The Kicktrike Visits Arranmore

The German Constin patented KickTrike was taken on a tour of Ireland in January. It travelled accompanied by Mr Axel Pohle from Cork to Dublin Airport and onto Howth.

In Howth Yacht Club it was the highlight of the conference, entitled ‘Ammunition for Success’, which was hosted by Tangible Ireland on Thursday 9th January 2014. There were 13 speakers on a broad range of topics including Nigerian oil, Historical Irish Gun running and the energy project, ‘An Island Initiative’.

Dr Gallagher explained SMILEGOV, an Intelligent Energy Europe funded project. SMILEGOV is working together with many islands including Arranmore Island (Oilean Arainn Mhor) to enable islands to reach the European Union’s 20:20 vision. 20:20 means reducing carbon emissions, increasing renewable energies by 20% by the year 2020. SMILEGOV is an acronym for Smarter Multi Level Governance and brings all stakeholders around the table to envisage the 20:20 objective, politicians at local, regional, national and European level, investors, inventors and communities. This provides a scale not seen before on islands ranging from Malta, Sicily and of course Arranmore.

Axel Pohle on the Kicktrike in Howth

Dr Shirley Gallagher presented the Island Initiative big picture vision and was followed by an exciting enterprise using a battery pack system called GreenPack and electric vehicles. Mr Axel Pohle, a German designer, presented the Kicktrike, highlighting the ease of use by demonstrating its capability. Many were most impressed at the ease of use as well as GreenPack battery replacement and the clean lines and robust feel of the KickTrike.

There was time to check out the view at Howth summit before travelling cross country to Ardee, Co Louth before arriving in Burtonport, Co Donegal. There was a contingent (20 delegates) of Donegal County Council, the local authority waiting and many test-drove the KickTrike prior to taking the ferry onto the island. Island leaders were waiting to trial the electric vehicle with many being dubious about its ability to manage the hills. Arranmore has a number of hills which are not high but have steep gradients ranging from 40-65%. Whilst they proved challenging and needed some assistance from Axel, the KickTrike is after all a scooter, it was capable of both hills tested including the school and Jimmy Wards. In total, 30 islanders tried the KickTrike for ease of use. There was excitement in the meeting which increased significantly when handling the vehicle. There were many questions; the most frequent was ‘how much is it?’ followed by ‘how far can it go?’, ‘how long does the battery last?’ ‘Where can I get one?’ The term ‘boys and their toys’ was used frequently!

The Kicktrike coming to Arranmore Island on the ferry

The prototype is well made, sturdy and strong, the large standing board allows the user to use it like a snow board and yet it is safe and comfortable to use on roads. During the test drive it sustained 30kph from the top of the school brae (hill) until the base of Jimmy Wards; this confirms the manufacturers guide in the brochure. Island cars generally drive at this pace as the roads are narrow and there are many children, cyclists and walkers on the road. Many were surprised that the KickTrike could be compacted so that it can fit into most cars. The demonstration concluded with many disappointed with not having seen it.

The feasibility of building KickTrikes in Ireland is being examined and targeted. The return trip to Cork brought the KickTrike to a final demonstration for a Procurement Manager of a large multinational company based in Galway. Investors are required for the next stage in the KickTrike’s life and it is envisaged that ß testing a bank of KickTrikes on the island of Arranmore will provide a platform for other islands to follow suit providing a beacon for the rest of the world in our push towards a lean, green economy.

By Shirley Gallagher

Kicktrike website.

Ferry Contract to Árainn Mhór

(english version follows)

Beidh deireadh ag teacht ag deireadh an tsamhraidh leis an chonradh farantóireachta reatha chun seirbhís farantóireahta a chur ar fáil don oileán. Tá iarrtha ar an chomharchumann moltaí/tuairimí á lorg ón phobail i dtaca leis an seirbhís farantóireachta chun an oileáin, agus ais eolais a chur ar fáil don Roinn i dtaca leis na moltaí sin. (Mar shampla, clár ama an bháid.)

Má tá tuairimí agat ar mhain leat go gcuirfear san áireamh iad, leis na moltaí a bhéas á sheoladh ar ais chuig an Roinn, cuir in iúl don chomharchumann iad roimh 14 Feabhra 2014. Cuirfidh an Roinn moltaí ón phobal san áireamh agus iad ag ullmhú conartha don seirbhís farantóireacha nua a bhéas a bhronnadh ag an Roinn san Fhómhair. Go raibh maith agaibh.

The current ferry service contract to provide ferry services to the island will come to an end at the end of the summer. An Comharchumann has been asked to seek suggestions / comments from the public in connection with the ferry service to the island, and provide information to the Department in respect of these recommendations. (For example, ferry timetables)
 
If you have suggestions and you would like them to be taken into consideration by the Department, please contact an Comharchumann by February 14, 2014. The Department will take relevant recommendations from the community into account when they are preparing for a new ferry contract which will be awarded in the Autumn. Thank you.

Comharchumann Árainn Mhór

A piece from this morning's Raidió na Gaeltachta programme on the lack of high speed ‪broadband‬ on the islands and its impact on job creation. To listen, click here.

The Need For Rural Broadband

Published on Jan 27, 2014

Seamus Bonner, from Aranmore Coop (Co. Donegal), supports high speed #RuralBroadband.

This testimonial deals with the ENGAGE interreg (http://www.engage-interreg.eu/) project, which is seeking to highlight that the lack of High Speed Broadband (HSB) in rural areas is having a detrimental impact on job creation, economic and social development. This video was recorded to help highlight the issue at European level.

Island Action Group Welcome HSE Decision to Retain PHN Service

The action committee set up last Saturday evening on Arranmore Island to fight the campaign 'Save Our Public Health Nurse Service' would like to confirm todays earlier news that the service has indeed been retained and the Public Health Nurse will continue with her full time position on the island.

The success of the campaign to keep this vital service has been on no small part due to the massive ground swell of support that there has been from all of the Arranmore community, not only on the island but throughout Ireland and overseas. The committee would like to thank all of those who supported the campaign, offered support and everyone who helped to spread the word of the issue.

We also wish to commend the HSE for reversing their decision and would like to thank them for being aware of the unique situation that exists on Arranmore Island.

Following this decision the committee now plans to meet with the HSE with the intention of ring-fencing the PHN service and further to that, making sure that the people of Arranmore will always retain a full-time PHN and a full-time healthcare service based on the island as good as the best service available anywhere else in Ireland.  

Huge Support To Save Island Service

Arranmore Island seen a massive turnout at a public meeting on Saturday evening which was held as part of the campaign to save the islands public health nurse service. The meeting which was called as a result of representations from the community to the island's development co-op, and was held in the local community hall, seen up to half of the islands adult population gather to discuss the recent news that the HSE is to replace the public health service nurse to the island and is also to reduce the services the replacement provides as well as hours available.

Chaired by local man Jerry Early, chairman of Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór, the island's development co-op, the meeting seen a lively and frank debate by all who attended, with the turnout being testimony to the concern the people of Arranmore have at the loss of service which is due to come into effect before the end of the month. During the discussions concern for the welfare of both the elderly and young was very evident and all who spoke were strongly opposed to the HSE's decision.

Speaking after the meeting Jerry Early said that it was a strong indication of the opposition there is of the HSE's plans and that the campaign to fight to keep the service as it is would be stepped up. “Arranmore Island has had this service since 1907 and it has been and remains vital to the people of the island. We will in no way accept a reduction in this service and we plan to fight tooth and nail to keep it as it currently is” Mr Early said.

“This turnout we have seen shows how important the service is and this reduction in service will be felt by everyone. Both young children and the elderly will suffer if this plan goes ahead as will many others including people in our community with physical disabilities and mental health issues. The island population can swell to over 1000 at certain times of the year and to not have adequate healthcare support for the island is simply not acceptable.”

Concluding, Mr Early said “The island has decided to form a committee made up of people representing community representatives, mothers, fathers, carers and the those with a healthcare background to fight the HSE's cutback. We plan to use all available means to gather support and as well as face to face meetings, such as the one planned with local TD's on the island on Monday morning, we will also be building an online campaign of support. Arranmore Island is a massive community spread far and wide and already we are gathering huge support for our campaign. The HSE should know we will not take this lying down and we plan to keep moving forward to achieve our goal.”  

Greetings From America

My family has called the islands of Casco Bay, Maine (2 hours northeast of Boston), and Long Island in particular, home for hundreds of years. Long Island has a year round population of approximately 200 hundred residents with many more in the summer months. My three children attend the elementary school on the island and many in my family are involved in the fishing industry with a focus on lobster.

Island communities around the globe share remarkably similar principles, challenges and opportunities. Inherent in an islander is a sense of community, character and sustainability – necessities for living in an isolated location. However, global challenges including climate change (increasing ocean temperatures and acidification), loss of fisheries, high energy costs and the subsequent departure of youth are straining the viability of many these same communities.

Despite these challenges, many island and remote communities are blessed with an untapped resource: energy from the ocean (tides, waves and offshore wind) and the skilled mariners familiar with working in this harsh environment. I have been involved in making these projects become a reality as a director for Ocean Renewable Power Company (ORPC). In 2012 ORPC made history by connecting a tidal turbine to the electric grid near Eastport, Maine, an accomplishment that was a first for ocean energy in the Americas.

Building on ORPC’s early success we are pursuing global opportunities to develop ocean energy projects. Through recent discussions with Shirley Gallagher and a meeting with delegates from Donegal County we are strengthening connections and learning about opportunities in the area. I look forward to further communications, both personally and professionally, and encourage you to contact me if you have further interest related to Maine’s island communities or ORPC.

Nathan Johnson, Ocean Renewable Power Company

Towards an Excellent Ireland - Ar Aghaidh Linn!

Tangible Ireland, was established in 2001 to provide Support Services to both indigenous Start-Up Enterprises and Foreign Direct Investment. From the beginning at Tangible we had a significant interest and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility with particular focus on Community Empowerment, Social Enterprise and Cross Community and Cross Border Projects. Since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 Tangible’s CSR activities have further evolved into promoting thought leadership around the core values of collaborative leadership, shared excellence and the concept of 'pay it forward!' Tangible is positive in its outlook and pragmatic in its approach. We seek to add value through our interventions and to provide a beacon of leadership and inspiration for those with passion and talent in the battle for a positive future.

In early 2009 we initiated the Tangible Leadership Series bringing together a diverse collection of intellects and advocates to face the challenges of creating an improved Ireland. With a global network of over 1000 followers/contributors keen to participate in Tangible debate which is restriction free, positive and pragmatic. We now visit venues in Dublin, London, Howth, Limerick, South Belfast, New York ,Crossmaglen, Sydney and Ballyhoura. Each venue brings together its own unique group of participants, with their own perspective.

 We are now commencing our 6th Tangible Leadership Series starting with ‘Ammunition for Success!’ in Howth on January 9th. Our theme is in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Howth Gun Running in 19014 which was the precursor to the 1916 Rising. We have recently visited London Irish Centre to host ‘London, Our Friend in Europe!’ to explore the enhanced relationship with our nearest neighbour and closest ally in Europe and gain a better understanding of the London Irish community.

As a highlight to our Tangible Leadership Series we will hold our 5th Ambassador Summer School in Ballyhoura in August 2014 where over 3 days we provide a more relaxed yet stimulating environment to discover and debate the pertinent issues facing Ireland and the global Irish.

It was through Linkedin that we heard of Shirley Gallagher’s endeavours to bring a more sustainable economy to Arainn Mhór off the coast of Donegal. Her ideas about cultivating indigenous enterprise, championing the fishing industry to creating a greater connectivity between island communities around the world resonate well with our Tangible values, thus we decided to highlight her work through our seminar series. We look forward to hearing from Shirley in Howth in January next where many locals and visitors will empathise with her passion for positive intervention in Coastal communities.

Ar Aghaidh Linn!

Raymond Sexton, Tangible Ireland

TG4 Television Series About Arranmore Island

Bliain In Arainn Mhór follows the life of islanders on Donegal island, Arranmore for a year. This is a four-part series following the seasons and life on the island, from a number of different perspectives filmed over 12 months. The series features the old and the young; those from the island and those who have moved there more recently; those familiar with and still practicing the traditional way of life and those eager to embrace a new and different approach to life on this harsh yet beautiful outpost. Produced by Power Pictures, the series captures a sense of the spirit and rugged beauty of Arranmore and its attendant, vibrant heritage, as witnessed through the daily lives of those featured in the series.

Located just three miles off the coast, Arranmore is the second largest inhabited island in the country. Nine square miles in size, most of the islands 480 inhabitants live on the more sheltered southern and eastern side of the island in order to avoid the brutal south westerly winds.

Despite its inhospitable geographic location, making winter access difficult at times, Arranmore is serviced by shops, two hotels, five pubs, a post office, a health clinic and a care centre for the elderly. The island has its own secondary school as well as two primary schools and a creche, all of which are crucial in maintaining the general well-being on this rocky outpost.

Fishing had long been a traditional occupation for Arran’s men, but when plentiful catches became scarce in recent decades, particularly the well-paid salmon fishing, many followed those who had left the island to tunnel abroad, each paving the way for the next in the tragic pattern of Irish emigration. For generations emigration has been accepted as a way of life. The island was famed for its Tunnel Tigers – hard-working men who dug tunnels from London to New York and beyond.

The series was broadcast in March 2013 and is still available on TG4/Bliain In Arainn Mhór.

The Gaeltacht Act

Acht na Gaeltachta 2012
Shínigh an tUachtarán Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 ar an 25 Iúil 2012. Faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, beidh leasuithe a ndéanamh ar an mhiniú a bheas ann feasta don Ghaeltacht agus beidh leasuithe a gcur i bhfeidhm i dtaca le struchtúr agus feidhmeanna Údarás na Gaeltachta. Beidh an Ghaeltacht bunaithe ar chritéir theageolaíocha seachas ar limistéir thíreolaíocha mar a bhí go dtí seo. Cialaíonn seo go mbeidh stádas Gaeltachta bunaithe ar an teanga atá in údáid sa phobal. Go dtí seo bhí stádas Gaeltachta bunaithe ar ceantair nó teorainn faoi leith. Beidh an phleanáil teanga ag leibhéal an phobail lárnach má tá ceantair atá aitheantas Gaeltachta acu faoi láthair ag iarraidh an stádas Gaeltachta atá acu a chosaint. Beidh ar an phobal plean teanga a ullmhú agus é a chur faoi bhráid an Aire. Má ghlactar leis an phlean, beidh dul chun cinn an pobail i dtaca leis na spriocanna teanga a bheas ann a mheas ag an Aire Tugann Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 feidhm reachtúil don Údarás I dtaca le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 sa Ghaeltacht. Go dtí seo, tá sé curtha in iúl ag beagnach leath den phobal ar an oileán gur mhian leo bheith páirteach sa phróiseas pleanála teanga.


Gaeltacht Act 2012
The Gaeltacht Act 2012 was signed by the President on 25 July 2012. In accordance with the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the future boundaries of the Gaeltacht will no longer be determined by geographical areas, but by the language of use of the community. Amendments will also be made in terms of the structure and functions of Údarás na Gaeltachta. In the future , language planning at community level will be vital in areas where the community wish to retain the current Gaeltacht status of the island. According to the Gaeltacht Act, a language plan must be prepared and submitted to the Minister for approval. Following the acceptance by the Minister of the plan the progress of the community in relation to language goals will be assessed. Údarás na Gaeltachta, is the statutory agency for the implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language in the Gaeltacht 2010-2030 . To date, almost half of island residents have expressed an interest in participating in the language planning process.

Pulling For Gold

Those of a certain age will fondly remember the annual battles on the rock that took place during the tug of war events during the summer months. While this event doesn't make much of an appearance as it use to in years gone by, one islander is continuing on the tradition by taking part in the sport on a much more frequent and serious manner these days than was ever done in the past.

Edward Mary Eddie Gallagher from Plughoge now takes part in the sport on a regular basis as a member of the Clonmany Tug of War Club. A formidable team, Clonmany B have recently been on winning form which has seen Edward take home no less than three winning medals from recent competitions. Most recently the team impressively won the national senior championship 600kg title taking victory over all the other teams they came up against.

February 2014 will see the World Indoor Tug of War Championship at which Edward and his team intend once again to put on another strong performance and bring home a few more medals at the same time. We would like to wish Edward and all the Clonmany team all the very best for the up-coming event and look forward to possibly celebrating a world champion on the island as he continues to keep an old island tradition alive.

Arranmore United Gaining Strength

Arranmore United Football Club have had a fantastic first half of the season which see them top the table having won eight out of the nine league games played and are on track to qualify to the last eight of the Downtown Cup. The club had been on the verge of folding because of a lack of interest from committee, players and management, however the switch to Saturday football seemed to galvanise all parties and the club have made great strides.

The manager and players set out their stall at a very early stage and pre season started on July 1st 2013, a full 2 months before the season itself started and it was made clear the training would take place Tuesdays and Thursdays regardless of the weather. This has been adhered to totally, with the lads pounding the roads in some horrendous weather. However Jerry and the boys are very much aware that nothing is won in December and training will be stepped up during the Christmas break. Jerry wishes to acknowledge the support he has had from the committee and the public in supporting fundraising however he and the players are slightly disappointed at numbers attending home games and he is urging the islanders to come out and support the lads to what could be a memorable season.

When asked what the key was to the change in fortunes, Jerry was very quick to acknowledge the huge contribution made by the players. “We have a very young side with as many as 6 players still at the Gairmscoil and the return to form of Gavin, Michael McHugh and Daniel has been huge” Jerry said, adding “Added to that the experience of Danny, Rua and the mainland lads Benny, Mark, and Gerard Diver, gives the team a great balance.”

The commitment shown by the lads who travel from Galway weekly should never be underestimated  or taken for granted, for example Declan proctor left Galway at 5am and his journey took him to Maghery  via Sligo, Enniskillen, Sligo again Donegal and Glenties just in time for 1pm kick off! (We get the feeling that there is a story attached to that journey!) When asked how he sees the season panning out Jerry did say that despite the current squad doing great he did concede that they were very short in numbers and the team were down to the bare numbers on a couple of occasions and said he will be looking to add at least four players to the panel to cover all eventualities. In conclusion Jerry was at pains to point out how well the lads have represented the island, not only on the park, but also off it saying “Arranmore Utd are a huge part of the community and it is great to be in a position to be able to work with these lads in restoring the Pride back in the club”. Jerry and all the players would like to wish all the island a happy and peaceful holiday period. 

What is a Sustainable Community?

The definition of what is a sustainable community has been taken from SEAI ‘Guidelines for a Sustainable Community and related back to the island by Shirley Gallagher. This is available from their site www.seai.ie but also on the facebook group sustainable islands, under files as is other important documentation.

It should be a sustainable energy zone-a specific geographical area. As Arran is an island, our geographical boundary is obvious. This should allow others to become aware of the idea and allow us to become a test site for innovative products.

An example is the KickTrike. This is still in testing phase; however we are currently in talks to produce the product on Arran and also to use them. We are hoping it will be a disruptive innovation is an innovation that disrupts, improves and replaces an existing product over time in unexpected ways. The KickTrike will be demonstrated at the upcoming event in Howth Yacht Club ‘Ammunition for Success’ where Dr Shirley Gallagher and Mr Axel Pohle, colleagues at Irish Radio International (www.irishradiointernational.com) will discuss how Arran is leading the flock in sustainable communities on the 9^th January 2014. A demonstration on the island, including a visit to the braes, School, Glen, Jimmy Ward’s and Barr an Baile Mor will be hosted by SysPro;Systems for Progress Limited on the 10^th January 2014.

It should cover all aspects of society, residential, educational, commercial and public. Stakeholders are from all sectors, private and public.

Many members of Arranmore society have received notification of the SMILEGOV initiative, many have returned their letters of support and others are encouraged to engage, question and support initiative. Using face to face meetings as well as the use of social media has been critical. It is believed that the diaspora are part of the solution, where many would chose to return home if work was available. As a result they have been included in the consultation.

It should have strong stakeholder community commitment. Ensure momentum is maintained and improved.

Working on the council idea came about from Shirley’s visit to Scandinavia and discussion of their best practises. Bere Island, Co Cork created their council in 2004. John Walsh, Chairman of Comhdhaill will visit Arranmore on Saturday 29^th March 2014 to share his experience on Bere and on the creation of the West Cork Islands initiative. We would encourage everyone to attend the meeting that is interested in creating a united and fairer society in Arranmore.

It must have a defined management structure and process.

This is where the need for a council of island representatives is critical. It is perceived that we will have a representative for every 20 persons. It has been proposed that the townlands and business sectors should be represented as well as the educational and health establishments.

A baseline energy study must be fully understood

We are completely dependent on fossil fuel at present and as cost rises we need to think smarter in how we manage these costs. The feasibility report will include a baseline energy study to ensure we know where we started from in terms of energy. We need to create and aim for SMART (specific, measurable, accurate, realistic and timely) targets that are integrated into our society with energy efficient projects and a sustainable energy supply.

It must be replicable and a good practise study

This is to allow others to follow our example and benefit from our knowledge and learning experiences. This will provide a flow of people to the island, eco tourists eager to learn how they can do the same. Other places such as Samso, Denmark, Orkneys, Scotland and Gussing, Austria have found this to be the case but also it has led to an increase in population and job opportunities. The 8 inhabited West Cork islands and Inis Mor are also involved in SMILEGOV and are driving forward on their islands.

It must provide clear recognisable benefits

We believe that creating a focus on energy and its role in producing future jobs, will increase community engagement, empower islanders, increase population, improve health and increase tourism.

Funding of the projects that develop will come from a number of sources.

By Shirley Gallagher

VISION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SMILEGOV PROJECT

An Intelligent Energy Europe funded initiative called SMILEGOV, is bringing together a raft of islands it is proposed that we as islands work together to create a model that can be replicated in other rural coastal regions. As we have the potential to produce renewable energy using wind, wave, tidal and solar. The project is bringing together islanders, government agencies, trainers and investors bringing everyone around the table. By investing in the green economy, we can build something together faster and further together.

My vision, which sits in the community centre, has a place we can live, work and play together. It is a sustainable future that is possible today. It shows a sense of security in growing our own food, creating energy, using it wisely, creating jobs and a place to have fun.

My objective as part of the SMILEGOV project is for the island to become an innovation hub, using our connections, and using the energy generated on the island to create employment. I am proposing that we examine using the energy to grow food for home use and for market and processing local produce, marketing and branding as one. This will create a vibrant community that will be a beacon for those wanting to live in a safe and caring environment. I want to nurture the care, craft and culture of our island. I want to work together for a shared and lasting prosperity for Arranmore.   

By Shirley Gallagher

Creating Future Job Opportunities

It has been decided that Arranmore Island wants a future, not the one that was predicted, a resort,

but one with a vibrant community and a smart economy.

We have an educated workforce, many multi lingual, all English speaking. We have skilled, knowledgeable, creative people. Many are scattered throughout the globe but would return if there was a place to live and work on the island.

We have a stunning environment to live in but also to harness energy from, ensuring we are no longer reliant on imported fuel. We are working towards this future with the help of SMILEGOV.

We have a strong social capital, connections and a trust that is there due to shared values.

Our industries, the tourist, fishing and farming sectors are in need of help, we need to enable them to build an infrastructure in order to create higher value stock and produce. We need a modern communication link with the rest of the world. We need jobs both highly skilled and manual in order to ensure the island has a future.

We have ¾ of the requirements, we are looking for suggestions on what could be done with existing sectors but plan to create new sectors for the future of Arranmore Island.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Summary report of the Ogham Bond Project, Arranmore Island 2013

The local currency project on the island of Arranmore was closed on the 28^th September 2013 and the local businesses cashed in their Ogham Bonds for Euro’s. The summer experiment was to examine if there is a willingness, support and need for a local currency on the island. The plan was that this initiative would deepen the understanding of economy for communities through education.

The project developer, Dr Shirley Gallagher told ‘An Charraig’ ‘that the project was a triumph in many ways. It showed the ability of the islanders to trust me, the project as well as each other.’ When speaking to Jerry Early, a local publican on the topic he exclaimed ‘of course we would support it, sure you are one of our own’.

The quirky nature of the project allowed people to think outside the box and explore uncharted territories. By empowering the community and having open and frank conversations, it raised awareness of the current situation following the financial crash of 2008 and the ongoing recession.’    

Think Global, Act Local

The global economy is changing, jobs are changing, and life is changing at a rapid pace. This year’s top 10 companies didn’t exist 10 years ago and the flip side of the coin is that many jobs that were popular 10 years ago are now non existent.

There will be job roles like the little match girl from the Victorian times that will be unheard of in years to come. As many manufacturing jobs and now servicing jobs have moved to China and other Eastern countries, it is apparent we need to create our own opportunities. We need to be able to adapt to the new environment as Darwin explained evolution is the survival of the fittest.

Arranmore is in a position to lead the way, to think with our heads, feel with our hearts and work with our hands. We have a strong sense of place; we know who we are in a world that has lost its way. We have shared values which are based on principles handed down for generations. We are a place apart; I believe it is because we are on the edge, of Ireland, Europe and the world, allowing for more diversity and ingenuity.

By Shirley Gallagher

Childrens Christmas Party The Arranmore Way

The weekend before the Christmas holidays, I went to the Christmas party for the kids at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh. I started a kids Christmas party, 19 years ago, with Margaret Baoille, Mary, Anne and Bernadette Boyle because I wanted Elaina to see Santa and the only ones who had a party then was the senior citizens. Angela donated a gift from Alaska that couldn’t be found in Ireland at the time, its still on the go.

We raised enough money in the first year to have another party the following year. That tradition has continued as various Moms have managed the party down through the years and the money is still a year ahead.

It is so much more professional now with John Greene the DJ and a beautiful grotto by the Begleys, the list of children printed so they know when their turn is to see the man himself and great gifts for the children and the donations for the raffles. I met Mary Frances there, she came from Leitrim to spend time with her family and friends and for her boys to meet Santa and play with their cousins. The youngest baby there was Ruby, Margaret’s granddaughter, the Arranmore way is alive and well.     

By Shirley Gallagher

Connecting With The World Wide Web

It is said that internet years are like dog years; the passing of one year in the real world turns to seven online. Familiar online services and sites such as Skype, Google, Facebook, Youtube, iTunes and others have sprung up in the last ten years or so and have become part of our daily lives for staying in touch, work and relaxation. Phone and tablet applications are increasingly used for everything from speaking to friends and family abroad, banking, booking flights, paying our bills to playing games.

This connected world is dependent on the rails of communication being in place; the wires and cables that carry all of our voices, messages, videos, songs and business across the country and across the globe. Without this basic infrastructure we will be left behind as everyday services that we depend on are moved online to reduce costs and increase speed and efficiency.

At present there are no plans for any of the companies to provide proper wired broadband services on the island. We are left with a stop gap, a wireless service that will not serve our needs in only a few short years ahead. We urgently need to plan and pressure the powers that be to provide these services, much as the community did in the 1950’s for electricity and in the 1970’s for our water. The island recently lost a returned family of five to the mainland through lack of these services, we can ill afford to lose anyone else.

By Seamus Bonner

Island Fishermen Keep Up the Fight for Their Rights

The Donegal Island Fishermen Group, which has a strong input from Arranmore Island fishermen, continue to work very hard and have been successful in the sense that legistation has been amended to the benefit of not just island fishermen, but to inshore fishermen all along the Donegal coast.

The island fishermen group was formed in 2006 prior to the banning of salmon fishing and the group lobbied hard to try and convince the various departments to overturn the goverments decision. The impact the of banning of salmon fishing cannot be underestimated and the group continue the fight which has lasted close on seven years. The group have made two separate presentations to the Joint Oireachtas Committee and are currently awaiting the draft report.

The Fishermen continue to be cautiously optimistic that a satisfactory conclusion will come out of the many years of hard work carried out by a few dedicated men. The issue of the ban on 'Area 6a' which effectively saw all the island boats having to target only two species - crab and lobster - has been relaxed. This relaxation of the rules has come about because of the persistence of the Islands committee, which has seen the group meet with MEPs from many countries. The group met with the European commissioner and again through hard work and countless hours of lobbying a very satisfactory amendment and commitment to sustain island life was introduced, which in the long term will have huge benefits to the Island.

We hope to be in a position to report on the findings of the Oireachtas Committee in the coming months.

Jerry Early, Spokesperson.

Are You Willing to Join the Flock?

The wild Geese are back for the winter. They sit below my house, near old Tarbh Dubh. The geese can fly further, faster together; in fact they save 71% by flying in this formation. It allows them to fly from the Arctic, their summer feeding grounds, home, safely together. They are clever, in that they take turns playing follow the leader, so none get over tired and the flock remains intact until they reach their destination. 

On the 3^rd November, at the first in the series of meetings on future job opportunities, I questioned why Arranmore had stopped pulling together as it once had to? I highlighted the stark reality of a dying island, Arranmore has lost 1000 people in 100 years. This is not a unique problem we have alone, it is a global phenomenon. People go to where the jobs are. The jobs are in cities in Dublin, Glasgow, Chicago and London and Arranmore people are scattered all over the globe. In fact we flock like geese to the same areas for generations, following in our Fathers, Grandfathers and Great Grandfathers footsteps. The comedian Tommy Tiernan, describes it well when he speaks of the Irish invading countries with a 6 pack, a sleeping bag and the start. We are bred to go. Your children are next, mine has already gone. Times have changed, nowadays we go away with an education yet we still have the island resilience, where we will go anywhere, do anything and talk to anyone. These are skills not everyone possesses; we as a people are adaptable.

The island is turning into a holiday resort, a quaint hideaway to get away from it all for some, and for others to live it up, whilst its islanders get older. I came home to record the stories, before they are lost forever. In July alone there were 4 funerals on the island. In August the opportunity Io revive Arranmore Island using the sustainable platform was a possibility, if I stuck my neck out. I did.

On November the 3^rd, I made a statement that if we continue as we have done; we will continue to get what we always have. We will have less than 300 living here in the next 20 years. Yet there are people that would love to come home, to raise their family in a safe, secure environment. I asked the question, can Arranmore Island change? Does it want to? I asked the question can we pull together to create a vibrant community, that will benefit all?

In November, I received a resounding Yes, lets do something positive. Many Islanders supported the future jobs initiative by writing a letter of support as have a number of academic institutions, industry, Donegal County Council, our local authority and elected politicians. There are in excess of 130 letters at present with more expected as islanders return home for the holidays. A copy of a draft letter can be obtained from Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh. To date there have been 3 meetings (3^rd, 21^st and 28^th November), with action plans listed both here and on facebook. I personally would like to thank both co-ops for the use of the venues and also to those who participated and attended the meetings.

The idea of working together to form a sustainable island will take time and agreement from islanders. It is a beacon of hope. It is fragile like all new projects so it needs tending, but let’s build on it, le cheile.     

By Shirley Gallagher