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Appendices
Appendix 1- Focus Group Results
The following presents a summary picture of the findings from the five Focus Group sessions. These occurred in the latter months of 2021. The learnings were important sources of information in framing the emerging options and eventual recommendations. On average between 4-6 people participated in each session.
FOCUS GROUP 1 THE CCDASTEERING GROUP Thursday 30th September 2021
Q1 Group Exercise Identify through an open discussion what is working well in Corofin today and what could be improved in relation to broad community development, infrastructure, and services overall (aim to create a list of three to four things for each list - read out the lists upon completion for discussion).
Working • The Corofin Community Development Association (the CCDA) • GAA • Schools - Primary • An attractive place to Live • Sport • Youth Groups - Foroige • Canon Oliver Hughes Park & Playground • Traffic Calming • Community Spirit • Links to local towns • Friendly & Supportive Community - Support in time of need • Volunteer spirit • Good communities in Estates etc (Sub Communities) • New Road layout • Willingness to Support • Social interaction in Estates Not Working • Retail • Teenage age Group - facilities/Focus • Senior citizens • Use of Dr Duggan Hall • Tidy Towns could be done - general appearance/Flower boxes etc • Derelict Houses • No Pharmacy • No GP/Medical Centre • No restaurant • No stations in townlands • Little co-operation between organisations (Community & Other) • Heritage - it is known about but not shared and promoted • The ‘stations’are gone and nothing to replace them (House to House community prayer) • Public transport • Meeting spaces indoor - need space • Speed of traffic outside the village • Anti-social behaviour at times - on the softer side - idleness • Community Spirit • Community Pride
Q2 Group Exercise Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities or Threats (SWOT) Analysis - the question to be addressed: 'How do you view your community today and going forward' - collectively talk through and agree on five to six relevant bullet points per category followed by general discussion.
Strengths The large number of young families Proximity to Galway The CCDAas an Agent of change Senior Citizens Community is largely without serious problems e.g., Drugs/serious anti-social behaviour/violence
Weaknesses Communication issue - links between people living in different areas/links between different groups etc Lack of tradition of friendship across the community that is fading out Retail/Cafe GP No community Hub in the village The only commercial/communal space is the shop The pub is closed No facilities for teenagers Need space for sports and Drama Lack of facilities for the young Opportunities The large number of young families This consulting process has been 'eye opening' The Castle The River The Canon Oliver Hughes Park Funding - positive landscape The CCDA Opportunity to pull the community together
Threats If the village changes too much - the traditional community atmosphere could be lost Too much depending on a few people in the village Not enough younger blood coming through the community association Competing objectives The query arose - Is there a County Council village Development Plan? Note - Leadership is very Important
Q3 & Q4 Combined Group Exercise Each person identifies three potential new capital development opportunities for the village - after 10mins individual thinking time each person reads out their list and there is a full discussion agreeing on a long list of at least 6 new opportunities and these are then ‘scored’by each, and a collective score emerges for each option. The highest score is the preferred option from FG #1.
1. Walkways, cycleways, looped walks, a pedestrian bridge over River, village to main road walk (off Road) - or walking Track 2. Commercial centre retail- related development - GP, Pharmacy, Cafe 3. Dr Duggan Hall - New one or refurbishing the old one 4. Housing co-operative for Elderly 5. Castle Development/Heritage story 6. Corofin streetscape 7. Indoor facilities for Sport 8. Outdoor youth gathering space
Q4 Development ideas - Prioritisation
Development Ideas Prioritisation Person Total 1 2 3 4 5 1. Outdoor gathering place for Youth 5 5 3 5 5 23 2. Commercial centre - GP, Pharmacy, Cafe 5 4 5 4 5 23 3. Walkways, cycleways, looped walks, a pedestrian 4 4 4 4 4 20 4. Dr Duggan Hall - New or refurbishing 3 4 3 3 5 18 5. Indoor facilities for Sport 4 5 2 1 4 16 6. Housing co-operative for Elderly 3 3 5 3 2 16 7. Corofin streetscape 3 3 1 3 3 13 8. Castle Development/Heritage story 2 2 3 3 2 12
FOCUS GROUP SESSION 2 October 21st, 2021
Q1 Group Exercise Identify through an open discussion what is working well in Corofin today and what could be improved in relation to broad community development, infrastructure, and services overall (aim to create a list of three to four things for each list - read out the lists upon completion for discussion). Note: It is anticipated there will be a degree of crossover/similarity in responses. John Leads. 30mins.
Working • Playground • Green Area • GAA- Village name well recognised • Bowling Club • The walking area around football pitches • Irish Dancing • Soccer Club • Duck race event - brings the community together • Foroige • Child Care - over 100 kids - aftercare service • Excellent pitches • Neighbouring refurbished train station - ‘Quiet
Man’film location • The CCDA • Castles x 4
Not Working • Poor footpaths • Basic services • Sewerage Scheme - badly needed • Lack of meeting places for people - can be small but need something • Both National schools outside the village • Derelict houses & Castle • No other way out of the village except Lackagh or Tuam • Poor networking between villagers • Social isolation • No mother and toddler group • No public transport or bus stop • No place to eat - cafe or restaurant - pub did food at weekends but closed now • Dr Duggan Hall not working - people cannot get access • Very little if you don’t play GAA Q2 Group Exercise Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities or Threats (SWOT) Analysis - the question to be addressed: 'How do you view your community today and going forward' - collectively talk through and agree on five to six relevant bullet points per category followed by general discussion. Alan Leads. 30 mins.
Opportunities • 4 Castles Tour • River - Riverwalk etc • Corofin Castle plan • Access & Location • Ahuge pool of talent coming into the village • Good role models from GAA/Sport - can be utilised • Many skills embedded in the GAAmanagement • Bring Schools together - kids can travel up to 50 mins a day to school • National schools and secondary - linked to GAAin a new centre • Need a big park - walks, cafe. BBQ, Dogs etc • Old Church walk - mass paths - are these still accessible?
Threats • Commuter town - could be a sterile environment with kids leaving and only elderly people left • Kids only have Foroige and GAA- nothing else - except wild swimming in summer which is dangerous • Only part-time Gardai - can be dangerous and lead to anti-social behaviour - nearest is Tuam • Flowers get vandalised etc • WIFI/Broadband - great but it encourages screen addiction among kids • Mobile reception poor • Only one shop • Church closing • Castle is a real safety threat • Garda Barracks - men's shed • Impact of climate change - flooding in areas, ice in deep winter 56
Q3 & Q4 Combined Group Exercise Each person identifies three potential new capital development opportunities for the village - after 10mins individual thinking time each person reads out their list and there is a full discussion agreeing on a long list of at least 6 new opportunities and these are then ‘scored’by each, and a collective score emerges for each option. The highest score is the preferred option from FG #2.
Each project/concept was scored out of 5 and as 7 people were scoring the lowest score is 0 and the highest is 35
NEWCAPITALDEVELOPMENTOPPORTUNITIES
1 Community Centre with some commercial facilities 35
2 Integrated transport system and bus stop 33 3 Combined Canon Oliver Hughes Park/Astroturf project - next phase to existing playground area 32 4 Youth recreation area - base with coffee/activities etc 30
5 Cafe/Pharmacy/GP/Retail 29 6 Retail space to lease out 29
7 Centralised website Corofin. ie 28
8 Cycling path off-road 27
9 Day Centre - for elderly 24 10 National School in the village 23 11 Community gardens/allotments 22 12 Farmer’s market 22
13 Village lighting system 20
FOCUS GROUP SESSION 3 October 21st, 2021
Q1 Group Exercise Identify through an open discussion what is working well in Corofin today and what could be improved in relation to broad community development, infrastructure, and services overall (aim to create a list of three to four things for each list - read out the lists upon completion for discussion).
Working • Football/GAA/ Football pitches. • Soccer. • High levels of sports participation. • Corofin ‘brand’strong regionally/nationally. • Community pride (number of people who completed the Online Survey); • Traditional music, tradition/legacy of Music and Drama Society (although it's folded). • Enhancement to the village / recent traffic calming measures. • People's generous support for local causes (e.g. Strictly Come Dancing raised 70k); • Canon Oliver Hughes Park is working well + the kid's play area though unfinished. • Tidy village with well-kept gardens.
Not Working • No proper Community Centre. • No Public Toilets. • No bus stop/bus shelter. • Poor public transport. • No GPor Pharmacy. • No cafe / restaurant especially during the day to sit down/meet people. • No gym. • Poor sewage system in need of modernisation (holding back development). • No assisted living units for the elderly. • No public walkway along the river. • Joint Funding Applications. • Communications between groups. • River amenities.
Q2 Group Exercise Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities or Threats (SWOT) Analysis - the question to be addressed 'How do you view your community today and going forward' collectively talk through and agree on five to six relevant bullet points per category followed by general discussion.
Opportunities • Facilities for new ‘young families’coming into the village. • Good and capable community group (The CCDA). • Current ‘dialogue’between the GAAand the CCDAon a joined-up approach to the new facilities for the village ie Multi Sports and Community Arena. • Proximity to the motorway. • Fibre-optic broadband. • Servicing the elderly. • Little on offer for non-sporty teenage girls and boys. • Reimagining Dr Duggan Hall. • The river is underutilised. • Greenway development.
Threats • Community volunteers ‘burn-out’. Too few shouldering too much work. • Greater integration of new families / ‘New Irish’into the village. • Closure of the pub. • Castle dangerous and little likelihood of owner investment. • Little heritage and related assets. • Possible dominance of the GAAClub. Q3 & Q4 Combined Group Exercise Each person identifies three potential new capital development opportunities for the village - after 10mins individual thinking time each person reads out their list and there is a full discussion agreeing on a long list of 6 new opportunities and these are then 'scored' by each, and a collective score emerges for each option. The highest score is the preferred option from Focus Group #3.
• Community Sports / Cultural Arena = 13/15 • River Walkway with Outdoor Gym and Related = 7/15 • New Water Treatment Facility = 6/15 • Mall Type Space with GP/Pharmacy/ Cafe and Retail = 14/15 • Integrated Transport & Higher Frequency Busses incl Bus Stop =5/15
Note: The following ideas were submitted by an additional participant via email but were not scored on the night. • Riverside Park and amenities. • Looped walks and trails. • Segregated cycleways from Tuam Road.
FOCUS GROUP 4 Wednesday 17th November 2021
Q1 GROUP EXERCISE Identify through an open discussion what is working well in Corofin today and what could be improved in relation to broad community development, infrastructure, and services overall (aim to create a list of three to four things for each list - read out the lists upon completion for discussion).
Working • Gaelic Football • Very safe • Not much anti-social behaviour • Community spirit • Gardai are still in the village
Not Working • Needs a GP/Pharmacy • Village water treatment scheme - this is holding back development in the village • Footpaths are non-existent • Castle area - dangerous • Dr Duggan Hall - not working • No cafe or meeting place
Q2 GROUP EXERCISE Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities or Threats (SWOT) Analysis - the question to be addressed: 'How do you view your community today and going forward' - collectively talk through and agree on five to six relevant bullet points per category followed by general discussion. Alan Leads. 30 mins.
Opportunities Location - Close to Galway city Sport Community Spirit Keanes shop Playground Broadband is relatively good Threats Not much in the village Lack of water treatment plant Derelict houses Public transport
Q3 & Q4 COMBINED GROUP EXERCISE Each person identifies three potential new capital development opportunities for the village - after 10mins individual thinking time each person reads out their list and there is a full discussion agreeing on a long list of 6 new opportunities and these are then ‘scored’by each, and a collective score emerges for each option. The highest score is the preferred option from Focus Group #4.
Potential New Capital Development Projects for the Coming Decade
1 Castle - Park idea - local recreation (Bridge over the river) 2 Multi-Purpose sports facility hall - Young & Old 3 GP/Community Health Centre - Healthcare/Dental/Pharmacy joint development & mini retail cluster 4 Cafe development - Meeting point 5 Basketball ring - Extend to a Court/Tennis Court/Open air gym 6 Footpaths & Bus stop & Shelter for School children/elderly etc - Public transport greater facilitation 7 New Access road out of the village - Bridge should be widened 9 River -Swimming/Kayak/Paddle Boarding/Blueway 10 Walkways - Loop walks - village
Q4 - Development ideas - Prioritisation
Ideas below 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total
1. 3. GP/Community Health Centre - Healthcare/Dental/Pharmacy joint development & mini retail cluster 5 5 5 5 3 5 5 33 2. Multi-Purpose sports facility hall - Young & Old 5 5 4 4 4 5 4 31 3. Walkways - Loop walks - village 3 5 4 4 5 5 5 31 4. Cafe development - Meeting point 5 4 5 3 4 4 5 30 5. Footpaths & Bus stop & Shelter for School children/elderly etc - Public transport greater facilitation 5 3 4 3 3 4 5 27 6. Castle/Park idea - local recreation (Bridge over the river) 3 4 4 4 5 4 3 27 7. Basketball ring - Extend to a Court/Tennis Court/Open air gym 4 4 3 4 3 3 4 25 8. River -/Swimming/Kayak/Paddle Boarding/Blueway 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 25 9. New Access road out of the village - Bridge should be widened 5 3 5 2 2 3 3 23
FOCUS GROUP 5 - TYFOCUS GROUP (schools X 2 participated) Wednesday 17th November 2021
Q1 What are the positives about living in Corofin? • Sense of community - people know you • People say hello on the street • When people go away - they are welcomed back as everyone knows them • Currently, they meet at the playground or the GAApitch
Q2 WHATARETHENEGATIVES? • Nowhere to meet up • No activities for the young except GAA • Dr Duggan Hall not felt to be belonging to the community - and it is outdated with no sense of care about it - used to do karate/youth club/dancing lessons needs to be refurbished and new uses created • Foroige good but only to 3rd year • Roads are not safe to walk along, particularly outside the main village area • Most people go to Tuam to meet up - more shops, cafes etc
Q3 IDEAS FOR DEVELOPMENT • Cafe to meet up - Acommunity cafe (or cool cafe) - needs to be affordable • Gathering space for the young/teenagers - with shelter - visibility for safety • Green space beside the playground, behind the Centra - could create basketball, open-air gym, tennis court • Pharmacy • Old Shop at the edge of town - re-imagine that • Bus shelter in the main village area • Foodbank/clothes bank available for those who need it • Chipper van in the village • Land near the river - river walk or communal facility • Bike racks • Ceili in Dr Duggan Hall/music
Supplementary Question
Do you see yourself living in Corofin when you are middle-aged? Very unlikely - likely need to follow careers, work, activities - these are not available in Corofin today.
Appendix 2 The Online Survey Results and Analysis
Q 1 WHATISYOURGENDER? Objective For balance and sharper community perspectives it would be hoped the gender split would be in line with national norms, roughly half and half of all respondents.
Comment There is a good representation of both male and female participants in this survey. This (roughly 60/40) split is quite typical in exercises of community engagement in rural Ireland today. It could equally have been expected for the ratio pendulum to have swung in towards higher female participation.
Q 2 WHATISYOURAGE? Objective Aim to achieve a healthy balance across all age groupings from teen years to senior citizens. The development of the Corofin community should answer to the needs of everyone in the community and this question should reflect this aspiration.
Commentary This is a somewhat surprising outcome but perhaps not unexpected as most of those who currently engage across rural Ireland in voluntary/community activity fall into this age bracket of the mid-30s to mid-60s. Examining the data more critically it is interesting that just over one in ten respondents were over 66yrs, which certainly flows against the conventional practice in rural areas where there are higher participation rates. However, if one mines deeper and examines the 2016 Census results, we can see that Corofin has a relatively small 65yrs+ relatively to other comparable communities. It could also possibly be due to an aversion to online communication/technology, however, hard copies of the Online Survey were distributed through the Post Office and the Church for several weeks soliciting nearly 70 replies. The under 35yrs cohort is poorly represented in this survey which again matches wider rural community norms. Arelated observation is the lack of response (relative to others) of the younger family/singles cohort (20's/30's) who are visible in the community today (Canon Oliver Hughes Park and children’s play area, school runs) but perhaps underrepresented in the Survey. 61
Q 3 LENGTHOFTIMELIVINGIN COROFINCOMMUNITY? Objective This question attempts to see the breakdown of newcomers vs long-time residents of the community as each would bring different perspectives to the study.
Commentary The results show over 70% of participants have lived in Corofin for a considerable period - 15 years or more. Whereas less than 30% of participants are newcomers to the area. This is a significant finding which highlights that the opinions expressed in this survey are largely from people who are long-time residents. From a deeper analysis perspective, it should be asked if this more settled/perhaps more traditional and adverse-to-change cohort weighs the findings towards more conservative responses? Also noteworthy is that over one-in-five respondents were 15yrs or under living in the village, this is most encouraging and certainly not the norm across rural Ireland today in exercises such as this.
Q 4 WHATISYOURCURRENTEMPLOYMENTSTATUS? Objective This question attempts to get a sense of the working life of the community and the aim would be to have balanced inputs from across the labour spectrum.
Commentary Most people responded to the question as being 'employed' representing two-thirds of all responses. This is followed by self-employed and retired, the three together make up nearly nine out of ten responses. Categories like 'student' or 'unemployed' were not well reflected in the survey. To get greater insights into the ‘employment status' and related socio-economic issues in Corofin today a follow-up piece of qualitative research may be considered by CCDA. In an age where there is a heightened discussion about remote working over one in four responses were from people working in Galway city. This in turn begs questions about public transport provision, cost of commuting and quality of life indications.
Q 5 WHEREDOYOUMOSTLYWORK? Objective: This is a follow-on question from the previous and is an attempt to understand the degree of commuting or otherwise residents experience. It would hopefully signpost the contemporary needs, services, and infrastructural requirements of the working population.
Commentary: Over a quarter of respondents work in Galway city which is perhaps unsurprising. Interestingly, a similar number of participants work from home which represents the paradigm shift accelerated by Covid. The smallest cohort is people working within the community. This signifies a critical absence (excluding home working) of job creation opportunities in Corofin today e.g., retail, hospitality, small micro-business start-ups. The farming / agricultural community is invisible in the survey findings perhaps due to distribution and the village-centric nature of the Study
Q 6 WHAT COMMUNITYORGANISEDACTIVITYDOYOUREGULARYPARTICIPATEIN? Objective This question attempts to see what community activities/services people avail of in Corofin today.
Commentary Over half of the respondents reported using the GAAfacilities in Corofin, which albeit a high number, is not unexpected given the clubs' national profile and emersion in the community. There is considerably less participation in the non-sporting community activities/services. This is a 'deficit' that should cause some concern. Those that responded 'None' accounted for the second-highest category flagging a significant percentage of the population today who are marginally more disconnected and likely underserviced? There was however a significant cohort who said they regularly took part in an outdoors recreational type of activity whether it be a team or non-team related.
Q 7 HOWOFTENDOYOUPARTICIPATEINTHEACTIVITIESSELECTEDINQUESTION 6? Objective This is a follow-on question from Q6 and aims to determine how often these community activities/services are used.
Commentary Most people (nearly one in two) responded 2-3 times a week which indicates regular participation and translates into possibly relatively high levels of community health and social networking from the sample. However, there is a cohort of nearly one in three who clearly state they participate less than once per month. In general terms, this suggests a binary split in Corofin today between those that ‘participate’and those that prefer not to or have not got the opportunities to do so?
Q 8 HOWWOULDYOURATETHEPROVISIONOFTHEFOLLOWINGIN COROFIN TODAY? Objective Examine the community's views on the provision of services in Corofin today.
Commentary This question provides some very valuable information to inform the findings and recommendations in this Study. In general terms, the respondents above are highlighting the perceived lack of services for young people, senior citizens and the disadvantaged and/or marginalised in Corofin. The respondents were also clear in highlighting the lack of environmentallyfriendly infrastructure. The lack of retail in the community is also starkly highlighted. More positive responses were expressed about sporting and recreational provision and broadband.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1=Sporting facilities, 2= Recreational facilities, 3= Cultural facilities, 4= Provision for young people, 5= Provision for senior citizens, 6= Provision for the more marginalised / disadvantaged in our community, 7= Provision of retail and related services in our community, 8= Provision of environmentally friendly infrastructure eg. recycling facilities, carpooling, green flags etc, 9= Provision of broadband 64
Q9 WHATISTHEMOSTUNDERDEVELOPED 'ASSET' INTHECOMMUNITY?
Objective This question attempts to identify the community's priorities concerning future development by asking which 'assets' they believe are underdeveloped/underperforming.
Commentary Almost half of the respondents indicated that the commercial premises in Corofin are underdeveloped/underperforming. This reconfirms a similar response in the previous question, a question which highlighted the poor provision of retail-like and related services in the community. Almost a quarter of respondents feel the natural assets in and around Corofin are underdeveloped. Surprisingly the low score for the likes of culture, sports and recreation need to be acknowledged.
1= Poor, 5= Excellent
Q10) HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE LEVELOFCOMMUNITYTOGETHERNESS TODAY IN COROFIN? Objective Acritical part of any community Study and consequently identifying future actions is to understand the degree of community cohesion and culture of joint working. This question sets out to throw some light on this issue.
Commentary Most respondents answered in the average to above-average levels of community cohesion (over seven out of ten saying good or better). Few answered in either of the two extreme ends of the graph which results in a bell-shaped curve. However, it should be acknowledged that over one in four participants felt community ‘togetherness’was less than good.
Q 11 How would you prioritise the development of the following in Corofin overthe coming decade? Objective This question aims to understand the priorities of the community in relation to future development.
Commentary Again, a strong response in favour of the development of commercial/retail facilities in Corofin. The respondents also restated their desire to see more services developed for young and old people. Dereliction was also highlighted. Afew categories suggested less priority including cultural offerings, climate change and the farming community. Q12) What community services are not currently available in Corofin that you would like to see provided? (Please select yourtop two priority provisions). Objective This question attempts to further probe the community's needs and wants for future development
Commentary An overwhelming number of respondents would like to see medical services to be provided within their community. Again, we see strong support for greater services for the youth and elderly in the community. For the first time, we see 'job creation' making an appearance in this survey. Additional services for toddlers and those more marginalized in the community scored less highly.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1= Improving recreational provision (walks, river and cycle routes), 2= Improving transport access and services, 3= Enhancement of all sporting facilities, 4= Enhancement of GAAfacilities, 5= Development of more commercial/retail facilities in the village, 6= Greater provision for the youth, 7= Greater provision for the more marginalised in our community, 8= More investment in and raising awareness to climate change, 9= Provision of more housing/using derelict homes in the village, 10= Greater support for the agriculture community (eg. grants for modernisation), 11= Cultural provision (eg. music, dance, drama), 12 = Greater provision for Senior Citizens
Q13) Based on yourreply to Question 12, what specific services would you like to see provided in Corofin? (Please give a brief answer) 339 responses
Objective This open question format allows respondents to specify which services they would like to see in the future. This is a follow-on question from Q12 above.
Commentary The responses were put into a Word Cloud Generator. The Word Cloud Generator orders words into how frequently they were mentioned- the more a word was mentioned the larger it appears in the graphic. These responses again confirm the strong desire in the community for medical/pharmacy services. Similarly, young people, cafes, restaurants, and takeaways were mentioned a significant number of times
Sample of Q13 Responses
• ‘Chemist, Dentist, Hairdressers, Coffee Shop, Supermarket, Restaurant, Gym’ • ‘Bottle bank’ • ‘Centralised hub with modern facilities capable of providing social services to all age groups. Bridge, Foroige, music and dance. Commercial unit for cafe/pharmacy could provide sustainable rental income’ • 'Broaden the range of potential activities available to young people in the village' • ‘Drop-in service, Daycare Centre, Men's shed’ • 'A pathway/cycle path from the village to the n17 would be hugely beneficial for every age group. Children, teens, young parents out for a walk, runners, elderly, commuters getting the bus at the head of the road. 'Abike station at the head of the road would also be great' • ‘Need of toilet facilities (public and sporting)’ • ‘Toddler/ Baby group’ • ‘Job creation’ • ‘Retail shops’ • ‘A place for people to get together, Acafe, more interaction’ • ‘New community Centre’ • ‘Facilities for 15 to 18-year-olds’ • ‘Recycling’ Q14) How would you rate Corofin's potential to make significant progress as a thriving community over the coming decade? Objective The aim is to get a sense of the degree of confidence the respondents have in the future development of their community. Identifying the degree of community confidence in delivering positive change is important in arriving at realistic recommendations in the overall Study.
Commentary The response is overwhelmingly positive with most respondents having full confidence in the future of the community. This is an important outcome of this survey. Less than 15% of respondents answered negatively to this question.
Q15 Have you any general comments oradvice for the Corofin Community Development Association to enhance the quality of life forall in the community in the years ahead?
Objective This concluding open question was designed to allow the respondents to express any ideas and/or opinions that were not covered by previous questions.
Commentary The respondents were again reconfirming their desire for restaurants, cafes, a chemist, and infrastructure such as footpaths. Interesting to see ‘quality of life’ emerge in the cloud along with Dr Duggan Hall as a space. Overall this and the preceding questions give a clear picture of priority issues with an emerging 'wish list' that is largely modest, relatively easy to deliver (recognizing some structural issues like water treatment) and if delivered certain to make a positive difference to all in the community over the coming decade.
Sample of Q15 Responses
• ‘Cycling path to and from schools, more lighting, cafe/restaurant’
• 'Try to get more shops'
• ‘My Family and I are newcomers to Corofin, moving in 5 years ago. We love our community, but it seriously lacks amenities and we have to go to neighbouring villages for most services. Corofin has such a large population it's crying out for services such as a cafe, Doctor's surgery, pharmacy etc. Also, our lovely village on first sight is known as the village with "that big, long wall" ie: the pitch wall, could this wall be made more aesthetically pleasing to the eye with some artwork/flowers etc improving the overall look of the village’
• ‘The lack of any lights or decorations in the village at Christmas time is so disappointing and lets our village down’
• ‘It would be lovely to have a nice Cafe, a chemist, a hardware shop and an improved supermarket’
• ‘Amenities for the young as well as football, I.e skate park, BMX pump track’
• ‘Corofin has so many different clubs, societies etc, but it is impossible to find out about any events going on in our community, without looking up about 20 different websites. 1 main website or community notice board advertising different local events and services would be invaluable’.
• ‘Amulti-use building’
• ‘More inclusive activities’ • ‘Cycling routes, basketball or tennis courts, gym with classes for all ages i.e circuit training, yoga’
• ‘People of Corofin are fantastic but the youth of Corofin is the future moving forward keep them heavily involved’
• ‘Fix GAAfor girls, never prioritised over the lads training-wise. Reopen pub’
• ‘Chemist is needed, Doctor is needed, Coffee Shop is needed’
• ‘Corofin is a rural community with great infrastructure links to many larger towns- I believe that's why so many people moved in, the safety and peace of the countryside but the convenience of work and socialising a short drive away. I think if we were a place where people can walk/ cycle to the main things- shop/ church/ pitch/school without always having to bring the car a lot would feel a better quality of life. Perhaps we should make more of the riverbank walk; castle and develop some short hikes/ nature walks/ history walks?’
• ‘From a nature perspective, perhaps we should encourage more trees and wildflower growth areas. Maybe along the riverbank people can adopt a plot and plant some flowers etc (outside of the landowner's area- I think there is a margin that the public can use)’ • ‘People will always want to go to town for an occasion/ meal etc so we don't need to try to meet every eventuality. Perhaps we should try random clubs- 4 week blocks drawing/ sketching; flower arranging; dancing; jewellery or hat making. An activity that you don't have to stick with, but people may be able to do a few weeks and if they enjoy it they can do it another night. It might capture imaginations and get something to stick long term’
• ‘I think we need more footpaths from the church back to past the Stripe turnoff or perhaps the soccer pitch and down to Cummer school. Then in the other direction, footpaths to Gills pub and Palm Tree pubs- in all areas reduce the speed limit to 60 or 50km/h. Unless cars slow down, people won't walk or cycle in the village. Alot of people used the lit-up walkway in GAA grounds last winter- would be good to have some safe walking routes.’
• ‘A hub or other co-working space could be a good idea for the area- now that so many have tried working from home, it may be an option to use one of these instead if a person had a meeting and didn't want to bring somebody to their home or if there were internet or power issues. These may also be useful for students as a study space that are home and away from the college or school library and maybe poor internet at home. Perhaps other businesspeople travelling if they have a break in their day of a couple of hours, it could be a place to stop and do some other work, between meetings etc instead of doing everything in their car’ • ‘Better advertising/socialising of community events, be openly welcoming of new members to the community, new ideas for yearly events’
• ‘Allow other businesses to enter and enhance the village. Develop walkways along the river and castle grounds’
• ‘Try and involve more new people in the community. More information on how to get involved in these projects is vital. Facebook is not enough to get the message across’
• ‘Sheltered Bus stop’
• 'More speed ramps in the village, cars still not slowing down, more flower containers around the village, derelict buildings are eyesores'
• ‘The hall needs to be opened to more groups with reduced costs. Medical services are badly lacking for all age groups. Corofin needs to offer more than just sport. Smaller cheaper housing is required to allow people to stay in the village instead of buying somewhere cheaper. Safe access for children to walk or cycle to school in these times of rising obesity and climate change’
• ‘A big notice board of what is happening and going on. I have no idea what goes on or what events are happening. Alot of young families here I feel for young mums nowhere to meet and greet. Need nice cafe and soft play area indoor would be unreal use that community centre’
Appendix 3
Funding sources Main area covered Purpose of fund Link to website for information
- suggested link to Corofin Village plan
The LEADER Programme The LEADER programme is an obvious starting point as they are already involved with CCDAfunding. Capital funding for tourism, enterprise development, broadband, rural youth, protection and sustainable uses of water, land biodiversity and renewable energy. Grant Aid: 75% to 90% Grant funding ranges from €5,000 to €500,000 https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/leader-programme-2014-2020/
Outdoor recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) This fund may be of interest for the potential concepts at Canon Oliver Hughes Park or the Looped walk and river walks concepts. Capital funding or upgrade for trails and amenity development supporting outdoor recreational infrastructure areas across Ireland. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/87152-2021outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme
Sports Capital and Equipment Programme
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Community Enhancement Programme Grant Scheme This fund may be of interest for the potential concepts at Canon Oliver Hughes Park and in particular the outdoor exercise/gym option or the Looped walk and river walks concepts.
Potential interest under the village infrastructure concept of walks, pavements, street lighting, bus shelters, other public infrastructure Capital funding for developing sports infrastructure to communities and sports clubs. Grant Aid: Up to 95% of the total cost of a project. https://www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie/
Capital funding, Equipment Funding https://www.gov.ie/en/service/23584-town-andvillage-renewal-scheme/
This fund may be of interest for the Dr Duggan Hall or Youth Hub concepts or potentials the Canon Oliver Hughes phase 2 projects. Capital projects that demonstrate added value for example, office equipment, project resources, research facilities, energy efficiency equipment, etc. for voluntary groups. https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/8af99community-enhancement-programme-funding2021/
Corofin Village Action Plan Funding Sources
Funding sources Main area covered Purpose of fund Link to website for information - suggested link to Corofin Village plan
The Community Foundation for Ireland grants Irish philanthropic network providing various grants to Social Enterprise, CLG’s and charities Covid-19 Response Fund Grants for Mergers Older Persons Fund Environment and Nature Fund The Women’s Fund https://www.communityfoundation.ie/grants/gra nts-support-hub
Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2021 Ireland (Continuing into 2022) Capital Funding for improving Heritage Sites – This could be considered for the Castle grounds site or for any heritage buildings in the village
Community Services Programme (CSP) Providing co funding towards the cost of a manager and full time equivalent (FTE) positions in community companies Access and Inclusion (e.g. Disability) Development of Digital Heritage Resources (e.g. Interactive maps, videos, virtual exhibitions) Community-led surveys and audits that will inform future management of sites. (Graveyard Surveys, Survey of monuments, places vulnerable to Climate Change etc.) Community-led conservation reports and plans Conservation works
Operate community halls and facilities (CSPStrand 1) https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/fundingschemes
https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/communityservices-programme-csp/
Dormant Accounts Fund All costs directly associated with the delivery of a social enterprise project in the year of the call Assessment of the training and support needs of individual social enterprises. Practical skills workshops or courses in “Running a business”. Workshops on sourcing funding, finance or investment. https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/dormantaccountsfund-daf/
Corofin Village Action Plan Funding Sources
Funding sources Main area covered Purpose of fund Link to website for information - suggested link to Corofin Village plan
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Mainly Capital Funding to support job creation in rural areas, address depopulation of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. The Fund will support ambitious and strategic projects which contribute to sustainable rural regeneration and development. It will support investments of scale which would not otherwise be delivered without the additionality provided by the Fund
Rural Social Fund Supplementary income for low-income farmers and fishermen. Previously funded - Maintaining and enhancing various walking routes (that is, waymarked ways, agreed walks) and bog roads https://www.gov.ie/en/service/059da9-ruralsocial-scheme/
The Ireland Fund Global philanthropic network providing various grants to Social enterprises, CLG’s and charities Community Development (e.g. positive mental and physical health; community integration; development of entrepreneurial skills) Arts & Culture (promote cultural awareness and understanding; preserve uniquely Irish art forms and artefacts; increase public access to a variety of art forms and collections.) https://irelandfunds.org/grants/
Corofin Village Action Plan Funding Sources
Appendix 4 European
Main area covered Purpose of fund Link to website for information
funding sources - suggested link to Corofin Village plan
Charlemagne Youth Prize This funding source may be of interest for work around the Youth Gathering hub. The Prize is awarded to projects which promote European and international understanding, foster the development of a shared sense of European identity and integration. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/charlemagneyouthprize/en/
Creative Europe (CREA) Culture and media This programme is open to cultural and creative organisations and provides support for initiatives in the areas of Culture and audio-visual media. https://www.creativeeuropeireland.eu/culture
Erasmus Programme This funding source is selected for potential youth projects and may assist in some way with the creation of the Youth Gathering Hub. Youth and youth workers – capacity building, exchanges, inclusion, citizenship, volunteering Adult education and training – improving literacy, numeracy and digital skills, Professional development of staff - capacity building and training. Sport – inclusion & equality, governance, healthy activity https://insights.leargas.ie/en/erasmus-plus-20212027
Invest EU This fund may be of interest in connection with the re-imagining of Dr Duggan hall or the potential improvement of retail in the village. The Fund aims to promote recovery, green growth, employment, and well- being across Europe, delivering real benefits and making a difference at the local level https://europa.eu/investeu/about-investeu_en
Programme for the Environment and Climate action (LIFE) Environment & Climate Action The new LIFE programme will cover the following areas: Nature and biodiversity Circular economy and quality of life Climate change mitigation and adaptation Clean energy transition https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/8af99community-enhancement-programme-funding2021/
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