Remote Working: Humphreys attends cabinet meeting by logging on from Bere Island
Minister Heather Humphreys logged in via a secure highspeed broadband hub on a West Cork island to attend yesterday’s cabinet meeting.
As it happens, she has perfectly synchronised her demonstration of remote working on islands with the main theme in the Summer Edition of Changing Ireland – out this week.
YOUTHWORK: DON’T LAUGH NOW, THIS IS SERIOUS!
Humour should be recognised by academia as a tool in non-formal education settings and for engaging youth. It should be part of the curriculum on courses purporting to teach youthwork and related subjects, say the organisers of a comedy festival with a difference, held in June.
IN PROFILE: MÁIRE UÍ MHAOLÁIN INIS OÍRR
Máire Ui Mhaoláin is CEO of the islands development company – Comhar na nOileán – and lives on Inis Oírr with husband Tom and son Dara. The couple have two grown up childen – Adam who works in Spiddal and Ruth (pictured) who is currently in Australia.
Islands face obstacles, but also never-before seen opportunities
INTRODUCTION The surge in remote working could boost the population on Ireland’s offshore islands and restore their viability. As indeed it could for much if not all of rural Ireland. Plans for digital hubs on many islands and better broadband are already improving...
Islands embrace remote working – but need more hubs & houses
Remote working in the extreme: From Germany to Inishturk, Co. Mayo
Humphreys urges other towns to follow Cootehill’s example
While the closing date for receipt of applications to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has passed for this year, plan now for the next round of funding. Community-based websites qualify, as Cootehill has proven.
Community-based jobs service may lose out in tendering
Government moves to trial a new job-seekers support service by putting the work out to public tender – inviting in private sector bids – have been criticised by SIPTU and the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN).
North Kerry village forges ahead with unique attraction
The LEADER Programme provides funding to support community-led rural development. Here we feature one of the thousands of successful projects, to give a flavour of the kind of ideas that win over the funding adjudicators.
Take a deep dive into a #SicapStory – From Malawi to Wexford
In Wexford – as featured in our long read here – community workers under SICAP made people welcome during a pandemic. The same good community work is happening across the country, from Inchicore to West Mayo. It is but one of many #SicapStories. It would make for an ideal television series, as amateur film-makers are proving.
Gov’t should amend climate justice definition or scrap it, say big NGOs
Oxfam, Christian Aid, Concern and Trócaire want changes to the definition of “climate justice” in the Government’s Climate Bill. Otherwise the definition should be scrapped, they say. They have written to all TDs and senators explaining why.
Putting the ‘human’ back into human rights and social justice organisations
The pandemic has shown us more than ever the importance of self-care, writes Nicola Browne. She asks – why are social justice organisations so slow to practice what they preach when it comes to wellbeing?
DUBLIN: Land values breed fear as locals displaced by inner city gentrification
Is gentrification stealing Dublin city from its people? “We have a great fear as this land is such rich land,” says Rita Fagan of Inchicore. “We see a hollowing out of traditional communities,” says Noel Wardick of Dublin City Community Co-operative. Both talk to journalist Laoise Neylon.
Profiteering from luxury apartments is beating the life out of communities
Profiteering is coming at the expense of communities whose social fabric is being torn asunder. The inner-city has become a construction site, as one community activist sees it, with cranes surrounding us as we speak.
Can you really be at home in a hotel?
Short term transient forms of accommodation blur the lines between housing and hotels.
Student Accommodation is used for holiday letting in the summer and last year, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for some student developments to switch to short term letting year-round, during Covid 19.
National strategy needed for re-engaging learners post-pandemic – Aontas
Aontas wants a national strategy to address the pandemic’s long-term impact on “marginalised learners and the community education and FET sector”. Pictured above: Niamh O’Reilly, Aontas CEO.
Show your colours on #IDAHOBIT Day & LGBTI+ Awareness Week (May 16-22)
IDAHOBIT stands for International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia and it takes place on May 17th, in the midst of LGBTI+ Awareness Week (May 16-22). Events are to take place around the country.
Horace’s Diary – no masking the truth!
I went to the shop to buy a mask and then realised I couldn’t enter the shop without a mask. While I was wondering how I would enter a shop without a mask to buy a mask, a fellow gave me his mask as he left the shop.
I wiped it on my sleeve for safety’s sake and put it over my face, delighted that I could now enter the shop – then I realised that now I had a mask I no longer needed to go into the shop to buy a mask.
Call to protect community-based Local Employment Services
The Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) representing Ireland’s 49 Local Development Companies (LDCs) has called on Oireachtas members “to ensure that the future of community-based Local Employment Services are protected and developed”.
CETA: Civil society concerns over big business suing states
In a letter signed by Mark Cumming, head of Comhlamh, and dozens more civil society leaders, in February, concerns were raised over the proposed EU Canada Trade Deal known as CETA.
Community pub hubs should be put to work ASAP
Pat Kennedy urges Government not to allow its plans for the use of pubs as community spaces to get stalled by bureaucracy.
Rebel County goes wild to help nature
Wild Work, a project now in its fourth year, is a not-for-profit initiative of South East Cork Area Development (SECAD) and it was among 200 projects from across Europe recently showcased online. The project proves that biodiversity is truly for everyone, says Ryan Howard, SECAD’s CEO. Read Beth Ardill’s report and you have to agree.
What have Trees, Transition & Housing got in common?
The following are stand-out, real-life examples of good co-operative work in practice, as highlighted by UCC’s Centre for Co-op Studies (on Twitter). This selection was chosen by LIT Community Development student BETH ARDILL.
OF COURSE the EARTH is FLAT
– Robert Carey on why everyone, including people working in community-based organisations, should question their beliefs:
€70m in LEADER funds for 2021-’22 – announced today
– Announcement today by Ministers Humphreys and McConalogue
– Overall LEADER allocation to increase by €50m following EU support
– Funding will support rural communities and private enterprises in Covid-19 recovery
– Funding welcomed by ILDN
Steo Wall – We’ve got our sense of community back!
Steo Wall graces the cover of this special edition (it’s our 20th year). “My songs are written for all the socio-economically deprived people of the world,” he tells Ben Panter. Steo is proud of his Dublin roots and his Traveller heritage. He believes the pandemic has strengthened our sense of community and he encourages everyone to keep the head up in these strange times.
What do you actually learn doing Biodiversity Leadership Training?
– with West Limerick Resources
ADVERTISMENT: PAUL Partnership – SICAP Community Development Officer (21hrs/w)
An interesting position has become available through the PAUL Partnership and the deadline for applications is Friday, March 12th.
16 days extra for Tidy Towns groups to apply for grants up to €1,000
The deadline has been extended until Friday, March 19th, for Tidy Towns committees to apply for grants of up to €1,000 in “top-up funding” to help them prepare for this year’s competition.
While the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition was cancelled in 2020, the national organisers promised it would go ahead this year.
Instagram activism on the rise – Wake up to the opportunities!
Instagram is a vehicle for real change, writes CHLOE CAREY.
People new to Ireland to learn ‘an cúpla focal’ this month
Free Irish language and sean-nós dance classes are being offered to new Irish communities in Meath, Louth and Cavan this month through a collaboration by Cultúr Migrants Centre and Conradh na Gaeilge. The online classes are some of the many events taking place across the country – mostly online – during this year’s Seachtain na Gaeilge.
“Initiatives such as these, while they may seem tokenistic, actually play a very important role in helping migrants and refugees to assimilate and integrate into Irish society and culture,” says Sorcha Grisewood who interviewed those involved in the collaboration:
Music to everyone’s ears – LEADER funds 60 violins in Louth
Despite the pandemic, every evening schoolkids from three schools in Co. Louth meet online to practice the violin. It’s not the easiest instrument to master, but these children are now musicians who can boast of having performed in front of thousands of people.
The violins they play were funded through LEADER. It is a sign of how varied the support to communities can be nowadays through this fund.
We’re all in this together! NOT
Speakers at a recent human rights event in Cork showed they are wiser now to the inequalities from our response to Covid-19 and we’re not all in this together, not when you look at the life-chances during this pandemic of migrants, care home residents, Travellers, and others. As one speaker put it, capitalism is dictating our morality. BETH ARDILL REPORTS:
The community’s desire to see Moyross progress
Devotion to the community emerged as one of the strongest features during Moyross’s #BuildOurRoad campaign.
Moyross speaks with one voice: ‘Build Our Road!’
The community of Moyross, Limerick, has launched a campaign to #BuildOurRoad on social media and across all political parties. It calls on the Government to honour a commitment in its programme for government to finish the road – already begun – that would help end the community’s ghettoisation.
Islanders film life on one of Ireland’s few Covid-free spots
A series of short films released in January capture the beautiful stillness of Inishbofin during the sun-soaked lockdown of 2020. Mercifully, despite reopening for tourism in July of last year, Inishbofin has recorded only two isolated cases of Covid-19 in the past 12 months and the island is currently Covid-free.
Mucklagh mother and son Eileen & Ray are changing Ireland
Mother and son, Eileen and Ray Lucey from Mucklagh, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, feature on the front cover of the latest edition of ‘Changing Ireland’, highlighting the role of carers and those receiving care across Ireland.
Why Tasc’s report is good news for community development workers
What’s it like looking to the future of community development through youthful eyes?
‘The Peoples Transition’ sings of bottom-up development
A new report signals that we are on the threshold of a possibly great era for community development, local development and social justice. It explains how we can best tackle inequality from the bottom-up. The report by social justice think-tank Tasc and colleagues in Europe puts people and local communities at the heart of the transition. ‘The Peoples Transition’ points out that if the transition is not fair it will not be made at all. Davie Philip reports:
84% of young women abused said it had a “severe” impact on them – Womens Aid
Women’s Aid released a report on young people’s experience of abuse in intimate relationships here in Ireland to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25th).
121 Family Resource Centres looking to the future
SUMMARY: A special report was published last month to mark the 25th year of the national Family Resource Centre Programme. The 60-page visionary document is called ‘Our Story’ and it looks back but also forward as Family Resource Centres celebrate their grassroots successes. In 2020, all 121 centres played an important role in helping communities respond to the pandemic.
Government funds keeping Lucan disability group and others operational
Joe O’Brien, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, on November 12, announced funding of €51m from the Dormant Accounts Fund “to address disadvantage across the country”.
The funding has increased. Four years ago, the spend was €28.5m.
Ruairi’s serendipitous timing in offering communities hope
BOOK REVIEW – McKiernan has written “a compelling memoir”, says Aine Rynne. Published as the pandemic broke, it became a bestseller and could be the perfect gift for the community activist in your family!
Kerry’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Fest went ahead despite restrictions
EXCERPT: “The feedback we got back from the public was great because we had to change a lot of things this year.”
Activists positive despite Climate Action bill falling short
EXCERPT: “This Climate Bill substantially improves the 2015 law, but substantial weaknesses remain that must be fixed by TDs and Senators.” – Oisín Coghlan
WANTED! People experienced in community development – Deadline Friday!
Pobal’s voluntary board of directors meet nine times a year and you could be taking part in those meetings if you have a community development background, a good internet connection, and get in an application for board membership by this Friday afternoon. Meetings currently take place via Zoom.
“Let the begrudgers at it, but keep going” – say Western pioneers
“The M50 is something I hear about on the radio,” says Kristian Sheridan. He works for a global business you might never imagine setting up its Irish HQ in a small town in the West. Yet, it did just that.
Volunteers patrol with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention
Last night, on the eve of World Suicide Prevention Day, ‘Changing Ireland’ met volunteers patrolling with Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention (LTSP).
Meet Ireland’s airborne community medics
Meet the Republic of Ireland’s first airborne community medics who are saving lives by saving time. In August, for example, they received 54 callouts.
No sanctuary in West Clare: Why peace-loving people turn to activism
• A voluntary group set up last year to welcome asylum-seekers to West Clare welcomed the Department of Justice and Equality’s decision in August to close the emergency Direct Provision centre.
• On August 12th – the day the closure was announced – the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group thanked Minister Helen McEntee for her prompt action.
• Civil society voices who welcomed the move included Clare PPN’s Sarah Clancy, author Ruairi McKiernan, and human rights activist John Lannon.
PODCAST SERIES 1: Meagher’s Covid-19 Family Newsdesk experience
Editor Allen Meagher recounts his experience during the Covid lockdown. No more than anyone else, he really wasn’t prepared for a pandemic.
Changing Ireland Podcast hosted by Editor Allen Meagher
We are delighted to announce our first time to cut our teeth in the podcast world! Editor Allen Meagher begins the series with some lockdown reflections on juggling family and work-life while also keeping the wheels turning for Changing Ireland. He discusses how Covid-19 has impacted the community and voluntary organisations and how they have coped during a very difficult time.
Social enterprise sector has a new representative body from today
CAPTION: A year ago – last July 19 – the Government’s first National Social Enterprise Policy was launched and, in November, the first National Social Enterprise Conference (run by the Department of Rural and Community Development) took place in Croke Park. Pictured among the attendees are two of the founders of a new body launched today called ‘Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland’ (Seri) – Larry O’Neill, CEO of South Dublin County Partnership and Senan Cooke, author of ‘The Enterprising Community’. They are pictured here with Bernie Walshe from Sunflower Recycling. (PHOTO BY: Changing Ireland).
One Minister, two Departments: Community in Cabinet
In 1997, “Community” became a named function of a government department for the first time. It has remained in usage ever since. So how come Minister Heather Humphreys is responsible for two departments, one including Community? Allen Meagher reports:
Tomorrow we’ll know if this is monumental, or an historic footnote
Here’s a comprehensive analysis of what the proposed Programme for Government says that should concern and interest the many people devoted to community development and social inclusion.
#ChangingIreland – Ciara’s Community Diary
A fabulous account by a rural-dweller caring now for vulnerable relatives. Giving it her best online to continue with important volunteer pursuits. Lived in Dublin for years and has volunteered abroad.
Harry’s Diary – Day 47 (Thurs, April 30, 2020)
Harry’s pager went off`: “Here we go again. Car still wouldn’t start. I’d rather hoped the leprechauns might have magically fixed it while I wrote poems.”
Harry’s Diary – Day 46 (Wed, April 29, 2020)
Harry recalls when he “did a lot of work around community development” and the impact of the last recession on communities, on families – including his own – and he worries for his future. The internet tells him we may be heading into extreme poverty where those not strong enough to fend for themselves die in droves on the streets. “Neo-liberalism on crack,” is how he describes it. He prays for a new politics led by just and imaginative people:
Harry’s Diary – Day 45 (Tues, April 28, 2020)
None of us know when we’ll be called. Harry’s pager went off last night – a fire in a commercial premises. This morning, he woke feeling stiff and bruised. “I’m coughing my guts up now. Is it the smokes? Or last night’s smoke? Or…”
Harry’s Diary – Day 44 (Mon, April 27, 2020)
EXCERPT: The virus has jumped to mink in the Netherlands and cats in New York. How are we supposed to keep cats locked down?
Harry’s Diary – Day 43 (Sun, April 26, 2020)
Sunday should always be sacred. In this time of forever Saturdays, especially so. Of course I speak for myself through a culture embedded in me. Any time will do – ring-fence it. I pick Sunday.
Harry’s Diary – Day 42 (Sat, April 25, 2020)
EXCERPT: They had no idea of the mortal danger they were in.
Harry’s Diary – Day 40 (Thurs, April 23, 2020)
A tragic day. Nothing I write would be appropriate. I’m going to keep my thoughts to myself and my prayers for the family. Rest in Peace young man. I know you are in a better place.
Harry’s Diary – Day 39 (Wed, April 22, 2020)
HARRY talks about people who are, to use a fire service term, socially non-ambulant: “It’s not just firefighters – single parents, older people, disabled people and people without transport can all end up a bit trapped. I fell into a few of those categories myself over the years.”
Harry’s Diary – Day 38 (Tues, April 21)
EXCERPT: You’d have to wonder what else could be achieved if everyone worked together as tightly. Enforced socialism is what I called it weeks ago; for that to work, people had to work together, which we did – well done again!
Harry’s Diary – Day 37 (Mon, April 20, 2020)
‘The Boy’ is not happy. Health Minister Simon Harris’s plans to reopen school, even if it’s for one day a week, have put a spanner in his “Covid holiday”.
Harry’s Diary – Day 36 (Sun, April 19, 2020)
EXCERPT: At its root was a lump, and from there a bough that split in two, and from there thick branches that split again into branches, and then thin twigs that continued to split and course a path towards the light.
Harry’s Diary – Day 35 (Sat, April 18, 2020)
EXCERPT: Harry wants us to “focus us on a more equitable system of food production. I don’t know if people noticed the fresh fruit supplies in Aldi have been running low for weeks. Food is already starting to go up in price.”
Harry’s Diary – Day 34 (Fri, April 17, 2020)
EXCERPT: Two or three weeks ago, I was prepared to roll up my sleeves, clench my teeth and deal with whatever the virus was going to throw at the fire brigade, but that hasn’t transpired into anything like I thought it would. I was ready, but I’m beginning to let myself relax and in doing so I’m getting to know the man in the mirror.
Harry’s Diary – Day 33 (Thurs, April 16, 2020)
EXCERPT: Had a fire-call last night… Back at the station, the Station Officer gave me a pitiful look as he filled in the paperwork. The two other newbies looked at me and turned away whispering. Someone had tied four feet of warning tape to the back of my tunic!
Harry’s Diary – Day 32 (Wed, April 15, 2020)
EXTRACT: Town was so busy it felt like being locked down at Cheltenham… Barely anyone around here believes the official version of events and I’m noticing a cultural divide: You can tell who people identify with by their Covid beliefs.
Harry’s Diary – Day 31 (Tues, April 14, 2020)
EXCERPT: I’m delighted I didn’t invest in a pension – kiss goodbye to that x. I didn’t think I had any friends till this all started. Now I can’t get off the phone!
Harry’s Diary – Day 30 (Mon, April 13, 2020)
EXCERPT: I might have hit the wall. I see it coming nowadays though. I ought to, I’m old enough. I usually get one day a week when I feel like that:
Harry’s Diary – Day 28 (Sat, April 11, 2020)
EXCERPT: I have a son closing in on his teenage years, nothing unusual about that – I’m just another single parent renting in the 2020’s. As thousands could testify, it is not the most comfortable place to be.
And then comes the threat of Covid: Am I supposed to quiver? A quick death in a hospital bed is better than a decade on the streets.
Harry’s Diary – Day 27 (Fri, April 10, 2020)
EXCERPT: “Stay back,” I said, feeling uncomfortable that in Covid days kindness includes talking to people like they are a dog.
“I haven’t got it, I’ve had the cure.”
“Bull – no one has a cure.”
“I’m telling you I do.”
Harry’s Diary – Day 26 (Thurs, April 9, 2020)
Elon Musk’s SpaceX programme is launching 42,000 satellites in the coming years. I saw the opening salvo deployed last November. There is nothing – unless you are North Korea – anyone can do to stop it. Planning laws, apparently, do not have a remit for outer space:
Harry’s Diary – Day 25 (Wed, April 8, 2020)
Covid grief hasn’t touched me yet. I thought of someone particularly vulnerable yesterday and I desperately hoped I’d see them again. It’s getting closer to all of us. Friends of friends have passed on now. Ireland is a small country:
Harry’s Diary – Day 24 (Tues, April 7, 2020)
PR masterstroke or otherwise, Harry likes the fact that the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has returned part-time to work in the health service. “I am glad we have a doctor in charge,” he writes. He even thinks the Taoiseach’s speechwriters should keep going as they are:
Harry’s Diary – Day 23 (Mon, April 6, 2020)
I was delighted to have a bit more of the gardening job to do. One day, I mused, I will be digging my own square of land. All in all a great way to start another week in this lockdown of indeterminable length. However long it is to last we are a day nearer its end:
Harry’s Diary – Day 22 (Sun, April 5, 2020)
I dream of taking the boy to watch Bohemians of all teams and realise we’ve never been to a soccer match. Suddenly I fear Covid could snatch that chance.
Harry’s Diary – Day 21 (Sat, April 4, 2020)
There’s been a lot of catching up on lockdown. All sorts of new connections are being made and old ones rekindled. Who would have thought that it would be boredom that heralded a revival of human love:
Harry’s Diary – Day 20 (Fri, April 3, 2020)
Today, Harry needed a break from the internet and information overload. He brought the dog for a walk and was caught in a spring shower. It helped him to unplug. “It grounded me,” he said:
Harry’s Diary – Day 19 (Thurs, April 2, 2020)
This is a critical juncture in world history and all its citizens are stuck inside, more impotent than ever before.
Harry’s Diary – Day 18 (Wed, April 1, 2020)
It’s fortuitous for Mother Earth that Covid’s initial assault coincides with springtime and early summer in the Northern hemisphere. We can expect wildlife to bloom.
Follow the Covid-19 diaries of two experienced volunteers
The Covid-19 diaries of two experienced volunteers:
Harry’s Diary – Day 17 (Tues, March 31, 2020)
My heart bleeds for those living in some of the more urban dwelling spaces. I’m sure mental health and the risks of harm that it brings is becoming a real hazard in some homes.
Harry’s Diary – Day 16 (Mon, March 30, 2020)
I love that shop workers have now become the most important people on the planet. They should strike for TD salaries.
Harry’s Diary – Day 15 (Sun, March 29, 2020)
My unusual way of looking at things perfectly equips me with the skills that count in an apocalypse – without so much as a thought let alone a coherent plan towards that end.
Harry’s Diary – Day 14 (Sat, March 28, 2020)
Over in England, our colleagues have been tasked with delivering food and supplies. and body retrieval and are being trained to drive ambulances. The gory details don’t bother me. What scares me is the numbers they are preparing for.
Harry’s Diary – Day 13 (Fri, March 27, 2020)
Obviously there are the silent and probable majority who only use Facebook to promote their business or share photos of sunsets.
Harry’s Diary – Day 12 (Thurs, March 26, 2020)
This is the most unexpected opportunity for working parents to reconnect with their children, another area in which Covid is asking questions of the choices we have made for our societies.
Harry’s Diary – Day 11 (Wed, March 25, 2020)
I found a couple of advantages in the increased State security measures. The two female Gardai patrolling the streets today looked really cute trying to contain the grins that betrayed their first day on the job.
Harry’s Diary – Day 10 (Tues, March 24, 2020)
Judge all you like, but don’t be surprised if those marginalised from the gifts of green fields disregard emergency legislation.
New support, helpdesk and advice for community groups from Department
There has been a surge in people volunteering and the Government and the Department of Rural and Community Development has issued guidance and advice to volunteers and community groups.
TOMI REICHENTAL: “It starts with whispers, then it’s murder”
When Ray Lucey spoke to Tomi Reichental, one of the last two Holocaust survivors living in Ireland, he talked about the Nazi exterminations and warned about the future of humanity if things continue as they are.
Harry’s Diary – Day 9 (Mon, March 23, 2020)
People do not seem to understand. I didn’t to begin with.
Harry’s Diary – Day 8 (Sun, March 22, 2020)
To still my thoughts (in the middle of the night) I composed a little prayer with the agnostic in mind
Harry’s Diary – Day 7 (Sat, March 21, 2020)
Aldi was surreal. …Maybe I was paranoid but people seemed edgy when I let a sneeze go in the vegetable aisle.
Changing Ireland in a time of Coronavirus – Three books to read
We’re one week down. Listen to editor Allen Meagher’s take on the changed landscape.
Harry’s Diary – Day 6 (Fri, March 20, 2020)
I had recently been forced to examine my attitude towards death in a different way. As I toyed with joining the fire brigade I thought about the things I might see that I would rather not.
Harry’s Diary – Days 5 (Thurs, March 19, 2020)
We had our first call-out today under our new COVID protocol. One thing is certain, our fire-engines don’t have the virus.
Harry’s Diary – Days 3-4 (Tues-Wed, March 17-18, 2020)
Covid-19 has shown us what deep down we know but pretend isn’t true. Our best laid plans, our dreams and goals, they can be extinguished in a day.
Harry’s Diary – Day 2 (March 16, 2020)
It’s a waiting game now. We are used to that in the retained fire service. Sometimes I lie in bed smugly satisfied that I don’t have to get up at the same time every morning.
Harry’s Diary – Day 1 (Sunday, March 15th)
The Corona virus has been spreading for weeks. First identified on Ireland’s shores around ten days ago, the town I live in being one of the first to have a cluster.
Jim Finn is new chairperson of the Irish Local Development Network
“Many of our communities and disadvantaged groups are still reeling from the impact of disproportionate cuts over the past decade.” – Jim Finn
Meath River Rescue is speedier and safer with new LEADER-funded equipment
Last year, 133 people drowned, the majority of them men in tragic circumstances.
When a drowning occurs, bodies are usually recovered thanks in no small part to the many voluntary search, rescue and recovery groups.
Meath River Rescue is one such group and it has twice benefitted from LEADER funding.
Female empowerment in 2001, with School Street’s Linda Walsh – But where is Linda now?
We recall Linda’s story of struggle and success on International Women’s Day. If anyone knows her, please contact us as, if it is possible, we would love to re-interview Linda for ‘Changing Ireland’.
Voting for inclusion – What community groups want from #GE2020
Here’s what community-based groups working to fight poverty and exclusion want from the next government. They want housing prioritised. They want childcare workers paid a just wage, rights for people with disabilities, action to end violence against women, priority given to independent community development work and the appointment of a minister for older people. The new government will be called on to restrict the ‘fast fashion’ industry and there is much more.
New Distance Travelled Tool set to begin its journey
The new My Journey: Distance Travelled Tool is set to launch, but what can be learned from its introduction event?
Online grinds provider ‘JumpAGrade’ shows value of social enterprises to Ireland
The best way to learn the value to Ireland of social enterprises is to hear about it from the horse’s mouth, as heard at the country’s first government-organised national conference about social enterprise.
Seán Óg Ó hAilpín – ‘I was a lost kid and they put me on a steady path’
There was a time when Cork hurling legend Seán Óg Ó hAilpín hated Ireland. He hated the weather, even the people. Now, this is his home.
Tánaiste promises continued funding to border groups post-Brexit
Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s vote in Westminster, community groups north and south will continue to be supported, promised Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney.
Full house: Tickets snapped up for Friday’s Ballyhaunis seminar on Embracing Diversity
At an event this week in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, ticket holders will hear how embracing diversity has been good for the town.
What can communities do to help battle climate change?
As the Irish government declares a climate and biodiversity emergency, Patrick Kelleher asks what communities can be going to lessen their impact on the environment.
INSPIRE A NATION: Awesome People – Brigid Quilligan Community worker & activist
What motivates you as a volunteer?
I see too many young people from my community dying. We need to change policy, practice and legislation so that it includes and is led by the marginalised.
How is Wicklow PPN’s Community Wellbeing pilot driving change?
At the tail end of last week (10-11 October), representatives from across Ireland convened in Carlow for the National Public Participation Network Conference. In celebration, we’re highlighting a story from our latest issue, which shows the great work being done by the Wicklow Public Participation Network.
YouthOpia: Can social enterprise help level the education playing field?
Not everyone is fortunate enough to get the same opportunities and support in life. When it comes to third-level education, YouthOpia hopes to help close the gap.
#FollowFriday: Logophile @MiaBeetle on how kindness goes a long way
In a world where, all too often, those who are going through periods of difficulty are ignored, Maria O’Dwyer shows how a simple bit of kindness can make a world of difference.
3 informative publications you should be reading
Did you know there are specialist newsletters chock-full of great information and ideas of interest to communities? We choose three stand-out publications we think you should know about.
New-look ChangingIreland.ie launched by Minister Michael Ring
Launching the new-look ChangingIreland.ie, Minister Michael Ring was effusive in his praise for the project: “Changing Ireland is a unique publication… a high-quality news magazine which has encouraged all involved for nearly two decades to work harder for the betterment of our communities.”
Ireland’s first national social enterprise policy welcomed by sector
As the Irish government unveiled the country’s first national social enterprise policy, positive comments started rolling in from organisations throughout the sector.
ReStart: The social enterprise helping asylum seekers feel at home
Amid ongoing discussions about the Irish direct provision system, one student-run social enterprise is working to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are able to integrate in their communities.
Different Strokes for Different Folks: A guiding light in stroke recovery
Sometimes, when tragedy befalls someone, it makes them stronger. It makes them see the value in linking with others in the same boat to take collective action. This is how Larry Masterson responded when he joined others in Co Donegal in setting up the support group ‘Different Strokes for Different Folks’ (DSDF).
Stroke activist Larry Masterson on why he volunteers
The drive to volunteer can come from anywhere. For Larry Masterson, it was something he was already committed to, but his volunteering took him in a new direction after he suffered a stroke.
ILDN Awards: No new business can succeed without support
There are 6,500 people currently receiving support through two schemes set up to help unemployed people to start small businesses. At the ILDN National Enterprise Awards, Ray Lucey caught up with a few of them.
Struggling to read this? Social enterprise Dyslex.ie can help
Enactus DCU’s Dyslex.ie project aims to make it easier to read online content. But how does it work?
Notions: Margaret O’Connor wins big at ILDN Enterprise Awards
Following the 2019 ILDN National Enterprise Awards, Ray Lucey spoke to outright winner Margaret O’Connor about Notions, Lady Gaga and entrepreneurship
Are pub hubs the answer to a lack of community spaces?
There’s no doubt that community facilities are immensely useful for many reasons, but what can you do if your community can’t afford a new building? With pub hubs, Pat Kennedy may have the answer.
Dark clouds of climate crisis DO have a silver lining
Every dark cloud has a silver lining and the threat of climate change could see the rebirth of strong forces for community development.
Ceangal: Can social enterprises help asylum seekers integrate?
When it comes to supporting asylum seekers, there’s a sense that governments can only do much. That leaves it up to communities and social enterprises to close the gap.
Can social enterprise help combat workplace discrimination?
With unemployment levels among those with disabilities far higher than in the general population, could the solution lie in social enterprise?
‘Social enterprise solves the problems that otherwise go unsolved’
With levels of education and employment among people with disabilities significantly lower than they are among the rest of the population, one of the Enactus NUI Galway projects hopes social enterprise can make a difference.
Social enterprise: ‘If you have the ability to change the world, you should’
As the number of refugees and immigrants in Ireland grows, questions about integration continue to be raised. What if the solution lies with a group of Enactus students?
‘When social enterprise thrives, society thrives too’
Last week saw the Irish government release its first ever national social enterprise policy, which will give companies around the country additional supports as they launch and grow. It can only be good news for the next generation of social entrepreneurs, including the team behind Enactus’s BeetBox.
Helping Hands: Communities out in force for funding advice
Many community organisations rely on funding to keep the lights on, but grant application processes can be overly complex. What if there were information sessions to help with that?
Sample Sub Lead Post
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not...
Sample Lead Post
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not...
SICAP report calls for bottom-up approach to evaluation
A new report on the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) was published earlier this year. Here, Allen Meagher covers the main points.
Publication of new National Social Enterprise Policy welcomed
The Irish government has published its long-awaited social enterprise policy, with positive feedback coming in from community development-focused groups.
Taylor Richardson: Reaching for the stars and paying it forward
In Jacksonville, Florida, STEM and community spirit are championed by a perhaps unlikely figure: 16-year-old Taylor Richardson
Who won top prize at the 2019 Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards?
Every year, the Aldi-sponsored Foróige Youth Citizenship Awards take place, giving young people around Ireland the chance to gain recognition and be celebrated for their hard work and commitment in the community. But who claimed the main prize at the most recent competition?
What is Local Employment Service’s success rate?
Ahead of the launch of a tendering process for delivery of job activation programmes, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection commissioned Indecon to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Local Employment Services. Here, editor Allen Meagher dives in to the results.
Social farming: Gaining experience in the field
As the concept of social farming gains traction around the country, Changing Ireland takes a look at the overall picture.
3 co-operatives abroad that will inspire at home
On the eve of the UN and International Cooperative Alliance’s International Day of Cooperatives, we’re revisiting a spread from our June-July 2018 issue (Issue 60) drawing on cooperatives from around the world for examples of best practice.
What will the rural community of the future look like?
Have you ever wondered what someone of 100 years ago – or even 50 or 60 – might make of our modern world? So has eConcepts’ Pat Kennedy…
63 CAO courses that could land you a community development job
Today is the CAO’s Change of Mind deadline, marking the last point at which college applicants can choose the path that will set the course for their early career.
Draft social enterprise policy heading for cabinet approval
As the release of the final National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland looms, we take a look at some recent social enterprise activity in the South East.
Natnoot: Enterprise funds, inspiration and a wheatgrass empire
In times of unemployment and economic difficulties, some of the brightest stars are the entrepreneurs who chance it all on an idea.
4 SICAP success stories and the LDCs behind them
Consistently showcasing successes can give those holding the purse strings confidence in the work. Some companies are already doing this, and have been able to do so on a national stage.
Sustainable Gastronomy: Would you take Lisa Fingleton’s 30-Day Challenge?
On the UN’s Sustainable Gastronomy Day (18 June) and one day after the Irish government released its Climate Action Plan, we revisit a story from late last year that examines Ireland’s over-reliance on imported food and the carbon impact of those imports.
Pat Spillane on the Late Late: a one-sided one-man show
Pat Spillane may have genuine and valid concerns with how the Department of Rural and Community Development operates, but his Late Late Show appearance was far from balanced.
Forget for-profits: It’s volunteers who make communities work
At a South Dublin County Partnership open day, one speaker highlighted the impact local volunteers can have.
How does the DRCD really spend its money?
The Department of Rural and Community Development has the smallest budget of any government department, but what does it do with its allocation?
Success stories: Gas plant win for climate campaigners, and more
Sometimes, it can feel like working in community development is an uphill battle, with hard-won victories few and far between. Over the last few months, however, the sector’s enjoyed some major (and minor) successes.
Family-friendly anti-Trump protests planned for Shannon
In advance of Donald Trump’s arrival in Ireland, peaceful protests are being planned in Shannon.
Minister Ring wants to expand Department amid SICAP success
As SICAP 2 sees continued successes, programme providers are starting to showcase their work. At a recent South Dublin County Partnership open day, Minister Ring applauded their enthusiasm.
Why do we still have to justify community work’s existence?
The work of community development and social inclusion organisations has a consistent track record in Ireland. So why do those organisations continually have to justify its existence?
‘I’m now a lecturer in community development’ – Horace
I’m now a lecturer in community development… Think of how I’m going to shape young minds!
Could social inclusion consultations have been simple tokenism?
At SIF 2019, feedback from community representatives seened to ask one big question: was consultation on the new social inclusion strategy all a sham?
Are Travellers being given a fair shake in ‘progressive’ Ireland?
When reporter Ray Lucey met with female community health workers from the Offaly Traveller Movement, a new world was opened up to him.
Two events you’ll want to add to the calendar
Interested in getting some best practice tips and tricks to incorporate into your community and voluntary sector work? We’ve got some events for you.
A Chinese hero and the museum that woke the dragon
The Michael Davitt Museum may be small, but it’s impressed an unlikely international supporter: China. The deserving community museum recently received department funding to further its reach.
The real-life value of Community Enhancement funding
When it comes to large funding programmes, it can be hard to see beyond the big numbers to the actual impact they make on communities. It’s only when you look at the nitty gritty that their true value reveals itself.
How Community Futures built one village’s community space
As Straide Community Development Group prepares to reopen the Mayo village’s hall, they credit a process called Community Futures for making it possible.
The magic formula: Castleblayney delivers ‘knockout’ health fair
Health fairs can be a great way to educate a community on how to live a healthy life, but how can you ensure that your effort is hitting the mark? Castleblayney may have the answer.
Is community development the key to preventing family violence?
New Zealand is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes, its blockbuster output and its sporting prowess. What it’s less well known for is its major issue with family violence. Researcher and family violence prevention practitioner Cristy Trewartha discusses here one of the approaches designed to make a difference.
Community education and its powerful impact beyond the classroom
As the Limerick Community Education Network celebrated its 25th birthday last year, editor Allen Meagher looked at the far-reaching impact of its classes.
LCEN at 25: It’s about meeting people and gaining confidence
As the Limerick Community Education Network marks its 25th anniversary, community workers and staff members were honoured at a celebration event.
Who are 2018’s Volunteers of the Year?
Last year (2018), the 11th annual Volunteer Ireland awards honoured a dozen people for their voluntary contributions, but who took home what prizes?
Tech in the community: Why you should sit up and take notice
The tech sector is vast and growing, but it has a reputation for leaving some members of society behind. Here’s why we need to play a part in changing that.
What happened at the first ever meeting of the Pullough Men’s Shed?
As Men’s Sheds become more and more popular around the island, Changing Ireland attends the very first meeting of the Pullough branch.
The Big Hello: How can you get to know the neighbours?
Wish you knew more about the people living next door? Here’s your opportunity…
Who is Volunteer Ireland’s 2018 Volunteer of the Year?
As part of Volunteer Ireland’s annual awards, a dozen people and organisations were honoured for their voluntary contributions – but who went home with the coveted Volunteer of the Year crown?
Got milk? How a community shop is bringing Pullough back to life
For most of us, running out of milk is a mild inconvenience. For Martin Buckley – and the eight volunteers he recruited – it was a game changer for Pullough, Co Offaly.
No job? No problem: A Terenure crash course in entrepreneurship
Often, it can be the more vulnerable people in our communities who have the most difficulty finding ways to be self-sustaining. Here, Terenure Enterprise Centre enterprise support officer Vasilena Vasileva explains what they did with Walk to change that.
What’s in a name? Centre for Independent Living rebrands as ILMI
As the Centre for Independent Living unveils a new name, Allen Meagher looks at why the organisation won’t be changing much else.
I Am Traveller: Talking history, heritage and social inclusion
Social inclusion policies don’t always reach everyone that needs them. How can that be addressed in the Traveller community?
How-to: Growing tech skills in your community
We can all agree that tech knowledge is essential for the future of work, but how can communities support tech learning?
Gambia’s Smiling Coast: A small country and its big hopes
Allen Meagher returns to the Gambia, the country where he worked with Irish volunteer organisation APSO in the 90s, to see how communities are developing after the democratic ouster of its former dictator.
Community workers share experiences at SICAP consultations
At a series of consultations that sought frontline views of SICAP, case studies and stories gave us a detailed picture.
Community Services Programme to be reviewed for first time
The Community Services Programme was set up to provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people. After 13 years, we’re about to find out if it’s working.
Social farming: A closer look at the growing initiative
Following on from a successful visit to a Co Kerry social farming open day, Allen Meagher takes a closer look at what it’s all about.
Social farming open day: ‘It’s not tied to old ideas of farming’
Farming is a vocation as well as a way to make a living. Imagine sharing farming life with people who need to catch a break, but who may also not know a thing about farming… That’s social farming and it’s changing lives.
New caps on moneylending could end exorbitant interest rates
As laws come into effect to cap moneylending rates, Olive McCarthy and Noreen Byrne of the University College Cork (UCC) Centre for Co-operative Studies explain why they support it.
Who were the winners at the 2018 Pride of Place Awards?
In November 2018, community and voluntary sectors representatives descended on Cork to honour their best and brightest at the Pride of Place Awards.
Women’s Aid makes urgent call for domestic homicide reviews
As Women’s Aid released its 2018 Femicide Watch report, the organisation called for a new approach to reducing deaths from femicide.
What will the future of gender equality look like?
At a Wexford Local Development event that aimed ‘to examine the local context 100 years after women were given the right to vote,’ issues of gender equality in politics, education and daily life were raised.
Wexford calls for equality: ‘We cannot accept progress in 50-year slots’
If expectations in Wexford are replicated in other counties, there could be a surge in the number of women elected as local councillors.
You, #MeToo and the community of women
As we enter 2019, Kirsty Tobin outlines #MeToo, the Silence Breakers, #TimesUp and Donald Trump’s election – just some of the reasons, in short, why Changing Irelandis prepared to declare 2018 the Year of the Woman.
Soldiers in petticoats: 100 years of women’s right to vote
Late last year, women’s right to vote in Ireland turned 100 years old. Here, we examine the history of Irish women’s suffrage.
Are we there yet? Fight for women’s equality in Ireland not over
As we launch Women’s Week here on Changing Ireland, editor Allen Meagher shares his thoughts on the continued fight for equality.
3 books to get community development fans this Christmas
‘Tis the season, but what do you get the community development worker who has it all? One of these books might do the job…
Credit unions most reliable financial institutions in Ireland?
It’s been 10 years since the banks were bailed out, but credit unions are still unfairly tarnished. This year’s Credit Union Summer School in University College Cork sought to clear their name.
Who are the 6 winners of the 2018 Resilient Communities Fund
In an age where community-based solutions can solve national problems, Social Innovation Fund is offering a helping hand. At this year’s Ploughing Championships, we were introduced to the six groups that the organisation is supporting in their efforts.
Meet Cian Power, the Moyross teen on the way to soccer stardom
Not everyone can be a star, so how come so many people from Moyross are famous?
3 people who had life-changing experiences with Moyross Youth Academy
During the early 2000s, Moyross became known nationally for extreme poverty and high crime rates. Some organisations sought to give residents a way out of that stereotype. One of them was the Moyross Youth Academy.
Laura Hughes: ‘I’m from Moyross – this is who I am’
The official opening of the Moyross Youth Academy was more than just a launch – it was an opportunity for local participants to tell their stories.
Is new Youth Academy proof Moyross has turned a corner?
The new Moyross Youth Academy has been officially opened at a launch event featuring Minister of State David Stanton and several former Moyross youth programme participants.
Horace asks: Have you been sigh-capped?
Former agony uncle Horace McDermott has come up with a new approach to help promote SICAP. To make sure everyone can pronounce it he is introducing tattoos.
Is social inclusion our best weapon in the fight against the far right?
People forced to the margins of society are far more likely to be radicalised, so why aren’t we talking more about successful social inclusion approaches?
Jim Ife: Fighting a defensive war has made us conservative
At this summer’s World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, activist Jim Ife spoke about why community development workers have to stop pulling their punches.
Bernadette McAliskey rings alarm bells for community development
At the World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, veteran activist Bernadette McAliskey told those gathered that, if we have nothing to say about wealth, funding and the rise of the right, it’s time to go home.
WCDC 2018: Sweating, singing and speaking up in Maynooth
At this summer’s World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, enthusiastic attendees sang, danced and made their feelings heard.
WCDC 2018: Grassroots energy gives voice to the voiceless
After spending a couple of days at the 2018 World Community Development Conference in Maynooth, Kirsty Tobin shares the major takeaways from the event.
WCDC: Bernadette on target, but Jim hits the bullseye
Following this summer’s World Community Development Conference, editor Allen Meagher reminisces about as past encounter with two of the headline speakers.
The Secret Librarian: “What kind of society do we want?”
As a raft of new services are announced for Ireland’s libraries, we ask our Secret Librarian for their take on the upcoming changes.
330 libraries to become ‘community hubs’ under new strategy
As Minister Michael Ring launches the new library strategy, we learn more about what the library of the future might look like.
LEADER milestone: 1,000th project proposal approved for funding
As LEADER reaches a special milestone, we look at the project that got it there.
Budget 2019: €62m increase in Rural and Community Development budget
As the government announces the details of Budget 2019, what has been allocated to the Department, and where else will communities see increases?
Minister Ring launches 5-year anti-poverty programme
Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring officially launched the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in Limerick on 20 April.
How to get your Mojo back
When reporter Ray Lucey spotted a poster promising ‘male spaces’, he started asking questions. He encountered Mojo, and learned all about the nationwide initiative.
What is the role of LCDCs in your community?
Communities are frequently at loggerheads with their local authority. Naturally so. Call it constructive tension. However, to know more about how communities and local authorities work well together – and, increasingly, they do – we focus on the role of the local community development committee.
View from Abroad: Community development in lion country
We’re all aware of the stresses on people and the environment in Africa. The human population is expanding and wild animal numbers are declining. Reporter Cian Kearns heard about an impressive project in Tanzania that aims to protect both people and nature. He was curious to see for himself. Could the livelihood of farmers and their families be secured, while still protecting lions?
Horace’s diary: I’m gonna miss steak and standard definition
Given we’re in a new year, we thought we’d start off 2018 with a chuckle, so we asked Horace for a few jokes.
How has the DEASP responded to recent JobPath criticism?
Amid criticism and concerns about the JobPath programme, the recently rebranded Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection has touted its successes.
JobPath: What have I learned after 6 months on the programme?
As frustrations with JobPath are voiced throughout the country, reporter Ben Panter shares an inside look at his own experience.
Horace: ‘Want to do some real social work? Head to the pub’
Struggling to find fulfilment in your job? Frustrated by lack of progress? Let Horace show you the way.
Ain’t no mountain high enough: Young dads learn the ropes
Parenting can be tough at any age, but for teenagers it can be especially challenging. Luckily, there are programmes in place that can help.
Pobal conference: Varadkar responds to criticisms from the floor
At Pobal’s annual conference, Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar and Philip O’Connor of the Geary Institute addressed the concerns of attendees.
Family of late Clodagh Hawe launch fund for Women’s Aid
As Women’s Aid marks the 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence against Women campaign, the family of Clodagh Hawe launches a fundraising effort for the organisation.
As Brexit looms, cross-border projects need more support
As the prospect of a post-Brexit hard border continues to loom, Allen Meagher asks whether the threat Brexit poses to communities is being taken seriously.
Coveney briefs community reps on new development framework
Community groups and interests can work outside formal structures or within them. In many cases, they are obliged to do the latter. In practice, many do both.
5 award-winning social enterprises to empower Dublin communities
As the awards for Dublin’s Social Enterprise Grant Scheme were given out, who were the lucky (and hard-working) winners?
Groups campaigning for gender parity in Irish politics
Although we live in an ostensibly equal society, there are many areas in which men are given arguably preferential treatment. Politics is just one.
Who are the winners of this year’s Pride of Place?
In the 2016 nationwide Pride of Place competition, which shines a light on the work of communities across the island of Ireland, who came out tops?
Sola Symposium: Focus on greater quality to achieve greater equality
At Sola’s gathering of activists, academics and private sector actors, disability activists made sure their voices were heard loud and clear.
What supports are in place to combat rural poverty?
With poverty levels in rural Ireland demonstrably worse than in urban areas, and less visible, Cian Matthew Kearns asks what supports are available to those affected.
SIERRA LEONE: Surfing and Community Development
EXCERPT: Even when things were difficult during the Ebola outbreak the club did not disintegrate; it hibernated.
Enclude: Who supports the support services?
As reporting requirements increasingly land community workers in a seemingly endless cycle of funding reports, Enclude CEO Eamon Stack explains that there is another way.
“We’ll never forget what’s her name”
Colleagues making presentations to Marian Vickers, former CEO of Northside Partnership. She and her husband Aidan have moved to Kerry to open a Bed & Breakfast. She was with Northside from the beginning. - Marian Vickers got project going with a hundred pounds -...
The Community Sector in Ireland – THE VIEW FROM THE STARTING BLOCK
- HOW OPTIMISTIC ARE YOU ABOUT FINDING WORK IN THE COMMUNITY SECTOR? BY ALLEN MEAGHER As folk who’ve been working in the Community & Voluntary Sector since the early 1990s begin to retire, we asked five up and coming community workers how optimistic they were...
Superb equality resource idea from Monaghan County Council
Compare how different your life would have been had you lived in 1955 - Monaghan County Council’s booklet takes an unique approach to demonstrating how people’s struggle for social justice and equality has reaped many rewards. Anyone in Ireland today would find it...
Evidence proves early childhood support works
A childcare project and a university in north Dublin have proven beyond doubt that early childhood support is worth its weight in gold.
Students “Stand Up!” to homophobic bullying
by Mark Quinn The 7th annual “Stand Up!” week was launched this morning in St Nessan’s Community College, Limerick by the Minister for Education and Skills Jan O’Sullivan. The campaign runs until Friday 27th November and aims to address homophobic and...
UCC conference on assertive communities set for Oct 21 – organised by Co-op Studies & Civil Society researchers
Brian Harvey, Anna Lee, Mary Fogarty and Marian Harkinare among the guest speakers lined up for a conference on local and community development to be held on Wednesday, October 21st, in University College Cork. Dr Carol Power "The conference is titled 'The Changing...
Challenger Programme
INTRODUCTION TV3’s ‘Darndale, the Edge of Town’ broadcast over three weeks in September presented a touching but sometimes stereotyped picture of the north Dublin suburb, REPORTS ALLEN MEAGHER. Filmed over 12 months, the producers called it an “honest portrayal...
Editorial: Ciara’s calling & Roscrea stands up!
By Allen Meagher, ‘Changing Ireland’.In preparation for the publication of this our 48th edition of ‘Changing Ireland’, we considered the need for the board, editorial team and other volunteers to head off for a 3-month strategic think-in on an atoll in the...
Changing Ireland magazine editor’s response to ‘Breaking Crime’ (Limerick)
The editor of national community development magazine ‘Changing Ireland’, based in Moyross, Limerick, has written to TV3’s chief executive, David McRedmond asking for improved treatment by the station of disadvantaged communities.He has also produced a video response...
Young, unemployed, angry and calling for action – one person’s experience
Vivien Whelan- VIVIEN WHELAN SPEAKS OUTVivien Whelan from Wexford is angry about being long-term unemployed, yet remains positive about the future - once people realise they must take action.If you've an interest in seeing this country facing up to long-term youth...
Flood-relief Volunteers & Community give it all
- while Government criticised'Changing Ireland' reporter Darragh Clifford-Cronin spoke to volunteers who came to the community's aid after flooding of St Mary's Park, Limerick, while local and central Government's input was less than desired.This week, residents...
Ecoeye inspired by Tipperary’s community energy scheme
- Duncan Stewart sees groundswell build in face of "massive change”RTE’s Ecoeye on Feb 4thshowcased the work of an unique LCDP-supported community energy project in North Tipperary.Reflecting afterwards on this and a project he visited on Inis Mor, presenter Duncan...
Affordable (€10) ‘Social Media for Change’ training in Cork on Jan 21st
In 1994, Ballyphehane CDP's office had a typewritter and a telephone to communicate with the outside world. Now everyone has a tablet and they can communicate with most members of the community without leaving the building (they do leave the building). On Jan...
Zen and the Art of Local development
by Robert Carey Anyone who read Robert Pirsig’s best selling cult book (most likely in their younger years) ‘Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance’ and claimed they understood every word could most kindly be accused of being self-deluded.It was possible however...
10,700 unemployed people set up their own jobs
And in turn created work for 700 more... Every working day, an average of 23.4 new jobs are being created through the Government’s main community-level, social inclusion programme. This is one of the unrivalled achievements of the Local and Community Development...
Town’s spirit rises as volunteers show up with tea and chocs
Working on a shoestring budget, sustained by tea bags, mars bars and a good sense of humor, Borrisokane Community Forum is doing what was done by paid local community workers until recently. “Volunteers in Borrisokane are showing that a huge amount can be achieved by...
Mounttown’s late-night soccer heroes
Oasis Project 5-a-side team - Winners of Dublin's Late Night Soccer LeagueBoys known for getting up to far more than mere mischief on the streets of south Dublin are heroes in their communities now, having switched from the streets to become aces on the football...
Workers’ concerns to be addressed “shortly” – Minister
Follow-up sought after first union-dept meeting Darragh O'Connor of SIPTUSIPTU and Department representatives met on September 24 to discuss issues arising for workers from the rolling out of proposals in ‘Putting People First’ particularly “alignment” (closer...
Experience points to embracing our urban cowboys
- Reframing sulky riding in a positive contextBy Allen MeagherAnyone who’s seen the video of sulky riders taking over both sides of the Cork-Mallow road would be inclined to think sulky racing was a menace. Indeed, prosecutions did follow, an outcome welcomed as much...
Asylum seekers take court action over direct provision
A family of six has taken a High Court challenge against the Government’s direct provision scheme under which asylum-seekers are provided with accommodation and a small weekly allowance while their applications are being processed.The processing of applications, with...
‘Be wary of markets, boards and sharp elbows’ Wheel conference told
Excellent speakers attended The Wheel’s conference during the summer, among them Martyn Evans, Mary Murphy and Brendan Halligan, REPORTS ALLEN MEAGHER.Company boards were identified as the greatest barrier to advocacy work, co-operation is the way forward (no...
Fewer college drop-outs due to CDP
- Project impact on city outlinedJennifer McMahon of UL officially launched Limerick City CDP's reportLimerick City Community Development Project (LCCDP) launched its annual report for 2012 in June and the report’s statistics underpin positive changes in people’s...
Retrofit the country and we’ll save €3billion annually
- Tipperary communities have proven it can work (and creates work).By Allan Stewart.* The country pays out €6 billion annually for fossil fuel imports, yet communities in Co. Tipperary are uniquely demonstrating how we could halve that bill and create employment:When...
Publication of Mid-Term Review imminent
It has been confirmed that a much-anticipated report on the Local and Community Development Programme will be published shortly.Clodagh McDonnell, Principal Officer with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, stated: “The Mid-Term Review of...
Where do you read yours?
George Clancy reading Changing Ireland Issue 41 in Argentina.We're looking for someone to beat international rugby referee George Clancy's impressive submission... Recently, we asked readers to send in snaps of themselves reading 'Changing Ireland' (print or online)...
A whirlwind tour of Waterford with ‘Good man Jack’
By Robert McNamaraThe sun gleamed pink on the new River Suir Bridge as ‘Changing Ireland’ scuttled along on our journey toward the Ireland’s oldest city.Not even a debate with the toll lady about her aversion to accepting coppers as legal tender could sully that...
How Cooleen’s Close forged a new community pride
By Hilary Dilworth and Phil ShanahanResidents of Cooleen’s Close in Clonmel town, Co. Tipperary, have banded together and forged a new community pride in the area by retaking waste ground, entering organic gardening and opening the door to outside...
Ex-prisoners turning their lives around in Ferrybank
Kenny Colfer displays one of U-Casadh's awardsBy Robert McNamaraThe place is bustling as ‘Changing Ireland’ comes through the door unannounced and seeking a story. We immediately get the impression that there are plenty here.The warm vibe is instantly striking and we...
Hormone therapy for transgender people
'Transgender Healthcare’ was the focus of the Transgender South-East Conference 2013. Held in February, it aimed to de-mystify the healthcare needs of transgender people and their families.Participants heard that 32% of health and social care workers had...
Kerryman’s ‘Penrelief’ idea
Ger Collins, founder of penrelief.comA new ‘get-it-off-your-chest’ website set up in March has got people from Ireland and around the world writing about their mental health challenges, REPORTS ALLEN MEAGHER.It’s attracted the attention of two major suicide prevention...
Speed dating for community groups
L-R: Susan Power, Waterford City Childcare Committee; Eilishe O’Keeffe, Brothers of Charity; John McDonald, Waterford Disability Network; Fiona Lewis, South East Simon; Paul Murphy, Waterford Warmer Homes. Might a replacement have been found for C&V sector...
Kerry village wins unique prize
Mary McEvoy with Dan O’ Connor, development manager with Kerry Mental Health Association, in Ballyduff on March 14th. Photo by Oskars Krastins. A village in North Kerry has won an unique prize, courtesy of North East Kerry Development working with...
5 steps to holding your own hip-hop festival By Karen O’Donnell-O’Connor
Karen O’Donnell O’Connor is the Community Development Officer with PAUL Partnership and is a member of the organising committee of ‘Make A Move’ in Limerick. No. 1 - Get Started!ü Bring a group of knowledgeable and dedicated people together.ü Make...
“Hip-hop is risky territory, but so worth it” – Catherine O’Halloran, youth worker
“Wake up! We need to open ourselves up and embrace what is around us" - Catherine O'Halloran, youth worker, Limerick.Community organisations with a reputation to uphold with the general public, never mind their funders, enter “risky territory” when they agree to fund...
Why are so many turning to hip-hop?
- It can be used as a community and personal development toolFRONT COVER NEWS FEATURERobert McNamara reportsHip-hop is a cultural phenomenon we all know about.Whether we like it or not - or even understand it - it’s everywhere. It’s on TV, the radio, the internet, in...
VOLUNTEER PROFILE – John Lyons, handyman and social entrepreneur
“I never imagined the volunteering would lead to paid work.”John Lyons from Limerick worked in construction for 20 years, felt the brunt of the decline, began volunteering and, lo and behold, 18 months later he’s looking at being paid once more for construction...
Payoff beckons for eagle-eyed volunteers
Two volunteers have set up a new company in the Mid-West after spotting a niche area of the construction sector that the multi-nationals are ill-equipped to compete in.The two directors of Community Repair and Maintenance (CRM) could be in clover by year’s...
Alignment – For and Against
IN FAVOUR: “This document represents a fundamental re-imagining of the system and it sees local government leading economic, social and community development… Unlike many previous reform documents, this Programme sets out firm decisions by Government rather than...
On the web relating to Alignment
REPORTS, ANALYSIS, RESPONSES The following are links to 30 or so online news reports, academic articles and Government papers. Along with our own sources and a review or Oireachtas debates, they helped inform 'Changing Ireland's reportage on local government reform...
Further perspectives on ‘Alignment’
– Excerpts from reports by Dr Brendan O’Keeffe, Niall Crowley, Debra Mountford, Seán O’Riordan:
Alignment in more detail: The role and functions of Socio-Economic Committees
Representation on the Socio-Economic Committees (SEC) and their terms of reference are currently the subject of discussion. Currently, this is what is envisaged. § A Socio-Economic Committee (SEC) will be established in each city and county council area for...
Minister Hogan on ‘Putting People First’
Late last year, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Minister Phil Hogan launched ‘Putting People First’ describing it as “one of the most radical, ambitious and far-reaching governance reform plans ever put forward by an Irish Government.” Minister Hogan said: “The reforms...
Alignment of Local Government and Local Development
- Government policy outlined The Programme for Government committed to reviewing the delivery of services at local level in order to improve service delivery from the point of view of the citizen. It has committed to reducing the duplication of services while ensuring...
NEWS FEATURE: Community reps negotiate with officials
- Talks continue over small but significant detail of reform plansAllen Meagher reports: Talks are continuing between Government officials and representatives from the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) the representative body for the country’s Local Development...
The other ‘Big A’ debate – Putting people on horseback first
EDITORIALBy Allen Meagher, editor 'Changing Ireland' The public generally understands two things about local authorities. On the one hand, the elected representatives deserve more power - too much rests with officials. The second commonly held view is that local...
Digital Changing Ireland: now with greater interactive features
You can now enjoy the digital edition of Changing Ireland with greater interaction and ease of access. We have upgraded our issuu.com account to include every issue of Changing Ireland and readers can now preview each edition's content before clicking to read....
Issue 41 of Changing Ireland available online now
Just click on the magazine cover to read It's now easier to get Changing Ireland then ever before. Here is a quick 'how to' guide on accessing the magazine using various technology. 1. On your computer - Just click the link below and you can scroll around...
JUST PUBLISHED! 24 spectacular pages of local & community development work from around Ireland
It's out! Packed with news & features, the Winter 2012 edition of 'Changing Ireland' has reached many thousands of readers around the country by post, is in Easons and you can flick through as easily as the paper version at...
A Taste of What’s To Come
--> Participants on the 2012 Work Taster Programme--> Work-taster programme lands two participants permanent jobs in Ballymun Most employers hate sifting through CVs. It's just black and white text to them. There's no personal feeling or relationship with...
How to get the digital edition of Changing Ireland
It's now easier to get Changing Ireland then ever before. Here is a quick 'how to' guide on accessing the magazine using various technology. 1. On your computer - Just click the link below and you can scroll around and turn pages just as you would the print...
LCDP Progress Report published; community groups await “alignment” proposals
Some of the 10,000 people who got a training boost through the LCDP in 2011 (1) This week Community Minister Phil Hogan is reportedly due to discuss his "alignment" proposals with Cabinet which could see local authorities gaining far more control over State-funded...
Track down LCDP projects around the country
Did you know Changing Ireland has the most comprehensive database of LCDP projects in the country? We can tell you where they are, how to contact them and you can even virtually stand outside their front door using our map. Above is our 'how to' guide to using the...
Do it yourself! Cavan-Monaghan LEADER paves the way for local festivals
Casteblayney goes green in their successful attempt to break the Guinness world record for the most Hulks in one place. Photo: Glenn Murphy who is a voluntary member of the festivals committee in Castleblayney.Cavan-Monaghan LEADER have helped to find a solution to a...
Mid-West substance misuse support service launched
L-R: Chairperson of the Regional Drug Task Force Mick Lacey, Minister of State Jan O'Sullivan, Mayor of Limerick Gerry McLoughlin and Project Manager at CSMT, Maria FinnA new service which aims to provide a free support service to under 18's, who are affected by...
Programme work explained in 3 mins by RTE
RTE's most popular radio programme 'Morning Ireland' this week broadcast a feature showcasing the success of the Local and Community Development Programme in helping over 5,000 people last year to set up businesses.Here's what was broadcast: - RTE's...
Ryan Howard of East Cork says – Think positive!
PROFILE INTERVIEW Who’s your hero?Nelson Mandela. And my late father was a great man, a hard worker.Nationally, what do we need more of?We need to move away from the negative and begin focussing in on the positives. There’s not enough good news being reported and...
New textbook on Community Development
A new textbook introducing the theories and practices of community development, complimented by case-studies of Irish success stories, has been published.In 250-pages ‘Community Development: Theory, Policy and Practice’ achieves a lot, for example...
A dozen useful websites – find out more about Community Development in Ireland
There are a number of useful websites worth recommending to anyone interested in the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland and in Community Development. 1. https://www.activelink.ie If you haven’t already signed up for Activelink’s weekly e-bulletins, do! They...
Ireland Version 2 – our democracy’s due an upgrade
Gearoid FitzgibbonBy Gearoid FitzgibbonGiven the scale of the economic crisis in Ireland, it is no surprise that political reform was one of the key issues in the 2011 General Election. There was a sense that the “operating system” of Ireland, our constitution, needed...
What makes Swedish childcare so different?
By Jenny Tellström Six per cent of those working in childcare in Sweden are men, one of the highest rates in Europe. In Ireland it’s less than 1%. So what makes Sweden different?Continuing our series on Men in Childcare, Jenny Tellstrom shares the experience of...
You’re never too old
Helen CallanBy Helen CallanFrom Townspark, Navan, Co. Meath, Helen Callan, who is now in her 50s, volunteers with young people at risk of drug addiction. She was 40 when she returned to school and she wrote this article “to encourage some of your readers to bite the...
A lesson for the country – Ballymun kids lift school attendance by 14,000 days
The Government is planning to extend the law that holds parents to account when their child misses school unnecessarily. The new law would also cover the parents of children under six years of age. Meanwhile, Ballymun has come up with a completely new (and possibly...
Village buys business and saves jobs
BY EVELYN O’ROURKEThe village of Sangudo in Alberta, Canada, mirrors some of the challenges faced by communities in Ireland. With a population of 360 people, Sangudo has until recently, experienced a steady rate of economic decline. Businesses were forced to close and...
Cut to Back To Work Allowance “a concern”
Louise BroganThe level of State financial support for people starting their own business – critical to 5,040 people who did just that last year - has been reduced by two years.“This is a genuine concern. The four-year allowance added a really big strength to the Start...
476 new businesses sprout in Donegal – with a survival rate of 60% after three years
AIB’s Jim McLaughlin, DLDC chair Jim Slevin and winner Michael Conway. Ann Styles reportsEntrepreneurs in Donegal have access to a wealth of information and support from their Local Development Company (LDC).From Start Your Own Business (SYOB) courses to...
Traveller Beoirs mean business! – Galway Traveller Women Entrepreneurs launch a toolkit
Bridget Kelly, Joanna Corcoran and Anne Marie McDonagh at the launch of the Enterprising Traveller Women' toolkit by GTM's ETWE project. Photo by Derek SpeirsIn Galway, there is a drive underway at local level to support enterprising Traveller women.Recently...
Offaly men changing their lives
Keith Walsh and Michael Egan Interviews by Robert McNamara Keith Walsh and Michael Egan from Clara both did the 16 month programme and are continuing on with further education and community involvement. Community workers first approached Keith and Michael...
Offaly makes a start – as 5 people get a start
BY ROBERT MCNAMARAA programme supporting those at risk of social exclusion has, in the past few months, helped 55 long-term unemployed people move towards paid employment in Co. Offaly. Five of the people who last December completed the 16-month programme gained...
Worklink: another volunteer-led support for job-seekers
An expanding network of volunteers is providing help to job-seekers in Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Athlone, Cork, Galway, and Waterford.The Worklink project employs two paid staff in Dublin with most of the work being done by the volunteers.Unemployed people are offered...
Changing Ireland issue 39 – out now
Open publication - Free publishing - More civil society The most popular Civil Society magazine in Ireland. LEAD STORY: Jobs you haven't heard about - 5000 people develop new businesses Reports from: Canada, Sweden, Brussels, Meath, Donegal, Cork, Offaly,...
Belfast unemployed centre fuelled by bar
The John Hewitt, an award-winning bar in Belfast city centre, is owned by and financially supports the operations of the Belfast Unemployed Resource Centre.The resource centre had always relied on an unsteady series of grants and 15 years ago decided to generate their...
Volunteers now running 3 job-seekers’ centres
Citizens fill in where there are no staff in West CorkBy Robert McNamaraThree community led job-seekers centres, staffed by volunteers, are currently operating in the West Cork area, with plans for three more to be opened.Only for them, unemployed people in West Cork...
The huge satisfaction in serving others – Karen Moroney, Volunteer at Clonakilty Job-seekers’ centre
Karen MoroneyINTERVIEW BY ROBERT MCNAMARA Karen Moroney was unemployed at one stage and appreciated the support she got. She’s now doing the same for others by volunteering with Clonakilty Job-Seekers’ Centre which was set up under the LCDP. Her volunteering is...
Robert McNamara, Journalist
Robert McNamaraRobert McNamara from Corbally in Limerick City, has joined Changing Ireland Community Media Ltd on a long-term work placement as a journalist.He is currently studying a degree in Journalism and New Media with sociology and politics at the University of...
“On the cusp of a huge opportunity” Interview with: Ryan Howard in Brussels
Ryan Howard By Allen Meagher “We’re standing on the cusp of a huge opportunity here,” claims Ryan Howard, talking about Ireland’s potential to unlock EU funds for communities from 2014 onwards.From 18 months time, the European Commission (EC) proposes just one...
Community workers seek to harvest ideas for the future
By Robert McNamara and Allen Meagher INTRODUCTIONA new way of looking at communities in Ireland is being sought in the run-up to the 20th anniversary of the Rio Earth Summit.President Michael D Higgins thought this work was important enough to officiate at the...
Mind your tongue, warns President Higgins
Anna Vissor and President Michael D Higgins at the Advocacy InitiativePresident Michael D. Higgins has criticised the use of expressions such as “service users” and “clients” to describe people who interact with community and voluntary sector organisations. He was...
25,000 jobs possible, says John Murphy
John Murphy CEO Speedpak The EU Commission’s ‘Social Business Initiative’ reflects the value and potential the EU Commission sees in models of social enterprises and entrepreneurship right across Europe. Social enterprises represent on average 5% of GDP in the EU but...
A London Perspective for Limerick
Michael Pyner Michael Pyner established the Shoreditch Trust in Hackney, London, in 2000 and since then it has become a multi award-winning community investment and regeneration agency. From growing lettuce indoors on walls (why not?!) to training former prisoners as...
Social enterprise – has its time finally come?
By Tanya Lalor and Gerard DoyleRecent moves by the EU Commission on social enterprise will have a significant influence in years to come.The Commission now sees social enterprise as being at the heart of the drive to create a more inclusive model of economic...
Zumbathon – a fun way to find funds
An Cosán Zumbathon An Cosán, a women's centre for learning, leadership and social enterprise based in Jobstown, Tallaght, have taken to some innovative ways to raise money.Aisling Freeman has a voluntary fundraising role with the organisation. “We hope to do at least...
Countries Warmest Centres are in Offaly
Over the past two years, 41 community centres in Offaly were audited for energy-efficiency and a half- dozen of them have upgraded their centres through funding from the Rural Development Programme. Walls were dry-lined and insulated, windows replaced,...
Very Good News From Brussels for Communities
There’s good news from Brussels as more funds may begin flowing towards communities throughout Europe in two years time. The European Commission talks for the first time in its spending plans about “community-led local development” as it looks towards 2014-’20.The...
Mary Connors is Traveller of the Year
Mary ConnorsOn December 1, 2011, Mary Connors from New Ross was presented with the overall Traveller Pride 2011 Award at a ceremony supported by ten national Traveller organisations.She said, “I would hope that my grandchildren will not have to spend their lives...
Clifden’s Mary Kirby – 30 years volunteering
Mary Kirby/ClifdenBY ROBERT MCNAMARACancer survivor, volunteer and community organiser. There are many things that exemplify Mary Kirby of Clifden, Connemara, but it is her unwavering optimism that shines through the most.“I always look at the glass as half-full, no...
Innovative micro enterprise project comes to Ireland
Entrepeneurs 4 Change- Community groups giving would-be entrepreneurs second chanceFive community organisations have pulled together and pooled resources to bring a new entrepreneurial programme to Ireland, one which has proven a success in the USA in giving social...
Especially for people who’ve been excluded
Des BurkeThe European Volunteer Service (EVS) contains “specific supports to enable the participation of young people with fewer opportunities, for example as a result of disability, educational inequality, poverty or economic exclusion,” says Des Burke of Léargas.The...
New counselling initiative reaching people for first time
“It helped to give me a kickstart in life," a participant in the Gateway Project said of it. "It gave my life meaning and made me want to make something of it.” Established in Dublin in 2004 as a pilot scheme between the then Rathmines Community Partnership and mental...
WORKER PROFILE: Martha Griffin, Rathmines, Dublin
Martha Griffin (picture by Conor HoganPOSITION: Community Development WorkerMartha Griffin has worked for the Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership for three anda half years. Previously, she studied Legal Studies and Taxation. Last year she spoke publicly about her...
Intergenerational work challenges old (and young) stereotypes
Lynda Wakefield pictured with Intergenerational project participent Sean DalyBy Conor Hogan“Young people and older people,” community worker Lynda Wakefield says, “are probably the two most discriminated-against demographics in society. They are also probably the most...
Wheel & Irish Rural Link to ensure everybody hears about tv switchover
On October 24th, rabbit ears and fuzzy receptions will become a thing of the past in Ireland thanks to the digital switchover. This change will affect roughly a quarter of a million households who are currently using only the analogue service. Most people in that...
Léargas actively looking for volunteers
Conor Hogan reportsNo Irish demographic has been hit harder in the recession than the young. In fact, of the working population under 30, one in three is now unemployed – a statistic that doesn’t bear thinking about. Many are hit with the uncomfortable choice of...
The pipes are calling to promote a thriving industry
While other sectors may be suffering, one that certainly hasn’t been affected by the recession is Uilleann Pipe making. The national bagpipe of Ireland is one of the most complicated instruments in the world to build, usually taking a master craftsman...
When David meets Dermot
'Dublin Valentines' is an annual public conversation between playwright and poet Dermot Bolger and well known Dublin writers, presented by axis in association with Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership and the North Dublin Chamber of Commerce. This year his...
EU Year of Active Ageing – Somebody Really Should Do Something!
By Marie Louise Byrne2012 is the EU Year of Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations – a somewhat wordy title which aims to raise awareness of the fact that we are living longer and staying healthier than ever before – and to realise the opportunities that...
15,000 employed and 70,000 trained
Brian Carty of the Irish Local Development Network- Survey of local development companies indicatesOver an 18-month period, Local Development Companies (LDCs) directly supported an estimated 15,000 people to find their way back into paid work, placed around 70,000...
Seanad Debate – Opposition divided over “alignment”
Minister Phil Hogan (FG)Minister Phil Hogan addressed the issue of “aligning” the local development sector with local government in the Seanad on November 9th. The Local and Community Development Programme is, Hogan said, “a key social inclusion...
Dail Report – Two Day Debate over community sector
Sinn Fein's Brian StanleyOn October 11th and 12th, the Dail debated the work of the voluntary and community sector, prompted by a motion from Laois-Offaly TD Brian Stanley (SF).The motion, which ran to two pages, called for the sector to be recognised, and in...
Wexford scheme has warmed 2500 homes & created jobs
Wexford Local DevelopmentBy Allen MeagherAround ten Local Development Companies (LDCs) are delivering the Better Energy Homes Scheme around the country along with 20 other community-based organisations. In Wexford, it’s been such a success that Wexford Local...
Group insulation schemes can jumpstart your local economy!
Gearoid Fitzgibbon writesInvesting in home insulation and energy efficiency gives a better return than most other sorts of investments: it saves the householder money, it gives work to local contractors, it circulates money back into the local economy, and, from a...
Tipp parish targets energy waste to spur rural economy
North Tipperary Energy PresentationBy Allen Meagher An energy audit by community volunteers and development workers has found that a parish in County Tipperary spent over €1million last year to heat and power its 400 households. Thirty homes in the area had...
“I gained confidence; we all benefitted” – says 19-year-old organiser
Emeka IroaganachiYoung people in Longford are putting it up to youth groups around the country to organise big multicultural events.Emeka Iroaganachi, 19, is president of the Longford Multicultural Youth Group and he and his friends spent a year organising for one...
The challenges ahead in local development By Dr. Eileen Humphreys
Dr Eileen HumphreysDr Eileen Humphreys has written an article about local development in Ireland that is as up-to-date as you’ll find.‘Local Development in Ireland: Review of the Current Position, Lessons and Future Challenges’ was published in August. Dr...
Country will be clean as a whistle shortly
A scrap metal collection - Communities hoovering up scrap metal to raise funds Keeping a local community organisation or sports club going can be a costly affair and many took to collecting scrap metal this year to raise money. GAA clubs led the way and the idea...
International local development perspectives
LDnet.euA new website called ‘LDnet’ focuses on “local development” work across Europe and further afield. The site is being added to all the time and includes an up-to-date article on local development in Ireland.It looks at a new pilot project recently launched in...
15,000 employed and 70,000 trained
- Survey of local development companies indicates Over an 18-month period, Local Development Companies (LDCs) directly supported an estimated 15,000 people to find their way back into paid work, placed around 70,000 people on training courses and provided support...
County’s First Gay Visibilty Week
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Visibility Week was launched on November 14 in Wexford – the first of it’s kind in the county. It was organised by ‘Gay Wexford’ and supported by LGBT Diversity and Wexford Local Development.Events included a ‘liberating party’...
‘Youth Rising’ in print
Youth Rising Spunout.ie has published 20,000 copies of a new youth magazine called ‘Youth Rising’ and if your local youth group wants copies, they’re available for free. The magazine has already gone out to schools, colleges, youth centres, cinemas, cafes and other...
Blue Drum – 10 Years
10 years of Blue DrumCommunity arts organisation Blue Drum this year celebrates 10 years working with families and communities. Thousands of community workers have been trained in the arts and Blue Drum has developed a volunteer programme and an arts and health...
It’s time to measure the value of volunteering
Conor Hogan- EU Year of the Volunteer reportBY CONOR HOGANIt has been said that for every euro spent towards volunteering, the yield is between €5 and €8. Such arithmetic is crude, however, for in reality they are priceless for...
VOLUNTEER PROFILE: Mary Lee Geary
Mary Lee GearyAs chairperson of the Community Development Association in Broadford in 2005, Mary Lee Geary turned activist and led the community in opposition to a proposed mobile phone mast in the village. It would have overlooked the site where the community...
High five looking at alignment of local govt & local development sector
Jim MileyFive people were appointed by Minister Phil Hogan to a high level steering group in September to look at how a closer alignment between local government and the local development sector would work.The five were chosen on the basis of their...
The business of leaving Cork prison
"If I didn’t meet Breda before I left Cork prison, I’m not sure what I might have done.”By Allen MeagherJames served four months in Cork prison and was the guest speaker people paid most attention to when he addressed a Business In The Community (BITC) event in...
The other 1%
Childcare worker Damien Walshe with Bobby Hogan and Jack Keely (credit Matt Kavanagh)- 99% of childcare workers are femaleBy Conor Hogan It is strange that while completely normal for a man to take care of his own children, those who wish to make a career out of...
Men in Childcare Hit Creche Barrier
As a companion to the latest edition's feature on the lack of men in childcare, Changing Ireland commissioned this cartoon.Enjoy!
Community safety: Parents found wanting
Martin Power, ULUL Sociology Dept launched a report on November 4th that, if its recommendations were implemented, could make life a lot easier for people in communities plagued by anti-social behaviour.“It’s a taboo topic, but everyone we spoke to mentioned children...
Take children outside!
Implementation Guide Play providers often say they need to strike a balance between the risks and the benefits of offering children challenging play opportunities. An easy to cut the risks down is to stay indoors, unhealthy though it may be in other ways.In...
Building breakthrough communities
New Carnegie Resilience bookTuesday November 22nd saw a networking session for community people in Ireland interested in the concept of resilience, REPORTS GEAROID FITZGIBBON. The “Networking for Community Resilience” event was hosted by Davie Philip (Cultivate.ie)...
International community development conference
NUI Maynooth An international community development conference was held in Maynooth on November 16th with speakers attending from Russia, Scotland, Australia, Holland, Liberia, Belgium and Ireland.Around 170 people took part and the event was oversubscribed. “It...
Six Tips for Michael D Higgins
Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D HigginsOn November 11th, Michael D Higgins was finally sworn in as Uachtarán na hÉireann, and his election has been broadly welcomed.Changing Ireland caught up with various people in the Community and Voluntary sectors, and asked them a...
New Women’s Aid service for immigrants
The Translation Service is available in 8 languagesAre you working with a female immigrant experiencing domestic violence who has difficulty speaking English?In September, Women’s Aid launched a translation service for women experiencing violence or abuse in the home....
Australia gives us Ugg boots, Fosters and now Men’s Sheds
A Men's Shed in the UKSmaller housing complexes had, by the early 90s, left less room for Australians to have their traditional large back-yard sheds. Men, especially retired ones, therefore, were often left without a place to go or activities to get on with. As...
Arklow: Men leave their shed in a boat
BY ALAN JACQUESAn Bád Inbhear MórThe 25 members of Arklow Men’s Sheds Group made waves recently as they kept their hometown’s long and proud tradition of boat building alive with the launch of their 20ft timber dory.Named 'An Bád Inbhear Mór', the rowing boat took 13...
One in five still experiencing abuse
Woman's Aid LaunchThis year’s 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women 2011 campaign saw many events held to highlight the fact that one in five Irish women who have been in a relationship have been abused by a current or former partner.International research...
Take one; leave one!
- Republic’s biggest book exchange is in Ballymun, probably!Ballymun Whitehall book exchangeOn the first Thursday of every month, over 250 people file through the Ballymun Civic Centre as the monthly Book Exchange takes place, organised by Ballymun Whitehall Area...
VOLUNTEERS RESTART ‘FAIR DAYS’ – for (very) small businesses
HELENA DEANE, business consultant and volunteer, explains the resurrection of the 1990s concept of Open Fair Days and gives some valuable information on how to set one up: The Open Fairs idea from 20 years ago is being revitalised and broadened as a...
Healthy eating course spreads across Dublin
A course in Clondalkin, that is that is also delivered in six other by other communities in Dublin, is teaching people to cook for themselves at a time when the diets of disadvantaged groups are disimproving.The breakfast roll, now part of male Ireland's dietary...
‘My trade unionist Dad set me on social justice path’
WORKING IN THE LCDP Declan Dunne giving a talk last year on health awareness. Photo courtesy of New Communities Partnership. - INTERVIEW WITH DECLAN DUNNE, BALLYMUN BY ALAN JACQUES Declan Dunne is the CEO of Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership* since 2003 and he...
New UL course covers social regeneration
UL has launched a new sociology masters course focused uniquely for Ireland on ‘Youth, Community and Social Regeneration’.Employment paths include youth and community work, research careers, policy development, and professional engagement in social regeneration.A...
Unpaid mentors support unemployed women in Mayo
Conor Hogan reportsConor HoganBy March of this year, there were 4,680 women on the live register in Mayo, up from 3,315 two years earlier. In fact, Mayo has the highest rural unemployment rate in the country with CSO figures showing the rate among women in the...
Rest in peace Richard Douthwaite
Richard Douthwaite, Westport, Co. Mayo, has passed away. He was a hero to many of us in Ireland and abroad who strive to promote sustainable local development as opposed to growth and materialism. Tributes are pouring in from around the world and can be read here on...
A €3.6 billion error? Here’s what we could do with that money
It’s all rather curious. Ireland is €3.6 billion better off than we thought.
Sean Gallagher – the ‘Changing Ireland’ interview – on youth work, criticisms and experience
Today is election day and Presidential candidate Sean Gallagher has replied (late and with apologies) to the questions we posed about his views on youth and community work and his level of involvement. We also asked for his reaction to community worker Rita Fagan's...
Sean Gallagher may yet answer community development questions
3pm SEAN GALLAGHER AND (INSET) RITA FAGAN.UPDATE! We've just received a call from Sean Gallagher's team. Kasia Murphy said Sean's replies to our questions are on their way by email. She indicated that the candidate's communications team has been stretched in...
PROFILE: Mike Redmond, Kilkenny Tús Supervisor
Alan JacquesReporter ALAN JACQUES recently interviewed one of the 200 supervisors being hired this year to work with Local Development Companies on the national Tús Scheme:County Kilkenny Leader Partnership recently appointed Mike Redmond as the supervisor...
HA-HA!! 10 YEARS OF CHANGING IRELAND CARTOONS!
HAHA-HAHA-HAHA!!! TO MARK OUR FIRST DECADE, HERE ARE SOME OF 'CHANGING IRELAND's BETTER CARTOONS PUBLISHED IN PRINT BETWEEN 2001-2011!Thanks in particular to Austin Creaven who provided us with some great work.CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM ALL.ENJOY!- Allen Meagher, editor
Summer edition just PUBLISHED
The summer edition of 'Changing Ireland' - marking 10 years in operation - will be available online from lunchtime today and in print next week! The lead story is about Community Resilience - download the magazine from our homepage: https://www.changingireland.ie/This...
Island projects seek some independence
English-speaking islands are moving closer to an agreement on a management structure for crucial projects funded through the Local and Community Development Programme. Negotiations are continuing with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government...
NEW RESOURCE: POBAL MAPS
- Social inclusion mapping now a realityWith the click of a mouse, you can now view levels of deprivation in your area under a range of categories and down to street level. You don’t hear people saying ‘Thanks to Pobal’ everyday, but that’s where the credit is due and...
Community centre for sale in Galway
The summer edition of 'Changing Ireland' is about to be published. The magazine will be available through Eason outlets, by post to subscribers (free) and on our website homepage. Here's one of the more eye-catching stories that feature.A community centre...
3,000 COMMUNITY GROUPS APPLY FOR TÚS WORKERS
BY ALLEN MEAGHERAcross the country, community groups are learning that they don’t have to be a registered charity or even have a bank account to apply for a Tús worker.Over 3,000 groups had applied for a worker by July with 1,200 of those considered worthwhile...
Pobal to continue, despite pre-election talk of closure
Pobal looks likely to continue to be supported by the Government, despite pre-election talk of closure, Minister Phil Hogan has indicated to 'Changing Ireland'.The Government agency was listed as one of the 145 so-called "quangos" that the State could do without, with...
How do partners claim credit for community work in the LCDP?
'Changing Ireland' recently put a question to Minister Phil Hogan to end debate between projects that co-operate on a piece of work, but need clear direction on who claims the credit.Q: The evaluation reports for LCDP work...
Community development in Dublin 12
Keep an eye on what's happening through the Programme in Dublin 12 via this blog from community workers with Rathmines Pembroke Community Partnership. The photo is taken from coverage on the blog about a 'Strengthening Families Programme', an internationally...
We’ve mapped 120+ projects in the LCDP
'Changing Ireland' has mapped over 120 projects in the Local and Community Development Programme.We've pinpointed 95% of the locations to within metres and you can access the project/companies' email, phone and website details through the map.CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MAP...
Limerick leads way with integrated service
Minister Joan Burton outside the new integrated officeToday, the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton officially opened the new premises of Northside Local Employment Service at Watch House Cross, Moyross, Limerick.“This approach very much fits with my...
ISLANDS GET ASSURANCES; CWC GETS FUNDING CUT
Communities on Ireland's offshore islands got a boost in recent days with the new Gaeltacht Minister Dinny McGinley assuring islanders the Government would continue to support their development.He was speaking at the Cómdháil Oileáin na hÉireann (Federation of Irish...
QUESTION! Is Community Development better understood in Ireland today compared to 10 years ago?
INVITATION!Click on this link and vote on our question. ANSWER by clicking on one of the options (or add your own option for people to vote for).No, because the term covers such a wide spectrum of activityNo, because Community Development work has declined...
Update in relation to former CDPs and the LCDP
The Department of Environment, Community and Local Government this afternoon released figures to ‘Changing Ireland’ that show the number of projects funded under the Local and Community Development Programme.The Department’s statement reads:"The latest phase of...
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MOST POPULAR IN GALWAY – Google “Fact”
Is Community Development on the slippery slope in Ireland today?It appears there is most interest in "community development" in Galway, with Cork and Limerick following next, followed oddly by the capital Dublin.However, if 'Google Analytics' is any kind of reliable...
OBAMA, TRAVELLERS & ‘CHANGING IRELAND’
US President Barack Obama started out as a community worker and he's here in Ireland today! His people hailed from Offaly.Many see him as a true hero and an inspiration to members of minorities everywhere, others see him as a puppet of the military-industrial complex...
Supporting local businesses – A RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TASTER!
The Local and Community Development Programme is one of around a dozen programmes administered by Local Development Companies (aka Partnerships) around the country.One of the better-known programmes is LEADER (or to use call it by its proper title, the Rural...
ONE OF OUR BEST FILMS YET: Claiming Our Future UPDATE!
'Changing Ireland' has produced a 5 minute film from the CLAIMING OUR FUTURE day in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary when nearly 40 people worked on ideas to make local authorities more inclusive of the demands of citizens. One councillor described the present set-up as...
YOUTH TRAINING IN CO. TIPPERARY – 1ST IN EUROPE (possibly)
This project, which targets young men and early-school leavers, is supported by the North Tipperary Leader Partnership which is part of Ireland's national Local and Community Development Programme.
LIVE-BLOGGING FROM CITIZENS’ FORUM IN NENAGH
LATEST ALERT... EVENT ON FILM - HOW TO SET UP A CITIZENS' FORUM (CLICK HERE)Live-blogging from the Civic Centre in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary today... It's the venue for a Citizens' Forum for making local Government better. Sounds like another talking shop - not so. The...
Activists learning from old hands, through Spunout
Activists in Ireland are now learning from old hands, through Spunout. The youth organisation is organising its 2nd 'Academy for Activists' which will be held in June. You can read full details in their press release here. Among those leading the learning will be...
Dóchas – EU’s extreme poverty work is crucial
BY BRENDAN MEEHAN The coming months will be pivotal in terms of global poverty and how Europe collectively handles the problem, says Dóchas, the umbrella organisation for Irish NGOs. It stressed the point at its 18th AGM held in Dublin City Council's Civic Offices on...
KIRBY & HARRIS TO STIR THE CITIZENRY IN PREMIER COUNTY
Peadar Kirby and Clodagh Harris - two experts on democracy from Limerick and Cork respectively - will be the guest speakers at a Citizens' Forum in Nenagh on Saturday, May 14th.North Tipperary Leader Partnership is supporting the initiative which is one of a number of...
Visit us in Moyross, Limerick!
Visit 'Changing Ireland'! Call the editor on 061-458011.Our precise location in Sarsfield Gardens Business Centre, Sarsfield Gardens, Moyross, Limerick, is pinned here on Google maps.GPS co-ordinates: 52.68342,-8.643896.Find Thomond Park and you're alongside...
Man in court in Killarney over “actions likely to stir up hatred”
A 27-year-old man was before Killarney District Court today charged with "actions likely to stir up hatred."Patrick Kissane from Knockasarnett, Killarney, Co. Kerry appeared before Judge James O'Connor.Solicitor for the defendant, Pat F. O'Connor sought to have the...
MAN DUE IN COURT OVER ANTI-TRAVELLER FACEBOOK SITE
A man is to appear before Killarney District Court tomorrow in connection with an anti-Traveller Facebook site called ‘Promote The Use Of Knacker Babies As Bait’.A barman at the time of the alleged offence, he was charged at Killarney Garda Station a fortnight ago in...
North East Kerry Development – report launch
North East Kerry Development's Progress Report covering 2009-2010 was launched today in Listowel. Speakers included a community representative and a businesswoman who relayed how they had benefitted from the local development company's support.Minister for Arts,...
Rousing welcomes for Mary Robinson and Rita Fagan at Possibilities Conference
This 'Possibilities' conference is one with a difference, featuring threatre, music, song and dance, not to mention famous activists and promoters of peace and human rights. Following Kila's performance, Mary Robinson received a rousing welcome when she spoke...
Richard Moore – blind man with a vision
LIVE REPORT - CHILDREN IN CROSSFIRE DIRECTOR, THE MAN WHO BROUGHT THE DALAI LAMA TO IRELAND Richard Moore from Children In Crossfire introduced the 14th Dalai Lama in Dublin this morning. Richard set up the NGO some years after losing his eyesight as a child to a...
DALAI LAMA – LIVE REPORT FROM SAGGART
INTROThis is a live report from Saggart, Co. Dublin, oddly named after the Irish word for "priest."The theme of today is activism and taking action, but the Dalai Lama speaks here of nurturing peace within the individual and within society. ALLEN MEAGHER reports:LIVE...
STRIKING COMMUNITY WORKERS WIN IN LABOUR COURT
The strike involving community workers at Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) has been resolved, according to a report today from the Community Worker's Co-op and confirmed by SIPTU. All local work under the Local and Community Development...
WATCH the Dalai Lama, Mary Robinson, Rita Fagan online TOMORROW!
CAPTION: Tomorrow's gig-like event is one of the biggest ever for Irish activists. If you can't go, you can follow it via a live webcast on this site.TODAY of all days, Fintan O'Toole wrote about the Irish people's failure to rise up and protest and lamented the lack...
AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE GOOD THAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR AREA!
A reporter with one of the most-listened to and highly-regarded radio programmes in the country is looking for uplifting community development stories. He's particularly interested in stories from the North-West and border counties for some reason. Give us a shout...
Community development feature from Palestine
IN MEMORY OF PEACEMAKER JULIANO MER KHAMISJuliano Mer Khamis (pictured) was an Israeli actor and peace activist who ran a drama project in a Palestinian refugee camp in Jenin, the West Bank. He was assassinated on Monday outside the theatre he founded which had...
Dessie O’Halloran in fundraiser for Inishbofin
Dessie O'Halloran (above) was joined by dancers and a band of musicians for a fundraiser last night for Inishbofin Community Development Project. The gig was held in Monroe's of Galway.Eleanor Shanley and Dessie sang together (pictured) and the band included...
DRAMA IN MOYROSS AFTER POUND PANIC TODAY
Young children and their mothers walking home from primary school in Moyross had to run for safety this afternoon or risk being trampled by a loose bunch of ponies and horses.The dozens of horses kept in Moyross cause no trouble for people normally, but on this...
HORSES ARE THE HOOK!
PICTURED ABOVE: Lucy."It's not all about the horses," says Adeline O'Brien of Cherry Orchard Equine Centre. Watch our 2 min interview with Adeline here:https://www.youtube.com/user/changingireland#p/u/0/0T1qBS9xxtAThe project is 8 years old, caters for 650 young...
'CHANGING IRELAND's Allen Meagher was interviewed about the anti-Traveller Facebook sites on Radio Kerry this morning. Click here for a listen (6 mins): https://www.changingireland.ie/RadioKerryInterviewRacistSites.m4a
File gone to DPP over Facebook’s anti-Traveller sites
CAPTION: Four anti-Traveller sites were removed by Facebook last year following complaints by community activists in the Republic and Northern Ireland. A file has now gone to the DPP in relation to one of the people behind one of the sites.BY ALLEN MEAGHERGardaí have...
100 YEARS AGO – 3 KEY WOMEN’S CAMPAIGNS BEGAN
International Women's Day was marked around the country yesterday and much was celebrated in terms of how far we've come in 100 years.Our photo here shows women working in a factory in Cork in 1911. Working conditions were widely recognised as a problem at the time...
WIN OVER ‘HARD-TO-REACH’ PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
If you're a community worker wrecking your head over how to get people involved in activities, check out page 13 of the latest issue as well as the following:[ED'S NOTE - THIS REPORT HERE IS ADDITIONAL TO THE COVERAGE IN OUR LATEST PRINT EDITION ABOUT A PILOT PROJECT...
WHAT NOW FOR CLAIMING OUR FUTURE, 2ND REPUBLIC, ETC?
Gearoid Fitzgibbon asks what the many groups seeking political reform will do now the election is over. The article (on page 12) is published in the latest edition of Changing Ireland OUT NOW: www.changingireland.ie/ISSUE35-SCRUM%20OVER!.pdf
The SPRING EDITION of 'Changing Ireland' has just been published online (click here for a pdf)! The print version will be out later this week. Inside, we've 24 pages of coverage on: 5000 TÚS 'JOBS' on the way nationwide through the LCDPFINE GAEL PLANS for...
WHAT DO THE PARTIES SAY ABOUT COMMUNITIES?
FIND OUT NOW!- with our handy guide researched by reporter Rachel Finucanne.Just click the link:https://docs.google.com/document/d/11yn8a8JQybKeRyEZLuVViRijEAEp_CedRiE4gfolGtg/edit?hl=en
Jesse Jackson in Ireland
"You may not be responsible for being down, but you must be responsible for getting up. Don't let anything break your spirit. Forward ever, backward never," said Jesse Jackson.He was in Dublin on Sunday to launch a new plan drawn up by the Equality and Rights Alliance...
New Resource: National Programme Contacts Database
We've compiled a contacts database of staff throughout the Local and Community Development Programme and it’s ALL HERE (meaning if you click here you'll download the full Excel document): If you're looking to contact all the rural social scheme staff in the Programme,...
COMMUNITY GROUPS ASKED TO CHECK ON HOUSEBOUND RESIDENTS
What has your community project been doing for people isolated in the snow and bad weather? Have you any ideas to share?Last week, the Community Minister wrote to hundreds of community groups funded through the Local and Community Development Programme urging them to...
11 BENEFITS TO YOUNG PEOPLE FROM LEARNING MUSIC
11 BENEFITS TO YOUNG PEOPLEFROM LEARNING MUSIC - THE BALLUMUN EXPERIENCEChildren who play a musical instrument in a band develop improved:- Ability to Focus- Patience- Self Confidence- Abilities to relax- Hand co-ordination- Discipline- Ability to learn languages-...
WINTER EDITION OUT NOW! HERE!
You can now view and download our latest magazine, the Winter 2010 edition, by clicking here.THE PRINT VERSION WILL BE DELIVERED TO EASON NEWSAGENTS AND TO ADDRESSES NATIONWIDE NEXT WEEK!
PHOTO-REPORT from ICTU’s mass rally in Dublin, Nov 27
We've posted photos from the mass rally outside the GPO on Saturday on our Facebook page.For the record, our estimate of the numbers who took part are: 70,000 people on O'Connell Street and approx 100,000 who took part at one point or another in the march. The...
Minister Carey’s comments on the budget and 10% cut to Dept funding
The overall reduction in the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs budget for 2011 will be of the order of 10%. For more information on the budget cuts, click here for Minister Pat Carey's statement on the four-year plan.This is what he had to say...
The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP)
The Local & Community Development Programme (LCDP) is managed by POBAL on behalf of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs. It forms part of the National Development Plan 2007 -2013. The Programme is an amalgamation of two former...
HUNDREDS OF BUSINESS STARTS AND JOBS YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT
Thousands of people have been directly helped to set up in business or find suitable work since the start of this year, through the Local and Community Development Programme.For instance, Donegal Local Development Company directly supported over 153 small family...
€32m fund giving free training to job-seekers – is your community benefitting?
GEAROID FITZGIBBON REPORTS IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF 'CHANGING IRELAND':While the effectiveness and cohesion of national economic policies are questioned, there are in fact a raft of minor initiatives aimed at boosting the economy. Community and voluntary groups including...
Where CDPs now stand
The Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) was instigated at the beginning of this year and most CDPs – we don’t yet know the final tally – are on schedule to amalgamate their work with that of the Local Development Company in their area by year’s end. At...
Thanks to Finbar from Mayo for the above.The cut to the minimum wage has been widely criticised. The €1 cut equates to 11.5% of salary if you're on the minimum wage. Business leaders have welcomed the proposal saying it will cuts costs.However, Fine Gael have said...
Cuts of €35m over 4 years to Dept of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
Cuts of €35m are planned for the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs from 2011-2014.The chart below covers some details of the cuts for the coming year, 2011. It comes from the Government's official four-year plan which is downloadable from this...
WE DIDN’T ALL CAUSE THIS MESS! WE HAVE OUR PRIDE!
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?asks ALLEN MEAGHER, EDITOR We've invited in foreigners to take over the running of our country's finances and decide our future for the years to come. We've lost a large part of our sovereignty.There is anger in the air and even some Government...
New ideas workshop on Nov 24th in Dublin
We're all looking for new ideas in these "challenging" times and Tosach is holding an innovation workshop in St. Andrew's Resource Centre in Dublin 2, on November 24th. At €25 per person, it's good value compared to certain profit-making companies who charge 10 times...
Disability leader proposes land taxes instead of cuts
"I believe a €5 land tax per acre regardless of the quality of the land could yield a massive €8 billion per year straight into the coffers of Government," says Noel O'Neill, chairperson of the Kerry Network of People with Disabilities. While his figures don’t seem to...
Find out about ‘Community Economic Development (CED) Lawyering’ HERE!
There is lot of information available on the internet about a phenomena well rooted in communities in the USA called 'Community Economic Development (CED) Lawyering'. Maria Antonieta Nestor (pictured here) has written an article on the subject for the autumn edition...
VIDEO REPORTS FROM ‘CLAIMING OUR FUTURE’
We're uploading video reports from Saturday's historic 'Claiming Our Future' event, the biggest Civil Society gig in the Republic Ireland in a generation.It wasn't a protest and it was different. And it achieved its aim of finding out what we're FOR in a new Ireland....
Britain’s Community Budget CUT; Overseas Aid Budget INCREASES!
While the newly elected Government in Britain has made a lot of noise about plans to give local authorities and communities more say in how money is spent, there will be an awful lot less funding available. The budget announced in London yesterday outlined mostly bad...
Advertise with ‘Changing Ireland’!
Advertise with ‘Changing Ireland’!Because now – for the first time – you can!!Changing Ireland’, the country’s most widely read Community and Voluntary Sector magazine, is now taking advertising for the first time.Established in 2001, it has built up a loyal...
‘Changing Ireland’ wants to tell the world your News!
If you're working in a Community Development Project or a Local Development Company,let us know what you're doing that’s:(a) different and an example of good practice,(b) that respects Community Development principles and makes a real difference for ordinary...
Event: Claiming Our Future on Oct 30th in Dublin
'Claiming Our Future' is a day-long event to plot and plan for a better Ireland. The organisers want to pinpoint the values a better Ireland can aspire to. Honesty and fair ...play for instance. They want to “mobilize” and “unite” Ireland behind a new plan.It takes...
Galway helps lead the Campaign to Defend Ireland’s Communities
150 or so people turned out in Galway and up to 1500 in Dublin on Sept 29th, 2010, to 'Defend Ireland's Communities'. In Galway, activists used street theatre to show how community groups who work together are more likely to be successful in fending off attacks and...
Irish Times covers Changing Ireland article on racist Facebook sites.
Allen's article in the Irish Times from August 16th relating to our cover story of community groups battling racist websites.Garda issue warning over online racism
Our summer edition – out on Friday, Aug 13th
Limerick CDPs’ alternative model – details published here
CDPs across the country are currently integrating into the Local and Community Development Programme and some have sought to win approval for an alternative structure that better suits their communitys' needs.The Limerick model for setting up a Citywide CDP, as looked...
Moyross.ie launched today by Minister Carey
18 months ago, the first ten items that came up in a Google search for ‘Moyross’ were all negative in the extreme characterising the estate solely in terms of criminality and gangs. A new website Moyross.ie is nowadays often listed in the top three Google listings for...
65,000 JOBS POSSIBLE FROM SOCIAL/COMMUNITY ENTERPRISES – REPORT
Community and social enterprise projects, if driven by the Government - could provide up to 65,000 jobs nationally, according to a report published in June, 2010, by the Task Force on Social Enterprise. You can download the full 16-page report here.Read more on social...
Frank Feighan is new Fine Gael spokesperson on Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs
Roscommon-based TD, Frank Feighan has been appointed Fine Gael spokesperson for Community, Equality & Gaeltachtt Affairs, as of today.The 48-year-old from Boyle was first elected to the Dáil in May, 2007. He replaces Mayo's Michael Ring who has become the party's...
LATEST – Minister says CDPs and Partnerships should “look to the future” within the LCDP
The Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey, has said that Community Development Projects and Local Development Companies (aka Partnerships) have “nothing to fear” from the new LCDP model of integration which is being applied to the...
Minister Carey – on Travellers, Women, national organisations, the Department’s new strength, cuts
As promised in Tuesday’s blog entry, here’s more from our ‘Changing Ireland’ interview with the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey. The scheme for funding National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector is now coming to the...
Examiner gives front page to 4,500 job cuts in Community Sector
Research work last month by Brian Harvey and IMPACT showed that 4,500 jobs and €80m in cuts could hit disadvantaged communities this year.The research by Harvey and the trade union received front page coverage in the Irish Examiner on Monday.'Changing Ireland' asked...
INTERVIEW – Minister Carey says ‘no’ to national forum proposal, but ‘yes’ to some local proposals
‘Changing Ireland’ interviewed Minister Pat Carey yesterday on a range of topics, including a key question over changing structures for State support for communities within the framework of the Local and Community Development Programme.
Appeal for reversal of cuts in addiction counselling
Funding to drugs projects has been cut nationwide this year, despite protests, and today John Cregan, Fianna Fail TD, hit out at newly announced cuts to drugs services in County Limerick. The Youth Drug Prevent Project in Kilmallock and the Newcastle West Based Drugs...
The work goes on – Southill’s day of action on drugs
- COMMUNITY WORK ON THE GROUND- 100 ATTEND DRUGS INFO DAY IN SOUTHILL- Limerick, June 23rd, 2010The Local and Community Development Programme is due to take off by the end of this year - the structures are being argued over up and down of the country - and in the...
You can also follow us on Facebook!
Follow 'Changing Ireland' on facebook and join over 300 members on our fanpage.Contribute ideas, suggestions, comments and stir debate on community issues and community work.In recent work via facebook, we have worked alongside members of the facebook site 'Hands Off...
28 pages of news, debate and updates – OUR LATEST EDITION!
Yes, the latest 'Changing Ireland' is out and it features:- 6 pages of Sector news- A Community Work report from Palestine- Volunteering while unemployed- New Programme: news, debate & updates on the new Local and Community Development Programme- Social Enterprise...
A good book to ask your library to buy –
If you’re looking for new perspectives on youthwork in Ireland, then a new journal maps out new thinking on this area of work.‘Youth and Community Work in Ireland: Critical Perspectives’ was published recently by lecturers from Cork.It is currently the only text that...
14 CDPs lose funding following review
14 CDPs are to lose funding following a review by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 13 are in Dublin and one in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.The Community Development Project Appeals Board report, released on Friday, January 29th, said issues...
Budget 2010 – COMMUNITIES DOWN AT LEAST 10%
BY ALLEN MEAGHERSome of the most severe recommendations in the McCarthy Report will not be implemented this year, but with a similar budget promised for next year and the year after, it's far from over for communities.For now, commentators are talking about the...
Poor Can’t Pay Campaign launches Video
Some of Ireland’s leading NGO’s and trade unions have joined forces to launch a new campaign called “The Poor Can’t Pay” which aims to mobilise active opposition to proposed cuts to basic social welfare payments or the minimum wage. The Poor Can't Pay campaign said...
Letter from 42 academics in support of CDPs.
This letter was published in today's Irish Times.The topic will also be discussed tonight (Wednesday) on Vincent Browne's show on TV3.======================================= In the midst of all the coverage of cutbacks and the forthcoming budget, one major proposal...
Earn an award – 3 days and the clock is ticking!
An Aontas award could be yours! Nominate your local adult learning project for an AONTAS STAR Award and do it fast! The deadline for entries is this Friday, November 27th. The AONTAS awards, now in its fourth year, celebrate teamwork, and recognise the achievements of...
CDPs on Liveline
On Monday 9th November, Joe Duffy got a call from a Kathleen O'Neill in Kilbarrack CDP about the proposed changes to the CDP programme. Once it got started, more people started ringing in including:Mary Catherine Heanue from Inishturk Development OfficeUrsula McKenna...
New Community Workers Co-op website
The Community Workers Co-op have a new website (click HERE). It's been a while in the pipeline and was worth the wait!
Health Corr gives CDPs a ringing endorsement
JOURNALIST GIVES BRILLIANT EXPLANATION OF WHAT CDPs REALLY DOThe author of the most penetrating book written in recent years on the Irish health service has given CDPs a ringing endorsement in a 7-minute interview on RTE's Drivetime. (Click 'community health...
National Community Development Forum says merger “an attack on the poor”
The National Community Development Forum, the representative body for the country's 180 CDPs, has said it rejects proposals by Minister of State John Curran to merge two programmes, arguing that in the course of that process the "scheme will disempower the most...
Blanchardstown: Bonus for Volunteers!
Volunteers who work at the Vincent De Paul shop in Blanchardstown got a pleasant surprise last week when members of the local Traveller Community Employment scheme presented them with a variety of organic vegetables.The vegetables were grown on the Travellers...
QUESTIONS about the new programme – ANSWERS on our NEW BLOG
'Changing Ireland' has set up a NEW BLOG OF 10 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS for you to ADD COMMENTS. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs issued the answers today on behalf of the Minister for Community Affairs, John Curran. - What about our communities,...
2 PROGRAMMES TO BE MERGED – CURRAN IN CAVAN
The Community Development Programme, first established in 1990, is to be absorbed into a new unnamed programme that also incorporates the Local Development and Social Inclusion Programme.
1200 “positive outcomes” marched against CDP cuts!
BY ALLEN MEAGHER, EDITORIf you were there you know the score and well done for standing up for your community, your project and your jobs! If you didn't make it, check out these marvellous photos on Indymedia by Paula Geraghty and this 3 minute video report by...
8 WAYS COMMUNITY GROUPS CAN SAVE MONEY
Every tabloid magazine in the known universe has published articles this year about “getting through” the downturn/depression. Here are our ideas for non-profit organisations.More ideas welcome. Please leave your comments/suggestions below:1) Instead of paying an...
Rural Link sees Bord Snip proposals as “sinister”
Irish Rural Link (IRL) has published a 27-page critique of Bord Snip’s “sinister” proposals.The 300-member organisation says one of the report’s main weaknesses is that it “hides the fact that cuts across a number of departments may impact on the same...
Ireland’s Community spirit never died, report finds – 2 out of 3 regularly engage in volunteering /community activities
Community spirit is alive and well in Ireland, according to a report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) that makes minced meat of the widely held view that community spirit and volunteering declined during the boom years.The report echoes views expressed to...
Galway Travellers Movement want alternatives to evictions
As most of Galway celebrated the City's arts festival, an Irish Times news report yesterday highlighted the work of one of Galway city's CDPs - the Galway Traveller Movement - to stand with the community against cultural oppression. While thousands of people planned...
Examiner leads with fears by Civil Society groups to protest too loudly
The Irish Examiner's lead front page story, in their edition dated Tuesday July 7th, has highlight the fear felt in Civil Society in Ireland - by groups representing and involving the poor and needy - to speak up and be heard.To read the story, click here for the...
Cutbacks to CE places reversed
Volunteers, workers and SIPTU mounted a successful campaign to have cuts to Community Employment Schemes reversed. At a time of rising unemployment, the Schemes need to be expanded if anything. €10m was due to be cut. Thankfully, the CE schemes will survive for now....
Community questions on RTE’s Prime Time
David Connolly, Siptu's Community Branch President, debated the decline in support for communities from Government with Minister of State John Curran, on June 11th on RTE's Prime Time. Click here to watch (may require broadband).
Welcome to the CHANGING IRELAND BLOG
We're glad you could join us!We started adding video to our website this year. Now Changing Ireland has a blog for news as it happens. Our blog highlights news relating to the Community & Voluntary Sector. We will highlight mainstream media reports, NGO news releases,...
