IRD Duhallow Progress Report 2019 - 2020

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COMMUNITIES IN DUHALLOW The Land & People 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 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

Designed by: Sheila Carroll Creative Republic Printed by: Kanturk Printers Photographs by: Eddie Hennessy, Sheila Fitzgerald, Christopher Bourke, Eileen O’Connor, Neily Curtin, Denis Minihane, The Irish Examiner Front Cover Photo by: Eddie Hennessy

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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 IRD 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 Broaden Your Horizons & Community Food Initiative.......................................................... 33 Youth and Education.................................................................................................................. 34, 35 Disability and Mental Health Community 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

IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, newly appointed Minister for Education Norma Foley and IRD Duhallow Chairperson Breeda Moynihan Cronin.

Chairperson’s Address I am honoured to become the eleventh Chairperson of IRD Duhallow, and take the baton from a long line of great leaders that have steered the growth and direction of this organisation over the past three decades. I want to pay tribute to my predecessor Mary Wallace, whose term of office was ended because of a new departmental ruling preventing civil servants from holding such office or becoming directors of Local Development Companies. While her term was short, Mary has left a positive imprint, reinforcing the importance of the community sector that she represented and has served for many years.

The Company’s contribution to the local economy and small businesses remains strong and significant, at over €5.7m directly and when coupled with the almost €2m in salaries paid to our RSS, Tús and CE participants and on top of €376,000 paid out to LEADER projects IRD Duhallow is responsible for injecting over €8million per annum in the Duhallow economy.

The resilience of our communities, people and organisation has been tested, as never before with the Covid 19 challenge. The response of IRD Duhallow, as part of the county wide Covid response teams led

by Cork and Kerry County Council, has been remarkable and is widely recognised. IRD Duhallow’s roots are deep in our community. Our values, interrogated by our Board at its annual strategic review, position and guide the company at all levels and are stated as Courageous, Innovative, Responsive, Caring, Driven and Trusted.

The stellar response of our Board, management and staff has drawn heavily on and validated again, these core values. We are so proud of all our staff who embody these values and supported communities and individuals at the front line. Shopping was done and delivered; community facilities, although not in use, were well maintained; thousands of meals were prepared and delivered; laundry collected and delivered to individuals across the region; training and supports to the unemployed, people with disabilities, families and rural businesses had to be re-adjusted, reinvented and in many cases delivered on line.

We stayed in touch through our friendly phone service and fortnightly magazine Discover Duhallow. In addition, our Furniture Revamp team, supported by community volunteers, made cotton reusable face masks as well as Perspex office screens. The masks were donated to local nursing homes and facilities and are now on sale. I want to pay special tribute to our wonderful staff, for the way they adapted so quickly and efficiently when met with the Covid Challenge. They went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our community needs were met at all levels and I know their efforts are appreciated. This amazing flexibility and courageous response from our management and staff marked this organisation out and set us apart. I was therefore delighted to welcome the Mayor of Cork, Councillor Ian Doyle on his official visit, where he saw first-hand the response of the organisation. It was an honour to accept on behalf of the Company, the Mayors Recognition for admirable service to the people of County Cork.

In addition, our team that made daily and weekly calls to over 700 people and listened carefully to what they told us. In a report to the Board they outlined the issues and terrible impact the Covid restrictions were having on our significant elderly population. As a Company, we responded by bringing their message to the attention of the public and policy makers. We as a society can never again abandon our senior citizens and let them take the brunt of a terrible virus without sufficient levels of care and support. Many felt abandoned, not allowed to visit their life-long partners or parents in hospitals and nursing homes and couldn’t even attend their burials. Not able to visit their churches of receive the sacraments. I want to thank the Irish Examiner, Cork, Kerry and Tipperary Local radio stations as well as national radio for highlighting our issues.

The vital role our Social Enterprises played in providing the essential services that enable people live independently shows the way forward for rural and indeed urban communities. I am proud to serve the sector on a voluntary basis and indeed was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow as a representative of the sector.

As Chairperson, I am satisfied that the appropriate controls exist and are managed effectively to meet the governance requirements of the Charities Regulator. As a company our Board and senior staff sign up to the Ethics in Public Office standards. To this end I want to thank, my fellow Directors and Vice-Chairperson Annette O’Mahony who also chairs our Finance Committee for her support and financial oversight. This year saw the departure of a number of Directors, Anne Fitzgerald, Cllr. John Joe Culloty, Mary Wallace, Brian Kelly and Cllr Gearoid Murphy who resigned on being appointed to Cork North LCDC. Thank you all for your significant contributions to the success of the company.

It is my pleasure to welcome on to the Board Sean Wallace of Macra na Feirme, Pat Brosnan form Western Duhallow and James O’Keeffe representing the Blue Dot Farmers. They will no doubt, contribute to the passion and commitment of the Board and to the strategic development of Duhallow. Two former board members went to their eternal reward during the year; Conor O’ Flynn Newmarket and Patricia Crowley Laharn.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha. IRD Duhallow is widely recognised as having a high performance culture. I want to acknowledge and thank our CEO Maura Walsh and her management team and staff for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

I must acknowledge the support we get from Government Departments and Public Bodies and Agencies. The programmes we deliver are funded by the Departments of Rural and Community Development; Employment Affairs and Social Protection; Children and Youth Affairs; Agriculture Food and the Marine; Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Housing and Local Government; Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; as well as the HSE; Cork and Kerry Education and Training Boards; SEAI; Pobal; The Dormant Accounts Funds; Skillnets Ireland, Túsla, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and LAWPRO. We look forward to working with the new Government on social inclusion, unemployment training and upskilling, rural, economic and community development, climate action, water quality and biodiversity. I was heartened to see the commitment in the Programme for Government to independent Local Action Groups and establishing an interim Rural Development programme to bridge the gap until the next LEADER programme. If the covid challenge has taught us anything, it is the vital importance of groups like IRD Duhallow that are on the ground, flexible and responsive. Core funding of our operations has been identified by our Board as a vital support for organisations like ours into the future.

IRD Duhallow is well positioned for the years ahead, thanks in no small way to our base in the James O ’Keeffe Institute, which makes available to us the facilities and scope to develop and grow. I want to thank its Board for their ongoing support and cooperation in this respect. The coming year will see us review our strategies and start to build a new strategy for the next seven years, based on our solid foundation of social, cultural, economic and environment development, it will continue to be relevant and responsive to the needs of all communities and rural businesses.

Breeda Moynihan Cronin CHAIRPERSON

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Manager’s Report The past year has been exceptional in many ways for the company, its directors, management and staff.

Performance at all levels shows results that have tested the courage, flexibility, responsiveness and professionalism of our entire team. We repurposed, redeployed, reinvented and responded with pace and urgency to the Covid 19 challenge because we have engaged an agile, professional team of workers at all levels, that I am honoured to lead.

and grow their businesses in the face of the economic challenges ahead.

It has been a notable year for achievement with the successful completion of a number of key programmes and initiatives. Our LIFE Raptor programme, commenced in 2014 and shone a light on the Hen Harrier and its importance as an indicator species of the health or otherwise of our environment and biodiversity. With the buy in and support of local land owners, farmers and Coillte we developed innovative responses that will support the survival of the Raptors as well as the survival of the farmers who are custodians of that unique landscape. We are delighted that work will continue with the farmers involved in our LIFE programme who are now signed up to the very successful national Hen Harriers EIP. I want to thank Eileen Linehan, Assistant CEO for managing the project and our project scientist Dr. Allan Mee and Dr. Darren Reidy along with Tom Siekaniec, Nuala Riordan and the RSS and Tus teams that carried out the work on the ground. My thanks also to Coillte for facilitating the creation of a feeding corridor along the Blackwater and to National Parks and Wildlife Service who partnered us in the monitoring and tagging of the chicks.

New programmes have also commenced and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has supported the enhancement of three walks this year. We are delighted to have the opportunity to implement ORIS in both Cork and Kerry in the coming year.

Our community employment programme has expanded to serve the western Duhallow region.

We welcome this opportunity and look forward to working with the Department Employment and Social Protection (DEASP) on this and our RSS and Tus programmes to assist unemployed people regain employment quickly.

Another successful programme completed was PEIL, which focused on upskilling of women to re-enter the workforce. Unfortunately, we do not have a successor programme for this to date. I want to thank Mary Creedon and Katie Crowley who worked on its successful delivery and wish them well in their future careers.

One of the highlights of the year for me was being invited to speak at the tribute seminar for Dr. Rory O’Donnell who retired from NASC. The International and National speakers and attendees with a wide range of senior officials, past and present from Government Departments, Universities, Colleges, NGO’s was a tribute to the greatness of the man. It was a privilege to be part of the day. We were also delighted to be asked to contribute to the hugely successful Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) two-day webinar on ‘Water Quality’ which saw over 2000 delegates register and attend. Our pioneering EU LIFE work on the Allow Catchment formed the basis for our current European Innovation Programme (EIP) for agriculture and the positive impact that it has on the 80 farmers signed up to our project to deliver Blue Dot water quality in the catchment.

I want to thank our Board and Chairperson Breeda Moynihan Cronin in particular, for their dynamic and courageous leadership and their support for me personally and all staff in the organisation. Breeda’s voluntary contribution to the development of this region and the improvement of the Quality of Life for everyone is immeasurable and deserves recognition.

Broadening your Horizons has seen 10 young unemployed people She was one of the first to speak out with courage, in support of our supported to further their education and training and upskill to be better elderly population. prepared to take up employment opportunities. Our thanks to Olivia Quinn who worked on the programme and I wish her well in her future This year has seen three of our staff go out on maternity leave, carer. congratulations to Triona Dennehy, Louise Bourke and Stephanie Our Local Training Initiative produced outstanding results with 9 students achieving QQI Level 5 qualification. We are looking forward to commencing the next intake of learners in September and are working with Cork ETB in order to have all the necessary health and safety covid measures in place.

Our Ireland 2040 Rural Regeneration project in Banteer is set for completion by year end with the astro turf pitch already commissioned and work on the commencement of the spectator stand, dressing rooms, café and exhibition area eminent. LEADER has come on board to complete the carpark facilities and ensure a renewable energy source is installed in the facility.

Our Dormant Accounts Carers support programme has been successfully completed, despite the challenge of Covid toward the end. Congratulations to Conor Judge who leaves us to take up a scholarship in Oxford University where he will pursue a PhD, we wish him every success.

LEADER 2014-2020 ends in December and with over 85% of our budget already committed to projects, we are well on target, to have all committed by the December deadline with a healthy pipeline of projects. We are reassured by the Programme for Government including a commitment to provide funding for an interim programme to bridge the gap in EU programmes.

Moynihan on the birth of their babies. Last year saw IRD Duhallow formally recognise the Long Service of several of our staff. A team of remarkable people were recognised for 25, 20, 15 and 10 years of service across all areas of the company.

I want to acknowledge in particular, the contribution of Eileen Linehan our Assistant CEO to the success of the company. I value her professionalism, leadership qualities, commitment, flexibility and amazing work ethic.

She edited and produced this progress report on top of an already heavy workload, while about to go on Maternity Leave. My thanks 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 special word of thanks to Helen for finalising all the draft pages of this Progress Report. 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.

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

We were delighted with the rapid and agile response of Skillnet Ireland Maura Walsh led by CEO Paul Healy and his team in supporting us to address head on CEO IRD DUHALLOW and facilitate our business network of over 1,000 members to adopt and upskill their work forces, in order to overcome the Covid threat and sustain

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IRD Duhallow Board Members Breeda Moynihan Cronin

Annette O’Mahony

Anne Maria Bourke

Cormac Collins

Breeda re-joined the Board in 2014 to represent Duhallow’s Social Enterprises and is the current Chair. Breeda was a member of Dáil Éireann from 1992 – 2007 and a member of Kerry Co. Council from 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. She was elected Chair of IRD Duhallow in 2019.

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

She is a former National School Principal and has a 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.

Annette was elected to the Board in May 2016 representing the North Eastern Duhallow region and is the current Vice Chair. 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.

Annette volunteers with voluntary groups such as Castlemagner Community Development Association, Tidy Towns and is involved in the local An Taisce litter watch. Annette Chairs our Audit & Finance Committee.

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.

Seán Wallace

Michael Twohig

Seán is a Senior Software Engineer with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation. He was nominated to the Board of IRD Duhallow in 2019 as the Macra na Feirme representative. He is the current Munster Vice President of Macra, sitting on the Board of Directors, and previously held the positions of National Secretary, Chair of the National Competitions Committee, and represented the Muskerry region on National Council for 4 years. He is also a member of both the Community Council & Macra na Feirme in Donoughmore, and sits on the Agriculture Working Group of IRD Duhallow.

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.

John Breen

Padraic O’Connell

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.

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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IRD Duhallow Board Members Jack Roche

Billy Murphy

Pat Brosnan

Billy Dennehy

Tom O’Riordan

Margaret McSweeney

Jack is from Rockchapel and represents the Saoi Network of which he is the Chairman. A former IRD Duhallow Chairman, he sits on the Social Economy, Finance, Human Resources and Community Development Working Groups.

Jack has represented IRD Duhallow on ILDN and ILDN on ELARD the European LEADER Association for Rural Development of which he is past President. He retired from ILDN 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.

Pat was elected to the Board to represent Western Duhallow in July 2020. He has over 20 years’ experience as an online marketing consultant specialising in Search Engine Optimisation, E business consultancy and website design. Pat has lived in Gneeveguilla for over 40 years and has been involved in the GAA, Walking and Basketball Clubs. He is an active member Gneeveguilla Development Association where he is in charge of PR. He also updates Rathmore Parish website.

Pat is a member of North Cork Business Alliance and is an online advisor to Charleville Chamber of Commerce.

Tom O’Riordan was elected to the board in July 2019 to represent the communities of North Eastern Duhallow. A native of Kilbrin, he is married to Nora Mary and they have six children. Tom worked for many years in retail 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. He 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 Lyons

John is a retired Forest Engineering. He was secretary of the Forestry Union for management staff, Chair of the Forest Industry Transport Group, and involved in various projects nationally and internationally.

His current involvements include Secretary and active member of Macroom Tidy Towns,, secretary of Macroom Handball/Racquetball club, Chairperson of Safeguarding Committee in Macroom Parish, Chairperson of local community association, member of gun club, hillwalking club and an active member of Aghinagh Comhaltas Group.

Married to Frances, they have 4 daughters and nine grandchildren.

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 Nadd 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.

Margaret Mc Sweeney 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.

James O’Keeffe

James was elected to the Board of IRD Duhallow as the Blue Dot Farmer Representative in July 2020. A fourth-generation dairy farmer from Lismire. He is the Chairman of the Newmarket Charleville ICMSA. James was elected to be an advisory Committee member of Kerry co-op in 2011. In 2018 he was elected to the Board of Directors of Kerry co-op.

In 2019 James was appointed to their strategy committee. He is an outdoor enthusiast and is a member of the Irish Mountain Running Association.

Married to Aine, they have two children.

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IRD Duhallow Board Members Judy O’Leary

Suzanne Campion

David Doyle

Cllr Maura Healy Rae

Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan

Martin Coughlan

Cllr. Ian Doyle, County Mayor

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 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 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 our elderly, community alert groups and also the provision of sport for our youth. He hopes to continue to help connect people to their own communities in his area.

Martin Coughlan joined 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 Marcoom 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.

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.

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.

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. The IRD Duhallow region was expanded to incorporate the greater Macroom, Inchigeelagh, Rylane area. Gobnait will continue to build stronger bonds between IRD Duhallow’s existing networks and the local communities in her own constituency.

Ian Doyle is from Charleville, and all his life he’s been a community man. 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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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.

1638 1389 197 426 9568 4066

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

1638

1389 197 4066 9568

Youth & Education

Employment & Training

CULTURE & HERITAGE

BEFRIENDING NETWORK CARE & REPAIR

BOARD

2020

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 STEERING GROUP DUHALLOW BIRD WATCH GROW IT YOURSELF Operational Sub-Committees

Community Development GEOGRAPHIC

Equality

DISABILITY ABILITY MIGRANTS MENTAL ILL-HEALTH

426

Statutory Agencies

Local Authorities Independent Evaluation Committee Strategic Working Groups

Finance

Strategic Working Group Sub-Committees

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CARERS LONE PARENTS - PAL

Human Resources Independent Evaluation Committee

Details of Staff EILEEN LINEHAN,

TRIONA DENNEHY,

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)

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, Training 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.

HELEN O’SULLIVAN,

LOUISE BOURKE,

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

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

Helen is the Community Services Team Leader with 15 years experience in the sector. She has responsibility for the management of our social enterprises including the Warmer Homes Scheme, Newmarket Afterschools and Discover Duhallow Community Magazine. Helen oversees the management of the Community Services Programme. Helen also works on the Duhallow Skillnet Programme supporting local companies and employee’s access locally affordable training as well as working closely with communities in South and North Eastern Duhallow to access supports and funding through LEADER & SICAP. She is also the co-ordinator of the North Cork Childcare Managers Network and Duhallow Carers Network.

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.

JACINTA CARROLL,

CONOR JUDGE,

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 the Community and Employment Team. She 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. Over the past year she co-ordinated the PEIL Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme which offered a range of supports to Women wishing to return to the workforce. She is also responsible for employment support initiatives through the SICAP programme.

She is the staff resource for the Equality Working Group and Duhallow Women’s Forum.

B.A. (Hon) Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Sociology 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 led him to his current position working closely with community groups across Duhallow on the LEADER programme as well as facilitating Dormant Accounts Carers Programme. Previously he worked on the IRD Duhallow Community Consultation Initiative and contributes to the Discover Duhallow Magazine.

Conor is an incoming offer holder in the ESRC Grand Union Doctoral Training Programme where he plans to conduct further research in Rural Development.

GERALDINE O’CONNOR,

OLIVIA QUINN,

BS (Hons) in Business Management; Diploma in Learning and Development.

M.A Applied Psychology, B.A Psychology and Sociology.

Geraldine joined IRD Duhallow December 2019 as Development Officer in the Enterprise Team working mainly on our Skillnet Programme. She also coordinates the enterprise and tourism LEADER funding. She brings many years of experience in Customer Service and Operations to the position. In previous roles she created and managed International customer contact centers and restructured global teams as part of outsourcing and cost cutting programs for Fortune 500 companies. She is a passionate volunteer for both Alzheimer Ireland and Cork Penny Dinners. In her spare time, she grows fruit and vegetables, and reads crime fiction.

Olivia joined IRD Duhallow in October 2019, working as a Development Officer across LEADER, SICAP, the Community Food Initiative and the Digital Skills for Elderly Citizens Programme. Olivia assists in coordinating labour market activation, adult and second chance and promotes lifelong learning through the community education programme of SICAP. Olivia also works with community groups in Cork, providing assistance in relation to LEADER funding.

BRÍGHID-ÍDE WALSH,

MAGGIE O’ CALLAGHAN

M.Ed Early Intervention, B.A Hons Child and Adolescent Care and Practice, Supervisory Management QQI L6, Training Delivery and Evaluation QQI 6.

Bríghid-Íde joined IRD Duhallow in 2019 as the Afterschools Co-ordinator. She is Assistant Co-ordinator of the Local Training Initiative in Horticulture. She also works on IRD Duhallows Youth Employment Initiative, Broadening Your Horizons, which supports and empowers young people to participate in mentoring, skills based training and group development work.

Maggie joined IRD Duhallow in January 2020. As a development officer she works primarily on the LEADER programme where she supports and animates communities and businesses to develop their projects and ideas to access funding. Maggie also supports both the business sector and communities through our Discover Duhallow magazine featuring articles from community events, promoting businesses through local advertising campaigns and supporting the development of this new social enterprise itself. She works with communities and local people to include content of interest for our Duhallow readership. Having worked abroad for over 13 years Maggie uses her experience gained to fulfil her current role.

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Details of Staff MARGARET O’CONNOR,

NOLLAIG MURPHY,

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

Margaret is the senior accounts administrator and has been employed by 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 re year -end accounts. 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 support for both of these programmes and prepares the LEADER projects for progression through the CRM system and compliance checks. Nollaig is specifically involved with IRD Duhallow’s integration of new communities remit and equality work, as well as the LEADER funded historic graveyard projects. She also works as a tutor on the weekly Touch Type Read Spell computer classes run as part of IRD Duhallow’s Literacy Programme for children.

STEPHANIE MOYNIHAN,

DERVAL CORBETT,

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

ECDL, Cert in Supervisory Management

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.

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.

MICHAEL MORRISSEY,

JOHN GUERIN,

MSc Applied Science in Ecological Assessment

B.Sc. Chemistry

Michael joined IRD Duhallow in April 2019 as the Agri-Environmental Specialist for the Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP Project. He liaises with project farmers to implement results based measures to protect, enhance and restore riverine habitats in the Allow Catchment. He is a Department of Agriculture approved Cross Compliance Farm Advisory Service advisor and a Hen Harrier EIP project approved advisor.

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.

John joined IRD Duhallow in July 2019 and work full time as a business development Officer. Over the course of his careers he has worked full time in Pharmaceutical, Engineering and Education sectors across UK, China and Australia. He has vast experience in management particularly in the fields of operational management, strategic coordination, market research, business process improvement and financial analysis. John is currently undertaking an overhaul of our financial management system and developing a new accounts system for the company.

JOANNA SZCZEPANIAK,

HELENA ENRIGHT,

Advanced Certificate in Business, Computerized Accounts QQI6, Project Management QQI 6, Accounting Technician Affiliate

Secretarial Course, ECDL

Joanna was appointed Trainee Accounts Officer in October 2019. She works under the central accounts office and prepares reports as required for RSS, TÚS, Out of school, Walks, CE, JOK and helps prepare quarterly reports for Management. Joanna also processes Payroll on a weekly basis for different programmes. She also helps prepare financial reports for Finance meetings and the reports for the Main Board. She assists in the production of financial returns for LEADER and SICAP.

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Helena joined IRD in 2016 and she works as administrator on the skillnet programme where she liaises with all course trainees as well as coordinating the logistics for each training course. She is responsible for ensuring that the skillnet online reporting system ‘Sonrai’ is kept up to date as well as working on the administration of the programmes finance. Helena provides administration support to the staff working in the Laundry service.

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 subcontractor 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 their 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, LIFE teams and oversees much of the on-the-ground actions. She also delivers educational lectures 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 Tus 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.

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Environment The environment has been one of the 4 pillars of IRD Duhallow strategic plan since our inception under the stewardship of Chair Michael Doyle, the working group has made great strides in developing a range of projects across Duhallow focusing on the Environment. We are the only Local Development Company to have secured two major EU Life programmes.

We continue to promote smaller projects that positively impact the environment we live in. One of the key objectives of the Environment Working Group is to raise awareness about environmental issues with an emphasis on safeguarding endangered species and habitats

Swift Towers were erected in Swift Towers communities across Duhallow The working group applied for LEADER including Kiskeam. funding to install six innovative nesting structures in six towns across Duhallow for Swifts. Once in place, the nesting structures are monitored to measure the impact of the intervention. Information panels have been drawn up and will be installed at each site detailing the ecology of the swift and purpose of the project. Leaflets will also be distributed to community groups as a supporting awareness raising exercise. We also created a series of short videos which present a ‘birds-eye’ view of the local area as would be seen by a swift. These videos also compliment the webcam footage when the species occupies the new nesting structure.

A selection of some of the flora in Barna Bog: A. Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) producing abundant berries amongst Sphagnum.

B. Single bush of the non-native sea rosemary on cutover bog cropped C. Spotted Orchid

Bog Feasibility Upland and lowland blanket bog are under serious threat and have disappeared over much of Ireland, especially in the last 50 years due to large-scale afforestation on peatlands, commercial peat extraction and latterly, increased fragmentation due to industrial scale windfarms. The Environment Working Group secured LEADER funding to undertake a feasibility study to explore the baseline data of flora, fauna and bats in Duhallow Bogs and to put together an action plan for best practice bog conservation. This action plan will develop a previous feasibility study and other sources to establish an action plan for conservation actions for a number of key bog land sites in Duhallow including Mount Eagle and Barna Bog. EPA Conference Each year, the EPA hosts an annual water conference in June and this year because of the COVID pandemic, an online version was held on the mornings of June 17th and 18th. Our CEO Maura Walsh spoke at the virtual conference under the theme of Communities in Action examining how as a Local Development Company we involved communities on the ground in the protection and improvement of water quality through our work in LEADER and our two EU Life project’s and EIP Project.

Biodiversity Training Through the LEADER programme, the working group is running workshops on introductions to biodiversity, asset mapping and draft community plans.

Each community will be offered specific training in areas of need identified in phase 1 at a central training location for the purposes of efficiency and lack of duplication. This training is intended for all communities in Duhallow Supported by our Tús with an interest in Biodiversity and specifically aimed at Tidy Towns Groups Schemes, the swift towers and Community Councils who may lack an were erected in conjunction in-depth understanding of the issues and with the local Community and over seen by Brin possible actions. Phase 2 topics include McDonnell of our Bird Watch practical and classroom based instruction Group and Stefan De Beer on topics such as Pollinator Planting, Hedge of Genesis Net Boxes, who laying, Edible Biodiversity, Wildflower manufactured the boxes.

Meadows, Rainwater Harvesting, Best Working with Water & Biodiversity Practice Tidy Towns guidelines etc.

IRD Duhallow through ILDN, the National Local Development Network and LAWPRO supported the development of a guidance book for Barn Owl Conservation communities in environmental projects that can be funded through the The Barn Owl was once a much more LEADER Programme 2014-2020.The guide examines training analysis common sight in the Irish countryside. Due A Barn Owl Chick. IRD and development and capital projects including tree planting, riparian to extensive declines in their breeding population and Duhallow is currently management, river restoration, fish passage, Invasive species control, range over recent decades they are categorised as a undertaking a Barn Owl silt trapping and Red-listed Bird of Conservation Concern in Ireland. Project in conjunction Our working group have secured LEADER funding to with Birdwatch Ireland. citizen science. develop resources on Barn Owls in Duhallow to include a children’s book, IRD Duhallow online resources and a video which will use the Barn Owl to explore the through ILDN local environment and a range of important environmental topics such as supported the food chains, adaptations, predators and prey, habitats, poisons, pollution and publication of the climate change. The design and content of the resources will be appealing to “Working with Water and Biodiversity” children while promoting active learning. We will also host a series of events Guide in conjunction to showcase the wonders of Barn Owls and other wildlife in Duhallow to with LAWPRO. local children and families. Through this project we will also assess the threats to the local Barn Owl population to inform conservation plans to ensure the future health of the population in this important stronghold.

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RaptorLIFE as well as small rodents are critical factors in the survival of birds of prey. Improvement of the quality of farm habitats was attained through cutting and mulching of rush and heather, strategic fencing, improvement of hedgerows, removal of invasive species and provision of nest sites for raptors such as Merlin.

Male Hen harrier in flight over a conifer plantation.

IRD Duhallow secured its second EU LIFE project, RaptorLIFE, which commenced in 2015. This €3m LIFE+ project was a 4.5 year project, which aimed to work with the local community to achieve a better environment for everyone in Duhallow: “Connecting and restoring habitats for Hen harrier, Merlin, Atlantic salmon and Brook lamprey in Duhallow, Ireland”.

The programme finished in December with the final reports submitted to the European Commission earlier this year.

Himalayan balsam is the tallest annual plant in Ireland and can grow up to 3m.

FRESHWATER HABITATS: Measures to improve water quality and instream habitats included planting eroding river banks with willow and alder trees. Fencing of vulnerable riverbanks was carried out and cattle excluded from the river. To help farmers, alternative drinking water sources were provided by the project. Large scale removal of Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed was carried out aiming to remove these invasive plants from river and road networks.

ECOLOGICAL MONITORING On land: Apart from monitoring birds of prey in Duhallow, the project team attached satellite transmitters on a number of hen harriers in collaboration with NPWS. We also monitored their prey species, small birds and rodents, to detect changes in populations. We also monitored habitats on project farms. By observing changes in plant communities over time we can say that habitat restoration works carried out by the project are having positive impacts on habitat and the species on which they depend.

Farmers and anglers enjoy a cuppa, after the project’s ‘LIFE in the river’ day.

We are very pleased with the achievements of this LIFE project. We knew at the outset that we were taking on a big challenge. The success of this project is again due in no small part to the fact that IRD Duhallow has a well-earned reputation as a local community based, bottom up organisation that is respected and trusted by the people we serve. Our work through this LIFE project with landowners and communities will ensure that the hen harrier, merlin, Atlantic salmon and brook lamprey will not only survive but thrive into the future.

Coillte and National Parks and Wildlife Services came on board strongly with this project.

The former taking on the creation of a feeding corridor by clear felling the banks of the Blackwater which saved our budget, that was then used to enhance additional One of the five project information signs produced as part of the land to improve prey project and placed in various locations across the project area. supply.

The latter, NPWS, partnered with us in satellite tagging and monitoring of the birds, which brought additional expertise and broadened the impact of Raptor LIFE learnings to a National Level.

Focus of the project HABITAT RESTORATION - TERRESTRIAL HABITATS: Restoration works on project farms involved habitat management to optimize the amount of prey for raptors as well as an increase of overall biodiversity. The number of small birds such as skylarks or meadow pipits

A collaborative river day for farmers. RaptorLIFE joined up with LAWPRO, Teagasc and North Cork Co-op to inform landowners about the importance of river habitat.

In water: Annual fish stock surveys allowed us to not only quantify fish numbers, but also to learn how these populations change over time.

We observed how they react to pollution and how they recover from such events. Over time this monitoring will allow us to see if the effort invested in the enhancement of the riverine ecosystem was worth it!

PROJECT DISSEMINATION – RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER In the era of constant pressure on wildlife resources, it is vital that communities and rural dwellers are familiar with these issues. Ultimately, it is the collective voice of people that influences the policymakers.

Acknowledging this fact, the RaptorLIFE project paid particular attention to reach out to children and add to their opinion forming process. As a part of our mission, in the last five years we visited all the primary and secondary schools in our region. During the lifetime of the project we were privileged to raise awareness and learn from many people, from children to farmers, about wildlife and issues causing the decline of the species in the local area and across Ireland. Being practitioners of habitat management, we were happy to share the knowledge gained during the implementation of the project with all people and groups seeking advice in this area.

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RaptorLIFE Landowners Landowners and farmers, both in the SAC and the SPA, have been an integral part of the RaptorLIFE project. Their ‘buy in’ varied from farmers participating in a range of specific actions as Project farms, to farmers having their lands fenced back from the river and restricting the cattle from entering the river, to farmers allowing access across their lands to treat invasives, manage heather and rushes or for monitoring target species, fish stock surveys, sediment monitoring, and prey surveys. Over 40 landowners also partook in the ‘farming on designated lands’ survey, which was undertaken to document farmers’ attitudes to SPA designation and potential changes over time as a result of greater awareness of the declining status and conservation needs of species like Hen harrier. IRD Duhallow’s integral part in the local community has been paramount in bringing about this ‘buy in’ to the Colaiste Treasa students, Nojus Perminas, project and this in turn has heightened Noah Walsh & Patrick Buckley, out with the LIFE team for their Young scientist project the awareness of the project and the “Investigating the Ecological Conditions Controlling Lamprey Populations in the imperative to act now on conservation Blackwater SAC”. They won Third Prize, and enhance biodiversity.

Biological & Ecological Intermediate Group Category.

Volunteers The RaptorLIFE project has had numerous volunteers, from experts to students to landowners, including the general public from the Duhallow area, all of whom have been important in the successful integration of citizen science into project monitoring actions. These volunteers have provided support in a variety of project actions from data recording, Himalayan balsam removal, Hen harrier and Merlin monitoring.

Volunteers have assisted in the project to gain valuable experience or quite simply because of the value and importance they have placed on the work they were carrying out because of its conservation benefits.

End of Project Conference The End of Project conference was held in At the BT Young Scientist in the RDS Colaiste Treasa November last year with students, Hannah Walsh & Johannah Pigott with Dr Darren diverse attendance on the Reidy of the RaptorLIFE who helped mentor them with their project: “Banking on the Willow”. They won first Prize, day. Speakers included the Biological & Ecological Junior Group Category Assistant Secretary of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Niall O’Donnchú, the LIFE national contact point in Ireland, Errol Close, nationally recognised experts on the themes of farming and biodiversity -Dr. Brendan Dunford, Dr. Eileen O’Rourke, Dr. Jodie Asselin and Donal Sheehan, raptor conservation and research Blanaid Denman and John Lusby and our own project team on RaptorLIFE. Input from project farmer Seán Fitzgerald and other farmers during the ‘Farming in SPA’ discussion was an important element of the conference, providing feedback on the issues relating to farming and the importance of working with farmers to maintain critical habitat for key species in the SPA. Our CEO Maura Walsh closed the conference. The book Duhallow: A Living Landscape for Farming & Wildlife, an additional output of the project was launched by the Conference chairperson, Journalist Paddy Woodworth. The book was very well received by all present and is available to purchase from IRD Duhallow.

Fionn O’Hanlon from Boherbue Comprehensive with his BT Young Scientist project: ‘Not just any Owl place’. First Prize, Biological & Ecological Intermediate Category and Rev Dr Tom Burke Bursary for Science Communication. Pictured here with his mother Orla, his sister Muireann, some of the LIFE team who helped mentor him, Maura Walsh CEO of IRD Duhallow .

After Life As part of the overall project, IRD Duhallow is required to develop an afterlife plan which ensures that the actions undertaken during the life of the project are continued. IRD Duhallow has the necessary levels of experience and expertise to ensure that the AfterLIFE measures will be achieved as we manage the RSS and Tús schemes and our participants were heavily involved in the implementation of the project and we will be able to deploy teams on the various actions. IRD Duhallow staff will be assisted by students and volunteers, to implement some ‘Duhallow – A Living of the measures. In addition, The Hen Harrier Landscape for Farming and Wildlife’ a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) was launched collaborative study by Dr Jodie Asselin of the since we undertook RaptorLIFE. This is a multiUniversity of Lethbridge million-euro programme which pays farmers for and Dr Allan Mee of IRD Duhallow RaptorLIFE. achieving various positive results in conservation of the Hen Harrier. All the farmers that we worked with have been encouraged to join that scheme so that the conservation work can continue into the future.

Speakers at the end of RaptorLIFE project conference: John Breen, Eileen Linehan Project Manager, Maura Walsh CEO, Niall Ó’Donnchú, Dr Sineád Cummins, Paddy Woodworth, IRD Duhallow Chair, Breeda Moynihan Cronin & Michael Doyle.

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Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments Project opinions of farmers towards a result based approach, elements of the ecology of freshwater ecosystems and modern agricultural systems and demographics.

Wet Grassland habitat adjacent to the river Allow with Flag Iris Iris pseudacorus dominant forefront

The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments EIP is a voluntary Agrienvironmental project open to farmers in the Allow River Catchment.

The catchment is predominantly a rural hinterland in Duhallow with the towns of Newmarket and Kanturk the primary urban areas. The Allow Catchment comprises of several rivers spanning from Taur in the West to Meelin in the North and Freemount in the east. The main river channels include the Allow, Owenanare and Dalua along with the tributaries Glashwee, Owenkeel and Glenlara.

Official Launch The project was officially launched in August last year in the James Duhallow Farming for of Keeffe Institute. The launch was attended by Blue Dot Catchments Expression of over 70 people, primarily local farmers, and a Interest Form. variety of other stakeholders including Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, IFI, LAWPRO, Teagasc, National Rural Network, Cork County Council, the National Biodiversity Data Centre, other EIP programmes and the local Agri-food industry. Guest speakers at the event included Margaret Murray (DAFM) and Dr Maura Farrell (NRN).

At the launch of the IRD Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments, Dr. Darren Reidy, Maura Walsh CEO, Michael Doyle, Chair Environment Working Group, Margaret Murray, DAFM, Dr, Maura Farrell, NRN & Michael Morrissey IRD Duhallow.

Duhallow Blue Dot The Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments Project opened its call for submission of Expression of Interests (EOI’s) in July 2019. The deadline for receipt of EOI’s was December 2019. During this period the project team received 86 EOI’s. On receipt of these EOI’s perspective project participants were reviewed on the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine GLAM mapping system.

Farmer Consultation & Monitoring Consultation was a key aspect of the project design to ensure all stakeholders were incorporated into the programme at an early stage.

A percentage of farmers consulted at farm visit stage and during the course of the public information evenings completed a project consultation questionnaire. The questionnaire aimed to capture the

Environmental monitoring during the first year of the project focused on developing a robust baseline dataset of farm habitats, issues of concern, at risk Former IRD Duhallow staff Project Scientist drains from nitrates breaches Dr. Darren Reidy with Low-Income Smallholder and watercourses. At both Development Officer Katie Crowley at Duhallow Blue Dot Information stand. the consultation farm visits and EIP farm plan visit a detailed map of the holding was drafted depicting the source, pathway receptor model of nutrient run-off to watercourses.

The project team conducted baseline farms surveys as part of the consultation period at project design and implementation phase. These included mapping of hydrological features, flora and fauna surveys and stakeholder attitudinal surveys.

IRD Duhallow staff visit the Bride Project.

Achievements to Date Over the course of the past twelve months the EIP Project Team has visited over one hundred farms throughout the catchment. This engagement in the community has enhanced and reaffirmed IRD Duhallow’s commitment to creating awareness about the environmental within the region. As the project enters its second year over seventy application packs have been sent to successful applicants. Several community meetings were held in the area in 2019 including Meelin, Glash, Freemount and Newmarket. These meetings along with the extensive farm visit consultation period provided valuable information and most importantly allowed the farmers input into the structure of the project. The project team attended several public events in Duhallow in 2019, including EIP-Agri Ireland’s Operational Groups Booklet Launch at Agriculture House, Dublin, the Teagasc Options Course at Doneraille Country Park Hotel, the Burren Winterage EIP-Agri Event in Lisdoonvarna, and the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine EIP-Agri Stand at the National Ploughing Championships, Fenagh, to mention a select few. The public consultation process was complimented with an intensive information dissemination campaign. A webpage for the project has been established on the IRD Duhallow website and Twitter account for the project has also been created and currently has 152 followers. Fliers advertising the project and containing an expression of interest form have been widely distributed in the community.

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IRD Duhallow Farm Planner Michael Morrissey at our stand at the National Ploughing Championships last September.

Agriculture

Louise Bourke IRD Duhallow speaking at the ‘Supporting Sustainable Agri-Business Seminar’ in the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket.

Participants at a Boom Sprayer Course organised by IRD Duhallow on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Complex.

More families in Duhallow depend on Agriculture than anywhere else in the county, while Duhallow communities provide the workforce for the agri-business industries in the area and many families depend on agri-related jobs while the economies our rural towns are driven by the spend of these families and local farmers. Farm production enterprises in the Duhallow Region vary from Dairy, Beef & Drystock, Equine & mixed farming with good tillage to the east of the region. IRD Duhallow’s Agriculture Working Group has for over 30 years supported smallholders across the region to make the most of their holdings and has pursued complimentary programmes both Nationally and in Europe that support farmers to maximise their income. It focuses its efforts at the quarterly meetings on developing and seeking further avenues to sustain, promote and enhance agricultural activities in the wider Duhallow region. In the past few years, we have accessed greater levels of funding, all of which have had an impact on farming in Duhallow including two EU LIFE projects and more recently our EIP Agri programme, which is up and running, with the first landowner payments being made earlier this year.

Dairy Co-operatives Duhallow Cork has the highest number of dairy cows in the country with approximately 381,000 registered livestock units. The Duhallow region has a long history of dairy production with the Tadgh O’Leary and Denis O’Mahony at the establishment of creameries in the region dating Centenary celebrations back to 1889 with the Newmarket creamery. Kerry of Tureen Creamery. goup acquired the Newmarket Co-operative creamery in 2010, currently has 63 emploees processing 287 million litres of milk and produces an estimated 32,650 tonnes of chedder cheese or about 18% of the countrys volume. North Cork Cremeries located in Kanturk was established as a cooperative in 1928 it has an estimated 334 members and 77 employees, it processes over 315 million equivalent whole milk litres annually. The town of Boherbue maintains a distinct local focus with the Boherbue Co-op which was established in 1901 and has 184 members. Its milk goes into Cadburys Chocolate and Boherbue provides a wide range of local services and employment.

Supporting Sustainable Agri – Business Information Evening Last year, the Working group hosted a seminar with AIB entitled “Supporting Sustainable Agri Business Information Evening”. Michael Morrissey, Farm Planner of IRD Duhallow gave a brief overview of the new EIP-Agri project “Duhallow Farming for Blue Dot Catchments”.

AIB’s agricultural advisor Michael Murphy presented a detailed and informative overview of the future of farming, farm partnerships and lending. Noreen O’Rahilly of Teagasc, followed with a review of the current mechanisms for on-farm development and Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS) and sustainable agriculture. The seminar concluded with Robert Plaice of FDC covering taxation, farm succession and planning.

Duhallow Bee Keepers Association Bee Keeping is a fun and interesting hobby that can provide a lifetime interest and supply of nutritious honey, not the mention how important supporting these pollinators that are vital to Biodiversity. IRD Duhallow Bee Keepers Association organised a number of workshops throughout the year including Pest & Disease Control, Systems of Bee Keeping, how to increase your Bee Colony, Flower to jar and Honey Production. We also featured an article in Discover Duhallow about the importance of protecting bees which included tips on how to reverse the decline of bees and other pollinators. IRD Duhallow is following through with a LEADER Project which will train communities and tidy towns committees, on the most appropriate plants and flowers to plant to sustain bees and other pollinators.

Wet Grassland & Diverse riparian margin.

Women in Agriculture This year marked the 12th Annual Women in Agriculture Conference in association with the Farmers Journal. As always, IRD Duhallow supported a contingent of Duhallow women to attend. The event is targeted at women who farm, work in food or agribusiness or who live in a rural area.

The conference aims to be educational, uplifting and entertaining and this years event was all that, albeit with a more serious and emotional angle with one of the main speakers being Vicky Phelan, who spoke of her cervical cancer journey. We will miss this year’s event because of COVID but look forward to meeting up with everyone again in the near future.

An example of typical farming enterprises in Duhallow; Dry cattle stock and & Silage Bales.

Macra na Feirme Macra na Feirme is the national organisation for young farmers and rural youth, which has a number of very active clubs across the IRD Duhallow region. Members aged 17-35 take part in activities across any of six key areas: Agriculture, Community Involvement, Performing Arts, Public Speaking, Sports & Travel. As well as providing a very active social life for young people, Macra places a huge emphasis on personal development and training. Its members develop the skills required to become leaders in their communities, often moving on to serve other organisations & groups in their area and nationally. From debating to stock judging to on-stage performance, the organisation has something to offer for all young people.

The travel opportunities for members, both nationally and internationally, with partnerships in place with a number of European counties are currently on hold due to COVID restrictions. IRD Duhallow Board member Sean Wallace, is the current Macra na Feirme representative and is Munster Vice Chairman of the organisation.

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Enterprise Since its founding over 30 years ago by Local Business Interests, IRD Duhallow has worked to support Duhallow business through animation, capital grants, training and mentoring. Back then we were tasked with a remit to ensure that we continue to support and develop local enterprise into the future. Our strong track record in the delivery of high quality supports to local people is unrivalled by any other organisation or agency. We estimate that 20,000 people are employed across a variety of business sectors in Duhallow.

Duhallow Business Awards Our 7th Annual IRD Duhallow Business Awards was held last November. The awards recognise the enterprise Noel C Duggan receives the Best Overall Enterprise spirit across Duhallow Award from Maura Walsh CEO at the IRD Duhallow Business Awards 2019 with his grandchildren. from early start up, to those addressing social issues in the community, family led business, female entrepreneurship as well as the craft sector and long standing established business. The judges on the night were Geraldine Enright, Bank of Ireland, Shane McAuliffe of Truly Irish, Donal Buckley McCarthy Insurance and Mick O’ Connell of the ESB. The Award for Best Overall Business went to Noel C Duggan and he was on hand himself to accept the award and address the crowd. Other winners on the night included Best Established Business Ducon Concrete, Best Start up Alex’s Adventure, Best Women Led Business Black Hut Crafts, Best Social Enterprise; Canon O’ Donovan Centre and Best in Creative Industry, Freemount Heritage Centre. Sponsors of the event were McCarthy Insurance, IPB Ignorance, SE Systems, AIB, Envirobead and Kanturk Mart. All shortlisted candidates were profiled in our Discover Duhallow magazine before the event and the winners were featured in the following edition.

At the Duhallow Enterprise Awards, IRD Duhallow Chair Breeda Moynihan Cronin, Cllr Niall Kelleher and Caoimhe O’ Donnell, Skillnet Ireland.

Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards The town of Newmarket was a finalist in the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards during 2019. Spearheaded by IRD Duhallow, this was a big undertaking by the town with many local business and community groups getting behind the initiative in order to put Newmarket forward as a thriving, cohesive business town & hinterland from Allen’s of Allensbridge to Shreelawn Oil. A local committee was set up early in the summer with representatives from differing business and community interests. Great work was carried out in the weeks leading up to the judging. Enhancement to the town included planting, painting, power washing, with #TeamNewmarket promoting the town efforts across social media platforms. The judging took place in September and Councillor Bernard Moynihan gave a warm welcome to the three judges in the James O’ Keeffe Institute. The judges were given a series of presentations showcasing the enterprising spirit of Newmarket as a hub for rural development, healthcare and commerce. They also

Louise Bourke, Enterprise Officer, IRD Duhallow at the launch of the Kerry Month of Enterprise 2019, with Niamh O’ Sullivan, Cllr Niall Kelleher, Moira Morell, Noel Spillane, Donal Mac an tSithig.

had a guided tour of the town. The conclusion of the visit saw the judges meet local businesses exhibiting in the marquee on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute with local celebrity Liam O’Connor closing the event. While the town wasn’t successful in winning their category with Adare scooping the award on the night, Newmarket was highly commended for its efforts.

Annette Browne and Pamela Buckley of Newmarket Motors at their stand at the Newmarket Towns Judging event for the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards 2019.

NEWMARKET – SOME FACTS • Newmarket Motors is 1 of only 6 European business to win Pan European Service Quality Award by VW 5 times • James O’Keeffe Institute is a Rural development hub with over €50m levered for entire Duhallow region & Social Enterprise Hub with 3 Community Enterprises serving over 1,000 vulnerable people across the region and employing over 50 people.

• Aryton train over 20,000 people annually, 11,000 in Newmarket.

They complete 10% of National Safe Pass Training • Kerry Group Newmarket Cheese Plant accounts for 15% of all cheddar cheese production in ROI. • Kerry Group processed over 287 million litres of milk in Newmarket 2019.

• Eventtrax is Irelands lead supplier of event flooring and has covered events such as Special Olympics and Beyoncé Concerts.

• Edpacs products used all over work by Facebook, Apple, Microsoft.

LEADER IRD Duhallow has a total budget under LEADER for Enterprise Development of €360,000 across our 3 LAG areas. This is the final year of LEADER and we have until December this year to finalise the commitments on the budgets, with just €70,000 remaining to be allocated. LEADER offers rural business the opportunity to avail of 50% funding for capital projects and 75% for feasibility studies.

SICAP The SICAP Programme supports disadvantaged people such as those that are long term unemployed or with a disability to set and grow their enterprise idea. Our mentor programme originated through SICAP and is open to all businesses within Duhallow. It can be used to provide advice and support to an existing business, or give guidance on the establishment of a new enterprise. The mentor programme is entirely free of charge for all successful applicants.

It provides one to one supports to people who are interested in starting their own business or who may have set up and need specific tailored advice.

Our mentor panel is made up a number of people with a suite of expertise and thus is a useful tool to help people in business growth. During 2019, 12 people availed of mentoring and we also awarded a capital grant to Eddie Hennessey,

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The judges for the Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Awards Declan murphy, Carmel Fox and Katrina Murphy with Cllr Bernard Moynihan, IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, Dr Bertie Daly and Cllr Gerard Murphy.

Eddie Hennessy suffered a stroke and developed chronic fatigue syndrome in 2008. He began photography as an occupational therapy to aid recovery. However, what started as a hobby, soon became a business.

He’s now an extremely sought after wedding photographer and in 2018 was awarded Cork Wedding Photographer of the year.

He received a SICAP grant from IRD Duhallow in 2019.

Duhallow Skillnet Skillnet Ireland was established in 1999 to provide a structure within which the Training Networks Programme would operate, along with its 70 networks, it is funded by the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

Louise Bourke, IRD Duhallow Skillnet Manager, Padraic O’Connell IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group, Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow & Michael Twohig IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group attending the Skillnet Ireland ‘The Future Works 2019 National Summit’ in Dublin.

Run by IRD Duhallow, our Skillnet is the approved network for the Duhallow area and wider region.

Collaborating with the local businesses IRD Duhallow Skillnet develops and facilitates low cost, customised, and locally based training solutions for businesses in the greater Duhallow area.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this past year saw a major transition in training delivery models across the region and created a move from inhouse and classroom style training to online and virtual instructor led training. This change happened very quickly and effectively and is working very well with huge support from Skillnet Ireland under their CEO Paul Healy and our Development Officer Eoin O’ Dwyer.

Our steering group, through the Enterprise Working Group, meets regularly and is instrumental in leading the way for change for the companies we serve.

IRD Duhallow Skillnet Manager Louise Bourke and Acting Manager Geraldine O’ Connor.

Bachelor of Arts in the James O’Keeffe Institute The first half of the year saw the launch of the first Degree Programme in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket. In partnership with the Institute of Technology Carlow 35 students from the Duhallow region studied Level 7 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic exams were taken online and graduation is planned for later in 2020.

As a result of the success of that first degree programme in the James O’Keeffe Institute, IRD Duhallow Skillnet will now run Level 8 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care starting this September and finishing in April 2021.

QQI Level 5 Health Care Assistant, based on the requirements from local businesses.

Solutions to training during Covid 19 With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, we received a fund allocated to providing additional, easily accessible and relevant training to help businesses through the crisis and beyond.

Maura Walsh, CEO IRD Duhallow, Anne Marie Bourke, Board Member, Mairead Duane, IRD Duhallow Enterprise Working Group, Louise Bourke, Helen O’Sullivan, Bernie Collins, Twohig Group & Eileen Linehan, IRD Duhallow attend the Skillnet Women in Business Seminar.

The fund was used to ensure seamless transition from in-company and classroom training to virtual and online training. It also provided training for the local businesses that were severely affected by COVID-19, including Infection Control, HR, Construction Compliance, Food Safety. IRD Duhallow will have a pivotal role to play in kick-starting the rural economy post Covid 19, and our Skillnet Programme is well positioned to offer solutions to the demands of the new environment within which rural business operate.

Since the lockdown in March, over 200 people have participated on our online classes and this is set to increase substantially in the last quarter of 2020.

Future Planning As we look ahead to the second half of the year, with a full training brochure of readily accessible training programmes, we are also exploring more innovative approaches to training and incompany learning. While we may have become comfortable adapting to different training delivery models it is clear that both in-house and classroom training will return with social distancing guidelines in place.

These traditional methods of training will co-exist with blended learning and remote participation for the foreseeable future.

Liz O’Loughlin and Mary Brennan, who graduated with distinction, at the graduation evening.

IRD Duhallow Board Member Anne Marie Bourke with Assistant Manager Eileen Linehan at the Skillnet Ireland Women in Business Event In Cork.

At their graduation ceremony, students from the QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Program with Guest Speaker John Lonergan, CEO IRD Duhallow Maura Walsh, Chair of the IRD Duhallow Board Breeda Moynihan Cronin and Development Officer Louise Bourke.

Training for the Employed and Unemployed Following the established training needs in the area we ran successful Boom Sprayer courses and Tractor Training for Teens, as well as always popular and pertinent classes; First Aid, Lamh, Sugar Craft, Excel, and Social Media.

With our on-going support to sustaining employment in the Duhallow area through the Skillnet Employment Activation Programme, we provided several courses; Reception Skills and a series of modules for

Caoimhe O’ Donnell of Skillnet Ireland presents the Best Women Led Business Award to Theresa O’ Sullivan, Eilis Hourigan and Alison Fitzpatrick of Blkack Hut Crafts at Duhallow Enterprise Awards 2019.

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Tourism For years IRD Duhallow has focused on promoting the allure of the regions natural resources as well as its unique culture and heritage. The development of our walkways, rivers for angling, watersports amenities, equestrian sector and heritage and cultural centers makes Duhallow stand out from your average Irish destination and the ideal place to visit if you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist destinations. Covid 19 restrictions for travel has proven now more than ever how important it is to support the development of tourism in rural areas where ‘staycationers’ can come to visit and enjoy what’s to offer. The development of community playgrounds in rural areas also compliments such amenities locally adding to the experience for those families on a simple day trip or for a longer stay. Covid 19 has also highlighted the need for outdoor recreation on one’s door step.

Before & After: A beautifully refurbished self catering in Millstreet support by LEADER Funding.

LEADER Duhallow is ideally located between the cities and towns of Cork, Limerick and Kerry with 2 international airports and 1 regional airport all within a 1-hour drive of the region. Accommodation still proves to be the biggest challenge to tourism in Duhallow and through previous and current LEADER Progammes we have invested into the development of self-catering accommodation through refurbishing old farm houses and cottages and developing eco pods. Most recently we have the addition of a beautiful self-catering house in Millstreet. With a similar project in the pipeline elsewhere in Duhallow the development of selfcatering accommodation is an area we will continue to support locally.

with corporate team days, golden oldie competitions and charity fundraisers all being held here bringing a wide cohort of people to the region and into the town of Newmarket. Both adult and juvenile members represent the club at competitions across Munster too.

Visitors to the course teeing off on Newmarket Pitch & Putt.

Walks The development of walks in Duhallow has been a key feature of both our rural development and tourism strategies. We are fortunate to have the landscape for both a mix of mountainous, riverside and loop walks. IRD Duhallow administers the National Walks Scheme for the Duhallow Way which is a 50 mile walk through the region. Our walks have attracted significant numbers into the area over the years with Mouth Hilary being named in the Top 10 Family Friendly Walks in Cork. We are very fortunate to have the support of both the RSS &Tus schemes for the maintenance of these walks in the region. The Outdoor Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is also welcomed where existing walks can be upgraded and new walks developed. Under the 2019/2020 programme €20k was approved for upgrading the James O’Keeffe Walkway in Newmarket and the development of the Bolomore Way in Rathcoole respectively which is hoped will start soon. While in Kerry in Western Duhallow the Old Butter Road was also awarded €20k for upgrades and resurfacing works which is nearing completion.

Submissions will be made by IRD Duhallow in the coming weeks for the ORIS20/21 Programme to further upgrade existing walks in Duhallow.

Island Wood, Newmarket Cultural Tourism Preserving our local heritage is high on our agenda and we have invested significantly over the years in capital investments with local heritage centers developed across the region, cultural events, training programmes and marketing. These have proven very popular with a wide variety of cultural events being held there that are unique to the area which attract people in their droves to experience something authentic and real. Visitors have come from as far as Japan to Rockchapel to experience Sliabh Luachra Traditional music and dance sessions while it has proven a nice experience for other visitors to the area also for an evening’s entertainment and indeed for locals too.

Newmarket Pitch and Putt ideally located on the beautiful grounds of the James O’Keeffe Foundation.

Newmarket Pitch & Putt Keeping with the outdoors Newmarket Pitch and Putt stands out as one of the best designed courses in the country. Designed by local man Michael O’Leary of Sol Golf Ballydesmond and funded by the LEADER Programme this course attracts the avid player from all over Munster.

Both individual players and teams come to visit booking their slot to experience the course. Competitions are held weekly during the summer

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Ceoiltoiri Sliabh Luachra performing at a traditional Irish music and dance concert in Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel.

Culture and Heritage Under the cultural pillar of IRD Duhallow’s strategic framework it is recognised that improved quality of life allows for greater creativity and identity within communities which in turn fosters artistic, traditional and cultural movements.

The rich, unique heritage of the Duhallow region is long extolled as a distinctive resource to be valued and conserved and many valuable projects undertaken recently fall within this category.

Preserving traditional music; Father & Son Eoin & Raymond O’Sullivan showcasing some sliabh luachra traditional music in the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket.

Historic Grave Training Community groups in Duhallow have surveyed and published grave monuments and biographical detail from 28 graveyards since 2013. In that time a group of committed individuals have built an online resource which has deep personal benefits, connecting individuals and far flung families with their own particular graveyards plots.

Genealogy tourists can use the online database www.historicgraves.com to identify individual graveyard plots Maura and Catherine Nee Curtin and easily find those same graves by reminiscing about their father Denny using the GPS coordinates published with John Curtin as part of historic grave recordings in Clonfert Graveyard. each headstone. The work of surveying the graveyards has involved the recording and transcribing of the headstone inscriptions in the burial grounds through the much-valued work of community volunteers, members of the Duhallow Ancestry Group and RSS/Tús workers. With funding secured under the current LEADER Programme 2014–2020, IRD Duhallow is currently facilitating community-based training in the recording of the stories attached to these historic graves, in the North Cork LEADER area. The importance of noting these stories cannot be overstated, as each generation has their own memories and recollections of the people who went before them, which eventually fade with the passage of time. Stories are researched and told Group discussions occurring as part of historic grave training field using the 4 W’s approach work, this photograph was taken at Glenamuckla Newmarket (who did what, where where Thady Collins recalled his father’s stories about civil war events which occurred in this area. and when) and they are recorded using affordable digital toolsets. Through field work in the local graveyards and the recording of people’s stories, an expandable oral record of the locality will be created, showcasing Duhallow’s broad heritage with online multimedia resources available for all to access.

Census and Genealogy Training In September 2019 two workshops entitled ‘Introduction to Genealogy, Local History and Heritage’ and ‘Ireland in the early 1900s – Census and History’ were hosted. Based on the premise that it is very important to know your own family tree, participants

learned of the technological advances that make it now possible to undertake research on one’s own family lineage, along with the importance of preserving artefacts for future generations. Training in searching the 1901 and 1911 censuses was also facilitated, and a great deal local history was also incorporated.

Sliabh Luachra Summer School Helping to ensure that the old traditional dance steps are Dermot Jones of Newmarket Pipe Band, who not lost Bruach na Carraige organised a Centenary Commemoration event, Rockchapel plays a central role in both points out some of the original Instruments that were damaged in the 1919 attack by the R.I.C preserving and reviving such dances for future generations to enjoy. The 2019 Sliabh Luachra Summer School managed by keen historian Jack Roche, invited Patrick O’Dea who is one of the last remaining masters of this old traditional dancing to Sliabh Luachra for a 2week advanced training programme. Patrick who is based in Roscommon learned his steps from renowned step dancer Joe O’Donovan in Cork. Members of Ceoiltoiri Sliabh Luachra participated in this workshop. Such dances are very structured and uniquely they each have their own tune. This type of traditional dancing originated in North Kerry in the 1700’s

by Donnacha O’Mora and many of these tunes Patrick O’Dea one of the only masters in traditional and dances can be seen in Ceoiloiri Sliabh Luachras Irish dancing in Ireland Show ‘A Musical Journey through the History of who delivered advanced workshops in Bruach na Ireland’. Weekly seisiuns were held for the summer Carraige as part of the Sliabh Luachra Summer months in Rockchapel too with interested guests School 2019 Programme. coming from far afield to experience the homely feel of Bruach na Carraige and the variety of tunes, stories, yarns and dances all very distinctive and unique to the region.

Heritage Centres In addition to all these activities in Rockchapel, visitors to the region and locals are guaranteed a night’s entertainment in heritage centers in Freemount, Laharn, Foilagohig, and Aubane from seisiuns to cross road dancing and everything in between a real authentic experience.

Local historian Raymond O’Sullivan and musician Timmy O’Connor at a reenactment of a ‘Strawing’ as part of Scullyfest 2019.

Participants taking part in Census training held in the James O’Keeffe Institute to gain an insight into how to access such records effectively.

Some of the community team who travelled to Spike Island as part of historic grave field work, included is Der Kiely, late of Cullen RIP and his sister Ann, listening to the re-enactment of a military court which would have sentenced their father Roger Kiely to internment on Spike Island.

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Community Development Covid Response As lockdown began to loom nationally with Covid 19 IRD Duhallow itself reached out to its strong network of community representatives and organisation’s across the region who were already mobilized and preparing to support those most vulnerable and in need in their communities. Rather than communities working in isolation we had a full map of supports for the entire region and could refer a request to a community group when needed. The bottom up and do it yourself approach had already been well developed for years in Duhallow with volunteers having improved their communities through programmes such as LEADER and CLAR. Communities didn’t give a second thought about jumping into gear this time round to look after their own and set an example for other communities nationwide. As a local development company we were involved at a county level in both the Cork and Kerry Covid Response Forums as well as in the town teams.

Banteer Community Childcare successfully awarded a Dormant Accounts Small Capital Grant.

and culture in the area articles on such topics from local historians are welcomed to help us preserve it for future generations. As the country went into lockdown in March 2020 we recognised the role Discover Duhallow could play in disseminating information to the wider community. Articles were written detailing the restrictions, advising on self-isolating, ppe, while also detailing all the various supports available locally especially to those cocooning and self-isolating.

Mark Noonan presenting the Best in the Creative Industry Award at the 2019 IRD Duhallow Business Awards to Mary Coleman and PJ O’ Sulllivan representing Freemount Heritage Centre.

Kiskeam Postman Martin O’Leary delivers the Discover Duhallow Magazine to Bridget Buckley as part of An Posts support to Duhallow Cocooners.

Discover Duhallow Community Magazine September 2019 saw the launch of our newest social enterprise ‘Discover Duhallow’ a community magazine launched in response to a local call for a forum for community news and events to be shared locally and where local rural businesses could be promoted.

The magazine is designed and edited in house and relies on the contributions from our community representatives to make it the success it is today. Community news, articles on the local environment, agriculture, gardening, heritage and sport all make the magazine a staple read every fortnight. Issues are even posted abroad to those who are not able to access it online but like to be able to reconnect with home. With the wealth of unique heritage

Social Enterprise Small Capital Grant Social Enterprises provide both a valuable service and employment in a rural area and Duhallow is well represented with a number of strong and broad ranging social enterprises. Under the Dormant Accounts Social Enterprise 2019 Programme IRD Duhallow administered this programme for the Department of Rural & Community Development as we are already on the ground supporting such enterprises. The scheme was an initiative under the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2018-2022 which aims to help grow and strengthen social enterprises.

4 social enterprises in the region Banteer Childcare, Rathmore SAG, The Glen Theatre and Discover Duhallow were successful with a total of €30,218 brought into the area under this fund.

Mrs. Peg (Casey) Richards who is 88 years of age is originally from Newmarket and lives in Colston Bassett, Nottingham. Peg looks forward to receiving the Discover Duhallow Magazine every fortnight to keep up with what’s going on in Duhallow.

Mary Wallace & Breda Kelleher of IRD Duhallow with Aghinagh Macra na Feirme Committee who organised a 5k Fun Run and Know Your Neighbour Evening as part of the Day of the Regions Co-operation Project.

Jo Polizzi Editor of Discover Duhallow Magazine putting the final touches to Issue 21 in IRD Duhallow.

Day of the Regions Co-operation Project Summer & Autumn 2019 was a busy time in Duhallow and Mid Cork with our vibrant communities taking part in this LEADER funded transnational project where they all hosted a wide variety of events. Family fun days, festivals, guided walks and historical and cultural events all featured on the impressive programme of events. The concept for The Day of The Regions is all about celebrating the uniqueness and assets of the region and building capacity within communities to make it an attractive place to visit and live in. 2020 events have unfortunately been put on hold due to Covid-19 but it is envisaged that the project will be extended to 2021 for communities to complete their planned events and we will be able to welcome our project partners from Scotland and Romania to Duhallow.

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Community Development Elections The board of IRD Duhallow has 8 seats solely for representation from local communities with 2 seats each allocated to North Eastern, South Eastern, Western Duhallow and the Mid Cork region. Representatives are elected democratically though community elections. We would like to thank Brian Kelly Rathmore for his 2 terms on the board and welcome Pat Brosnan from Gneeveguilla on his new appointment.

Local kids enjoying the newly refurbished playground in Rockchapel which received LEADER funding.

which will contribute to the next local development strategy for the region. Similarly, many new volunteers have emerged eager to become part of the process to improve the quality of life for all in Duhallow.

Niall Kelleher Chairperson of Kerry LAG with Bertie O’Leary & Kathleen O’Callaghan of Tureencahill Heritage Centre and Helen O’Sullivan IRD Duhallow at their grant signing for a LEADER grant towards the refurbishment of their centre.

Kerry Community Awards IRD Duhallow is always happy to support the Kerry Community Awards Initiative which recognises the work of the community and voluntary sector that seeks to improve the social, economic, cultural and environmental quality of life in our local communities, both urban and rural. Our communities in East Kerry have been worthy recipients of these awards over the years. The 2020 Awards are now rescheduled for the Autumn due to Covid where hopefully communities will be in a position to celebrate their achievements.

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. When pressed it connects wirelessly to a base unit which is linked to your landline or mobile phone. This base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year’s free monitoring. Over 360 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, and DCFS.

Millstreet Town Park Playground before & after having receive a LEADER grant of €55,431.66 to have a state of the art playground developed.

O’Brien Street Park proved an idea setting for ‘Art in the Park’ under the guidance of local artist Jessica Baron as part of the Kanturk Mid Summer Festival and Day of the Regions project.

Community Projects Despite the arduous task involved in a community completing an application for LEADER Funding we have actively been working on the ground with communities supporting them through application approval and claim stage.

New and Refurbished Playgrounds have been approved across the region along with upgrade works to community centers and walks. It is inspiring to see communities many experienced who we have worked with over the years look at further developing their towns and villages by developing community plans

Friendly Phone Call Service IRD Duhallow has been providing a Friendly Phone Call Service for a number of years. During the COVID-19 lockdown this service was vital for the elderly people in the Duhallow and surrounding areas. Duhallow has one of the highest concentrations of elderly people in the country, staff and trained volunteers from IRD Duhallow called over 700 people during this time. Many of the people that were using the service were independent social people that all of a sudden, because of COVID-19, had to cocoon away and all of their independence was taken from them over night. They were not used to being confined to their homes and gardens and this led to people suffering from isolation. Many of the people using the service felt as if they were a burden on society and that they were forgotten about; social isolation and emotional isolation is associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline so it was very important for these people to have a friendly phone call when they needed it. Many had technological difficulties and were able to be assisted as much as possible over the phone to rectify the problems.

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Rural Regeneration Project Ireland 2040 is the government’s long-term overarching strategy to make Ireland a better country for all of its people and was launched early in 2018. It is the Governments overarching policy and planning framework for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland and includes a detailed capital investment plan for the next ten years.

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.

Another sub group was tasked with developing a community crèche, one of the first in the region to be supported by IRD Duhallow to successfully apply for the EU Equal Opportunities Childcare funding.

This facility is operating for over 20 years as a community enterprise, employing almost 40 staff and catering for over 250 children.

The Banteer Pond field, home of the famed Banteer Sports was next to be tackled. It lies outside the village centre beside the community playing pitch. It had an illustrious past boasting the first cinder cycling track and with local Olympians Dr Pat O Callaghan, the first Irishman to win an Olympic medal and Denis Horgan, the great weight thrower, training and competing there, it deserved to be developed as a community sports and recreation hub for the region. The pond was cleared up, the surrounding area landscaped and a walking circuit developed that was later lit for safety and extended to circumvent the pitch. A LEADER funded Playground was then added to the complex. In total the community has completed projects worth over €6m euro, and was until this latest Rural Regeneration Project debt free, having paid back all of its loans at that point.

A 3D Drawing of the new clubhouse

Banteer a Smart Village and dressing rooms at Banteer Community Sportsfield which will IRD Duhallow, has worked with the include an Air to Water heating system community in Banteer for over three funded by IRD Duhallow under the decades. Through the animation and LEADER Renewable Energy sub theme. capacity building of successive LEADER programmes that dynamic community, in a small rural village at the foot of Mount Hillary, has developed a range of significant projects to improve the quality of life and economic prospects of all its citizens. Their first project was to renovate the derelict school building, outside the village and turn it into a fine modern theatre, building on the strength of its active drama group, the Glen Theatre operates as a community enterprise.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow completes a site visit as part of the contract of the Rural Regeneration Fund with Members of the Committee

Banteer has always boasted strong leaders including the founder of IRD Duhallow, Jerry Sheehan who along with fellow Banteer residents, Michael Doyle and Tim Lucey, served on the first board of IRD Duhallow, with Tim Lucey succeeding Jerry Sheehan as Chairman. In fact, Banteer has had more members elected to our board than any other community with Denis Withers, John Kirwan, Don Crowley, Noreen Duggan, Pat Buckley, Elaine White, the late Caroline Fleming RIP and Daniel Roche all Directors. The Community Structure that was developed by local leader Denis Withers after serving a term on our board, was based largely on the IRD Duhallow model, whereby the main legal entity develops the expertise, takes care of the governance and financial accountability and has within it a range of working groups and subcommittees that are then free to focus their expertise and voluntary effort on their particular interest. Thus the community hall was upgraded to serve the needs of the area including a Senior Citizens group, affiliated to our Saoí network, an active Youth Club and Macra na Feirme Group all based there. It was expanded to include a community gym and indoor astroturf.

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.

Awarded €1.2m in 2019, Trojan work has been done with the pitch completed to a very high standard. 25% of the costs is being raised by the local community through fundraising, sponsorship and loans. The project entailed the development of a regulation sized Astroturf pitch and support facilities for use by all sports in the county throughout the year and in particular during the wet winter months. In fact, in order to complete the spectator stand, dressing rooms, café and exhibition centre to preserve and display the magnificent sporting history of Banteer’s Athletic Sports Field, the community will need to raise a further €60,000 and hope to receive the additional €130,000 from national funds.

LEADER has come on board again with a grant for installing renewable energy and completing a new bus and car park there. This project will ensure that Banteer, a small rural village, will continue to thrive and will once again become the significant regional sporting hub it once was. Banteer Community Sportsfield will operate the facility as a social enterprise, with 15 Directors led by Denis Withers, the project leader who has promoted the Banteer Astroturf Development and Project Ireland 2040 to other communities and also presented at a Project Ireland 2040 event, which was addressed, by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, Minister Michael Ringand the then Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, who is now Minister for Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.

Denis, Sean and Donal Kelly of Kelly Bros Ballydesmond, the contractors that carried out the development of the Astroturf pitch.

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LEADER 2014-2020 The LEADER programme has been the cornerstone of the development of Rural Communities across Europe for nearly three decades. The seven specifities at its core; Bottom up approach, area based, local action group, integrated multisectoral approach, innovation, transnational and financial autonomy all contributed to the success of the programme in targeting, supporting and helping rural communities deliver for themselves and their own localities.

Former Chair & Board Member of IRD Duhallow with Team Leader Triona Dennehy at the Official Opening of Ballinagree Playground.

Members of Kiskeam Development Association with IRD Duhallow CEO Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow Board Members Anne Maria Bourke & Cllr Gobnait Moynihan, Development Officer Conor Judge, Mary Hayes Cork County Council, Cllr Gerard Murphy, and Cllr Bernard Moynihan, Chair of North Cork LAG, signing the contract for Kiskeam Playground which was awarded LEADER funding.

As has been well documented, the current LEADER programme in Ireland has seen a shift in the delivery mechanism for the programme, one which has moved LEADER away from its development ethos more towards a grant giving approach. Apart from the massive budgetary cut to the Cork Kerry regions, we believe this delivery mechanism has resulted in a significant reduction in the impact of the programme across rural Ireland. Timeframes for commitment’s and issuing of contracts are a lot longer than previous programme’s and completed projects have had to wait up to 8 weeks for grant payments.

We are now in the final year of committing to projects and the budget across Kerry is 80% committed, South Cork 74% committed and North Cork at 62% commitment level.

Our staff are continuing to work with communities and local businesses to support promoters through the application process. Our evaluation meetings continue via Webex and LAG meetings re also continuing across all three LAG areas. We are fortunate that we have been able to continue our LEADER programme as normal in the face of the COVID19 pandemic. With the majority of our budget committed, we are focusing on the environmental actions with smaller budgets still available for Enterprises and community infrastructural projects. In terms of the environment we have committed to bog feasibilities, river restoration, and swift tower projects.

LEADER supporting Enterprise We have an enterprise budget under LEADER across the three LAG regions of €370,000, with €290,000 committed to 12 projects. The remaining €80,000 will be committed before December this year with a number of eligible EOI’s submitted and full applications pending. We are also supporting local Food projects through the artisan food measure, a separate budget controlled centrally by the Department themselves.

LEADER supporting Rural Communities To date, this LEADER programme has supported 6 community playgrounds across the region with an investment of over €420,000 to the local economy. Kanturk and Millstreet are the most recently committed playgrounds with Rockchapel and Kiskeam currently nearing completion.

We continue to support local community spaces for young and old with community infrastructural projects in Rockchapel Community Centres as well as Kilbrin, Banteer Glen Theatre, Bweeng, Boherbue, Tureencahill, Gneeveguilla and Clondrohid all securing funding to develop their community facilities and Freemount Youth Space project.

IRD Duhallow Board Member Jack Roche has stepped down from the Board of ILDN where he once represented Ireland on the European Network for Rural Development (ELARD) and served as its President. Jack has spent many years advocating for rural Ireland and has been a champion of the LEADER ethos.

His passion and commitment will be missed from ILDN.

Looking to the Future: IRD Duhallow has implemented LEADER in Duhallow for 29 years. The first LEADER programme in the early 1990’s gave hope to Rural Communities in a time when rural areas were being decimated by out migration and unemployment. It can if delivered in the away it was designed to, be the vehicle for communities to help themselves, to get involved in their own development and progression and to take responsibility for making improvements to the places where they live. The UK Carnegie Charter for Rural development further compounded the need for communities to identify their own assets and develop them to achieve the living countryside. The COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in communities coming together with the support of local agencies to reach out and help people in need. These actions are synonymous with the ideals of LEADER. IRD Duhallow has acted on the ground and has mobilised its staff and volunteers to work in the front line during this crisis. This has been done with relative ease, as local development organisations by their very nature are on the ground actors, ever responsive to the changing environment and needs of our communities.

The future of Rural Ireland will again be under threat in the coming years, with global recession expected in light of this virus. Communities will need their local development agencies to be there to help them overcome the challenges that will be coming their way, we need LEADER to be as it was at the start, locally based and led by the bottom up approach.

The current Programme for Government has outlined the Government’s intention to simplify and reduce bureaucracy and promote the role of independent Local Action Groups which will go some way towards reinstating LEADER to how it worked best.

Boherbue Development Association were shortlisted for the Pride of Place Awards for the LEADER funded footpath to the Graveyard. Pictured at the awards ceremony were, Margaret Murphy, Michael Cronin and his wife Helen with Cllr Bernard Moynihan.

page page 2325

IRD Duhallow Board Member Cllr Gobnait Moynihan attends the contract signing for Millstreet LEADER funded playground project.

LEADER Projects LEADER Kerry 2014-2020 % 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 Gneeveguilla Sports and Leisure Centre

Tureencahill Community Centre Replacement of Windows Reroof of function room

78,013.65 27,564.30 14,758.97 8,250.00

Tureencahill Equipment Gneeveguilla Community Centre

6,621.25 37,774.88

Enterprise Development 50%

Sean Hickey Scaffolding

Rural Towns 75% 75% 75% 75%

Rathmore Community Council Gneeveguilla Community Development Council Tureencahill Community Group Gneeveguilla GAA

Basic Services 72.48% Tureencahill Community Group Ltd 75% Gneeveguilla GAA

Rural Youth 90%

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group

To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study

2,582.00

The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow Duhallow Bog Feasibility Study Biodiversity Training Plan

5,164.73 4,562.17 3,510.45

Biodiversity 74% 90% 100%

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

Transnational 75%

IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group

The Day of the Region Project

32,407.20 Project Total

€299,091.60

LEADER South 2014-2020 % Aid

PROMOTER

PROJECT NAME

GRANT COMMITTED

Enterprise Development 50% 50%

Denis J Downey Ltd Macroom Tidy Towns

The Installation of 3 Phase Electricity Muskerry Through the Mac Suibhne Lens

20,000.00 2,348.00

Macroom Christmas Lighting

8,588.48

Rural Towns 75%

Lee Valley Enterprise Board

Basic Services 50% 75%

Ballinagree Community Development Company Clondrohid Community Hall

The Development of Ballinagree Playground Upgrade of Clondrohid Community Hall

65,000.00 10,000.00

Rural Youth 90%

IRD Duhallow Youth & Education Working Group

To Conduct a Youth Feasibility Study

2,582.00

Biodiversity 74% 100%

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

The Conservation of Swifts in Duhallow Biodiversity Training Plan

5,241.54 3,510.45

Artisan Food 75%

Lee Valley Enterprise Board

The Purchase of Equipment for Macroom Food Festival

28,136.73

Transnational 75%

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

page 24

32,407.20 Project Total

€ 177,814.40

LEADER North Cork 2014-2020 % Aid

PROMOTER

PROJECT NAME

GRANT COMMITTED

Rural Tourism 50% 50% 50% 100% 100%

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

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 Rockchapel Community Centre Upgrading

Refurbishment of Kilbrin Community Centre

Refurbishment of Millstreet Playground

12,373.52 10,300.12 22,813.50 35,752.00 21,000.00 37,029.37 27,673.12 10,545.51 8,475.00 55,431.66

Purchase ICT Equipment Laharn Broadband Connection Point

1,259.75 2,074.40

Enterprise Development 90% 100% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50%

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

Rural Towns 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75% 86% 75% 75% 46%

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 Rockchapel Community Centre

Kilbrin Community Council Millstreet Town Park Committee

Broadband 75% 75%

Aubane Social Club Laharn Community Action Ltd

Basic Services 75% 90% 75% 75% 100% 52% 60% 59% 75%

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

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 Kanturk Playground Refurbishment Project

Upgrades and Equipment for Kilbrin Community and Sports Centre

40,000.00 2,665.00 37,104.64 36,435.20 4,755.89 48,950.00 52,000.00 57,615.11 25,962.80

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 Biodiversity/Wild Flower Garden Barn Owl Biodiversity Monitoring and Awareness Biodiversity Training Plan

19,033.40 7,529.62 9,124.34 8,700.00 23,283.00 17,189.10

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 90%

Duhallow Angling Centre of Excellence

Biodiversity 75% 75% 90% 74.29% 90% 100%

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group Boherbue Community Development Association Boherbue IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

IRD Duhallow Environment Working Group

Transnational 75% 90%

IRD Duhallow Community Development Working Group IRD Duhallow Environmentt Working Group

The Day of the Region Project River Feale Catchment Management

158,683.51 9,711.90

Banteer Community Sportsfield Renewable Energy Project

17867.25

Feasibility Study for Lullaby Milk Equipment for the Development of DCFS

5625.00 45504.29

Renewables 75%

Banteer Community Sportsfield CLG

Artisan Food 75% 50%

Bainne Codladh (Lullaby Milk) Duhallow Community Food Service

page page 2527

Overall Total

€1,336,920.51

Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme 2018-2022 IRD Duhallow’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through local engagement which supports people to identify the local demands and the pressing needs of their own communities. Members of communities throughout Duhallow are encouraged to play a greater role by working collectively, to improve the quality of their lives which in turn helps to develop stronger and sustainable communities. This approach is based on an understanding that those affected by rural isolation and/or disadvantage are often socially excluded due to lack of resources, skills, confidence, other underlying issues, discrimination and/or education. IRD Duhallow continues to support communities to identify the evolving core social inclusion and equality needs that SICAP actions delivered by IRD Duhallow should be responding to. A wrap-around approach underpins the delivery of SICAP as participation often acts as a gateway for individuals and their families by improving their access to numerous supports/ services through the integrated suite of programmes operated by IRD Duhallow.

SICAP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with co-financing by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020 and is managed locally by IRD Duhallow with support from Local Authorities in Cork and Kerry. The programme actions and initiatives are spear headed by IRD Duhallow’s voluntary working groups. The ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020 is co-financing SICAP in the years 2018-2020. PEIL’s priority areas for investment revolve around the activation of the unemployed, social and labour market inclusion, education and youth employment.

Community Empowerment in Action A number of housing estates were specifically targeted for 2019/2020 Triona Dennehy, IRD Duhallow discussing plans for the 70th Birthday under SICAP to identify celebration of St. Theresas Place, Kanturk with the Residents Association. and address social exclusion and equality issues. Community consultation meetings with residents of Murphy’s Terraces Millstreet, O’Callaghan’s Park, Kanturk, St, Theresas Place, Kanturk, Guiney’s Terrace and Barry’s Place, Newmarket took place. The aim from the outset was to strengthen the voice of people living in these communities and support them to set priorities and actively improve the lives of the people living in these

estates. A SICAP annual support plan was developed for each group. This community planning process involved exploring existing assets and particularly the strengths inherent in these communities.

Emerging Needs of those Vulnerable to Addiction Targeted supports through SICAP are being provided to improve the life chances and opportunities of those vulnerable to addiction. IRD Duhallow is reaching out to individuals and families in need in order to increase the resilience in rurally isolated communities. Actions IRD Duhallow undertook and initiatives are focused on improving interpersonal a collaboration with the communication, social skills and social support through Credit Union in Rathmore community mobilisation. Community level interventions to bring training locally to those in East Kerry area. that influence levels of addiction are not always drug or alcohol specific but are implemented as broader interventions. These interventions are made available through an integrated system of support that includes education and training, employment, housing, family support and other SICAP support services.

Depending on the complexity of need a SICAP beneficiary may require support supports from a range of other statutory, voluntary and community service providers.

IRD Duhallow continues to apply an integrated approach across all areas of work which has proven effective when trying to implement preventive and early intervention work for disadvantaged individuals including those in recovery from addiction. There is a need for social reintegration interventions to address the complex needs of those in recovery and to prevent social exclusion of these often marginalised individuals. IRD Duhallow has made an application for a CE Drug Rehabilitation scheme. The overall objective will be to provide opportunities for people in recovery from substance misuse to re-engage into their communities and activate them for entry to the labour market. With the assistance of SICAP funding training was delivered by Talbot Grove to Board, Working Group and Staff around issues pertaining to addiction in September 2019.

Staff and Board Members of IRD Duhallow with Dolores Tiernan of Talbott Grove who facilitated Addiction Awareness Training in 2019.

FUNDS COMMITTED TO PROJECTS 2019 ACTION GOAL 1

CORK

KERRY

ACTION

Seminar on Mindfulness Rathmore Outreach Programme Action 1 Stakeholder Engagement Kerry Training Brochures Newsletter 4,575.40 1,615.00 CPR Training

How to Create A Wildlife Haven Training Action 2 Empowerment of Disadvantaged Communities

CORK 120.00

KERRY 64.85 121.71 650.00 160.00

Bereavement, Domestic Violence and Counselling Phones 401.93 148.81 Action 8 Disability & Mental Health Community Inclusion Duhallow Carers Meetings Costs 345.74 102.67 Nutrition and Physical Activity Workshops 700.00 Kerry Community Awards

200.00 Shine Phrenz Support Group 88.06

Cork Sports Ability Day 100.00 Action 3 Collaborative Networks Towards Occupation 2,900.00 1,244.11 Saoi Network and Women’s Forum Meetings 418.60 194.44

Alzheimer’s Tea Morning 70.48 77.10 Action 9 Labour Market Activation Bealtaine Events 353.40 111.60 Good Agricultural Practices 588.46

Autumn Training Brochures 39.83 46.55 Action 4 Integration of New Communities Care Skills 2,360.36 745.37 Drishane Gardening Project 242.55 Children With Additional Needs 3,011.72 951.07 Multicultural Christmas Events 689.77 288.18

PALS Physical Activity Training 200.00

Action 10 Job Centre

Resources for the job centre 63.06 Action 5 Community & Social Enterprise Emotional Support & Counselling Service 912.00 288.00 Discover Duhallow Magazine 2,000.00 Autumn Training Brochure 88.63 93.11 Tureencahill Community Group

902.34 Autumn Training Brochure

93.11

Addiction Awareness Training

291.02 GOAL 2

Action 11 Self Employment Action 6 Connecting Youth Provision Mentoring programme 1,350.00 450.00 Newmarket Foróige Youth Club 389.99 Training and Mentoring Support Brochure 296.40 111.60 IRD Duhallow Careers Exhibition 817.09 260.43 Women in Agriculture Trip 420.00 Managing Childhood Anxiety Workshops 836.00 264.00 Eddie Henessy 2,215.20 Public Speaking Workshops 458.1 1,614.14 Enterprise Supplement 2,000.00

Kerry Month of Enterprise

800.00 Action 7 Community Education & Life long Learning Bee Keeping for Beginers 350.00 Supporting Disadvantaged Children & Families Action 12 Art for Beginners Classes 627.67 Literacy Support 4,480.00 1,060.00 To host a lego club 590.00 570.00 Workshops on Dyspraxia and Dyslexia 338.38 107.81 Angling for Beginners 380.00 Supporting Children Through Grief and Loss 522.00

To deliver digital photography training 569.29 373.60

To deliver two information seminars on women’s issues 108.46 Action 13 Adult & Second Chance Education Information workshop children’s sleep 650.00 7 Bursaries to:- William Olanumi, Maria Finn, Majella O Dwyer, Information Session and Open Day GIY 332.29 Hauwu Umaru, Kay Fehin, Ute Krenzer, Shauna O Brien 3,090.00 GIY Seminars 769.00 Addiction Awareness Training 1,038.58

page 26

SAOI Network – Duhallow Actively Retired Groups

SAOI Network Members of Liscarroll Club in With a significantly ageing population supporting attendance at the SAOI Older & Bolder Annual Conference. those in the third age is a key priority for IRD Duhallow and we achieve this through a multi-faceted approach to independent living of older people. The co-ordinated and complimentary services of Duhallow Meals on Wheels, IRD Duhallow Warmer Homes, Community Laundry, Care & Repair, Friendly Phone Call Service all support us to achieve this. Our network of 21 groups advocated for the needs of older people in the region and a programme of events is rolled out annually.

Covid Response Cocooning… a term since March 2020 is now synonymous with our elderly isolating themselves for their own safety. No longer is the weekly bingo session taking place, mass is now virtual, they cannot collect their pension or weekly shopping. We know from our work with older people that loneliness and fear are common issues. When the country went into lockdown we reacted quickly to put additional measures in place to ensure older people were safe in their own homes and supported to live independently. Our staff were redeployed to Duhallow social enterprises which expanded the essential services they already provide to cope with the increased demand due to Covid 19 including our meals on wheels service, community laundry and friendly phone call service. Our friendly phonecall service supported in excess of 700 cocooned people, we delivered 1,000 meals a week while also providing laundry, shopping and fuel deliveries for the elderly.

Alice Taylor officially Seniors Conference opens the Saoi Older For the third year running the Saoi Network held their and Bolder Conference in Duhallow Seniors Older and Bolder Seniors Miscellany Newmarket with over 200 in attendance on the day .

Conference in November 2019 which was full to capacity with almost 200 people in attendance. The event was facilitated by Network Chairman Jack Roche and officially opened by Newmarket native and renowned author Alice Taylor who gave an entertaining presentation on the history of Newmarket. Speakers on the day included Pauline Lynch of Diabetes Ireland and Seamus de Faoite of Cork County Council on the various Housing and Mobility Grants available. Sharon Morrissey from Family Mediation spoke about grandparents’ rights and entitlements and the benefits of family mediation.

Frank Fahey Cork Sports Partnership and Sharon McGillicuddy, HSE spoke on the importance of actively ageing and exercise for older. Caitriona Dunlea and Mary Howard from Irish Ancestry Direct demonstrated how to start researching your family tree and Helen O’Sullivan IRD Duhallow spoke on the supports we offer older people. This conference also received funding from Cork Sports Partnership and the HSE and lunch was catered for all by Duhallow Community Food Services. After lunch attendees were treated to a ‘Getting Active Taster Session.

Members of the Saoi Network undertook Governance Training with the Carmichael Center as part of a full training package the Network advocates for actively retired groups to participate in.

Tureencahill 2019 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards Tureencahill Actively Retired Association welcomed the Members of Tureencahill Choir who gave a warm judges of the National Age welcome to both judges and local support on the day of Friendly Recognition Awards judging in Tureencahill Heritage Center for the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards to their centre in October 2019. Full to capacity with local support the committee showcased how since 2014 through the development of the old school into a heritage centre a new sense of community life has been brought to the area making it a focal point for all. The ARA gave a detailed presentation to judges on how it acts as a social outlet for the over 50s offering various activities, courses, a choir and inter-generational projects. All of which helps to combat loneliness and isolation with their group now having a membership of over 60 members, from Tureencahill, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, Knocknagree, and Ballydesmond, meeting weekly. The judges commended all involved in the ARA and centre committee and acknowledged how unique and innovative they were. The ARA attended an awards ceremony in Croke Park where they received a recognition award for their voluntary work.

Senior Alert Scheme (SAS) IRD Duhallow are registered with Pobal to deliver the Senior Alert Scheme to householders over 66 years of age.

Eileen Fleming Gneeveguilla with Hilary Scanlon HSE & Tony Taggart and Ann Qualifying householders receive a free Marie Lynch of Kerry County Council in alarm or pendant which can be worn Tureencahill for a morning of presentations around the wrist or neck. When pressed it as part of the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards connects wirelessly to a base unit which is linked to your landline or mobile phone. This base unit immediately sends a call to a 24-hour monitoring centre. The equipment is supplied and installed free of charge along with one year’s free monitoring. After one year, the householder must pay the monitoring fee ranging from €65 to €137. To date, over 360 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.

Future Proofing proper supports for older people Too often in the past when the economy gets tight we have noticed that the over 65’s are dropped from the national agenda and from local development programme budgets, replaced with a focus on economic activation. With another hard recession looming we want to ensure that this time, recovery is not based on sacrificing the older generation’s needs for improved living conditions and quality of life. At a sub county level structures need to be put in place to aid the growing elderly population to live independently in their own homes and communities. Supports such as sheltered housing accommodation in towns and villages will play a major role in achieving this and there are pockets of areas without any such accommodation and existing facilities already full to capacity and not in a position to expand. Add to this the provision of other adequate supports such as meals on wheels for all communities, a laundry service and friendly phone call care and repair service and older people will be in a much better position to live longer healthier lives in their own communities. By putting such structures in place at local community level the government would save money long term, improve the lives of older people and help create jobs locally.

Each Local Development Company should be funded to employ a Development Officer specifically to work with and support older people in communities.

Demographically we know Ireland has an increasing elderly population with rural Ireland and places like Duhallow having the highest concentrations and that number is set to increase dramatically in the next ten years. The government needs to start putting the necessary infrastructure in place now so that we will be able to deliver steadily over the next decade.

REMEMBERING NOREEN O’REGAN

Saoi Vice Chairperson Noreen O’Regan bravely lost her battle to a long term illness this past year. Noreen represented the Donoughmore ARA and was a passionate and vocal activist for older people and community and rural development in general. She will be missed by all her friends on the Saoi Network and beyond.

page page 2729

Equality and Social Inclusion Based on the premise that what happens at a local level is vital to successful full integration on an overall level, IRD Duhallow is critically aware of the impact of social exclusion and disadvantage. Both disadvantage and marginalization are seen to be both issue based and geographic based problems within the Duhallow area. To this end IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working Group is focused on the provision of locally based strategic interventions supporting people encountering problems placing them at risk of social exclusion. Fundamentally intercultural awareness, whereby people are encouraged to have an appreciation for both their own culture and the culture of people from different backgrounds, is central to the ethos of the Equality Working Group. Throughout the period 2019-2020 a number of supportive actions and events were undertaken, which were all underscored with the theme of valuing the diversity of Duhallow.

Multicultural Christmas Event Two long term fixtures in IRD Duhallow’s annual programme of integration activity are the multicultural Christmas events that are hosted in Kanturk and Rathmore. Designed to support positive interactions between migrants, their children and families and the broader local community, the overarching Eliza and Julie meeting Santa in Kanturk as part aim of these events is to create of the multicultural Christmas celebrations 2019. improved community cohesion, thereby supporting integration over the long term. Under the theme ‘Embracing Diversity at Christmas Time’, these events support both social interaction and interculturalism in the period before the Christmas season. At both events children were able to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, who both gave the children an abundance of time and attention. A wide array of festive treats were on offer to those in attendance and each child received a special gift from Santa.

Thinking long and hard about what he wants for Christmas, a child meets Santa and Mrs Claus at the annual multicultural Christmas event in Rathmore.

Supporting Migrants in Direct Provision IRD Duhallow CLG provides representation at the ‘Friends of Drishane’ group, which was formed to facilitate a joined-up network of agencies involved in the delivery of supports for those residents in the Drishane Castle Accommodation Centre. Meeting regularly, attendees who are derived from a broad spectrum of professional backgrounds, meet to give their input into the emerging and existing needs of the residents of the center. Focused on optimising the overall service response through communication and co-ordination of efforts, this forum is focused on strengthening co-operation and connection.

A group attending digital skills training provided through Benefit Training in IRD Duhallow, with their trainer Helena Enright and Mairéad Hanrahan of Kasi.

PALS Physical Activity Training Through the SICAP Programme, IRD Duhallow in conjunction with Cork Sports Partnership were in a position to support two residents of Drishane Accommodation Centre in the first part of their training as PALS leaders.

Under the SCIAP action Integration of New Communities, trainees were supported to travel to training in Cork City. Here they became equipped with skills which could in turn be shared with other members of the community via group activities. Physical activities were incorporated into group work and events in the Drishane Accommodation Centre as an outcome of this support, with the two trainees invited to assist PALS leaders in other areas. It is anticipated that links will be established with a local active retirement group in the future.

Simon and Maria Pachikara from India now married and settled in Duhallow with 3 children. Maria nurses in Teach Araglin Boherbue and Simon teaches yoga and has started up a business selling fresh Indian curry spices in Boherbue village. The couple recently celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary at home with their children where they enjoyed a cake from Duhallow Community Food Services.

Lifelong learning opportunities IRD Duhallow has long recognised the value of self-progression through training and lifelong learning. Basic computer training was delivered to participants who are resident in the Drishane Accommodation Centre over a period of five weeks in late 2019 under the Benefit Training Programme. During this period of time participants learned important basic internet and computer skills. Classes were delivered to the group by trainers who were at all times aware of cultural sensitivities and potential language barriers. The training was delivered in the computer room in the James O’Keeffe Institute, in Newmarket with residents travelling each week to participate. Along with being a weekly fixture for the attendees, there was a strong social aspect to these classes, with students having to exchange their digital skills and knowledge. In late 2019 and early 2020 six residents of the Drishane Centre were supported to attend a reception skills course held in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket.

This training provided participants with an array of learning opportunities including the fundamentals of reception skills and office administration.

Local Carers with Tutor Christine O’Riordan who delivered a Mindfulness Course as part of our Dormant Accounts Carers Training Programme

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Equality and Social Inclusion

Duhallow Carers on a well deserved break for their Christmas night out for dinner in Macroom.

Duhallow Carers The Duhallow Carers Network meet on the first Thursday of every month in the James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket where members get the opportunity to step away from being a carer and take time for themselves to meet with others in similar circumstances and share information and support each other. New members are always welcome and find that they can get such valuable information from the experiences of long term carers. Annually the Duhallow Cares network organise social outings including an annual summer trip which was to Lough Derg and Limerick in 2019, a carers mass in November and a Christmas dinner.

We launched our Dormant Accounts training programme last June and since then carers in Duhallow have had a busy 12 months with a variety of training courses, workshops and seminars organized. The main purpose of this programme is to enable carers to provide the best care possible to the care recipient, reduce the risk of injury to both parties and support carers to successfully cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of their role. 4 accredited courses were delivered to carers; First aid, palliative care, care of the elderly and patient moving and handling all of which will help carers improve the care they provide.

However, the benefit of unaccredited courses and networking events cannot be under estimated. A variety of such were delivered including yoga, mindfulness, managing challenging behaviours workshops, autism awareness workshops, grief & loss, and insights into dementia. Due to Covid 19 this programme has been extended to September 2020 with a number of online webinars and courses organized for the coming weeks.

Spooktacular Halloween Camp for Macroom Direct Provision Centre At the invitation of new Board Member John Lyons, who had seen first-hand the success and benefit to children and parents, of our Afterschools in Newmarket, staff from IRD Duhallow Afterschools were tasked with organizing and facilitating two Halloween camps for the children in the new Direct Provision Centre in Macroom.

Brighid-Ide Walsh and Jodie O Mahony of Newmarket Afterschools who provided a mini Halloween Camp in the Direct Provision Centre Macroom.

It had only opened in the Autumn with several families now resident, with 17 nationalities and children that had left home and country, often under difficult circumstances, who were now all together in Macroom.

In planning the camps, we focused on physical activities that would promote team building; games that would encourage critical thinking as well as opportunities for children to share their own cultural traditions as well as experiencing some of ours. The children enjoyed Halloween themed baking, arts and crafts, activities and games during. All of the children dressed up for the occasion and were very eager to participate in all activities.

These camps not only offered a social outlet but also an opportunity to share and learn in an informal fun way.

Over 30 children attended each day while on their mid-term break from school and their parents were afforded time out, which is not often possible in a direct provision setting. The staff that organized and led the camps found the experience enriching and inspirational.

Roadmap for Social Inclusion 2020-2025 launched in January 2020.

A Dementia Awareness Seminar well attended in Newmarket.

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Employment and Training IRD Duhallow’s Employment and Training Service provides access to Employment, Training and Educational opportunities. The recent global pandemic has had a huge impact on workers across the region.

Many people have now found themselves unemployed, particularly those working in hospitality, retail and tourism. Unemployment figures have dramatically risen across the country. Unemployment figures in Ireland have risen by a dramatic 5.6% per cent in recent weeks. The rise in unemployment occurring across all sectors will be most difficult to resolve in rural areas which are over-reliant on primary industries such as agriculture, construction and low-level manufacturing. People in Duhallow, now more than ever, are experiencing the effects of this pandemic and are operating in economic circumstances that many have not seen since the economic recession in 2012. The effect of company closures is highly evident with a significant increase in the number of people registered to the IRD Duhallow Job Centre. As we find ourselves in the unprecedented situation of a global pandemic, IRD Duhallow is cognisant that individuals face a lot of uncertainty.

In the last 12 months, IRD Duhallow has organised a range of initiatives with the aim of supporting people who are both short and long term unemployed, to secure and sustain full time paid employment.

A large crowd in attendance at the Lucy Wolfe, Sleep Seminar.

Adult and Second Chance Education Bursaries IRD Duhallow Employment and Training Working Group has allocated a number of grants to individuals to facilitate access and entry to further and higher-level education. IRD Duhallow is cognisant that the contribution which education can make to social and economic change and to enhancing the everyday lives of adults cannot be overstated. It is clear that rural dwellers face many barriers when trying to access higher education such as poor broadband infrastructure, the infrequency of public transport and of course the financial constraints that people face. In the last year, 7 individuals have received funding from this measure under our SICAP programme. The availability of these bursaries has allowed these individuals to continue their education and become trained in various disciplines including Childcare, Veterinary and Barbering. The working group is aware that bursaries are a crucial way of facilitating access and entry to further education and training opportunities and ultimately help to improve the circumstances of those who receive them.

Digital Skills for Citizen’s Training During the recent health crisis, it has been evident that digital skills are an essential skill for everyday life and for people to stay in touch while selfDenis Crowley who participated in the isolating and cocooning.

Skills for Citizen’s Training receiving The Digital Skills for Citizen’s training Digital his certificate from Maura Walsh, CEO IRD scheme provides individuals with Duhallow at the annual Recognition of Learning Ceremony. basic digital skills training for people throughout Duhallow. This scheme is funded through the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, with IRD Duhalllow involved in a consortium group with Age Action. It is designed to provide citizens who have never used the internet with the confidence, motivation and skills to reap the benefits of participating in today’s digital world. In 2019, 5 courses were ran with 36 citizens being trained in digital skills.

Job Centre IRD Duhallow’s Job Centre has continued to provide a range of services and supports to both Jobseekers and Employers in the region throughout the last year. Due to the COVID-19 crisis there has been higher levels of unemployment evident First Aid Responder Training was in the region. Finding the right job can be a one of the many training courses to choose from during the year. challenge at the best of times, so therefore it is important that it is approached correctly by individuals. IRD Duhallow’s Job Centre utilises a person-centred approach to provide a range of services to individuals looking for a job. These services include assistance with CV’s, job application forms and mock interviews. The mentoring support provided by the Job Centre coordinator enhances the service provision and focuses on the individual’s strengths, resources and ability to seek employment in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.

The coordinator also actively works with employers and recognises the fact that recruitment, upskilling and maintaining staff can take up more and more time for employers. For this reason, the Job Centre assists employers with recruiting and promoting the best people to serve the current and future employment needs. During the recent Health Crisis remote support and guidance was provided for individuals on applying for Covid-19 unemployment benefits and on applying for vacant positions. Advice was also provided to individuals on further education and training for those wishing to upskill and we can offer advice and guidance around accessing these.

A Stop Food Waste workshop was one of the Community Education courses on offer through our SICAP Programme.

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A bike maintenance course took place in the James O’Keeffe Institute as part of National Bike Week.

Employment and Training Community Education and Lifelong Learning Through Community Education and Lifelong Learning, SICAP clients have been provided with an opportunity to increase their participation in civic life, education and/or employment opportunities. IRD Duhallow recognises that short term learning and training opportunities are key to engaging with the most educationally disadvantaged and those at risk of experiencing social exclusion. These short/part-time courses provide lifelong learning opportunities, while also instilling confidence and providing resources to seek further training opportunities in the future.

Over 85 individuals in the last year have been supported through SICAP Goal 2 – providing lifelong learning opportunities through a range of different programmes including: Mindfulness Workshop, Addiction Awareness Training, Art Classes for Beginners, Grow Your Own Workshops, Bee Keeping Workshops, to name but a few of the programmes delivered. The continuous demand for these courses show their need in the area and the positive feedback received from participants following their workshop/training course is a reinforcement for how community education and lifelong learning contributes to empowering people to develop their confidence and for promoting social inclusion.

Labour Market Activation Through our Labour Market Activation measure we aim to provide programmes that are flexible and responsive to the needs Piotr Mazur and David Shelly completing of the individuals that their Forklift Training offered through we support. In Ireland, the proportion SICAP’s Labour Market Activation measure. of people not working due to inactivity (having the capacity to work but having left the labour market and no longer seeking work) is comparatively higher than other EU and OECD countries. Long term unemployment (in excess of 12 months) leads to skill degradation so it is important that supports are made available to ensure that individuals in Duhallow have access to relevant up-skilling supports to enable them to re-enter the workforce. This entails the delivery of 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 for the Unemployed, Children with Additional Needs QQI Level 5, Care Skills QQI Level 5 and Good Agricultural Collection Practices.

Recognition of Learning Ceremony IRD Duhallow’s annual Recognition of Learning Ceremony is an important event in the annual calendar to celebrate the achievements of learners who participated in training courses throughout the year. Over 150 certificates were handed out on the night including 64 QQI Level 5 Certificates.

The Working Group organized a cycling skills workshop as part of National Bike Week.

John Lonergan, former Governor of Mountjoy Prison, was the keynote speaker on the night. John began by congratulating all those who graduated in their various courses, he said that ‘each learner should be immensely proud of their success and added that people are never too old to pursue further education’. John entered the Prison Service in 1968 and said that throughout the years that followed, he saw human nature at its worst - and often, unexpectedly, at its best, thereby developing a deep understanding both of human nature and Irish Society. John is a strong advocate of life-long learning and that through his work, he has seen first-hand the positive impact that education can have on a person’s life.

John Lonergan, Former Mountjoy Governor, the Keynote Speaker at the 2019 Recognition of Learning Ceremony.

Courses were completed across a range of disciplines included the following; Community Education & Training Courses delivered through SICAP; Local Training Initiative - Horticulture QQ1 Major Award; Digital Skills for Citizens Training; LEADER - Genealogy & Start Your Own Business; PEIL; Dormant Accounts - Courses for Family & Voluntary Carers; Skillnet - All courses delivered through the Skillnet Programme.

Participants of the Children with Additional Needs QQI Level 5 offered through our SICAP Labour Market Activation Measure.

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IRD Duhallow’s Local Training Initiative IRD Duhallow’s LTI is funded by Cork Employment and Training Board and is focused on horticulture. Our LTI Is now in its fifth year, and it’s success is largely attributable to the extensive grounds available to the project at the James O’ Keeffe Institute. 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.

Level 5 Qualification Achieved Twelve students started the Level 5 programme which commenced in April 2019 with the success of the Level 4 programmes being emphasized by the return of 11 past students to undertake Level 5, representing all 3 intakes at Level 4.

As part of our LTI, we have development individual allotment plots.

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.

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.

9 students have successfully completed Level 5 with 8 achieving the major award. 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 working at Mallow Garden Show as part of her Work Placement in the LTI Programme

Freshly harvested produce for sale at the weekly vegetable stall at the James O’ Keeffe Institute.

This gives students the opportunity to sell their products.

9 students achieved QQI Level 5 accreditation in February 2020. Level 5 consists of a more academic approach to botanical theory and horticultural science, with a large emphasis on organic production. The students undertook an 8-week work placement during the summer months as part of the extensive Work Practice Module. This is invaluable experience and can set them on the way to a career in horticulture.

New Programme 2020 sees a return to Level 4 to enable new participants to gain skill and confidence in horticulture, before progressing on to employment or further training. This new programme will begin as soon as the Covid -19 situation allows.

Although the academic nature of Level 5 demanded more classroom time, the students still found time to organise events for the local community, 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

The success of the horticulture training initiative is in no small part due to the extensive grounds and training facilities at the James O’Keefe Institute and the enthusiasm and commitment of each and every person who signs up to undertake the programme, whether they are experienced gardeners or complete novices.

2018/19 Level 4 students receiving their certificates with Maura Walsh CEO and Rachel Budd, LTI Co-ordinator.

Graduation Day for the Level 5 students with LTI Co-ordinator Rachel Budd and Assistant Co-ordinator Brighid-Ide Walsh.

TESTIMONIAL: Dan Fitzgibbon LEVEL 5 HORTICULTURE

LTI students on a trip to The National Botanic Gardens Dublin

I completed the QQI Level 5 Horticulture course in IRD Duhallow from 2019 to 2020. The support and encouragement I received during this course from the staff was absolutely fantastic. The course material was fantastic and I’d highly recommend anyone looking to get into Horticulture to attend the course in IRD Duhallow.

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Dan Fitzgibbon planting rhubarb in the Therapeutic Garden on the grounds of the James O’Keeffe Institute.

Broadening Your Horizons For the young people of Duhallow employment opportunities are limited, especially for those that have left school early with little or no qualifications or work experience. Young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) are at high risk of becoming socially excluded and may lack the skills to enhance their economic situation. The Broadening Your Horizons Programme supports and empowers young people aged between 16 and 24 years who are NEET and living in rural areas to access training, employment and recreational opportunities. This is done through one to one strengths based mentoring and coaching, person centred planning and assessment of need, group development work, core skills-based training, preemployment skills training and preparation. Training for each individual is based on their needs, capacity and aspirations.

Timmy O’Sullivan receiving his certificate of achievement for his participation on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection YESS Scheme. Timmy is pictured with Marie O’Flynn, Principal Officer Cork Division DEASP, Tom Twomey IRD Duhallow and Rose Slattery Employer Engagement Officer DEASP.

In 2019, with the assistance of the Youth Employment Initiative fund, IRD Duhallow engaged with 11 young people applying a strengths based approach to overcome the barriers which affect participation i.e. health, social, educational, employability. Participants benefitted from bespoke training including: Manual Handling, First Aid Responder Training, Personal Development, LAMH, Career Guidance, Apprenticeship information, CV and CV cover letter building, interview techniques, styling for an interview, job search strategies and continuous one to one mentoring. Due to COVID-19, some courses were adapted and put online for the participants to access at home and they continued to receive one to one mentoring over the phone.

Deciding on a future career or knowing what direction to take, can be a difficult decision Christine Murphy participating in a Skills for some. Many of the young Summary Workshop. people who join the programme are unsure and therefore are not ready to make a decision relating to this. 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 undertake further education, apprenticeships or paid employment. Using a step-bystep approach, Broadening Your Horizons, allows the participants to grow their commitment over time and the young people to progress at a pace suitable to themselves, therefore, reducing the risk of repeated drop out which can have adverse effects on their motivation and progression.

Broadening Your Horizon participants are encouraged and supported to carry out work experience- it gives young people an insight into the world of work, enables them to learn by doing and instils a strong work ethic. IRD Duhallow’s existing linkages on the ground with local employers are utilised to facilitate supported work sampling, work experience placements, work shadowing, volunteer placements and place and train schemes.

Achieving a full driving license is a considerable obstacle that young people face in obtaining Scannell receiving employment in this rural region. Many factors are aHelena delivery of ingredients for the CFI Remote attributed to this: cost of lessons and insurance, Cookery Programme. limited access to a vehicle and in some instances, low literacy levels affect their ability to complete the theory component.

IRD Duhallow has integrated ‘Drive2Success’, a core skills training workshops to support these young people who do not have access to a car or the financial supports to complete driving lessons. They are provided with a 3 month subscription to practice for the theory test online and classroom based learning is facilitated, if needed, in preparation of the theory test offering one-to-one support with the questions. After successfully obtaining their Learners Permit, participants are supported to complete 3 Ailbe Coffey facilitating a Youth & Resilience driving lessons.

Mentoring Workshop with BYH participants.

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 overall well-being.

Community Food Initiatives The Community Food Initiatives aims to positively influence the eating habits of families with children by focusing on the skills and knowledge around food and healthy eating, healthier shopping and enhanced cooking skills. This is done through a community event at the beginning and end of each year and 2 to 3 small projects in between. Due to COVID-19, we adapted the first small project from a 4-week Bríghid-Íde Walsh preparing a box of cookery course into a 6-week ingredients to be delivered for the CFI Remote Cookery Programme.

Remote Cookery Programme. Ten families participated in the initiative and received a weekly box from IRD Duhallow with easy to follow recipes from safefoods 101 Square Meals and the ingredients to match. The second small project was also adapted into a webinar that Nutritionist Laura O’Reilly delivered on the topic How Food Affects Children’s Mood.

Eoin O Connell displaying his delicious apple crumble he made as part of the CFI Remote Cookery Programme.

Broadening Your Horizons Participant, Rachel O’Callaghan, using her subscription to the online Driver Theory Test portal to take a practice test.

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Youth and Education Our Youth & Education Working Group consists of representatives from the various organisations and sectors with an interest and role to play in creating an inclusive environment in Duhallow for young people to study and live in. With a high rate of out migration of young people due to many who do not return after they leave for college or work Duhallow is an area which needs to attract its youth back to live and work here and offer a good quality of life. We have developed programmes and supports over the years to help achieve this and help make it an attractive place for young people to both return to but also to stay and live in. For our younger youth we have developed extra-curricular activities to support them both academically and socially. Parents who are socially or financially disadvantaged are encouraged to access the much needed supports to aid them to improve the circumstances for their family.

Literacy Support Programme Funded through the SICAP Programme IRD Duhallow offers a comprehensive support programme focused on providing targeted supports to children who may be experiencing difficulty in the area of literacy due to issues such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. Our weekly classes are facilitated by teachers, have a low pupil teacher ratio and are wholly focused on the development of children’s reading, writing and spelling skillset. Furthermore, an additional resource is available in the form of our TTRS course which is facilitated by experienced tutors. Touch Type Read and Spell is an innovative multi-sensory computer programme which offers multiple benefits to the children who attend regular classes. Based on the alpha and omega spelling method, the programme aims to build literacy skills. Along with supporting reading and spelling development, one of the key benefits of the programme is that at a young age children master the art of operating a computer, the computer keyboard and mouse which are all important technological life skills to have achieved.

Underscored by a ‘Can Do’ approach the TTRS programme motivates children through incremental improvements and positive reinforcement.

It is suitable for users who struggle with physical impairments and specific learning difficulties such as dyspraxia and dyslexia. Throughout the Covid-19 preventative and containment measures, children have been facilitated to use this programme from home in order to complete their modules. As part of the literacy programme clinics are held with parents during the year, at which parents receive guidance as to how to best support their children with their learning also.

Members of the Defence Forces pictured with students from Boherbue Comprehensive Secondary School at the annual Careers Exhibition.

Careers Exhibition Appropriate and effective career guidance information and skills are necessary to enable young people to make informed decisions about their future career ambitions. IRD Duhallow’s Youth and Education Working Group recognises that it is important to ensure that Young People are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed career choices in order to reach their full potential and to prevent early school leaving. IRD Duhallow’s Careers Exhibition, is an important event which helps young people to explore their future career prospects. Now in its 17th year, the annual event brings students from all over Duhallow and beyond to the Edel Quinn Hall in Kanturk, in early October, to meet with exhibitors from Third Level Institutions across the country. In 2019, close to 30 exhibitors from local, national and UL based Universities, Institute of Technologies, Agricultural Colleges, PLC Training Colleges, Solas, the Army, Navy Service and the local Gardaí, attended. Students had an opportunity to explore the many training options on offer and get their specific queries answered from the representatives of the many colleges in attendance. This gave the students a much-needed insight into their future career choices. A Career Guidance Counsellor was on hand to meet the students to offer additional support and advice in relation to subject and course choices.

A large crowd in attendance at the Edel Quinn Hall in Kanturk for the annual Careers Exhibition event.

Transition Year Students of Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore who participated in the Communicating Europe Initiative facilitated by PJ Cleere of the Disability Federation of Ireland.

Communicating Europe Initiative IRD Duhallow received funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Communicating Europe Initiative in Autumn 2019. This funding allowed IRD Duhallow to roll out a programme of workshops with Transition Year students in all five Secondary Schools in Duhallow. These information workshops entitled ‘What Europe means for a Young Person with a Disability’, focused on how the EU promotes the inclusion and participation of people with disabilities. These also focused on how the young people could practice inclusiveness. These interactive workshops were delivered by P.J. Cleere, Development Manager with the Disability Federation of Ireland.

All fun & games at the Wellie Throwing Competition @ Tullylease Family Fun Day as part of the Day of the Regions Transnational Project.

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Youth and Education Afterschools 2019 saw significant regulations come in to place for school aged childcare facilities where all must now be registered and approved by Tusla. Newmarket Afterschool’s which is operation since 2005 provides both an afterschool’s and out of schools service for children attending 4 local primary schools. This service which was initially established to fill a gap and support mothers work or return to education continues to do exactly that 15 years later but now it also provides supports to families who may not be in employment but are in need of support with homework or from the social benefits of their child interacting with others outside of a school setting. Our facility continues to provide a flexible service to local families where parents can register for the number of hours / days they require.

As registered providers of school aged childcare we operate both the Community Childcare Subvention Plus Programme and the National Childcare Scheme which provides subvention for parents deemed financially eligible.

Newmarket Afterschool’s was the first afterschool’s A special visit and present from Santa Claus to Newin Ireland to obtain a green market Afterschools for all the boys and girls attend flag in 2009 and we have just been awarded our 5th Green Flag for the Theme Global Citizenship Litter and Waste . This theme enables students to discover how work on green schools has positively influenced our global economy. Actions undertaken by students included undertaking a global awareness survey and carrying out a litter and food waste audit.

Staff from IRD Duhallow’s environment team and furniture restoration Revamp project facilitated talks with the students on reusing and recycling and litter, waste and water life.

Every year we operate camps for Halloween, easter and summer with children from across Duhallow availing of the variety of camps from little chefs to nature detective camps. Such camps give parents the flexibility during out of school term.

Dragons’ Den contestant and TEDx Speaker. She has developed the Lets Stand programme, a dedicated curriculum for primary school children that breaks down the skills of public speaking into an accessible, easy to understand and fun format. Over the course of three weekend workshops, children learned skills such as use of Eye Contact, Speech Structure, Facial Expression and Body language.

Paula Drumm & Michael O’Connor of Newmarket Foroige Club showcasing what their club offers to local youths at the BOI Enterprise Town Award which Newmarket was shortlisted in.

Student from the surrounding areas worked together in a collegial fashion to prepare speeches in their chosen topics and bring them to life through the techniques learned in the workshops. There were performed at a public speaking showcase event in front of over 60 friends and family members.

Group of parents at the Managing Childhood Anxiety Workshop.

Stress & Anxiety in Children Workshops IRD Duhallow hosted a Managing Childhood Anxiety workshop for parents of both Primary & Secondary School children delivered by Clinical Psychologist Noreen Hogan and CBT Therapist Kay O’ Sullivan.

As the main nurturers of children, this workshop aimed to equip parents with the knowledge to understand the importance of their children’s well-being. Positive well-being is critical to ensuring children reach their potential, grow and sustain meaningful social relationships, care for themselves, learn effectively and contribute to society. These practical, interactive workshops utilised a cognitive behavioural therapeutic(CBT) approach to help parents support their anxious children. Parents are more informed and connected from attending the workshops and have had an opportunity to contribute their views to the needs of children in Duhallow.

Local children attending the Newmarket Out of Schools Halloween Camp on a trick or treat hunt around the James O’Keeffe Institute.

Public Speaking During October and November, IRD Duhallow organised the annual Public Speaking event for Primary School Children across Duhallow.

Now in its 12th year, the event took on a changed format reflecting the needs of parents and children which allowed for greater inclusion and the building of foundational skills in the world of public speaking. The vent was funded by the SICAP programme and all primary schools in Duhallow were invited to take part.

As part of the focus on establishing baselines skills, IRD Duhallow’s Youth & Education Working Group sought the assistance of Siobhán Keenan Fitzgerald of the “Lets Stand Programme”. Siobhán is principal of English National School in East Galway as well as an entrepreneur,

Jordan Corkery Kilbrin who is a studying Business and Human Recourse Management in University of Limerick on his 3rd year placement in IRD Duhallow.

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Disability and Mental Health Community Inclusion One of the key priorities of the Equality Working Group is to promote the inclusion of people with a disability and mental ill health. Participation in social inclusion initiatives has the potential of enhancing the lives of those affected. Participation in such initiatives promotes equal rights and opportunities and allowing these individuals to have control and choice over how they live their lives and reach their full potential, in line with the Government of Ireland National Disability Strategy (2017-2021).

IRD Duhallow’s Equality Working Group is committed to delivering on commitments towards a person-centred service, promoting equality and social inclusion and supporting individuals to achieve their personal goals and to be equal members of their local community.

Members of the COPE Group who attend weekly workshops with Duhallow Furniture REVAMP team.

The Towards Occupation Programme class busy working making quilts as part of their sewing and Craft classes.

COVID-19 The recent COVID-19 Pandemic has had a huge impact on individual’s mental health. Many people’s lives and routines have changed dramatically over the last number of months. It is a worrying time for many and has resulted in a rise in issues such as stress, anxiety, insomnia, insecurity and a feeling of a loss of sense of control. In response to this IRD Duhallow organised a suite of online training workshops aimed at dealing with topics such as anxiety, sleep and uncertainty and change. The workshops were delivered by Marianne Wall, Counselling Psychologist with Smart Psychology.

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. It aims to support people to participate in their own recovery Brian Casey planting some seeds in the and to achieve their full potential.

Community Gardens in the James O’Keefe The programme places a strong Institute as part of the Towards Occupation Horticulture module. emphasis on confidence building, communication skills, increased self-belief and promotes social interaction in a community based setting. It provides a combination of flexible one to one person centred supports, guidance and training.

Training takes place on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Modules delivered in the last year have included Personal Development, Horticulture, Sewing & Craft and Yoga. The provision of transport is an essential element of the programme, this helps increase access to the programme. 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 different pathways to achieving their personal fulfilment.

Community Emotional Support and Counselling Service IRD Duhallow’s Emotional Support Service is a confidential and nonjudgemental service. Funded by our SICAP Programme, it is a free service available by appointment to anyone over the age of 18, affected by mental ill health. 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 a telephone service and one to one Integrative counselling.

Callers to the Bereavement phone have been referred to this service.

During the recent Covid-19 Pandemic, the service was adapted and is now offered to clients via video links such as Zoom and Skype.

IRD Duhallow Shine Phrenz Support Group Shine in collaboration with IRD Duhallow established the Duhallow Shine Phrenz Group in 2016. The support group is peer facilitated and supports individuals in their own mental health recovery. Peer support is a system of giving and receiving help. It is founded on the key principles of respect, shared responsibility and mutual agreement of what is helpful and offers a culture of help and Trudy Taylor, tutor of a Craft Class ran in ability. Peer support allows people Teach Mhuire in Rathmore through support from the SICAP Programme. to think non-judgementally about the way they experience and make meaning of their lives. The primary goal is to responsibly challenge the assumptions about mental health and wellness and at the same time support individuals to enable and empower them to make changes and decisions to enhance their lives.

The group meet monthly in the James O’Keeffe Institute, Newmarket.

Julie Lehane cutting material as part of her Sewing and Craft class.

Denis Keane and John Fitzgerald potting plants as part of their weekly Horticulture module.

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Ability Programme The Ability Programme provides funding to 27 local, regional and national projects in the Republic of Ireland that focus on bringing young people with disabilities between the ages of 15 and 29 closer to the labour market. The aims of the programme are achieved by using a range of person-centred supports. IRD Duhallow as lead partner collaborates with Ballyhoura Development and South East Cork Area Development (SECAD) to deliver the Ability programme across Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

We work closely with a number of referral agencies including St. Joseph’s Foundation, Charleville, HSE Mental Health Services and the Department of Employment Affairs and Ability Programme Participants Hayleigh Naughton and Ciaran Higgins being creative during their weekly Art & Craft Social Protection.

Therapy classes.

Nationally, the Ability Programme has supported 886 Young People with a Disability, 574 families and 745 employers. Over the past year IRD Duhallow’ s Ability Programme has supported 13 Young People through a range of person-centred planning supports. These supports enabled the Young People to make informed choices about how they want to live their life, at present and in the future. The programme has been key in helping the participants to develop skills to enhance their independence, build their self-confidence and in supporting greater engagement in community life.

Support to access & participate in Education & Training Person Centred planning has allowed the Youth Disability Engagement Development Officer to focus primarily on the Young Person rather than on their disability, supporting them to implement a plan to achieve their ambitions and goals and which focuses on all areas of their lives.

Thinking about the future is an important aspect of person-centred planning, which should aim to build on the Ciaran Higgins, David Shelley and Hayleigh Naughton cooking up person’s strengths and skills, and help them some pancakes on Pancake Tuesday as part of their Cookery Module. consider what they want most in life.

IRD Duhallow’s Ability Programme, builds upon the young people’s learning through practical activities that support them to transfer skills learned to home life and their local community.

Through the delivery of a range of training courses adapted to Joe Collins, Year 1 Ability participant volunteers weekly in Duhallow Furniture REVAMP. individuals’ specific needs, the programme aims to help these young people become as independent as possible and aid their progression.

A broad range of courses have been delivered including: • Life Skills training in areas such as cookery, money management, keeping safe online, laundry skills, teamwork and shopping; • Social and Personal Development which involved modules such as confidence building, community involvement, assertiveness, relationship building, personal care and hygiene; • Career Preparation Programme; • Art & Craft Programme • Sports Workshops

Pictured are some of the participants of this year’s Ability Programme, taking a break from the classroom and exploring the Therapeutic Gardens.

Promotion of meaningful Social Roles Social inclusion programmes such as the Ability Programme allows individuals to feel a sense of belonging, to have an ability to make a choice. It helps to identify the unique needs of the person, focusing on their strengths and abilities. 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.

Participation in meaningful social activities has been demonstrated to have a significant positive impact on Young People, connecting them with their local community. All of our participants have been supported and encouraged to participate in activities within their own communities. For example, one of our participants joined the local drama group and participated in their variety show in February while another attends their local Men’s Shed weekly and one whom attends a local knitting club.

Engagement with Local Employers Caroline Jones presenting her vision board as part of her Life Skills Module.

The Ability Programme seeks to directly address the barriers faced by Young People with Disabilities, trying to access the labour market. The programme aims to help Young People to gain the skills, competencies and experiences needed to be career ready.

They are supported by our career coaches and the Youth Disability Engagement Officer to make informed choices about their future careers. They are supported to seek work placements within their own locality. To date, the programme participants have been supported with work placements through Duhallow Furniture REVAMP, a local clothes shop, accounts/administration, delivery services, food & catering and retail services.

IRD Duhallow is delighted that it’s Ability Programme was featured in the current issue of the ESF Newsletter, which showcases the achievements of the European Social Fund in Ireland.

Response to Covid-19 Our current year 2 cohort were half way through their programme timetable when training was postponed due to COVID-19. To continue our engagement with participants a range of supports were put in place In response to COVID-19 restrictions, to ensure continuation of the classes are now delivered online for programme. Training and support packs Ability. Pictured is tutor Jeffery Fitzgerald hosting their weekly Boxercise Session. were put together for individuals tailored to each individuals needs and interests and areas covered included life skills, sport and recreational, wellbeing and art. During this time participants have been trying out some new activities in their homes including Yoga, Zumba, Cookery and mindfulness. The Youth Disability Engagement Officer supports participants via the phone and weekly Social & Personal Development sessions take place on a Thursday morning with their tutor via zoom.

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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.

Eileen Linehan Assistant Manager IRD Duhallow who is also the Chairperson of Cork County Childcare Committee presenting the 2019 Duhallow Business Awards.

Lucy Wolfe, Sleep Consultant presented a Seminar on Sleep and is pictured here with Judy O’Leary, Chair of Duhallow Women’s Forum and Helen O’Sullivan of IRD Duhallow.

Women also face a disadvantage in accessing educational opportunities, flexible employment, childcare and rural transport. This has resulted in further excluding women from society, putting them at greater risk of poverty, social exclusion and negatively impacting 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. It plays an important role in improving women’s quality of life in Duhallow including improving women’s access to education, training and personal development supports 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 is affiliated to the National Women’s Council of Ireland, which is an umbrella organisation for women’s groups in Ireland. This allows the 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.

PEIL Gender Equality Programme- Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme Over the past 3 years, Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women Programme has provided a local, supportive and accessible approach to education and training supports for women seeking to upskill and return to the workforce. As well as being employment focused, this programme has supported 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 a chance to learn new skills suitable to a variety of different careers, thus, helping them to find a new pathway in life.

210 women have been supported through Duhallow Work Opportunities for Women to date. Training such as SNA QQI Level 5, Intellectual Disability Studies QQI Level 5, Healthcare Support QQI Level 5, Personal Development are some of the comprehensive range of supports offered through this programme. The programme also offered women the option of one to one mentoring support and guidance which was useful for women returning to the workforce after a long absence.

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.

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.

Mary O’Keeffe of Beginners Corner Montessori who exhibited her business as part of the Newmarket Bank of Ireland Business Awards Competition.

Local childcare workers who are participating in our 1 year BA in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care in conjunction with Carlow IT

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Equality for Women & Childcare Mind Your Mind Seminar In February, IRD Duhallow Women’s Forum organised a seminar entitled ‘Mind Your Mind’. This motivational seminar, delivered by former Cork hurler Dessie Fitzgerald, provided the audience with techniques to increase their self-belief and positivity, inspiring attendees to make the most out of their lives and giving them tips to overcome their life challenges.

Dessie openly spoke to the audience about how his world was turned upside-down over a period of 14 months where he tragically lost two brothers and suffered a freak accident that led to a life changing injury which left him paralysed from the shoulder down and confined to a wheelchair.

Dessie spoke about how he was lost, emotionally, physically and mentally and knew that he had to take action to come to terms with everything that had happened.

Dessie is now able to walk using crutches and has devoted himself to helping others. Dessie left the audience with a key message of hope and told attendees “there’s always hope- be proud of who you are and everything you have overcome”. In order to “mind our minds it is important to accept where we are in life and move forward”.

pay and conditions. On 5th February thousands of childcare workers including a significant representation from Duhallow took part in a national day of protest in Dublin calling on the government to resolve the issues of underfunding in the sector which has brought it to crisis point with many services unsustainable. More than 60% of childcare workers earn less than the living wage of €12.30 per hour while parents are paying some of the highest fees in Europe. Participating childcare workers in the protest were calling for an increase of funding to help reduce fees for parents, increase pay for educators to the living wage and a new funding model as well as improvements for a more streamlined inspection and compliance model. Concerns are also justified in the sector regarding the suggestions in the new programme for government to no longer have a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to make way for a new Minister for Higher Education with fears the much needed investment into the childcare sector would not happen if put in under a different department.

Childcare staff of Banteer Communtiy Childcare at the National Protest Day in Dublin.

Participant’s pictured at a Women for Change workshop on the topic of ‘Women in Politics’.

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.

IRD Duhallow hosted three workshops which 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. 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. These workshops gave women in Duhallow an opportunity to learn skills in leadership, lobbying, campaigning and influencing policy. Following this project, the NWCI launched a resource for women’s groups and women working for social change and equality at local level Community Childcare Managers Network Established in 2015 our network plays a vital role in supporting managers of 30 early years and school aged childcare facilities across North Cork and East Kerry to network and share information. Together the managers bring a wealth of knowledge to the network with a mix of experienced and new managers learning from each other and advocating for various improvements in the sector. The network meets bi monthly and is cognisant of the need to upskill the sector to help retain staff. In 2019 in conjunction with Carlow IT a 1 year BA in Applied Early Childhood Education and Care was delivered though our Skillnet programme in Newmarket. This was the brainchild of the network who recognised the need for many experienced childcare workers to obtain their Level 7. Many local childcare managers and staff have also taken up on a variety of training also through this network.

National Protest 2020 was a significant year for the childcare sector nationally with members from across the sector fighting back against years of poor

Impact of Covid As with most of the economy the global pandemic of coronavirus has hit this sector extremely hard with all early years and school aged childcares instructed to close from the 12th March. The closure of this sector showed now more than ever the important role childcare providers play in supporting working parents in particular mothers as well as being such significant employers themselves of women in part time and full time positions locally. Thankfully the DCYA put in place the Temporary Wage Subsidy scheme package for the wages of childcare facilities where those who registered their staff had their net wages covered jointly by Revenue and the DCYA which ensured staff weren’t lost to the sector as the loss of such experience and skills would have been devastating.

Now as we are in the midst of the governments road to reopening the economy childcares have reopened. Strict guidelines are now in place which are proposing some significant changes for the way children will be cared for by being divided into ‘play pods’ to help reduce the risk of infection and aid contact tracing if required. From the vast experience in the sector parents locally will be reassured that childcares and school age services will put the care of the child first and be realistic and practical in how they restructure the running of their facilities but undoubtedly childcare settings won’t be as we have known them.

Members of Duhallow Women’s Forum pictured at the Launch of the National Women’s Council of Ireland’s, resource for women’s groups and women working for social change and equality at local level.

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Warmer Homes Initiative Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (BEWHS) Our Warmer Homes Scheme has been in operation for 14 years and has to date insulated over 4,000 houses across North and Mid Cork, South Limerick and all of Kerry. This Scheme is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.

To qualify for this scheme, you must be in receipt of one of the following payments; Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment, 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 or Carers Allowance. Homes must be owner occupied and constructed before 2006. IRD Duhallow is one of 12 community based organisations delivering this scheme throughout the country.

Billy Browne, Kanturk, retired in June 2020 after 11 years with IRD Duhallows Warmer Homes Scheme.

Billy started with us in 2009 and has worked in a variety of roles, more recently as surveyor and quality control. Billy has a great work ethic and had a great rapport with customers, fellow workers and SEAI inspectors. We wish him well in his retirement.

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland Tender 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 partnered with Northside Community Enterprises to deliver these additional measures to our customers. SEAI then issued a tender in early 2020 for the delivery of the BEWHS for the next 4 years. These additional deeper retrofit works will be included in the tender. The deadline for submission of completed tenders was mid-June.

Energy Hub Cork Energy Hub in Farranferris Cork, set up a new funding model for Better Energy Homes Scheme (BEHS) applicants.

Gurranabraher Credit Union provides loans to householders who wish to avail of energy efficiency upgrade works. IRD Richard Bruton T.D, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment pictured Duhallow, as one of the Energy with Colm Crowley and Billy Browne at the IRD Hub Contractors, carries out a Duhallow Warmer Homes stand at the Energy Action Fuel Poverty Conference in 2019. survey on eligible properties and then submits a quotation for works. Energy Hub will then process the application on behalf of the householder and the credit union will pay the contractor directly once works are completed. This scheme is still in its infancy and to date there has been 5 properties surveyed for works.

Enprova & Kingspan Retrofit Home Incentive Scheme IRD Duhallow is a registered installer of attic, cavity wall and internal dry lining insulation measures under the Kingspan & 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. A grant of up to €850 is available per house for attic and cavity wall insulation, regardless of house size. IRD Duhallow price the job, deduct the grant amount and the householder will pay the balance. A BER (Building Energy Rating) Certificate is generated for each completed house by an independent assessor.

In 2019, 44 houses received funding for insulation works through this scheme.

Warmer Homes Scheme installer Niall Guiney, Rockchapel, receiving a presentation for 10 years’ service from the Chair of IRD Duhallow, Breeda Moynihan Cronin.

Better Energy Communities Programme (BEC) IRD Duhallow carried out energy efficient upgrade works in two local projects in 2019, Clondrohid Community Centre and Millstreet National Boys School. Both received grant approval through Northside Community Enterprises (NCE) 2019 BEC application. Works carried out included replacement of internal lights with highperformance LED lights and cavity wall insulation works.

James Kelleher installing insulation in an attic that was insulated under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme earlier in 2020

Continuous Training & Quality Assurance Training is an essential part of our service where Warmer Homes 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 2019 we had a pass rate of 100% from these inspections. We continue to carry out internal quality control checks to ensure we Noel Heffernan and Liam Buicke working on cavity maintain this high pass rate. wall insulation prior to SEAI suspending works in March 2020.

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 RSS, CE and the TUS Schemes all of which supply participants to work with teams insulating attics and cavity walls.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors IRD Duhallow received an allocation of 200 carbon monoxide detectors from Age Action. These alarms were donated by Gas Networks Ireland and complement our insulation and ventilation works through the BEWHS and our installers fit the detectors free of charge in each home.

Our Board made the decision to redeploy our staff to essential services during the Covid 19 pandemic and help the meals on wheels and delivery of shopping etc. to vulnerable and cocooning people.

COVID-19 Once the shutdown began all warmer homes activities had to cease completely. Our Board immediately took the decision to redeploy our staff to front line essential services such as the Laundry delivery service, friendly call service to those isolated and meals on wheels’ preparation and delivery service.

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Duhallow Furniture REVAMP 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 provides a collection and delivery service, a repair, restoration and reupholstery service, which is proving extremely popular. A discount is also made available in an effort to further assist and entice those in receipt of social welfare, low-income households and students. 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.

Councillor Ian Doyle, County Mayor visited the REVAMP workshop in June to meet the staff and commend them on their face mask production. Staff members Jessica Barron, Colm O’ Conor, CLLR Bernard Moynihan, IRD Duhallow Board members Annette O’ Mahony (Vice Chair) , Chair Breda Moynihan Cronin and Margaret McSweeney

Expanding range of services Bringing targeted improvements to our workshops and skillsets is key in fulfilling the enterprise’s goals. The management of bulky goods is where Duhallow REVAMP concentrated its efforts and with the assistance of Cork County Council, were able to add important equipment like two new pneumatic lifting tables. Specifically designed for upholstery work and large item repairs, this addition considerably increases the scope of repair work Revamp can carry out by adapting the workshop environment to render this type of work practical, and more importantly safe. Large suites and sofas in need of new springs or foam can now be repaired instead of being disposed of; therefore also widening the scope of items we can accept for donations. Giving a new lease of life to those large pieces of furniture makes a big difference in the waste going to landfills.

Chairs repaired by our team at Revamp.

Commitment to environmental goals With over 135 tons of furniture diverted from landfills to date, and over 120 tons redistributed back into the community through sales and refurbishment, 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 90% reuse goods and materials in its overall operations. To date, the average use of new material is 3% only, well below our guidelines. REVAMP also provide a free collection service, thereby contributing to a reduction in “greenhouse” gas emission and fly tipping, and providing a great incentive for everyone to play his or her part in creating a cleaner environment.

Reaching out to the community Duhallow REVAMP is in touch with the difficulties faced by its main target groups. Committed to rendering our services as accessible as possible for the elderly, people in Attending Cork County Council receipt of social welfare, low income households Reuse Exhibition – REVAMP staff Colm O’Connor and Deborah and students, a range of measures are in Pearson with Cork County Mayor Christopher O’Sullivan. place. Our free collection service means that salvageable pieces of furniture can be removed from people’s homes without the hassle and costs of transporting them to a recycling centre.

Our free delivery service helps people with no access to larger vehicles or people who would not be in a position to handle the weighty items into their home. These services are communicated through different media outlets and in particular, in the IRD Duhallow newsletter which reaches over 10,000 households every month. The discount available to these target groups is in place to ensure that no one is left without essential furniture for their house and that they can preserve quality of life.

Continuous training and upskilling opportunities It is an important part of REVAMP’s operation to provide training through the Skillnets programme. These include essential training in health and safety, First Aid, manual handling to name a few. It is also an important aim of REVAMP to offer upskilling opportunities to staff and participants. In 2019, the efforts were focused on providing training in the fields of social media marketing and other computer skills amongst other things.

Jakub Nowacki and Krzysztof Lichorobiec repairing a couch on one of the two new pneumatic lifting tables funded by Cork County Council.

Commitment to quality goods and services Duhallow REVAMP, the first enterprise in the country to be awarded the Re-mark, Ireland’s Reuse Quality Mark of Excellence established by the CRNI, participated in producing a promotional video which is now used by the CRNI to show other enterprises the benefits of the Re-Mark.

REVAMP has made over 600 masks since the start of COVID 19 pandemic and demand is increasing since the Government announced the requirement to wear them on public transport.

Jessica Barron is pictured sewing masks.

COVID-19 Response In compliance with Government guidelines regarding non-essential services our retail shop closed on Monday March 30th. As IRD Duhallow itself was deemed an essential IRD Duhallow Chair Breda Moynihan Cronin presents face masks made by REVAMP to Rathmore Social Action Group. service, our staff were happy to redeploy and support the other services that had to continue including the community laundry and meals service as well as the delivery service to people cocooning. We also began the production of face masks from our revamp workshop and to date have produced over 600 masks, many of which have been donated to local hospitals and nursing homes and are also available for sale to the general public.

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Duhallow Community Laundry Independent Living is very important and in order for people to achieve this, they need access to social enterprises that will enable them to achieve this.

Mayor Ian Doyle with IRD Duhallow Social Economy Chair Mary Wallace, Cllr Bernard Moynihan and our CEO Maura Walsh during his visit to the Community Laundry in June.

Duhallow Community Laundry has been operating for nearly six years.

It was initially established in response to the need identified by our Saoi Network comprising of 21 Actively Retired Groups across Duhallow and the Carers Network who highlighted the necessity for the provision of a Community Laundry service primarily for the elderly, carers and low-income households in Duhallow. In addition, Duhallow Community Laundry is also available for use by Lone Parents, the unemployed; those in receipt of Disability or Farm Assist payments, participants on the following schemes Tus/ RSS/CE; and community and voluntary groups.

Margaret Murphy loading up the van with laundry

and groceries for our customers. During the Over the years, under the Covid-19 pandemic, we increased our service to stewardship of both Anita deliver groceries to our users in order to support the most vulnerable in any way we could.

Castle and Margaret Murphy, our service has built up a vast customer base throughout Duhallow. The provision of a collection and delivery facility is an integral part of our service, as a lot of our customers don’t have access to transport. A significant number of our customers also live alone, so we realise the importance of the social interaction they have when they ring in to book a collection and wait for it to be collected and delivered back in a timely manner.

Response to Covid-19 The onset of Covid-19 in March this year really highlighted the importance of services such as this. When the seriousness of Covid-19 became apparent, our staff contacted all our customers to ensure they were all feeling well and safe and to assure them that we were still open for business. In response to demand, we also expanded our service to meet emerging needs in a time of crisis, assisting with shopping, collecting prescriptions and dropping the newspaper etc, which we were delighted to be able to do.

Throughout this time, we were getting more enquires and the demand for the service was increasing. With this in mind and Paddy O’Connor, CE Supervisor to ensure the dual need to protect our staff helped in the deliveries to one of our regular customers Mary Sheahan. and ensure the service continued, we split the team in two to ensure minimal risk of infection and ensure if a staff member did get the virus, the service was not vulnerable to shut down and would continue. Additional staff from IRD Duhallow were redeployed to support the increasing demand and we are most grateful for this assistance. We were fortunate to receive additional funding from both Kerry and Cork County Councils Anita Castle works full time in and the Department of Rural and the laundry and oversees the Community Development under the Covid-19 administration and records for the service.

Emergency Fund.

County Mayor Visit IRD Duhallow Board member and current County Mayor, Cllr Ian Doyle visited the James O’ Keeffe Institute in June this year during lockdown, and made time to visit the Community Laundry. He commended the staff on continuing to work in a time when the vulnerable we serve need our service more than ever. His visit gave staff a great boast on the day.

Colm O’Connor of REVAMP was redeployed to the laundry service while the furniture workshop was closed during lockdown.

The Board and Management are very aware of the importance of the social aspect of the service and always support the staff to ensure this remains, as we’re a public funded organisation we’re used to reporting on the impacts and outcomes of all our company’s services and programmes but there’s no means of reporting or measuring this impact of social interaction which is immeasurable especially at times like this. If Covid-19 has thought us anything is that the ethos of

Staff members Christine and Anita processing laundry orders at the newly kitted out reception area of laundry. Duhallow Revamp made an impressive new reception area for the service earlier this year.

Angela and Margaret both busy ironing customers’ orders.

TESTIMONIAL: Patsy Vaughan “in all fairness I would be lost without the laundry and the fact that they collect my clothes and drop them back again to me, it’s fantastic.

It is the best service ever to be honest with you, I really don’t know what I would do without the girls and the great job they do. I always look forward to the girls ringing we do always have a great chat which means a lot to me too, IRD Duhallow is a fantastic company thanks for the great service”

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IRD Duhallow Community Employment Scheme Paddy O’ Connor C.E. Supervisor With over nineteen years’ experience, our CE supervisor Paddy has taken on responsibility for Health and Safety within IRD Duhallow, as Health & Safety Officer and has been instrumental in developing policies and procedures in line with best practice. Paddy supports the participants on our CE scheme in developing their skills and supports them to access training in their bid to return to mainstream employment using the online Individual Learning Plan Computer System. Each participant participates in the development of their own progression plan.

As supervisor, Paddy O Connor meets with participants regularly to ensure progress on their training plans and work placements. Claire Guerin works in Duhallow Community Food Services as a Catering Assistant.

IRD Duhallow’s CE Scheme The Board of IRD Duhallow made the decision many years ago to enhance the offering of the IRD Duhallow CE Scheme by tapping into the centre of Social Enterprises in Newmarket at the James O’ Keeffe Institute. The foresight of the Board in this regard, ensured that our CE scheme was in a position to offer realistic work experience opportunities to participants. These opportunities afforded participants the chance to work locally gaining skills in areas where real employment opportunities exist, something essential in order to ensure progression from the scheme onto mainstream employment. This approach is borne out again this year with four of our participants progressing on to mainstream employment from our Social Enterprises this past year.

We have made great strides in integrating our CE scheme with other Social welfare schemes including RSS, Tús, CSP etc. This Jakub Nowacki works for Duhallow Revamp where he has gained skills in refurbishment of furniture. integration while initially challenging, has resulted in greater team work and sense of belonging to an organisation, sharing common goals. It has also aided in the building of self-confidence and goal setting for people when they come on schemes initially.

COVID 19 Our scheme works across the communities of Rathcoole, Boherbue, Ballydaly, Kilcorney, Dromtarriffe, Lyre, Newmarket and Banteer. We have been allocated 26 places by the Dept Social Protection and currently due to COVID 19 restrictions, we are prohibited from recruiting onto the scheme. With IRD Duhallow deemed an essential service by the Department of Housing, Vincent O’Sullivan works as a delivery driver Planning and Local Government, for DCFS, where he meets older and vulnerable people daily. DCFS has had a crucial role during our CE participants have really the COVID19 crisis and Vincent along with other stepped up to the mark and have CE participants have played a very important part in ensuring services continue. proved in the face of adversity, rural communities really do pull together and support each other. Most of our participants are supporting their community by redeploying to meals delivery to the elderly, laundry service and keeping their communities in top shape by continuing to maintain green areas across Duhallow as well as public buildings that remain open and ensure they

are cleaned down regularly and remain safe. This is testament to work ethic instilled in rural people and supported through our Community Employment Scheme.

Participant Development through Training A corner stone of Community Employment is participant development through training. CE rules state participants must work towards a QQI, City & Guilds or other Certificate qualification, which encourages people to develop long term training and employment goals and supports them to achieve their training goals while on CE and positions them well to gain employment.

Joanne O’ Connor oversees bookings for training in the James O’ Keeffe Institute as par of her CE placement.

This past year saw participants undertake training in Security Skills, Manual Handling, Driver Certificate of Professional Competency, Start your own Business, Interview skills, Supervisory Management, Training Delivery and Evaluation, Upholstery, Safe Pass and ECDL courses. All of the courses undertaken by participants are certified through SOLAS, QQI or City and Guilds. Three of our participants progressed to employment this year.

Scheme Expansion: Our scheme was expanded in June this year to take on the Kiskeam scheme as its supervisor was retiring. This brings an additional 18 participants onto the IRD Duhallow scheme and which covers the communities of Kiskeam, Cullen, Ballydesmond and Knocknagree.

We will now need to recruit an Assistant Supervisor. Tom Dennehy, Kiskeam, was part of the sponsor group in Kiskeam and sits on the IRD Duhallow Social Economy WG and has made the transition smooth for all the participants.

TESTIMONIAL:

Douglas Ballantyne Douglas Ballantyne competed three years on CE in 2019 and gained employment with a Courier Business in Ringaskiddy. “I thought it was great experience to be on the CE scheme as it gave me the chance to work 19.5 while upskilling and completing courses at the same time.”

Douglas Ballantyne gained employment post CE with Fastways deliveries.

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Philip Burns does an excellent job maintaining Boherbue GAA grounds.

Paudie O’Connor works as Stores man as part of his CE placements, encoding all community equipment for RSS, Tús, CE etc. is accounted for.

Rural Social Scheme IRD Duhallow has worked with the farming community since our inception, with our Agriculture Working Group always looking for opportunities to support farmers and their families, especially low income smallholders.

Farmers play an important role as custodians of the land and play a key role in preserving biodiversity, water quality and habitats for future generations as well as protecting our endangered wildlife. The introduction of the Rural Social Scheme in 2004 was a huge milestone in the lives of small rural farmers.

The impact was particularly positive in Duhallow given the volume of farmers with smallholdings, little chance of off-farm employment and the shortfall of income to sustain the family. RSS gave the opportunity for farmers or their spouses to work off the farm in the community for 19.5 hours RSS Helen O’Connor preparing meals for the DCFS meals on wheels’ delivery service as per week. The scheme has supported part of her time on the scheme. many farm families to maintain their smallholdings, thus safeguarding our landscape and environment as well as improve their quality of life by participating as part of scheme with other farmers and working across a range of community projects and has done much to combat the social isolation experienced by many farming on their own. IRD Duhallow has 58 RSS places across 3 schemes.

Our RSS scheme contributes hugely to the work of Duhallow Communities by supporting the following range community work throughout the wider Duhallow region; Caretaking at community and sporting facilities; Energy conservation work for the elderly and the less well-off; Village and countryside enhancement projects; Looking Paddy Dillane keeping the footpath in Rockchapel clean for locals to use safely. after waymarked ways, and agreed loop walks; 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 and Helping non-profit cultural and heritage centres. The RSS Scheme played a vital role in delivering the innovative conservation actions in both our LIFE projects including clearing invasive species and protecting river banks and habitats

The RSS Scheme facilitates its participants to continue in their main occupation as a farmer while also working 19.5hours in the community.

Brian Feehan RSS participant working on fencing in his farm.

RSS supports a number

of community essential Join the Rural Social Scheme services. Tom Healy Participants must be actively farming with a means delivers meals to various customers for DCFS. tested payment, such as Farm Assist, in order to be eligible. The rate paid to a participant on the RSS is equivalent to their underlying social welfare payment plus a top-up of €22.50 but there is a minimum payment of €225.50. RSS participants in receipt of a widow’s pension or disability allowance retain their payment and also receive a top-up payment which will also bring the minimum weekly payment to €225.50. There are vacancies available on the IRD Duhallow scheme currently so feel welcome to join our team or recommend RSS to a family member or friend.

RSS participant, John Flynn completes his time on RSS delivering laundry to vulnerable customers.

Covid 19 Response When the seriousness of Covid 19 became apparent, Local Development Companies were deemed essential services, and immediately stepped outside their comfort zones to help those in lock down and vulnerable.

Our Supervisors gave fantastic example, Marie Fleming trained as a Covid Lead for the company and RSS Scheme, and as part of our Health and Safety Committee brought a set of comprehensive proposals, for introducing safe practices and protocols which, were approved by the Board and implemented across the company. Nuala O Riordan in the meantime looked after all the participant’s placements and safe return to work as well as taking on follow up calls to some elderly requiring assistance at home. The majority of our participants committed themselves to ensuring not only the continuity of our services but a doubling of outputs to meet the increased demand as some voluntary services had to go into lockdown because of the age of their volunteers. Our RSS participants supported Duhallow Community Food Services in the kitchens as well as in delivering meals. Our community laundry service with the guidance of Marie Fleming, reached out to those cocooning through the support of additional RSS participants joining in collecting as well as delivering laundry. Participants also supported our expanded offering of home grocery, fuel and medicine delivery across the region, while others helped by reaching out and keeping in touch through our friendly phone call service, making daily and weekly calls, with our senior citizens as well as taking referrals from Alone. All requests were responded to promptly. The local knowledge of our RSS participants of the region coupled with the communities trust in IRD Duhallow, was key to the rapid, comprehensive and effective Covid response in the Duhallow region.

While some of our work in community centres was cancelled, these participants, having gone through training, adopted a new deep cleaning regime to ensure our offices and working areas were constantly sanitised along with a daily deep clean of vehicles delivering the services required in the community. This ensured confidence in a safe work environment for colleagues as well all those in receipt of our services.

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Rural Social Scheme Walks Maintenance 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 farmers and landowners to maintain and upgrade their sections along the route. IRD Duhallow’s RSS teams continue to support walking tourism RSS participant, Pat Shanahan, transporting gravel in the region through the to be laid out along the old butter road in Rathmore. promotion of our Loop Walks and with Nuala O Riordan often leading evening walks to encourage local people to use them for recreation and safe off road walks in order to maintain good health. Sports Ireland and the National Trails Office accredited walks must be maintained to the highest standard and an RSS team ensures markers are replaced and walks are regularly strimmed to avoid trips and falls.

Road’ in Rathmore. We along with Kerry County Council and Rathmore Community Council are working collaboratively on this project having completed phase 1 of the upgrading works in 2017.

The ‘Old Butter Road’ derived its name back in the 18th century when one of the main exports from Ireland to the West Indies and South America, was butter, because of the mild climate and the many dairy farms in the South West Ireland at the time. One of the main butter roads ran in an almost straight line of about 70 miles long, from Castleisland, Co Kerry to the Butter Exchange in Cork, where the butter was graded and auctioned off to the highest bidder for export. The Carters taking firkins of butter by donkey or horse and cart, brought the butter to the market, and it was a long hard journey, in all weathers but made much easier with the development of this long straight stretch of road. With the advent of the railways in the mid-1800s, a lot of the hardship was taken out of transporting the butter, but the road is still there though not used as often. The project involves re-surfacing works, stiles and marking posts and information boards along the Rathmore Section and will be completed by the autumn. It will be open to walkers and families and we hope to get it approved in time as another Sports Ireland RSS participant putting Approved Loop walk. We final touches to the will commence work on upgrading two more walks the restoration of a Sketter in the Agri Museum in Newmarket and Rathcoole under the scheme in in the James O’Keeffe the coming weeks.

Foundation Newmarket.

Care & Repair Service Under our Care and Repair Service IRD Duhallow completed 35 small repair jobs in 2019 and continued to fit the carbon monoxide alarms donated by in 2018. The RSS teams support this work on the ground as well as other handyman jobs that support our high and growing elderly population to remain longer in independent living, which is what the majority want.

Before,During & After A section of the Old Butter Rathmore underwent a complete upgrade with work completed by RSS participants.

Left: RSS participants Willie Walsh and Neilly Cronin renovating an old house along the old butter road in Rathmore.

Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme Our application was approved in December last year by the Department of Rural and Community Development for funding under Measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme 2019 for the ‘Old Butter

Retirements This year we said farewell to four of our wonderful participants Davie Joe Breen, Andy Collins, Hugh O’Connor and Denis O’Mahony. Davie Joe joined the scheme in 2012 and worked on environmental maintenance projects for RSS supervisor, Marie Fleming helping Kathleen O’Connor insure all her renewal paperwork is in order. improved water quality and improvement of habitats. Denis during his eight years with us delivered meals for Duhallow Community Food Services. Both Hugh and Andy were on the scheme for thirteen years, all were hard working men and during their time on RSS they were involved in numerous community projects right throughout Duhallow. The Social Economy Working Group and Board of IRD Duhallow commend the great work they have done during their time with us, we wish them all a long and happy retirement.

The staff will miss them and hope that that they might avail of volunteering opportunities in the future with IRD Duhallow to stay in touch and share their cumulative expertise with our up and coming new participants. Due to Covid we were not in a position to formally mark their retirements but will do so as soon as we are permitted.

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TÚS Community Workplace Initiative Overview The Tús initiative is a Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection community work placement scheme providing a year’s working opportunity for unemployed people for 19.5 hours per week.

IRD Duhallow operates its schemes in an integrated fashion with its other programmes including RSS and Community Employment. All works are designed in conjunction with the communities and are scheduled accordingly.

Tadgh Curtin is using placement further his media training skills, seen here filming the use of the arena, one of the facilities in the James O’Keeffe institute.

employment, and the 12 months on the scheme exposes them to CE, CSP and other schemes with progression opportunities.

The Job Centre in IRD Duhallow is available to support the participant with C.V. updating and interview preparation.

Participant Niall Sheehan painting Duhallow Community Food Centre Dining area, as part of the anti-Covid measures taken.

Eligibility A person must be in receipt of a Jobseekers payment from the Department of Social Protection for at least 12 months. Participants work in a community placement for 12 months while still retaining their existing secondary Social Welfare benefits e.g. rent allowance, medical card, fuel allowance etc. The majority of participants are randomly selected from the Live Register, but there is also an option to “Self Refer” by contacting the Local Case Officer in your Social Welfare branch office.

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.

This job placement has several benefits; Learning new skills, participant Alan Coughlan completes his Tús work it breaks the cycle of unemployment and placement in the kitchen of DCFS. instills confidence and reduces social inclusion. It is also an opportunity to learn new skills and to progress with further training through the wide variety of courses on offer here in the James O’Keeffe Institute. There is great job satisfaction achieved while working on much appreciated community work such as village renewal, caretaking community halls, meals on wheels, insulating houses etc. With the integration of different schemes in IRD Duhallow, Tús participants also gain from working as part of a team with people on different schemes and at different career points. Tús is seen as the starting point for many on their pathway back to mainstream

Benefits to the environment Participants Pat Murphy and Julie Tús participants have been working Messmer support the Meals on Wheels service as part of their placement. in teams with the RaptorLIFE project implementing habitat restoration measures in Natura 2000 areas. These measures varied from fencing back off the river, planting eroding river banks and hedgerow, to controlling invasive species on our rivers such as Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed.

The highly damaging knotweed has also been systematically eradicated on over 400 km of road, which are vector routes to watercourses.

IRD Duhallow through the LEADER programme supported 5 communities Tús participants working on the Raptor Life project habitat restoration measures by removal of regenerating conifers to erect Swift towers in 5 near a Hen harrier nest site area. villages across the region, and our Tús participants were an integral part of this. Swift towers were erected in the past few weeks in Kiskeam, Kanturk , Macroom and Newmarket with another to be erected in Rathmore in the coming weeks.

Participant Martin O’Neill oversees the delivery of Discover Duhallow across the region, first stopping off at Duhallow Community foods with copies to be delivered by the Meals on Wheels

Tús supervisor Nuala Riordan demonstrating small mammals at a Family Fun Day in Kiskeam, as part of the Heritage Day events.

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TÚS Community Workplace Initiative KILBRIN CEMETERY Tus participants completed the work of covering the older section of the grave yard with stone chip, a weed membrane was placed throughout and covered with stone. 40 tons of chip was provided by the local community.

Tús supervisor Nuala Riordan leading a group up Mount Hillary on one of Duhallow’s trails.

Heritage and traditional works JAMES O KEEFFE GROUND MAINTENANCE Renovations work to the warmer homes stores which is part of the James O’Keeffe Institute courtyard building were completed by Tús under supervisor Don Murphy, a master craftsman stonemason.

These works were completed under strict guidelines from both the Heritage Council and Cork County Council.

The work involved the removal of existing plaster to external walls to allow building to be more breathable.

Internal works involved the construction of new fire proof ceiling, lining walls with secil cork board and finished with a fine lime plaster, a new electrical rewiring Ger Cremin and Thomas Walsh using stone wall and plumbing was completed. building painting of building skills during the floor, together with the heating and plumbing their work placement works have been completed. This type of work which is overseen by Supervisor Don Murphy. has afforded participants the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and skills easily transferable to the construction sector and thus enhancing employability.

Under 25’s Duhallow is acutely aware of the inter-generational nature of unemployment and therefore has focused interventions on households affected to ensure 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, participants under 25 on the scheme can participate in the Broadening Your Horizons, IRD Duhallow’s Youth Employment Initiative, where they learn to focus on the key attributes and traits of a valuable employee to assist their progression onto the labour market.

Covid- 19 The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent shutdown of Tús supervisor Daniel Murphy, disinfecting the majority of the country was a one of the Meals on Wheels vehicles as part most uncertain time for everyone. of measures to ensure the safe operations of essential services during Covid-19.

We were notified immediately by the Department that Local Development Companies were deemed essential services.

Our Board immediately developed a plan to ensure all essential services continued and all our schemes including Tús were key to its implementation and success. Tus participants stepped up to provide essential community services such as assisting in providing Meals on Wheels, the Community Laundry, providing the Friendly Phone Call Participant Tommy Culloty service to isolated and vulnerable members ensuring all guidelines of hygiene are adhered to in the fight of the community. against Covid-19.

TESTIMONIAL:

Elfredas Gudonis as part

VINTAGE MACHINERY RESTORATION of his work placement is IRD Duhallow has received many items of vintage carefully restoring a cart in the Agricultural Museum. machinery which were part of farm life in bygone years, which were very kindly donated from the public in the Duhallow area. With the guidance of supervisors, Tus participants and volunteers have restored these items back to their original glory, and in achieving this it gives the participants a real sense of pride in their work.

This work also provides the participants with the opportunity to learn new skills such as blacksmithing, cart making, and fine painting of names and manufactures unique designs.

Village renewal – community work CILLÍN FAMINE CEMETERY (MILLSTREET) Tús participants have almost completed the work on this graveyard.

The work involved the strimming and cutting back of the overgrowth, which had not been touched in the past decade. Some mulching and repairing of stonewalls still remain to be done.

Christine Murphy works in Duhallow Community laundry. Demand increased during the Covid period with our Tús participants being key in ensuring the continuation of the services offered to people cocooning.

William Dunne

“I joined IRD Duhallow on the as a Tús participant in 2018. Having been unemployed for a period of time it was good to be able to get back into the job place. I found the experience great, I learnt new skills such as stone masonry, gardening. The work was varied and satisfying. I enjoyed being part of a team again. On finishing my year on Tús and not wanting to regress back to being without a job, I decided to further my work experience by progressing onto a Community Employment position. CE affords further work experience with the added benefit of training and work place progression”.

William Dunne standing beside the stone wall he helped build during his placement in the James O’Keeffe Institute Heritage Buildings.

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Duhallow Community Food Services Orlaith Tomkins has over 12 year’s service as manager of DCFS. She is responsible for managing the daily operations throughout the business. The services offered by DCFS have expanded greatly throughout the years. She holds a degree from GMIT in Hotel & Catering Management and attained the IMCV Professional Manager and Management of Food Hygiene awards.

Prior to working for DCFS Orlaith spent many years working in the hotel industry both in Ireland and abroad.

Drivers lined up for deliveries to all routes across the region.

Rural Meals Service In 2019 DCFS produced and delivered over 37,000 meals, to senior citizens and those not in a position to cook for themselves throughout the Duhallow Area and beyond . Our belief and evidence has shown that the rural meals service is a critical component in improving older people’s nutritional status, health and quality of life. It also provides a continuum of care services that enables older people to remain living in the community or to return to their own homes after hospitalisation. The service is a vital source of social contact and connectivity for many older people who are vulnerable to social exclusion and social isolation. National studies have shown that a meals delivery service has both preventative and restorative effects on the health status and wellbeing of older people.

Clients can avail of home delivery Monday to Friday, collect or dine in our restaurant from 12.30pm until 2.00pm with plenty options available. A phone call to 029 76375, and a person will be added to the delivery schedule, special diets are also catered. The mealson-wheels service caters for the nutritional requirements of older people who may be considered among the most vulnerable of the community-dwelling population. It is critical, John Daly, who received his 15 therefore, that the service provided is of the year long service award this year highest quality. Since government measures were introduced to curb the spread of Covid 19 in March 2020 (Cocooning of the over 70’s) the demand for meals has increased dramatically. DCFS is well positioned to deal with the additional demand since its relocation to a purpose built facility on the grounds of the James O Keeffe Inst. in 2014. Additional staff resources have also been made available through the Warmer Homes scheme as additional delivery routes were added to cope with the volume of deliveries. Now more than ever the role of the meals on wheels service is extremely important in society and in ensuring our elderly are well looked after. This has been recognised by the HSE with an additional €10,000 grant and a grant of €1,000 from both Cork and Kerry County Councils towards the meals service.

‘Since opening its door in 1994 DCFS has engaged in commercial activity to offset Ruth O’Sullivan who received a 15 year long service award this year.

the cost associated with production and distribution of the meals. While DCFS receives staffing funding from CSP and a smaller grant from the HSE there is still a large shortfall to make up. Finances have come increasingly difficult as in line with Government measures all commercial activity has ceased since March 2020 this puts the service under additional financial pressure. However, we are grateful to the HSE and Pobal for CSP funding and for the Stability fund which will help cover this loss.

Restaurant/Deli/Bakery/Outside Catering Our restaurant/ Deli on site is open Monday to Saturday serving a large selection of food to eat in or takeaway, freshly baked scones, bread, cakes and buns available every day. Home cooked meats and salads are also a speciality. Larger quantities can be pre ordered and ready for collection. Full traditional afternoon tea as a speciality served from 2.30pm, booking essential.

Our senior menu is available for €8.00 for a dinner and dessert each week day from 12.30pm -2.00pm. It is a lovely place to enjoy a meal in the company of friends and represents excellent value. Outside catering is very important and ever popular. Catering for Birthdays, Confirmations, Communions, Funerals or any other occasion. A full brochure is available detailing savoury and sweet options. All food is prepared in house and made from scratch.

Catering for Children and Students DCFS caters for the students, staff and young children in Mayor Ian Doyle being presented with a hamper of homemade various settings in the local area; Boherbue goods and treats when Comprehensive School and Colaiste Treasa in hebaked paid a visit to DCFS to see the Kanturk the Newmarket afterschool service and great work their meals on wheels does especially on how they Banteer Childcare facility. DCFS promotes healthy expanded their meals on wheels eating to improve concentration, performance service during Covid 19.

Pictured with Eileen Linehan, and eating habits from very young children to Assistant Manager IRD. leaving cert students, staff and teachers. All food supplied is prepared daily in our premises in Newmarket using with only the freshest ingredients no preservatives or colours.

Eileen O Riordan & Eileen Moynihan both RSS and Katrina Cullinane CE who work together in DCFS.

Governance and staffing The company is managed by a board of 18 voluntary directors who give so generously of their time and expertise. The board meet once a month to oversee operations of the company. We are also fortunate to have a long serving dedicated staff.

Orlaith together with a team of supervisors (Administration; Olive Casey, Transport and Distribution; Neily O’Flynn, Kitchen; Marcio Defreitas, School Catering; Mary O Connell, and Restaurant; Trish Twomey) are committed to the philosophy and beliefs of DCFS to provide a quality product and service to all our customers and to ensure this is never compromised.

In December 2019 staff were recognised for their contribution to the company with long time service awards, with some staff with the company for over 18 years. The team must also be commended for their flexible attitude in changing working patterns to ensure the continuation of the meals service through the Covid 19 pandemic.

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Community Groups in Duhallow

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 Cliona Browne & Dan Burke Laharn Eileen Forde & Sheila Crowley Lyre Billy Murphy & Richard Murphy Millstreet Noel Buckley & Denis Hickey Nadd Mary Leahy & Paudie O’Shea New Tipperary Donnache O’Donovan & Bryan Byrne Rathcoole Dan Joe O’Keeffe & Mary Keller Sexton 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 Derry Morley & Lorraine Singleton Foilogohig Philomena Cremin & 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 & Brin McDonnell Knocknagree Noreen McSweeney & Mairead O’Sullivan Meelin Elenor Sheahan & 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 & Annette O’Mahony Dromtariffe David O’Keeffe & John Linehan Kanturk John Fuller & Tommy Mullane Kilbrin Tom O’Riordan & Paulina Breen 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 & Mauirce Manning Clondrohid Breda Kelleher & Gerald Kelleher Aghabullogue Cal Healy & Conor McSweeny Rylane Nigel Dennehy & John Crowley Ballinagree Shane Lehane & Aonghus MacSuibhne Bealnamorive Jim Twomey &Nora Casey Inchigeelagh Joe Creedon & Nora O’Riordan Kilbarry Siobhan O’Dowd & Ken Keneally Macroom Breda McCarthy & Martin Coughlan Rusheen Gerald Coakley & Mike Joe Corkery

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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