Notice of Plenary Meeting: Tuesday, 11th May 2021, 7pm (online)

Notice of Plenary Meeting: Tuesday, 11th May 2021, 7pm (online)

Clare Public Participation Network warmly invites all member groups to attend its first Plenary Meeting of 2021 which will take place on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 at 7pm.  Please reserve your place at this meeting by emailing your name and member group name to admin@clareppn.ie on or before Monday, 10th May.  Only those registered in advance will receive the link to the meeting.

What is a Plenary Meeting?
Plenary meetings are the main decision making forums for Clare PPN. At these meetings all member groups are invited to attend and to put items forward for the agenda for discussion or for inclusion in the work plan of Clare PPN. At each of these meetings the staff and secretariat of Clare PPN present an update on the work, finances, and activities of the PPN from the preceding three months and present their work plan for discussion and input from member groups for the forthcoming three months. Clare PPN’s representatives who sit on 11 boards and committees in the County will also have an opportunity to present updates from their committees and to take any questions or input from member groups at this meeting.

Online Meeting:
Due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions, this Plenary Meeting will be held online via zoom. You will need a smart phone or computer and an internet connection to use zoom.

Call for Agenda Items:
All current member groups can propose agenda items for this meeting on or before 4th May 2021. Please send these using the subject line ”Agenda Item Plenary Meeting” to admin@clareppn.ie

LCDC meeting notes by environmental representative Cornelia Wahli – 14th April 2021

LCDC meeting notes by environmental representative Cornelia Wahli – 14th April 2021

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Clare LCDC (Local Community Development Committee)

Meeting – Wednesday, 14.04.2021 @ 15:00 pm

Meeting Notes from PPN Environmental Representative, Cornelia Wahli

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PPN Reps Present:   Niamh O’Callaghan, Hillary Tonge, Mary O’Donoghue, Cornelia Wahl

  1. Minutes for meeting dated 24.02.2021

Adopted

  1. LCDC Membership up-date:

4 LCDC members completed their 2-term membership:

  • Mary O’Donoghue                Clare PPN Rep for Social Inclusion
  • Helen Downs                       Business Sector – Shannon Chamber of Commerce
  • Andrew Dundas                   Agriculture Farming Sector
  • Margaret Slattery                Clare Youth Service

3 new members proposed for LCDC membership and proposals adopted

  • Margaret O’Brien Business Sector     Ennis Chamber of Commerce
  • Thomas Lane                                     Agriculture Farming Sector
  • Brian McManus                                  Clare Youth Service
  1. LCDC 2020 – Annual Report

Presented by Deirdre Power

Greater emphasis on visual presentation of report with more photos and graphics

  1. Clare PPN Presentation

Presented by Cornelia Wahli, Clare PPN Environmental Representative and included the following:

  • Outcomes from the recent pilot project run by Clare PPN on the topic of

‘Climate Action Plan and Fund’ for the Department of the Environment, Climate Action and Communications

in summary included the following concerns and hopes of Clare PPN member groups in broad terms:

  1. Centre-stage given to the environment instead of being placed at the end of reports, discussions and decisions
  2. Public information campaign about the current state of the environment requested
  3. Local level solutions
  4. Coherence between government departments nationally, regionally and locally
  5. Designated biodiversity office and officer
  6. Nature based solutions
  7. ‘Organic Clare’ brand and culture change

Two examples of the type of actions which could emerge from LCDC were chosen from above concerns and hopes from the pilot project:

  • Organic Clare
  • Proper hedgerow maintenance

 

  • On the question of main issues in the current Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 in regard to Climate Change Actions, the conclusion was that Climate Change and Biodiversity featured lightly only and only toward the very back of the document
  • On the question of main solutions in the current Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 in regard to Climate Change Actions, the conclusion was that ‘Actions’ and ‘Current Benchmark’ information could be listed in Section 1, demonstrating their importance at the start of the document.
  • On the question of how the issues may feed into the remit of the LCDC, the conclusion was that the solution lies in the opportunity to harness the strength of the LCDC which lies in its diversity of organisations and people with richness in experience and expertise, working together and coherently (See: Appendix)
  • On the question of identification of main issues or solutions that could be worked into the upcoming LECP review, the conclusion was
  • ‘No more business as usual’ however ‘no need to re-invent the wheel when existing visions are harnessed as guiding light’. (See: Appendix: Visions – Clare PPN, Operation de-Plastification and LECP)
  • ‘Green spectacles for green solutions’ – ‘United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ (See: Appendix)
  • looking through a different lens for a completely different approach for the document itself and for finding solutions may be of good service
  • ‘Centre-stage’ needs to be given to a healthy environment with rich and dynamic biological diversity in all LCDC and SPC decisions
  • A different attitude to land, air, water and all forms of biology is needed for local communities to thrive
  • For environmental action to thrive, local, individual, group and community based initiatives with ‘high nature value and land use’ require ‘core funding’ from simple and easily accessed ‘matched environmental funds’

It was concluded in the presentation that, based on the Clare PPN pilot project outcomes, for an effective Local Community Development Committee and for an effective Local Economic and Community Plan, Climate Action and Biodiversity need to be given centre-stage in all decisions and all of the time.

To follow up:       One committee member mentioned the Organic College.  It would be interesting to follow up on this comment with that committee member

  1. AOB

The ‘Community Wealth Building – the Preston Model’ was briefly introduced with the suggestion of having a presentation on the topic for the next LCDC meeting in July 2021

One committee member suggested to open up this presentation to a wider audience, maybe through Clare PPN, which was received positively

Next meeting: 28th July 2021

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Appendix:

 

Visions

Clare PPN Overall Wellbeing Vision Statement for County Clare:

Clare is a county that values, protects and restores its unique landscape, environment and biodiversity

  • where sustainable livelihoods are prioritised for this and future generations
  • where citizens, migrants, ethnic minorities and people of all abilities, age groups and genders can reach their potential in an atmosphere of support, respect and inclusion
  • where Local Government is open, transparent, accountable and committed to reducing poverty and marginalisation within the County

Our vision is for a County to be part of and a County to be proud of                                                    Source: Clare PPN Wellbeing Statements

Clare PPN Environmental Aspects of Wellbeing Vision Statement for Clare:

  • Clare’s unique natural environment, biodiversity and heritage are valued and protected Land use and farming are organized in a way that produces affordable, nutritious food, protects the environment and gives food producers a decent living
  • Sustainable farming and organic food production for local sale are supported
  • People are educated and encouraged to grow their own food
  • Our electricity is generated from renewable sources
  • Policy favours community-owned wind energy and micro-generation, and all projects have community consent
  • All homes and public buildings are energy efficient
  • Car dependency has been greatly reduced through investment in public transport, cycling and walking routes
  • Consumption and waste are reduced through use of shared resources
  • Re-use and recycling are encouraged
  • Biodiversity is protected and promoted through the planting of native broadleaved trees, banning harmful pesticides and herbicides, reduced use of chemical fertilisers and public green spaces being left un-mowed
  • People are empowered to take responsibility for their environment through education and initiatives such as community clean-up days and community gardens The climate and biodiversity crisis are front and centre in all local authority policy and strategy documents                                                                                                                                                                             Source: Clare PPN Wellbeing Statements

Operation de-Plastification’s Vision for County Clare

An Organic, Chemical-free and GMO-free County Clare is able to solve and combat a wealth of serious and damaging environmental threats, such as

  • water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution
  • species extinction, habitat loss and loss of biodiversity

Many of today’s extreme and alarming environmental ails can be cured with the simple but courageous decision of declaring County Clare Organic, where open pollinated organic heirloom and heritage seeds with their more robust properties and greater adaptability to changing environmental conditions are grown and saved.

Declaring County Clare Organic is a move toward sustainability which allows for a harmonious and creative collaboration between government, farmer, grower and citizen with a nature-centred approach and solution to climate change and the soil, water and air pollution crisis.

Going Organic is an opportunity for Clare County Council to show real leadership, foresight and future proofing for its citizens and equally for its fauna and flora as well as for its air, water and soil. Furthermore, such a brave step would help other Irish counties and other nations to follow suit in turning an environmental challenge into an amazing opportunity.

With the unfolding of the pandemic and the consequent shift to a new reality and normality, Organic Clare sparkles like the jewel in the crown, like a beacon that heralds a sustainable future for our generation as well as future citizens promising clean water, clean air and clean soil.

Taking action now can stem back the flood of despair that is sure to follow if remaining on the trodden path …. “become the change that you want to see in the world today” (Gandhi)

Source: Operation de-Plastification, 15.11.2020

Submission for Clare County Development Plan

LECP Vision

A County that ….

  • for all its people, nurtures an ethos of wellbeing, social inclusion and creativity
  • cherishes and sustains, for future generations, its environmental inheritance
  • fosters entrepreneurship and provides quality employment
  • offers cutting-edge research and development challenges, while providing education and training opportunities that are inspirational and accessible

Source: LECP 2016 -2021, p. 2 and p. 3

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

 

 

 

Joint Policing Committee Presentations by An Garda Siochána

Joint Policing Committee Presentations by An Garda Siochána

At the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) yesterday the following were presented by An Garda Siochána:

Garda Presentation – Victims of Crime April 2021

JPC Garda Presentation April 2021

Your Clare PPN representative is Madeleine McAleer.  If you would like to be notified by email of the next JPC meeting and/or join us for a pre-meeting to discuss the agenda and any relevant issues please email: admin@clareppn.ie

Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) West is requesting ideas and submissions

Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) West is requesting ideas and submissions as soon as possible from coastal communities, groups or individuals, in relation to possible costal projects or developments that should be highlighted for potential funding streams.
 
Project proposals must be consistent with the FLAG Local Development Strategy for the FLAG area in question and address one or more of the following themes:
 
• Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products
• Creating/maintaining jobs in coastal areas
• Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture
• Supporting diversification within coastal communities
• Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and marine related careers and activities
• Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries and aquaculture areas
• Promoting best environmental practices
• Strengthening the role and governance of fisheries communities in local development.
 
Please forward your ideas and project proposals to: Oonagh O’Dwyer oodcal2@hotmail.com as soon as you can!

Survey shows urgent need for supports for Clare’s LGBTQ+ community

Survey shows urgent need for supports for Clare’s LGBTQ+ community

80% of respondents to an online survey aimed at members of the LGBTQ+ community in Clare said they would like to have more connection with other LGBTQ+ people. Over half of all respondents did not feel sufficiently connected and supported in their community.

The survey, which was conducted during March as part of a short-term project called LGBTQ+ Clare, highlights an urgent need for supports and services for the LGBTQ+ community in the county.

More than 70% of respondents had faced discrimination based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. Many respondents felt there was a lack of LGBTQ+ focused mental health supports in the county and that they would benefit from improved mental health services. More than 30% of respondents did not feel their sexual orientation and/or gender identity are understood when they engage with services in Clare.

Some also called for community specific sexual health clinics and better access to gender-affirming hormones.

Many respondents said they would benefit from an LGBTQ+ cafe, pub or community space in order to meet others who identify in a similar way. Others felt that businesses in Clare could openly show their support for the community by placing flags, stickers, etc. on their premises.

The survey results point to several key issues that need to be addressed:
• Education concerning sexual orientation and gender identity in schools and other spaces.
• Improved visibility and support from the wider community.
• Access to healthcare, particularly sexual orientation and gender identity focused mental health supports.
• The formation of an LGBTQ+ social/peer group in Clare.
• The creation of a confidential helpline that those struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity can reach out to.

Overall, there is evidently a strong desire to form a social group, preferably a meet-and-greet to improve inclusivity and visibility in the Clare area. There is a lack of gender-neutral spaces for trans and non-binary individuals such as locker rooms and bathrooms.

The survey results point to a lack of education both in schools and other spaces on issues pertaining both to sexual orientation and gender identity.

To conclude, the LGBTQ+ community in Clare would greatly benefit from better access to healthcare and mental health supports. Many members of this community report a lack of connection within their community and many are still facing some form of discrimination here in Clare. There are steps which can be taken in order to improve the experience of this community, as outlined above.

More than 50 people from across Clare took part in the survey.

LGBTQ+ Clare is a short-term project run jointly by Clare PPN, Clare Women’s Network, Clare Local Development Company and Rape Crisis Midwest, and supported by The Department of Rural and Community Development and Clare County Council.

LGBTQ+ Clare is currently planning its next steps. If you would like to be part of the organising group or you would like some more information, please get in touch by emailing: lgbtq.clare@gmail.com