NEWSLETTER FREE
SUMMER 2014 ISSUE NO. 41
FORUM Rural Recreation Programme
Before
During
Work on the Wild Atlantic Way viewing point at the White Strand Beach Renvyle
'Blueway launched and rolled out over the summer'
Minister Michael Ring launched the Blueway initiative last month at one of the five Blueway sites, Oldhead, Louisburg. Minister Ring said: "Blueways offer an entirely new perspective on Irelands’ magnificent wild Atlantic coastline. The Blueway initiative provides visitors with a safe haven to immerse themselves in some of the most glorious coastal waters anywhere in the world."
The Rural Development Programme (LEADER) The Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 more commonly known as LEADER is now in the last stages of its implementation nationwide. In the FORUM operational area there have been approximately 330 projects allocated funding during the 5 year period to a total allocation of approximately â‚Ź5.9 million. Overleaf you will see an example of some of the individual projects that have been paid out or partly paid out to date with a total drawdown of â‚Ź2.8 million. There is a lot of project activity due to complete in the next couple of months and groups that have not yet submitted a claim are urged to do so as quickly as they can to ensure a speedy and efficient drawdown period. Promoters are reminded that there will be a high level of activity in the next couple of months as the drawdown intensifies.
Oughterard Angling Centre
Gig rig - Connemara Bog Week
Connemara Carpets
Connemara Pony Show
While the future of both the major programmes, LEADER and SICAP (formerly the LCDP) currently implemented by FORUM are under sever threat by Government realignment processes. The Board and staff of FORUM are confident that we are well placed to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of these programmes where most needed into the future. FORUM has an initial tender submission made for SICAP and will if necessary be tendering for the roll out of the new LEADER programme. We appreciate the communities support to date and into the future. 2
Connemara Mussel Festival Copywrite John Lusby & Dario Fernandez Bellon
From the list which starts at page 11, it is clear that there have been a diverse range of projects funded during the programming period. It is the hope of the Board and the staff of FORUM that all of these projects and other support services provided by the organisation will result in an improvement in the quality of life and economic development of the operational area.
Still image from a Kestrel nest camera with female brooding young at nest in Connemara
Oughterard Court house restoration project
While the programme has been quite difficult nationally it is great to see that those that persevered and put the necessary requirements in place are now reaping the rewards. This is particularly evident with two of the bigger projects that have recently got under way, that being the refurbishment of the Courthouse in Oughterard and the conservation and upgrading works to the Connemara West main building in Letterfrack. Both of these projects are significant in terms of scale and scope. They have been in development since the beginning of the programme and it is only in the last couple of weeks that physical works have begun. Both community groups are to be commended on their patience and perseverance in ensuring the protection and continued use of these buildings into the future.
Connemara West roof and window restoration project
3
The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) in the Connemara Gaeltacht The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) is managed by POBAL on behalf of the Department of Community, Environment and Local Government. It forms part of the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013. FORUM administers LCDP in non Gaeltacht Connemara and was asked by POBAL to manage LCDP in Gaeltacht Connemara June
2012 to December 2014. The groups targeted by FORUM, under LCDP are as follows: older people, young people and families, community groups, people with disability, under and unemployed, lone parents. Two additional workers were employed by FORUM to administer LCDP in Gaeltacht Connemara from July 2012 to December 2014.
A range of actions have been carried out with groups and individuals in the Connemara Gaeltacht. A news sheet has been produced in Irish outlining these actions. For a copy please contact Gearoid DeFaoite – 087 6921211 or Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill – 087 7952747
Connemara Childcare Network Seminar
Good quality childcare is provided in a safe, healthy environment and supports the physical, emotional, social, moral and intellectual development of children. A key element to ensuring this quality is a strong level of commitment to ongoing professional development by staff. To this end the Childcare Network spent several months identifying relevant topics and sourcing speakers for their Spring seminar. In May childcare workers from nine services came together for an informative evening in FORUM. The programme included an overview of developments in the childcare sector with Memie Ui Chualain Galway City and County Childcare, this was followed by an Introduction to FETAC/QQI Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education Sorcha O’Toole/Annie Graham Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) Further Education Centre, Letterfrack. The Networks guest speakers for the evening were Mary Wyndham Community Nurse who works with under 3’s as preschool liaison officer and her colleague Eilish Horgan psychologist both from the HSE’s Early Intervention Services Preschool Support Services in Galway. Bridget McGloin tutor of ‘Jymka’ also gave a demonstration of the programme which promotes physical activities for children 4 – 10 years in Tigh Na Nog Crèche. The Wednesday Ladies Group (WLG) are a newly formed women’s group who have been meeting weekly on Wednesdays (hence their name) in the Further Education Centre Clifden. Following their participation in a 10-week Basic Sewing programme which was supported by FORUM the group expressed an interest in learning crochet. Fortunately the group had two experts to hand; Laura Acton and Tina King, agreed to tutor fellow members. The group produced many high quality items including making 20 babies blankets for Féileacáin, the Stillbirth and Neonatal Association of Ireland who offer memory boxes to bereaved parents.
Getting Crafty
The closing event for the summer was an outing to Kylemore Abbey, with tea, jam cream and delicious scones to start!! This was followed by expert guides leading a tour of the Abbey and Gardens. The group have identified a number of exciting activities for the autumn when they resume and FORUM will be assisting them in planning some of these over the summer. 4
Connemara Women’s Network - International Women’s Day
International Women's Day (IWD), is marked on the 8th March every year in many countries throughout the the world. Some using this day to highlight topics which expose the plight of women living with violence, in hunger, in inadequate living conditions etc. whilst others organise events which celebrate
the economic, political, social achievements and contribution to families, communities and society that women make. In North Connemara the Town Hall in Clifden was the venue for an informative and fun programme of speakers and demonstrations put together by FORUM.
Bridget Gavin - First ever Female Chief Engineer of Ulysses Ferry talked about her life at sea. Nutritional Advice was given by Rose Greene from Renew with Nóirín Clancy from the Longford Women’s Link talking about the Women’s Manifesto Project which encourages women to get involved in politics. She also spoke with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Eileen Mannion on her experience in politics. A Health & Fitness input was given by David Carney Station House Leisure Centre and Siobhan Conneely owner of Ciuin, with her
assistant Isabel Hardiman giving a makeup demonstration. Dr. Sophie Faherty addressed a number of key Women’s Health topics and finally Personal Stylist, Delilah, with the assistance of local models, gave advice on dressing for your shape, season trends and selecting key wardrobe pieces. The feedback from the day was excellent with members from eight women/ community groups attending as well as other interested individuals.
5
Clifden Citizens Information Centre
We continue to be busy in Clifden CIC, and have dealt with more than 500 queries so far during 2014. As a result of the most recent Budget there have been changes to many of the main social welfare supports that are available, and it's a good idea for everyone to make sure and keep themselves informed about all the changes. Some of the main changes that have occurred so far this year are as follows: The means test for the Medical Card for Over-70s has changed – The gross income limit for the over-70s medical card is now €500 per week for a single person and €900 per week for couples. (These limits were reduced from the previous limits, of €600 and €1,200 per week, from 1 January 2014.) Changes to the One Parent Family Payment continue: the upper age limit of the youngest child for new claimants is 7 (from July 2014) and the amount of money you can earn from employment before your One Parent Family Payment is affected has been reduced to €90 per week (from January). Jobseeker's Benefit is now payable for a maximum of nine months (234 days) The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is once again open to applicants from June 1st to September 30th. Don't forget that, in addition to social welfare, we also have access to information on employment rights and legislation, and this information is relevant to employers and employees alike. So whatever information you need with regard to social welfare or employment, consumer affairs, education or housing, please feel free to contact us in Clifden Citizens Information Centre. We have many free booklets & brochures in stock, including 'Information for school leavers,' 'Entitlements for the Over Sixties' and 'Information for the Self-employed.' For free, confidential and impartial information on all your rights and entitlements, contact Clifden Citizens Information Service. Tel: 0761 077 580 & 087 1301100 / Email: clifden@citinfo.ie OPEN: Thursday 7pm to 8pm, Friday 1030am to 330pm 2nd Floor, Cashel/Connemara Credit Union, Clifden. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000 - Declan Weir information Officer
Sensory Garden Social Mhuire Clifden OUR SCHOOL GARDEN by Aoife Mannion 4th Class
In our school, we have a ‘sensory garden’ in courtyard number 1. So basically, there are five sections: taste, scent, and touch, hear and sight. In the taste section there are edible plants. There are leaves that taste sour and flowers that taste like peaches to me! Then you can follow your nose to the scent section where there are plants and flowers that have extraordinary scents. There’s even a flower that smells like chocolate! If you enter the touch section, you’ll see a variety of different plants you can touch. Some feel smooth, some feel spiky and some are even fluffy! In the hearing section, there are some noisy herbs that rustle in the wind. Then some beautiful flowers will catch your eye in the sight section. With plants from small, blue flowers to big, pink flowers. The sensory garden is great fun to take a visit to but remember to go there with an adult or you end up trying to eat a leaf from the sight section! (That won’t taste very nice.)In the very centre of this sensory garden is an apple tree which is still blooming at the moment. Even though the garden is specially designed for the children in the special needs unit all kids are welcome to check out the garden and enjoy trying out all the plants.
6
THERAPEUTIC RIDING FAMILY FUN DAY
The look of contentment and joy on Jack’s face as he petted the pony’s neck said it all. Jack is 7 years old and has autism. This was the first time he had been astride a Connemara pony and it’s an experience he’ll never forget.
The gathering of families and friends at Errislannan Riding Centre on the beautiful, sunny afternoon of Good Friday provided an excellent opportunity to experience at first-hand what therapeutic riding (TR) is all about. The group of trainee TR coaches from in and around Connemara, currently coming to the end of a year-long training course, explained how TR works. It is essentially a form of therapy which results from the response of the rider to the unique rhythmic movement of the pony under the guidance of a therapeutic coach assisted by someone who leads the pony and a side walker who watches the rider. TR has been shown to be effective in improving balance, co-ordination, emotional control, self-confidence and self-esteem. It has been used to assist people of all ages with a range of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, learning disabilities, autism, Down’s syndrome, mental health problems and sensory impairments. This event was organised by a working committee drawn from the Connemara Ponies Breeders Society, Paving the Way – a support group for people with disabilities and their families in Northwest Connemara – and Forum, our local development company. The project, funded by the Leader Programme, is a powerful example of an initiative which enhances social inclusion in an innovative way while promoting the world-famous Connemara Pony with its docile, responsive nature as a suitable equine for therapeutic riding. The trainee coaches then demonstrated their skills in the arena first with the assistance of two enthusiastic volunteer riders, Laragh Gray and Roisin Walsh, both transition year students at the Clifden Community School. Soon there was a queue of children and young people eager to try this unique experience, including many ‘first-timers’. Grace who is 11 years old and has Down’s syndrome thoroughly enjoyed her walk on horseback round the arena according to her mother, Sheila Herbert.
Parents praised the caring attitude and professionalism shown by the trainee coaches in ensuring that the children felt comfortable and relaxed at all times. Instead of the usual saddle, reins and stirrups the rider sits on a roller pad holding on to two handles with feet dangling free and easy. This allows the rider to have much closer contact with the movement of the pony. Another feature which was a great success was the sensory trail which had been specially designed and set up for the day. The beautiful paths and trees and banks of bluebells at Errislannan provided the perfect setting for the trail where the pony stops at stations along the way to allow the rider to feel various textures, hear different sounds or play a little game. The sensory stimulation and integration provided by the trail is a fun and relaxing experience which is beneficial for balance, posture and coordination.
The Connemara ponies were not the only animal attractions at Errislannan. The stable yard was turned into a mini petting zoo with miniature goats, pet lambs, bunny rabbits, a tortoise of character and a couple of very exotic alpacas. There were oohs and aahs and squeals of delight all round as children and parents enjoyed getting up close to these lovable pets. Over tea and cakes, made by the Paving the Way parents, it was agreed that this experience had been an outstanding success and an indication of things to come in the future for therapeutic riding in Connemara. Jean Mullan Paving the Way 7
Adolescent Support Programme/Youth in Action National Schools After Schools Activity Programmes
Since the last edition of the FORUM newsletter, the project has delivered six eight week After School Activity clubs to Ballyconneely, Kingstown, Aillebrack, Lettergesh, and Scoil Mhuire Clifden National Schools. The main emphasis of these programmes is to enhance the participants self esteem through positive group work and to offer alternative experiences and develop new skills around outdoor education. Activities include group games which are very important at the start of each session. These are designed to help to develop many desirable characteristics in people of all ages. The games that are played by the children help increase concentration, observation, awareness, quick thinking, alertness, strategy, teamwork, trust, laughter, group cohesion, confidence, self-awareness, co-operation and most importantly fun. The projects and other activities within these After School Clubs included such projects as stain glass painting, woodwork project, textile design, card making and orienteering. At the end of the programmes the children went on an outing to the Killary Adventure Centre to engage in Combat Laser Questing and the Killary Challenge. In total 57 young people took part in these programmes.
Junior Arts Schools Programmes
In addition to the After Schools Activity clubs four eight week one hour junior arts programmes have been delivered to thirty six children during school time in Kingstown, Ballyconneely, Cashel and Aillebrack National Schools. The request for this type of initiative has come from teachers.
8
Comhairle Event 2014
On the 3rd of April, 37 young people from Clifden Community School attended a local event of Clifden County Comhairle na nÓg which took place in the Station House hotel and was organised by FORUM Adolescent Support Project. Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area. Due to the size of the county, work is being done at local level and based around the electoral areas such as Clifden, Oranmore, Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Tuam. All issues are then forwarded to County level to another group called Dail na nOg and they bring these issues to the Government policy makers for discussion at a national level. The event in Clifden commenced with the young people being given a background to the work that is done by Comhairle na nÓg and who their youth representatives are. The young people at the meeting were asked if there were any issues in North West Connemara that they were aware of and would like the Comhairlre na nÓg group to take further. Some of the issues raised included the difficulty with transport living in this rural area, due to the fact that their friends live 10-15 miles away it is hard to visit one another and it is expensive to hire a taxi. The participants discussed the lack of football fields in the local areas including Ballyconneely, Roundstone and Cleggan/Claddaghduff. They expressed their concerns at the damage done to the Clifden Playground as a result of the storm. Female participants voiced their annoyance at the lack of sports offered to them particularly basketball, soccer and handball. The subject of skateboarding arose during the day and the problem that there is nowhere suitable and safe for young people to go skateboarding. It was also proposed that the local Comhairle group would work on trying to gain access to the local Station House Hotel swimming pool at a reduced rate for students of Clifden Community School. This work is currently underway by the young people under the guidance of the FORUM Adolescent Support Project. This one day conference was supported by the Department for Children and Youth Affairs as the workshop forms part of the curriculum for Civic Social and Political Education (CSPE) course.
Calendar
We wll be compiling the Youth in Action calendar again this year in August. We are requsting the help of the people of North West Connemara in supplying photographs of interesting events, such as school photographs, sport and social gatherings, historical events, or old scenic photographs. If you can help please forward your photographs as soon as possible to Kathleen deCourecy at FORUM Connemara Ltd., Ellis Hall, Letterfrack or k.decourcey@forumconnemara.ie
First Year Thursday Club
During the past school year sixteen first year students have taken part in the FORUM Adolescent Support Project ‘Thursday Club’ programme. This programme is similar to the After Schools Activity Programmes that are run in the local national schools, however the content is focused more intensively on personal development activities using arts, team challenges, problem solving exercises and sport. The programme ended with a team challenging day in the Killary Adventure Centre, activities included Combat Laser and High Ropes Challenge. This programme was also supported by the North West School Completion Programme.
9
Gaisce: The President’s Award
Over the last number of years there has been a major increase in the number of young people who are taking on the Gaisce Award. From Donegal to Galway this part of the country has the highest participation rate with over 3,500 young people take part in the programme. Most of the young people from this area have joined up with the Award in Youthreach Letterfrack and Clifden Community School over the past ten years. Gaisce is the National Challenge Award and is a non competitive programme where the young person sets the challenge for themselves in four areas; working for the community, learning something new, getting fit and going on an adventure. Gaisce is now combining with FORUM to integrate and improve access to the Gaisce programme for all people between the ages of 15 and 25. In doing this, FORUM is also looking forward to having a whole new range of opportunities in community volunteering, lifelong learning and sporting and adventure challenges. Gaisce was established by the Government in 1986 as the National Challenge Programme for Young People. In 2013 over 20,000 participants took part in the programme. Internationally Gaisce is now recognized as one of the leading programmes of its type in the world. The community element is particularly strong in the West and our young people are creating a role for themselves within the community, for example, by training junior football teams, working with older people and working with other young people with disabilities (see the Gaisce websitewww.Gaisce.ie and follow us on Facebook.com/GaisceAward). Young people themselves often identify issues in the community that they want to do something about and take this on as their challenge. At Gold Level volunteers often take part in projects around the world. As well as working with people who are already doing the award, FORUM will be able to support people who are no longer in the school or other educational settings but want do the award and this they can do at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
CoderDojo Club Starting again in September
CoderDojo is an open source, volunteer led movement orientated around running free, not-for-profit coding clubs and regular sessions for young people. Since CoderDojo started globally there are over 200 clubs in 23 countries. At the clubs young people between 7 and 17 learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and more. In addition to learning to code, members meet like minded people; show off what they’ve been working on and so on. CoderDojo makes development and learning to code a fun, sociable, experience. CoderDojo also puts a strong emphasis on open source and free software, and has a strong network of members and volunteers globally. The FORUM Adolescent Support Project assisted in establishing a CoderDojo Club in Clifden, with two local business women, Ellen McDonagh and Suzanne Schley, who are the two CoderDojo leaders. The existing laptops of the Youth Cafe were updated and with the assistance of Gerry Prior Foroige and Enda Broderick Lighthouse Broadband satellite service, the project has now free broadband for use by young people in the Town Hall for the club and any other educational programmes. A meeting was held with ARC, the Town Hall committee to obtain permission to progress with the idea. Currently 35 young people are attending the national school group and 15 are attending from Clifden Community Secondary School. This particular club activity is progressive, as the young people are graded and are award USB key belts at different levels of achievement, similar to Judo. To find out information regarding new classes in September you can contact by email coderdojoconnemara@gmail.com or Facebook page cdconnemara or contact Ellen McDonagh directly at 087 2909351
10
LEADER Beneficiaries Code
Amount Paid to date
Name
Location
NWN000003
Oughterard Heritage and Cultural Committee
€3,303.00Oughterard
NWN000006
HEDZ Salon AcademyA&D
€3,656.00Clifden
NWN000007
HEDZ Salon Academy Capital works ph 1
NWN000010
Railway Lodge B&B Carmel Geoghegan
NWN000012
Clifden Chamber of Commerce Floating Pontoon
NWN000015
Leenane Food Festival
€3,076.07Leenane
NWN000016
Baboro International Children's Festival
€5,553.00Connemara Schools
NWN000017
Clifden Community Arts Week
€3,529.00Clifden
NWN000018
FORUm Connemara Ltd -Renewable Energy
€4,950.00Connemara
NWN000019
Maumturks Walking Group -Guide Training
€5,820.00Leenane
NWN000024
Clifden 2012 Committee
€4,970.00Clifden
NWN000028
Ardbun Construction - Colm Conneely
€2,031.00Renvyle
NWN000035
Purple Spade Ltd - Catherine and Marty Nee
NWN000036
Connemara West Education A&D
€9,841.50Letterfrack
NWN000037
Golden Mile 2009
€2,500.00Connemara
NWN000039
Roscahill ICA- Mountmellick Embroidery training and materials
€6,010.73Roscahill /Killannin
NWN000040
Renvyle Comhaltas- Masterclasses Year 1
€13,521.35Renvyle
NWN000042
Connemara Pony Showgrounds
€18,557.44Clifden
NWN000043
Roscahill Community Pavement
NWN000044
Connemara Fine Foods - James McGeogh Equipment
NWN000046
Killanin Community Centre
€1,770.00Killannin
NWN000048
Derroura Mountain Bike Trail Feasibility
€8,487.00Oughterard
NWN000051
Oughterard Courthouse Feasibility
€7,108.74Oughterard
NWN000053
Michael Faherty - Artificial Fishing Pond
NWN000054
Cleggan Community Council CPC Training
€1,485.50Cleggan
NWN000055
Spruce Your Pooch Materials
€1,821.36Renvyle
NWN000056
Spruce Your Pooch Training
€600.00Renvyle
NWN000058
Terri Conroy -Connemara Retreats Website
€490.00Clifden
NWN000060
FORUM - Tourism Scoping Study
NWN000062
Thomas King - Micro-brewery Training
NWN000063
FORUM - Train the Trainer
NWN000064
Clifden Comhaltas - Trad Fest
€2,988.11 Clifden
NWN000065
Leenane Walking Festival
€4,945.31Leenane
NWN000066
Pauline Mortimer -Renvyle Beach Caravan
NWN000067
Ougtherard Culture and Heritage Website
€3,738.75Oughterard
NWN000068
Clann Resource Centre Car Park Upgrade
€4,696.18Oughterard
NWN000069
Connemara Mussel Festival
€2,440.77Renvyle
NWN000070
Bridgets Garden
NWN000071
ARC Limited - Clifden Town Hall
NWN000073
Foscadh Community Development
NWN000074
Bunowen Queen - T.Stuffle
NWN000076
Forum - Connemara - Golden Mile 2010
€22,717.48Clifden €1,475.00Oughterard €41,566.12Clifden
€53,202.00Renvyle
€2,958.45Roscahill /Killannin €14,800.75Oughterard
€28,339.88Oughterard
€4,000.00Connemara €705.89Roundstone €12,085.20Connemara
€26,721.94Renvyle
€18,936.03Roscahill /Killannin €2,997.90Clifden €113,496.96Letterfrack €89,507.25Ballyconneely €2,765.40Connemara 11
Code
Amount Paid to date
Name
NWN000079 James Linnane - Firewood Processing Equipment
Location
€19,950.00Roundstone
NWN000081 Roundstone Summerfest
€4,491.75Roundstone
NWN000083 Leenane Dev. Assosiation _ Food Festival
€6,032.03Leenane
NWN000084 Clifden Community Arts Week
€7,831.72Clifden
NWN000086 Roundstone Connemara Pony Show
€1,687.95Roundstone
NWN000087 Forum - Train the Trainer Part 2
€10,062.80Connemara
NWN000089 Maumturks Walking Group Safety Equipment
€1,755.00Leenane
NWN000090 Terri Conroy -Connemara Retreats Training
€2,740.00Clifden
NWN000091 Brigit's Garden
€3,637.50Roscahill /Killannin
NWN000092 HEDZ Salon Academy Training Room Equipment
€8,817.21Clifden
NWN000093
€3,750.00Connemara
FORUM - Training-Tourism
NWN000094 Clifden 2012 Committee
€4,537.50Clifden
NWN000095 Tomas Doyle - Connemara Bees Ltd
€8,572.66Oughterard
NWN000097 Clann Resource Centre Community Garden Training
€2,400.00Oughterard
NWN000098
€3,750.00Clifden
Connemara Chamber of Commerce Marketing Training
NWN000100 Ballyconneely Parish Hall Association -Playground NWN000101 Clifden 2012 Development Plan
€34,377.75Ballyconneely €4,387.05Clifden
NWN000104 Connemara Carpets Ltd
€30,000.00Letterfrack
NWN000105 Oughterard Leisure Centre Equipment
€9,476.87Oughterard
NWN000107 Ballinakill Active Age - Meals on Wheels Kitchen Equipment
€3,957.54Letterfrack
NWN000109 Cleggan Claddaughduff CPC Training 2
€562.00Cleggan
NWN000110 Oughterard Leisure Centre
€966.80Oughterard
NWN000111 Gary Mortimer
€1,495.00Renvyle
NWN000112 Kilcummin Parish Golden Jubilee
€7,093.22Oughterard
NWN000113 Clifden Heritage Society - Marconi Site A&D NWN000114/ 149 Connemara Envir Ed & Cultural Ctr - Mol an Oige CD
€29,163.13Clifden and surrounds
NWN000115 Renvyle Comhaltas - Masterclasses 2
€11,031.15Renvyle
NWN000116 Renvyle Comhaltas- Sound Equipment
€3,567.70Renvyle
NWN000118 DVR Ltd Training
€3,326.00Oughterard
€4,199.55Letterfrack
NWN000120 Connemara Mussel Festival Book
€17,538.75Renvyle
NWN000121 Clifden Pastoral Council - St Mary's Graveyard
€41,440.62Clifden
NWN000122 Clifden Tidy Towns
€14,695.66Clifden
NWN000123 Maamturks Walking Group training
€8,480.00Leenane
NWN000124 Maamturks Walking Group equip
€2,140.38Leenane
NWN000125 DVR Ltd Equipment
€838.67Oughterard
NWN000131 Connemara Mussel Festival
€3,929.17Renvyle
NWN000132 Leenane Dev Association Walking Festival
€6,000.00Leenane
NWN000133 Clifden Comhaltas - Traditional Music Festival
€3,924.37Clifden
NWN000135 Connemara Adventure - James Kane
€4,264.46Letterfrack
NWN000136 James Kane Training
€145.00Letterfrack
NWN000137 RCDC Engineers Fees
€6,143.77Roundstone
NWN000138 Run Connemara
€6,720.00Letterfrack
12
Code
Amount Paid to date
Name
Location
NWN000141 CPBS - Fontainbleu Display
€2,412.03Clifden
NWN000142 ARC Ltd - ClifdenTown Hall
€236,487.47Clifden
NWN000143 Clifden Boat Club Event
€6,000.00Clifden
NWN000146 Roscahill Killannin Pavements Capital
€197,041.55Roscahill /Killannin
NWN000147 Clifden Boat Club Pontoon
€9,751.70Clifden
NWN000150 Leenane Dev Association/Autumn Fair
€4,951.68Leenane
NWN000151 Leenane Dev Association/Hall refurbishment
€5,949.00Leenane
NWN000152 Oughterard Tourism/ Courthouse
€5,308.88Oughterard
NWN000153 Forum _ Golden Mile /Training
€510.00Connemara
NWN000155 FORUM - Events Consultant
€17,499.96Connemara
NWN000157 Connemara West Mobile Work Unit
€14,115.00Letterfrack
NWN000158 Diamond Hill Housing Business Plan
€2,025.00Letterfrack
NWN000159 Forum Business & Ent Capacity Building
€1,365.00Connemara
NWN000160 Diamond Hill Housing Arch Fees
€9,075.00Letterfrack
NWN000161 Graham Roberts,Connemara Smokehouse
€27,922.04Ballyconneely
NWN000162 Roundstone Comm. Dev Council - Car and Amenity Park
€139,152.45Roundstone
NWN000163 Clifden Community Arts Week
€5,051.40Clifden
NWN000164 Renvyle Sports& Social - Marian Hall Procurement
€2,625.00Renvyle
NWN000165 Renvyle Sports & Social Club - Marian Hall Capital
€136,197.02Renvyle
NWN000167 Brigits Garden Capital
€175,676.47Roscahill /Killannin
NWN000168 Connemara English Language School Equipment
€1,184.90Letterfrack
NWN000169 Connemara English Language School Training
€1,600.00Letterfrack
NWN000171 Ballyconneely Parish Hall- Audio Website
€3,724.22Ballyconneely
NWN000172 Kathleen Giggs
€2,200.00Oughterard
NWN000173 Gate Dental Services - Development of new product NWN000175 Clifden & District Community Council Ball Alley NWN000176 Kathleen Giggs website
€22,750.00Oughterard €4,095.60Clifden €400.00Oughterard
NWN000178 Diamond Hill Housing Association Astro Turf Pitch NWN000179 Clifden 2012 Booklet and Marketing
€177,016.50Letterfrack €6,807.00Clifden
NWN000180 Renvyle Comhaltas - Masterclasses 3
€16,373.00Renvyle
NWN000182 Corribdale Grounds A&D
€5,178.60Oughterard
NWN000183 Oughterard Leisure Centre
€4,647.00Oughterard
NWN000184 Clifden Pastoral Council - St Mary's Architect
€765.00Clifden
NWN000185 Clifden Pastoral Council - St Mary's A&D
€975.00Clifden
NWN000186 Oughterard Leisure Centre Equipment
€1,575.00Oughterard
NWN000187 Clifden 2012 Promo Material
€1,200.82Clifden
NWN000188 Leo Mansfield - Business mentoring
€750.00Clifden
NWN000190 Connemara West PLC - Short Courses Feasibility
€6,390.00Letterfrack
NWN000191 Corribdale Grounds Tree Surgery
€3,175.16Oughterard
NWN000193 Clann Resource Centre Community Garden
€1,799.69Oughterard
NWN000194 Forum - Procurement specialist
€4,797.00Connemara
NWN000196 Oughtertard Show Committee - Anniversary Year 13
€12,592.56Oughterard
Code
Amount Paid to date Location
Name
NWN000200 Clifden 2012 - May Week Festival
€27,732.08Clifden
NWN000201 Connemara Env Ed - Bog Week
€5,753.25Letterfrack
NWN000202 Connemara Mussel Festival
€5,983.19Renvyle
NWN000203 Tom Nee - Killary Sheep Farm visitors centre
€17,706.73Leenane
NWN000204 Leenane Dev Association- walking Festival
€6,000.00Leenane
NWN000206 James Kane - specialty trailer for transporting bikes
€1,652.47Letterfrack
NWN000207 Tom Kiely- Connemara Journal
€4,036.81Clifden
NWN000208 Forum Festivals & events consultant
€30,833.00Connemara
NWN000210 Connemara Rugy Football Club - Marquee Hire
€2,100.00Clifden
NWN000211 Clare Wheatley - Adventure Tourism Product
€4,775.69Letterfrack
NWN000213 Forum Display Board
€559.24Connemara
NWN000214 Leenane Autumnal Fair - sound system
€607.50Leenane
NWN000217 Bridget Mc Callion - Equipment
€1,721.25Ballyconneely
NWN000218 Leenane Developmetn Assoc. A&D
€5,326.29Leenane
NWN000220 Michelle Casey - Tourism Camping Equipment
€9,167.59Letterfrack
NWN000221 Clifden 2012 Autumnal Fair
€7,582.75Clifden
NWN000222 Thomas King - Marconi Half Marathon
€7,695.33Roundstone
NWN000223 BRB Senior Citizens - Graveyard mapping
€6,250.00Ballinafad
NWN000224 Connemara Bee Keepers
€4,266.56Connemara
NWN000225 Clifden Community Arts week
€13,420.23Clifden
NWN000226 Michelle Casey - Remote Emergency First Aid training
€4,100.00Moyard
NWN000227 BRB Senior Citizens- Equipment and supports for graveyard mapping
€2,388.00Ballinafad
NWN000228 Leenane Autumnal Fair
€5,394.73Leenane
NWN000230 Conamara Sea week
€9,637.42Letterfrack
NWN000234 CPBS - Olympia Event
€3,962.07Clifden
NWN000235 Leenane Dev association - Kayak Club
€12,017.13Leenane
NWN000236 Leenane Development A&D Amenity Park
€4,356.00Leenane
NWN000237 Thatched Cottages A&D Prof Fees
€12,112.50Renvyle
NWN000239 Connemara West _ Song writing workshop
€881.00Letterfrack
NWN000240 Cleggan/Claddaghduff Community Kitchen
€26,822.85Cleggan
NWN000241 Cluid Housing Association - St Josephs car park and amenity area
€40,439.05Clifden
NWN000246 Christ Church A&D
€8,745.30Clifden
NWN000249 CPBS - Therapeutic Riding Training
€8,566.66Clifden
NWN000262 Milly the Pony(Melanie Migneaux)
€3,406.01Roundstone
NWN000264 Yvonne Flaherty - development of website
€7,500.00Clifden
NWN000268 James Kane- Connemara Adventure Road Bikes
€7,492.50Letterfrack
NWN000269 Yvonne Flaherty - digital marketing training
€1,300.00Clifden
NWN000270 Connemara Golf Club- youth academy equipment and signs/advertising
€7,393.50Ballyconneely
NWN000271 S W Mayo Dev Co - Blueway Animator
€1,968.00Connemara
NWN000272 Connemara Mussel Festival
€11,227.19Renvyle
NWN000273 Babaro International Children's Festival
€5,486.00Connemara
NWN000275 CEEC - Conamara Bog Week
€6,975.02Letterfrack 14
Code
Amount Paid to date
Name
NWN000277 All things Connemara(Jonathan & Amanda Powell)
Location
€23,816.16Clifden
NWN000280 Clifden Tidy Towns - Biodiversity training
€2,890.00Clifden
NWN000282 Leenane Dev Ass Autumn Fair
€6,000.00Leenane
NWN000284 Roundstone Comm Dev Regatta
€5,475.00Roundstone
NWN000286 Forum- Admailer
€1,633.04Connemara
NWN000287 Leenane Dev Ass Calendar
€928.91Leenane
NWN000289 CPBS Jumps and Marketing
€18,792.29Clifden
NWN000291 Oughterard Leisure Centre
€3,570.00Oughterard
NWN000292 Artisan House - Mary Ruddy
€22,404.68Letterfrack
NWN000293 Artisan House - Mary Ruddy
€1,495.00Letterfrack
NWN000295 Connemara Rugby - Prurchase of Marquee
€2,100.00Clifden
NWN000296 Clifden Tidy Towns - Biodiversity Materials
€3,075.97Clifden
NWN000298 Oughterard Leisure Centre Equipment Connemara Caravan Park - treatment plant and indoor childrens NWN000300 play area
€5,646.32Oughterard €58,438.27Renvyle
NWN000301 Clifden Community Arts Week
€14,226.28Clifden
NWN000302 DVR Ltd
€2,580.00Oughterard
NWN000303 Luigi Van Nieuwenburg - Connemara Judo Club
€1,687.50Letterfrack
NWN000304 Dympna Heanue - Photos to Paintings website and equipment
€3,906.10Letterfrack
NWN000306 Connemara Equestrain Escapes Training - Catriona Goaley
€1,408.00Oughterard
NWN000310 Connemara Sea week
€9,729.62Letterfrack
NWN000320 Eithne O Halloran - Honeyfoot Equipment
€2,967.81Letterfrack
NWN000322 Barry Ryan - Film Studio Equipment
€21,006.42Clifden
NWN000326 Eileen Kane - equipment and demo cd
€4,012.25Letterfrack
NWN000337 Patricia O Toole - Product and sample development
€12,915.67Letterfrack
NWN000340 Connemara Community Radio - West Wind Blows CD
€6,052.50Letterfrack
NWN000338 Michael Faherty - Artificial Fishing Pond Enhancement
€16,519.81Oughterard
NWN000352 Pauline Mortimer -Renvyle Beach Caravan resurfacing
€19,626.42Renvyle
Total Paid to June 25, 2014
€2,821,406.40
15
FORUM Youth in Action Community Fun Runs The annual Fun Runs took place this year in Cleggan/Claddaghduff and Letterfrack on the 25th of May and in Roundstone on the 1st of June, with over 500 people taking part. The day was rounded off with light refreshments, prize giving, an open air disco, bouncing castles, face painting, sports events, fun and games for all the family. The project would once again like to thank all those who took part, the young people who collected sponsorship, the volunteers who helped on the day and the sponsors of the sponsors of the events.
Roundstone
Letterfrack
Cleggan/
Claddaghduff
16
Social Care Programme
Ballinakill Community Catering/ FORUM Meals on Wheels
Bealach (Rural Transport Initiative)
Ballinakill Active Age Club mini bus and one private operator continue to deliver the Bealach Transport Service four days per week in NW Connemara. The service is for people with reduced mobility and passengers who do not have a suitable public transport service. The service bringing clients to Clifden Day Care, lunch clubs and shopping etc. More information can be obtained on this service by calling 095 41064.
This service provides a nutritious meal to older people living independently in North West Connemara. The Ballinakill Community Catering Meals are prepared in Ellis Hall and delivered by the CE Scheme workers to the client’s door. At present meals are delivered to Clifden, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Moyard, Renvyle and Kylemore area. Ballyconneely, Roundstone and Recess meals are delivered through the CE Scheme workers and local catering businesses, Leenane Meals are delivered from Leenane Community Centre by community a voluntary workers. For further information on this service please contact 095 41064 / 087 9633970.
Disability Support
Disability Support continues to be available through the Social Care Programme. The service is based in the Letterfrack office and offers both information and a form filling service to clients with a disability. For more information on this service contact 095 41064 or 087 9633970.
Carer Companion Service Up to 50 older people continue to avail of this service in Non Gaeltacht Connemara. Social Care workers visit people in their homes and provide transport for shopping, doctors’ visits etc. This service targets in particular vulnerable individuals who are experiencing loneliness, it encourages independence and increases participation in community.
Security
The Socially Monitored Alarms Systems continue to be installed in the NW Connemara region. However, as a result of increased demand on funding the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will only provide funding for the purchase and insulation of socially monitored alarms. No other security objects will be funded at present. Clients interested in receiving a service should contact 087 9633970
Laundry Service
This service is currently in operation in two areas four days per week. The main users are the elderly, carers, lone parents and students. Funds gathered from the service help to provide valuable funding for the Meals on Wheels Service.
Traditional Craft Club
The FORUM Social Care Programme, in conjunction with Ballinakill Active Age Club, host an ‘Open House Traditional Craft’ event every Wednesday in Ellis Hall, Letterfrack. The purpose of this club is to have a space for like-minded people to meet, learn or pass on skills to others. The group hope to continue hosting the Craft Club right through the summer months. For more information contact Martina Gavin 087 9633970 or Jean Wallace 086 3087619.
Clifden, Oughterard and Moycullen Carers Group
The Carers groups continue to meet weekly as a social outlet and obtain and share information and support. In order to celebrate ‘Carers Week’, members of the Oughterard and Moycullen Carers groups enjoyed a Spa Day in the Pillo Hotel in Galway and the Clifden Carers Group had a Spa Day in Delphi Mountain Resort. Members of Clifden, Oughterard and Moycullen took part in a Healing Therapy day in the Skcull Holistic Centre in Kilcolgan. Twenty carers are at present taking part in a Palliative Care Course FETAC level 6. This course will continue for nine weeks and is supported by HSE, FORUM and the Carers Association. The carers support groups are open to all carers, if you need further information please contact Geraldine Kelly 087 9633253.
Clifden Day Hospital
The FORUM Social Care Programme continues to support the work carried out by the Clifden Day Care in the provision of Elderly Day Care Services. The workers assist with the transport service and activities at the centre. The role of the Day Care is to facilitate and prolong independent living and is attached to Clifden Hospital and run by the Health Service Executive. 17
Resource Groups
Eleven resource groups continue to meet at Coffee Mornings and Lunch Clubs around North West Connemara. All groups were successful in securing funding from the HSE under the Section 39 funding application. The groups enjoy weekly activities at their clubs, which can include keep fit, arts, crafts, music, cards and bingo. Ballinakill Active Age group attended a community party on 6th January and to celebrate St Patricks Day members of Ballinakill Active Age Club had an outing to Maol Reidh Hotel Tullycross. Roundstone group attended their Parade and Ballyconneely celebrated the day in Clifden. The Roundstone and Ballinakill groups took part in outing to the Museum of Country Life and had lunch in Horkans Garden Centre in Turlough Castlebar. In June, the annual trip to Knock was enjoyed by the Leenane Group. Billy Gilmore also gave an informative talk on the honey bee to this group. In Spring, the BRB Recess group held a 12 week Art Course with Cathal O'Malley in the National School. Ballinakill Active Age Group raised €250 at their annual Alzheimer’s Tea Day on the 4th April. Representatives from all the resource groups attended the St Joseph’s Court, ‘Ten Year Birthday Bash’ in the Station House Hotel in Clifden on 28th May. To celebrate Bog Week’s 30th anniversary, in conjunction with CEEC, FORUM Connemara Ltd. and Ballinakill Active Age Club organised for over 70 elderly from the Ballinakill Parish to attended Rosleague Manor Hotel for lunch and concert with Don Stiffe and Marcus Hernon.
18
Rural Social Scheme/Tús Community Work Placement Initiative The Wild Atlantic Way
Before and after picture’s of Horn Graveyard in Dolan Roundstone which was badly damaged by the storms in January 2014. Tús workers repaired the wall for Galway County Council. Work on the Derrylea Walk and Cycleway
FORUM RSS and Tús Scheme workers have started weekly maintenance on the 4 Km Walk & Cycleway in Derrylea, outside Clifden, in conjunction with Galway County Council. Other scheme workers continue to maintain sports fields , church grounds and graveyards in Clifden, Renvyle, Ballyconneely, Oughterard and Recess. In Oughterard/Killannin weekly work continues with RSS and Tús workers with placements with Clann Resourse Centre – the youth café and charity shop, the Rugby and Football Clubs, on sports fields in New Village, Corribdale Park, Killannin Community Pitch, Killannin and Callownamuck church, school and local pier, and with Oughterard Tidy Towns and the Anglers Association.
The Wild Atlantic Way is set to be Ireland's first long-distance touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork. The overall aim of the project is to develop a long-distance touring route that will achieve greater visibility for the West Coast of Ireland in overseas tourist markets and set to be one of Fáilte Ireland's signature projects to rejuvenate Irish tourism. The project has commenced in two areas in this region, Renvyle White Strand Car Park and Killary Fjord Viewing Point. FORUM is working with Galway County Council and Failte Ireland to develop these sites by providing RSS and Tús workers to assist with reconstruction works. Beach Scheme workers collect rubbish and debris on a weekly basis from beaches in Roundstone, Ballyconneely and Renvyle and have carried out a blitz on all beaches and piers after the storms in January 2014. To date the RSS and Tús teams have collected 2,000 bags of rubbish and plastic from local beaches.
Clean up of the pier at Lough Corrib
Up-grading of boundary wall at Callownamuck National School 19
Rural Recreation and Walks Scheme 'Blueway launched and rolled out over the summer'
Minister Michael Ring launched the Blueway initiative last month at one of the five Blueway sites, Oldhead, Louisburg. Minister Ring said: "Blueways offer an entirely new perspective on Irelands’ magnificent wild Atlantic coastline. The Blueway initiative provides visitors with a safe haven to immerse themselves in some of the most glorious coastal waters anywhere in the world." The five coastal Blueway sites in counties Galway and Mayo are Bofin Harbour on Inishbofin; Glassillaun, Killary Fjord; The Coral Strand, Mannin Bay, Ballyconneely; Keem on Achill Island and Old Head in Louisburgh. A Blueway Steering Committee was established to progress the pilot programme which included representatives from Canoeing Ireland; the Underwater Council of Ireland; the three Local Development companies - FORUM Connemara Ltd, South West Mayo and Comhair na nOileáin; Galway and Mayo County council and Leave No Trace Ireland. A number of Taster Days will be rolled out over the summer providing activities at a reduced rate by local providers. It's a great way to test the water! Check out our next date and location. http://www.discoverireland.ie/Things-To-Do/Ideas-for-activities/On-the-water/Ireland-s-Blueway
A peep at what’s to come along the Western Way:
This is the Western Way logo. The purple flower in the forefront is St. Dabeoc's Heath only found in Connemara and South Mayo in Ireland and in Scotland and France in Europe. It signifies the Western Way, bringing together Galway and Mayo and the terrain of the Western Way. Eighteen months ago funding was secured for new signage for the entire Western Way, from Oughterard to Bunnyconnellan at the Mayo/Sligo border. The maps, text and the logo are being developed and very soon these map boards will be in place. They are at the final stages of development and will be in place by the end of the summer. The project will be re-launched the Western Way once the map boards are in place. This has been a collaborative project consisting Galway and Mayo Rural Recreation Officers, Mark Conroy GIS and Galway County Council.
Other News: A number of trails in Roundstone, Carna, Gorumna, Leitir Mór and Letterfrack will be ready for inspection by the end of the summer. Thank you to all the community/walking groups that have come forward to develop a trail in the local area. Contact: The Rural Recreation Officer would be delighted to hear from Community Groups, businesses and individuals in relation to projects in their area. If you have an idea or plans to develop a recreation project, please feel free to contact Rosaleen for advice and information. Projects need to have full support of the Community to ensure success. Rosaleen Ní Shúilleabháin, Rural Recreation Officer, FORUM Connemara Ltd., Old Boys School, Clifden. Co. Galway. Email: r.nishuilleabhain@forumconnemara.ie Tel: 087 737-5599 20
Under and unemployed Employment Mediation Service
queries about employment opportunities , Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or farming issues can contact Brendan O’Malley at the FORUM Letterfrack office 095 41116 or 087 9633366 or email b.omalley@forumconnemara.ie
The Employment Mediation service is available from the FORUM Connemara Ltd. offices in Letterfrack as well as one day a week (Thursday) in the Further Education Centre, Oughterard. Anyone who has
Agriculture Certificate Fetac Level 5 & 6 (Green Cert)
In co-operation with Teagasc and Galway Roscommon Education Training Board is running a Level 5&6 Agriculture Certification course (Green Cert) in Letterfrack. The Green Cert will run for two years and gives farmers formal training and certification in their chosen field. Twenty three young men have embarked on the Green Cert journey and have just completed the first year, with the course continuing in the Autumn.
BA in Business, Enterprise and Community
Chainsaw Course
FORUM, in co-operation with Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (formally the VEC) and EQUAL Ireland, has embarked on an exciting and innovative project for the communities of Connemara. The above partnership is embarking on a Higher Certificate in Workplace and Community Studies. The completion of this Certificate will form a progression route to the BA Degree in Business, Enterprise and Community Development. The Higher Certificate course is accredited by Athlone Institute of Technology.
Safe Pass
This year FORUM has organised two Safe Pass courses catering for 40 people. The Safe Pass Certificate is a must for those who are working in the construction trade part or full-time.
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
FORUM, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection, run the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. The scheme allows participants who are on a Department of Social Protection payment to keep that payment for two years and also work at their own enterprise. Work plans are completed and participants must register with Revenue. To date in 2014 FORUM has dealt with 30 applications for BTWEA. 21
FORUM organised a Chainsaw Course for six participants who expressed an interest in this training. The course was delivered by Coillte and was carried out in a local Coillte forest.
Business Enterprise Training
FORUM, with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board, ran a business enterprise training course to help those who have a business idea or have already set up in business in Letterfrack, which included talks, lectures, discussions and exercises to encourage participants to discuss their business ideas, plan start-ups, and deal with fears and problems they may have. The course is designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and plan a participants route back to work. Following on from the Business Enterprise course participants can avail of one to one mentoring which is also offered as part of a start up package to help budding entrepreneurs.
Essential Housing Repair
FORUM Essential Housing Repair Scheme continues to provide the labour and expertise to improve the living conditions and safety of the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable people living in their own homes and in the community. Through this scheme the householders pay for the materials and the work is carried out by part time Community Employment Scheme workers. So far this year the scheme has carried out repairs and various works for 17 householders. Since May 2012, when FORUM started this scheme, 56 householders have been assisted. The type of work carried out includes taking out baths and replacing with a shower or a wet room, constructing ramps and handrails, improving pathways, essential painting, laying floor covering, tiling, plumbing, door repairs and a variety of other essential work. To qualify for this work under this scheme, the householder must be the owner and live in the house that the work is being carried out on. We also assist in the installation of smoke alarms.
As part of the training element of this CE Scheme, participants have undertaken training in Safe Pass, Workplace Safety, First Aid, Autocad Training, Driving Lessons, Basic Computers and Train the Trainer. The 18 part time workers also carried out painting, general repairs and maintenance on the local Health Centres with the materials funded by the HSE, work on local community halls and community buildings, administration, caretaking and environmental work. For information and application form please contact Martin Davis at FORUM on 095 41064 or 0879635144 or m.davis@forumconnemara.ie 22
FORUM Management
FORUM Page
FORUM Staff - Full Time
Terry Keenan, Chairperson John Coyne, CEO Chris Curtin, Evaluator Yvonne Keane, Assistant CEO Dan Quaid, Health Services Executive Kathleen Kane, Team Leader/Administration Kevin Heanue, Teagasc Cathy Keane, Team Leader/Community Groups Jim Cullen, Galway County Council Anna Marie Mortimer, Secretary/Administration Eithne Nic Dhonnchadha, Galway and Kathleen deCourcey, CE Supervisor Youth in Action Roscomon Education & Training Board Martina Gavin, CE Supervisor Social Care Anne Donald Joyce, Community Representative Martin Davis, CE Supervisor Jenny Conboy, Community Representative Essential Housing Repairs Scheme Mary Kirby, Community Representative Marie Feeney, Adolescent Support Coordinator Martin Conneely, Community Representative Brendan O’Malley, Cllr. Thomas Welby, Galway County Council Employment Mediation Service Cllr. Seamus Walsh, Galway County Council Geraldine Kelly, Cllr. Seosamh O’Laoi, Galway County Council Rural Social Scheme Supervisor Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Galway County Council Brian Conneely, Tús Supervisor Emmet McGloin, IFA Joe Ribbon, Tús Supervisor Noreen Parker, SIPTU Karen Mannion, Leader Project Officer Hugh Musgrave, IFA Joe Conaty, Leader Project Officer Josephine Lally, Community Representative Melissa Wallace, Administration Officer Mary Gannon, Community Representative Rosaleen Ní Shuilleabháin, Breda Fox, County Enterprise Board Rural Recreation Officer Leo Hallissey, Environmental Representative Mairead Uí Dhomhnaill, Employment Mediation Carmel Geoghegan, Youth Service, Gaeltacht Connemara Gearóid deFaoite, Community Development Worker, The FORUM Project has been Gaeltacht Connemara funded under the EU Leader Programme and by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 and a number of State Agencies
Part Time
Brid Staunton, Accounts Tina Jack, Youth Support Worker Sandra Shattock, Administration
FORUM continues to disseminate information through the medium of two newsletters a year and through a weekly broadcast on Connemara Community Radio, which highlights the activities of the FORUM Project. FORUM Website: http://www.forumconnemara.ie Email: info@forumconnemara.ie Printed by Berry’s Printers 23