Grants Recently Announced by The Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht

Below are details of three heritage grant schemes announced recently:

Community-Based Heritage Grants Scheme
The Heritage Council
(Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2015) 
http://www.donegalcoco.ie/…/community-basedheritagegrantss…/

'Structures at Risk' Fund
Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht
(Application Deadline: Monday, March 9, 2015)
http://www.donegalcoco.ie/…/viewd…/structuresatriskfund2015/

Government Policy on Architecture
Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht
(Application Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2015)
http://www.donegalcoco.ie/…/governmentpolicyonarchitecture…/

Funding Announced for Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh

D’fhógair an tAire Stáit do Ghnóthaí Gaeltachta, Joe McHugh T.D., inniu go bhfuil deontas de €26,400 ceadaithe aige do Chomharchumann Forbartha agus Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór,  chun cur ar a gcumas oibreacha feabhsúcháin a chur i gcrích ag Ionad Pobail an Chroisbhealaigh.

Ag fógairt an deontais dó dúirt an tAire Stáit go raibh sé sásta go raibh ar a chumas cuidiú le Comharchumann Forbartha agus Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór  na hoibreacha seo a dhéanamh. “Tuigim go mbíonn a lán gníomhaíochtaí ar siúl san ionad seo agus ar ndóigh bíonn an Coláiste Gaeilge ‘Coláiste Árainn Mhóir’ ann i rith an tsamhraidh, rud a chuireann go mór le geilleagar an oileáin,” a dúirt an tAire Stáit. “Cuideoidh an cúnamh seo go mór leis an Ghaeilge ar an oileán”

---------------------------------------------------

Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Joe McHugh hFunas sanctioned a grant of €26,400 for Comharchumann Forbartha agus Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór, to enable them to carry out improvements to Ionad Pobail an Chroisbhealaigh. Announcing the grant, the Minister of State said that he was pleased to be in a position to assist Comharchumann Forbartha agus Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór in carrying out these works.

“I understand that a lot of activities are held in this centre and of course it is used by ‘Coláiste Árainn Mhóir’, the Irish college, during the summer, which greatly adds to the island’s economy,” said the Minister of State. “This assistance will greatly benefit the Irish language on the island” he added.

Story: Donegal Daily

Images: CFFAM

Part Time Seasonal Job Opportunities

Folúntas: Archery 

Vacancies for up to 5 part-time seasonal workers, (over 16 years) to supervise archery activities during the summer season. A two day training course will be provided and will take place locally. Spoken Irish desirable. Applications in writing only please including CV to Marty Donnelly C/O Comharchumann Olieán Árainn Mhór Teo.

Hedge Cutting

Under the Wildlife Acts, hedges can be cut up until 1st March. Landowers are responsible for maintenance of hedges on their lands which encroach on to roads. Under the Roads Act 1993 it is the responsibility of landowners to ensure trees, shrubs and hedges do not cause hazards or obstruction. Hedge Cutting services can be made available on the island if there are sufficient expressions of interest in the service from landowners. For bookings/further information contact Marty on 0873912896.

Community Employment Scheme

Vacancy at Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór. 19.5 hours per week. For more information please telephone 074 94 20533.

Committee hears proposals on islands and coastal communities ‘gathering dust’

A report published more than a year ago on boosting island and coastal communities has been “gathering dust”, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine has heard.

A group of island representatives told the committee it was disappointing that the Promoting Sustainable Rural, Coastal and Island Communities report had made little progress since it was launched by the Oireachtas subcommittee on fisheries in January 2014.

Bere Islander John Walshe, of the Irish Islands Marine Resource Organisation, said his group was set up on the recommendation of the committee.

“We’re after pulling ourselves together. We’re after getting fishermen from Cork, Galway, Mayo and Donegal together . . . so we’re coming to the point of where do we go.”

The report made 29 recommendations on boosting island and coastal communities through activities such as aquaculture, inshore fishing, tourism and seaweed activities.

Recommendation

The organisation’s chairman Jerry Early from Árainn Mhór highlighted one recommendation on the feasibility of issuing heritage licences to island communities to support traditional fishing practices.

“This recommendation is of great and significant importance, and we feel this recommendation needs to be acted on immediately,” he said.

Mr Early said it was very disappointing that nothing had happened since the launch of the report. “Much voluntary time and effort was put into setting up this group and we feel that we have held up our end of the bargain . . . We were assured this report would not gather dust so hopefully with the help of your good selves this will not be the case.”

Enda Conneely of Inis Oírr said funding for aquaculture must be targeted to support local communities but “funding seems to be essentially going by way of large multinational entities . . . and it seems to be focused on one particular form of aquaculture that we would consider to be, at this stage, nearing the end of its lifespan.”

Committee chairman Andrew Doyle said the committee would come up with a way of kick-starting the process to get the recommendations implemented. “We don’t want to see it ending up just on a shelf somewhere. We want to see some action,” he said.

Story: Alison Healy, The Irish Times

Jack and Jill Foundation Fundraiser

Scoil Aphoirt Parents Association will host a Pancake Day in the school this Tuesday from 1.30pm - 3pm. Please come along and support as all monies raised will go to the Jack and Jill Foundation who do so much work for children who are sick. Tá fáilte roimh gach duine.

Arranmore 1, Killybegs 0

Arranmore Utd travelled to Killybegs and despite a very young and inexperienced panel of 12 players the lads came away with a priceless 3 points courtesy of a goal from the only non islander Przemeck Turski on 20 minutes.

Jerry was forced into wholesale changes but the lads who came in did him and the island proud. The team had 6 players who are still attending the Gairmscoil but this young side were not intimidated by a much bigger and physically stronger side. Arran started well with Chris and Declan causing problems, Dion Byrne making his full debut also showed nice touches. Killybegs however came into the game but Rua was on top form and pulled of a couple great saves. Arran took the lead on 20 mins when Prezmek Turski finished brilliantly at the second attempt firing high into the net after been set up by Declan. The remainder of the half saw the lads defend for their lives as they repelled attack after attack with Jason, Phil and Danny on top form.

The 2nd half was a much more even affair with Martin, Conor, Declan and Sean McCaluey getting through a power of work. Rua was called into action a number of times but was not going to be beat. Arranmore were more of a threat and Martin was unlucky when his rasping drive from 30 yards narrowly cleared the bar when it looked in all the way. Paul Early came on with half an hour to play and was a constant menace to the Killybegs rearguard. It was suggested that he ran more in the half hour than Jerry did for his whole career! Overall though this was a terrific performance from a very young side who are constantly punching above their weight. Today alone they were missing 11 players who were part of last years league winning team, but as always when lads leave or are missing someone always steps up. A superb battling team performance but Rua, Declan and Chris were superb over the 90 minutes.

Team: Rua, Jason O'Donnell, Phil Boyle, Danny Rodgers, Sean McCaluey, Declan Proctor, Martin Proctor, Dion Byrne, Conor Proctor, Christopher McGlanaghey, Prezmek Turski

Sub: Paul Early for Dion Byrne 55 mins.

Next game at home to Erne, February 28th.

Story: Arranmore Utd

Public Meeting for Better Energy Community Funding

There will be a public meeting to discuss the SEAI Better Energy Communities that CFFAM are working on in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh. All welcome and pass the word to anyone you think might be interested.

APPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING RETROFITS Árainn Mhór
2015 (SEAI Better Energy Communities)
Work that is eligible: 
Windows and Doors,
Insulation of attic and walls,
Heating systems and controls,
Heat Pumps, Solar Panels, Photovoltaic, Boiler
Panels, Storage Heaters, LED lighting,

If you are already registered on the CFFAM list,
you do not need to do anything, we will be in touch shortly.
If you wish to apply for work to be done this year,
make contact with:
CFFAM 07495 20024
Nó ríomhphoist: energy@arainnmhor.com

IARRATAISÍ LE INSLIÚ TITHE 2015 Oileáin Árainn Mhóir
(SEAI Better Energy Communities)
Obair is féidir a fháil déanta:
Fuinneogaí agus doirse,
Insliú ailéir, ballaí,
Córas teas agus cnaipí,
Heat Pump, Solar Panels, Photovoltaic, Boiler
Panels, Storage Heater, Soilse LED,

Má tá tú ar an liosta cheana féin atá ag CFFAM ní gá rud ar bith a dhéanamh.
Má tá suim agat obair a fháíl déanta I mbliana,
déan teaghmháíl le:
Oifig CFFAM 07495 20024
Nó ríomhphoist: energy@arainnmhor.com

Island Council Calls for Medical Unit to be Reinstated

Arranmore Island Community Council has called on Letterkenny General Hospital to immediately revisit their decision to close the Gynaecology and Ante-Natal unit in Dungloe Community Hospital.

 

Speaking in relation to the matter, council spokesman Jerry Early said it is imperative that decision is reversed and that the council will be lending their full support to the campaign group which has been set up in west Donegal.

 

“Without question the Gynaecology and Ante-Natal unit in Dungloe is a vital service to the women of the Rosses and Gweedore area and its closure typifies the lack of understanding of the needs of the people of rural Donegal” Mr Early said.

 

“The service provided is of benefit to women of all ages and its need in the area is of paramount importance. Those who have made the decision to close the unit clearly don’t seem to understand how it will affect the people of the region.

 

“Its closure now means expectant mothers and indeed women of all ages now have to make a two hour round trip to avail of the service in Letterkenny General Hospital and for some, this also means an even longer bus journey and a full day spent in Letterkenny due to public transport timetables. It’s an even lengthier experience for the women of Arranmore Island who have to make the journey by ferry before their journey even starts on the mainland.

 

“We believe this decision to be wrong and inconsiderate to the people of the Rosses and Gweedore area and we feel we can accept nothing else other than the immediate reversal of the units closure. Until that decision is reversed Arranmore Island Community Council will be lending its full support to the campaign group 'GAN Dungloe' who are currently working to have the unit reinstated.”

High Speed Broadband Trial for Árainn Mhór Island

The ISLAND community of Árainn Mhór was celebrating yesterday after a lengthy campaign to secure high speed broadband reached a significant milestone.

Árainn Mhór island and 11 other rural communities will have high speed broadband within months after striking up a deal with a Chinese broadband provider, Wuhan Vstar.

The technical trials will assess an innovative hybrid fibre and wireless system which is already in operation in Asia and Australia. Ireland will be the first country in Europe to see its introduction.

 Árainn Mhór Island’s broadband working group member Séamus Ó Cnáimhsí of CFFAM:, “The potential benefits of the broadband trial are enormous - not just for Árainn Mhór or the other offshore islands, but for rural Ireland in general. We are looking forward to participating in this trial so we can demonstrate the benefits that high speed broadband will bring to a wide range of island services including jobs, healthcare, education and communications.”

The formal agreement between Wuhann Vstar and 12 LEADER companies across Ireland was signed on February 2nd.

The partnership will now facilitate pilot trials in their areas which will offer ‘next generation access’ (NGA) standard broadband coverage.

Chairman of Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Jerry Early: “The community are delighted at the announcement of a high speed broadband trial for the island. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of the broadband working group, the Diaspora and extended island community for supporting our efforts to bring high speed broadband to the island. Thanks too to the press and media for highlighting this important issue for our community.”

Following the successful outcome of trials the LEADER Companies and their Chinese partners propose to roll out a national network to serve other rural communities around the country.

Adrian Begley, chairman of the Árainn Mhór island Council added: “The news of the high-speed broadband trial for Arranmore Island is very welcome. The opportunity for the people of Arranmore to avail of such a service has been a long time coming and while we are aware that it will begin as a trial, we feel that it does bode well for the community. We hope the trial is a success for all parties involved and we look forward to building upon such success in the very near future."

The innovative project came about after the communities became concerned about possible delays to the state’s National Broadband Plan’s objective of providing high-speed broadband to all rural Ireland by 2020.

John Walsh, Chairman of the islands LEADER Company, Comhar na nOileán, summarises the position, “Ireland’s island and rural communities cannot afford, in either economic or social terms, to wait on existing operators or Government to address the broadband gap on our islands”.

The LEADER companies have been working closely with community working groups across all twelve pilot areas to ensure that the service meets their needs. Installation work on the physical network is expected to commence in the coming months and the system expected to go live by the middle of the year.

Glenea 3 Arranmore 1

Once again Jerry had to field a very inexperienced side in a must win cup game and were cut apart in the first minute when Glenea broke well and scored without Arranmore getting a touch. Despite the early setback the lads slowly got the upper hand without making any clear cut chances.

The back 4 of Wan, Ruan, Phil and Sean O'Hara were on top and John Greene had very little to do. However on the stroke of half time Glenea broke through and doubled their advantage.

Half time 2-0.

Arran came out with a much more attacking formation with Declan and Conor pushed further on. This tactic almost paid off as Declan was denied by a brilliant save from the Ciaran mor on 50 minutes. Marty and Michael took a foothold in midfield and Chris and young Sean were causing problems. The third goal was always going to be crucial and unfortunately for the lads this went the way of Glenea on 70 minutes following a mix up in the defense.

Arranmore were dealt a double blow on 75 minutes when Sean O'Hara who played despite injury and the influential Martin Proctor had to be withdrawn due to injury which meant the lads had to see out the last 15 minutes with nine men and no Subs to put on. However despite the numerical disadvantage the young but tired side kept plugging away and were rewarded when Chris McGlanaghey finished well following good build up play by the ever improving Conor Proctor.

This was a huge test against a very decent Glenea who are defending this cup and are tipped to go the distance again. The squad has been decimated since Christmas with 5 players choosing to move on for one reason or another. This may force the Chairman (Hugh Nancy) to loosen the purse strings! 

The team will now hopefully get a decent run of games and cement their place in the very competitive Orchard division. Next week sees Arranmore Utd away to St. Catherine's where it is hoped the game will be played to a conclusion, not like the farce that happened when the two sides played in Arranmore.

Story: Arranmore UTD

Thank-you Message from the Rodgers/Farrell and Reynolds/Brady Families

"The Rodgers/Farrell and Reynolds/Brady families would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, whether you donated a prize, took part in the swim or sponsored a swimmer or helped in any way. There are no words to express our gratitude to the community of Arranmore Island near and far for their contribution. The total sum raised for the Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation and the Beaumont Hospital Cochlear Implant Unit was €10,136. Go raibh míle maith agaibh."

Rescheduled Change Makers Workshop

The community workshop which was due to be held on the 28th of January and was postponed due to bad weather will now be held on Wednesday 4th March in Ionad Chroís Bhealaigh from 10am - 1pm. Refreshments will be provide. All welcome.

Donegal Council Corporate Plan

Donegal County Council is preparing a new Corporate Plan which will set out the strategic direction of the Council from 2015 to 2019.  To help us in preparing this plan we would like to hear your views, opinions and insights on what you believe are the key areas that the Council should focus on over the next 5 years.

Why a Corporate Plan?

Donegal County Council is required by law to prepare a Corporate Plan which sets out a Statement of Strategy on the work of the Council from 2015 to 2019.

In developing our Corporate Plan, we have an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities that face us in terms of providing the best possible services and supports for the people of Donegal.

The Corporate Plan will set out:

• The Councils Vision and Mission Statement.

• The Core Values that will guide the work of the Council.

• A summary of the Environment that we are working in.

• Strategic objectives and supporting strategies of the Council.

• Internal resources available to achieve the strategic objectives.

• Details of how we will monitor and measure the performance of the Council in achieving these strategic objectives.

Have your say …

In developing the Corporate Plan, we would like to hear your views and opinions.  For example,

• What issues and challenges do you, your community, your organisation and/or your sector face at this point in time?

• How do you think Donegal County Council can address or support you in addressing these issues and challenges?

• What do you think Donegal County Council should focus on as key priority areas from 2015 to 2019?

Please feel free to submit any other comments and information that you feel is relevant to this process. 

Deadline date for making submissions

The deadline for receipt of submissions to the Corporate Plan is Friday 20 February 2015 at 4.30pm.  All submissions should be sent by email or post to:

Anne Marie Conlon, Communications Officer, Donegal County Council, County House, Lifford ,Co. Donegal

Tel: 074 91 72207

Email: CorporatePlan@donegalcoco.ie

Job Vacancy - Arranmore Island

Folúntas: Baile Saoire Árainn Mhór. Coimeadaí foirignimh chun freastal ar an Bhaile Saoire le linn seasúr an tsamhraidh. Seol litir iarratais i gcuideachta CV roimh chuig 16 Feabhra 2015. Tathaí ar obair chothabhála ar fhoirignimh riachtanach.

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór Teo
Árainn Mhór
Co Dhún na nGall

Tuilleadh eolais 074 9520533

Vacancy - Arranmore Holiday Village
Maintenance worker/caretaker to undertake maintenence works during summer season. Property maintenence expereince essential. Applications in writing with CV to before 16 February 2015
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
Árainn Mhór
Co Dhún na nGall

Further information 074 9520533