IRD Duhallow Progress Report 18-19

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Communities in Duhallow

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The expanded IRD Duhallow region includes North West Cork and South East Kerry and Mid Cork. It is a largely rural area.

Over 85% of the population live in the open countryside or in settlements of less than 200 people.

The expanded Duhallow region has five market towns: Macroom (3738), Kanturk (Pop 2263), Millstreet (Pop 1574), Newmarket (Pop 988) and Rathmore (Pop 778).

Dublin

Limerick DUHALLOW

Designed by: Sheila Carroll Creative Republic Printed by: Kanturk Printers Photographs by: Sheila Fitzgerald, Tadhg Curtin, Christopher Bourke & Neily Curtin Front Cover Photo by: Crow Crag Productions

The Land & People

Chairperson’s Address.........................................................................................................................2 Manager’s Report..................................................................................................................................3 IRD Duhallow Board Members................................................................................................4, 5, 6 IRD Duhallow CLG Company Structure.........................................................................................7 Staff................................................................................................................................................. 8,9, 10 Environment........................................................................................................................................ 11 Raptor Life (After LIFE)............................................................................................................... 12, 13 Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments........................................................................... 14 Agriculture............................................................................................................................................ 15 Enterprise.............................................................................................................................................. 16 Duhallow Skillnet............................................................................................................................... 17 Tourism.................................................................................................................................................. 18 Culture & Heritage............................................................................................................................. 19 Community Development....................................................................................................... 20, 21 Rural Regeneration Fund................................................................................................................. 22 LEADER .................................................................................................................................................. 23 LEADER Projects........................................................................................................................... 24, 25 SICAP & Projects ................................................................................................................................. 26 The Saoi Network............................................................................................................................... 27 Equality and Social Inclusion (Carers, Disability, Domestic Violence, Pal & Migrants)...... 28, 29 Employment and Training........................................................................................................ 30, 31 Local Training Initiative.................................................................................................................... 32 Resilient Youth Programme............................................................................................................ 33 Youth and Education.................................................................................................................. 34, 35 Mental Health and Disability Inclusion...................................................................................... 36 Ability..................................................................................................................................................... 37 Equality for Women & Childcare............................................................................................ 38, 39 Warmer Homes Initiative................................................................................................................. 40 Duhallow Furniture Revamp.......................................................................................................... 41 Duhallow Community Laundry..................................................................................................... 42 Community Employment Scheme............................................................................................... 43 Rural Social Scheme................................................................................................................... 44, 45 Tús..................................................................................................................................................... 46, 47 Duhallow Community Food Services.......................................................................................... 48

Cork

James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland.

Tel: 00-353-29-60633 Fax: 00-353-29-60694 Email: duhallow@irdduhallow.com Website: irdduhallow.com IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, Michael Creed TD Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace

Chairperson’s Address

Manager’s Report

I was honoured to accept the role of becoming the 10th chairperson of IRD Duhallow, and thank my fellow Board members for this vote of confidence in me. During my term of office, I have and will continue, to serve the Board and the greater Duhallow region to the best of my ability. I want to thank all of the Board members and former chairs for their support, time, and their generosity in sharing their vast knowledge and experience and I must take the opportunity to thank my very able, supportive, and dedicated Vice Chairperson, Breeda Moynihan Cronin.

support and the confidence they have placed in IRD Duhallow’s Rural Skillnet. Paul was a very popular Keynote speaker at our biggest ever Enterprise Awards attended by over 240 local business people last November.

As part of its ongoing development programme, IRD Duhallow invests the time of our voluntary Board, Working Group chairs, management and staff in an annual, structured two days of strategic planning. This past year, following a review of our principle risks and opportunities, we tasked the management team and staff to pursue new programmes that will deliver to our communities and businesses and which can be structurally integrated as well as adding value to the programmes and initiatives we already deliver.

To this end the past year has seen the company strengthen our response to Climate Change, Water Quality and Biodiversity challenges. As well as our Raptor LIFE Programme we were delighted to be awarded a European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture. It is titled Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments, builds on our previous LIFE programme SAM OK and is worth €1.4 million over 5 years to the 100 farmers expected to participate, supporting Sustainable Farming and delivering High Status Water Catchments.

Project Ireland 2040 was announced by the Taoiseach and Minister Ring, to deliver sustainable Rural Development into the future. IRD Duhallow was awarded one of the first contracts worth €1.14m to support Banteer Development Association to build a regulation size astro turf pitch with a stand, café and museum. Work is well underway and we expect to have the entire project finished within the year.

IRD Duhallow has experienced a year of further growth in output and impact for, the communities and businesses it was set up to serve. The steady build-up in LEADER activity, in response to sustained animation work from our staff at all levels, over the past two years culminated in over 85% of our funds already committed. This positions the company and the LAGs which we partner, well to avail of the very welcome additional €5m LEADER funding announced by Minister Ring recently.

It is wonderful to see the first of our current LEADER Transnational Projects “Day of Region” approved and underway with partners in Scotland and Romania. I would advise everyone to read a copy of the beautifully produced ‘Discover Duhallow’ programme of events for summer 2019. Its forty pages showcase the best of the region with events throughout the summer.

An increasing number of LEADER projects continue to be processed albeit at a slower pace than previous programmes. Thank you to the voluntary members of our Independent Evaluation Committee and its Chairman, Declan O Keeffe for their voluntary commitment to our work.

As Implementing Partners for LEADER with the Local Authorities of Cork and Kerry, I wish to thank the two Chairs Cllrs Bernard Moynihan and Michael Hegarty, Chief Officer Kay Keegan, Andrew Lewis, Valerie Hayes and their staff in North Cork and South Cork LCDC/LAG’s as well as Kerry LAG Chairman Cllr Niall Kelliher along with Chief Officer Mike Scannell and LAG manager Niamh O’Sullivan, Helena Switzer and Anne Marie Fitzgerald for their ongoing cooperation and support.

Our Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme received the approval of both Cork and Kerry LCDC’s with all KPI’s met and in many cases surpassed.

Further increases in the numbers accessing our quality, relevant training and lifelong learning opportunities have also been delivered again in the past year, with our first Cap and Gown conferring for many years. I wish to thank in particular, Paul Healy CEO and the staff at Skillnets Ireland, for their ongoing

An intensive period of community consultation was undertaken by board members and staff from all programmes and disciplines during late spring. Over 30 community meetings were held right across the region, which proved to be a valuable two-way process with communities learning of the many supports and services available through IRD Duhallow and we learned more about the concerns, challenges, plans and aspirations of the communities. This was particularly valuable in our extended area in Mid Cork around Macroom. Thank you to all the people who came out and actively participated and to my fellow board members who chaired and helped facilitate the meetings. A big thank you also to the staff for their enthusiastic engagement in the process.

We were honoured to be invited by National Parks and Wildlife Services to input to Strategic Planning at National and EU Level 2021 to 2027 and to hear first-hand the trends for the next EU Programming Period. We were also invited to the Department of Rural and Community Development’s regional consultations on the next round of Rural Development Programmes.

The Board is committed to the highest standards of corporate governance for our sector and is signed up to the governance code and Ethics in Public Office.

We have achieved the Excellence Through People Standard again this year and our work is carried out to NSAI standard where relevant.

Board Rotation is a key part of good governance and I want to thank those Board members retiring by rotation this year; Breda Kelleher, Clondrohid; Tommy Mullane Kanturk; Melissa Mullane and Don Crowley, CIT who also served as Chair of the Board. All have done Trojan work on the board, promoting the IRD Duhallow message and diligently representing their respective communities and sectors.

I welcome on to the Board Annette O’ Mahony who has been re-elected to represent North Eastern Duhallow and is joined by Tom O Riordan from Kilbrin; Also re-elected is Cllr Maura Healy Rae who is joined by Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald to represent Kerry County Council and Cllr Gobnait Moynihan has also been re-elected. Welcome onto the board for their first term are Cllr Ian Doyle, Margaret McSweeney Clondrohid; Cllr Martin Coughlan and John Lyons from Macroom and Padraic O Connell, Kanturk who has served on our Skillnet board and represents the State Sector.

IRD Duhallow is widely recognised as having a high performance culture. I want to thank and acknowledge the contribution of our CEO Maura Walsh, the management team and staff for the professionalism, compassion and pride they show in their work. I also want to thank my predecessor Anne Maria Bourke for her support and insights throughout the year.

November 2019 will see the company celebrate 30 years serving the Duhallow Region and bringing development to every community and sector in the expanded area. Our Values, which have evolved over the past three decades, are IRD Duhallow’s hallmark and we are widely recognised as being Courageous, Innovative, Responsive, Flexible, Caring, Driven and Trusted by the people we serve, our stakeholders in local and national government as well as at European Commission level.

The coming year will give us the opportunity to look back over the past three decades and take time to reflect on the impact the company has had on the Duhallow area and the people that live, work and visit here. It will also give us the opportunity to identify new opportunities to enhance the quality of life for all communities in the Duhallow region which, we were established to serve.

Mary Wallace Chairperson

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The performance of the company over the past twelve months has exceeded expectations and we look forward to capitalising further, on some new initiatives targeted to benefit specific communities, individuals and businesses in the coming year. The performance of all our programmes and initiatives are detailed in full, throughout this Progress Report.

to biodiversity and improving habitats for pollinators.

When coupled with our Raptor LIFE programme; EIP Agri; Furniture Revamp, which redirects furniture from land fill; Warmer Homes Retrofit tackling fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions, IRD Duhallow’s contribution, role and impact in tackling Climate Change is significant. IRD Duhallow welcomes the publication of the Governments Climate Action Plan 2019 and the related Annex of Actions.

We particularly note Section 12 on Citizen Engagement, Community Leadership and Just Transition and the company is gearing itself for a more significant role in the coming years.

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 needs efficiently and sustainably, however a restoration of funding to pre-recession levels would enable IRD Duhallow to extend the reach of SICAP and include many more communities and individuals than we currently can.

IRD Duhallow is involved in a long term, labour intensive business. We are committed to working with the various Departments to implement government policy at a local Likewise, our LEADER programme which suffered a severe level. We hold contracts with EU, National and Local funding cut after the recession is over 85% committed and Government, Public bodies and agencies to deliver vital urgently needs to be restored to the previous level of funding. The value of services. We welcome the recently published government policy on the future Voluntary Labour in LEADER must not be forgotten, especially for communities of Social Enterprises, which has the bedrock of our policy and approach to that are cash poor but time rich. It is essential that all members of the addressing the unmet needs of our communities. community are facilitated to volunteer their time and skills in developing and enhancing local facilities and that this voluntary labour has a monetary value I must acknowledge the support we get from Government Departments and that goes towards the match funding of their project.

Public Bodies and Agencies. The programmes we deliver are funded by the Departments of Rural and Community Development; Employment Affairs The full impact of LEADER projects and initiatives often take a number of years and Social Protection; Children and Youth Affairs; Agriculture Food and the to emerge. This year saw three beneficiaries of our previous LEADER programme Marine; Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Housing and Local scoop the “Hobbies on the Net” category prize at the National Silver Surfers Government; Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; as well as the HSE; Cork Awards. Paddy Buckley, Paddy Tobin and Paddy McAuliffe took part in our and Kerry Education and Training Boards; SEAI; Pobal; The Dormant Accounts Memory through Media training and learned to use the latest technology to Funds; and Skillnets Ireland. make and edit films and to transfer old reels and tapes to digital format.

Our new Chairperson, Mary Wallace, representing the Community Sector, Further impacts of local relevant training are evident in our hugely successful started her term of office leading the Board and Staff in a Strategic Planning Skillsnet programme. The number of companies engaging with the network Review to test underlying assumptions and reaffirm the strategic direction of has grown year on year as well as the number of workers upskilled. the company. The four core elements of our strategy, Social, Cultural, Economic Our Tús numbers have fallen dramatically reflecting the reduction in the and Environmental Development still remain our bedrock and key to integrated numbers unemployed. An unfortunate aspect of this was the loss of five rural and community development. It concluded that IRD Duhallow is flexible, supervisor jobs in the company. This weighed heavy on all of us as we bade adaptable, innovative, courageous and can deliver above expectations. Mary’s farewell to our colleagues who had given their best to their work. The remaining appointment heralded a historic development. The first year in its almost 30supervisors and participants have redoubled their efforts to ensure that the year history that the company has elected an all-female officer team on the communities as well as voluntary groups continue to receive the support they Board and is also managed by an all-female management team. Otherwise we have reached gender balance on Board and Staff. Mary has provided rock solid so badly need. Thanks to John Lyne DEASP for assisting with referrals. support since her appointment and I look forward to working with her as she IRD Duhallow’s Rural Social Scheme, works hand in hand with our Tús schemes leads the Board in shaping the company in the coming years. so that no participants are left isolated as they enjoy mutual support and transfer of skills and good work practices. I must however pay tribute to our Last year saw IRD Duhallow formally recognise the Long Service of several of colleague, the late Joe Sexton RIP. The shock of his sudden and untimely death our staff - a team of remarkable people were recognised for 25, 20, 15 and is still being felt throughout the company and community. The legacy of his 10 years of service to the company. This year will see more staff meet those excellent work remains throughout the region and in particular in the habitat significant milestones, testament to staff loyalty and the company’s good staff retention record. improvements and environment work he was so deeply involved in.

On a positive note our Community Employment Scheme has expanded and we are delighted to receive new participants. Our thanks to Elaine Mc Dermot, Frank Heffernan, and Marie O Flynn Regional Manager of the DEASP for their continued support.

I want to acknowledge the contribution of Eileen Linehan our Assistant CEO to the success of the company. I value her professionalism, leadership qualities, commitment, flexibility, and honest well thought out advice. Also Triona Dennehy and Helen O’ Sullivan of our Management Team for their dedication and hard work and the leadership they provide to their teams. A culture of ongoing innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of our work, putting new demands on existing staff and creating opportunities to introduce new skills to the company, allows IRD Duhallow stay relevant to our communities.

We are proud of our people, all professionals to the core.

This past year saw us win a number of New Programmes across a range of disciplines. This was the first full year of operation of our Ability Programme and already the possibilities for the participants are becoming apparent. We also engaged closely with Cork Education and Training Board and are delivering a new programme, Resilient Youth, targeted at young people who are out of education, training and work. Of course being awarded a significant Rural Together, Board and Staff have built strong vibrant, resilient communities. We Regeneration Programme was a major achievement this year and we intend continue to work to realise the potential of all individuals, upskilling Duhallow’s workforce to meet the challenges of the future. Further, we have a strong to build on the experience to deliver further projects throughout the region. pipeline of projects and innovations that will deliver to the greater Duhallow Our longer established Local Training Initiative with Cork ETB advanced to QQI region over the coming years.

Level 5 in Horticulture this year and I want to acknowledge the support of Patricia O Mahony and Catherine Power of Cork ETB. This programme underpins Maura Walsh our Grow It Yourself initiative which, supports a committed group to grow their CEO IRD Duhallow own fruit and vegetables, thereby reducing food miles, adding significantly

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IRD Duhallow Board Members

IRD Duhallow Board Members

Mary Wallace

Breeda Moynihan Cronin

Jack Roche

Billy Murphy

Anne Maria Bourke

Cormac Collins

Brian Kelly

Cormac is a former Chairman of IRD Duhallow holding the role from 2012 to 2015. He’s from Gneeveguilla and works as a Senior Manager in ESB based in Tralee and at ESB offices at Dublin Airport. He was appointed to the Board to represent the State sector having previously served as Community Representative for Western Duhallow. The ESB has worked closely with IRD Duhallow in delivering three phase electricity to many small industries in rural Duhallow. He is 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.

Brian was elected to the Board to represent the Western Duhallow region in June 2014. He has over 30 years experience in industry and worked as an electrical contractor and is a founding member and former director of ECSSA, a body set to regulate the electrical industry. Along with his wife Anna he runs two Subway restaurants, and served on the advertising Board for Subway. Brian is Chair of the Enterprise Working Group overseeing the Duhallow Skillnet. He is also an active member of Rathmore Community Council.

Billy Dennehy

Ann Fitzgerald

Michael Twohig

Michael is a founder member of IRD Duhallow and served as Chairman from 2011-2013, in the past he also served as Finance Director. 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 an active member of the Enterprise Working Group, Finance and Audit Working Group, HR Committee and Life + Steering Committee.

Annette O’Mahony

Tom O’Riordan

Ann is a primary school teacher, teaching in Scoil Chroí Íosa in Blarney. She has an M.A. in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and has a special interest in mental health. She has volunteered with Rehab Ireland and My Mind Centre for Mental Well being. She joined the Board in 2017, representing Macra na Feirme.

She is an active member of the Freemount club where she holds the role of Public Relations Officer. She has competed in a variety of competitions nationally including CAPERS, public speaking, debating and drama.

John Breen

Padraic O’Connell

Margaret McSweeney

John Lyons

Mary Wallace is the Board’s Chairperson and sits on the HR committee as well as the Women & Childcare, and Community Development Working Groups. She was elected to the Board in 2015 representing the South Eastern Region.

She works in the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection. She has served on the Boards of Management of both primary and secondary schools. She is an active member of Donoughmore Community Council serving as Chairperson, and coordinates the Community Alert scheme for the parish.

Anne Maria Bourke is a former Board Chair and she sits on the Finance and HR Committees. She represents the INTO and Trade Unions on the Board.

She is a former National School Principal and has keen interest in supporting children with disabilities, working closely with Tusla in an advisory capacity.

She is an active member of the Allianz Sciath na Scoil North Cork Primary Schools’ Games and Cork Primary School Sports. She is a keen bridge player and is a member of both the Brogeen and Kanturk Bridge Clubs and is the current President of the South Munster Bridge Association. She is the present Chairperson of a local Board of Management and is Chairperson of Castlemagner Parish Council.

John is a member of the Environment Working Group and has been nominated to the Board to represent them. He is currently Director of Services with responsibility for Environment & Water Services, Fire and Emergency services, Civil Defence and Library services with Kerry County Council.

Previously he served as Director of Services for Housing and Community for 10 years. 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.

Breeda re-joined the Board in 2014 to represent Duhallow’s Social Enterprises and is the current Vice Chair. Breeda was a member of Dáil Éireann from 1992 – 2007 and a member of Kerry Co. Council from 1999- 2003 and from 2011 - 2013.

Serving her community for over 20 years, her constituency included the East Kerry area of Duhallow. At present, she is chair of ECSSA (Electrical Contractors Safety Standards Association) Ireland and is involved in a number of voluntary and charitable organisations. Breeda is Chair of the Social Economy Working Group of IRD Duhallow.

Padraic is from Kanturk where he lives with his wife and two daughters. He is a member of the Enterprise Working Group. Padraic has a BBS from UL. He is currently Head of HR at Ervia (formerly Bord Gais) having held senior management roles there in Energy Policy, Commercial, PR, Marketing and Legal for the past 15 years. Padraic has presented at energy conferences in Ireland and across Europe. In 2016, he was appointed Chair of the Gas Infrastructure Europe BrExit Taskforce.

Padraic enjoys golfing and is a member of Kanturk and Killarney Golf Clubs, holding Kanturk committee roles for over a decade.

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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 represents IRD Duhallow on ILDN and also represented ILDN on ELARD the European LEADER Association for Rural Development from which he retired earlier this year. Steeped in the cultural development of the region, he developed Bruach na Carraige Cultural Centre in Rockchapel, the Sliabh Luachra Archive and the Cultural Trail.

Annette was elected to the Board in May 2016 representing the North Eastern Duhallow region. She is married to David, they have 5 sons, and she works in Newmarket as a Practice Nurse. She has served on the Board of Management of Ballyhass N.S. and has also spent time as Chairperson of its Parents Association. She also served as Treasurer of the Parents Council in Mercy Secondary School Kanturk. Annette volunteers with groups such as Castlemagner Community Development Association, Tidy Towns and is involved in the local An Taisce litter watch.

Margaret McSweeney was elected to the Board in 2019. She lives in Macroom with her husband and son. Her background includes work as a qualified Pastry Chef as well as a Carer for those with Intellectual Disabilities and is presently studying Business in line with her current interests. She is a member of a number of committees such as Clondrohid Development Group and Clondrohid Hall Committee. Margaret served as Parent’s representative for 6 years on a secondary school’s Board of Management and was child officer for 5 years in a local GAA club.

Billy was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow to represent South Eastern Duhallow in 2018. He is a founding member and Chairperson of the Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association and has overseen large-scale community development in Lyre village including the development of their community centre.

Billy is also a long standing member of Banteer, Lyre & Naad District Community Council. Billy works in the Water Section of Cork County Council and is an avid community volunteer.

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

Tom O’Riordan was elected to the Board in July 2019 to represent the communities of North Eastern Duhallow. Tom, a native of Kilbrin is married to Nora Mary and they have six children. Tom worked for many years in retail where he held a variety of roles and owned his own business for a number of years.

In recent times, he retired to part time farming. Tom has been actively involved in Kilbrin Community for over forty years where he held posts of Secretary, PRO, and Chairperson. Tom was one of the instigators of the heritage project, which restored Dr. Croke’s birthplace house in Kilbrin. Tom’s hobbies include Golf, Heritage, Music and Dancing and GAA.

John recently retired from Forest Engineering based in Macroom where he held a National brief. He was secretary of the Forestry Union for the Forest Industry Transport Group and involved in various projects nationally and internationally. He is currently the Secretary and an active member of Macroom Tidy Towns for over 3 decades co-ordinating various projects as well as being the Secretary and active member of Macroom Handball/Racquetball club.

He is Chairperson of Safeguarding Committee in Macroom Parish, Chairperson of local community association, member of gun club, hillwalking club and active member of Aghinagh Comhaltas Group.

He is married to Frances, with 4 daughters and nine grandchildren.

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Judy O’Leary

Judy first joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in 1997 representing women’s groups. She Chairs the Women and Childcare Working Group and is a member of the HR Working Group. Judy is a founder 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 the Vice President for the North Cork Guilds and a member of Kiskeam Guild. She has also served as Vice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow for three years.

David Doyle

David Doyle joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in July 2015, as a nominee of the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell. David holds the position of Senior Engineer in the Operations & Safety section of Kerry County Council. He is currently working on the development of proposals for a number of strategic sites in Kerry. He previously worked in Roads directorate and as Killarney Town Engineer who supported and worked with local development groups and tidy town organisations.

David lives in Beaufort, Killarney and is an active member of the local Tidy Towns Committee.

Cllr Maura Healy Rae

28 year old Cllr Maura Healy Rae joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in March of 2016. An independent Councillor for the Killarney Municipal District, Maura is the fourth of the six Healy-Rae children of Danny and his wife Eileen. Her constituency includes the East Kerry area, so she is very familiar with Duhallow and the projects and work that have been carried out in her region. Maura works as an English and History teacher in St. Brogan’s College, Bandon.

Suzanne Campion

Suzanne represents Inland Fisheries Ireland where she is Head of Business Development. 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 and angling marketing through the implementation of The National Strategy for Angling Development.

Suzanne represents IFI in the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and many rural development strategy groups.

John Joe Culloty

John Joe joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in July 2015. John Joe is self-employed in the construction industry for the past 30 years.

John Joe lives with his wife, Mary, and their family in Spa, Tralee and he is very actively engaged in local community projects. He is a a former Councillor with Kerry County Council.

Throughout his time in public office he chaired a number of committees including: Killarney Municipal District Strategic Twinning Committee, and Killarney Arts Working Group.

John Joe served as Mayor of Killarney from June.

Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald

Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald is a secondary teacher and was elected Councillor for the Castleisland Area in the recent local elections of May 2019.

He was nominated to the Board of IRD Duhallow to represent Kerry County Council. He has been a community activist for many years particularly in the field of social inclusion for the elderly, community alert groups and also the provision of sport for youth. He hopes to continue to help connect people to their own communities in his area.

IRD Duhallow CLG. Company Structure what we have achieved since 1989:

IRD Duhallow is a Community based Rural Development Company established in 1989. It is a Company Limited by Guarantee without share capital. It has charitable status and our directors are voluntary and receive no remuneration for their services.

The Board of IRD Duhallow adheres to the Governance Code Principles Statement since 2013 and is listed on the Register of Compliance. The Constitution reflects best practice and is in accordance with the Charities Act, 2011.

1600 1167 186 408 9338 3860

The Board membership reflects the integration of Social Inclusion and Rural Development, the importance of the environment and community volunteers and the democratically elected Local Authority Members. Reflective of the integrated nature of our work, the Company’s Board and Sub Committee Structures have evolved over the years and enjoy a massive amount of good will and voluntary contribution in the region. Upwards of 3,500 people, participate from the bottom up through these structures. IRD Duhallow has a number of Working Groups with representatives from our Board and staff as well as community and State sector representatives. This structure allows us to target specific expertise beneficial to the implementation of the strategic aims assigned to the particular working group.

IRD Duhallow continues to strive for excellence through the ongoing training and development of our staff. We have attained the Excellence Through People Standard, Ireland’s standard for Human Resource Management which is now administered by the National Standards Authority of Ireland.

social Economy

warmEr homEs rEVamp communiTy laundry afTEr-schools

women & childcare womEn’s forum

norTh cork childcarE nETwork

Jobs Created Businesses Supported Community Groups Supported Community Work Placements Supported Training Places Created Homes Insulated

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1167 186 3860 9338

youth & Education

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in June 2016. Gobnait was elected as a County Councillor by the people of Millstreet / Macroom Municipal District, and has been representing the people of the area since 2016. Gobnait works closely with her brother Aindrias Moynihan TD to represent the people of the area, both in Council and in Dáil Eireann. Cllr Gobnait Moynihan sits on the Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce as well as Cork Sports Partnership. Gobnait will continue to build stronger bonds between IRD Duhallow’s existing networks and the local communities in her own constituency which includes the Macroom, Inchigeelagh, Rylane areas.

Cllr Gearóid Murphy

Gearóid is a barrister and represents the KanturkMallow area as a County Councillor. Gearóid serves as Chair of IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education Working Group, is a member of the Southern Regional Assembly and sits on Cork County Council’s Economic Development, Housing, Library and Joint Policing Committees. He is fluent in German and was educated at CBC Cork, UCD, King’s Inns and the University of Heidelberg. Gearóid is active in his local community and has a special interest in the economic and social development of rural areas.

He joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in June 2017.

Cllr Martin Coughlan

Martin is joining the Board of IRD Duhallow in 2019. Martin is a member of Cork County Council representing the Macroom Municipal District and is Deputy Mayor of the County for 2019/2020. Martin was previously a Town Councillor in Macroom for 20 years, having served as Town Mayor on three separate occasions. Martin is a retired FAS supervisor who lives in Macroom and is an active Community worker. He is the current Chairman of the Macroom Tidy Towns group and on the Board of Directors of the Briery Gap and also works with the Enterprise Board organising the Food Festival, the St. Patricks Day parade and the erection of the Macroom town Christmas lights.

Cllr Ian Doyle

Ian Doyle is from Charleville, and all his life he’s been involved in his community. He was a founding member of Charleville Show 40 years ago and has held many positions over that time including Chairman. He is a member of the St Vincent de Paul, Holy Cross Conference and was President for many years. He is Chairman of the Charleville Heritage Society, Treasurer of the Charleville Tidy Towns Committee and he is currently a board member of Ballyhoura Development, Charleville Sheltered Housing and Community Care, Charleville Community Hall, Charleville Chamber, and Newtownshandrum Community Association. He also sits on the Board of Management of St Marys Secondary School and the CBS Primary School Charleville.

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Employment & Training

culTurE & hEriTagE

BEfriEnding nETwork carE & rEpair

Board

2019

EnTErprisE

cEnTrE of ExcEllEncE

EldErly - saoi

community forum

Enterprise & Tourism skillnET duhallow angling

communiTy carE BErEaVEmEnT supporT

social partners

domEsTic ViolEncE supporT

agriculture allow caTchmEnT group BEE kEEpErs

Environment

lifE sTEEring group Eip sTEring group duhallow Bird waTch grow iT yoursElf Operational Sub-Committees

community development gEographic

Equality

disaBiliTy aBiliTy migranTs mEnTal ill-hEalTh

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statutory agencies

local authorities independent Evaluation committee Strategic Working Groups

finance

Strategic Working Group Sub-Committees

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human resources Independent Evaluation Committee

Details of Staff

Details of Staff

EILEEN LINEHAN,

TRIONA Dennehy,

MARGARET O’CONNOR,

Nollaig Murphy,

B.A. (Econ & Geog), MBS (Business Economics), Dip. Personnel Mng. Dip in Public Procurement EU funded projects

MBS Cooperative and Social Enterprise, B.Sc Public Health & Health Promotion, IMCV Professional Manager Award, Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6)

MAAT-Accounting Technician, AIPA – Payroll Technician

B.A. (Sociology and History), H.Dip. Soc. Pol, M.S.W, Q.Q.I. Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation

Eileen is the Assistant Manager and has responsibility for the Enterprise team, which includes the Raptor Life, Skillnet, Community Employment& LEADER Programmes as well as the new EIP Programme. She supports the Manager in the day-to-day running of the company including Human Resources & the financial operations of a number of programmes. Eileen monitors LEADER through its IT system and she represents Local Development Companies on Cork County Childcare Committee, which she currently chairs. Eileen is a Trustee of the Pobal Pension Scheme.

Triona is Employment, Trxaining and Social Inclusion Coordinator with overall responsibility for the SICAP Programme. She is the coordinator of the Towards Occupation Programme and oversees the Equality and Training briefs including: the Ability Programme, Resilient Youth Programme, the Gender Equality Programme, Duhallow REVAMP, the Walks Scheme, RSS and Tús. She works with communities in Western Duhallow to access LEADER funding and supports the work of both the Community and Youth and Education Working Groups.

Margaret is the senior accounts administrator with IRD Duhallow for twenty-two years. She is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the company’s financial systems and procedures and the implementation of the apportionment of overheads across the various programmes delivered. She is responsible for completing financial returns for LEADER, SICAP, PEIL, LTI & Ability Programmes. She monitors programme administration budgets to ensure programme guidelines are followed. She liaises with the company auditors on an annual basis. She also oversees the payroll and pension administration and prepares financial reports for management and the board of directors on a monthly basis.

Nollaig joined the staff of IRD Duhallow in September 2017 on a part-time basis. She works as a Development Officer across the LEADER and SICAP programmes.

Nollaig provides administrative support for both of these programmes and prepares the LEADER projects for progression through the ICT system and compliance checks. Nollaig is involved with IRD Duhallow’s integration and equality work, as well as LEADER funded genealogy and graveyard projects. She also works as a tutor on the weekly Touch Type Read Spell classes run as part of IRD Duhallow’s Literacy Programme for children.

HELEN O’SULLIVAN,

DR. ALLAN MEE,

Tomasz Siekaniec,

Stephanie Moynihan,

B.Soc.Sc., M.Soc.Sc, Dip Com, Leadership & Mgt, Cert in Agri.

PhD in Zoology, BSc Zoology

B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology

Helen joined the company in 2005 and has worked in both Community & Enterprise Development over the last 14 years. Helen is the Community Services Team Leader with responsibility for the management and development of social enterprises including the Warmer Homes Scheme and Newmarket Afterschools and manages the Community Services Programme. Helen also works on the Duhallow Skillnet Programme supporting local companies and employee’s access to locally affordable training. Helen works closely with community, youth and voluntary groups in South and North Eastern Duhallow. She is also the co-ordinator of the North Cork Childcare Network.

Allan joined IRD Duhallow in February 2018 as Project Scientist for the EU funded RaptorLIFE project. He previously worked as an external expert for IRD Duhallow on hen harrier monitoring and satellite tagging since 2016 and managed the White-tailed Eagle reintroduction project in Killarney National Park since 2007. Allan is responsible for a range of EU Annex species, especially research and monitoring on hen harrier and merlin; leading on actions to restore heather and moorland habitats; designing a management plan for hen harriers in SPAs and the preparation of the project’s technical reports.

Tomasz is an ecologist on IRD Duhallow Raptor LIFE project having completed work experience as part of his degree programme on our SAMOK project. Tomasz has worked with both RSS and Tús participants on the removal of alien invasive species including Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed. His duties have gradually expended over time and he is now fully engaged in most of the project actions. His main responsibilities include data collection and analysis, monitoring of project measures and target species, GIS spatial analysis and production of maps. He helps with preparation of reports and occasionally liaise with project partners and other stakeholders.

M.A International Tourism, B.A (Hon.) Business in Tourism, Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6)

Dr. Darren Reidy,

Louise Bourke,

DERVAL CORBETT,

Michael Morrissey,

PhD Applied Ecology, MSc Ecological Assessment, BSc Ecology

B.C.L., Masters in Criminal Justice, Masters in Management, Cert in Agri., IMCV Professional Manager Award; Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6)

ECDL, Cert in Supervisory Management

MSc Applied Science in Ecological Assessment BSc Hons in Agriculture & Environmental Land Management

Darren joined IRD Duhallow in August 2018 as Technical Assistant on the EU funded RaptorLIFE project as well as Project Scientist on the EIP-Agri funded project Duhallow Farming Blue Dot Catchments. He provides scientific expertise in freshwater & wetland ecosystems, and has particular interest in the ecology of invasive species and habitat restoration. Darren conducts scientific, outreach and administrative work on all RaptorLIFE project actions and oversees the day to day running of the Allow EIP. He coordinates & conducts ecological surveys of wetland biodiversity and water quality monitoring, produces technical reports and works closely with the agricultural community, state agencies and other stakeholders.

Louise joined the IRD Duhallow Enterprise team in November 2010, as the Enterprise and Tourism Development Officer, coordinating the Enterprise and Tourism supports of LEADER and SICAP. She provides targeted support to start-up, micro enterprises and SMEs. Louise implements the skillnet programme in the region, coordinating quality affordable training for local businesses in the region. She is the appointed, staff liaison for the Enterprise Working Group, Business Mentoring Programme, the SAOI Network, Duhallow Befriending Network and the Literacy Support Programme.

She also facilitates the Dormant Accounts Carers Programme for 2019/2020.

Derval is employed as a Clerical Officer and is based in the Reception and Administration Office and she is one of the company’s longest serving employees with 20 years service in IRD Duhallow. She deals with initial enquiries to the Company and supports Management in day-to-day operations. She is editor of our monthly Newsletter, which is circulated to 15,000 homes in Duhallow. Derval is also the Liaison Person with the National Vetting Bureau on behalf of Partnerships supporting applications for Garda Vetting around the country.

Stephanie joined IRD Duhallow in August 2018 and oversees various administration responsibilities in the Front Office whilst also assisting the Development Officers with numerous tasks. She is the staff resource for IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools, the Jobs Centre and CV Clinic service, the Duhallow Carers Network and North Cork Childcare Managers Network. Stephanie also co-ordinates a wide range of in-house events for IRD Duhallow and has liaised with stakeholders in relation to funding applications.

Our newest recruit, Michael joined IRD Duhallow in April 2019 as the Agri Environmental Specialist for the Duhallow Farming for the Blue Dot Catchments EIP. Previous to this, Michael worked as a Farm Planner for FRS Network, advising farmers on Government Schemes including GLAS & BPS. Michael is an approved advisor for Hen Harrier and Pearl Mussel. As part of his new role, Michael will liaise with stakeholders in the Duhallow region to achieve the environmental objectives of the project and of the company.

KATIE CROWLEY,

MARY CREEDON,

Sinead Osborne,

Jennifer Drumm,

B.B.S. Postgraduate Dip in Rural Dev, Food Mkt & Co-ops, Cert in Agriculture, IMCV Professional Manager Award, Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6)

B.B.S., Postgrad Dip in Rural Dev, Mkt & Co-ops. Dip in Community Dev. IMCV Professional Mgr Award. Cert in Career Needs Assessment, Planning and Support for Work

Certificate in Business Studies, Diploma in Legal Studies, Accounting Technician (M.I.A.T I)

B.A. Degree in Information Systems Management with Web Technologies, Supervisory Management QQI L6

Katie joined IRD Duhallow in 2007 and works across the SICAP and LEADER Programmes. She is Assistant Coordinator of the Horticulture Local Training Initiative(LTI) and promotes Community Education and Lifelong Learning through the SICAP programme. Katie is staff resource to the Environment Working Group and coordinates the work of Duhallow GIY Group, Duhallow Birdwatch Group and the Duhallow Beekeepers. She is also staff resource to the Agriculture Working Group supporting low-income farm families.

Mary joined IRD Duhallow in 2006 and currently works across LEADER, SICAP, the Community Food Initiative and Digital Skills for Citizens Programmes. She is the Assistant Coordinator to the QQI Level 5 Horticulture Local Training Initiative. Mary coordinates labour market activation, adult and second chance and promotes lifelong learning through the community education programme of SICAP. She also works closely with community groups in South Cork providing assistance in relation to LEADER funding.

Mary is the staff resource to the Duhallow Women’s Forum and the Employment and Training Working Group.

Sinead was appointed Accounts Officer in February 2019. She is responsible for the preparation of weekly and monthly accounts for RSS, TÚS, Out of school, Walks and CE schemes and prepares quarterly reports to Pobal. Sinead also processes the Out of school, laundry and CE Payroll on a weekly basis and she prepares financial reports for the Social Economy and Finance meetings and the reports for the Main Board. She assists in the production of financial returns to the 3 Local Authority LAGs.

Jennifer joined IRD Duhallow in 2016 and works full time in the Front Office supporting the team in its administration responsibilities, and she also supports other staff in the organisation. She is also responsible for the co-ordination of various events for IRD Duhallow, and assists with Community events throughout the region. In the past year she has worked primarily on the Resilient Youth Programme encouraging 15 to 24 year olds to participate in pre-employment training, mentoring and group development.

Jacinta Carroll,

Conor Judge,

John Guerin,

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Geography and English, Person Centred Planning (QQI Level 6) Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6).

Jacinta joined IRD Duhallow in April 2016, working with

B.A.(Hon) Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology

B.Sc. Chemistry

Conor joined IRD Duhallow in September 2018 following an internship at the ESRI where he assessed regional house price trends. His dissertation explored the allocation of national LEADER funding during the 07-13 period. This knowledge has led him to his current position working on LEADER through supporting Community groups and as staff liaison for the Community Development Working Group. Conor supported the implementation of IRD Duhallow’s Community Consultation process which ran during the months of March and April as well as previously working on the Community Development Initiative 2018.

John joined IRD Duhallow in July 2019 and works full time as a Business Development Officer. Over the course of his career he has worked in the Pharmaceutical, Engineering and Education sectors in the UK, China & Australia. During each of these roles he was heavily involved with the management team particularly in the fields of Operational Management, Strategic Coordination, Market Research, Business Process Improvement and Financial Analysis, as well as working closely with Stakeholders. He also has a lot of experience in Business Enterprise and has been involved in two start-up’s which he cofounded. John will be working with Social Enterprise as part of his brief.

the Community and Employment Team. Jacinta is the Youth Disability Engagement Officer for the Ability Programme where she supports young people with a disability to develop a person centred plan and delivers the Life Skills element of the Programme. Jacinta is coordinator for the PEIL Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme which offers a range of supports to Women wishing to return to the workforce. She has also worked on the Resilient Youth Programme and initiatives through SICAP. Jacinta is the staff resource for the Equality Working Group.

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Environment

Details of Staff MARIE FLEMING,

Sheila O’Keeffe,

BSc Rural Development. Supervisory Management (QQI L6), Certificate in Health & Safety in the Workplace.

Dip. Community Education; Cert in Genealogy and Family History; Manual Handling Instructor (QQI L6), Supervisor Management (QQI L6)

Marie is Senior Administrator with special responsibility for the Rural Social Scheme and the Community Laundry. Marie provides administrative support to the Board, Social Economy Working Group and the LEADER Independent Evaluation Committee. She is secretary of the Health and Safety Committee and coordinates staff training and development in line with Excellence Through People guidelines and oversees the Company’s IT and Phone Systems. She ensures we are compliant with national bodies such as the Charities and Lobbying Regulator and the Standards in Public Office.

Sheila O’Keeffe joined IRD Duhallow in July 2004 as a Rural Social Scheme Participant with responsibility for administration. She progressed to RSS supervisor in January 2008. Through IRD Duhallow she has upskilled her administration skills and completed a Supervisory Management Course. She has a diploma in Community Education delivered by UCC in 2007 and a Certificate in Genealogy and Family History delivered by UL in 2013.

She is a fully qualified Manual Handling instructor.

COLM CROWLEY,

Paddy O’ Connor,

Diploma in Rural Development, Certificate in Business Studies, IMCV Professional Manager Award

Community Employment Supervisor

Colm joined IRD Duhallow in July 2007 as the Warmer Homes Scheme Coordinator and is responsible for the implementation of a number of SEAI programmes which include the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme, Home Incentive Scheme and Better Energy Communities. Colm coordinates staff training in line with the National Standard Authority of Irelands Cavity Wall Insulation System. Colm is responsible for the preparation of monthly accounts for Warmer Homes and processes the Payroll on a weekly basis.

Colm chairs IRD Duhallow’s Health and Safety Committee and is a fully qualified Manual Handling Instructor.

Paddy is the Supervisor on the IRD Duhallow Community Employment Scheme and has also been charged with the Health & Safety brief for the company. Paddy has responsibility for ensuring each participant maximises their time on the scheme by supporting, coaching and mentoring each person toward and on their chosen career path. He is also instrumental in developing policies and procedures in line with best practice for Health and Safety for all activities within the company.

DON MURPHY,

Nuala Riordan,

Cert in Archaeology ; Cert in Oral History; Training Delivery and Evaluation (QQI L6)

Supervisory Management (QQIL6), BER Assessor, Cert. in Genealogy and Family History

Don was appointed Tús Supervisor in June 2011.

His main areas of responsibility include placement, induction, training and supervision of scheme participants in the areas of built heritage renovation and vintage machinery restoration. Don has over 20 years’ experience as a sub-contractor in the construction industry in Ireland and abroad. He has a keen interest in conserving the region’s built heritage. He is a master craftsman and stonemason and trains participants on the LTI, T.O and other in house programmes.

Nuala joined IRD Duhallow in Nov 2008 as an administrator. She became part of the Warmer Homes team and was the BER Assessor. She joined the IRD Duhallow LIFE Project team in Nov 2012, as administrator and field officer. In August 2016 she became Tús supervisor. Nuala liaises with many of the project stakeholders and oversees much of the on-the-ground actions. She also delivers educational seminars on the LIFE Project and the environment.

Thomas Twomey,

RACHEL BUDD,

Supervisory Management (QQI L6), Project Supervisor Construction Stage Level (QQI L6)

B.A. Hons Sociology, Cert in Training and Development, Cert in Community Development, Cert in Therapeutic Horticulture

Thomas joined our Warmer Homes team in August 2013 working on the new ventilation specifications of the scheme. He was appointed Tús Supervisor in August 2016 with responsibility for coordinating and supervising participants placed in a number of settings in communities in the eastern Duhallow area including the maintenance of Newmarket Pitch & Putt course.

Thomas also looks after the transport portfolio in the company and coordinates the maintenance of our fleet of vehicles.

Rachel joined IRD Duhallow in 2014 as a Horticultural Trainer, working with Tús participants and members of the T.O group and Cope Foundation trainees to create the award winning IRD Duhallow Community Gardens. In March 2016 she became the Co-ordinator for the Local Training Initiative in Horticulture, which is currently in its 4th year at IRD Duhallow. She also works closely with the local GIY group which meet monthly at the James O’Keefe Institute.

Preservation of our unique environment has been a focus of IRD Duhallow and its Environment Working Group since its inception in 1989.

Each of the LEADER programmes have had environment as a theme not least the current programme which has a separate environment theme with subthemes of Water, Bio Diversity and Renewables. Since 2010, the Working Group has greatly expanded its Environment work, with IRD Duhallow being the first LDC in Ireland to access EU LIFE funds from DG Environment, which afforded us the opportunity to employ ecologists. We are currently completing our second LIFE project and have recently been awarded and European Innovation Partnership programme from the Dept of Agriculture.

The working group is passionate about its work under the stewardship of Maura Walsh and Dr. Darren Reidy of IRD Duhallow with Michael Doyle who is the Dr. Fran Igoe, Gretta McCarron, Sean Keating, Catherine current chair.

Seale, Mick Kane, Basil Mannion and Sheevaun Thompson of LAWPRO who took part in a Duhallow Study visit exploring best practice case studies of Community Led Water Projects.

LAWPRO IRD Duhallow was been awarded two local authority community water and development fund projects. One relates to the design and implementation of silt traps to mitigate river siltation, and the other relates to the development of bio security stations to prevent the spread of invasive species and the cray fish plague along the rivers of Duhallow.

With the support of LEADER 14-20 IRD Duhallow’s Environment Working Group is conducting a study into the biodiversity of Barna Bog, exploring its flora and fauna.

River Feale Cooperation Project There has been an observed deterioration in water quality and the ecological status of the River Feale in recent years. Waterbody units along the River Feale are considered to be of poor status and at risk of failing their objectives under the water framework directive.

Consequently, IRD Duhallow with the support of project partners NEWKD and West Limerick Resources have developed a LEADER co-operation project, which will serve as an inter-regional pilot, building knowledge and working towards the development of a River Feale Catchment-wide Management Association. The first step has been to undertake a baseline survey of the River Feale and work is currently ongoing to obtain vital data as a tool to analyse required future larger actions.

Swifts The Environment Working Group was approved LEADER funding to design, manufacture and install of communal nesting structures for the common The Environment Working Group run a number of events that encourage children to be more aware of swift in six town locations their environment. Pictured here are children taking in Duhallow. These will part in the Nature Detectives Summer Camp. be installed in Kanturk,

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Kiskeam, Newmarket and Millstreet with further installations proposed in Rathmore and Macroom.

Breeding populations of the common swift across the region have suffered a remarkable decline in recent years due to nest disturbance through insensitive building practices. This project aims to reverse this decline through the provision of durable, communal nesting structures where each will accommodate up to 32 breeding pairs.

Barn Owl Project The Barn Owl has undergone a documented decline in its geographical range in recent times. They are a Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland due to a decline of over 50% in their population during the past 25 years.

The Environment Working Group secured funding from Local Agenda 21 to deliver a barn owl conservation project across Duhallow in 2018/2019. Eight boxes were installed in Rathcoole, Kanturk, Castlemagner, Macroom and Kiskeam in association with various community groups.

Michael O’Cleary and Brin McDonnell erected eight Barn Owl Boxes as part of a Local Agenda 21 Barn Owl Conservation Project.

Frank Lewis Renowned broadcaster Frank Lewis of Radio Kerry recorded a special programme featuring the Dawn Chorus in the Island Wood. It was delivered by Raptor LIFE’s ornithologists, along with local historians Raymond O’Sullivan and PJ Hayes on the history of the Island Wood and local folklore and legends. Music was provided by the musicians of Bruach na Carraige, Rockchapel.

Stop Food Waste IRD Duhallow hosted a talk on food waste Maura Walsh with Frank and Siobhan Lewis and home composting which was at the special radio programme featuring the Dawn Chorus at the Island Wood. led by Donal O’Leary from the EPAs ‘Stop Food Waste’ campaign. Every year, Irish homes and businesses throw out over 1 million tonnes of food. Householders waste €700 per person every year and this peaks at Christmas Time. Food Waste is a big issue and this talk was well timed in December, to provide householders with practical solutions to make the most of the food they have bought.

Donal O’Leary from the EPA with some of the attendees at the Stop Food Waste Information Seminar held in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

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RaptorLIFE

RaptorLIFE

Success of RaptorLIFE Project The IRD Duhallow RaptorLIFE programme is a nature conservation project under the EU Life ‘Nature & Biodiversity’ theme. The project aims to protect and restore upland and freshwater habitats in the Duhallow region for the conservation of hen harrier, merlin, brook lamprey and Atlantic salmon. The project commenced in February 2014, with a total budget of €3million. IRD Duhallow is the Co-ordinating Beneficiary of this project which is 50% funded through the EU LIFE scheme, which funds conservation and other environmental projects right across Europe. The project is co-funded by the IRD Duhallow RSS and Tús Schemes, through our Associated Beneficiary Pobal.

small numbers (up to 150 pairs).

This once widespread bird suffered a big decline in numbers mainly due to human activities such as large scale afforestation and peat extraction. Hen Harriers are ground nesting birds, which Jacinta Carroll with Raptor LIFE project makes them very vulnerable to land use manager Eileen Linehan hosting an information stand at the Helping Hands. changes, especially loss of their upland bog breeding habitat. They were previously thought to nest mainly in areas of clearfell and young plantation forests. Our findings however contradicts this. In fact, long term monitoring enabled us to learn that Hen harriers have strong affiliation for rank vegetation outside the conifer plantations. Those areas often include forest rides and unplanted strips contained within larger forest complex. Many upland farms also contains suitable patches of gorse, bracken or mature heather that are ideal for nesting. The nesting areas are of great vulnerability to any forestry operations, disturbance associated with turf cutting machinery and agricultural intensification.

Controlled burning plays an important part in RaptorLIFE’s educational campaign. Together with Cork Wildfire Cooperative Group, we held and workshop in Millstreet Country Park for landowners.

Now in it’s final year RaptorLIFE has reached most of it’s targets and objectives. This has allowed us to determine the level of effectiveness of our conservation measures over the past 5 years. The RaptorLIFE staff and the participants of the Tús and RSS schemes have worked tirelessly in eradicating the alien invasive species, with a massive reduction of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam being apparent throughout the project area. A great deal of time and effort was put into raising environmental awareness in Duhallow. This awareness is essential for all of us to help and preserve our valuable nature resources for future generations.

During the last five years, we have created or improved riparian and in-stream habitat in over 30 km of watercourses. Nearly 300 hectares of upland habitats on our project farms are now being managed in line with the conservation objectives for Natura2000 sites.

Hen Harrier The Hen Harrier is a bird of prey (raptor) that breeds in the Irish uplands in very

As a part of Raptor LIFE monitoring programme, we have satellite tagged a number of chicks so that we can monitor their movements and gain greater understanding of habitat use.

RSS participant George O’ Connor working on rush control on one of our demonstration farms.

Meadow pipit and Bank voles are some of the main prey species for many raptors.

These animals were monitored as part of the Raptor LIFE Project.

Surveying & Monitoring Monitoring of small birds and mammal species, a most important dietary component for all birds of prey allowed us to assess the overall state of the habitat; observe seasonal changes in prey abundance and most importantly evaluate the effectiveness of our concrete conservation actions.

One solution to riverbank degradation has been the provision of ‘solar trough’ for cattle drinking preventing the cattle bringing silt into the water.

In order to help mitigate the declining population, the Raptor LIFE team have been monitoring potential nesting sites and Hen Harrier breeding and nesting behaviour for the past 5 years. This allowed us to gain insight into the ecology of the Hen Harriers and the threats they must overcome to survive. Upon our understanding of complex issues surrounding hen harrier decline, management plans and recommendations are currently being put into place.

We hope that they influence the policy makers and help to contribute towards improvement of conservation status of this epic bird.

Actions on the ground The concrete conservation actions rolled out by the IRD Duhallow has developed strong linkages with IT Tralee and has had a number of students RaptorLIFE were mainly placed on both Raptor Life and SAMOK projects. focused on restoration of Niall Murray and Breda Quinn participating in bird monitoring as part of their placement. degraded habitats for the birds of prey. Quality nesting and a foraging habitat were largely gone and remaining patches of good habitat were in various risks from inappropriate management. To address this, many actions were put in place such as provision of nesting baskets, planting heather in clearfelled sites, flailing of rush and heather, removal of alien invasive species along rivers and roads. Wilding conifers were removed from nest areas and a foraging corridor was created by removal of forestry along upper Blackwater. Freshwater habitats have also seen lots of attention and actions aimed at improving water and riverine habitat quality including fencing, riparian planting, minimising sediment input from forestry operations and provision of water for livestock.

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Fish and freshwater surveys The quality of the freshwater environment can be reflected in the abundance of fish. Salmon in particular is a good indicator of having high sensitivity to pollution. RaptorLIFE in conjunction with the Inland Fisheries Ireland has been involved in electric fishing in one of the best salmon nursery rivers – the Owentaraglin. We Project Ecologist, Dr. Darren Reidy, explaining the use of invertebrates are happy to confirm that the decline in to measure water quality to Rose of both salmon and trout that was observed Tralee Kirsten Mate Maher at the in 2017 as a result of an illegal slurry National Ploughing Championships. release has been reversed and populations are now recovering. Apart from fish surveys, scientists from the project also monitor diversity of macroinvertebrates and amount of sediment in the river substrate.

Raptor LIFE and IFI during a joint electrofishing survey, where we monitored salmonid and trout populations.

Lamprey larva resembles an eel. Many of those ancient fish still live in the river Owentarglin.

Bird surveys Early summer is a busy time for breeding birds across Ireland and these birds are surveyed in the Duhallow area by the RaptorLIFE project team using the Countryside Bird Survey methodology. Birds are recorded using visual and song identification. The transects covered a range of habitats including upland blanket bog and wet grassland which made for diverse results in bird species observed. Well known species like the Wren and Chaffinch were recorded along with Cuckoo, Hen Harrier, Grasshopper Warbler and Stonechat.

Mammal trapping To complement bird surveying, small mammal trapping was conducted in selected farms across the Special Protection Area (SPA) to help gauge food availability for local raptors.

This has helped us to determine the abundance of the small mammals.

The small mammals Eradication of invasive typically caught in this exercise include Bank species on the road network and riverbanks is one of the Vole and Wood Mouse. Trapped individuals are actions of the Raptor Life programme.

Nuala Riordan, measured weighed and marked to determine Tús supervisor is pictured the population dynamics before being released. here spraying Japanese knotweed We have carried out these surveys since 2015 and the results gathered thus far have shown that there has been an overall increase in small mammals across our demonstration farms. This indicates that the habitats are in fact more suitable for them and that farm measures carried out of farms have brought successful results. This trend will support the thriving and hopefully the increasing of future expansion of populations of different raptor species found in Duhallow.

Removal of Invasive Species As part of the project, eradication of invasive species from the riverbanks and road network of Duhallow was implemented in order to create a more natural and resilient ecosystems. Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, Giant rhubarb and Prickly heath were our main focus. With annual mitigation treatments, each invasive species has RaptorLIfe and IFI working with been reduced substantially, with targeted project farmers. The Raptor LIFE numbers being exceeded only two years project held a series of education seminars with local famers on into the project. New stands have been how the actions on their farms found each year, but are continuously being contribute to conservation and river diversity. treated and eradicated. The knowledge gained from implementing invasive species removal actions resulted in the creation of a detailed Invasive Species Management Guide, which will be published shortly.

EU Neemo monitor for IRD Duhallow Raptor Life project Neil Wilkie and Financial Monitor David Pistulka of Ernst & Young visit one of the project farms on their mission in June.

Public engagement Raising of public awareness and educating communities on aspects of nature conservation has always been a core endeavour of our project.

Over the last 5 years we have visited more than 50 schools and reached out to thousands of people interested in wildlife conservation through radio, tv and social media. We have also organised many talks on our wildlife and trained multiple volunteers.

Implementation of SAMOK After-LIFE Conservation Plan This is the final year of AfterLIFE plan, to which IRD Duhallow committed at the end of SAMOK LIFE project. Although responsibility for sustainability of environmental benefits created by this former project is no longer a legal requirement, IRD Duhallow will use the opportunity to continue to monitor and maintain deliverables of past project so those benefits can continue into the future.

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Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments

Agriculture

IRD Duhallow submitted a comprehensive application and was subsequently selected by the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to implement a new €1.46 million European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-Agri).

The five-year project is entitled the Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments. It will develop a cost effective community led strategy to restoring and protecting the high ecological status of the Allow River catchment, including the Rivers Dalua, Owenare and other tributaries and streams.

Duhallow as a whole is hugely reliant on Agriculture. Over 15% of those in employment in Duhallow are in Agri Related Industries, making it the biggest employment sector in the region. The Agriculture Working Group focuses its efforts on initiatives that look at developing our farming economy to be sustainable and profitable.

By engaging with the farming The Allow Catchment, including the Dalua, community in the river Owenare and other tributaries is a High catchment the project will Ecological Status objective river and Special Area for Conservation, protect and restore the high ecological status of the catchment through an innovative results based payments scheme. Working closely with farmers in the catchment the results based scheme will reward sustainable agricultural practices which enhance wetland and freshwater ecosystems. In addition, a network of demonstration farms will be established as case studies of best practice in farming for high status rivers.

Stonefly are intolerant of pollution and used as indicators of water quality in river systems. Species such as damselflies, dragonflies and freshwater invertebrates will be used as indicators of the catchment’s ecological status.

scheme through which innovative techniques for the improvement of the river will be established and implemented by the farming community.

A Living Landscape Canadian Professor of Anthropology, Jodie Asselin from the University of Lethbridge spent a number of months in Ireland throughout Jodie Asselin, Professor of Anthropology with 2018 conducting a Study into the University of Lethbridge Canada conducted Duhallow Farming Community Living and Farming in Lands surveys with the on the impact of land designation.

Designated for Environmental Maurice O’Connell was one of the many farmers she met during her stay.

Conservation. This report will be published in the coming months showcasing her findings. It will give the social and environment context for the landscape and people who farm in Duhallow, how farming and nature have evolved, threats to farm viability and the future for both farming and biodiversity. A central part of this publication will be ‘the farmer’s voice’, how people feel about the land they farm and their hopes for the future of farming in the Duhallow uplands.

St. Colemans Boys National School investigate the health of the Dalua River by surveying the aquatic invertebrates.

The Duhallow Blue Dot project is one of 23 EIP-Agri projects currently in operation in Ireland. Dr. Darren Reidy, far left, pictured at the programme launch.

Why the Allow-Dalua catchment?

The catchment is of high conservation value and supports a wide variety of rare and protected habitats and wildlife. In recognition of this it has been designated as an E.U Special Area of Conservation for the protection of otter, freshwater pearl mussel, lamprey, salmon and other important species. However, in recent years threats to the integrity of the ecosystem have been identified, including a decline in water quality. Key threats to the status of the catchment include pressures from forestry, agriculture and industry. Ireland is obliged to maintain the high status of its rivers and a portion of the Allow catchment has been selected as a “Priority Area for Action”. If immediate action is taken the high status of the catchment can be protected and restored.

What are Blue Dot Catchments?

The Blue Dot Catchment programme has been suggested by the Irish Government as a means of encouraging local communities to manage their rivers in a sustainable way. The Blue Dot standard will certify the quality and status of rivers, streams and lakes. The Blue Dot programme has not yet been trialled and the Duhallow Blue Dot project will serve as a pilot A cow grazing a High Nature Value riparian buffer strip.

A simple measure to enhance biodiversity and protect water courses.

Results Based Actions & Payments for Participating Farmers.

The project aims to address the pressures of agriculture through the (1) reduction of pollutant generation through nutrient and livestock management, (2) stopping mobile pollutants reaching the river and (3) restoring degraded habitats. Appropriate actions will be designed based on consultation with each farmer, and farm specific plans will be put in place. Participating farmers will select a number of actions designed to enhance the river ecosystem and will be financially rewarded to reflect the success of their actions. The project will continue for a duration of five years with a target of 100 farmers participating in the programme.

Achievements to date IRD Duhallow has assembled a team of environmental scientists, agricultural advisors and community development officers to work on the Duhallow Blue Dot project. We have commenced consulting with farmers in the catchment, and it is hoped that as many farmers as possible within the catchment will provide input, critical Michael Morrissey, agri-environment to the best design of the project. specialist at IRD Duhallow, works A number of public consultation closely with farmers in the catchment to develop farm specific measures. meetings will also be held during the design phase. Informed by the public consultation process the project operational strategies will be developed.

The project will also incorporate a substantial element of community engagement, outreach and education, which kicked off with a number of visits to St. Coleman’s Boys National School in Kanturk to support their Electric Ireland Science Blast project entitled “How healthy is our local river?”. The project was highly commended by the judges.

If you farm within the catchments of the Allow, Dalua and their tributaries, we would love to hear from you. We look forward to developing the project with you over the next five years.

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Project Ecologist Dr. Darren Reidy with Minister for Agriculture, Mr Michael Creed T.D., at the launch of the EIP-Agri Brochure. IRD Duhallow’s farming for Blue Dot Catchment project will work closely with farmers of the regions promoting sustainable farming practices.

First Aid for Farmers Each year, farm accidents result in farming injuries and deaths. This coupled with the unacceptable ambulance response times in rural areas, leaves members of the public in rural areas vulnerable. The Teagasc National Farm Survey showed that farm accidents have risen by 13% in the last 5 years and by 31% in the last ten years. The survey found that in the five-year period 2012-2017 11% of farms had an accident and in total 2,814 accidents occurred.

The Agriculture Working Group identified that everyone on a farm should know where the first aid kits are kept and should have some training on what to do in an emergency. In January, 2019 they organised first aid training for farmers through the SICAP programme.

Tractor Safety In association with Kanturk Mart and the Duhallow Skillnet the Agriculture Working Group organised training in Tractor Safety.

Vehicles and Machinery are ‘Safe Tractor Driving Skills’ was the main cause of farm accidents in Ireland. In organised by the Duhallow the past ten years they accounted for approx. Skillnet and held in association 50% of all farm deaths. Elderly farmers and with Kanturk Cooperative Mart. children are at particular risk. Being crushed, struck, pinned under or falling from vehicles are the main causes of deaths with farm vehicles.

Being entangled in PTO’s, crushed under a machine part, caught in a machine mechanism, crushed between vehicles and struck by a machine object are the main causes of deaths with farm machinery.

Through this one day training programme participants were made aware of the legislation governing tractors on and off the road. As well as tractor controls, symbols and warning signs, safety training and attaching a trailed implement and driving through a pre-set course.

This year’s Women & Agriculture Conference was held in Hotel Europe Killarney – a large delegation from IRD Duhallow attended.

Women in Agriculture Twenty Four Duhallow Women boarded a bus to Hotel Europe Killarney to attend the annual Women in Agriculture conference. Organised by the Irish Farmers Journal in association with FBD insurance, this year’s conference was the fastest sell out ever and featured prominent speakers such as Mary Kennedy, Briege Corkery, Chef Adrian and Noreen Murphy from Lisheen House. The conference also held Panel Discussions on Brexit and Women in Leadership roles in the IFA and other farming organisations.

Duhallow Beekeepers Association Interest in beekeeping and in the protection of Duhallow’s wild bee species has never been stronger, the over use Renowned Bee Keeper Andy Bourke delivered one of the Modules on of pesticides is having a catastrophic Beekeeping for Beginners. effect on pollinator populations and the importance of these species is at last being understood. The Duhallow Beekeepers Association is going from strength to strength, and provides an educational and practical support network through workshops, practical training days and apiary visits, to both new and experienced beekeepers.

Bee the Future Erasmus + Project IRD Duhallow celebrated world bee day on Monday May 20th with the launch of ‘Bee the Future’ in Slovenia.

This is a unique international youth exchange Erasmus+ project which aims to offer participants an opportunity to explore sustainable development in rural areas through beekeeping and biodynamical farming principles. This exciting project will involve 18-30 year olds from four partner organisations from Slovenia, Italy, Romania and Ireland and will take place in July 2019.

Natasa Kramberger, Jurovski Dol Slovenia, Mayor of Juroski Dol Ionela Gavrila-Paven, Romania and Rachel Budd, IRD Duhallow at the Bee for Future Conference in Slovenia.

The project culminates with an 8-day trip to Slovenia, the land of the bees, to learn about beekeeping, natural architecture, cultural heritage, organic farming, biodiversity and sustainable development.

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Beekeeping for beginners was a practical hands on course led by John O’Mahony and Martin Corcoran of the Duhallow Beekeepers Association.

Duhallow Skillnet

Enterprise Supporting local businesses to grow and thrive is the main aim of the Enterprise Working Group. This group of business people represent different sectors and industries of the Duhallow Economy and at their bimonthly meetings, they look at what types of targeted supports can be put in place to support the growth of local jobs and employment. They help leverage in many different programmes including SICAP, LEADER and Skillnet to address locally identified needs.

Business Awards The Sixth Duhallow Business Awards were hosted in November. With 240 in attendance, this year’s awards were the biggest to date.

The keynote speech was delivered by Skillnet CEO Paul Healy, who congratulated IRD Duhallow for their ongoing work with local enterprise.

The judges included James McAuley (MIG Group) and Mick O’Connell (ESB) had no easy task in awarding the title of Best Duhallow Business to IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace Kanturk Mart. The mart is an congratulating Collette O’Connor, John Cott, Seamus integral part of the Kanturk O’Keeffe and John Noonan of Kanturk Mart on winning the Award for Best Overall Duhallow Business 2018.

Community and the wider hinterland and has a huge impact on local traders. Established in 1959 they put through up to 30,000 cattle in a year and as the only mart in Duhallow, it acts as unrivalled social outlet for local farmers. It is under the management of a voluntary committee, and daily operations are undertaken beneath the watchful eye of Mart Manager Seamus O’Keeffe, with 23 staff on payroll. The committee recently identified the need for additional parking for the town and wanting to support local traders, they developed with LEADER funding a car park with a daily fee of €2.

Donal Mulcahy of Mulcahy Insurances, Macroom won the Best Established Business at the Duhallow Business Awards 2018.

2018 Winners Best Start Up: Katelynn’s Hair Design Best Family Run Business: Kelly Bros Ballydesmond Best Established Business: Mulcahy Insurance Best Women Led Business: Cherryblossoms Preschool & Afterschool Best in the Creative Industry: Duhallow Furniture Revamp Best Community Enterprise: Kanturk Mart Social Enterprise IRD Duhallow welcomes the launch by Minister Ring of the National Social Enterprise Policy in July this year. Social enterprises are businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups such

as the long-term unemployed, rurally isolated, people with disabilities etc., or to address issues such as food poverty, social housing, or environmental matters. There is a wide spectrum of social enterprises in Duhallow. All run by voluntary boards, they provide essential services and much needed employment in the Duhallow region.

Start Your Own Business Two LEADER funded Start Your Own Daniel P Buckley Ltd collects wool Business Programmes were held in from across Munster and with the LEADER funded Wool Baling press, the past 12 months. Delivered by Ruth Cosgrave of Via Lutea, the programmes packs it tightly for shipping overseas. cover the fundamentals of what is required to get started in business including market research, finance, marketing, sales, company structure and basic taxation.

Ruth Cosgrave with the participants of the

Start Your Own Business Course.

Mentoring The SICAP funded mentoring programme offers one to one supports for entrepreneurs on how best to develop their business. Through this, Duhallow businesses can avail of a maximum of 10 hours of expert advice and guidance from our panel of mentors. Our mentors come from a wide variety of different backgrounds and expertise and provide valuable insights for developing or sustaining a business.

Kerry Month of Enterprise Kerry Month of Enterprise (KMOE) is a month long celebration of Enterprise activities that take place around the county. This year there was over 50 events organised across the month, giving established businesses and budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to network and discover the assistance available to them in growing and sustaining a business in Kerry.

The month is a collaborative initiative between IRD Duhallow, Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, IT Tralee (Centre for Entrepreneurship Enterprise Development – CEED), North, East & West Kerry Development (NEWKD); South Kerry Partnership Development (SKDP), IDA Ireland and Udarás na Gaeltachta.

As part of Kerry Month of Enterprise IRD Duhallow hosted a free seminar entitled ‘Driving Sales Through Linked In’ which was delivered by Louise Bunyan of the Silver Fox.

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The Duhallow Skillnet is committed to delivering Affordable, Quality, Training, locally. Our Skillnet receives funding through Skillnet Ireland from the National Training Fund, which was established by the Department of Education and Skills, to encourage businesses to upskill and develop Ireland’s human capital. With the Irish economy currently experiencing turbulent times with Brexit looming, it will take some time to fully identify the impact of Brexit. However all critics agree that up-skilling of our business leaders and employees is key to mitigate its impact.

IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, and Chairperson Mary Wallace making a presentation to Paul Healy from Skillnet Ireland at the Duhallow Business Awards.

Supporting those in Employment The Skillnet model is based on the premise of supporting employees to address skills gaps and become more efficient in their jobs. Our skillnet provides 20% funding towards in house company training amongst their staff, as well as offering a wide range of open courses in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

In the past 12 months, we trained 975 employees across a wide range of skills and industries. The Future Jobs Ireland 2019 report notes that “as people are living and working for longer, we must have a labour market welcoming of older workers.” Our Skillnet has embraced this model, and promotes lifelong learning - 47% of those trained were older than 40 years of age. Similarly fulfilling Ireland’s Talent Agenda, analysis of trainees shows that 34% of those who participated in Skillnet Training recorded Leaving Certificate or lower as their highest level of qualification.

QQI Level 7 in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care Duhallow Skillnet is delighted to have formally launched its first Level 7 degree. “A Degree on Your Doorstep,” this is the first time a QQI L7 programme will be delivered in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket and its graduates will be conferred with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care. Successful graduates will also be eligible for the Higher Capitation with the DCYA. This course is designed for those who hold a Full QQI L6 Major Award in Childcare and who are working full time in the sector with at least 3 years experience.

The course will commence in early September with the 35 places offered currently accepted.

Chef Collab Over 100 diners were afforded a unique dining experience in September Louise Bourke IRD Duhallow with Joseph Collins where the marquee in the James Head of Life Long Learning from IT Carlow and Conor O’Sullivan of Newmarket Credit Union at O’Keeffe Institute housed the the information evening for the upcoming level 7 degree in Early Childhood Education. region’s first Chef Collab event.

The banquet was led by Chad Byrne, head chef at Danú, The Brehon hotel in Killarney. Chef Collab is a project aimed at giving young chefs a platform to display their skills, learn from others and make contacts within the industry. It also aims to highlighting the opportunities to work in the sector, where kitchens often struggle to fill vacancies. Four

young Duhallow chefs from Duhallow Community Food Services took part in this unique event: Chantal Cleary was paired with Chad Byrne of The Brehon Hotel; Katrina Cullinane was under the tutelage of John O’Leary from the Muckross Park; Claire Guerin with Richard Milnes of Dillons Restaurant and Orlaith Tomkins with Paul McDonald from Bastion Kinsale. These young people experienced the pure joy of cooking alongside experienced mentors.

Mairead O’Mahony was presented with her Level 5 Major Award cert in Healthcare

by Enterprise Working Group Member Padraic O’Connell.

Recognition of Learning In November last year 160 certs were presented to those who had completed skillnet training throughout the year in the James O’Keeffe complex. The night saw the Institute’s first cap and gown graduation in over 20 years – A QQI L5 Major Award in Healthcare This group have completed their major award by night across two years and their dedication and diligence to upskilling their skills was exemplary.

Caroline Bell and Breda O’Connell proudly displaying the cake produced as part of the Introduction to Sugar Craft Course for Bakers.

Networking Our Women in Business Network meets on a quarterly basis. Its aim is to promote women in business and provide a networking platform whereby women can support, motivate and inform other like minded female entrepreneurs.

Supporting the Unemployed Future Jobs Ireland, 2019 has Helen O’Sullivan, IRD Duhallow and Bernie Collins a key ambition to “Encourage from Twohigs Super Valu who are members of the Duhallow Women in Business Network. adult dependents and beneficiaries of other full-time welfare payments to engage in activation, enter and/or stay in the workforce” Through the Employment Activation Programme, we delivered two courses to address local economy Skills Gaps: A QQI Level 5 Warehouse Operative Programme and a QQI Level 5 Health Care Support Programme.

Judge James McAuley from McCarthy Insurance Group presenting the award for the Best Family Run Business to Kelly Bros. of Ballydesmond.

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Tourism

Culture and Heritage

IRD Duhallow’s tourism development strategy has been to maximise the potential of our natural resources, our unique culture and heritage, strong traditions and historic roots, as well as capitalising on our wonderful scenery and iconic sites. Nestled between Cork, Limerick, Killarney and Tralee, the region is well positioned for passing Day trippers, however the shortage of accommodation locally, means that these are not converted into bed nights.

Duhallow’s is well known for its rich culture and heritage, most notably that of the Sliabh Luachra Region. Culture and heritage is at the heart of Duhallow and is a key component of our strategic plan.

LEADER One of the nine themes of LEADER 14-20 is Tourism.

Under this measure private enterprises can receive grant funding of 50% and communities Ballyhass Lakes new Aqua Park Inflatable equipment was 75%. This funding can funded by LEADER 14-20. be used across a wide range of measures in order to increase tourism in the region, examples might include: marketing initiatives, development and renovation of infrastructure, heritage tourism, amenity and leisure facilities etc. With an identified shortage of local accommodation Tom Dennehy received funding to develop self-catering accommodation in Millstreet. On the other hand, with LEADER support, Ballyhass Lakes has purchased inflatable equipment for their aqua park. The aqua park can now accommodate 50 participants at any one time featuring two - four meter high slides, huge climbing walls, blast bags, balance logs and trampolines.

Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence The Angling Centre of Excellence continues to play its part in the Tom Ankettell Coordinator of Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence. promotion of tourism in the Duhallow region. The number of visiting anglers continues to rise and the number of different nationalities continues to expand. The region is steadily building a reputation as a destination that will provide a wonderful angling experience for both the angler and family. As well as promoting the angling opportunities in the region, the angling centre also promotes the other activities available for family members during their visit. Ease of access to the many rivers in the region as well as providing day tickets, up to date angling information, guides, tuition and angling equipment gets visitors on the water stress free.

The real proof of the quality of our rivers is the number of anglers who are returning on a regular basis and many first time visitors are here on the recommendation of friends who have been here in the past.

Locally participation in angling is starting to grow at a steady rate especially among young children both girls and boys. Regular coaching courses and events are well attended. The angling camps continue twice a year and number of other courses are available throughout the year for Howard Davies from England enjoying trout fishing on Duhallow’s well stocked rivers..

Carl Lange renowned Tough Soles Blogger completing the Duhallow Way. Many visitors to the region use IRD Duhallow’s five trail walks which are maintained by the Walks Scheme.

both children and adults. These courses are available at different times of the year for both the beginner and the experienced angler who wishes to learn new angling techniques.

The Duhallow Angling Centre has in the past secured international angling events in co-operation with the Kanturk and District Trout Anglers. We are delighted and honoured to announce that 2020 will once again see the five nations fly fishing championships back in Duhallow with teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Norway competing for the honours.

These international events play a significant part in showcasing the richness of our trout streams and ultimately attract more visitors.

Newmarket Pitch & Putt Newmarket Pitch and Putt has continued to build upon last year’s successes. This year has been busy for all involved. The Jimmy Cross Memorial Matchplay Championship 2018. Left to Right: Runner Up Bernard Dugdale LEADER funded Newmarket and Winner Willie John Buckley.

Pitch and Putt website has been launched, players can pay their green fees in advance of playing and where players can pay as you go rather than paying membership all at once. An automatic irrigation system has been installed to ensure the greens are in the best possible conditions for playing.

The Adult and Juvenile members continue to represent the club in competition across the country. Closer to home, they continue to have competitions twice a week which are also very competitive! Newmarket Pitch & Putt was recently involved in the Bob Casey Kerry Inter Club Competition where teams from all over Kerry participated. The club hosted the Munster Gents Strokeplay Qualifiers in May, with four members qualifying for the finals in June.

This August we will once again be running the Juvenile Summer Camp. These camps are supported by the Pitch and Putt Union Of Ireland (PPUI) and supervised be a Development Officer from the PPUI. The camp is a great way to get a taste of Pitch and Putt, learn some techniques and the rules of them game.

Key players in conserving the region’s culture and heritage: Claire O’Rourke, Cork PPN, Ian McDonagh, Cork County Council Arts Officer, Jack Roche and Conor Nelligan, Cork County Council Heritage Officer.

History, Heritage and Genealogy Training With an overarching aim of promoting interest, knowledge and pride in local history and heritage, a LEADER Funded History, Heritage and Genealogy Training Programme was run from February to June 2019.

Attendees were given the opportunity to complete basic and advanced training in the area of genealogy, through becoming familiar with the skills required to research their own family ancestries by studying census returns, church records, land surveys, wills, deeds and publications pertaining to the locality. During sixteen sessions of training, participants were trained on the value of retaining materials for future generations thereby creating their own important archives. At an advanced level, 11 students travelled to Dublin where they met the senior archivist at the National Archives, the senior genealogist in the National Library, while also taking in a trip to the Evaluation Chloe Lehane hard at work at Clondrohid’s Bealtaine Scoraíocht.

Office in Abbey Street.

Participants on the Advanced Genealogy History and Heritage Training Programme visited the National Archive in Dublin as part of their studies .

The Sliabh Luachra Journal The Sliabh Luachra Journal is a long running historical publication featuring a wide range of articles on traditional music, historical events, personalities and the life and times of people in Sliabh Luachra in yesteryear. This year saw the publication of the 18th Edition funded

by LEADER, which was launched by broadcaster Frank Lewis, in Gneeveguilla. This volume features stories from Dan Hannon on ‘My Native Town Brosna,’ the tale of Cahill’s Pub in Rathmore and a feature piece on renowned Sliabh Luachra accordionist Jackie Daly, who has played with groups such as De Dannan, Arcady and Patrick Street.

LEADER funded Newmarket Pitch & Putt have recently launched a new website www.pitchandputtnewmarket.ie

New members are always welcome; for further information please visit www.pitchandputtnewmarket.ie Ben Brosnan, Donal Hickey, Eileen Fleming, Michael Murphy and Oliver Fleming at the launch of the Sliabh Luachra Journal of Cumann Luachra in Gneeveguilla.

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Tureen Creamery Celebrations Glorious sunshine, a wonderful atmosphere and a huge turn out made for a wonderful day at the Tureen Creamery 100th anniversary celebration as part of this year’s Bealtaine Festival. Tureen is a branch of Boherbue Co-Op and continues to trade as a thriving and busy Farm Store serving the needs of customers from the surrounding Parishes of Ballydesmond, Cullen, Knocknagree, Kiskeam and Boherbue.

Churning butter the traditional way at the Tureen Creamery 100 Year Celebrations.

The event re-enacted the changes experienced by the Creamery life down through the years. From bygone days with the donkey and cart, to the era of milk delivery right up to the bulk collection of the world today. There was also traditional butter making, vintage machinery and much more, showing how much rural life has changed in a century.

Glash Crafts Glash Craft group was founded by Eileen Hartnett a decade ago, and at their weekly meetings, the group learn new skills and crafts. To celebrate their ten year anniversary, the group Celebrating Glash Craft Class 10 Year Anniversary: Marion O’Callaghan Tutor, held an exhibition in the James Maura Walsh IRD Duhallow and Eileen Hartnett Glash Craft Group Founding Member.

O’Keeffe Institute, featuring a display of knitwear, patchwork, crochet, art works and soft furnishings. Skills such as these are no longer commonplace and classes are important to ensure that these skills stay alive.

The Glen Theatre The Glen Theatre Committee purchased the old school house in the early 90s and through the support of LEADER funding, they renovated what had become a derelict building into a 150 seater theatre venue for Duhallow.

The seating and lighting in the Glen Theatre was in need of repair as it is the original seating, which was installed when the committee opened the facility in 1995. With the support of LEADER 14-20, the glen theatre lighting, seating and kitchen is currently undergoing refurbishment. The glen theatre is renowned for its plays and this year saw the local drama group’s performances of ‘Sive’ and ‘Caught on the Hop’ travel all over Ireland.

Sinead Guiney played Sive in this year’s Glen Theatre Drama Production.

Cullen Pipe Band had the pleasure of performing Cullen Pipe Band on the main stage at the sold out concert Duhallow has a unique pipe band of famous rock star Rod Stewart, at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Band members pictured above are heritage. Cullen Pipe Band was Jack O’Sullivan, Collette O’Connor, Caitlin, Geraldine and Con Houlihan. established in 1941 and since then, has encouraged the growth of Piping over the past 80 years. It has a successful history in Pipe Band management through active participation in various regional and local event including football matches, parades, and even a special appearance at a recent Rod Stewart Concert.

The band has developed a music excellence programme, where tuition is provided to members weekly and at weekend workshops throughout the year. Through the support of LEADER, the finest international musicians are being brought to Duhallow for Weekend Workshops as well as ensemble and piping classes.

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Community Development

Community Development

Community Consultation 2019 IRD Duhallow’s Community Development Working Group held a Community Consultation Process throughout the spring of 2019. These took place over the months of March and April for every community in Duhallow, Sliabh Luachra & Mid-Cork. A series of short presentations and poster-based workshops sought the input of all those in attendance. In addition to this, an online consultation was carried out for those who could not make it on the night and for those who wished to feed into the process.

Members of the Meelin Community having their say at their local IRD Duhallow Community Consultation Meeting.

Forward planning is important for any venture and communities are no different. Without a clear idea of what the needs are and current status of an area, it is difficult to prioritise particular projects or programme applications. IRD Duhallow is also acutely aware of the need for positivity in how we understand rural areas and this was reflected in the poster process. Whilst not ignoring burning issues, as the Carnegie Charter has highlighted, it is important to reflect on the positive attributes of our communities and how this can be best supported into the future.

The Community Consultation was designed following international best practice based on what is current in Community literature.

Workshops were designed to be inclusive and open to all through the use of post-its and facilitators.

process will be realised in understanding the challenges unique to a particular community and the act of recording will help make the case for action on this front.

Community Elections IRD Duhallow’s Board comprises of representatives from a number of sectors with community representatives comprising 8 seats, two for each of our geographical areas – North Eastern, South Eastern, Western and Mid-Cork. All Community groups in these areas were consulted and asked to nominate a representative. We would like to thank Tommy Mullane for his service on the board and to congratulate Tom O’Riordan on his new appointment.

All of the information collected is being put towards community plans for every area and to inform future LEADER and other programme applications. This will help IRD Duhallow and other agencies as to the priorities and actions that should be undertaken in the area to best assist the communities of Duhallow.

Project Ireland 2040 and Communities Project Ireland 2040 is the Governments long-term strategy for managing population growth into the future. As part of this scheme, a number of urban and rural funding streams have been made available for the next number of years. These projects generally call for what Minister Ring has termed “shovel-ready” projects that can commence immediately. While funding streams such as this are always welcome, the process of moving communities from pre-engagement to delivery of a nationally funded scheme is not to be under-estimated. IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group supports the idea of ‘bottomup’ development that puts the onus on communities themselves to take ownership over their own areas and futures with appropriate guidance.

IRD Duhallow recognises that support for smaller communities has to be also provided if all areas in Duhallow are to benefit and prosper into the future. Animation, a key component of LEADER, supports this method.

Community Development Initiative IRD Duhallow in conjunction with the North Cork LCDC delivered the 2018 Community Development Initiative, which is a three-year commitment by Cork County Council for community projects. The fund has a total value for €1.5 Million per year over North, South and West Cork. North Cork LCDC awarded funding to 64 community groups and South Cork LCDC similarly awarded funding to 67 community groups for a wide range of projects. The application process for this programme was much simpler compared to other funding streams such as LEADER. This caused widespread uptake across all of Duhallow and highlighted that demand exists when the application process is not a barrier to participation.

IRD Duhallow’s Model for Delivery of Community Development is highly respected internationally.

A delegation from Canada’s Community Futures Programme and representatives from the University of Guelph spent a day in Duhallow in June exploring the locally led model of community engagement.

LEADER Themes While LEADER caters for a wide range of projects, a thematic budget for Broadband activity has brought a specific focus to improved communications under this programme. Applications are sought for assistance with the planned Strategic Community Access Hubs. These broadband connection points are Community Centre’s that are prioritised for high speed broadband and are to be connected in the first 12 months of the National Broadband Plan. Aubane Community Centre is one such project, which has recently been successful in their upgrading of a computer room, software and printing services. The facilities here and at other Community Centres will give all members of the surrounding community access to high speed broadband at the earliest possible juncture in advance of connection to their home or business premises.

Over 320 Strategic Community Access Hubs have been identified at a national level. These hubs tie to the broader European context where ‘Smart Villages’ are the current focus of thematic group discussion at the European Network for Rural Development. It is predicted that much of the current discussion and learnings at European level will be integrated into the next LEADER programme so that rural areas keep pace with the developments of the tech industry of the 21st Century.

Project applications were aimed at small-scale capital projects valued between €1,000 and €25,000. IRD Duhallow oversaw the processing of these applications and another round of funding is due for 2019.

Cllr John Paul O’Shea, Cllr Gearoid Murphy, Sean Kelly and IRD Duhallow’s Helen O’ Sullivan at the Judging of the Pride of Place Awards 2018 where Bweeng were Shortlisted Finalists.

It is worth noting that common themes existed in all communities such as rural transport or the need for greater mixed used residential development in towns and villages. However, the richness of this Padraig de Burca of Pobal presented at the Helping Hands Seminar which provided information to community groups on how to submit effective applications for grant funding.

Another broader theme that IRD Duhallow has supported in this programme is a number of playground projects across Duhallow.

Ballinagree, Tullylease, Rockchapel and Kiskeam have all benefited from LEADER funding in the construction of their community playgrounds. IRD Duhallow believes in the importance of rural youth and the provision of basic amenities crucial to a quality of life equivalent to larger, urban areas.

‘Hard at Work’ Ballinagree Community Volunteers completed part of the work on their new LEADER Funded playground themselves using Voluntary Labour to part fund the Project.

Irene O’Callaghan and Padraig de Burca from Pobal with Jacinta O’Carroll at the Helping Hands Seminar in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

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Pride of Place The National Pride of Place Awards seeks to recognise the voluntary work that communities undertake in their local area. Now in its 16th year, the IPB Pride of Place awards shows no signs of slowing down with dedicated categories based on population and other themes.

Bweeng Community Hall and Sportsfield Committee were put forward as County Cork’s representative in the 300-1000 population category.

This was emblematic of the community’s dedication to volunteerism and the importance of community spirit. In 2019 Boherbue footpath was nominated for the immense work undertaken by the Community to bring this project to fruition.

Breda Kelleher, Mary Wallace, Chairperson of IRD Duhallow, Donal Spillane, Mayor of Ballinagree, Councillor Eileen Lynch and Macra member Jayne Cotter ready to set off on the 5K Fun Run hosted by Aghinagh Macra na Feirme in Ballinagree as part of the IRD Duhallow Day of the Region events.

Discover Duhallow... A Day of the Region A Day of the Region is a transnational community project with the aim of building capacity and boosting regional pride in our rural communities through community-led events and activities. There are a range of events planned for the summer period with over 23 different communities across Duhallow in North and South Cork and East Kerry hosting close to 100 different events. Events vary from community festivals and fun days, carnivals, guided walks, traditional seisiúns, history tours to name but a few. Dumfries and Galloway was the first region in the UK to deliver the Day of the Region Initiative in 2011.

As part of this project, we have visited our partners in Dumfries and Galloway LEADER in Scotland to share and learn from their experiences. Likewise, we will host our partners to Ireland where a delegation will have the opportunity to learn about our community initiatives and they will have the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the contribution that our rural communities make to the area.

Conor Judge presenting on our Day of the Regions project to project partners from Dumfries & Galloway (Scotland) and Eara Vrancei (Romania).

SICAP The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme continues to be an important strand of funding that complements other programmes. The new programme places a greater focus on qualitative understandings of community development practice which has allowed for a greater focus on quality over quantity in our work with communities. This change which was lobbied for by numerous groups including IRD Duhallow and allows for support of needs that may not be encapsulated in numerical terms.

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Rural Regeneration Fund Rural Regeneration The Irish government launched Project Ireland 2040 early in 2018. It is the Governments overarching policy and planning framework for social, economic and cultural development of Ireland and includes a detailed capital investment plan for the next ten years. As part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed to providing an additional €1 billion for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the period 2019 to 2027. The Fund provides investment to support rural renewal for suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas.

In Duhallow, Banteer Community Sports Field with the support and guidance of IRD Duhallow, submitted an application via us as the lead applicant in September 2018 and were notified of success under category 2 in February this year.

Project Specifications The project entails the development of a regulation sized Astroturf pitch and support facilities for use by all sports in the county throughout Denis Withers was invited

by Minister Ring to present the year and in particular during the wet winter as a panellist on the Rural months. The development of the pitch is on the Opportunities Seminar in Castletownroche. secondary pitch area at Banteer Community Sports field Park. The facility will include an all-weather facility, spectator area and sports pavilion which will encompass changing areas/ museum/exhibitor area /café area and a communal area for events and meetings. The benefits of this development are numerous and include access for all to this state of the art recreation facility, the only community owned one of its size in the county; the further promotion of exercise and healthy living including the combatting of childhood obesity and teenage inactivity; and will compliment and expand the existing facilities of Banteer. This project will ensure that Banteer, a small rural village, will continue to thrive which will have a significant and sustainable impact on the local community.

3D view of what the new Astro Facility will look like.

Banteer Community This project is located in the village of Banteer, North West Cork. The site is 13 miles from Mallow and 4 miles from Kanturk. The population of Banteer village is 356. However, the surrounding hinterland includes approx. 30,000 people. The community of Banteer has been one of the most active in Duhallow over the past 30 years. For a small village, it boasts a staggering number of innovative local services including the local community theatre that attracts National and International stars, the Glen Theatre. It also has a quality Community Childcare Facility employing 39 staff and catering for 270 children and their families.

The Banteer Pond Field development has transformed the area into a sports and leisure hub for the village and surrounding hinterland. Never a community to shy away from a big challenge, the announcement of The Rural Regeneration Fund got the community working immediately.

The initial capital cost associated with the project is estimated to be in the region of €1.2 million. 25 % of these costs will be raised by the local community through fundraising, sponsorship and loans.

Staff and Board Members of IRD Duhallow attended the Rural Opportunities Seminar in Castletownroche where Denis Withers (Centre) made a presentation on the Banteer Amenity Project.

Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG will be the legal owners of the facility, which has been in operation since 1998. The Company Limited by Guarantee has 15 Directors and each have a proven record of accomplishment in developing and running various voluntary organisation and local projects. The local community of Banteer has completed over €4.5M of community projects in the last 20 years without accruing any outstanding debt.

LEADER 2014-2020 LEADER is the acronym for the French phrase – Liaison Entre l’Action de Development et le d’Economie Rurale which translates as links between Actions for the development of the Rural Economy. The EU programme has been in existence for over 28 years, with seven specificities at its core: Bottom up development, Area based, Local Action Group, Integrated Multisectoral approach, Innovation, Transnational and Financial Autonomy.

The current programme is over halfway complete, and is being rolled out in a more diluted fashion to its predecessors. IRD Duhallow has delivered Joe Syron and Rose O’ Brien from Department Rural LEADER in Duhallow since its & Community Development at the Helping Hands Seminar held in the James O Keeffe Institute in May. introduction in 1991. This current programme is the fifth LEADER Programme and is the most complex for project promoter to date. The Duhallow region is covered by three LAGS, North Cork LAG, South Cork LAG and Kerry LAG. Our budgets, 70% reduced on previous programmes, are split across these three Lags. This has caused LEADER in Ireland to move away from its development ethos and is now more aligned with a grant-giving scheme.

The current programme has three main themes. Theme 1, Economic / Enterprise & Job Development which covers the rural tourism, enterprise development, rural towns and broadband measures.

Theme 2: Social Inclusion, which covers the basic services and rural youth measures and theme 3 Rural Environment that covers the water resources, biodiversity and renewable energy measures.

Kay Keegan LCDC Chief Officer and Andrew Lewis of Cork County Council.

Duhallow communities have proved resilient and adaptive, and with our support are navigating the current LEADER requirements with enthusiasm. In North Cork and Kerry, we have reached 60% commitments with South Cork close to 70% albeit a much smaller budget. The Rural Towns and Basic Services Measures are highly subscribed; a tread evident in all previous programmes and one that highlights volunteering and community spirit in Duhallow is thriving, with cash poor and time rich communities availing of the essential match funding support that voluntary labour provides. is alive and well.

The first ground being broken at the construction site.

Jerry Sheehan, founding member of the Banteer Sportsfield Committee, received a special presentation as acknowledgement for his work, at the Official Launch of the Banteer Amenity Rural Regeneration Project with members of the Banteer Community, Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, Mary Wallace IRD Duhallow Chairperson, Maura Walsh CEO and Cllr Gearoid Murphy and Cllr John Paul O’Shea.

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Artisan Food In May 2018, The Department announced that €15 million had been allocated specifically to the LEADER Food Initiative. The fund is open to for Artisan, Micro and Small food producers and grant aid offered at a rate of 50% for private businesses. This initiative aims to support new and existing food and beverage producers to address emerging challenges through investment in areas such as: (1) market development, (2) competitiveness, and (3) innovation. IRD Duhallow was one of the first in the country to put a project through the LEADER food initiative fund awarding €28,136 to Macroom Food Festival for a new Marquee, Stage and Sound Equipment.

At the signing of the LEADER contract for Knocknagree Feasibility study; Conor Judge, IRD Duhallow, Mairead Fleming, Mairead Cronin, Yvonne Brosnan, Maura Walsh, CEO IRD Duhallow, Mairead O’Sullivan, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Chair of North Cork LAG, Noreen McSweeney, Patrick Hickey.

Minister Heather Humphreys presenting the cheque of €1.128m with members of the Banteer Community Sportsfield Committee, IRD Duhallow Chairperson Mary Wallace, Louise Bourke, Conor Judge and Cllr John Paul O’Shea, and Cllr Gerard Murphy.

Rural Opportunity In May this year, Michael Ring TD Minister for Rural & Community Development, brought the government’s Rural Opportunity event to Castletownroche. The event focused on raising awareness of the wide variety of Government supports available to rural areas throughout the region. It also provided advice on how to access Project Ireland 2040 funding for rural, or community, projects. Denis Withers was invited to present the Banteer Project to the event, which was attended, by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, TD and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD.

LEADER has always played a crucial role in Enterprise Development and across our three LAG areas, the cumulative budget it over 90% committed. Under the Economic Theme Private Enterprises can apply for grants of 50% towards capital costs and 75% for Feasibility Studies.

Pictured at the Pride of Place judging in Boherbue for the work on the new footpath: Mary Hayes, Cork County Council, Peadar O’ Callaghan, Michael Cronin, Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Contractor Mike Cronin, Michael Moynihan TD, Judges Alison and Tom Dowling, Cllr Ian Doyle. Cllr Bernard Moynihan provided huge support to the community to complete this joint initiative project between IRD Duhallow LEADER programme, Cork CC and Boherbue Co-op.

Transnational The LEADER 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme ring-fenced an allocation of €10m for trans-national (outside Ireland) and inter-territorial (within Ireland) LEADER Co-operation Projects. Funding is allocated by the Department of Rural & Community Development for co-operation projects on the basis of an open call to all Local Action Groups. Funding is available for co-operation projects involving partners within Ireland, in other LAG areas, EU Member States, EU candidate states and EEA states.

Projects outside of these areas may also be eligible for funding subject to prior approval by the Department. IRD Duhallow has allocated funding to Day of the Regions cooperation project through this measure.

Smart Villages The EU Action for Smart Villages initiative was launched by the European Commission in 2017. Smart Villages, and Smart Rural Towns in an Irish context, are rural areas and communities, which build on, and enhance their existing strengths and assets through creative thinking, Declan O’ Keefe, Manager Boherbue and by embracing innovation, to create Co-op chairs the IRD Duhallow Independent LEADER Evaluation Committee. desirable places for rural people to live and work. Whilst digitisation is significant to the creation of Smart Villages and Rural Towns, social innovation is also paramount. The realisation of ‘smart’ rural areas and communities can play a key role in the development and sustainability of rural Ireland by tackling issues, such as depopulation, the digital divide, limited employment opportunities and out-migration, as well as climate change. The concept of smart villages is closely aligned with the Carnergie Charter for Rural Development, which focuses communities on using their assets in order to develop their areas, a concept IRD Duhallow has promoted over the years.

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LEADER North Cork 2014-2020

LEADER Projects

% Aid

Promoter

Project name

Grant Committed

Rural Tourism 75%

Cumann Luachra

Publication of the Sliabh Luachra Journal

21,882.00

Purchase of a Sandblasting Machine

56,000.00

Rathmore Streetscape

78,013.65

Tureencahill Equipment

6,621.25

To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study

2,582.00

The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow Duhallow Bog Feasibility Study

5,164.73 4,562.17

The Day of the Region Project

32,407.20

Enterprise Development 50%

Sean Hickey Scaffolding

Rathmore Community Council

Basic Services 72.48% Tureencahill Community Group Ltd

Rural Youth 90%

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group

Biodiversity 74% 90%

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

Transnational 75%

IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group

Project Total

f207,233.00

Promoter

Denis J Downey Ltd

Project name

Grant Committed

The Installation of 3 Phase Electricity

20,000.00

The Development of Ballinagree Playground

65,000.00

To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study

2,582.00

Basic Services 50%

Ballinagree Community Development Company

Rural Youth 90%

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group

Biodiversity 74%

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow

5,241.54

The Purchase of Equipment for Macroom Food Festival

28,136.73

Artisan Food 75%

Lee Valley Enterprise Board

Tom Dennehy Kilguilkey House Equestrian Maritime Tourism IRD Duhallow Women’s Forum IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group

The Development of Self Catering Accommodation Purchase of Portable Stabling Upgrading and Development of Facilities at Ballyhass Lakes History, Heritage and Genealogy Training Training in Planning, Recording & Publication of Community Heritage

20,000.00 25,000.00 40,012.40 7,800.00 12,850.00

James O’Keeffe Foundation IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group Cromur Engineering Ltd Daniel P Buckley Ltd Kanturk Cooperative Mart Hickey Metering Ltd Erin Geraghty Michael Winters John Pigott Vanhalen Engineering Ltd

Conduct a Study into Quality Assurance Systems The Delivery of Start Your Own Business Training Purchase of Equipment Purchase of Wool Press Baling Machine Development of New Car Park Purchase of Equipment Class Development for Cork Baby Sensory Development of New Gallops Purchase of an Engraving Machine Purchase of a CNC Plasma Cutter

18,000.00 5,550.00 30,000.00 10,000.00 39,999.99 12,500.00 1,394.77 40,000.00 2,694.50 55,000.00

Upgrading of Boherbue Sports Centre Repairs to the Footbridge of the Glouneen Loopwalk Repairs to the Hall Roof Development of Lyre Community Park & Leisure Area Upgrading of Lighting, Seating & Equipment Repair of Driveway & Carpark To Conduct a Community Development Plan for Knocknagree

12,373.52 10,300.12 22,813.50 35,752.00 21,000.00 37,029.37 27,673.12

Purchase ICT Equipment

1,259.75

Development of Boherbue Footpath Purchase of Equipment for Millstreet Day Centre The Development of Tullylease Playground Development of Rockchapel Playground Delivery of Cullen Pipe Band Tuition Programme Upgrade of Hall Roof Development of Kiskeam Community Playground

40,000.00 2,665.00 37,104.64 36,435.20 4,755.89 48,950.00 52,000.00

To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study Upgrade and Development of Newmarket Pitch & Putt Resurfacing of Freemount Community Car Park Erection of Fencing Development of Freemount Youth Space

12,647.00 48,416.08 42,842.00 18,166.10 38,809.35

Feasibility Study of the Allow, Dalua & Glen Rivers

4,570.32

The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow Publication of Living Landscape Duhallow Bog Feasibility Study

19,033.40 7,529.62 9,124.34

The Day of the Region Project River Feale Catchment Management

158,683.51 9,711.90

Rural Towns 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 86%

Boherbue Sports Centre CLG Araglen Development Association Boherbue Parish Hall Committee Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association Banteer Old School Heritage & Drama Trust Kanturk Rugby Football Club Knocknagree Community Group

Aubane Social Club

Basic Services 75% 90% 75% 75% 100% 52% 60%

Boherbue Community Development Association Millstreet & District Housing Association Tullylease Playground Committee Rockchapel Community Council Cullen Pipe Band Bweeng Hall & Grounds Committee Kiskeam Development Association

Rural Youth 90% 75% 75% 75% 75%

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group Newmarket Pitch & Putt Freemount Community Development Kanturk AFC Freemount Community Development

Water Resources

Transnational 75%

90% 100% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%

75%

Enterprise Development 70%

50% 50% 50% 100% 100%

Broadband

LEADER South 2014-2020 % Aid

Grant Committed

Enterprise Development

Rural Towns 75%

Project name

Rural Tourism

LEADER Kerry 2014-2020 % Aid

Promoter

IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group The Day of the Region Project

32,407.20 Project Total

f153,367.47

90%

Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence

Biodiversity 75% 75% 90%

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

Transnational 75% 90%

IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group IRD Duhallow Environmentt Working Group

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page page 2527

Overall Total

f1,080,447.39

Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme 2018-2022 SICAP is a social inclusion programme funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with co-funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-2020. The aim of SICAP is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Duhallow through supporting rural communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.

Programme Goals Goal 1: Supporting Communities To support communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality issues, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, and creating more sustainable communities.

Goal 2: Supporting Individuals To support disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports.

Local Flexibility Community consultation is vital in determining the types of interventions and actions that are needed from SICAP in order to improve people’s

lives and strengthen communities in Duhallow. Diverse challenges face local communities across the region and IRD Duhallow is able to respond accordingly. SICAP assists IRD Duhallow’s strategic working groups to respond to issues which have emerged in the region. The SICAP programme in Duhallow national has been tailored locally to best meet the needs of disadvantaged areas and target groups on the ground. However, due to the limited budget being made available to IRD Duhallow, it is important to stress that the programme is unable to, and is not expected to, provide a response to all the issues and barriers faced by individuals living in our communities.

Niamh O Sullivan and Helena Switzer of Kerry County Council Community Department reviewing the IRD Duhallow SICAP plan.

Saoi - Network Duhallow Active Retired Groups The Saoi Network is a representative body comprising of 21 Active Retirement groups spread throughout the region. Embracing the latin maxim Epluribus Unum, (through many, one), the Saoi Network collectively advocates on the needs of older people across the wider Duhallow area.

Duhallow has an ageing population and with the region increasingly becoming a “silver economy” as more and more of our citizens living longer, the work undertaken IRD Duhallow staff Darren Reidy and Louise Bourke, with by the Saoi Network is C103’s Jimmy Reidy and Saoi Network Chairman Jack becoming increasingly Roche at the Bealtaine recording of Around the Fireside. more important. The third age in life is when people may no longer be in paid employment, but can remain healthy, fulfilled and continue to contribute to society. The longer people are encouraged to remain in this life stage, the better for older people themselves, their families, communities and society as a whole.

Muircheartaigh. The sprightly 88-year-old entertained the 180 attendees with an insightful talk about the importance of ‘agallamh’ or conversation, as we get older and improving mental health of older people in the community. Other speakers included Jerry Harrington who gave a demonstration on Emergency First Aid, local author Kevin Quaid who lives with Lewy Body Dementia; Amy Murphy of the Alzheimer’s Association; Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen’s Information, Martin Farrissey from Cork Fire Service, Liz Maddox from Cork Older People’s Council and Ray Dwyer, who is in charge of Fair Deal for the HSE. The daylong event also featured lunch, which was provided by Duhallow Community Food Services. The members of the Saoi Network have identified the importance of holding events like this in the heart of the Duhallow Community, so that seniors will not have to travel long distances to access vital service information.

Equally as important, the conference acts as a social event and provides those in the third age with the opportunity to get out and meet others.

Funds Committed to Projects 2018 Action Goal 1

Cork

Kerry

Action

Cork

Kerry

Funding for Knocknagree Community Group 198.50 Stop Food Waste Workshop 52.62 Action 1 Stakeholder Engagement Learn to Grow Your Own Fruit and Veg Training Programme 210.00 Newsletter 5,050.00 1,611.70

First Aid Response Training 1,080.00 Action 2 Empowerment of Disadvantaged Communities CPR Training held in Tureencahill 350.00 Bereavement, Domestic Violence & Counselling Phones 439.23 138.72 Eamonn Kelly Bus Tour 250.00 Duhallow Carers Meeting Costs 268.34 Training Brochures 456.69 Paul Partnership Social Enterprise Training 290.29

Members of the Saoi Network getting into the festival mood for the Action 8 Disability & Mental Health Community Inclusion Mindfulness for Carers 336.47 113.38 official launch of Duhallow’s 2019 Bealtaine Programme.

SHINE Phrenz Support Group 69.53 21.94 Kerry Community Awards 300.00

Towards Occupation Mindfulness Training 540.00 Bealtaine Action 3 Collaborative Networks Sewing & Craft Classes for the Towards Occupation Group 1,423.00 Bealtaine is a festival held throughout the Month of May Saoi Network and Women’s Forum Meetings 297.41 90.91 Towards Occupation 2,468.42 609.97 Publication of Bealtaine Flyers 435.00 137.00 aiming to promote actively ageing and encouraging

Publication of Community Services Brochure 437.00 88.00 Action 9 Labour Market Activation older people to get involved in their community. The Hosting of an Alzheimer’s Tea Morning 65.24 70.49 Safe Pass Training 2,402.20 theme of this year’s Bealtaine Festival was “Be Our Guest:

Training Brochures 1,051.87 390 Action 4 Integration of New Communities celebrating hospitality, welcome and a more tolerant Front Line Office Skills 2,356.00 744.00 Hosting Multicultural Christmas Events 1,012.32 319.68 society.” Each of our groups hosted an event as part of Emotional Support and Counselling Service 200.00

Warehouse Operative Training 700.00 the Duhallow Bealtaine festival which saw a total of 39 Action 5 Community & Social Enterprise IT Training in Gneeveguilla 1,340.00 Equipment for Duhallow Furniture REVAMP 634.64 events held all across Duhallow. The Festival commenced with a special

Equipment for Duhallow Community Laundry 745.00 recording of Jimmy Reidy’s Around the Fireside. Throughout the month of Action 10 Job Centre Paul Partnership Social Enterprise Training 209.71 Newspaper for the Job Centre 245.54 78.61 May, thousands of older people got involved in events in their community Equipment for Duhallow Community Foods 494.00 Training Brochures 306.38 with a wide range of activities from tea dances, to Culture and Heritage Marketing for Duhallow Warmer Homes 644.00 Job Seekers CV Preparation and Interview Skills 900.00

evenings, as well as Chairperson Jack Roche’s Famous Mystery Tour, which IT Training in Gneeveguilla 710.00 saw three busloads of seniors visit South Kerry.

Goal 2 Action 11 Self Employment Delivery of the IRD Duhallow Mentoring Programme 2,700.00 360.00 Seniors Conference Action 6 Connecting Youth Provision Delivery of a Start Your Own Business Programme 1,800.00 Hosting a Careers Exhibition 644.48 203.52 The Saoi Network held their second-ever First Aid for Farmers 285.00 Project Lab Erasmus Training 179.29 Duhallow Seniors Conference ‘Older & Bolder’ Women in Agriculture Conference 888.00 312.00 Hosting a Social Media Information Evening 697.43 220.08 in November of 2018. Part-funded by the Kerry Enterprise Month 699.10 Development of IRD Duhallow Public Speaking Competition 562.62 197.87 HSE, the conference was opened by the Duhallow Business Awards 1,200.00 Development of the Coderdojo Club 578.00

Funding towards the Homework Support Club Rathmore 1,430.00 renowned sports commentator Micheál Ó Action 12 Supporting Disadvantaged Children & Families

Action 7 Community Education & Life long Learning Literacy & Numeracy Programme Spring / Summer 2018 3,300.00 1,000.00 Irish Sign Language Training 532.20 Literacy & Numeracy Programme Autumn Winter 2018 2,200.00 180.00

Basic Make Up Training 764.00 Action 13 Adult & Second Chance Education Play Skills for Parents 740.75 Maria Finn 225.00 Developing a LEGO Club 523.96 Majella O’Dwyer 225.00 Hosting Craft Taster Sessions 736.89 Elmarie Young 150.00 Bee Keeping Training 331.72 Elaine Taylor 250.00 Practical Self Advocacy Training 1,134.64 Michelle Crowley 250.00 Cooking for One workshop 200.00 Shanua O’Brien 500.00 CPR for Paediatric, Infant and Adult Casualties 654.23 Maryna Tatarenets 200.00 GIY Educational Field Trip 275.00

Micheal O’Muircheartaigh was the keynote speaker at this year’s Seniors Conference where there was over 180 attendees.

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Duhallow’s Silver Surfers – The 3 Paddies – Paddy McAuliffe, Paddy Buckley and Paddy Tobin, were presented with the Hobbies on the Net Award by Age Action CEO Paddy Connolly and Professor Brian MacCraith, President DCU.

Duhallow’s Silver Surfers The Saoi Network had four nominated finalists in the National Silver Surfer Awards: The Three Paddys – Paddy Buckley, Paddy McAuliffe and Paddy Tobin were nominated for the Hobbies on the Net Category, and Sean Radley in the Community Champion section. This is the 10th Year of the Silver Surfer Awards, the aim of which is to raise awareness among older people of the benefits of being online and to encourage those who have not gone online to give it a try. Almost 1 in 5 adults have never used the internet and Nora O’Doherty proudly displayed her talents as part of the Glash Craft Exhibition for Bealtaine. this event strives to highlight older adults who embrace technology in their everyday lives. The Awards Ceremony took place in May in the Helix Theatre in DCU and the three Paddys came home with the Hobbies on the Net Award.

National Lottery Funding The Saoi Network applied to the HSE National Lottery Fund for equipment funding for member groups. The Saoi Network worked closely throughout the year with the HSE Community Development Worker, Joanne McNamara, who has been a great support to the groups in the Network. Through this fund, community groups can access small equipment grants to purchase items such as speakers, burcos, chairs and exercise equipment.

Members of Tureencahill Active Retired Group with ‘Michael Tea Higgins’ at the Alzheimers Tea Morning ,which they organised for Bealtaine.

Collaboration with Other Agencies The Saoi Network works closely with other agencies and at their quarterly meetings had presentations from different funders and agencies working with older people including: Cork’s Local Link, Cork ETB and Cork Sports Partnership.

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Equality and Social Inclusion Ireland is becoming an increasingly diverse society and in this regard Duhallow is no different. As with all communities where diversity exists, there is the potential for inequality and exclusion to arise. To this end IRD Duhallow offers a myriad of interventions that aim to support those most at risk of the impacts of disadvantage. IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working Group has been meeting for over two decades and throughout its years in existence several important projects have been undertaken with a critical aim of creating a more inclusive Duhallow.

In practice, the principle of equality, is a critical dimension underpinning every programme run by IRD Duhallow, and this commitment is reflected in diversity of participation that occurs within training Patricia Duda got her outfit just right for her visit to programmes and other Santa and Mrs. Claus at the IRD Duhallow Multi-Cultural initiatives.

Christmas Community Event at Teach Íosagáin, Rathmore.

Supporting Integration According to the CSO 2016 figures in April 2016 there were 535,475 non-Irish nationals living in Ireland. In a local context the statistics on the left can be derived from the 2016 census.

These figures are in contrast with the overall rate for Munster, where the overall statistic is that 15.03% of the population were born outside Ireland.

The IRD Duhallow Equality Working Group has long aspired to supporting members of new communities to become active within their own localities. To this end we have worked with several migrant individuals and groups helping many to attain new skills and opportunities.

Drishane Gardening Project IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working Group recognises that in order to create space for meaningful participation, it is vitally important to support asylum seekers in their efforts to become involved in projects that are of interest to them. Therefore, assistance has been offered through the SICAP Programme for the start-up of a gardening project in Drishane Castle Accommodation Centre. The purpose of this project is to enable and support some of the residents in their efforts to start gardening in the vicinity of centre. Due to a lack of an availability of tools, the residents of the centre have been limited in their efforts to start growing. However as new tools are purchased for the use of residents of the centre, more advanced work can now occur. It is envisaged that this project will provide a focal point for social interaction, engagement and group work for the residents of the accommodation centre. From small beginnings, it is hoped that great things will grow.

Smily Faith Milanzi, Phumulani Nollovu and Abdul Rauf along with Mairéad Hanrahan of Kasi, taking delivery of gardening tools from IRD Duhallow’s Rachel Budd and Nollaig Murphy at Drishane Castle Accommodation Centre Millstreet.

Equality and Social Inclusion relation to rural areas that access to services is a real and continuous challenge, and can often be far more expensive than in urban areas.

The specific vulnerabilities in relation to poverty and social inclusion impacting upon some older adults, people in caring roles, lone parents, those most distanced from the labour market and people with ill-health were highlighted. The positive impacts of good quality education, along with the importance of continuously enabling people to have equality of access in this regard, were also emphasised.

Definitely on Santa’s Good List. Alex Wardas at the Multi Cultural Christmas event in Kanturk.

Multicultural Christmas Event On the 11th of December in the Trade Union Hall in Kanturk and on Wednesday the 12th of December in Teach Íosagain in Rathmore two multicultural Christmas gatherings were held. With the theme of embracing diversity at Christmas time, children from a variety of nationalities were delighted to meet Santa Claus and Mrs Claus in person.

A wide array of festive treats were on offer and all children present received a special gift from Santa. It is hoped to run this gathering again December 2019, with children and their families from all nationalities welcome to attend this special event.

Domestic Violence IRD Duhallow’s Domestic Violence Service offers a confidential, listening support service for those experiencing domestic violence. This service is open to both men and women suffering abuse and is manned by trained volunteers. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive/ threatening, controlling behaviour used by one person over another within a close or intimate relationship and it comes in many forms including: Physical abuse; Emotional or psychological abuse; Sexual abuse and Financial abuse. The new Domestic Violence Act which was enacted on the 1st of January 2019 includes important measures such as the extension for eligibility for safety orders to young women who experience abuse in dating relationships; recognition of an intimate relationship as an aggravating factor in domestic violence cases and the crime of coercive control.

Duhallow Carers The Duhallow Carers Network provides a supportive network and social outlet for family and voluntary carers in Duhallow.

The group meets on the 1st Thursday of every month in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket and is always open to new members joining. Meetings are an opening Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen for members to discuss challenges facing providing valuable family carers, identify training and up-skilling Information information on the Fair Deal Scheme and Family Carers opportunities and to plan social outings and Entitlements activities including the annual summer trip and carer’s mass. In March 2019, the carers group was delighted to host Nuala O’Sullivan from Citizen Information who delivered an informative talk on the Fair Deal Scheme and family carers entitlements.

Great turnout at the Information event on the Fair Deal Scheme and Family Carers Entitlements with Nuala O’Sullivan of Citizen Information organised by the Duhallow Carers Network

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Sheila Crowley, Duhallow Carers; Brenda O’Connell Barry, National Carer of the Year and Mary Wallace, IRD Duhallow at the Carers Week Coffee Morning where the Dormant Accounts for Carers Programme was formally launched.

Dormant Accounts Carers IRD Duhallow secured Dormant Accounts funding for Family Carers in December 2018, to provide training, information and related support services for family carers. The purpose of this programme is to assist carers to provide the best care possible to the care recipient; to reduce the risk of injury to the carer and care recipient and to help family carers cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role. The programme was officially launched by Brenda O’Connell Barry, who was the 2018 National Carer of the year. Brenda - who lives in Ballyhea is caring for her son, Fionn, who is believed to be the only person in Europe with the rare NACC1 genetic mutational condition. The Dormant Accounts programme will be running a series of Accredited and Non Accredited Training programmes throughout Autumn 2019 and Spring 2020.

European Anti-Poverty Ireland Event IRD Duhallow participated in a recent European Anti-Poverty Ireland event which was held in Tralee, Co. Kerry. This important meeting was directly linked to the Social Inclusion Forum (SIF) held in Dublin on 22nd of May. The Social Inclusion Forum is one part of the structures put in place by the Government, to support the development and implementation of its plans to address poverty and social inclusion.

The local preparatory regional event, held in Tralee, provided an important opportunity for broad spectrum discussion and consultation, particularly for people currently experiencing social exclusion, and also for the groups that strive to provide appropriate supports and assistance. This event focussed on people’s real life experiences of living in marginalised communities, dealing with hidden poverty, social exclusion, lack of appropriate supports and basic quality of life issues. Also discussed were the difficulties experienced by those experiencing multiple disadvantage, through mental health difficulties, unemployment, closure of relevant support centres, the prevalence of hidden poverty and the disruption of childhoods due to social inequality. Furthermore, the situation on the ground regarding fuel poverty, transport, social housing access and rent costs, the eligibility criteria for supports, and the lack of social connections experienced by some groups of people were discussed from a rural and urban perspective. Specifically, it was noted, that in

Enjoying the Tureencahill ARA Alzheimers Tea Morning as part of Bealtaine.

Alzheimers Tea Morning Every day, more and more people are turning to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland seeking a range of important services like day care, respite, home care, support groups and to access the national support helpline.

In order to support this very worthy cause two fund raising tea mornings were held. One event was hosted by Tureencahill’s active retirement group as part of their Bealtaine celebrations, while another was held in Duhallow Community Foods Services in Newmarket.

SportsFest Kanturk took place in June and was a great success. There were over 40 older adults taking part in a range of activities in a fun, supportive and social environment. This programme was delivered by Cork Sports Partnership with support through the Day of the Regions Project.

Members of the Duhallow Carers Network attending their monthly meeting in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

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Employment and Training

Employment and Training try and match jobseekers to ongoing training supports that take place through the year which are based on the premise of being affordable and accessible to people. In 2018/2019 105 people were supported through the Job Centre.

Stephanie Moynihan, IRD Duhallow assisting Tadgh Curtin who is currently on our Tús programme with the preparation of his CV.

IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training Service provides access to Employment, Training and Education opportunities for disadvantaged individuals within the Duhallow community. We are conscious that not all people respond to unemployment in the same manner. The impact of unemployment on an individual depends on a variety of factors. An individual’s savings, unemployment benefits and education play a part in how much of an impact a person experiences because of unemployment.

Understanding the negative effects of unemployment helps people to cope and prepare themselves to seek other employment opportunities.

IRD Duhallow has a range of employment activation initiatives with the aim of supporting people who are both short and long term unemployed, to secure and sustain full time paid employment.

Job Centre The efforts of the SICAP funded Job Centre continue with the aim of lowering the barriers that prevent people from taking up work or assist people to identify Staff of Rathmore Credit Union, Mark Hussey CEO, new opportunities to allow Tess Vaughan and Mary Roche with Mary Creedon, individuals increase their access IRD Duhallow promoting local information seminars servicing the people of Rathmore and surrounds. to better paid employment opportunities. The Job Centre offers a range of services and has a service supporting both jobseekers and employers alike. We are conscious that people need a tailored support when they are unemployed and we aim to offer a high quality service supporting and mentoring individuals who need our help. We provide advice on CV preparation, interview skills and job searching tips. We have delivered workshops throughout the year on these topics and importantly we offer an inclusive service whereby we

Community Education and Lifelong Learning Adult education has both direct and indirect impacts. The former is much easier to measure, particularly the concrete outcomes of formal learning such as qualifications, new skills etc. However, adult education also has indirect impacts, such as greater confidence and improved social networks which are more difficult to measure, but perhaps no less significant. Through our Community Education and Lifelong Learning approach we aim to support individuals across a range of disciplines including having a positive impact on physical health; mental health and also having an impact on children’s health and wellbeing. Over 150 individuals in the last year alone have been supported through Goal 2 – providing lifelong learning opportunities through a range of different programmes including: CPR Irish Heart Foundation training; Cooking for one workshop; CPR for paediatric, infant and adult casualty; Lego play skills workshops; Stop Food Waste; Art for Beginners; Angling for Beginners; Bee-keeping workshops; Basic Make Up skills; Digital Photography to name but a few of the programmes delivered. The demand for these courses show their need in the area and the positive feedback received from evaluations and tutors are a reinforcement for how community education and lifelong learning contributes to empowering people to develop their confidence Children getting creative at Lego Club - Lego club offers and feel included. creative lego building sessions for boys and girls

small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities and disadvantaged groups. Since we commenced this programme back in 2013 over 550 people have been trained in Basic Computer Skills and using the internet.

Pictured at the launch of safefood’s 2019-2021 Community Food Initiatives Programme were Mary Creedon of IRD Duhallow, with Sinéad Conroy SECAD. IRD Duhallow is one of 14 initiatives to be funded by safefood over the next 3 years to improve health through food in communities across the island of Ireland.

Community Food Initiative We are delighted to have been approved funding through the Community Food Initiative 2019-2021 which is funded by safefood and administered by SECAD Partnership with the remit of promoting awareness and knowledge of food safety and nutrition issues across Duhallow. This project has recently commenced with a cookery demonstration focusing on increasing our awareness and knowledge around healthy eating and cooking skills. We were delighted to have the Duhallow Community Food Services provide a range of tasty samples and quick and healthy cooking ideas to compliment the Local Training Initiative Open Day to a great crowd of enthusiastic people. It is our belief that nutrition is the foundation of physical and mental wellbeing and we aim to promote healthy food choices, how to prepare fresh foods and create positive rituals around the consumption with the ultimate aim of bringing families closer together.

aged between 5 and 12 years old

and are led by a Certified Play Therapist Labour Market Activation Through our Labour Market Activation measure we aim to provide programmes that are flexible and responsive. This entails different programmes depending on where the client is at, for example some people are relatively close to the labour market and “job ready” and may need short term job specific training whilst other individuals may need more intensive supports and guidance and require one to one assistance to help overcome the challenges they face. A range of training has been delivered over the last year to meet the varying needs including Safe Pass training, Front Line Office Skills, Warehouse Operative training, Good Agricultural and Collection Practices and we also provide an emotional support and counselling service.

Testimonial: Hauwa Umaru

Orlaith Tomkins of Duhallow Community Food Services provided a wonderful cookery demonstration promoting healthy eating at our first Safefood Community Food Initiative.

Members of our Beginners Digital Photography course getting out and about and practicing their craft.

Margaret Kelleher learning the basics on our Art Classes for Beginners funded through SICAP Community Education and Lifelong Learning

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Participants getting ready to start their five week course on Basic Computers.

Adult and Second Chance The Working Group is pleased that the SICAP programme requirements have changed to reflect the need to allocate grants to individuals to facilitate access and entry to further and higher level education. In the last year 10 individuals have received funding from this measure under SICAP. We value the need for this measure as adults may decide to return to learning for a number of reasons including perhaps they may have left school early; they might never have had the chance to upskill or improve their employment prospects; the individual may have been made unemployed and is now seeking to upskill or the individual may be employed in a low skilled sector and in order to improve their circumstances they may need to upskill. We know that bursaries are a crucial way of facilitating access and entry to education opportunities and ultimately improving the circumstances of those who receive them.

One such example is that of Hauwa Umaru. Hauwa is a resident of Millstreet Accommodation Centre and she sought financial assistance to help her complete a Master of Education in Leadership and Management with Mary Immaculate College.

Digital Skills for Citizens Programme IRD Duhallow continues to run training courses through the Digital Skills for Citizens Scheme where we are actively supporting people to get online and enjoy all that the internet has to offer. In a “connected” society, digital skills are essential if we are going to realise the full social and economic potential of this digital world. Funding has been granted through the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and IRD Duhallow is in a consortium group with Age Action. The courses that we are providing focus on digital skills training where citizens attending our classes are learning about the skills they need to use and enjoy the many benefits that using the internet offers.

Training is targeted at people over the age of 45, farming communities,

I was so excited to have been granted a SICAP 4500 grant from IRD Duhallow. Since moving to Ireland, I have been engaged with the community on a voluntary basis at local, regional and national level, where I have been an advocate on many issues, in particular on behalf of those living in the direct provision system, drawing on my experience of migrant life. I aim to put my experience and further education to use in developing the Irish education system and supporting it to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body.

Hauwa Umaru recipient of an Adult and Second Chance Bursary.

The grant from IRD Duhallow will help to ease the financial burden of the cost of the course, which had been a barrier to my participation. It has helped me to see light at the end of the tunnel despite the challenges I have had to face in life, like overcoming religious fanaticism, greed, corruption and misogyny in my home country. This means a lot to me and by God’s grace I hope to fulfil these goals successfully.

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Resilient Youth Programme

IRD Duhallow’s Local Training Initiative The Irish horticultural industry is an important economic sector in Ireland with an estimated farm gate value of €433m, which is the fourth highest sector in terms of gross agricultural commodity output value.

In Duhallow the Local Training Initiative provides vocational training opportunities in Horticulture, providing Level 4 and Level 5 certification leading to progression to further training, education and work in the horticultural sector.

Our Local Training Initiative has entered its fourth successive year. It is a full time programme delivered on the grounds of the James O’ Keeffe Institute and is supported through funding received from Cork Education and Training Board. We are particularly grateful to Patricia O’ Mahony Assistant Manager and Catherine Power, Development Officer at Cork Education & Training Board for their guidance and assistance in administering the programme.

Progression Opportunities To date 32 students have successfully completed the programme at Level 4, with 26 achieving the major award, consisting of all nine modules.

Thirteen students have started the Level 5 programme which commenced in April of this year. The success of the Level 4 programmes is emphasized by the return of 11 past students to undertake Level 5, representing all 3 intakes at Level 4.

Geoff O’Hagan minding the weekly vegetable stall outside the James O’Keefe building. Produce fresh from the garden is available to the local community during the growing season.

Employment opportunities are very limited for the young population in Duhallow, particularly those who have left school early with little or no qualifications or work experience. Building on the key learnings from the Dormant Accounts funded Youth Measure which was an 18-month youth employment focused project delivered between 2016/2017 in conjunction with Ballyhoura Development, IRD Duhallow continues to support Young People (aged 15-24years) who are NEET (not in employment, education or training) through participation on a programme offering a range of pre-employment training supports, mentoring, group development and skills based training. Where possible, training is based on the young person’s needs, capacity and aspirations ranging from unaccredited introductory courses to minor accredited modules.

Ownership of a drivers licence was identified as one of the major barriers young people have in securing employment in this rural region. This is owing to financial reasons whereby the young person cannot afford the lessons or insurance, limited access to a suitably tax registered vehicle and low literacy levels in some Charlene Mc Mullin preparing for her Driver instances which affects their ability Theory Test during workshops supported through the Resilient Youth Programme. to complete the theory element.

From this identified need, IRD Duhallow has incorporated ‘Drive2Success’ core skills training workshops to support these young women and men who do not have access to a car or the support of family to access driving lessons. Participants are assisted to apply for their driver theory test and then thereafter their learner permit. Classroom based learning is facilitated in preparation for the theory test where tutors are on hand to offer one-to-one support to individuals with the questions as well as assisting them with the booking of their theory test and the steps to obtaining their Learners Permit.

Gisela Jones tending to climbing beans in the Therapeutic garden.

IRD Duhallow’s ReY participants had a visit from local Garda Marie Lynch where she spoke to them about her work with the local community.

Participants of the Level 5 Studying hard for their Level 5 theory exams.

Four past students also achieved Level 5 qualifications at An tlonad Glas in Dromcollogher and at Cork Training Centre, with three progressing to Level 7 and 8 qualifications in Horticulture and Wildlife Biology.

A number of past students have also found employment, with local landscaping companies, and organic food producers. Two past students have been employed by the OPW based at Muckross House in Killarney National Park.

Dorothee Ott and Aileen Flynn harvesting onions. These are then sold in the weekly vegetable stall.

Programme Delivery The LTI programme provides a broad introduction into the four main sectors of the horticultural industry at Level 4, namely; food production, nursery and retail, landscaping and sports ground maintenance. This develops at Level 5 into a more academic approach to botanical theory and horticultural science, with The student allotment plot full of potatoes, a large emphasis on organic cabbage, onions and salad. production. The extensive Work Practise module at Level 5 allows students to undertake an 8-week work placement during the summer months. This is invaluable experience and can set them on the way to a career in horticulture. Throughout the year, students receive the opportunity to participate in non-elective modules based on their individual training needs analysis. Included in the programme are a number of events organised by the students, including Plant Sales, a Garden Open Day and a Weekly Vegetable Stall throughout the growing season. These events accentuate the work put in by the students and enable the general public to purchase organically raised vegetables and plants. The progression route from Level 4 to Level 5 at IRD Duhallow allows students continue their studies in the extensive grounds of the James O’Keefe Institute before progressing into employment or further training.

The success of the programme is owing to the fact that the training is characterised by a facilitative learning approach incorporating, project based learning, development of individual learning plans, self-paced learning, individualised learning supports, work experience opportunities and provision of high level one to one support throughout the programme.

Willie John Buckley working on his allotment plot.

Testimonial: Dermot Smith I completed the Level 4 horticulture Local Training Initiative in 2017.

As part of the qualification, I undertook 2 weeks’ work placement with Patrick Dinan of Blackwater Landscapes, based in Dromagh.

Many young people who join the programme are unsure of what direction to take and therefore are not ready to make a decision relating to their future career. By offering alternative learning opportunities and taster subject modules, as well as wrap around supports, the programme maximises the likelihood of achievement for the young people to either further education, apprenticeships or paid employment. It allows the young people to progress to other mainstream provision at a pace which is appropriate for them thus reducing the risk of repeated drop out which can be significantly detrimental to motivation and progression.

Work experience gives young people an insight into working life and enables them to learn by doing. IRD Duhallow’s existing linkages on the ground with local employers are utilised to facilitate supported work sampling, work experience placements, Timmy O’Sullivan, ReY programme pictured on the first day of his Youth Employment Support work shadowing, volunteer Scheme (YESS) Placement at Newmarket Pitch placements and place and train and Putt with Rose Slattery, Department of Employer Affairs and Social Protection and Tom schemes. ‘In work’ support is Twomey, Newmarket Pitch & Putt. facilitated to ensure job retention and career development. This involves regular contact with both the young people and the employers via email and phonecalls to monitor progression. Site visits are also used to review the experience and address any issues arising.

In 2018, with the assistance of the QCBI Innovation fund, IRD Duhallow successfully engaged with 22 young people utilising a strengths based approach to overcome the barriers which affect participation i.e. health, social, educational, employability. The part time programme included: One to one strengths based mentoring, planning and guidance supports as well as providing clear signposting to related support provision. Participants availed of tailored training including: Manual Handling, Health and Safety in the Workplace, Digital Skills Training, Personal Development, Apprenticeship information, CV and CV cover letter building, Interview techniques, Job search strategies and continuous one to one mentoring. 10 young people were supported to complete their driving lessons with a local qualified driving instructor.

An Information session was held on the Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) in January 2019. Pictured are speakers on the morning; Ailbe Coffey, Career Coach; Jennifer Drumm, Jacinta Carroll, IRD Duhallow; Rose Slattery, Employer Relations Officer DEASP, who spoke on the YESS Scheme and Jason Sheahan, past youth programme participant speaking of his experience.

After the course ended, he employed me on a part time basis and I am still working with him. I learnt a lot from my time on the level 4 horticulture course and from Patrick, my employer. As I had enjoyed the year’s course, I decided to come back for the level 5. This was done with the support of my employer to further develop my career in horticulture.

Undertaking these courses has given me new opportunities to learn new skills and to develop my interest in gardening and has enabled me to start on a career in landscaping.

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Some of the Resilient Youth participants pictured with Jacinta Carroll and Jennifer Drumm, IRD Duhallow on a teambuilding trip to Escape Rooms Limerick where they had to communicate and work together to find clues, solve puzzles and crack codes to solve the puzzle and escape from the room.

Natalia Oleszko & Marie Murphy pictured receiving advice and tips on how to dress for an Interview from Joan Cashman, Colour and Image Academy.

The benefits from this programme are numerous including social benefits concerning individual’s success in effectively and constructively participating in social, civic and working life. The programme empowers the young people to grow in confidence in their own employability and engage more effectively with the labour market whilst also positively attributing to their mental health. The preparation for work element of the programme provides an immersive experience for the young people to gain a greater understanding into cross sector career options.

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Youth and Education

Youth and Education

The IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group plays a key role in the provision of support to children and young adults of Duhallow.

Education plays a critical role in the sustainability of rural areas through generational mobility and access to the jobs and industries of a modern day service economy. Studies have shown that for every 10km a young person is from a Higher Educational Institute, likelihood of participation in education decreases by almost 3%. The Youth & Education working group, through support of extra-curricular activities for primary, secondary and adult learners, addresses a key need in an area without easy access to further education. The time period following education must also not be forgotten and the needs of young people aged 25-35 also falls under the remit of the Youth and Education Working Group. The upcoming research study will add our existing understanding of settlement in rural areas and the next generation in Conor Judge presenting Michael O’Connor of Newmarket Foroige Club with their SICAP- funded every community.

Smart TV & Karaoke Machine.

Duhallow CoderDojo There are now more than 1,900 verified CoderDojo’s Clubs across 93 countries, with over 200 clubs in Ireland. CoderDojo is playing a vital role in addressing the technology and digital skills gap. Coding is a new literacy which is of crucial importance to succeed in an increasingly connected world and every child should have the opportunity to develop these 21st century skills. Europe is expected to face a shortfall of up to 900,000 of skilled ICT workers by 2020.

Over the last year Duhallow Coderdojo Club was facilitated by a dedicated group of skilled I.T. mentors, who provided CoderDojo lessons on a weekly basis in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket.

Duhallow CoderDojo provides young people with an opportunity to learn programming and web development skills in a fun environment through mini project work. This has helped to encourage creativity and self-led learning.

The Youth and Education Working Group is extremely grateful to this dedicated team who voluntarily give their time and dedication to running the club providing the young people of Duhallow with the opportunity to learn coding skills that will help them to become the next generation of creators and inventors.

Careers Exhibition Choosing a career is one of the most important life decisions that young people have to make at an early stage in life. It’s about so much more than deciding what you will do to make a living.

Over our lifetime, we spend approximately 31½ years of our lives working, from the Roisín Kelleher, Career Guidance counsellor, providing students with invaluable career guidance advice at beginning of our careers until IRD Duhallow’s 16th annual Career’s Exhibition. retirement. The importance of selecting a career with which we are satisfied cannot be overemphasized.

The annual IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition is an important date in the calendar for Secondary School Students in Duhallow to help them make these important career choices. Over 500 Senior Cycle students from across the Duhallow region and beyond were in attendance at the 16th annual IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition, which took place last October in the Edel Quinn Hall Kanturk. The exhibition was largely attended by local, National and U.K. Universities, Institutes of Technology, Agricultural Colleges, PLC Training Colleges, Solas, and the local Gardaí. Students were provided with an opportunity to explore the many careers available by visiting the different exhibitors stands on offer and speaking to representatives from each college, who gave the students a much needed insight into their future career choice. Roisín Kelleher, Career Guidance Counsellor was in attendance to meet students on a one to one basis to offer additional support and advice in relation to subject and course choices.

Literacy Support Programme It is reported that 1 in 10 children will experience difficulties with Literacy. Funded by SICAP, our Literacy & Numeracy Support Programme focuses on providing targeted supports to Children with Dyslexia or Dyspraxia who are at risk of Early School Leaving. We have three different types of classes supporting children: Literacy Support, TTRS (Touch Type Read and Spell) and Numeracy Support. Our literacy classes have a low teacher pupil ratio (max 1:5) and they focus on reading, writing, spelling, memory work and sequencing. Our numeracy programme focuses on mathematical literacy and building children’s understanding of numbers and build their confidence when using maths. TTRS is an award-winning, multi-sensory course that teaches touch-typing, reading and spelling at the same time. Based on the alpha and omega spelling method, the program aims to build literacy skills and increase confidence and self-esteem in users, as they master the art of keyboarding. Because it takes a multisensory approach to tuition, TTRS is also suitable for users who struggle with physical impairments and specific learning difficulties, like dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Louise Bourke presenting Kym Leigh Farrissey with her Cert for Excellence in Literacy.

Students exploring some of the many courses on offer from representatives from University College Dublin at the IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition.

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St. Colman’s Kanturk were the overall winners who eloquently discussed the benefits and costs of rural life in front of over 60 family members and friends. Eoin O’Keeffe also of St.Colman’s Kanturk took home the Best Speaker prize on the night with his confident presentation.

Graduates of the 2019 Literacy Support Programme with their tutors Brid O’Riordan, Sinead Guiney, Noirin Murphy, Mary Anne Murphy, Avril O’Connor and Nollaig Murphy.

In the summer months we host a ‘Laugh and Learn’ Summer Camp focusing on making learning fun, which incorporates a mix of formal classroom work and activities to foster learning through play. We also host a number of clinics throughout the year focusing on providing additional supports to parents of children with Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and giving practical advice and guidance as to how best they can support their child at home.

Public Speaking Competition 2018 In an age of increased screen time and the continuous stream of texting and typing over verbal communication, IRD Duhallow’s Public Speaking Competition remains an important opportunity for youth of Duhallow to learn an important skill. The importance of public speaking is critical to a wide range of individuals from all walks of life. However, with the advent of Class Based Assessment in the Junior Cycle and continuous assessment at Third level, the importance of public speaking has grown in the education system. Public speaking is a skill that can be learned under the correct guidance and tutelage but the opportunity to speak in front of a room full of strangers remains a major achievement for any young person.

St. Colemans Boys N.S. were victorious in the IRD Duhallow Public Speaking Competition with Chairman of the Youth and Education Working Group Cllr Gearoid Murphy.

IRD Duhallow’s 11th Annual Public Speaking Competition took place during October and November of 2018 with seven teams taking part.

Young Adult Survey Charlotte Kitto pictured assisting some of the attendees at IRD Duhallow’s weekly Coderdojo sessions.

IRD Duhallow’s Youth & Education working group in conjunction with Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe of the GESERA Institute for Action Research have been active over the past year conducting research with both teenagers and young adults as part of the LEADER Youth Work Experience students Jenny Collier and Anna Foley who research Project. This spent a number of months on placement in IRD Duhallow. process has left no stone unturned in order to gain an understanding of topics relevant to life in Duhallow and rural areas as a whole. It is one of the few studies of this type that looks beyond the realm of facts and figures and asks questions such as why it is that young people settle here, why they return home at weekends and what they do when they come back from third level education. Analysis is currently underway and it is hoped that findings will be known before year end. The results will be of particular benefit to the Youth & Education Working Group who will develop a 3-year strategic plan in response to the issues identified.

Twenty-three year old hairdresser Katelynn Murphy was winner of the Best Start Up Category at the Duhallow Business Awards. Pictured presenting the award is Kathleen Cronin from AIB who sponsored the Best Start Up Category.

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Mental Health and Disability Community Inclusion Positive Mental health is a key driver of economic participation and productivity in Duhallow, and hence has the potential to impact incomes, living standards, social engagement and connectedness. Many people experience difficulties with their mental health and these individuals are amongst the least likely of any group with a long-term health condition or disability to find work, be in a steady, long-term relationship, live in decent housing and be socially included in mainstream society.

• One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives.

• Around one in ten children experience mental health problems.

• Depression affects around one in 12 of the whole population.

• 450 million people worldwide have a mental health problem.

(Mental Health Ireland) Know Your Rights The Employment Equality Acts, 19982011 protect people from employment discrimination. This includes discrimination in finding a job, keeping a job or doing work experience or vocational training. They also include advertising, equal pay, promotion and dismissal. The Equal Status Acts, 2001-2011 protect people against discrimination when buying or accessing goods and services. This could include discrimination when accessing healthcare, education, social opportunities or while looking for accommodation.

TO participant Josephine Lehane preparing the soil for potting plants in the therapeutic gardens on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket.

Participants of the Towards Occupation Programme celebrating the festive season at their Christmas Dinner.

Towards Occupation Programme IRD Duhallow’s Towards Occupation Programme continues to provide community based support to those experiencing multiple barriers to progression due to their mental ill health. The programme aims to support persons with mental ill-health/distress to participate in their own recovery and to achieve their full potential. The programme is based on developing the positive assets and resources of each participant by providing accessible, comprehensive and community based supports and training which will re-integrate participants into a social network where they will be supported (individually and within a group) to achieve their personal goals. There is a clear focus on capacity building as well as a strong personal development dimension intertwined throughout the training modules to improve the progression opportunities of participants and to explore Tutor, Trudy Taylor assisting participants with different pathways to achieving their projects as part of the Towards Occupation Programme in Teach Mhuire, Rathmore, Co. Kerry. their personal fulfilment.

Community Emotional Support and Counselling Service IRD Duhallow‘s Emotional Support Service is available by appointment to anyone over the age of 18, affected by mental ill health. The support

service is completely confidential, non-judgmental and nondiscriminatory. Very often people with lower incomes cannot afford counselling fees and therefore go without. Mature Students from Cork Institute of Technology provide a weekly community based Emotional Support and counselling Service in the James O’Keeffe Institute as part of their placement process. This includes telephone listening and one to one Integrative counselling. Callers to the Bereavement phone have been referred to this service.

Ability Programme People with disabilities are only half as likely to be in employment as others of working age. Some of the many reasons for this include level of education and skills, a fear around the loss of benefits and low expectations.

The 2016 census showed that 13.5% of the population and 6.5% of those at work had a disability, the labour participation rate for people with a disability being 30.2% compared to 61.4% generally.

TO Participants, Brian Casey and Louise Pomeroy concentrating on their stiches at the TO Sewing and Craft class.

IRD Duhallow Phrenz Support Group Established in 2016, IRD Duhallow’s Phrenz group supports individuals in their own mental health recovery. Sharing experiences with others can be therapeutic and a TO Participant Claire great way for people to learn new coping skills as Galvin working on her patch work quilt. well as growing their support network and making new friends. The group, which is peer facilitated, meet on the second Thursday of each month in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket.

FrienDs Group IRD Duhallow is supporting a newly developed Youth Club called the FrienDS, targets teenagers aged 12 to 18 years who have Down Syndrome. The group was founded by a group of parents who saw the need for a safe space for our young teenagers with Down Syndrome to interact. The group aims Clíona Healy, Kate O’Callaghan and Nicholas Tarrant of the FrienDS group taking part in health & nutritional to support these young sessions, which were held in the James O’Keeffe Institute. people to develop selfconfidence, assist them to develop new skills towards promoting greater independence and preparing them to function more effectively in the community. The main priority areas they feel are necessary include: -Personal safety, Physical health and well-being, Hygiene and grooming, Cooking, nutrition and healthy habits.

A series of nutritional workshops have been facilitated with the assistance of IRD Duhallow’s SICAP Programme.

In response to this, a new programme targeting Young People with a disability was launched in June 2018.

Funding of €16 million was allocated for 27 projects nationally.

‘Fostering Work Place Equality’ Breakfast Seminar

Collaboration for Employers. Left to Right: Triona Dennehy, IRD The Ability Programme is a Duhallow, Dermot Crosby, DEASP Disability Case Officer, Thomas Linehan Twohigs Super Valu partnership project with SECAD Kanturk, Bernie Collins, Twohigs Super Valu Partnership and Ballyhoura Kanturk, Laura Reidy, HR Suite, Jacinta Carroll, Development, with IRD Duhallow Disability Youth Engagement Officer, IRD Duhallow. being the lead partners. Over the past year, we have established a strong relationship with a number of referral agencies to assist in identifying suitable participants for the programme; this has included St, Joseph’s Foundation in Charleville and Mental Health Services of the HSE. Some of the Ability Programme participants pictured after a Drama Therapy Workshop with actor Liam Heffernan, best known for playing the part of ‘Blackie Connors’ in Glenroe.

Support to access & participate in Education & Training Each participant of the Ability Programme was provided with an opportunity to work with Occupational Therapist, Jessica Duggan, to carry out a Vocational Assessment which helped us to further understand the participant, identifying their individual training and work capabilities. This helped to design a programme responsive to the needs of each young person.

The Ability Programme, builds upon the young people’s learning through practical activities that support them to transfer skills to home and local community. Through the delivery of a range of training courses adapted to individuals’ specific needs, the programme aims to help these young people become as independent as possible. A broad range of courses have been delivered including: Life Skills; Social and Personal Development; Community involvement, assertiveness and relationship building; Career Preparation Programme; Drama Therapy; Art & Crafts; Horticulture and Computers.

Aoife Douglas is one of the volunteer counsellors with IRD Duhallow’s Community Emotional Support and Counselling Service.

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IRD Duhallow’s Ability Group pictured on a trip to see Annie the Musical in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre as part of their Social & Personal Development module.

Cookery was one of the modules delivered as part of the Life Skills module.

Promotion of meaningful Social Roles The Ability programme has empowered its participants to develop as individuals and enjoy new challenges through the exploration and promotion of volunteering opportunities and social action whilst making a positive contribution to the local community.

Some of the Ability Programme participants attended Cork SportsAbility Day at the Mardyke Arena UCC in April, and they got an opportunity to participate in a selection of sporting activities.

They are pictured with Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn and Kate Feeney, Sports Inclusion Disability Officer, Cork Sports Partnership.

A range of Sports and Recreational Workshops were delivered by Cork Sports Partnership to help encourage the young people’s participation in recreational activities while improving their social role. Activities included aerobics, badminton, running and basketball. Participants also participated in Cork Sports Ability Day in April, which allowed them to taste a variety of different sports and recreational activities.

Community Awareness Raising IRD Duhallow has carried out a great deal of work over the last year to create an awareness amongst the wider community of their role in disability inclusion.

Joe Collins pictured with some of his creative art work on display at the Ability Programme Art Exhibition.

Participants are supported and encouraged to participate in events in their own Communities through Duhallow ‘A Day of the Region’ Festival. The Ability Group organised an Art Exhibition in June as part of this festival, they got an opportunity to showcase their artwork and put it on display for the wider community.

IRD Duhallow was also delighted to support the first National ‘Make Way Day’ Campaign which was an initiative established by the Disability Federation of Ireland, raising a greater awareness of the access needs of People with Disabilities. Transition Year students from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk and Millstreet Community School took part in this important campaign.

Ability Programme Participants pictured on their graduation day with Joanne O’Connor IRD Duhallow; Cathal Geraghty Cork Sports Partnership; Dermot McNamara and Sinead Higgins of the Wellness Circle; Claire O’Reilly Artist, Susan O’Sullivan, Volunteer; Jacinta Carroll, IRD Duhallow; Pj Cleere, Development Manager of the Disability Federation of Ireland; Noreen Jennings, Support Worker from St. Joseph’s Foundation and Ailbe Coffey of the Wellness Circle.

Engagement with Local Employers Over 30 employers attended a Breakfast Seminar entitled “Fostering Work Place Equality” in November. The keynote speaker on the morning was Laura Reidy, a Senior HR Consultant with the HR Suite, who works across a wide range of industries and sectors providing business owners and managers with best practice advice on all HR related issues. On the morning she provided employers with information on legislation in relation to the employment of people with a disability, workplace ergonomics and disclosure. Dermot Crosby, Disability Officer, with the DEASP was also in attendance and provided information on the range of state supports available to employers to support those with disabilities in the workplace e.g. wage subsidy scheme. Bernie Collins of Twohig’s Supervalu Kanturk gave an employer’s perspective of the wage subsidy scheme while Thomas Linehan, Staff Member also spoke.

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Equality for Women & Childcare The Women and Childcare Working Group continues its efforts to identify and provide supports to address the issues that affect the lives of women in Duhallow and advocates for the positive development of women’s rights and opportunities, especially those disempowered within rural areas. Domestic work, care obligations and low paid precarious employment can combine to decrease quality of life and standards of living for women in rural Duhallow.

Equality for Women & Childcare

in preparation for accessing better quality employment, self-employment and improved social skills as well as supporting women’s advancement into decision making roles.

The forum also aims to identify, acknowledge and celebrate the role of women in Duhallow. We are committed to enhancing the capacity of locally based community groups to promote female participation.

The forum is affiliated to the National Children of IRD Duhallow Newmarket Women’s Council of Ireland, which is After Schools were delighted to participate in the An Taisce National an umbrella organisation for women’s Spring Clean Day 2019. groups in Ireland and represents some 180 women’s groups. This allows the Duhallow Women’s Forum to link in and work with the NWCI in determining its core priorities and be involved in decision-making levels at local, national and international level.

Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme Participants who received QQI Level 5 minor awards in Care of the Older Person, Care Skills and Care Support pictured at IRD Duhallow’s annual Recognition of Learning Ceremony with Mary Wallace, Maura Walsh and Jacinta Carroll of IRD Duhallow.

Women also face a disadvantage in accessing educational opportunities, flexible employment, childcare and rural transport. This has resulted in putting women at a greater risk of poverty and social exclusion as well as having an impact on the women’s mental health. The Women and Childcare Working Group recognises the fact that if disadvantaged women in particular are to achieve equality in the labour market it is essential to remove, or at the least to significantly address, barriers to their progression and participation. A number of initiatives, supports and programmes have been put in place to meet the needs of women in Duhallow focusing on the development of confidence levels, assertiveness skills and self-esteem of women.

Duhallow Women’s Forum Duhallow Women’s Forum, established in 1997, represents a network of 17 women’s groups in Duhallow and plays an important role in improving women’s quality of life in Duhallow. This includes improving women’s access to education, training and personal development supports

Judy O’Leary, Chairperson Duhallow Women’s Forum, Jeanette O’Connell, Duhallow Women’s Forum, Mary Wallace, Chairperson of the Board of IRD Duhallow, and Bridget Buckley discussing committee skills at a Women for Change Workshop.

IRD Duhallow has already hosted two workshops as part of this project.

These included a workshop on Influencing Policy Change in January 2019, which covered how policy works and how we can influence it. The second workshop looked at Effective Committees and Negotiation Skills. This was a practical workshop which helped participants understand how successful committees work and will help provide the participants with guidance to ensure that their committee is productive, inclusive and cordial.

are able to avail of this support locally in our facility with qualified and experienced teachers.

IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools administers the National Community Childcare Subvention An Taisce National Spring Clean Day 2019 Programme and operates on a tiered with Rachel O’Connell, Co-ordinator of IRD pricing policy where subsidies are Duhallow’s After Schools and Rachel Budd, Horticultural Trainer with IRD Duhallow. offered to families in receipt of a social welfare payment and/or who hold a medical card ensuring that all families have the opportunity to access the service regardless of their financial circumstances.

Since its establishment the Working Group has made a significant contribution to the region including the organisation of numerous seminars and conferences and in particular the production of a calendar in 2004 in honour of 12 notable and distinguished women from the Duhallow region. Following this, an information booklet was also produced detailing information of the lives of each of these notable and distinguished women.

Participants of the Women and Local Elections workshop which was held to explore the current issues for women in Duhallow prior to the Local and European elections.

IRD Duhallow’s CEO: Maura Walsh, Chairperson: Mary Wallace and Vice Chairperson: Breeda Moynihan Cronin - All Female Leaders.

Pictured at the Annual IRD Duhallow Recognition of Learning Ceremony are recipients of QQI Level 5 awards in Frontline Office & Reception Skills.

Women for Change Project In May 2018, the National Women’s Council of Ireland together with nine organisations including IRD Duhallow’s Women’s Forum, were successful in receiving funding under the Wheel’s Training Links Fund Scheme, under funding through the Department of Education & Skills. The aim of this project is to bring together a diversity of women who are currently involved or are interested in getting more involved in representation and participation in decision making within their local communities. This project gives women an opportunity to access training and to support each other in calling for women’s equality as well as to bring about change.

PEIL Gender Equality Programme - Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women provides a local, supportive and an accessible approach to education and training for women. This project aimed at women who have been out of the workforce, has provided an excellent opportunity to support women to increase their personal and social skills whilst giving them the opportunity to upskill by taking part in a series of training opportunities, both accredited and non-accredited. This has enhanced women’s access to employment by giving them an opportunity to learn new skills suitable to a variety of different careers, helping them to find a new direction in their life.

174 women have been supported through Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women to date. Training such as QQI Level 5 modules in SNA, Intellectual Disability Studies, Palliative Care, Infection Prevention and Control, as well as Computer Skills for Work, Personal Development are some of the comprehensive range of supports offered through this programme. The programme has supported women to identify their existing skills and qualities and has helped them to consider returning to the workforce thus decreasing their risk of poverty in later years. The provision of mentoring has also been significant as it gave women an opportunity to avail of one to one support.

This project is co-funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Justice and Equality and the European Social Fund through the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020.

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In May, a Women and Local Elections workshop was held to explore the current issues for women in Duhallow prior to the Local and European elections. The Workshop covered topics such as what women want from local councils in the local area; an explanation of the current state of representation; the role of local councillors and the issues they should deal with? How can we make our local councils more accountable to women and how to engage with candidates on the doorstep. These workshops have given women in Duhallow an opportunity to learn skills in leadership, lobbying, campaigning and influencing policy.

IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools Easter Camp 2019.

Our service is a vibrant, happy and safe learning environment all year round with exciting Easter, Summer and Halloween camps offered annually. Technology Camps, Arts and Crafts, Baking, Nature Trails, Pitch and Putt are but few of the activities that the children take part in. The children and staff of IRD Duhallow Newmarket Afterschools are currently working towards their fifth Green Flag, which relates to Litter and Waste/ Global citizenship and were excited to recently participate in the An Taisce Spring Clean day 2019.

Afterschools IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools was founded in 2005 to serve the local communities in Duhallow by providing Afterschools care for children aged 4-13 years.

Under the Child Care Act 1991 (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018, IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools underwent registration with Tusla in 2019.

A well-deserved treat prepared

by Rachel O’Connell, Co-ordinator of IRD Duhallow’s Newmarket After Schools during the Easter Camp 2019.

The service prides itself in assisting families in the locality by offering daily bus transfers from schools to the facility, the provision of a nourishing meal from Duhallow Community Food Services as well as dedicated one-to-one homework support- and of course loads of fun activities and games once the homework has been completed!

The offerings of IRD Duhallow Newmarket After Schools include a full support network for families apart from the day to day after school care, literacy and numeracy support is also available on Tuesdays where children who are in the need of added support in literacy and numeracy

Members of the North Cork Childcare Managers Network at their meeting in the James O’Keeffe Institute with Stephanie Moynihan, IRD Duhallow and Mary Murphy, Chairperson of the network.

North Cork Childcare Network The North Cork Childcare Network provides a valuable collaboration and networking platform for managers from 25 community childcare facilities in Duhallow as well as Tusla, Cork County Childcare Committee, representatives from IRD Duhallow and other stakeholders in the childcare sector.

The network meets on a bi-monthly basis to share experiences, discuss challenges facing the childcare sector and to identify opportunities including staff training.

Members of the network welcomed the announcement of the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Early Childhood Education & Care via the IRD Duhallow Skillnet commencing in September 2019. It is anticipated that graduates of the course will add to the available workforce at a local level combatting the current shortage of qualified child care professionals in the sector and more specifically in Duhallow.

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Warmer Homes Initiative

Duhallow Furniture Revamp

Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (BEWHS) IRD Duhallow’s Warmer Homes Scheme is in operation since 2006 and at the end of 2018 we have insulated well in excess of 3,850 houses. Areas covered include North and Mid Cork, South Limerick and all of Kerry.

This Scheme is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Pobal through the Community Services Programme (CSP).

To qualify for this scheme, you must be in receipt of Fuel Allowance or Family Income Supplement or Job Seekers Allowance (For more than 6 months and have a child under 7 years of age), the One Parent Family Payment, Domiciliary Care Allowance and Carers Allowance. Homes must be owner occupied and constructed before 2006.

Eileen Moynihan, IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes and Susan Andrews from SEAI at the Helping Hands Seminar held at the James O’Keeffe Institute recently.

Additional Retrofit Works Additional deeper retrofit works such as internal dry-lining, external wall insulation, heating upgrades, demand control ventilation and window replacement were added by SEAI to the BEWHS in 2018. IRD Duhallow has partnered with Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) for the delivery of additional deep measures to our customers.

Enprova & Kingspan Retrofit Home Incentive Scheme In 2018, we upgraded our cavity IRD Duhallow is a registered installer of wall van. This van was fitted attic, cavity wall and internal dry lining with a built in compressor which removed the need to tow a insulation measures under the Kingspan & compressor to each job resulting in greater efficiencies.

Enprova Retrofit Home Incentive Scheme.

This scheme is rolled out through our cavity wall certificate holder Envirobead and is available to householders whose properties were built prior to 2006. In 2018, 51 houses received funding for insulation works through this scheme.

External Wall Insulation works being carried out through the BEWHS in 2019. IRD Duhallow has registered with Baumit External Wall Insulation are in the process of gaining installer status through the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

Better Energy Communities Programme (BEC) IRD Duhallow carried out energy efficient upgrade works to a hotel in North Cork under the BEC programme in 2018.

Two local projects have received grant approval through Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) 2019 BEC application.

These include Clondrohid Community Centre and Millstreet National Boys School. Works to be carried out include replacement of internal lights with high-performance LED lights and cavity wall insulation works.

Installer Tade Roche drilling a wall in preparation for cavity wall insulation in a property.

Continuous Training & Quality Assurance Training is an essential part of our service where staff are kept up to date on industry standards. These include Manual Handling, Working at Heights training, Abrasive Wheel training, Mobile Tower Scaffold training, Installer Insulation training, Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS), Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) and Safe Pass.

Our cavity wall teams have received training from Envirobead Insulation on surveying and insulation and are certified with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to deliver Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation.

KSN oversee the quality control for the BEWHS where their inspectors carry out random quality checks on houses completed by IRD Duhallow.

In 2018 we had a pass rate of 96% from these inspections. We continue to carry out internal quality control checks to ensure we maintain this Installer Tom Cambridge pumping insulation into cavity wall in a house high pass rate

With the assistance of the Community Services Programme Duhallow furniture REVAMP has been in operation since January 2016 and is providing a range of in-demand services to the community and in particular to disadvantaged individuals and groups in Duhallow.

In addition to the wide offering of good quality second-hand furniture for sale, Duhallow REVAMP Revamp staff - Krzysztof Cielen, Jessica Baron, provides a collection and Colm O’Connor, Julie O Flaherty, Debbie Pearson. delivery service, therefore enticing the general public to have their furniture recycled and diverting such items from ending up in landfills. A repair, restoration and re-upholstery service is also available and proving extremely popular and with the addition this year of professional pneumatic tables to the workshops, REVAMP has been able to extend greatly the range of repairs it offers. A detailed workflow plan is in place to ensure that there is as little waste as possible and that project goals and priorities are met on time and within budget. There is also a discount available in an effort to further assist and entice those in receipt of social welfare, low income households and students.

completed by IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes.

Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) IRD Duhallow are registered with Pobal to deliver the Senior Alert Scheme to householders over 66 years of age. Qualifying householders receive a free alarm or pendant which can be worn around the wrist or neck. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year’s free monitoring. To date, over 290 applications have been approved by Pobal and installation of the alarms by Tunstall Emergency Response is on-going. We continue to promote this service through the SAOI Network, Duhallow Revamp, Duhallow Community Laundry, DCFS and the Community Care group.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors IRD Duhallow received an additional allocation of 200 carbon monoxide detectors from Age Action in 2018.

These alarms were donated

by Gas Networks Ireland and DJ Sheehan cutting an insulated slab prior to completing dry lining works under the BEWHS. complement our insulation and ventilation works through the BEWHS and our installers fit the detectors free of charge in each home.

Employment The Warmer Homes Scheme is staffed through the Community Services Programme (CSP) which contributes towards the employment of a coordinator and 5 full time staff. The scheme is further supported through a number of labour schemes including the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), Community Employment (CE) and the Tús Scheme who supply participants to work with teams insulating attics and cavity walls.

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IRD Duhallow were shortlisted for the REPAK awards. Pictured at the awards presentation were: Seamus Clancy CEO Repak, Triona Dennehy, Colm Crowley, Jessica Baron, Julie O’Flaherty, Colm O’Connor and Debbie Pearson of IRD Duhallow; Breeda Moynihan Cronin, Chair of IRD Duhallow’s Social Economy Working Group; with Tony Keohane Chairman of Repak.

Environmental goals and bulky goods management With over 100 tons of furniture diverted from landfills to date, Duhallow REVAMP is actively participating in a greener local environment. One of the principal aims of Duhallow REVAMP is to repair furniture items with as little waste as possible and with a strict adherence to using a minimum of 85% reuse goods and materials in its overall operations. To date, the average is less than 5% new materials and over 90 tons of the furniture handled by REVAMP has been redistributed back into the community through sales and refurbishment, thereby contributing to a reduction in ‘greenhouse’ gas emissions and fly tipping. REVAMP also plays an active role in alerting authorities regarding illegal dumping and with the provision of a free collection service offers a great incentive to all individuals in the community to play their part in creating a cleaner environment.

Commitment to quality goods and services Duhallow REVAMP were the first enterprise in the country to be awarded the Re-mark, Ireland’s Reuse Quality Mark of Excellence.

The Re-Mark was established by the CRNI, through the EPA Green Enterprise funding, to address Attending Cork County Council Reuse Exhibition - Colm O’Connor and Jessica Baron With Cork County Mayor Patrick Gerard Murphy.

consumers concerns regarding the quality and safety of reuse goods. REVAMP also participated in producing a promotional video which is now used by the CRNI to show other enterprises the benefits of the Re-Mark. The project was also a finalist for the Pakman Awards 2018 in the Community Recycling Project of the year category. These national awards recognize excellence in waste management and recycling among businesses, organizations, community groups and initiatives in Ireland. REVAMP was also nominated for the Cork County Mayor’s awards 2019. These accolades are testament to the difference Duhallow REVAMP is making in the community.

Winners at the IRD, Duhallow Business Awards Creative Industry Category: Revamp Staff Helena Enright, Julie O’Flaherty, Jessica Baron, Debbie Pearson and Krzysztof Lichorobiec with Maria Herlihy.

Employment and Training Opportunities Another underlying social objective of Duhallow REVAMP is to provide employment and training opportunities. The social enterprise is currently operating with 4 full time equivalents including Craft and Upholstery Operatives, Stock Control/Sales and an Accounts Administrator. Employees of REVAMP have availed of training opportunities through our Skillnets programme in the fields of Health and Safety, Administration, Customer Service, Training Delivery and Management to name but a few. The project is currently seeking expressions of interest from unemployed individuals who are interested in completing a work placement in the area of upholstery, woodwork, furniture restoration and customer service. A range of training opportunities are available through Skillnets and SICAP e.g. Forklift, CPC training, Dumper Truck Operating, Safe Pass and Manual Handling.

Newly Renovated Furniture Shop In 2018, REVAMP has application to Dormant Accounts Funding was approved and the showrooms received a Antique dining chairs being full renovation and brand new look as a result. reupholstered by Jakub Nowacki CE Participant.

We are grateful for the assistance of the CRNI who linked Duhallow REVAMP with an experienced retail merchandiser for design purposes. The showrooms which houses our unique stock collection is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm so please come and visit!

Testimonial: Liam Foley, Buttevant “I first found out about IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp on Facebook. I had an old chair at home that was given to my Grandmother as a wedding gift in 1896. It had remained in our house for years but ended up in the shed for the last 30 years and it got into disrepair. I decided to get in contact with IRD Duhallow Furniture Revamp and we got the wheels in motion by revamp staff coming out and pricing it then going through exactly what they could do for our piece. I then went and dropped the piece to them after a few weeks I got a call to say it was ready. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw it was restored to its former glory. They were brilliant to deal with and I could highly recommend IRD Duhallow Revamp.”

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IRD Duhallow Community Employment Scheme

Duhallow Community Laundry

Community Employment is a social welfare programme aimed at supporting the long-term unemployed to enhance their employability while enhancing the capacity of communities to function as cohesive social structures. CE has, since its introduction in 1994, acted as a resource for communities to identify their own needs and priorities. CE integrates employment interventions and training for the individual with community services provision.

The Laundry is a hive of activity each day with the team ensuring that clothes are efficiently washed, pressed and folded.

Margaret, Anita, Eileen and Natalia the dedicated team that staff the laundry from Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm.

Duhallow Community Laundry is the newest of IRD Duhallow’s Social Enterprise to be rolled out as part of our overall suite of services to the elderly, infirm and disadvantaged people of Duhallow. The laundry provides an affordable and accessible service located in the James O’Keeffe Institute with a home collection service also available. Care Alliance Ireland recently published their Discussion Paper 10 focusing on rural carers and highlighted Caregivers in remote areas with limited access to shops and services were at significantly increased risk of mental health difficulties. Duhallow Community Laundry is one of services that alleviates pressure on carers in rural Duhallow.

Governance The Laundry service falls under the remit of the Social Economy Working Group of IRD Duhallow and report on a monthly basis to the group on operations, business development and finance. The working group provides invaluable expertise to the service drawing local knowledge, business acumen and client understanding.

Anita delivering laundry to Mr. John Linehan in Clonbanin one of our regular customers that we collect from on a regular basis.

The working group also supported a variety of grant applications which assisted the laundry with upgrading of our equipment and also to construct a ramp which allows for the van to be driven right up to the door of the laundry thereby easing the loading and unloading of laundry.

Networking From the experience gained in operating the laundry this past five years, we aim to engage with similar services in order to develop best practice and strive for continuous professional development of our service.

In the past year, we have engaged with Mary MacMahon and Clare One of our customers Mrs Patsy O’Sullivan, Derinagree receiving her laundry from Margaret. Cashman from the Millennium Family Resource Centre in Glengoole, Thurles. They were in the process of setting up their own community laundry and they were able to see first-hand how our laundry operates on a daily basis and go through all the policies and procedures that we have in place.

We had the pleasure of hosting Daily Living Skills class on laundry for the wonderful Ability Group, Anita demonstrated how all the machines worked and gave them tips on doing their own laundry.

Laundry Team Duhallow Community Laundry is staffed primarily by the Community Services programme, which affords us one manager and 2 FTE positions. We also avail of RSS and Tús participants to supplement the staffing. Like all CSP services, the aim of the service is twofold; provide an essential service to the local community while simultaneously providing valuable work opportunity to those distanced from the labour market.

The laundry can cater for large sheets and duvets. This means that Older People don’t have to deal with cumbersome laundry items.

We are fortunate to have two very capable women in Anita Castle who was recently appointed as supervisor and Margaret Murphy who oversees the daily operations of the service. They ensure that every aspect of the service provided is completed to the highest standard. Ann Holody, Joan Sheahan and Irena Cicha all recently completed their Tús work placement with Natalia Olesko and Eileen Sheehan joining the team earlier in the year.

Duhallow community laundry provided the ideal opportunity for Tús participants to receive quality one on one training whilst completing their placement under the stewardship of Anita and Margaret.

We also hosted a Daily Living Skills class for participants on the IRD Duhallow Ability Programme, a programme designed to support young people with disabilities to improve their employability through a range of person centred supports. Anita demonstrated to the participants how all the laundry machines worked and gave tips on doing their own laundry.

Anita overseeing Aoife from the Ability programme doing a wonderful job ironing, under the tutelage of Anita the Ability group learned all the basics for doing their laundry.

Testimonial: Pat O’Connor “I would have been completely lost without the valuable service offered by IRD Duhallow’s Community Laundry. I live on my own, and when I broke my wrist a few months ago, I found myself totally helpless, especially when it came to putting out clothes. Someone suggested that I ring IRD Duhallow and it has been an absolute Godsend. The girls who work there are just so friendly and they are a pleasure to meet when they collect and deliver my items. Best of all it’s at a price I can afford and the washing and pressing is always done to a top standard. Thank you to all who are involved in the delivery of this valuable service.”

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Over the years, IRD Duhallow has worked to balance the twin aims of the scheme, striving to provide the best quality labour for communities whilst also providing legitimate work experience, education and training for the long term unemployed. We have established our scheme to provide work placements in areas where real work opportunities exist locally. The variety of work on our scheme caters for both participants with activation needs and those with social inclusion needs.

IRD Duhallow’s Community Employment scheme is unique in that it is run as part Participant Helena Enright discussing of a wider suite of services to Duhallow with Paddy O’Connor CE Supervisor her progression plan. Paddy spends which we administer as the Local time with each participant exploring Development Company for the entire progression opportunities and further training options. region. Our scheme is located across a number of specific communities in the area including Rathcoole, Boherbue, Ballydaly, Kilcorney, Dromtarriffe, Lyre, Newmarket and Banteer.

CE focuses its efforts on long-term unemployed, providing the ideal opportunity for people to be reintroduced to the workforce while also promoting lifelong learning and training.

Working on the scheme Krzysztof Lichorobiec in Duhallow Revamp workshop provides the platform for where he works to refurbish old furniture. Krzysztof participants to enhance is learning valuable skill in which there are currently identified skills gaps locally. their self-confidence and work experience while simultaneously-adding value to Duhallow communities. Our scheme currently has 22 places across the region and the work completed is in areas such as Caretakers, Park Assistants, Furniture Restoration, Administration, Accounts, Community Laundry, Community Kitchen, Village Tidy Towns, Insulation Operatives and Counter Assistants. Working as part of a team is essential for anyone hoping to re-enter the workplace and working on CE through IRD Duhallow and its communities affords participants the opportunity to interact with community members and participants of other schemes fostering a strong work ethic, which stands to each participant in their future career path.

of the community through the CE scheme with our participant Philip playing a key role in village maintenance and in particular green keeping.

Participant Development through Training Training and retraining is a key focus of the community employment scheme.

The Chantal Cleary completed the Chef Collab Department of Social Protection course as part of her training on CE. This fund specific training courses, afforded her the opportunity to shadow top which have a QQI FETAC, City class chefs, culminating in her producing a dish for 120 attendees at the Chef Collab Banquet. and Guilds or other Certificate qualifications for participants. IRD Duhallow also runs a Skillnet training programme, which is utilised by the scheme for other training, which the Department does not cover. This affords our participant’s wide opportunity to access desired education and training programmes.

Aaron Colman works in the DCFS meals kitchen, which produces and delivers almost 40,000 meals annually to older people in the Duhallow region.

Over the past year, participants took part in Manual Handling, Driver Certificate of Professional Competency, Interview skills, Chefcollab, Horticultural Equipment, Accounting Technician, Forklift and Abrasive Wheel courses. All of the courses undertaken by participants are certified through SOLAS, QQI or City and Guilds.

In terms of employment, the 2018/2019 scheme year was a good one for our scheme. Six participants have progressed into employment, which is ultimately the primary aim of Community Employment.

Pat O’Sullivan works in Dromtarriffe Community Centre where he oversees its maintenance and prepares the hall for its many events.

Testimonial: Michael Buckland Lehane Bus Hire “I worked on CE under Paddy for two years completing my work in Rathcoole Soccer Pitch and Dromtarriffe GAA. I really enjoyed my time on the scheme. It gave me great confidence and got me into the routine of getting to work as well as meeting and working with people. After the scheme I got a job with Lehane Bus Hire on a part time basis initially and now I’m working full time for them.”

Working as part of the community also instils a sense of pride for each of our participants. This year, Boherbue Community were nominated for Pride of Place and IRD Duhallow supported the efforts William O’Sullivan maintains the Church grounds in Ballydaly as part of his 19.5 hour a week placement.

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IRD Duhallow Rural Social Scheme Strengthening Rural Economies and Communities is central to this Government’s ambitions under Project Ireland 2040. Nationally, there has been an increase of over 28% in the places available under the Rural Social Scheme from 2600 to 3350 illustrating the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting and sustaining rural Ireland. The aim of the Rural Social Scheme is to address the provision of certain services of benefit to rural communities, by harnessing the skills and talents available among low income farmers and fishermen, while continuing to provide income support to eligible persons who are in receipt of specified, primarily, long-term social welfare payments. The objectives of the RSS are to: provide participants with opportunities to put work skills into practice and to learn new ones; boost the participants’ motivation and confidence; and to support the development and delivery of services to improve community wellbeing. As the RSS is a supplementary income support scheme designed specifically for those whose income falls below a certain limit, an individual must continue to satisfy the qualifying criteria for the scheme to be eligible to participate on the RSS. If a participant’s circumstances change, a means test is undertaken to determine their new rate of payment.

IRD Duhallow Rural Social Scheme

• Village and countryside enhancement projects; • Looking after waymarked ways, agreed walks and bog roads across Ireland; • • • •

Social care and care of the elderly such as meals on wheels; Community care for pre-school and after-school groups; Environmental maintenance work such as Tidy Towns projects; Helping non-profit cultural and heritage centres.

Supporting Farm Families The RSS has established itself at the centre of rural life in communities throughout Duhallow. The social supports of Farm Assist and RSS are vital to supporting and sustaining farming family life for small holders.

The RSS provides an important voice to farm families on social issues and IRD Duhallow strives to keep farm families notified of changes in farming procedures or policies, as well as dealing with individual cases that affect them and their community. IRD Duhallow’s Women’s forum has lobbied with regard to pensions and securing entitlements for farm women so they qualify for pensions in their own right. Farm families have been updated on changes to the pension system. An information session on the Fair Deal Scheme has been facilitated and the Duhallow Carers have been lobbying for a cap on the maximum charge that can be applied to non-residential, productive assets. Farm Safety remains high on the agenda and farmers are encouraged to improve working practices and take preventative action to reduce risks.

Reaping the Benefits in the Community By working closely in a supportive role with a wide range of community and not for profit groups, the RSS has helped to create a sustainable community volunteer culture with a constant flow of projects and work that is contributing to the character and appearance of the region. The sustainable assistance provided to communities through the scheme has played a strong role in stimulating and increasing levels of voluntary activity. The support of RSS participants has enabled local volunteers to focus on community planning, coordination and improved project management and financing.

The Walks Scheme The Walks Scheme is a national scheme involving all landholders on National Waymarked Ways, Looped Walking Routes and Heritage Routes, along with other trails that have been approved by the National Trails Office. The scheme ensures that National Waymarked Ways and priority walks that traverse public and private lands are maintained and accessible. IRD Duhallow administers the Walks Scheme for the Duhallow Way Walk, which stretches 50 miles from Bweeng, Co.Cork to Clonkeen Church, Co. Kerry, South of the Paps Mountains. Funding is provided for 25 local private landowners to maintain and upgrade their sections along the route. IRD Duhallow’s RSS continues to support walking tourism in the region through the promotion and development of the National Trails Office accredited walks.

and environmental issues e.g. living conditions. The steering group comprises of local Gardai, Community Welfare Officers, Public Health Nurses, an Occupational Therapist, Local Authority Staff, St. Vincent de Paul, Rural Social Scheme/Tús Supervisors, the Warmer Homes Scheme Coordinator, Rural Meals Delivery Drivers and MABS. The group meet quarterly or as required to oversee the implementation of community care requests.

The local safe guarding group coordinate efforts to identify needs, anticipate potential hazardous situations, facilitate appropriately timely discharge from hospital and work to Bruach na Carraige is a centre for cultural integrate the individuals into their excellence based in Rockchapel. Bridget Keating own community support system. works with the committee to ensure that the centre is prepared for upcoming concerts and

training workshops.

Care & Repair Service IRD Duhallow has completed 21 repair jobs/referrals to date under the Care & Repair service in 2019. This service is provided through a pool of local volunteers. The householder only pays for any materials used. Ten people also receive a weekly friendly telephone call service. In 2018, Age Action donated 200 Carbon Monoxide alarms, which are being installed free of charge in homes.

Testimonial: Timmy O’Connell

This year four participants Seamus Curtin, Tim Mahony, Billy Curtin and Michael P Murphy retired from the scheme, as well as supervisor Michael Corcoran. We wish them all the best in the future.

Participants must be actively farming or fishing with an underlying entitlement to a qualifying department payment, such as Farm Assist, in order to be eligible. The rate paid to a participant on the RSS is equivalent to the participants underlying social welfare payment plus a top-up of €22.50 subject to a minimum payment of €220.50. RSS participants in receipt of a widow’s pension or disability allowance retain their payment and also receive a top-up payment which will bring the minimum weekly payment equal to €220.50. As part of the recent Social Welfare Budget package for 2019, the Department of Employment and Social Affairs increased the weekly personal rate for participants by €5.00 with proportionate increases in weekly payments for qualified adult dependents with effect from March 2019. There is currently vacancies available on the scheme with IRD Duhallow.

“I started on the Rural Social Scheme last November, I am still relatively new to the scheme, but it already has made a huge difference to my quality of life. I have a busy workload on the farm but my weekly hours with the scheme are completed no problem without affecting what I have to do on the farm. The work I do on the RSS is greatly appreciated and I know that I am making a valuable contribution to life in Duhallow.

The difference it has made to my social life already is amazing, I find I have a lot in common with my work mates and we socialise together, which has been a huge boost to my self-confidence. We can discuss different farming methods; we can talk about problems on the farm and maybe get advice or suggestions.”

Work is available on the following type of projects: • Caretaking at community and sporting facilities; • Energy conservation work for the elderly and the less well-off;

Paddy Lucey is placed in the Glen Theatre, Banteer where he ensures that the old school house is kept in top order for its many Concerts and Events.

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RSS affords participants the opportunity to remain farming while working in the community for 19.5 hours a week. Timmy O’Connell works on his farm in Rockchapel and as part of his RSS role and is part of the RSS Painting team seen here at Kiskeam Community Centre.

RSS supervisor Sheila O’Keeffe leading the walk on the Mullaghareirk Mountain as part of the Bealtaine festival. Our scheme participants oversee the maintenance of the Way Marked Trails as part of the National Walks Scheme.

Duhallow Community Care Committee IRD Duhallow’s Community Care Committee aim to support older and more vulnerable adults to maintain successful independent living, reduce the level of admissions to hospital/residential care and increase the social reconnection of these people in their own communities.

Each community care case is unique and there is rarely a single solution. Given the complexity of issues, a multi-disciplinary approach across community, health, social care, housing and the voluntary sector is necessary. The Community Care Committee take a holistic approach to the person’s needs that captures physical, psychosocial

RSS Supervisors Marie Fleming and Sheila O’Keeffe attending the community awards.

The work RSS participants undertake in the Community is evident by the excellent scores our villages and towns achieve in the Tidy Towns Pride of Place Awards.

RSS participants Tim Enright, the late Joe Sexton, Davie Joe Breen and George O’Connor treating the invasive species the Himalayan Balsam on the River Blackwater as part of the European LIFE project.

120km of Himalayan Balsam have been removed throughout LIFE SAMOK and Raptor LIFE by RSS.

In remembrance To the shock and sadness of all at IRD Duhallow our colleague, Joe Sexton, RSS participant, passed away suddenly in June of this year.

Joe will be greatly missed by us all. A great worker, straight talker and loyal colleague, Joe had a special word for everyone that crossed his path. During his ten years on the scheme he worked on a variety of projects, in most recent times he led the RSS scheme participants in the RaptorLife Project, where under his stewardship all new members to the team learned how to complete the actions of the programme, with Joe’s strong work ethic ensuring every day was a productive one.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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TÚS Community Workplace Initiative Tús is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection activation initiative that was launched in 2010 for people who are longterm unemployed and in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance. IRD Duhallow currently has 3 Tús schemes, 33 participants and 3 supervisors. Our Tús Activation Scheme is designed to reintroduce long-term unemployed to the structure of work and help them refocus on employment while gaining valuable skills. Participants work 19.5 hours per week for 12 months in a variety of community settings including: Duhallow Community Food Services for the rural meals service, Duhallow Warmer Homes Scheme, Village Renewal, community centres, sporting clubs, St. Vincent de Paul etc. IRD Duhallow aims to break the cycle of unemployment by improving the employability and work readiness of these participants. Work placement opportunities allow participants to put work skills into practice enabling progression to work, further education or skill development opportunities. While on Tús participants may engage in other commercial employment and are supported to pursue this.

The single rate is €225.50 per week or €134.70 for a Qualified Adult.

Other payments in respect of qualifying children is €34 for a child under 12 and €37 for a child over 12. Participants are entitled to statutory annual leave during the 52-week period.

Rylane village are cultivating a pollinator ditch with the help of Tús participant Deborah O’Donovan.

I am unemployed, how can I participate on the scheme?

An individual cannot be considered for Tús unless they are referred by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The Department randomly selects names from the live register of individuals unemployed for over a year. They make contact with those selected to ask if they are interested in the Tús Programme and forwards the details of those who are interested to IRD Duhallow. Everyone on that list is invited to a one-to-one meeting to decide on a suitable placement, which matches their skills. In 2015 the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection introduced an Assisted Self-Referral method, whereby a Social Protection or Employment Services Intreo case officer could also put an individual’s name forward for the programme. To qualify for Tús a person must have been continuously unemployed for at least 12 months and ‘signing’ on a full time basis, and in receipt of a Jobseekers payment for DSP for at least 12 months and currently in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance.

TÚS Community Workplace Initiative

Reaping the Benefits In addition to the top up on their social welfare payment, there are many other benefits to the individual on this scheme, such as generating a sense of psychological and general well-being and an opportunity to become involved with a wider community while working as part of a team. Those who participate receive ongoing training that enhances their existing skills, and develop new strengths and therefore improve their future employability prospects. Tús provides employment for individuals who have been unemployed for over a year, to help them get back into a regular working routine and regain a work focus. It also provides them with the opportunity to learn new skills, build self-confidence and help their local community at the same time. The Tús participants are recognised and very much appreciated for performing valuable work to a very high standard including village enhancement, painting, cutting grass and hedges as well as supporting the Rural Meal Service and Warmer Homes.

The clearly visible improvements to local villages and towns are testament to the success of the activation scheme.

Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed, assisting in habitat restoration in Natura 2000 areas. These plants damage not only our environment, but also can cause structural damage in the region.

Under 25’s Duhallow is acutely aware of the inter-generational nature Tús participants maintaining of unemployment and therefore has focused the garden in the grounds of interventions on households affected to ensure the James O’Keeffe Institute. that the cycle is interrupted. Those aged under-25 who had been receiving a reduced social welfare payment can receive the full weekly rate when participating on Tús. These young people, many of whom have never had any previous employment learn many of the important attributes that are required to hold down a job e.g. punctuality, reliability etc. In addition, a number of those exiting the scheme have been referred onto the Resilient Youth Programme (ReY) where they are focusing on the key attributes and traits of a valuable employee in order to aid their timely progression onto the labour market.

Karin Kempf completes her Tús placement in the local charity shop “Shopín” in Macroom, which is part of Sullane Haven Nursing Home where she also completes arts and crafts with residents. Pictured with Margaret Kelleher.

Traditional Building Skills Development Participants have received in-depth and ‘on the job’ training in traditional building skills including stone masonry, working with various limemixes, brick bonding, and traditional wood and plastering techniques.

This allows participants to acquire new specialised skills before they exit the scheme into the open competitive labour market. The entrance of the Church of Ireland grave yard at Lakeel Cross Kilbrin has been completely transformed with the assistance of Tús. The work involved the removal of an earthen ditch, the forming of a foundation and the construction of block walls with stone piers and gated entrance. It was faced with stone work, with a lime mortar mix throughout to restore the original style of walling. A dry stone wall was also built at the lower end of Kilbrin village. The work involved the clearing back of an earthen ditch, the opening for a gateway and the creation of a seating area. The full length of the earthen ditch was dry stone walled.

Jodie O’Mahony works in IRD Duhallow’s Afterschools service as part of her Tús placement in order to gain experience to progress her career in the childcare sector.

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Willie O’Sullivan mows the Macroom GAA pitch as part of his Tús placement

Old donkey cart before and after restoration. As part of the Tús scheme under the tutelage of Master craft stonemason and supervisor Don Murphy, participants have restored a number of old agricultural machinery for the JOK Agri museum.

Vintage Machinery Restoration Agricultural machinery and many items that were part of rural and farm life in bygone years in Ireland have been restored to their former glory

by Tús Participants under the guidance of Supervisors. The public have kindly donated most of the vintage items which have been restored and renovated. In the past year items such as a horse cart and a donkey cart have been recreated from scratch. These and many more items of vintage machinery from IRD Duhallow were showcased at Tureen Creamery Centenary Celebrations in May of this year.

Environmental Fieldwork A number of Tús participants are contributing to the RaptorLIFE project assisting in habitat restoration in Natura 2000 areas. They operate in teams along the Rivers Allow and Dalua working to eradicate the

Participants Liam Dunne and Paul Shine learn the craft of traditional stonewall building with supervisor Don Murphy.

Testimonial: Jeremiah Lane I self-referred onto Tús with IRD Duhallow in June 2018 as I had a keen interest in Pitch & Putt and was hoping to get a placement in Newmarket Pitch & Putt to learn more about the green keeping side of things. I was told that retraining opportunities would be available to me during the 12 months of the scheme. I was delighted when I was accepted and placed in Newmarket Pitch and Putt. Everyone was very friendly and I learnt a lot about the work that goes into the upkeep and maintenance responsibilities of the course. In November 2018, an opportunity came up to apply for a full time general operative position at Edpac, Newmarket. I applied and thankfully I got the position. I am still a member in Newmarket Pitch and Putt club since leaving the Tús Scheme and represent the club on the Committee and in Competitions outside of Newmarket.

Jerimiah Lane pictured at Edpac.

Tús participants pulling Himalayan balsam on the banks of the River Blackwater as part of the EU LIFE environmental project.

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Orlaith Tomkins, Manager of DCFS

DCFS is managed by Orlaith Tomkins since 2008.

She graduated from GMIT with a degree in Hotel and Catering Management. Prior to this, Orlaith worked in a number of companies both in Ireland and abroad. She has completed a number of training programmes from The Food Safety Authority of Ireland and has also attained the IMCV Professional Manager Award.

Rural Meals Service The primary function at the heart of the operation, is the provision of meals to the elderly. The service can be utilised by the clients at their convenience to suit their individual requirements from one to five days a week. The services continue to be well DCFS driver Vincent O’Sullivan utilised with 37,800 meals produced delivers daily dinners to Joan O’Sullivan. this year. Clients have the option of home delivery; collected at DCFS between 12.30 – 2.00pm or the option to dine in the restaurant at these times is also available. There are six delivery routes in operation daily travelling throughout the Duhallow area and beyond. Studies have shown that staying socially active is a critical part of healthy aging. The restaurant is the ideal space to meet people and enjoy a meal in comfortable surroundings, with plenty of choice on the menu every day. DCFS also deliver meals to senior groups in community settings every week. DCFS had to introduce its first price increase in 15 years, as a direct result of VAT increases in 2019. However, a meal and dessert still represents excellent value for money at €7.50.

convenience. Full traditional afternoon tea is a speciality, reservations can be made by contacting the centre. Outside catering continues to form a large part of our business, providing hot and cold options for home catering, communions, birthdays, funerals etc. advice and guidance will be given on quantities required and menu selection.

Tom Healy is an RSS participant who works with DCFS. The meals are transported in hot boxes to ensure they reach service users piping hot.

DCFS also caters for the students and staff at two local schools, Boherbue Comprehensive School and Colaiste Treasa in Kanturk. We provide homemade soup, scones, brown soda bread, sandwiches, fruit, rolls etc. for sale. The emphasis is on healthy foods produced from good quality ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives and that are low in sugar. DCFS also has a stand at The National Ploughing Competition every year. Here DCFS showcases the services it provides and also has a section of the stand where products are available for sale to the public. Revenue generated from all these sources is crucial to the continuation of the meals service. We would like to thank all our customers for their continued support.

Owner and Head chef of the Bastion Restaurant Paul McDonald was one of the mentors on the Chef Collab programme on which Orlaith Tomkins and Katrina Cullinane participated.

Olive Casey, Neily Flynn and Mary O’Connell planning the weekly orders and deliveries.

Restaurant/Deli/Bakery/Outside Catering Since its inception in 1994, DCFS engaged in commercial activity to help offset the running costs associated with providing a meals service. This is as important today as it has been through the years. Large scale meal production and distribution to homes, in isolated areas is very costly.

Our restaurant /deli/bakery on site is open Monday to Saturday serving a large selection of food to eat in or takeaway. There is a fully stocked deli counter with home cooked meats and salads, a large selection of cakes and desserts, all produced in house on the day. All items can be pre ordered and ready for collection at your The DCFS Pantry Restaurant offers dinners throughout the day allowing the elderly to go out for the same dinner that can also be delivered to their doors.

Staffing DCFS is very fortunate to have long serving dedicated supervisors and team members. Marcio Defreitas, Neily O’Flynn, Olive Casey, Trish Twomey and Mary O’Connell are all supervisors in their own areas of responsibility. We are very grateful for the support of The Community Services Programme, The Rural Social Scheme, Tús and Community Meals Supervisor Marcio Defreitas ensures that Employment schemes who provide the top quality and high standard of our meals is the staffing for the facility. never compromised.

Training and development of staff is important and staff are encouraged to partake in training opportunities for job development but also personal development. In September 2018, IRD Duhallow and DCFS collaborated with Chad Byrne Executive Chef of the Brehon in Killarney to bring #Chefcollab to Newmarket. This was an exceptional experience for 4 trainees to be mentored and trained by some of the top chefs in the county which culminated with a dining experience in the marquee with each trainee guided by the mentor taking the leading role in the production, presentation and serving of each one of the courses on the night. It was a unique experience for those lucky enough to get tickets and for the staff involved.

We are also indebted to all the volunteers who give their time so generously to assist with deliveries.

Governance DCFS is managed by a Board of 16 Voluntary Directors. The Board meets monthly and oversees all the operations of the company.

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Community Groups in Duhallow

Duhallow Community Food Services

South Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Aubane John Kelleher & Noreen Kelleher Banteer Denis Withers & John Kirwan Bweeng Jeanette O’Connell & Sean Kelly Derrinagree Tom Meaney & Andrias O’Sullivan Donoughmore & Stuake Marie Wallace & Monica Kennedy Firmount Rachel Kelleher & Peter Cafferkey Kilcorney Neil O’Shea & Cliona Browne Laharn Eileen Forde & Sheila Crowley Lyre Billy Murphy & Richard Murphy Millstreet Noel Buckley & Marie Twomey Nadd Mary Leahy & Paudie O’Shea New Tipperary Donnache O’Donovan & Bryne Byrne Rathcoole Dan Joe O’Keeffe & Gerard Tancred Western Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Ballinahulla Liam Doody & Betty Collins Ballydaly Richie O’Connor & John McCarthy Ballydesmond Siobhan Moynihan & Dan O’Connor Boherbue Margaret Murphy & Marie Casey Cullen Patsy Jones & Lorraine Singleton Foilogohig Annette O’Reilly & Geraldine Cremin Glash Mossie Fitzpatrick & Timothy Collins Gneeveguilla Cormac Collins & Yvonne Crean Kiskeam PJ O’Leary & Batt Casey Knockaclarig June Walsh & Ide Fitzgerald Knocknaboul Maureen Fleming & Tim Fitzgerald Knocknagree Noreen McSweeney & Mairead O’Sullivan Meelin Eileen Kelly & Denis McAuliffe Rathmore Brian Kelly & Marie O’Leary Rockchapel Mike Allen & Breda O’Callaghan Shrone Conor Creedon & Colette Carmody Taur Batt O’Callaghan & Jeremiah Murphy Tureencahill

Bertie O’leary & Lil Fleming North Eastern Duhallow Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Castlemagner Andy Bourke & John Cott Dromtariffe David O’Keeffe & John Linehan Kanturk John Fuller & Tommy Mullane Kilbrin Tom O’Riordan & Mairead Lucey Lismire Martina Aherne & Marie Arnold Newmarket Marian Murphy & Ollie Dugdale Tullylease Angela Hannigan & Mary O’Connell Freemount PJ O’Sullivan & Mike O’Regan Mid Cork Communities IRD Duhallow Representatives Carriganimmy Joan Kelleher Clondrohid Breda Kelleher & Gerald Kelleher Aghabullogue Cal Healy & Peter Dineen Rylane Nigel Dennehy & John Crowley Ballinagree Shane Lehane & Aonghus MacSuibhne Bealnamorive Jim Twomey Inchigeelagh Joe Creedon & Nora O’Riordan Kilbarry Siobhan O’Dowd Macroom Breda McCarthy & Martin Coughlan Rusheen Gerald Coakley

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James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket, Co. Cork, Ireland Telephone: 00-353-29-60633 Fax: 00-353-29-60694 • Email: duhallow@irdduhallow.com

www.irdduhallow.com