Leitrim Peace III Partnership

Tullaghan Kinlough Integrated Community Plan

Leitrim County Council, West Cavan West Fermanagh Regeneration Project & Broadmore Research

February 2011

This project has been funded by the PEACE III Programme through the European Union’s European Regional Development Fundwhich is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

TaBLe OF cONTeNTS

Page No.

Table of contents ..................................................................................i

Introduction ........................................................................................1

Background to the Peace Programme .................................................1

Aims and Objectives of the Project ......................................................2

Setting the Scene for the Community Plan ...........................................2

The Local/Regional Policy Context .......................................................4

Profile of Areas ....................................................................................7

Approach to Developing the Community Plan......................................8

Integrated Community Plan .................................................................9

References .........................................................................................19

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INTRODUcTIONThe small towns/villages along the Border and the local communities suffered enormously both economically and socially during The Troubles. Recent decades and in particular the re-opening of border roads have brought a return to normality in these areas. However, these areas still suffer from a level of advantage and could benefit from focused community, social and economic development initiatives. The development of an Integrated Community Plan for Tullaghan Kinlough provides an opportunity for these communities to get involved in preparing a plan for their own area and prioritises the aspects for development. The plan has been developed as an initiative under the Leitrim PEACE III Programme.

BacKGROUND TO THe Peace III PROGRaMMeThe County Leitrim Peace III Partnership Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan is based upon six guiding principles: equality; respect; integration; social inclusion; poverty; and sustainability. The Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan aims to address the negative impacts of the troubles and the border on individuals, families and communities. It is evident that the presence of the border has had a detrimental consequence for community interaction and relations both cross border and within border counties such as Leitrim. The legacy is that the links between neighbouring communities were fractured or widened over a number of decades. The advent of peace has allowed for communities to initiate joint actions and to commence the process of reconnection (as has happened in communities on both sides of the border). However, lack of integration and coordination between/within communities can also occur internally in a county (without the border influence) and may also need specific focus to encourage these communities to work together to proactively develop initiatives which can enhance the area in which they live.

As a result, one of the key aims of the Co. Leitrim Peace and Reconciliation Action Plan is to Build the Capacity of Communities and Target Groups to Enable Positive Relationships. Included in the specific objectives for this aim is ‘to enhance and develop those communities affected by Border Closures’.

The process undertaken in developing these plans is rooted in consultation and the development of plans in conjunction with the local communities, voluntary sector and statutory agencies. The consultation process is a fundamental component in the process of establishing the foundation for developing a programme of action, based on a collective vision of the desired outcomes (ADM/CPA, 2004).

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aIMS aND OBJecTIVeS OF THe PROJecTThis project under the PEACE III programme involves the development of a community plan for Tullaghan Kin-lough. The project is an action under the aims of:

Building the capacity of communities and target groups to enable positive relationships; and•Enhancing and developing those communities affected by border closures.•

The aims of the specific project are:To prepare an integrated community plan for the Tullaghan Kinlough area focussing on engaging the •marginalised and excluded groups in these areas.To build positive relations and develop a common vision for these areas through the planning process •with the local communities.

A community plan is a vision for the future of a local area. It involves all aspects including: the people; community spirit and involvement; the environment; and local infrastructure. The most important element is ‘the people’ for community is defined as ‘the people living in one locality’.

The development of the Integrated Community Plan for Tullaghan Kinlough was part of a larger project which also involved the development of three Cross Border Community Plans.

SeTTING THe SceNe FOR THe cOMMUNITY PLaNSSmall towns/villages are now less self-sufficient than they were 20 or 30 years ago and as a result have a greater dependence on larger towns for the provision of goods and services as well as for employment. Small towns have lost or are in danger of losing many of their functions including shopping. The closure of a single shop/business can lead to significant decline in rural areas and increase the dependence on larger towns for goods and services. Village shops and post offices play a vital role in rural areas by providing essential day-to-day needs of local people, particularly older people, those with disabilities, people without access to a car, or who are poorly served by public transport. These businesses can also assist in anchoring the surrounding rural economy (LCC, 2009). Many of the towns and villages in border areas are small and have suffered in the past from the presence of the border and a decline in population, but also because of the increased mobility of rural residents, changed shopping habits and increased competition from larger urban outlets. Nonetheless, the loss of local shops can still have a serious impact on these communities.

The biggest impact on the counties in the border region has without doubt been the Border and The Troubles in past decades. The Emerald Curtain Report (2005) identifies the social impacts of the border and concluded that there was a deep impact on social connections among the border communities. The main cause of the fracturing of the social relationships was the road closures. An entire generation of contact and social intercourse was broken. For most of the past 100 years, the border has had a negative impact on general life through conflict, fear, violence and threats. This resulted in isolation, fear, marginalisation and social deprivation (Harvey, 2010).

The challenge for border areas has been compounded by the recent economic decline. The Western Development Commission (WDC, 2009) identified that the small towns and dispersed population in the western region would make economic recovery more difficult, particularly as the focus of national policy for recovery seems to be mainly concentrated on sectors which tend to favour larger urban centres.

Creamer et al (2008) identified that border areas face unique challenges including retardation of trade, disruption of natural hinterlands and back-to-back policy development. The lack of policy coordination between the two jurisdictions has hampered the development of the border areas for decades. They identified that the viability of rural communities along the border have become precarious. This was due to a number of factors: out-migration; depletion of human resources; persistent structural weaknesses in the rural economy, and the severance of economic, social and cultural connections by decades of conflict.

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Harvey (2010) also cited the research carried out by Dundalk IT which found that the Leitrim/Fermanagh area had fewer community development groups than other areas in Northern Ireland (especially urban areas). This reflects the low population density in these areas but nonetheless highlights one of the challenges for these areas. The challenge of encouraging development in the border regions of Co. Leitrim related to the frontier with another jurisdiction and also the fact that these areas have suffered economic decline for a number of decades.

The SWOT Analysis of the Border Region provided by the Border Regional Authority gives a worthwhile snapshot of the attributes of the region (Table 1) (Border Regional Authority, 2010).

Table 1 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the Border Region

Strengths WeaknessesQuality of life•High quality natural environment•Landscape•Abundance of water ways•Significant Gaeltacht area•Strong entrepreneurial spirit•Strong arts and culture sector•Cultural distinctiveness•Leisure and tourism•Significant Coastline•Cost of living•

Weak urban structure•Physical barriers to east west movement•Poor road network•Poor availability of rail services•Very poor public transport system•Low population density•Competition rather than complimentary•Brain drain•High dependency ratio•

Opportunities ThreatsUnique landscape•Tourism – branding the region•Sustainable development of natural resources•Organics•Levels of vacancies that currently exist in resi-•dential stockPrice of property•Border and links with Northern Ireland – cross •borderTrade•

Currency fluctuations•Net-out migration•Decline of agriculture, construction, manufacturing, •public sectorFurther weakening of the urban structure and dis-•persal of populationClimate change•

Source: Border Regional Authority, 2010

The reformed EU structural funds in 1989 brought opportunities for the border region to attract EU funding for Economic Development by way of the INTEREG Programme. The subsequent introduction of the EU PEACE programme in 1994 provided for substantial investment in voluntary and community organisations in the border counties. The introduction of supporting programmes was based on the belief of former EU President Jacques Delors that the absence of violence alone was not sufficient to lead to recovery in the border regions. Therefore he envisaged pro-active measures and investment as necessary for these areas (Harvey, 2010).

Creamer et al (2008) concluded that the best way to address border region issues is through a combination of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ measures which address economic, social and physical elements.

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THe LOcaL/ReGIONaL POLIcY cONTeXTWhile the Border Regions suffer from economic and social disadvantage, the regional and local authorities have been striving to address this, particularly in recent decades. In order to set the context for the Community Plan, a summary is presented of some of the key actions from the: Border Regional Authority Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022; Leitrim County Development Plan; and Leitrim County Development Board Strategy.

Border Regional Authority Vision for the Border RegionThe Border Regional Authority set out a vision for the area that: By 2022 the Border Region will be a competitive area recognised as, and prospering from, its unique interface between two economies, where economic success will benefit all, through the building of distinct sub-regional identities, in an outstanding natural environment, with innovative people, which in themselves, will be our most valuable asset (Border Regional Authority, 2010).

A number of strategic goals were identified for achieving this vision, while all are relevant to these areas, those most pertinent to the community plans include:

To foster the development of the people by providing an improved quality of life for all people and •communities living, working and visiting the region;To promote economic growth, competitiveness and the development potential of the region and to •facilitate emerging sectors in the region that will provide sustainable jobs for the future;To protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment and built heritage of the region; and•To exploit the regions unique location at the interface between two economies (Border Regional •Authority, 2010).

A strong network of towns and villages, have a significant role in the border areas, as these centres help sustain local services, amenities and businesses and serve the wider rural hinterland. Diversification of the local economy should be nurtured through supports for indigenous enterprise and the fostering of both creativity and entrepreneurship. By conserving and utilising natural resources and amenities, the potential of local and endogenous resources, should be identified and enabled, by local stakeholders (Border Regional Authority, 2010).

In order to achieve development in this area, the Border Regional Authority (2010) recognised that the focus needs to turn from considering solely the ‘hard’ infrastructure and services available in rural areas, to working with and enhancing, the governance structures through community and stakeholder engagement – the ‘soft’ element of development.

The provision of community facilities and the maintenance of key services locally, are critical to ensuring that communities and neighbourhoods within the Region, are places that offer a good quality of life and are attractive places to live and work. The basic services include local shops, post offices, public houses, and places of worship, but the additional provision of childcare facilities, sports and leisure centres, arts and cultural centres and activities, youth clubs, libraries and local halls, are all facilities which can clearly indicate the vibrancy and sustainability of a community (Border Regional Authority, 2010).

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Leitrim County Development Plan 2009-2015The most recent Leitrim County Development Plan sets out a vision for the future of the county and how it can be achieved. The plan ‘seeks to establish a framework for the future development of the County as a thriving rural community, with a beautiful, clean environment, a rich and varied heritage and a vibrant and diverse social, cultural and economic life’ (LCC, 2009).

Some of the key actions within the Leitrim County Development Plan (LCC, 2009) of particular relevance to the Community Plans include:

To make the best use of existing infrastructure;•To embrace the principles of sustainable development in its widest sense;•To ensure that the natural resources of the County are developed where the County enjoys a natural •advantage, including the development of downstream activities, such as, within the Forestry Industry;To develop tourism by encouraging the sustainable use of natural attractions, and facilitating the provision •of appropriate infrastructure, accommodation and facilities which will extend, consolidate and diversify the tourism industry;To co-operate with neighbouring county councils and other regional authorities (both North and South) •in developing the economy of the Region;To co-operate with the relevant agencies operating in the region with a remit for economic development •(such as the I.D.A., Enterprise Ireland, County Enterprise Board, Leitrim Integrated Development Company Ltd. and similar bodies);To promote the development of a viable public transport network to serve the needs of all the county’s •residents;To ensure that the county is well serviced by modern telecommunications to support its sustainable •economic, educational, cultural and social development;To enhance physical linkages with County Fermanagh and the other Northern counties;•To promote the use of broadband technology;•Co-operate with neighbouring counties, including County Fermanagh, in the provision of social •services;To promote the provision of recreational facilities throughout the County; and•To provide and facilitate the provision of services of a nature and extent appropriate to the needs of each •community.

Leitrim County Development Board Strategy 2002-2012The Social, Economic and Cultural Strategy for County Leitrim 2002-2012 (LCDB, 2002) and the more recent Review and Action Plan (LCDB, 2009) set out a broad framework for development in the county. The main focus is on economic development, social inclusion and cultural development. Some of the key actions include:

To increase the availability of bus services both within the county to and from other regions;•To ensure that there is a comparable telecommunications infrastructure available in terms of cost, •quality and access in Leitrim and the North West to that available along the East coast to meet the needs of potential investors, large commercial users, educational users, business parks, SMEs and residential users;To make community based training and lifelong learning more available to everyone;•To make Leitrim an area where people would be attracted to work;•To develop increased trade, communication and economic efficiency through the integration of economies •North and South of Ireland;To highlight the natural attractions which Leitrim has to offer to the visitor;•To encourage rural tourism as a way of improving the viability of small communities;•Maximise the tourism potential of Leitrim;•To ensure greater co-ordination of services which provide for a more socially inclusive Leitrim;•To promote healthy sustainable communities through supporting community activities and social •interaction;

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To ensure there is increased co-ordination in delivery of services to older people in County Leitrim;•To promote the development of rurally based services to meet the needs of older people in the county;•To enable and empower young people to develop their role in society;•Develop supports and facilities for young people; •To give young people the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect their life;•To put in place policies and structures to encourage young people to live in Leitrim;•To recognise and accept cultural diversity in Leitrim;•Promote cultural diversity awareness and acceptance; •To encourage participation in voluntary activities by everyone; and•To encourage communities to interact and learn from one another.•

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PROFILe OF THe aReaA brief profile of the areas is presented in this section.

LeitrimCounty Leitrim is the smallest of the six counties in the Border Region. The county experienced a decline in population for over a century. In 1996, the population was 25,057 persons, a decline of 7.6% over a 10 year period. However, the population increased by 15.5% between 1996 and 2006 to 28,950 people (CSO, 2007).

The population is unevenly distributed, 91% of the population are located in rural areas. Carrick-on-Shannon is the biggest centre of population. Leitrim has the lowest population density in the state at 18 persons per square km compared to the average for the state of 60 persons per square km (LPP, 2008). County Leitrim also has a higher than average age dependency rate of 34.9% (31.4% for the state), indicating a high proportion of the population aged over 45 years (CSO, 2007).Construction (15.5%) and agriculture (9%) were the most significant sources of employment in the county with a lower than average proportion working in other sectors, including manufacturing, commerce, wholesale and retail and transport than other areas in the state (LPP, 2008).

County Leitrim has a border of 17.9 miles with Northern Ireland. Many communities close to the border suffered economic and social disadvantage over the last 30+ years. All roads between Leitrim and Fermanagh were severed. These closures reduced traffic, trade and tourism which in turn led people to leave the area. In this way, the community infrastructure was weakened (LPP, 2008).

KinloughKinlough is located north west of Manorhamilton along the regional road which links Carrick-on-Shannon to Manorhamilton, on to Bundoran and south Donegal, passing through Kinlough. Kinlough is one of the most rapidly expanding villages in the County Leitrim during the 2002 – 2006 inter-census period. The town grew by 17.1% between 1996 and 2002 and again by 106% between 2002 and 2006, giving a total population of 690 persons. The rapid expansion of the village has resulted in a need for other services to catch up, where not already provided or provided in nearby larger centres such as nearby Bundoran to the north. The rapid development has also resulted in a number of unfinished estates and a high level of vacancy within housing schemes within the village. Kinlough is well known, for, nearby at Ros Friar on the Drowes, the Annals of the Four Masters, a history of Ireland up to 1616, were written. The Four Masters are commemorated in stone on the Mullinaleck Bridge at the Donegal/Leitrim boundary on the Ballyshannon Road 1 mile from Kinlough. The Drowes is famous for its Salmon fishing. Lough Melvin is the most important Salmon and Trout fishery in the North West.

TullaghanTullaghan, located on the N16, National Primary route is tucked between Counties Sligo and Donegal, features Leitrim's two and a half mile coastline. The village itself is divided by the N16, with the main portion, consisting of the original Main Street and main Sligo to Donegal road, located on the seaward side of the N16. Local services, pubs, shops, crèche are available within the village. It is however greatly influenced by it contiguous location adjacent to Bundoran which has expanded out to the county boundary in recent years. Tullaghan had a population of 216 persons in the 2006 Census. An ancient (9th-10th century) stone cross faces the main road in the village. This was discovered on the shore after a storm and moved/erected in 1778 by the local landlord, Dickson, to protect it from coastal erosion and it was believed to be part of a long vanished monastery.

Both the local residents and the local, regional and national authorities are striving to address the challenges in these areas through focused policies and actions. The development of this Community Plan should enhance this process by way of the specific actions identified but also as a result of the active involvement of communities in developing the plan.

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aPPROacH TO DeVeLOPING THe cOMMUNITY PLaN

The approach to developing the community plan involved a series of steps as follows:Step 1: Identification/evaluation of baseline data –review of reports/publications.Step 2: Identification and initial contact with existing local groups/local community.Step 3: Opening Event – opportunity to engage and consult with wider community.Step 4: Focused Consultation – further exploration of issues.Step 5: Consultation on Draft Community Plan.

A preliminary meeting was held with local community representatives. At this meeting, the community representatives identified that the best approach to engage with the wider population in the area was to organise a novel event to engage with the public in the area. The resultant Opening Event was ‘An American Tea Party and a Guest Speaker’.

The initial meeting and opening event provided an opportunity to engage with the wider community. Following these events, the process followed was as follows:

Preparation of feedback report (from Opening Event);•Identification of key themes/issues;•Scheduling of meetings;•Follow-up meetings with community; •Discussion on possible actions for inclusion in the plan; and•A closing event was planned to conclude the process following the completion of the plan.•

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INTeGRaTeD cOMMUNITY PLaN

This report sets out:A summary of key issues discussed;•The priority themes which emerged; and•Proposed actions to address the key issues.•

There are many similarities between the actions in this plan and those emerging in the three cross border areas which would benefit from a broader higher level Cross Border Area Plan or engage in a network of community initiatives. This network could engage in higher level activities which are wider than individual communities such as:

Cross community newsletter;•Marketing of tourism;•Development of natural environment;•Development of youth activities; and•Cross border/community support worker.•

Paid resource for coordinating activities/events.o Seek commitment from other communities to develop a plan to seek the employment of a com-o munity worker:

Get communities to agree on the best utilisation of a community worker; &Agree on the long-term management of a community worker.

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The main issues identified by the community in Tullaghan Kinlough included:

Main Assets of the Area/Recent Improvements

Community spirit•Enhanced community facilities •Village enhancements•Improved sports facilities •Increased community groups and activities•Housing developments and new residents (even if some estates are not fin-•ished)Upgrading of services – water, sewage•

What should be maintained

Community spirit•Rural pace of life•History and identity of the area•Local friendliness and camaraderie•Young people living in the area•

Ideas for the Fu-ture

Preserve, enhance and utilise the natural environment and amenities•Make better use of existing community facilities•Develop facilities/activities around the lake•Improve footpaths, lighting and infrastructure•Develop derelict sites/buildings•Improve community social and cultural interaction•Play and recreation facilities for children and teenagers •

Overall Comment on Area

Area is trying to cope with the increased development and population •Difficult to find ways to integrate new people into the area•Integration of two villages was not identified as a priority by the community•More focused on physical infrastructure, economic activities and amenities than •on people (social capital)

The priority themes which emerged included:Community Spirit – Involvement;•Community Interaction – Villages, Groups, Events;•Maintaining Village Identity – Environment, Infrastructure & People;•Community/Social Services;•Preserving Local Services;•Maximising the Usage of Community Facilities; and•Natural Environment – Local Amenities & Tourism.•

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Community Spirit – Involvement1.1

Goal: To enhance the overall level of community spirit in Tullaghan Kinlough by way of involving more people (especially those who are new to the area) in community activities.

Issues: Difficult to get people involved in community activities, existing community services are under •pressure.The area has experienced an influx of new residents (both permanent and holiday). The rate of increase •in the population has resulted in two groups: long term established residents; and newer residents. The majority of newer residents in the community have limited involvement in the community.

Profile of the Residents of the Area1.1.1 Objective To determine who is living in the area, their needs and interestsAction Undertake a community audit of all households in the area

Benefit A profile will be built up of all households, their needs and interests. This will allow commu-nity organisations to target individuals for involvement and also to provide information on existing services.

Inform Residents of the Community Activities in the Area1.1.2 Objective To increase the level of awareness of community activities and opportunities for involve-

ment in the communityAction* Provide information on community activities to all households

Benefit Many people may not be aware of the extent of activities and services available in the area. Increased awareness provides opportunities for greater involvement.

*Opportunity to combine this action with the community audit – delivery of community information to each household in conjunction with the community audit.

Proactive Integration of New Residents1.1.3 Objective To increase the level of involvement of newer residents in community activitiesAction Invite households (members of) to get involved in community activities/organisations of

interest to them (arising from the information collated in the Community Audit)Benefit Increased involvement of newer households in the community and an enhanced level of

participation in community organisations which ultimately leads to more integration.

Development of Existing Community Garden1.1.4 Objective Develop links within the community by way of involvement in a community gardenAction Increase the number of allotments available at the community garden

Benefit Shared interests in gardening can be harnessed to involve people in community activities and foster enhanced links between them. The location of the community garden within the Lough Melvin Eco Park also provides potential to increase the involvement of the commu-nity in the Lough Melvin Eco Park.

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Participation of Young People in the Community1.1.5 Objective Increase the number of young people involved in community activities and enhance their

level of involvementAction Develop a specific project with the aim of increasing the participation of young people

in the communityBenefit Encouraging the involvement of young people in community activities will deliver long term

benefits to the community by instilling an increased level of pride in their own area and encourage greater community spirit and connection with their area.

Increased Recreational Activities1.1.6 Objective To increase the range of recreational activities within the area to ensure that residents have

the opportunity to engage in leisure activities locallyAction Develop new recreational activities (specific appeal to younger men and women who

may or may not be involved in other sports) – examples could include running, walking, tennis, indoor sportsDevelop new activities/events (both ongoing and once-off) responding to local needs/interests (as identified in Community Audit)Develop specific activities for children

Benefit Increased recreational activities in the area to ensure that people do not have to travel be-yond the area for these activities. Increased interaction within the community, which brings social benefits for all those living in the area.

Community Newsletter1.1.7 Objective To increase the level of awareness of community activities and sharing of informationAction Develop a community newsletter

Benefit Many people may not be aware of the extent of activities and services available in the area. Increased awareness provides opportunities for greater participation and involvement.

Community Website1.1.8 Objective Information on the local area, community, activities and events is readily available and ac-

cessibleAction Develop and maintain a website for the community

Develop and maintain a Facebook page for the community

Benefit Provides benefits to the local community in terms of sharing information on general events and activities. Promotes the area to the wider public and creates awareness of the attrac-tions in the area.

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Community Interaction1.2

Goal: To maximise the level of interaction between the general population and community/voluntary groups in Tullaghan and Kinlough.

Issues:Many services/activities have been drawn out of the area into the larger centres. However, internally this •has also happened whereby many services have been withdrawn from Tullaghan or where mergers have occurred, invariably this has resulted in a migration of services/activities towards Kinlough. This has had a demoralising impact on Tullaghan.

Interaction between Tullaghan and Kinlough1.2.1 Objective To ensure that the level of interaction between Tullaghan and Kinlough is maximisedAction Increased sharing of information on activities between communities

Development of new activities/services in Tullaghan

Benefit The communities are connected and increased cooperation and interaction between both communities will benefit everyone.

Enhanced Interaction Among Members of the Community1.2.2 Objective To organise activities/events which lead to increased involvement of all members of the

communityAction Identify specific community events and organise them in a manner which seeks to en-

sure the maximum involvement of the wider community e.g. Christmas Lights, Commu-nity Barbeque, Family Sports Day

Benefit By organising novel events which encourage people to become involved in community activities a greater level of participation and involvement can be achieved. This will lead to increased integration and interaction.

Community Support Worker1.2.3 Objective Provision of support to the voluntary and community organisationsAction Employment of a community support worker (for this area or in conjunction with

other areas)Benefit The provision of a community support worker would enhance the operation and function-

ing of all community and voluntary groups in the area. It could serve to ensure that exist-ing community services/activities are improved and new services/activities developed. In particular, it would serve to improve the overall level of communication within and without the community.

Representative Group of All Organisations in the Community1.2.4 Objective All organisations involved in the development of the CommunityAction Establishment of an umbrella group with representatives from all groups within the

communityBenefit The formation of a group with representatives of all groups in the community would help to

ensure a more cohesive and inclusive approach to the development of the area. In particu-lar, it would serve to enhance the communication between groups, reduce duplication and maximise the return for the efforts of volunteers.

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Maintaining Village Identity – Environment, Infrastructure & People1.3

Goal: To ensure that the village identities of Tullaghan and Kinlough are maintained.

Issues: The influx of population into the areas has helped to ensure the vibrancy and sustainability of the villages •but further development could also threaten the identity of the villages.Many services have been withdrawn from Tullaghan or where mergers have occurred, invariably this has •resulted in a migration of services/activities towards Kinlough.

Maintenance of Village Identity1.3.1 Objective To ensure that the village identities and community spirit of Tullaghan and Kinlough are

maintainedAction Increase awareness among the local population of the importance of utilising local

servicesBenefit Maintaining existing services will help to ensure that the vibrancy of the community and

villages. Supporting local services will serve to improve the community spirit and connection with the local area. Maintaining local services is critically important for those who may not have the opportunity or the option to access services in the larger centres.

Re-establish Tullaghan as a Viable Centre for Community Activities1.3.2 Objective To help to ensure that Tullaghan maintains its own identity and in doing so to enhance the

links with KinloughAction Identify the activities which could be developed in Tullaghan

Seek the support of the residents of Kinlough in ensuring the success of those activities

Benefit The re-establishment of activities in Tullaghan will strengthen the local identity and commu-nity spirit. It will also enhance the links with Kinlough as residents will not feel that every-thing is being withdrawn in favour of the larger area.

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Community/Social Services1.4

Goal: To maintain and enhance the current level of community/social services in the Tullaghan/Kinlough area.

Issues: Many services have been withdrawn from Tullaghan in the past decade.•Demand for community/social services is increasing but pressure on local delivery.•Community facilities available: Tullaghan Community Centre; Kinlough Community Centre; and Dartry •Centre.Main concerns about services for older and younger people.•

Development of Dartry Centre as a Community House1.4.1 Objective To maximise the benefit of the Dartry Centre to the communityAction To develop the Dartry Centre as a Community House (including community coffee shop,

hub for community transport, meeting point for older people and meeting point for teenagers)

Benefit Provides a social meeting point for those who may be more vulnerable within the commu-nity.

Social Recreation Space for Older People1.4.2 Objective To provide a social space for older peopleAction Develop a casual recreation space within the Dartry Centre

Benefit Provides older people with a social place to meet and socialise in an informal way. Encour-ages older people to get ‘out and about’ and meet other people.

Meals on Wheels Service1.4.3 Objective To provide a hot meals service for older peopleAction Explore the development of a ‘ Meals on Wheels’ service for older people in the area

which operates from the Dartry CentreBenefit Provides older people with a hot meal service and ultimately reduces social exclusion and

isolation.

Recreational Activities for Young People1.4.4 Objective To increase the range of recreational activities available to young people Action Develop new recreational activities for young people (who may or may not be involved

in other sports) Benefit Increase the amount of recreational activities in the area to ensure that young people have

a range of activities available to them.

establishment of a Youth club1.4.5 Objective To have a youth club in operation in the areaAction Seek to establish a youth club in the area

Identify and train youth leaders in the community

Benefit Youth club would provide a social outlet for young people and also develop their social and leadership skills. It could also provide an opportunity to get young involved in their commu-nity. Youth leaders are vital in order to deliver youth services in the community. The provi-sion of training ensures that those leaders are suitability qualified with the necessary skills.

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Casual Recreation Space (Hang-out Area) for Teenagers1.4.6 Objective To provide a safe place for young people to meetAction Develop a casual recreation space within the Dartry Centre

Benefit Provides young people with a safe place (off-street) to meet and socialise in an informal way. Ensures peace of mind for parents and young people. Provides an opportunity for young people to become involved in the development and running of their own space.

Participation of Young People in the Community1.4.7 Objective Increase the number of young people involved in community activities and enhance their

level of involvementAction Develop a specific project with the aim of increasing the participation of young people

in the communityBenefit Encouraging the involvement of young people in community activities will deliver long term

benefits to the community by instilling an increased level of pride in their own area and encourage greater community spirit and connection with their area.

Involvement of Parents in Youth Activities1.4.8 Objective To increase the level of involvement of parents in the activities involving their childrenAction Inform all parents of the demands in organising and running activities

Seek the involvement of parents in activitiesOrganise training for parents (where necessary)

Benefit Greater involvement of parents will help to ensure the sustainability of youth activities in the area. Greater involvement will help to ensure the provision of a greater range of activi-ties/events.

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Preserving Local Services1.5

Goal: To ensure that the existing services are maintained in the area.

Issues: The proximity to large Urban Centres has resulted in many services (commercial & social/recreational) •moving to those areas and ultimately local residents utilising services in these centres. This results in reduced demand for remaining local services and pressure on the survival of these services.

Maintenance of Services1.5.1 Objective To maintain the maximum level of existing services in the areaAction Increase awareness among the local population of the importance of utilising local

servicesBenefit Maintaining existing services will help to ensure that the vibrancy of the community and

villages. Supporting local services will serve to improve the community spirit and connection with the local area. Maintaining local services is critically important for those who may not have the opportunity or the option to access services in the larger centres.

Maximising the Usage of Community Facilities1.6

Goal: To maximise the utilisation of existing Community Facilities

Issues: Community facilities are available in Tullaghan (Community Centre) and Kinlough (Community Centre •and Dartry Centre).

Community Facilities1.6.1 Objective To ensure that the maximum usage is made of existing community facilities Action To coordinate the usage of community facilities

To coordinate the development of the services provided and equipment in community facilities

Benefit The greater usage of community facilities, the better for all members of the community. Coordination of the usage of community facilities will also ensure that all groups and organi-sations can gain access to facilities. It may also allow for the most appropriate facility to be utilised for particular groups, activities or events.

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Natural Environment – Local Amenities & Tourism1.7

Goal: To develop the natural environment in a sustainable manner and to harness the potential of the natural environment for tourism, employment and recreation.

Issues: Lough Melvin Eco Park is currently being developed in Kinlough.•Difficulties regarding access to the coastline in Tullaghan and to farmland for public walking.•

Development of Lough Melvin Eco Park 1.7.1 Objective To ensure that the Lough Melvin Eco Park becomes fully functional and established as a rec-

reational amenity for locals and touristsAction Develop Lough Melvin Eco Park

Provision of information on the Lough Melvin Eco ParkEstablish a consultative forum on the development of Lough Melvin

Benefit Lough Melvin is a key asset in the local area. The Eco Park has the potential to create a vibrant recreational amenity for the local population and also as an attraction for tourists. The Eco Park also has the potential to enhance community interaction/spirit by encouraging participation in activities which are located within the Eco Park e.g. Community Garden.

Tourism Potential1.7.2 Objective To capitalise on the large numbers of tourists who visit the wider region but do not visit Tul-

laghan KinloughAction Promote the local tourism attractions in the wider area

Benefit Increasing the number of tourists who visit the area will benefit the local economy and also help to increase the demand for local services and ensure that those services are secured for the local population.

Re-establish Dartry Mountains as a Location for Walking and Recreation1.7.3 Objective To re-establish the Dartry Mountains as a recreation areaAction Develop and promote local walk ways in conjunction with local landowners

Benefit Locally accessible walkways will provide a recreational outlet for the local residents and serve as a tourist attraction. If successful, the main benefit will be the re-establishing of trust between the local landowners and the wider community and walkers (local and visiting).

Public access to coastline and Old cross Field1.7.4 Objective To ensure that community access is available to the coastline and Old Cross Field at Tul-

laghan Action Engage with local authority and other relevant stakeholders to secure public access

Benefit Securing public access to the coastline will allow the potential of the area as a surfing desti-nation to be developed to benefit locals and tourists. While access to the Old Cross Field will ensure that the wider local population will be able to appreciate this local attraction.

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ReFeReNceS

Area Development Management (ADM) and Combat Poverty Agency (CPA), 2004 Good Practice in Community-Based Peacebuilding. Area Development Management Ltd and Combat Poverty Agency.

Central Statistics Office (CSO), 2007 Census of Population Principal Demographic Statistics. Central Statistics Office, Cork.

County Leitrim PEACE III Partnership (LPP), 2008 PEACE and Reconciliation Action Plan 2008-2010. Leitrim County Council.

Harvey, B., 2010 Community Development Along the Border: An instrument for the development of the cross-border region? Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland No. 5., 2010.

Leitrim County Council (LCC), 2009 Leitrim Retail Strategy 2009-2015. Leitrim County Council.

Leitrim County Development Board (LCDB), 2009 Social, Economic and Cultural Strategy for County Leitrim 2002-2012 – A Shared Vision. Leitrim County Council.

Leitrim County Development Board (LCDB), 2002 Leitrim County Development Board Review and Action Plan 2009-2012. Leitrim County Council.

Creamer, C., Neale, B., O’Keeffe, B., Van Egeraat, C., Driscoll, J., 2008 Tough Love: Local Cross Border Cooperation Faces the Challenge of Sustainability. Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland No.3., 2008

Triskele Community Training and Development, 2005 The Emerald Curtain: The Social Impact of the Irish Border.

Western Development Commission, 2009 Work in the West – The Western Region’s Employment and Unemployment Challenge. Western Development Commission. December 2009.

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