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.

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.

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.

Broadening your Horizons has seen 10 young unemployed people supported to further their education and training and upskill to be better prepared to take up employment opportunities. Our thanks to Olivia Quinn who worked on the programme and I wish her well in her future carer.

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.

We were delighted with the rapid and agile response of Skillnet Ireland led by CEO Paul Healy and his team in supporting us to address head on 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 and grow their businesses in the face of the economic challenges ahead.

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.

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.

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. She was one of the first to speak out with courage, in support of our elderly population.

This year has seen three of our staff go out on maternity leave, congratulations to Triona Dennehy, Louise Bourke and Stephanie 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.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD DUHALLOW

IRD Duhallow Board Members

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

Seán Wallace 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.

John Breen 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. Annette O’Mahony 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 Collins 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.

Michael Twohig Michael is a founder member of IRD Duhallow and served as Chairman from 2011-2013, in the past he also served as Finance Director. He represents Kanturk Chamber of Commerce on the Board. With his wife Noreen he manages the family owned Supervalu Stores in Kanturk, Abbeyfeale and Askeaton. A keen angler and hunter he has developed a number of angling projects in Duhallow. Michael is an active member of the Enterprise Working Group, Finance and Audit Working Group, HR Committee and Life + Steering Committee.

Padraic O’Connell 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).

IRD Duhallow Board Members

Jack Roche Jack is from Rockchapel and represents the Saoi Network of which he is the Chairman. A former IRD Duhallow Chairman, he sits on the Social Economy, Finance, Human Resources and Community Development Working Groups. Jack has represented IRD Duhallow on ILDN and ILDN on ELARD the European LEADER Association for Rural Development of which he is past President. 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 Brosnan Pat was elected to the Board to represent Western Duhallow in July 2020. He has over 20 years’ experience as an online marketing consultant 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 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 Murphy 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 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 McSweeney 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.

IRD Duhallow Board Members

Judy O’Leary Judy first joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in 1997 representing women’s groups. She Chairs the Women and Childcare Working Group and is a member of the HR Working Group. Judy is a founder member of the Duhallow Women’s Forum. She hails from Dromtariffe and is actively involved in her local community. She is a long standing member of the Irish Country Women’s Association and is the Vice President for the North Cork Guilds and a member of Kiskeam Guild. She has also served as Vice Chairperson of IRD Duhallow for three years. David Doyle David Doyle joined the Board of IRD Duhallow in July 2015, as a nominee of the Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell. David holds the position of Senior Engineer in the Operations & Safety section of Kerry County Council. He is currently working on the development of proposals for a number of strategic sites in Kerry. He previously worked in Roads directorate and as Killarney Town Engineer who supported and worked with local development groups and tidy town organisations. David lives in Beaufort, Killarney and is an active member of the local Tidy Towns Committee. Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald is a secondary teacher and was elected Councillor for the Castleisland Area in the recent local elections of May 2019. He was nominated to the Board of IRD Duhallow to represent Kerry County Council. He has been a community activist for many years particularly in the field of social inclusion for 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 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 Campion Suzanne represents Inland Fisheries Ireland where she is Head of Business Development. Suzanne has previously worked as a manager and accountant in the public and private sectors. As head of Business Development with IFI, her focus is on developing habitat, angling infrastructure and angling marketing through the implementation of The National Strategy for Angling Development. Suzanne represents IFI in the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation and many rural development

strategy groups. Cllr Maura Healy Rae 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 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.

Cllr. Ian Doyle, County Mayor 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.