by Sarah Clancy | Jun 1, 2023 | PPN News |
Two important public consultations with June 23rd deadlines:
We know everyone is more keen to think about the beach and school holidays and the odd barbecue just now but we don’t want you to miss out on having your say on two important County Clare Public Consultations-
The first one is the pre-draft consultation on developing a new Climate Action Plan for Clare:
https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/climate-action-plan
The deadline for submissions to this pre-draft stage is June 23rd and you can make a submission by taking the online survey at the link above or by writing your own submission and emailing it to: climate@clarecoco.ie or posting it to ‘The Climate Action Officer, Climate Department, Physical Development Directorate, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle Road, Ennis, County Clare.
There will also be a series of in person consultation events for which the dates are as follows:
- Monday June 12th in the Shannon Municipal District Office (5pm to 8pm)
- Tuesday June 13th at the Ennis MD Office in Drumbiggle (5pm to 8pm)
- Wednesday June 14th at the Killaloe MD Office in Scarriff (5pm to 8pm)
- Thursday June 15th at the West Clare MD offices in Kilrush and Ennistymon (5pm to 8pm)
They have a summary document here which is full of key facts about carbon emissions and climate action in Clare:1fc9f3dfc70b543b45f2443c72fed919_Climate_Action_Plan_Summary_Report
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The second public consultation is for Clare’s new Local Economic and Community Plan 2023 to 2029
This is an important plan which aims to set out the main aims and ambitions for how Clare can develop over the next six years. Topics include health, wellbeing, the economy, climate change, the environment, biodiversity, poverty, services and amenities, livelihoods, housing and transport. This is a really important plan to have your say on because it sets the agenda for the local authority as well as involving stakeholders from other state agencies and community groups and businesses in Clare. You can read more about this consultation here: Local Economic and Community Plan 2023 – 2029 | Clare County Council Community Engagement (clarecoco.ie)
Clare PPN has been working on a project where we will be making submissions to the LECP which arise from focus groups and workshops around the country. We’ll be trying to make sure that a just transition approach is taken within the plan and that people’s socio-economic rights are respected in Clare.
You can make a submission directly to the process by online survey from the link above or by emailing – lecp23@clarecoco.ie or posting your written submission to: Clare County Council, Rural and Community Development, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare to arrive before 5pm on 23rd June.
As with the Climate Action Plan there will also be a series of in person meetings held to discuss this in different areas of the county – dates as follows:
- Monday June 12th in the Shannon Municipal District Office (5pm to 8pm)
- Tuesday June 13th at the Ennis MD Office in Drumbiggle (5pm to 8pm)
- Wednesday June 14th at the Killaloe MD Office in Scarriff (5pm to 8pm)
- Thursday June 15th at the West Clare MD offices in Kilrush and Ennistymon (5pm to 8pm
by Sarah Clancy | Apr 19, 2023 | Current, Members News, PPN News |
Pilot project aims to put people’s socio-economic rights ‘front and centre’ in planning Clare’s future
Leading think-tank TASC to host free workshops across Co Clare during May
What is a ‘just transition’ and what should it look like in Co Clare? That will be the focus of a series of free training workshops and brainstorming sessions across the county during the month of May, involving community groups, decision makers and members of the public.
These sessions will be hosted by the highly respected think-tank TASC, which has come on board for an innovative project led by Clare Public Participation Network (PPN) that aims to put people’s socio-economic rights and just transition principles “front and centre” in planning Clare’s future.
This pilot project, a collaboration between Clare PPN, Clare County Council, Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) and the Limerick Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB), aims to include people from as many walks of life as possible in discussing and planning the changes that need to be made as we move towards a carbon neutral future.
The project, funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund, will build on work carried out last year by Clare PPN as part of its ground-breaking project, ‘Towards an Anti Poverty Strategy for Clare’.
“This new pilot project will place socio-economic rights front and centre, ensuring that those who experience poverty or social exclusion in Clare influence the outcomes and process,” said Clare PPN co-ordinator Sarah Clancy. “This means there will be a focus on access to health care including mental health and addiction services, transport, housing, sustainable livelihoods, education, leisure, culture and amenities as well as economic development opportunities under consideration as the project develops.
“The project partners are excited to have TASC on board, an organisation known for its work on just transition and that has specialists already working with rural communities in Donegal, Roscommon and Limerick.
“TASC has led the way in this field, developing ‘The People’s Transition’ where their work on the ground promoting community ownership and community wealth building as part of the process of transitioning to carbon neutral systems of living is already delivering practical results.”
Kieran Harrahill, senior researcher in climate justice with TASC, said: “We are delighted to be undertaking this project with Clare PPN in participation with Clare County Council, CLDC and the LCETB. Building on the recently published ‘Towards an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Clare’, this people-centred pilot project seeks to locate and foreground the voices of those who experience socio-economic deprivation in Clare and build a shared vision of a rights-based approach to a truly just transition.”
The workshops and training will be held in community venues around Clare, with the schedule due to be announced on April 27th.
As well as informing the work of all the organisations involved, the findings from this project will be used to inform Clare County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2023-2028, which is currently being drafted.
Any group interested in participating in the training and brainstorming sessions should contact admin@clareppn.ie. The organisers will do their best to provide the supports needed for groups taking part and so please let them know if your group needs any particular arrangements made.
by Sarah Clancy | Mar 3, 2023 | Members News |
Request for Tender: Research and training pilot project on Just Transition and Socio Economic Rights in Clare.
Clare Public Participation Network in collaboration with Clare County Council, Clare Local Development Company and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, is seeking proposals for a researcher or researcher(s) to lead the development of an innovative pilot project that seeks to enshrine Socio-Economic Rights and Just Transition Principles in County Clare’s Local Economic and Community Plan. This is a time- limited project for which the consultative phase of work is expected to be complete by end of May 2023 with other aspects such as written reports and submissions being finalised later but no later than September 2023.
We are open to joint applications for example from a specialist in socio- economic rights working with a specialist in just- transition, or any other collaboration.
Whilst Clare PPN staff will oversee and administer this project it will be informed by a steering group of people with lived experience of poverty, marginalisation, disability and social exclusion in County Clare. Those tendering should expect to meet monthly with this steering group either online or in person for the duration of the project.
The successful applicant(s) will:
- Have a deep understanding of socio economic rights nationally and internationally, an understanding of and experience working with communities who experience disadvantage and poverty. We particularly welcome expressions of interest from researchers who have worked to address and analyse the intersectional nature of disadvantage (including gender, disability, ethnicity, class and residency status).
- Have an understanding of policy making in/for rural or rural- adjacent areas.
- Have expertise in just transition principles, climate change and climate action..
- Have an understanding of policy making in Ireland in particular in relation to Local Government. Demonstrate an understanding of National, Regional and EU policy frameworks as they apply to Local Government policy.
- Have an understanding of other frameworks such as Public Sector Duty and Sustainable Development Goals which will serve to underpin any recommendations made as a result of this pilot project.
Tasks include but are not limited to:
- Conduct a desktop study of existing data and research on Socio Economic Rights, Just Transition and poverty in Clare building on from the recently published ‘Towards an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Clare’.
- Working with staff and members of Clare PPN devise and deliver an introductory training programme explaining Socio-Economic Rights and Just Transition Principles in Clare for stakeholders including some or all of the following; groups who experience intersectional deprivation, staff of community organisations and agencies, staff and Councillors from Clare County Council, TDS/Senators, trade union groups, and representative bodies for example from farming and tourism sectors. Up to 6 online and/or in person workshops should be factored into tenders.
- Will develop an ethical research framework for a stakeholder consultation process.
- Will advise on and assist with the hosting of consultations/surveys /interviews to ascertain stakeholders views and suggestions on enshrining socio economic rights and just transition principles within policy in County Clare in particular within Clare’s Local Economic and Community Plan. Up to 8 online and/or in person consultations should be factored into tenders.
- Will analyse and produce a written interim and final report on the findings from the research and consultations including identifying specific policy responses and actions to address key issues.
- Will be open to working with a creative practitioner who will create visual representations of input from consultations.
- Will, through Clare PPN steering group and staff collaborate with Clare County Council’s Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee, Local Community Development Committee, and LECP Consultant team to share learning and expertise.
Background:
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Dormant Accounts Fund. Minister Joe O’Brien announces pilot projects to support Local Authority engagement with marginalised communities – Pobal
Clare PPN is a network of 362 community and voluntary groups in County Clare who work collectively for the wellbeing of this and future generations and organise the formal representation of community groups in the policy formation committees of Clare County Council.
The principles and values that underpin the work of Clare PPN are; inclusive, participatory, independent, valuing of diversity, transparent and accountable.
Key Objectives of the project:
- To deliver an introductory training programme that builds a shared understanding of socio- economic rights and just transition principles amongst stakeholders in local government policy making in Clare.
- To produce a report from consultation inputs which can be submitted to Clare County Council’s Local Community and Economic Plan and which contains specific recommendations on realising socio economic rights in Clare and which according to just transition principles, outlines measures and approaches that can help ensure that those who experience poverty and marginalisation are protected from and where possible benefit from actions and changes to reduce carbon emissions in the County.
- To locate, create and provide solid data on the lived experiences in County Clare in particular in relation to socio economic rights. In this aspect of the project the researchers will have the opportunity to consult with and inform a team of consultants currently working to develop the Local Economic and Community Plan for County Clare. It is possible that aspects of this project will overlap with that of the LECP consultants. Clare PPN will provide the opportunities for both ‘teams’ to link together and share information and has established already a willingness to collaborate.
- To collaborate with Pobal and three other pilot projects to share learning both positive or critical from this initiative.
Budget
The budget for this tender is €20,000 inclusive of all the researcher(s) expenses including travel and subsistence and inclusive of VAT. A detailed breakdown of the proposed tender is requested. It is estimated that approximately 60 days work will be required from the successful tenderer(s). This amount is fixed, no matter the number of researchers involved the available funds are as stated.
Please note that fees relating to venues, meeting expenses, participants expenses, promotion and publication of reports are not included in this amount. A current tax clearance certificate will be required. This contract will be awarded on the basis of a fixed price contract. The successful consultant(s) is (are) expected to work within the agreed budget.
Timeframe:
The closing date for receipt of tenders is Monday, 20th March 2023. The successful tender will be informed within one week of closing date and should be ready to commence work immediately.
Tender can be forwarded to sarah@clareppn.ie for the attention of Sarah Clancy, with any supporting documents.
The tender must include the following:
- Methodology to be used
- Description of expertise and experience including an understanding or previous work demonstrating understanding of socio economic rights, just transition and climate action and preferably class based and intersectional structures of marginalisation
- Breakdown of time allocations and ability to meet deadlines stated
- Samples of previous strategies or reports (attached to tender)
- Detailed budget in Euros and inclusive of VAT, including all costs associated with the work such as preparation time and travel expenses
- Referees
Clare PPN shall not accept any responsibility for any expenses or loss, which may be incurred in the preparation of a Tender.
Selection Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
Criterion – Max score available
- Qualifications, Relevant Experience, Track Record – 40%
- Methodology, Understanding of the Brief – 40%
- Cost of successful project delivery and value for money – 20%
- Total Maximum Score Available – 100%
Failure to comply with the above selection criteria will result in disqualification from the tendering process. Clare PPN may wish to conduct interviews on the basis of evaluating the tenders received.
Clare PPN particularly welcomes tenders from researchers with lived experience of marginalisation, disability poverty or other forms of social exclusion.
Confidentiality:
All information supplied in connection with this Tender shall be regarded as confidential and by submitting an offer, the Tenderer agrees to be bound by the obligation to preserve the confidentiality of all such information.
by Sarah Clancy | Jan 17, 2022 | Current, Members News, PPN News |
Clare County Council is holding consultations on 2023 – 2029 Draft County Development Plan:
Clare County Council has prepared a Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 for the functional area of the Council and they are now seeking feedback from the public on the draft plan. A County Development Plan consists of a written statement and series of maps that describe how your local authority aims to use particular areas, for example, residential, industrial or agricultural areas. It also sets out development objectives for the area, such as plans to improve roads and local amenities. Each County or Local Authorities development plan is examined by the Office of the Planning Regulator to ensure that it is not in opposition to national and regional strategies. Development plans must also have an environmental report that highlights any significant environmental effect the plan may have.
The Draft Plan is open for submissions from interested groups and members of the public until March 28th 2022. Any person can make a submission on any aspect of the draft plan and these submissions can be made by post or online. For full details of how to make a submission go to the following link: Have your say | Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)
The draft plan for Clare can now be read online at:
Draft County Development Plan: Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)
It will also be on display in the following locations around the county:
- Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.
- Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon.
- West Clare Municipal District Office, Town Hall, The Square, Kilrush.
- Ennistymon Area Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon.
- Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff and
- At all public libraries in County Clare during opening hours.
Clare County Council are also holding a series of public consultations in various locations in Clare between now and February 10th 2022 and the table below lists the places and times of these consultations.
| Lisdoonvarna Pavillion, Lisdoonvarna |
Tuesday 25th January 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Scouts Hall (beside Ennis Parish Office), Station Road, Ennis |
Wednesday 26th January 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Clonlara Community Sports & Leisure Centre, Clonlara |
Thursday 27th January 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Kilkee Community Hall, Kilkee |
Tuesday 1st February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Killaloe Hotel & Spa, Killaloe |
Wednesday 2nd February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Clarecastle Community Hall, Clarecastle |
Thursday 3rd February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Kilmihil Community Hall, Kilmihil |
Tuesday 8th February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Tulla Cultural Centre, Tulla |
Wednesday 9th February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
| Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall, Newmarket on Fergus |
Thursday 10th February 2022 |
4.00-8.00pm |
by Sarah Clancy | Dec 2, 2021 | Members News, National, PPN News |
Towards an Anti Poverty Strategy for Clare December 10th 3.30 pm via zoom.
Clare PPN invite you to an online discussion with researcher Dr Conor McCabe on creating an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Clare:
To reserve a place and receive the link please register by emailing admin@clareppn.ie
More Info:
At this event which is being held to mark International Human Rights Day, author, academic and activist Dr Conor Mc Cabe will present a discussion document outlining the initial stages of a research project he has been carrying out for Clare PPN.
This project seeks to create a 5 year anti-poverty strategy for Clare based on the lived experiences of people encountering the various interlinked forms of poverty in the county. The project which is the first of its kind will run until May 2022 and is funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission under their Human Rights and Equality Grant Scheme 2021.
In this event Dr McCabe will present his initial analysis of the policies at a national and local level which provide the framework under which the economic development of Clare is being conducted. An open discussion on whether this framework is suitable to deliver sustainable rural and urban livelihoods in Clare will follow with input invited from those in attendance.
The project will continue in early 2022 with a series of peer to peer interviews and ‘town hall style’ meetings and focus groups where those affected by poverty in Clare as well as those providing state and charitable services in the county will be given the opportunity to input to this research.
While this event is open to all we particularly wish to invite our member groups, our political representatives and those working in the areas of planning and community development to attend this event.
To reserve your place please email admin@clareppn.ie
Dr. Conor McCabe is a researcher and author of Sins of the Father: the Decisions that Shaped the Irish Economy (2013), and Money (2018). He works with political, trade union, and community groups exploring the dynamics of theory and action for societal change.
