Manager’s Address

Manager’s Report

The year under review was a significant year for IRD Duhallow during which we successfully delivered our core programmes, expanded into several new areas of development, successfully competed for a national employment services tender, in partnership with the other Local Development Companies, and commenced a process to refresh our Working Groups. As the Covid challenge continues, the urgent reaction and response demanded by the Ukrainian Refugee crisis has tested the courage, flexibility, responsiveness, and professionalism of our entire team. We again, repurposed, redeployed, reinvented, and responded to the challenge with pace and urgency, with a driven Board and an agile, professional team of workers that I am fortunate to lead. We have facilitated and supported the amazing response of communities, volunteers, and local businesses, with new alliances formed with Red Cross, Civil Defence, and Local Authorities.

Local Development Companies like IRD Duhallow have earned the trust of communities, have the governance standard, range of expertise and agility to act quickly to deliver national policy locally, across a broad range of topics, and we are accessible to government departments and agencies. This we believe was the vision of the founding fathers of LEADER in Europe.

This Progress Report provides a detailed account of the company ’ s activities and achievements in the past year, where Working Groups provide stakeholder engagement, oversight and guidance and staff bring the expertise necessary to fully implement the company ’ s strategies, maximise the benefits of the various programmes we implement for the benefit of all our communities.

LEADER got a welcome boost when Minister Heather Humphries announced Interim Funding to support new projects and their administration up to the end of 2022. The next LEADER programme will likely not go to contract until well into next year therefore communities and businesses will be relying on an extension of the interim funds. We welcome the EU Commission ’ s independent LEADER Evaluation and congratulate Katarina Kubinakova and John Powell of the University of Gloster who carried out the evaluation in Ireland on behalf of DG Agri. We took great heart from the findings which among other things, validated the Independent LAG structure. Our representative network ILDN has taken the findings to the Department, Government, and the European Commission. LEADER funding needs to be restored to the pre-recession level with exchequer match funding increased to balance the reduction in CAP contribution put forward by the Irish Government.

SICAP has been awarded the UN Public Service Award, welcomed by Minister Joe O Brien, Mary Hurley Sec General and Paul Gerraghty of the Dept of Rural and Community Development. IRD Duhallow is proud to be part of that effort. Our SICAP Programme, although financially very small has informed our ethos, and enabled us to engage with other agencies and target groups that would otherwise be impossible to reach. Of course, the Ukrainian Refugee Supports will form a significant part of all SICAP programmes into the future. Another emerging issue that SICAP will need to address is the post Covid lockdown fallout, in terms of the impact it has had on young and old alike. While the Duhallow region has seen unemployment fall, underemployment is still a problem, we continue striving to find new approaches to meet and address social inclusion needs efficiently and sustainably, however a restoration of SICAP funding to pre-recession levels would enable IRD Duhallow to extend the reach of SICAP and include more communities and individuals than we can currently reach.

IRD Duhallow Skillnet supports over 500 businesses annually to develop the talent and skills needed in their workforces. We are operating the network for the past 7 years and the outcomes listed include supports to almost 6,000 individuals. Childcare and Healthcare courses have become the most sought after and through our partnering with Carlow IT, deliver QQI level 8 honours degrees in childcare which, our Network of community childcare facilities see as essential to attracting, developing, and retaining essential staff in a sector that supports parents of young families to remain at work.

The cost of childcare is still prohibitive and a huge barrier to participation with pressure on mothers to give up their jobs or work part time to keep the costs down. For example, even with the current government subsidies, the cost to a family of 3 children, with one in afterschools and two in full day care is €1700 per month during the 38 weeks of school term and €2,300 per month for the remaining 3 months. This is a massive cost on top of a mortgage and the usual household costs. We will be supporting the campaign to have a better government subvention to assist young families.

Our European Innovation Programme for Agri Environment has delivered consistently on all its targets and with over 125 farmers fully signed up to the Duhallow Farming Blue Dot on the Allow and Owentaraglin rivers the impact on Water Quality and Biodiversity will be significant.

Duhallow ’ s circular economy projects, Furniture Revamp and Warmer Homes retro fit programme, are making a significant impact on the reduction in the regions carbon footprint. Warmer Homes is addressing fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions by reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned, while Duhallow Furniture Revamp takes in furniture often destined for landfill and revamping it for resale or return to the client at a reasonable cost.

Our Local Training Initiative supported by Cork ETB has trained learners to QQI level 4 in horticulture. This has a double impact in the community by improving people ’ s chances of gaining employment and by supporting local people to start to grow their own vegetables and reduce food miles.

Much of our Community Services Work is underpinned by DEASP funded work placement programmes such as RSS, Tús and CE as well as the Community Services Programme. While some of the schemes have had the numbers of participants cut as the unemployment numbers drop to almost full employment, these schemes are vital to participants in guiding them in progression to employment or further training and to community volunteers by supporting their work. IRD Duhallow operated an integrated model of implementation of all three schemes which, we believe benefits participants through teamwork and avoids isolation. I sit on the National Implementation Committee for RSS and Tús and welcomed Mr Tony Kearns of DEASP as chair and his colleague Shane Reynolds, with whom we have already worked. We welcome recent changes to eligibility criteria of Tús with the addition of people with disabilities and the removal of the six-year cap on participation for small holders on RSS. The ability to stay on CE past 60 until retirement is also very welcome.

I also want to acknowledge and appreciate the immense capability and commitment of all IRD Duhallow employees and participants who worked under very difficult circumstances to progress our strategy, deliver on our commitments, and maintain essential services for the communities we serve. The past year has seen us extend our reach to Social Farming; Kickstart to assist those on probation access work; a Ukrainian/English speaking interpreter shared with the HSE; a Community Mental Health Programme and a Rural Recreation Officer.

I want to acknowledge the contribution of Eileen Linehan our Assistant CEO to the ongoing success of the company. I value her professionalism, leadership qualities, commitment, flexibility, and advice. Also, Triona Dennehy and Helen O’ Sullivan of our Management Team for their dedication and hard work and the leadership and guidance they provide to their teams as well as work placement supervisors and CSP managers that contribute to the successful operations of the company.

On behalf of the Board and the Senior Management team, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our outgoing Chairman Breeda Moynihan Cronin, who will complete her term as chair this year. Throughout her tenure as Chairman, Breeda provided strong leadership to the company and her extensive experience at regional and national level served the company well during the challenge of remote on-line Board and Working Group meetings. We thank her sincerely for her valued contribution to IRD Duhallow.

Board, Management, and Staff together have strengthened the position of IRD Duhallow as being respected and trusted by our Communities, Businesses, Government Agencies and Departments. We pride ourselves in our work ethic and are well recognised as having a high-performance culture. Maura Walsh

CEO

IRD Duhallow Board Members

BREEDA MOYNIHAN CRONIN

Breeda re-joined the Board in 2014 to represent Duhallow ’ s Social Enterprises and is the current Chair. Breeda was a member of Dáil Éireann from 1992 –2007 and a member of Kerry Co. Council from 19992003 and from 2011 - 2013. Serving her community for over 20 years, her constituency included the East Kerry area of Duhallow. She is involved in a number of voluntary and charitable organisations. She was elected Chair of IRD Duhallow in 2019.

JOHN BREEN

John represents the Environment Working Group on the Board. He is currently Director of Services with responsibility for Environment & Water Services, Fire and Emergency services, Civil Defence and Library services as well as Municipal District manager for the Castleisland / Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District with Kerry County Council. He has also previously served as Director of Services in Limerick City and as Town Clerk in Tralee and Town Manager of Listowel and Killarney Town Councils. A native of Kilkenny city he presently resides in Castleisland.

ANNE MARIA BOuRKE

Anne Maria was a former Board Chair from 20152018. She represents the INTO on the Board. She is a former National School Principal and works closely with State agencies in an advisory capacity. She currently sits on the Finance and Womens Forum Working as well as acting as Chairperson of our HR Committee She is a keen bridge player and is a member of both the Brogeen and Kanturk Bridge Clubs.

CORMAC COLLINS

Cormac is a former Chairman of IRD Duhallow holding the role from 2012 to 2015. He is from Gneeveguilla and works as a Senior Manager in the ESB. He was appointed to the Board to represent the State sector having previously served as Community Representative for Western Duhallow. He is the current chairman of Gneeveguilla Community Council, who developed a cultural centre in Gneeveguilla village, “Teach Failte ” . He serves on the HR, Finance and Community Development Working Groups.

JACK ROCHE

Jack is from Rockchapel and represents the Saoi Network of which he is the Chairman. A former IRD Duhallow Chairman, he sits on the Social Economy, Finance, Human Resources and Community Development Working Groups. Jack has represented IRD Duhallow on ILDN and ILDN on ELARD the European LEADER Association for Rural Development of which he is past President. Steeped in the cultural development of the region, he developed Bruach na Carraige Cultural Centre in Rockchapel, along with a dedicated Sliabh Luachra Archive and the Sliabh Luachra Cultural Trail. MICHAEL TWOHIG

Michael is a founder member of IRD Duhallow and served as Chairman from 2011-2013 and is currently Vice Chair. He represents Kanturk Chamber of Commerce on the Board. With his wife Noreen he manages the family owned Supervalu Stores in Kanturk, Abbeyfeale and Askeaton. A keen angler and hunter he has developed a number of angling projects in Duhallow. Michael is Chairperson of the Finance Working Groups as well as being an active member of the HR Committee.

PADRAIC O'CONNELL

Padraic is from Kanturk where he lives with his wife and two daughters. He is Chairman of the IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group. He is Head of HR at Gas Networks Ireland having held senior management roles there in Energy Policy, Commercial, PR, Marketing and Legal for the past 18 years. Padraic is actively involved in various community, school and sporting clubs in Kanturk. He is also an avid golfer and is a member of Kanturk and Killarney Golf Clubs.

AMANDA O’SuLLIvAN

Amanda comes from Boherbue and is a primary school teacher in Ballyclough National School. She was nominated to the Board of IRD Duhallow this year as the Macra Na Feirme representative. Amanda is the current chairperson of Banteer Macra, is the Rural Youth representative for Avondhu and she is also on the National Rural Youth sub-committee. Amanda represented Macra na Feirme on a Study Session entitled “Food as a Human Rite ” in Budapest this year. Amanda has previously been the PRO for her club. She is looking forward to joining the board.

JAMES O'KEEFFE

James is the Blue Dot Farmer Representative on the Board. He is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Lismire. He is Chairman of the Newmarket Charleville ICMSA and was elected to the National Board of the ICMSA in 2021. James was on Kerry co-op advisory committee from 2011 – 2021 and in 2018 he was elected to the Board of Directors of Kerry co-op and is a member of their strategy committee. He is an outdoor enthusiast who is married to Aine and they have two children.

DOMINIC CRONIN

Dominic joined the Board in July 2021 representing the ICMSA. He is a dairy farmer from Boherbue and is the current Chairman of Duhallow ICMSA, as well as Vice Chairman of North and East Cork ICMSA. He is currently a Member of the ICMSA National Council, Dairy Committee and a member of the ICOS Dairy Committee. Dominic has served as a Board member of Boherbue Co-Op since 2005 and is a member of the National Water Forum. He is a former Chairman of the National Dairy Council.

IRD Duhallow Board Members

PAT BROSNAN

Pat was elected to the Board to represent Western Duhallow in July 2020. He has over 20 years ' experience as an online marketing consultant. Pat has lived in Gneeveguilla for over 40 years and has been involved in the GAA, Walking and Basketball Clubs. He is an active member Gneeveguilla Development Association. He also updates Rathmore Parish website. Pat is a member of North Cork Business Alliance and is an online advisor to Charleville Chamber of Commerce. He is the Chair of our Equality Working Group.

BILLY DENNEHY

Billy Dennehy was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow in May 2017 as a community representative for the Western Duhallow region. He is the chairperson of IRD Duhallow ’ s Community Development Working Group. He is an active member of the Kiskeam Community and is the current Development Officer of the Kiskeam Development Association and Chairman of Kiskeam GAA Club. He is working as an Area Engineer with Cork County Council. Billy is married to Emily and they have two children.

BILLY MuRPHY

Billy hails from Lyre and was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow to represent the South Eastern region in 2018. He is a founding member and current Chairperson of the Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association where he has overseen large scale community development projects in Lyre village. Billy is also a long standing member of Banteer, Lyre Nadd District Community Council. Billy works in the Water Section of Cork County Council and is an avid community volunteer.

GERALDINE O'LEARY

Geraldine was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow in July 2021 representing South Eastern Duhallow. She is the current vice chair of the Enterprise Working Group. Living in Millstreet with her family, Geraldine is a volunteer on Millstreet Town Park Committee. She recently concluded a 20-year tenure with Aon Ireland to focus on family life and other commitments. During her career at Aon she progressed to the role of Senior Retirement Consultant, managing a portfolio of multinational clients and trustee groups.

MARGARET MCSWEENEY

Margaret was elected to the Board in 2019. She is involved with a number of various boards and committees in her community on a voluntary basis. Margaret served as Parent’ s representative for 6 years on her local secondary school’ s Board of Management which granted her with an invaluable background in decision making and communications. She is currently the Child Officer in her local GAA club where she is responsible for the provision of child safe guarding courses and Garda vetting. JOHN LYONS

John represents the Mid Cork Region. He is a retired Coillte Forest Engineer. He has been involved in various projects nationally and internationally relating to harvesting technology. His current involvements include Secretary and active member of Macroom Tidy Towns, secretary of Macroom Handball / Racquetball club, Chairperson of Safeguarding Committee in Macroom Parish, Chairperson of local community association, member of the gun club, hillwalking club and an active member of Aghinagh Comhaltas Group. Married to Frances, they have 4 daughters and nine grandchildren.

TOM O'RIORDAN

Tom O’Riordan was elected to the board in July 2019 to represent the communities of North Eastern Duhallow. A native of Kilbrin, he is married to Nora Mary and they have six children. Tom worked for many years in retail. In recent times, he retired to part time farming. He has been actively involved in the Kilbrin Community for over 40 years. Tom was one of the instigators of the heritage project, which restored Dr. Croke ’ s birthplace house in Kilbrin.

PAuL MuRPHY

Paul is from Newmarket where he lives with his wife and two children. Paul works in Cork College of FET –Mallow Campus where he has been deputy principal since 2013. He was nominated to the Board in July 2022 to represent the communities of North Eastern Duhallow. Paul is currently involved in a number of voluntary organisation and serves as chairperson of Newmarket Juvenile GAA and vice chairperson of Newmarket Sports & Leisure and is a member of the Board of Management for the local primary school.

JuDY O'LEARY

Judy first joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in 1997 representing womens ’ groups. She Chairs the Women and Childcare Working Group and is a member of the HR Working Group. Judy is a founding member of the Duhallow Women ’ s Forum. She hails from Dromtariffe and is actively involved in her local community. She is a long standing member of the Irish Country Women ’ s Association and is a member of the Kiskeam Guild. She has also served as Vice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow for three years.

SuZANNE CAMPION

Suzanne joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in 2005. She represents Inland Fisheries Ireland where she has held the position of Head of Business Development for IFI the past 12 years. Suzanne has previously worked as a manager and accountant in the public and private sectors. As head of Business Development with IFI, her focus is on developing habitat, angling infrastructure, angling marketing and education and outreach. Suzanne represents IFI on the Boards of a number of other tourism and rural development strategy groups.