the book is because publication reporting from and for communities opposing the Ringaskiddy there wasn't any book like it in Ireland. And it community struggles around the island incinerator. had become labour-intensive explaining to of Ireland and beyond. The magazine is looking for articles people what Development Education is and The first issue includes a four-page and information from communities. how it works. With this book, you can pick it spread on the Rossport community's up, walk into a workshop and conduct struggle against Shell and the For more information, contact: exercises. Government; a report on local resistance ‘Ireland from Below’, 20 Scarlet Row, "The purpose of any community to privatisation in Ballymun; and an Essex St West, Dublin 8. development work is to introduce change in interview with incinerator company boss Tel. Laurence Cox at 087-9851029. people's minds and in the community. How John Ahern, who describes how his E-mail: [email protected] do you make people think differently? Well, changing ireland 24 is there another word for synonym? News

Disabled campaigners decide to be ‘DAFT’ A GROUP of disabled campaigners featured in Straight-talking the previous edition of ‘Changing Ireland’ have set up a group and called themselves DAFT, meaning Disability Awareness Forum Theatre. As one of the group, Nora Malone CorkmenTHREE CDPs were among a dozen Corkandthese talks thewomen women answer questions about explains, DAFT is comprised entirely of people community groups who made films as part Travellers and the film provides a sample of with disabilities. of the Cork 2005 European Capital of some of the questions they are most She explains: Since DAFT began performing groups of Culture. commonly asked. These include questions people with disabilities in Donegal, Mahon CDP, the Travellers Visibility Group around Traveller life, education and work but Sligo/Leitrim and Galway have begun to and Mahon CDP (through their involvement the film also addresses commonly asked explore the possibility of setting up similar with the Mahon Employment Action Project) questions around violence and refuse groups in their regions. swung into Hollywood action to produce films collection. Nobody knows better than people with that have had gala nights, been launched on ‘Making Mayfield’ is a short film exploring disabilities the social impact of living with DVD and been shown on television. the theme of community and it was produced disability. If we don’t raise awareness then The films cover a range of issues from by Frameworks Films in collaboration with the who else can? Forum Theatre offers the opportunity to ‘tell education, housing, traveller issues, youth Mayfield Employment Action Project (MEAP). it like it is’ in a way that evokes empathy, issues, cultural identity, disability, It asks what does this term ‘Community’ sparks debate, challenges attitudes, stimulates immigration, community development, the really mean. We hear from people on the people to explore their role in solutions and gay community, anti-war campaigning and ground in Mayfield and this is contrasted with have some fun while their doing it. local history. a sociological look at the term community. In DAFT aim to use Forum Theatre Workshops ‘From Mahon To Warsaw’ was shot in an a sense this film presents the audience with to empower people with disabilities to actively, observational way over the course of one the theory and the practice of what seek their rights and to challenge non-disabled week in July 2004 as a youth group travelled 'community' means. people to explore their attitudes and policies to ensure that they are facilitating people with from Mahon in Cork to the small town of MEAP offers support to unemployed disabilities to pursue their rights. Kielce in southern Poland. The film includes people in Mayfield. Ironically, they lost two of DAFT is launching a recruitment drive in footage of the group’s visit to Auschwitz their own workers recently due to a cut in January and intends to engage trained concentration camp and the young people’s funding. disabled Forum Theatre practitioners to reaction. One film was screened each month in the capacity build the Group’s performance and The story focuses mostly on the Mahonians community where it was made and, on Workshop skills. as they travelled around Poland with young December 11th, the final six films were DAFT would like to acknowledge the people from other European countries screened at a Gala Night Screening in Cork administration, technical, mentoring and community contact support secured from a exploring the theme of the family. The film City Hall. For Christmas, a compilation DVD number of agencies including Le Cheile CDP, was a collaboration between Frameworks of all 12 films has been launched and the Peter Kearns & Yvonne Lynch of the Forum of Films and the Mahon Equality and Anti-Racist films will also be broadcast over one week on People with Disabilities, Louth Leader Youth Group based in Mahon CDP. the local cable channel Chorus, starting from Communities Connect Mentoring Programme ‘Straight-Talking’ involved the Traveller December 26th. The films were all made as and DANE. Visibility Group CDP and the film received its part of the Cork WideScreen project. Editor’s Clarification: In a story on page 6 in premiere screening at the opening of their the previous edition of ‘Changing Ireland’, a new premises on Lower John Street. For more information, caption on page 6 indicated that the people in the photograph were acting if they were This short documentary film follows a tel. 021-432-2454. disabled to learn how discrimination work. In group of Traveller women as they give talks to E-mail: [email protected] fact, the people pictured have disabilities. various organisations and schools, to raise Websites: www.frameworksfilms.com awareness about Traveller culture. As part of and www.corkcommunitytv.ie Community and voluntary healthcare examined ON October 11th the Health Spoke of sector is the sleeping giant in Healthcare in The Wheel Launched its recent review this country.’ Four years later, this is still the entitled ‘Scoping the Community and case," he said. Voluntary Healthcare Sector in Ireland’. He also spoke about the need to develop a Dr Orla Hardiman, Consultant Neurologist, structured interface between the Community Beaumont Hospital strongly welcomed the and Voluntary Sector and Statutory Health launch of the scoping document and referred Services. And he called for the activation of to it as an important and invaluable tool to Des (Gus) North Voluntary Activity Units (VAU’s) promised by assist in empowering the voluntary and government in 2000 that have since failed to community health sector in Ireland. Des North, Chair of the Health Spoke when materialise. 'The Wheel' was set up five years ago, the report was launched, criticised the slow The report's executive summary is mainly with money provided by Irish- pace of development in Ireland between the available for download at: www.wheel.ie American millionaire and philanthropist Healthcare sector and the Health Services For a hard copy of the report (e-mail: Chuck Feeney. While, it has since attracted Executive (HSE) [email protected]) or contact: The Wheel, Irish Irish government funding and support, the "In 2001, Dr. Fergus O’ Ferrall, member of Social Finance Centre, 10 Grattan Crescent, Health Spoke's recently-launched report does the Health Spoke and with us today on the Inchicore, Dublin 8. Tel. 01- 454-8727. Fax not let the state off the hook. podium wrote that: 'The voluntary Health care 01- 454-8649. changing ireland 25 the imf is owed $7 bn by the poorest countries Creative approaches to Campaign against violence against women Campaign against violence against women health issues BLUE Drum, the Arts Specialist Support Agency, has been investigating creative community development approaches to health issues. Women’s Aid This has been done through: • Three local arts-based projects with Ballyphehane/Togher CDP, South West Wexford CDP and Pavee Point (the Traveller-focused Specialist Support march on Dáil Agency). WOMEN'S Aid activists marched on the Dáil • Research into wider examples of Support Agencies) does not have the appropriate community based work in on November 25th denouncing the resources it needs. Around 40% of the Britain and Ireland. Government for mostly ignoring the plight of 20,000 calls to its helpline last year went • A national seminar held in June 2005. women abused in the home. The action took unanswered. The work was carried out as part of the place on the UN's International Day Against The agency wants to get the message out Combat Poverty Agency's 'Building Violence Against Women, the first day in the that one in five Irish women have suffered Healthy Communities' scheme. In global 16 Days of Action Against Violence some form of domestic abuse. This year's November and into early December, Blue Against Women. publications to mark the campaign also Drum held a series of regional The protest outside the Dáil was to highlight acknowledges, for the first year, that 8% of workshops where participants: the fact that hundreds of women (often with the perpetrators of abuse of women are other • Heard the experiences and learning their children) are turned away from women's women. However, men are responsible for from this work to date; refuges because the Government have not 92% of the abuse and also for the most violent • Added their own experience to the pot; provided the spaces they promised in the and oppressive types of abuse. Marriage • Took part in a practical creative past. remains the most common context for workshop; Only 60% of women who sought domestic violence. The workshops included community emergency refuge last year were National Freephone Helpline Statistics from development, health and community arts accommodated. In people-numbers, of 2813 Womens Aid reveal the main types of abuse practitioners and were held in Cork, women who needed refuge, 1687 were disclosed by callers: emotional (50%), Galway, Tralee and Letterkenny, all for accommodated; the remaining 1113 women physical (30%), sexual (9%), economic (11%). free. Blue Drum workers networked with had to go elsewhere or were left with Many women call after experiencing multiple the participants and are considering nowhere to go. forms of abuse. options for future developments. Women's Aid itself (one of the Community More info: www.womensaid.ie For more information contact Gillian Development Programme's six Specialist Freephone: 1800-341-900. Keogan, Blue Drum. Tel. 01-877-1446. E-mail: [email protected] Projects won publicity No missing the (but no cash!) IN September, two CDPs slogged it out with other Dublin community groups on banners in Ringsend NewsTalk 106 to see who could attract the most text-votes from the public and CDPs are among the wide variety of • Ballymun Men's Centre CDP held a big win prizes of Û10,000. community groups who took part in the '16 breakfast as part of the campaign. Mountwood/Fitzgerald Park CDP and Days of Action Against Violence Against • Ronanstown CDP were involved with the North Wall Women’s Centre CDP Women'. Here’s a flavour of what Dublin Clondalkin Domestic Violence Service in were among the hopeful groups who CDPs engaged in: holding a Community Conference entitled took part. • Ringsend Action Project CDP took on a 'Breaking the Silence on Domestic The ‘Local Heroes’ competition - while community artist to work with a local Violence'. cruel on the losing entrants - was good group. They created a series of anti- • Speakers included Women's Aid, Northern publicity nonetheless for all concerned. violence banners and the banners went on Ireland Women's Aid Federation, SIPTU This was one of the attractions to display on prominent buildings in Ringsend and An Garda Síochána. entering, said Mountwood/Fitzgerald and Irishtown. • The support agency, Pavee Point have their Park CDP co-ordinator, Marion White. • St. Michael's Family Resource Centre (a own 'Violence Against Women Newstalk 106 donated the revenue CDP) held a seminar in late November, in Programme' and for December they from the text-votes received for each conjunction with Inchicore Women's launched a new leaflet titled 'Challenging organisation to that organisation and Outreach, to revisit community responses the myth of violence against women of sponsored the four Û10,000 prizes. to domestic violence. minority ethnic groups in Ireland.' Vagina Monologues - a community performance RINGSEND Action Project CDP facilitated the Ringsend & Irishtown, and range in age from experiences of violence. It is a powerful tool Ringsend & Irishtown Domestic Violence 35 to 75, performed the play. for raising awareness of issues pertaining to Working Group to stage a community "The Vagina Monologues" is a play by Eve violence against women and it is intended performance of 'The Vagina Monologues' at Ensler that was developed through that its performance encourages participants the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin discussions with women in North America, and audience to take action against domestic 2, on December 6th. Europe, Africa and Asia about their views violence (against women and men) in all its A group of 13 women who live or work in and feelings about their own bodies and their forms. changing ireland 26 world bank is owed $19.4 bn by the poorest countries Campaign against violence against women

Launch of Code of Practice

on Domestic Violencedomestic violence in their area back in 1996, By DECLAN WEIR and the issue has been named in their work plan ever since. A CODE of Practice on Domestic Violence In 2000, the West’s Community Response has been adopted nationwide by both the to Domestic Violence Network was Community Development Programme and established, and one of its first tasks was to the Family Support Agency. It was launched establish a Code of Practice for projects in the in Dublin in December by Minister of State, Noel Ahern. West. The fact that it is being extended The code instructs CDP staff and volunteers throughout the state bodes well. Among the about what to do should a victim of domestic projects (besides Tuam) involved in the violence call at a project. It outlines both Network from the beginning were: internal and external measures that projects Ballybane/Mervue CDP; Galway Travellers should take in responding to domestic abuse Support Group; Kiltimagh CDP; Louisburgh and violence. CDP; Pléaráca Teo CDP; and the Regional With an estimated one in five women Support Agency, West Training. Membership believed to be victims at some stage in their has since extended to include more CDPs and lives, the code is needed. Among its key the Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in the points are: region. • Community development responses to Speaking at the launch, the co-ordinator of violence against women must be developed Tuam Community Development Resource and implemented in the context of close Centre (TCDRC), Loretta Needham, said: working relationships with frontline "Our project has worked over many years Mid-West women hold organisations. to raise awareness of the impact of domestic • Community development responses must abuse on women and children and the extent numerous events seek to identify achievable and measurable to which it exists in local communities. IN the country, CDPs were deeply goals for its work and be able to Addressing the issue of violence against involved in the campaign against violence women in the community is difficult and against women. demonstrate clear outcomes. challenging work that requires courage, Here’s a sprinkling of the work • Ownership of responses to violence against undertaken to tackle domestic abuse by a women must be at organisation level and commitment and knowledge." handful of CDPs in the country. In many requires the involvement of management, She said ‘breaking the silence’ on the cases, CDPs and other groups network to workers and volunteers. violence against women was most important. reach a greater audience. The violence influenced Tuam Community The implementation of the Code A ‘Pampering Day’ offering treatments Development Resource Centre (TCDRC) to nationwide is being supported by Women’s such as massage and beauty treatment commission research into the prevalence of Aid. was held at West Limerick CDP in Abbeyfeale and information was distributed on services for women who may be experiencing domestic violence. West Link:Violence against On December 7th, the Limerick Local Area Network on Violence Against women and poverty Women held an Information and Awareness Day in the new St Munchins A NEW research report - 'Women, Poverty time before she is in position to deal Community Centre. The day included art, and Violence in the West of Ireland: effectively with the situation." drama and music. Exploring Economic Abuse' - is helping The report details the stories of women in On the same day, the 'Don't Say a women's groups in Mayo and Galway to Mayo and Galway who have been abused Word' award-winning play depicting the highlight domestic violence issues. The and starkly shows the impact domestic dynamics of domestic violence was report was launched earlier this year by violence has on women's and children's lives. performed in the Millenium Theatre, Minister Frank Fahey. Down south, meanwhile, the West Cork Limerick. The play was also scheduled to The women's stories illustrate how abusers be performed at the Glor Theatre in Ennis, Women Against Violence Project held a take control of and access to financial national conference titled 'Exploring Rural Co. Clare the following night. CDPs were resources, household budgets and disposable heavily involved in its promotion. Domestic Violence' in Bantry, Co. Cork, on income. The researchers found this is November 24th. Also in Clare, six information leaflets common where violence is taking place in the Domestic violence continues to ruin lives. with information on domestic abuse and home. the nearest available services were Over the past decade, 111 women have been The report was commissioned by the launched by the West Clare Women’s Community Response to Domestic Violence murdered in Ireland. Where cases have been Forum. network comprised of CDPs and community tried and a conviction gained, 70% of the In North Tipperary, the Local Area groups. perpetrators were known to the women and Network on Violence Against Women also Said Loretta Needham, Tuam CDP co- 47% of them were current or former launched two information leaflets for local ordinator: "Many women feel so dis- partners/husbands. women. empowered and violated by the experience of Over 130 countries take part in the annual Meanwhile, Cosgallen CDP, in Mayo, violence that they are unable to address the 16 Days of Action Against Violence Against organised an awareness-raising event in Women. the Charlestown and Swinford area in problem or confide in family or friends. As a For more information, contact: conjunction with Mayo Women's Support community, we must recognise the woman's Services. need for appropriate supports and services Tuam CDP, Bishop St., Tuam, Co. Galway. and appreciate that it may be a very long Tel./Fax: 093-25340. changing ireland 27 you sneeze and your heart stops for a milli-second Please write to: Help Me Horace, ‘Changing Ireland’, c/o CDN Moyross, Community Enterprise Centre, Moyross, Limerick.

Held for questioning Help me Horace! want her to go and get them and give them to WORKING in the you. So don’t blame this on bureaucracy. Community Development You have some options however: Programme is tough 1. Ignore them and don’t return them. enough but over the last 2. If a prepaid envelope is provided send it number of months I’ve back empty and tell them later you did been inundated with send it back and don’t have time to do it questionnaires from the out again. Support Agency, the SIM Group and CDB, 3. Get a student on placement to devise a Government Departments, consultative questionnaire asking them why they want bodies, college researchers and every this information and promising to fill out I can’t organisation compiling a data base of theirs if they fill out yours first. services. Even ‘Changing Ireland’ sent me a handle it! so-called ’60-Second Quiz’. Who do they Now please circle the option that most suits Dear Horace, think they are working for, Larry Gogan? you: MY Administrator keeps parking her bicycle [Ed’s note: Can you kindly return it? Or else!] Please give reasons for your choice. in my space. If we put both bikes together I feel like someone detained for questioning then visitors get poked in the ribs by because that’s all I’m doing. handlebars. Should I puncture her tyres? What can I do about this? How did you find this advice? Yours, Bike Blues Sincerely Con Sulted of Swing CDP Rate as follows: K Helpful Dear BB, K Have you spoke to her about it as obviously Con, Very helpful K you feel you’ve been saddled with a big What you must realise is that when you write Extremely helpful K problem. Tyre puncturing will not solve it. a report nobody reads it and that when those Couldn’t be more helpful Sawn off handle bars would seem more to whom you gave the report are looking for appropriate and could start a new craze. You information they are faced with going Tick Target Group: could get cross and bar her bike or you could through it to find out the information or K Archer apply for a refurbishment grant to make asking you for the specifics they want. What K Gun Club space but that could start a whole chain of would you do? I mean if you ask "Mam K Darts Club where’s me socks?" you don’t want her to tell events you might regret. K Other (Give details). you – "They’re in the sock drawer" - but you Horace Horace Happy Christmas from the boys!* THERE was shock in political circles when the Leitrim Observer exclusively broke the news that Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, was friends with a turkey. No ordinary turkey of course, but Dustin! In fact, Dustin the Turkey and Minister Éamon Ó’Cuív have been good friends for many a year, often chatting on the phone for hours on end about community development and how things are going in Leitrim (both are big fans). Sometimes, Dustin goes on a bit much about his CD sales, but the Minister can usually knock him back with a bit of ‘Cohesion’ progress talk. The two boys are pictured here celebrating Christmas in Leitrim. No better place to have it! * ‘Changing Ireland’ is grateful to the Leitrim Observer for the photograph (taken last year) and to Minister Ó’Cuív and Dustin for their sense of humour (though neither should swop jobs). Happy Christmas to Dustin, the Minister and to all our readers!