Island Council Calls for Medical Unit to be Reinstated
11.02.2015
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.”
Arranmore Island Community Council Moving Forward
The community of Arranmore Island brought public representation a little closer to home in 2014 with the election of a new community council. The idea first came to fruition after it was suggested during a public meeting held on the island in November 2013 to discuss the future of the island and its sustainability. The meeting came about following work Dr Shirley Gallagher had being doing regarding feasibility studies for possible projects that the island community could work on which would bring inward investment and job creation. This in turn would enable people to remain on Arranmore and not have to continually leave the island in search of work as has been the case for so many years. The long term goal was to see Arranmore Island as a place its people could remain living in and equally allow its diaspora to return home to live permanently.
From the meeting in November 2013 and with Dr Gallagher working on the SMILGOV project (Smarter Multi Level Governance) a steering committee was formed to work towards the holding of a formal election on the island. This was all done under the guidance of the National Community Council Charity, Muintir na Tire and within months a date of May 26th 2014 was set to hold the first election of the Arranmore Island Community Council.
The election was a huge success with a turnout of 85% of the islands electorate and with many people who were working or studying around the country and overseas getting involved via postal votes. Following the election the councillors first met in late June for the hand over from the steering council and following the summer break the councillors met again to begin the formal formation of the council in the Autumn.
By November 2014 and again under guidance of James O’Neill of Munitir na Tire a council chairman was elected and from this officer roles were assigned paving the way for the council to get down to business. The council now consists of 14 members and elections will be held every three years with chair and officer roles voted on by the council each year at its AGM.
The current sitting councillors are; Adrian Begley (Chairman), Frankie Bonner, Seamus Bonner (Secretary), Sally Brady (Deputy Treasurer), Frances Early, Jerry Early (Public Relations Officer), Rachael Early, TC Gallagher (Treasurer), Neilie Kavanagh, Paula Killeen (Deputy Secretary), Noreen Muldowney, Denis O’Donnell (Deputy Public Relations Officer), Patrick O’Donnell and Anthony Proctor (Vice Chairman).
Speaking following the councils last meeting before the Christmas break Council Chairman Adrian Begley spoke of the role of the council and the positive reception the idea of the council has been met with by the community. “I think the council will be a very positive development for the Arranmore community moving forward as it represents the community as a whole and will provide the basis for one strong voice for the people of the island, both here at home and abroad” Adrian said.
“The turnout of 85% of the electorate to vote for the council is unprecedented and just goes to show the interest the community have in having a voice and local representation when it comes to the future and sustainability of their community. The council has been elected by the community to work in its best interests. We as a council very much respect the fact that we are representing a broad swathe of opinion, and will do our very best to do what we can to not only be a voice to ask questions when needed but to work with all bodies and institutions around the country to develop and build upon the already great work that others have been doing for the people of Arranmore Island. The council will be fair and open in its workings and complete transparency for the people of the island we feel as a council is crucial to its success."
On the plans for the future, the council chairman said there was great hope for the island. “There is much scope for the development of the island as a community and our aim is to work for projects that will benefit the people as a whole. In the lead-up to the election last May a needs analysis was circulated in the community asking the islanders to suggest what they felt were priorities. We are currently working through the needs analysis and will be starting 2015 tackling the matters which the islanders feel most important. But ultimately sustainability of our very unique island community is our main goal and we all feel very positive for the future as we know there is so much we can achieve.
“On behalf of the council I would like to thank Dr Shirley Gallagher, James O’Neill of Muintir na Tire and the steering committee for their hard work in getting the project of an community council this far. We also would like to thank the community for their commitment and support in making the council a reality and we very much look forward to working together with the island community as a whole, both at home and abroad, in the years to come.”
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.”
Arranmore Island Community Council Moving Forward
The community of Arranmore Island brought public representation a little closer to home in 2014 with the election of a new community council. The idea first came to fruition after it was suggested during a public meeting held on the island in November 2013 to discuss the future of the island and its sustainability. The meeting came about following work Dr Shirley Gallagher had being doing regarding feasibility studies for possible projects that the island community could work on which would bring inward investment and job creation. This in turn would enable people to remain on Arranmore and not have to continually leave the island in search of work as has been the case for so many years. The long term goal was to see Arranmore Island as a place its people could remain living in and equally allow its diaspora to return home to live permanently.
From the meeting in November 2013 and with Dr Gallagher working on the SMILGOV project (Smarter Multi Level Governance) a steering committee was formed to work towards the holding of a formal election on the island. This was all done under the guidance of the National Community Council Charity, Muintir na Tire and within months a date of May 26th 2014 was set to hold the first election of the Arranmore Island Community Council.
The election was a huge success with a turnout of 85% of the islands electorate and with many people who were working or studying around the country and overseas getting involved via postal votes. Following the election the councillors first met in late June for the hand over from the steering council and following the summer break the councillors met again to begin the formal formation of the council in the Autumn.
By November 2014 and again under guidance of James O’Neill of Munitir na Tire a council chairman was elected and from this officer roles were assigned paving the way for the council to get down to business. The council now consists of 14 members and elections will be held every three years with chair and officer roles voted on by the council each year at its AGM.
The current sitting councillors are; Adrian Begley (Chairman), Frankie Bonner, Seamus Bonner (Secretary), Sally Brady (Deputy Treasurer), Frances Early, Jerry Early (Public Relations Officer), Rachael Early, TC Gallagher (Treasurer), Neilie Kavanagh, Paula Killeen (Deputy Secretary), Noreen Muldowney, Denis O’Donnell (Deputy Public Relations Officer), Patrick O’Donnell and Anthony Proctor (Vice Chairman).
Speaking following the councils last meeting before the Christmas break Council Chairman Adrian Begley spoke of the role of the council and the positive reception the idea of the council has been met with by the community. “I think the council will be a very positive development for the Arranmore community moving forward as it represents the community as a whole and will provide the basis for one strong voice for the people of the island, both here at home and abroad” Adrian said.
“The turnout of 85% of the electorate to vote for the council is unprecedented and just goes to show the interest the community have in having a voice and local representation when it comes to the future and sustainability of their community. The council has been elected by the community to work in its best interests. We as a council very much respect the fact that we are representing a broad swathe of opinion, and will do our very best to do what we can to not only be a voice to ask questions when needed but to work with all bodies and institutions around the country to develop and build upon the already great work that others have been doing for the people of Arranmore Island. The council will be fair and open in its workings and complete transparency for the people of the island we feel as a council is crucial to its success."
On the plans for the future, the council chairman said there was great hope for the island. “There is much scope for the development of the island as a community and our aim is to work for projects that will benefit the people as a whole. In the lead-up to the election last May a needs analysis was circulated in the community asking the islanders to suggest what they felt were priorities. We are currently working through the needs analysis and will be starting 2015 tackling the matters which the islanders feel most important. But ultimately sustainability of our very unique island community is our main goal and we all feel very positive for the future as we know there is so much we can achieve.
“On behalf of the council I would like to thank Dr Shirley Gallagher, James O’Neill of Muintir na Tire and the steering committee for their hard work in getting the project of an community council this far. We also would like to thank the community for their commitment and support in making the council a reality and we very much look forward to working together with the island community as a whole, both at home and abroad, in the years to come.”
Arainn Mhor Island Community Elects 14 Councilors
 |
| Steering Group Members Dr Shirley Gallagher and Councilor Frances Early at Polling Station, Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Arainn Mhor |
 |
| Voting was brisk all day |
On the 26th May 2014, the island of Arainn Mhor elected Councilors for the first island council. In fact, 85% gave their opinion by coming to the voting centre at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, by post, email and proxy. In contrast, the recent local and European elections had a turnout of 50%. Based on Muintir na Tire’s guidelines people were asked to choose a balanced council with age, gender and place to be considered and this was carried out by the electorate.
The sustainable scientist, Dr Shirley Gallagher committed to the IEE funded project Smarter Multi Level Governance (SMILEGOV)[1] in August 2013 and has principally funded the project through her consultancy SysPro;Systems for Progress Limited. Working with the National Community Council Charity, Muintir na Tire[2] and the Community Council Steering Group, she set up an island community council. She said
 |
| Dr Shirley Gallagher casting her vote |
 |
| Councilors Frances Early and Denis O' Donnell |
The Councilors have a broad range of skills and are scattered throughout the island with 9 townlands represented on the council and the age range is spread from youth to elder (20-70’s). The council provides a broad church of islanders with both cooperative’s represented as well as local businesses and island organisations. Islanders were asked to record their priorities on a needs analysis form and these have been collated by the steering group so the council has a clear mandate from the people.
There will be an Inaugural Island Council Meeting at Wednesday 4th June at 6.30pm at Chulturlann.
Name
|
Townland
|
Occupation
| |
Adrian
|
Begley
|
Aphort
|
Clinical Hypnotherapist
|
Frankie
|
Bonner
|
Ballard
|
Builder
|
Seamus
|
Bonner
|
Illion
|
CEO CFFAM
|
Sally
|
Brady
|
Ballard
|
Administrator CFFAM
|
Frances
|
Early
|
Illion
|
Retired
|
Jerry
|
Early
|
Poolawaddy
|
Publican
|
Rachel
|
Early
|
Leabgarrow
|
Administrator
|
Theresa
|
Gallagher
|
Cloughcor
|
Housewife
|
Neily
|
Kavanagh
|
Ballintra
|
Fisherman
|
Paula
|
Killeen
|
Ploghog
|
Hotel Manager
|
Noirin
|
Mhaoldomhnaigh
|
Ballard
|
Bainnestoir Com
|
Denis
|
O Donnell
|
Illion
|
Secretary of Outgoing Steering Group
|
Patrick
|
O Donnell
|
Poolawaddy
|
Carpenter
|
Anthony
|
Proctor
|
Leabgarrow
|
Builder
|
Dr Gallagher explained
‘‘the first step was to listen, then engage and finally to empower people. The huge turnout highlight that islanders want unity, change, and value being involved. By providing a democratically elected council for the island with the help and support of Muintir and the steering group, I have left a legacy. I have hope that the Chairman/Mayor of the island as well as the Mayor of County Donegal will commit to the ‘Pact of Islands’, this will complete the remit of SMILEGOV on Arainn Mhor. By having to leave the family home at 12, it does provide an inherent ability to bridge gaps and find solutions. There was a lack of joined up thinking and this new initiative incorporating cooperatives, many island businesses and stalwarts of the community will open a new chapter on life in Arainn Mhor. The European Funded Climate KIC project that has begun in April 2014 with 2 islanders out of 9 Irish pioneers highlights Arainn Mhor is on the cutting edge of sustainability and I believe it will go from strength to strength”
The island community of Arainn Mhor was a Finalist as a Green Community Award in 2014 under the project Regen Arainn Mhor along with the champion for the island regeneration project, Dr Shirley Gallagher in the Green Leader category. Thanks to the Red Ferry who supported the initiative (www.arranmoreferry.com)
SMILEGOV, a 20 month project is a high level initiative, examining the major barriers to creating a low carbon society on islands. The project is bringing together various stakeholders and the multilevels of governance required to achieve the EU target of 20% reduction in Carbon and 20% increase in renewable energies by the year 2020. The crux of the project is to engage all stakeholders including islanders to agree to the Pact of Islands[3], a promise to engage in examination of sustainable practises and achieve the targets of Kyoto. As a result, the key focus of the project was to create a system of democratically elected representation on an island level on the island of Arainn Mhor.
 |
| Council Fundraiser Raffle Prize Original Oil Paintings Slieve League by Artist Marie Lafferty and Flat on a Beach by Local Artist Annie Bonner €2 ticket at Killeen's and Early's. From L-R Noreen Gallagher, Shirley Gallagher and Annie Bonner |
Outgoing Steering Committee Members Shirley Gallagher and Annie Bonner have both donated paintings to provide the council funds. They are available for viewing in Killeens Hotel and Early's Bar and raffle tickets at €2 a strip can be purchased in these locations. The raffle will take place during the Summer 2014.
Giving The Community A Voice
19th April 2104
It was proposed
that Arainn Mhor Island will set up a community island council based on Muintir
na Tire Community Council model as a result of the resounding positive poll of
the islanders. This resulted in the setting up of a Steering
Group to facilitate the election of an Arainn Mhor Council (“the Council”).
The Council will be set up and run according to
Muintir na Tire’s guidelines and regulations. The system used by Muintir na
Tire is a tried and tested model and has proven very successful in other communities as well as Bere Island. Information on Muintir na Tire is available at (www.muintir.ie).
The main aim of the Council is to represent everyone
on the island and to give a voice to every person. It is imperative to the
success of the Council that all the
people of Arranmore are fairly represented and the Steering Group are inviting
all members of the community to actively take part in the process.
Contact steering group at arainnmhorsteeringgroup@gmail.com
 | |||
| Steering Group, Denis O'Donnell (secretary), Shirley Atsyspro (Chairman) , Paula Killeen (Treasurer), Annie Bonner, Frances Early & Bernie Green (not in picture). |
Timeline of Events to Date
26th May 2014 - Celebratory Dinner at the Glen Hotel at 8.30pm
26th May 2014 - Island Community Council Election at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 9-7pm
17th May 2014 - Fundraiser Quiz at the Glen Hotel at 10pm
7th May 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 5pm
5th May 2014 - Island Needs Analysis questionnaire at public places
30th April 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 5pm
28th April 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 5pm
24th April 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 1pm
20th April 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 1pm
19th April 2014 - Island Council Poll Count at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 5pm
16th April 2014 - Island Council Poll at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 1pm
30th March 2014 - Steering Group Meeting at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 2pm
29th March 2014 - Public Meeting Creating Island Council at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 8pm
5th March 2014 - Public Meeting Better Energy Community Info Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 4pm
28th Dec 2013 - Public Meeting Creating Job Opps at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 8pm
28th Nov 2013 - Public Meeting Creating Job Opps at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 8pm
3rd Nov 2013 - Public Meeting Creating Job Opps at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh 12pm
A celebratory dinner will take place following the inaugural Island Election at the Glen Hotel. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration however booking is essential.
Starter
Egg Mayonnaise Seafood Cocktail
Main Course
Roast Beef Turkey
& Ham
Dessert
Bailey's Cheesecake Black Forest Gateau
Tea/Coffee
Cost €22 per head
Special Dietary
Requirements can be catered but please contact Annemarie on
074 9520505/
0876348401 or email annemarietheglen@gmail.com
Book before Monday 12th May 2014
Reference Island Council Dinner
No comments:
Post a Comment