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NEWSLETTER WINTER 2014 ISSUE NO. 42
FREE
2014 has seen the completion of two of the biggest projects under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland (2007-2013) in the FORUM region. Both projects are iconic in their own rights. They are at either ends of the territory and are the result of significant community and voluntary effort over the last number of years.
The Oughterard Courthouse has been refurbished and renovated to a very high standard and is now a community resource secured for future generations. There was a substantial amount of work undertaken as the building was in a very poor state. It is a building of The total grant secured by the unique cultural and heritage value Oughterard Courthouse Restoration and and commands a prominent position Heritage Company Limited was nearly in the streetscape. €500,000.
The Connemara West Centre in Letterfrack was the other project to receive substantial funding of €321,564.36. This is also a building of significant heritage, architectural and in more recent time’s, social value as a community and education space. The funding was used to conserve and refurbish the roof and windows of the structure. This has again secured the fabric of the building for future generations.
These complex infrastructural and conservation projects were completed on time and on budget by what are for the most part voluntary community groups. Without the effort of these groups and some support from FORUM the integrity of the structures would be uncertain for future generations.
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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Therapeutic Riding Social Inclusion Event Paving the Way, together with the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, the Connemara Therapeutic Riding Association and FORUM, hosted a fun event at Errislannan Manor on 15th October as part of County Galway Social Inclusion Week. The idea was to promote and raise awareness in the community of the benefits of therapeutic riding (TR) for people with disabilities of all ages. This event was enjoyed by a diverse group of people including a group of school children from Ballyconneely N.S., along with their principal, Conor O’Brolcháin. They were joined by some young people from Criost Linn in Clifden and ARC in Galway. The participants enjoyed a number of activities during the day - they got up close to the ponies in the yard and literally left their mark by doing some pony painting and grooming. They experienced a therapeutic riding (TR) session and even went on a sensory trail through the grounds of Errislannan Manor, followed by a fun Halloween treasure hunt in the garden. Hearty soup, scones and refreshments for were provided to all by volunteers from Paving the Way. Jean Mullan
Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion Conference
In October FORUM workers attended an ILDN (Irish Local Development Network) Showcase Event – Local Development Companies Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion in conjunction with the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The conference in the F2 Centre Dublin was attended by Ann Phelan TD, Minister of State for Rural Economic Development, who officially launched the ILDN Booklet: “Local Development Companies Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion”. Each company, including FORUM, provided a case study outlining their work in the area of social inclusion and anti-poverty measures. There were presentations on social policy and the impacts of poverty and L-R: Mairead Ni Dhomhnaill, Gearoid deFaoite, social exclusion in Ireland and Europe.
Yvonne Keane, Cathy Keane, Brendan O’Malley
Crochet is a traditional skill which is enjoying a revival among those Crochet skills interested in crafts. Basically it’s a different technique from knitting and Oughterard once the four basic stitches are mastered the work just ‘grows’. Held in the Further Education Centre Oughterard (managed by the Galway Roscommon Education & Training Board - GRETB) and under the watchful guidance of tutor Geraldine Farrell, twelve ladies from the area started learning and practicing this new skill. Initially they learned the four basic stitches and then moved onto reading a crochet pattern, with a view to producing an article during the six week programme. As one women described it “crochet is a fascinating craft and well worth taking the time to practice, once you have it it’s so addictive you just can’t stop”.
Wednesday Ladies Group Cook Book The Wednesday Ladies Group following their crochet blanket project, continues to take to heart the charity Féileacáin, the Still Birth and Neonatal Association of Ireland who support bereaved parents. The groups Christmas effort has been the compilation of a charity cook book of tried and (mostly) tested cake recipes of group members. Some recipes are firm family favourites, others their own versions of traditional baking and some just tried out for this book! The cookbook is a perfect festive gift and is available in Market 57, The Paper Shop and Clifden Book Shop for €6.00. The book was launched by Jacinta Murphy from Féileacáin Buyers came and sampled the culinary delights and met the contributors. All proceeds going to Féileacáin. 2
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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 2013. 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 workers are employed by FORUM to administer LCDP in Gaeltacht Connemara from July 2012 to December 2014.
Ballyconneely National School is blessed with a large outdoor area. The staff and parents decided to put this area to greater use than as just a place for the children to play at break times. A sensory garden is an outdoor space that stimulates learning and the senses. With the help of funding from FORUM Connemara, the parents, staff and pupils made plans to create a series of exciting outdoor areas with a focus on stimulating the senses of sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste while also being hugely educational. Over the October mid-term break the first area was created, the ‘Maths Station’. It includes a giant outdoor abacus, lego concrete stepping stones, fraction stones and a measuring stick complete with animals of various heights! This turned a once drab corner of the yard into an exciting, colourful learning area. Nicola Heanue
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
Ballyconneely National School Sensory Garden
Men’s Shed Oughterard Clann Family Resource Centre (FRC) have for the past number of years attempted to establish a Men’s Group/Shed project, and to date, this has proved to be a challenge. However, Clann are now in a position to re-engage with local men who have previously shown an interest. To support this initiative, Clann are providing an eight-week taster programme covering the following topics: cooking, computers, woodturning, nutrition, physical and mental health. It is anticipated that a valuable support mechanism will be available to men who have not previously engaged with the Family Resource Centre. The group meets Mondays at 12 p.m. in Clann FRC, for more information please contact Angela Lennon (Co-ordinator) 091 557633. 3
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St. Paul's Secondary School, Oughterard
In St. Paul's Secondary School, Oughterard, the current seventy-two Transition Year students will participate in a Healthy Lifestyle programme being promoted by FORUM Connemara. The first group of 22 students (twelve girls and ten boys) have chosen a range of activities that would not be available to them in a secondary school physical education programme. These activities include horse riding, using aerobic and resistant training machines in the local gym, coaching first year students in Gaelic football skills, golf, zumba and badminton. By engaging in a wide range of sporting events it is hoped that everyone will experience an activity that they would like to continue with well beyond their years in Secondary School. This programme has been designed to help combat the current trend in society that young people are adopting, more teenagers are becoming obese and a higher percentage are becoming less active in their lifestyles, especially girls. St Paul’s and FORUM Connemara have joined forces to curb that negative tide among our young people. Seventy-four students undertook the initial programme with an even gender balance across the group. There are three groups, each of which gets a ten-week module on healthy lifestyle activities and on survival cookery. The survival cookery gives each student the opportunity to make affordable budget meals that are nutritionally well balanced. This is a very popular module as the class always enjoys sampling what they have just made. Their recipes include brown bread, muffins, pizza, soups and curries. A group of approximately 60 Transition Year students in St. Paul's Secondary took part in an introductory course to archery. The students were given individual tuition on the use of bow and arrows and using a target practice. The lessons ended with a class and an overall Transition Year competition. Further information on this pursuit was provided and the students displayed a high level of enthusiasm for archery.
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Connemara ICA and Women’s Groups Network – A Tale of Two Cities
Twenty-five members of the Womens Network visited Dublin and Belfast in November. The group arrived in the capital and the first visit was to the Phoenix Park, after which the group visited the Little Museum of Dublin on St. Stephen’s Green, which tells the story of Dublin in the 20th Century.
Josephine Coyne, Bridgie Ann O’Malley and Jan Barry
Lena Birmingham
On day two, the group visited Belfast where members went to the ‘Bolshoi to Belfast - Theatre of Costumes’ installation in the old Crumlin Jail. The highlight for many was the visit to the Titanic Belfast exhibition, in particular the shipyard ride which captures the sights and sounds of the Titanic under construction. The extravagant luxury and superb craftsmanship of Titanic’s interiors is displayed as well as footage of the launch. Next was a guided visit to the Stormont Estate and Parliament Buildings, home to the Northern Ireland Assembly and then onto West Belfast to view the murals of the Falls and Shankill Road communities. On the way back to Dublin they visited Hillsborough where the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed in 1985. Back in Dublin there was a tour around the city by night to view the sites including the Jeannie Johnston, the Guinness Storehouse. One person summed up their experience ‘for me I feel I have connected with and been touched by so much of the history of this island’.
‘Scissors, and Glue’ with Clifden Parent and Toddler Group
There is a great sense of excitement and fun at present in our P&T group as we take part in Toddlers Arts & Crafts workshops. Parents are also enjoying getting their hands mucky helping out with all the activities. Tutor Patricia provides plenty of variety each week, organising sessions in painting, colouring, cutting and pasting to create beautiful keep sakes. In most cases this is the very first piece of artistic work the children have produced they proudly take home their masterpieces each week. The sessions usually finish with the group learning a nursery rhyme. The final few sessions will see all the children painting & colouring their own birds and fruit to place on a big living tree. We have had new parents joining the group through this activity which makes for lots more fun and excitement. Some of the P&T parents have commented “we are really enjoying it, my son was so shy for the first few days, now he is always looking forward to coming on Wednesday’s – it’s brilliant”. ‘I have just recently moved to the area and have found the P&T group great for meeting other mums, my son is also making lots of new friends and learning to share his toys with others’. At present we have twelve parents and fourteen children. All are very welcome on Wednesday mornings 11- 12pm above the Cashel Credit Union building Clifden. 5
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Adolescent Support Programme National Schools FORUM has delivered three eight-week after-school activity clubs to Tully, Eagles Nest 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 through outdoor education. Activities include group games at the start of each session. These are designed to help develop many desirable characteristics in people of all ages. The games help increase concentration, observation, awareness, quick thinking, alertness, strategy, teamwork, trust, laughter, group cohesion, confidence, selfawareness, co-operation but most importantly fun. The activities include stain-glass painting, woodwork, a biodiversity project, textile design, card making and orienteering. An outing to the Killary Adventure Centre took place finishing with a parents day to present an overview of what the 40 young people had accomplished.
Junior Arts Schools Programmes Two eight week one hour junior arts programmes have been delivered to fourteen children during school time in Tully and Eagles Nest National Schools.
Davey Fitzgerald from Irelands Fittest Family with Scoil Mhuire, Clifden After School Programme at Killary Adventure Centre.
North West Connemara Youth Mental Network
Launch of the icrowdpage for Jigsaw Service
Four meetings were held with the North West Connemara Youth Mental Network, it was decided to have a Jigsaw worker based in Connemara once a week. Funding will be required to implement this programme and initiatives such as clothing banks, crowd funding and collection boxes for shops will be examined. During 2013, 58 young people from the catchment area used the service. 6
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Clifden Youth Cafe The Youth Cafe in the Town Hall is now opened from 2pm-4pm (every school day Friday) to cater for young people and providing a meeting/projects/homework venue. Approximately 20 young people have been attending each week; the Cafe provides hot drinks, toast and the use of games such as Xbox, table football and the use of two lap tops. The School Completion Officer is assisting with the rent of the premises for the initiative and the project has two workers from the CE Scheme and Tus programme.
Carna and Corr na Mona Programme Two eight-week personal development programmes were delivered to sixteen students from Corr na Mona and Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara (Carna) Secondary school, under the FORUM LCDP Programme. An additional two eight week programmes are currently being delivered to 21 students.
Clifden Community School A six-week personal development programme was delivered to eight students from Clifden Community School. The content focuses on personal development activities through the medium of art, team challenges, problem solving exercises and sport.
County Comhairle Team Building Day
Youth Representative Group/Comhairle na nÓg County Galway Comhairle na nÓg is a local youth council which gives young people an opportunity to discuss and consult on issues that are important to them. This gives them the opportunity to express their opinions and listen to the views of other people and policy makers. Comhairle na nÓg were set up under the National Children’s Strategy (2000). Four meetings were held in County Galway, ten young people from the area participated. The group hosted the County Galway Comhairle na nÓg team building day in the Killary Adventure Centre with 40 young people attending. A poster was designed and published for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child as part of their 25th Birthday Celebration. The poster will be launched December 2014.
Poster Design on the UN Convention of the Child
An Cathaoirleach Mary Hoarde with Comhairle local group
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13+ Summer Camp Adventure Programme A two-day event was held in the Killary Adventure Centre for 50 young people during July. The young people engaged in different activities during the two-day event, including archery, rock climbing, combat laser questing, canoeing, raft building and the Killary Challenge. Support provided by the School Completion Programme and FORUM LCD Programme.
Two Summer Camp 13+ Hairdressing Course Two hairdressing courses were organised for 24 young girls in the 15 to 17 age group who attend Clifden Community School, Corr na Mona and Carna Post Primary Schools. Modules on the course included scalp analysis, blow drying, up-styling, straightening and curling hair. The young people attending felt the course would benefit them into the future. Funding was provided by the North West School Completion Programme and FORUM.
CoderDojo Club Clifden Town Hall is hosting the CoderDojo Club. A CoderDojo Club is a computer programming club for young people where they learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and explore technology. Eighty young people between seven and seventeen are participating. The club is supported by two leading business people from Clifden, Ellen McDonough of Stubborn Goats Creative Services and Suzanne Schley of Schley Accountants, with the assistance of the Adolescent Support Project. It has allowed young people from the secondary school who completed the first term of CoderDojo to mentor new members while continuing to work on their own projects. A global company “coffeecup.com� based in the USA sponsored the club software programmes whilst the School Completion Programme provides support for the rent of Clifden Town Hall.
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Youth in Action The Youth in Action Project has facilitated over 600 young people this year throughout North West Connemara providing sport activities, Fun Runs and summer camps.
Summer Camps
Youth in Action 7+ summer camps were held through the months of July and August. Camps were held in the following areas - Tullycross, Roundstone, Claddaghduff, Cashel and Clifden. The main activities for camps were arts, crafts and sports. Morgan Darcy from the Sport Partnership ran a GAA hurling programme in each camp. Over 200 children attended and enjoyed the end of camp barbeque and party.
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Primary Schools Sports Programmes Youth in Action Sports Programme provides local national schools with weekly sessions of varying sports activities such as football, Olympic handball, basketball and co-operation team games to eliminate the element of competition. In addition to the varying sports activity, since October schools in Cleggan and Ballyconneely have been engaging in inter-school events including football and rounders. It is envisaged that this initiative can be developed into the future with other schools, as part of the Youth in Action Sports School Programme. The children are preparing for Olympic Handball under eleven group play offs before the end of the year and under twelve/thirteen age group in February or March. In addition to the sports programme, Youth in Action provides support for the delivery of other programmes within the Adolescent Support Project initiatives, such as the After School Programme, Junior Activity Club, Clifden Youth Cafe and Coderdojo. In totality over 450 young people have engaged in the different programmes. Support was given to the annual Water Sport day held in August in aid of CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland) at Glassilaun beach and the National Schools in North West Connemara for extra curricular activities. The children of Ballyconneely National School attended a Therapeutic Riding Social Inclusion Event at Errislannan Riding Centre, support was provided for transport. Calendar
The 17th edition of the Youth in Action calendar 2015 “Ah to be Young” is available in local shops. The project would like to thank the businesses for their generous support, and those who provided us with photos this and every year, all proceeds from the sale of the calendar goes towards activities for youth in the area.
CLIFDEN CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTRE How does Budget 2015 affect you?
Here are some of the main Budget changes, all will take effect from January 2015, unless otherwise stated: o Child Benefit is increased by €5 to €135 per child per month o The Living Alone Increase goes up to €9 per week (from €7.70) o A Water Support Payment of €100 annually (€25 per quarter) will be paid to people who currently receive the Household Benefits Package and the Fuel Allowance o A Christmas Bonus of 25% will be paid in December 2014 to people getting a long-term social welfare payment o The standard rate of income tax increases by €1,000 to €33,800 for single individuals and €42,800 for married one-earner couples o The higher rate of income tax is reduced from 41% to 40% o Tax relief on water charges at 20% is to be provided o The Universal Social Charge will apply to all income over €12,102 (was €10,036), and the lower rates of USC are reduced to 1.5% and 3.5% (were 2% and 4%) o A Back to Work Family Dividend is being introduced for lone parent and long-term Jobseeker’s Allowance recipients who find work or return to work from January 2015. This means that the qualified child increase of €29.80 will be paid for the first full year in employment and €14.90 will be paid for the second year
For more information about these and other changes in Budget 2015, contact Clifden CIC, which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 07 7580/087 1301100 Email: clifden@citinfo.ie 2nd Floor, Credit Union, Clifden OPEN: Thursday 7pm–8pm, Friday 10.30 a.m.–3.30 p.m. Call Declan on 087 1301100 for details of regular Letterfrack service Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000 10
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After four years of paperwork and planning it feels great to finally say that the Corribdale Park Teen Zone is open! It has been a long time coming but we hope it was worth the wait! It is a lovely space and one that we hope will be well used by the teenagers of Oughterard for many years to come. The concept of the Teen Zone was first proposed at a Playground Committee meeting back in 2010. The idea came about as the committee had noticed that in the evenings on closing the playground facility the teenagers had nowhere else to congregate. The idea of a safe, purpose built area for the older children was suggested and this was then expanded upon to include a series of walkways and outdoor fitness equipment for the rest of the community to enjoy. The concept of changing the Corribdale Grounds into a recreation park for Oughterard began to take shape.
Corribdale Park Teen Zone
After further research the idea was then suggested to the Corribdale Grounds committee at a meeting later that same year. In order to progress the idea, playground committee members, Morgan O’Connor and Sinéad Grimes were elected as Directors of Corribdale Grounds Committee Ltd. A subcommittee was then formed to oversee the development; this was made up of: Thomas Welby, Sinead Grimes, Niall Walsh, Nicholas Byrnes and Dr. Peter Harte. The subcommittee called a public meeting where the concept was presented and discussed. Further meetings, questionnaires and public consultations were then carried out. It was at this stage that a more concrete plan was formed. Several meetings took place with the National Trails Office in order to design the layout of the trails and in November 2011 an application was made to LEADER FORUM Connemara Ltd. for funding for a feasibility study. This study allowed us to hire an engineer, Ronan O’Halloran, to put together a survey and complete plans for the overall project. It was great to see the idea taking shape! The feasibility also allowed for the wonderful Corribdale Park logo to be designed and much needed tree surgery to be carried out on the grounds. On 22nd May of this year planning was approved for the Teen Zone as well as shared use trails around the park grounds and also in the wooded area, with a pump track for bikes and outdoor fitness equipment. A public consultation was held in the summer where local teens and their families voted for their favourite equipment from a range of playground suppliers. Spraoi Linn Ltd. were awarded the contract based on the outcome of this vote. We re-applied to FORUM Connemara Ltd in June for funding for just one section of the overall park plan, the Teen Zone. Thankfully the application was successful and at last Phase 1 of the Corribdale Park project was underway. The total cost of the construction for the Teen Zone was €62,186.22. €46,639.66 of this was funded by FORUM Connemara Ltd. Securing this funding was vital to the completion of the project. We are very grateful to the team in Letterfrack for all their help and guidance along the way. We were also very grateful to get significant sponsorship from SSE Airtricity which went towards the fencing and lighting of the new zone.The remaining funds were raised by the local community through some very enjoyable fundraising events. These included hosting Ironman Feed stations, coffee mornings, a Family Quiz, the Moonlight walk, cocktail nights, Jog the Bog, The Mayfly 10k Challenge and also the Corribdale Duathlon. Many of these events have become firm favourites on the annual Oughterard calendar of events! A special word of thanks to those who sent personal donations, or held their own personal fundraisers. This was hugely helpful and much appreciated! The pupils of St. Paul’s raised €400 for us through a bake sale. Rory and the staff at the Boat Inn donated €870 from their very successful Oughterard Beer Fest. The Playground group very generously donated €2,000 of their funds to go towards the construction of the Teen Zone. But money was not the only thing that was generously given to the project. Nothing could have been achieved without people’s voluntary efforts, and there are many who need to be thanked for making this wonderful facility a reality for the community. Finally, thanks to everyone in the locality for your support for this project. The generosity of the community, funding from FORUM and the hard work of dedicated individuals has made this project possible. It was not always a smooth road—but well worth the journey! Sinéad Grimes, Corribdale Park Project Co-ordinator 11
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Next year FORUM Connemara will celebrate its silver anniversary. Since its inception in 1990, the organisation has assisted the local community in Connemara through its actions with community groups, businesses, families and individuals. Throughout the last twenty five years FORUM has been supporting community groups to increase their ability to carry out local development by providing assistance and guidance. FORUM has provided one to one support and numerous workshops, conferences and educational training programmes in this regard. FORUM has supported men’s and women’s groups by the organisation of events and workshops with ongoing support for the Clifden Citizens Information Service.
Graduates of the Community Development and Enterprise Course 1993: Back L-R: Nora Walsh, Ber Kirby, Deirdre McGonagle, Marian Keogh, Margaret Conroy, Scottish group visit Active Age Celebrations 1993: Gabriella Voigt, Michelle Mullen, Teresa Ridge, Caroline Sweeney and Maria Nee. L-R Delis Lydon, Clifden, Yvonne Keane, FORUM, Sitting: Mary McNamara, Mary Diamond, Lillian Little, Bridie Davis, Colleen Gilmore, Ian and Nana Macaulay Scotland Sally Nee, Barbara Callan, Emer O’Regan, Amanda Jack and Carmel Lydon and Alice Lydon Clifden
FORUM receives Special Merit Group Award from the REHAB Foundation Galway
Members of Ballinakill Active Age Club with Minister Eamon O’Cuiv at the Intergenerational Festival 2001
The organisation’s work with older people and people with disability has involved delivering a nationally recognised model of best practice in social care. The model involves supporting those who wish to live independently in their home for as long as possible by providing a care companion service, supporting carers, executing an essential housing repairs service and organising an array of events including the Intergenerational Programme – which involves the interaction of the generations through a sharing of skills. The company’s work with youth has also been widely commended. FORUM provides a programme of actions in primary and secondary schools and youth organisations to support social inclusion. Actions include providing activity clubs, support for parents, provision of counselling services and support to pre-schools and parent and toddler groups.
UN International Year of the Vulunteer - Launch of FORUM Project 1990. L- R standing: Joe O’Toole, Connemara West, Margaret Barry, Combat Poverty Agency, Kieran O’Donohue, Connemara West, Mary Claire Brennan, Administration, FORUM, Pat Ryan, Galway City VEC, Mary Gannon, Connemara West, Donal O’Domoghue, Galway County Council, Chris Curtin, NUI Galway L-R sitting: Tony Barrett, FAS, Seamus O’Grady, NUI Galway, Chairperson, Minister for Social Welfare, Michael Woods, Robin Webster, Director FORUM, Odele Quintin, EU Commission, Michael Bruton, WHB, Johnny Fitzpatrick, Connemara West
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Beach clean up after Winter storm 2014 and during 2014 by Tus participants
Leenane National School After School Programme 2000
In its efforts to support business and the rural economy FORUM continues to provide training programmes and employment mediation services for under and unemployed people in Connemara. Support is also provided to farm families to assist them to diversify to achieve their maximum potential. The LEADER programme has greatly added to this by providing over €5.6m to over 340 projects in the rural economy over the last five years. FORUM has been able to undertake an extensive plan of work through a number of funding streams including the Local Community Development Programme, the Rural President Mary McAleese vsits Development Programme (LEADER), three Community Employment Schemes, the Rural the FORUM Project 2006 Social Scheme, four TUS work activation schemes, the Adolescent Support Programme and the Rural Recreation Scheme. Twenty full-time core staff are employed with an additional 148 people employed on RSS/TUS and CE schemes along with 14 people on Job Initiative. These workers provide vital services within the community including on-going maintenance of sports pitches, community halls, schools, graveyards, walking/cycling routes, beach clean-ups, provision of Meals on Wheels service & Care Companion services and provision of a youth service programme. The last twenty five years has seen more than 500 people from across North West Connemara give freely of their time to input into the development of FORUM’s work programme and to the management of FORUM at Board, SubCommittee and Working Group levels. Next year, the two main programmes administered by FORUM Connemara – the Local Community Development Programmes (now called SICAP) and the LEADER programme are undergoing major changes, many of which are not yet finalised. The effects of the proposed changes will undoubtedly have negative impacts for Connemara which cannot be over-stated. If FORUM lose these two programmes, FORUM may not be able to survive which poses a threat to the future of other programmes including the Rural Recreation Programme, Adolescent Support Programme, TUS, RSS and Community Employment workers who provide incredibly valuable services into the community. Throughout the last quarter of a century FORUM Connemara has continued to grow in its commitment to the region. For this silver anniversary FORUM is reaffirming its commitment to the development of a sustainable Connemara through partnership, collaboration and innovation. That is if it is allowed to do so? “FORUM Connemara Ltd has had an incalculable impact on the social and economic well-being of the residents of North West Connemara.” Teagasc
Meeting with MEPs November 2014
Ms. Joan Burton T.D., Junior Minister at the Department of Social Welfare in Inishbofin with Mr. George Abou Sada, Poverty 3 Central Unit, Lille and Mr. Seamus O’Grady, Chairman, FORUM 1993.
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Back Row - Tom Healy (Galway County Councillor), Trevor O'Clochartaigh (Senator), Terry Keenan (Chair FORUM Connemara), Marian Harkin (MEP), Gerry O'Neill (CEO South West Mayo LDC). Front row - Matt Carthy (MEP), John Coyne (CEO FORUM Connemara), Delia Colahan (CEO Galway Rural Development).
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The TUKE Gathering 2015 – Connemara Heritage Tourism Project
A Clifden based heritage group, the Clifden 2012 Committee, undertook a LEADER funded project designed to inform and explore the history of the Tuke Assisted Emigration Schemes of the 1880’s and to attract significant numbers of visitors to Connemara who are descendants of those who availed of the Tuke schemes. James Hack Tuke (1819 to 1896) was a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist and Quaker from York who was deeply concerned about the plight of the poverty stricken people living on the west coast of Ireland in the mid to late 1800’s. He was related by marriage to the Ellis family based at Letterfrack. Overpopulation and several failures of the potato crop in the late 1870’s caused a widespread crisis on the western seaboard. Tuke felt that emigration could be one of the solutions to poverty in the region. He organised an assisted emigration scheme which provided funding for those wishing to emigrate to Canada & the USA but who could not afford it. The scheme assisted approximately 6,000 people to emigrate during the period 1882 to 1884. This represented 12% of the Connemara population at the time. The Tuke Scheme kept excellent records including the ship’s manifests (the ships left from Galway Harbour) which are still available today. The Clifden 2012 Committee have been able to utilise this resource which lists the names, ages, occupations and townlands of almost 3,000 people from the *Clifden Union who availed of the scheme. Leader funding was secured for the development of an online searchable database to record and store information which can be accessed by anywhere around the globe. This is a vital tool for those wishing to trace their roots to North West Connemara. The idea for this project came from the Blacksod Bay community in Co. Mayo who have contributed their experience and understanding to the two Connemara groups interested in this project – the Connemara 2012 Committee and the Oughterard Cultural & Heritage Group. Academics comprising of Gerard Moran (NUIM), Christine Kinealy (Quinnipaic, Connecticut) and Regina Donnellan (NUIM) have also supported the groups by sharing their knowledge and experience. Marie Mannion (GCC Heritage Officer) has also contributed greatly to assist the groups to network with each other and share resources. The Clifden 2012 Committee also delivered a very successful three day heritage conference at the Station House Theatre in October that looked at life in 19th century Connemara, the assisted passage scheme, and some of the emigrant stories. If you have an interest in this project or indeed ancestors who emigrated from the area during the years 18821884 through the Tuke Assisted Emigration Scheme the Clifden 2012 Committee and the Clifden & Connemara Heritage Society would welcome your contact by email to info@clifdenheritage.org The Clifden 2012 Committee was the natural vehicle to deliver this project as they have vast experience in this area as they were formed to celebrate the founding of Clifden 200 years ago in 2012. The group are planning a Connemara Descendants Gathering Event arising from the Tuke’s conference running form Sept 11th to 16th, 2015. http://clifdenheritage.org/tuke/
SS Lake Nepigon
Marconi announcement
SS Austrian
SS Lake Winnipeg
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, recently announced €990,000 in funding for the development of an improved visitor experience at Derrygimlagh, Connemara, Co, Galway; one of the key 15 Signature Discovery Points along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. The funding will significantly enhance the site which was the setting for two outstanding technological achievements of the 20th century: the Marconi Wireless Station, the world’s first commercial transatlantic wireless station in 1907; and twelve years later (in 1919) when Alcock and Brown landed on the site marking the first nonstop, trans-Atlantic flight. The proposed improvements to the Derrygimlagh Discovery Point include a purpose built car and coach park facility, picnic areas and a looped walk on existing bog road with six key stops providing opportunities for visitors to engage first hand with the stories of the site including the unique landscape and flora and fauna. Clifden & Connemara Heritage Society and Connemara Chamber of Commerce with assistance from FORUM Connemara undertook an extensive feasibility study for this capital development in 2011. 14
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SEA WEEK
The 2014 Sea Week Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary this year with a series of events that brought the village of Letterfrack on to the national stage. It began on October 17 with a visit by President Higgins, who opened the Letterfrack Poetry Trail and Small Works Exhibition in the National Park. The Connemara Environmental Education and Cultural Centre commissioned nine poems by nine of Ireland’s most eminent poets for the occasion. The poems are carved onto plaques made of native larch, designed by the Conservation Centre Letterfrack. They are mounted on slate from the old industrial school and strategically placed around the National Park, Connemara West centre and village of Letterfrack.
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Social Care Programme
Bealach (Rural Transport Initiative) (RTI) Ballinakill Active Age Club mini bus and a private operator continue to provide the Bealach Transport Service four days per week in North West Connemara. The contract with RTI lasts to the end of 2014, no information is available on how it will progress in to the future. The service is provided for people with reduced mobility and passengers who have no suitable public transport service. The service brings clients to Day Care, Lunch Clubs and shopping etc. More information on services in your area can be obtained by calling 095 41064.
Disability Support Disability Support continues to be available through the Social Care Programme. The service is based in our Letterfrack office (the old Courthouse opposite the Church) and offers information and form filling service to clients with disability. Information on disability support by contacting 095 41064 or 087 9633970.
Ballinakill Community Catering/ FORUM Meals on Wheels 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 Community Employment (CE) Workers to the client’s door. At present meals are delivered to Clifden, Cleggan, Claddaghduff, Moyard, Renvyle and Kylemore area. Ballyconneely and Recess meals are delivered through the CE workers and local catering business, Leenane meals are delivered from Leenane community centre by community voluntary workers. For further information contact 087 9633970.
Clifden Day Hospital FORUM Social Care Programme continues to support the work carried out by the Clifden Day Care in the provision of elderly day care services. Social care workers assist with the transport service and activities at the centre. The role of the day care is to facilitate and prolong independent living. It is attached to Clifden Hospital and run by the Health Service Executive.
Traditional Craft Club FORUM’s Social Care Programme in conjunction with Ballinakill Active Age Club, continue to hold an open house traditional craft event every Wednesday in Ellis Hall, Letterfrack. The purpose of this is to have a space for like-minded people to meet up, learn or pass on skills to others. This Craft Club is open to anyone interested in joining. For more information contact Martina Gavin 087 9633970 Jean Wallace 086 3087619.
Security The Socially Monitored Alarms Systems continue to be installed in the North West Connemara. Funding for the purchase and insulation of socially monitored alarms are the only items funded at present. Clients interested in receiving a service should contact 087 9633970
Clifden, Oughterard and Moycullen Carers Group Clifden Carers Groups continue to meet weekly, while the Oughterard and Moycullen group meet monthly. To celebrate Carers Week, members of the Oughterard and Moycullen carers enjoyed a hand therapy day in November. Twenty carers have completed Palliative Care Support module (FETAC QQI level 5). This course was supported by the HSE, FORUM and the Carers Association. The carer support group is open to all carers that feel this type of support could be of benefit.
Carer Companion Service Up to fifty older people continue to avail of this service in non Gaeltacht Connemara, where social care workers visit the home 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.
Laundry Service This service is currently in operation in two areas (Letterfrack and Leenane) four days per week. The social care workers run the service. The main users are the elderly, carers, lone parents and students. Revenue generated from the service help to provide funding for the running of the Meals on Wheels service. 16
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Resource Groups All eleven resource groups continue to meet at coffee mornings and lunch clubs locally. 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. In conjunction with FORUM and the Clifden Arts Week, all eleven groups attended the annual Arts Week event for older people in the Station House, Clifden in September. The annual respite break was cancelled due to lack of uptake. Plans are in place to host this break in February 2015.
Evelyn Laffey, Mary Kane and Olive Kerrigan
Petie and Kathleen Mortimer
Michael Joe and Mary Ruddy who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
Sarah Ann Lydon and Eileen McDonald
Kathleen Atkinson and Lena Sammon
To celebrate Conamara Sea Weeks 30th anniversary, Ballinakill Active Age group attended Rosleague Manor Hotel for lunch, followed by a lively concert with Don Stiffe and Marcus Hernon on 24th October. Over seventy elderly people from the Ballinakill Parish attended. This group also attended a visit from President Michael D Higgins in Ellis Hall Letterfrack. The Sea Week events were organised by Conamara Environmental Educational
and Cultural Committee (CEECC). Gerard Coyne provided an informative talk on the honey bee to the Ballinakill group. Leenane Day Care service had trip to Westport in October. The BRB Senior Citizens group attended a community heritage day in Recess on Sunday 16th November. Members of Ballyconneely and Roundstone visited Kylemore in September. All groups held their Annual Christmas Parties in December.
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Tús Community Work Placement Initiative The Wild Atlantic Way is set to be Ireland's first longdistance touring route, stretching along the Atlantic coast from Donegal to West Cork.
The Wild Atlantic Way Project
The aim of the project is to develop a route that will achieve greater visibility for the west coast of Ireland in overseas tourist markets. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of Fáilte Ireland's signature projects to rejuvenate Irish tourism. Galway County Council, with the help of FORUM’s RSS and Tús participants undertook the reconstruction of Renvyles White Strand car park and at the Killary Fjord viewing point.
Renvyles White Strand car park
Killary Fjord viewing point
New Carpark at Eagles Nest National School In Conjunction with Galway County Council, Tús workers started construction on a new carpark at Eagle’s Nest school in October.
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Repair work in the vacinity of Collinamuck National School also took place and the new bottle bank plinth
Along with weekly maintenance on church grounds and graveyards, FORUM Connemara Ltd RSS and Tús scheme participants maintain the 4 Km walk and cycle way in Derrylea outside Clifden in conjunction with Galway County Council along with the upkeep of sports fields in Clifden, Renvyle, Ballyconneely, Oughterard and Recess. Refuse and debris is collected weekly from beaches in Roundstone, Ballyconneely and Renvyle areas. There have been several “Blitz’s” carried out during the year on beaches and pier’s and to date the RSS and Tús Teams have collected 5,000 bags of rubbish and plastics from our local beaches. In Oughterard and Killannin RSS and Tús participants have been placed in Clann resourace centre, rugby and football clubs, sports field in new village, Corribdale Park, Killanin Community pitch, Killannin and Collinamuck church and schools local piers, Tidy Towns, anglers, youth café and charity shop.
Tobar Cuanna During 2014 extensive work was carried out on Tobar Cuanna in Callownamuck to control vegetation. This is an old Children’s and Famine burial ground. It is now in good shape and will be maintained by Tús and the community on a regular basis.
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Rural Recreation and Walks Scheme
Connemara Greenway Project (Clifden to Oughterard) update: The project consists of developing a walking/cycle track (Greenway) along the dismantled Galway to Clifden railway line from Clifden to Oughterard. It will provide members of the local community and visitors alike with a safe and accessible method of using the dismantled railway line for walking and cycling. It is envisaged that this will also benefit the local economy. In April this year €400,000 of funds were allocated by Fáilte Ireland for the Connemara Greenway project. Discussions with landowners were re opened regarding permissive access and accommodation works on phase 1 - Clifden to Munga. Where agreements were reached with landowners work commenced. Discussions are still ongoing for the next section through Gowlaun. Landowners still have to be met regarding Phase 2 of the route as the focus was on Phase 1 where funding had been secured. An application for funding for the remainder of the project is currently with Fáilte Ireland for consideration. Discussions will reopen as funding is secured. Below are some pictures of its progress to date.
FORUM Connemara ran two Trail Building Course in August and September The course provided practical guidance to those working on the maintenance of recreational walking trails, off-road cycling or horse riding trails. The course addressed maintenance issues and provided an overview of various trail construction and maintenance techniques. There was a mixture of classroom (in house) and hands-on fieldwork which took place on the Western Way near Kylemore, allowing the participants try out some of the techniques covered in the classroom. Twenty two participants took part and the course was delivered by Darragh O’Sullivan & Jeremy Smith and approved by the National Trails Office funded by Leader. Other News: A number of trails in Roundstone, Carna, Gorumna, Leitir Mór and Poetry Trail in Letterfrack are being developed. Thank you to all the community/walking groups that have come forward to develop a trail in their 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, Old Boys School, Clifden. Co. Galway. Email: r.nishuilleabhain@forumconnemara.ie Tel: 087 737-5599 20
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Under and unemployed
Employment Mediation Service The Employment Mediation service is available from the FORUM Connemara Ltd offices in Letterfrack and one day a week (Thursday) in the Further Education Centre, Oughterard. Anyone who has queries about employment opportunities, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or farming issues can contact Brendan O’Malley at the FORUM Connemara Ltd, Letterfrack office 095 41116 or 087 9633366 or email b.omalley@forumconnemara.ie
Options for Farm Families
Teagasc and FORUM Connemara Ltd ran a successful Options for Farm Families programme in Letterfrack. Covereing topics relating to rural tourism, artisan food, land use options, succession and inheritance. The aim of the programme was to generate new thinking and ideas and look at possibilities for additional on and off farm income. The programme was run over four evenings and one day.
Agriculture Certificate Fetac Level 5&6 (Green Cert)
FORUM Connemara Ltd in co-operation with Teagasc and Co Galway GRETB are running a level 5&6 Agriculture Certification course (Green Cert) in Letterfrack. The Green Cert will run for two years and give farmers formal training and certification in their chosen field. Twenty two young men have embarked on the Green Cert journey and have completed the first year. The Green Cert course has now started up again and will finish in 2015.
Business Enterprise Training, Oughterard
To help those who have a business idea or have already set up in business, FORUM, working with the Local Enterprise Office run Business Enterprise training. Recently FORUM delivered a business enterprise course in Oughterard, this programme consists of 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 path back to work. This year we have added an extra day to the business course where participants can discuss in private on a one-to-one basis their business idea and receive expert advice on what path to follow. Back to Work Enterprise Allowance FORUM Connemara Ltd in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection run the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance. The scheme allows participants who are on a 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, we have dealt with over 50 applications for BTWEA. 21
Transferring the family farm
FORUM and Teagasc ran a very successful “Transferring the Family Farm” information day in Letterfrack. A short overall presentation of farm transfer was given by Teagasc, followed by an opportunity to discuss options and issues with representatives including local solicitors, accountants, a Citizens Information Centre representative and Galway Roscommon Educational Training Board (GRETB).
Safe Pass
This year FORUM organised two safe pass course catering for 40 people. The safe pass is mandatory for those working in the construction sector.
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Essential Housing Repair FORUM Essential Housing Repair Scheme continues to provide the labour and the expertise to improve the living conditions and safety for the elderly, people with a disability and vulnerable people in their own homes. The scheme supports the premise that people should be allowed to remain in their own home as long as possible. Through this scheme the householders pay for the materials and the work is carried out by community employment (CE) workers. So far this year we have carried out works and repairs for 30 householders, bringing the total, since the start of the scheme to 71.
Bathrooms before and after
Converting bedroom to bathroom
Installation of ramp
For information and application form please contact Martin Davis at FORUM on 095 41064/0879635144 or m.davis@forumconnemara.ie
Work on kitchen
Work carried out includes, bath removal and replacement with shower/wet room, construction of ramps and handrails, kitchen fitting, pathway enhancement, painting, placement of floor covering, tiling, plumbing, door repairs etc. To qualify for this work the householder must be the owner and live in the house. Participants on the community employment scheme have undertaken training in several areas including Safe Pass, Workplace Safety, First Aid, Autocad Training, Driving Lessons, Basic Computers, Train the Trainer and Working at Heights. The eighteen part time workers on the scheme also carry out painting, general repairs and maintenance on local Health Centres with the materials funded by the HSE, work on local community halls and community buildings, administration, caretaking and environmental work. 22
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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. Niamh Byrne, Galway County Council Rural Social Scheme Supervisor Cllr. Eileen Mannion, Galway County Council Brian Conneely, Tús Supervisor Emmet McGloin, IFA Joe Ribbon, Tús Supervisor Sean Heanue, 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, The FORUM Project has been Community Development Worker, Gaeltacht funded under the EU Leader Connemara Programme and by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 and a number of State Agencies
Part Time
Brid Staunton, Accounts Sandra Shattock, Administration Tina Jack, Youth Support Worker
FORUM Management and Staff Wish Everyone a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year.
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 Follow us on Twitter: FORUMConnemara Printed by Berry’s Printers 23
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