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Put Spring into your community’s step!

Would your local area and/or group be interested in creating a Biodiversity Plan unique to your area? Monaghan LEADER can help!

Throughout 2019, Monaghan Integrated Development (on behalf of Monaghan Local Action Group) carried out biodiversity training with 85 community groups across Monaghan. This initial training revealed a need for further training and support of community groups in the area of Biodiversity and so, 33 groups embarked on the journey of creating their own professional biodiversity plans and the LEADER funded ‘Biodiversity Plans for Community Groups in Monaghan’ project was born. See some representatives pictured at Lough Muckno, Castleblayney, with the first page of their plan.

Monaghan LEADER commissioned Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants to facilitate the development and co-design of local biodiversity plans. Jennifer McAree of Flynn Furney Environmental Consultants said that ‘this was a great project to be part of and I think it makes communities aware of what they can actually do to help biodiversity on the ground. Thank you!’ All participating groups had one initial information session about the work to be carried out and the potential impact. The plans were developed using a Community-Led Local Development approach with each community group participating and significantly inputting into the design of their individual plan.

The principal aim of this LEADER funded initiative was to increase awareness of the importance of biodiversity to communities but also, to empower individuals and groups to make positive contributions for the benefit of both wildlife and people. Each plan is uniquely designed and fit for purpose within each community setting, allowing for biodiversity to flourish in local areas and ensuring measures are put in place to negate risk and maximise the benefits for the local environment.

As per the plans, ‘Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth. It includes all living things (organisms) that make up the natural world (including humans). Biodiversity also refers to the places where animals and plants live (habitats) and the complex interactions between living things and their environment which we call ecosystems.’ The consultants set out some actions that would be common to all of the participating groups which included but were not limited to; Habitat Creation & Management such as Tree and Hedgerow Planting, and Meadow grasslands and wildflower lawns, Pollinator Friendly Planting; and Protecting Biodiversity and Raising Awareness. The first section of each plan introduces the project with some biodiversity basics. Next, they outline Biodiversity Projects, tailored to the group and area. Finally, there is a schedule for the projects suggested that the group would undertake over the next three years. And so, this LEADER funded Biodiversity project offers the tools for community-led and biodiverse ideas to come to fruition. Some of the proposed larger scale plans include; development of bio sensory play area, planting of native trees and plants, arboriculture surveys, completion of biodiversity-friendly walking trails and more.

This project helped groups ‘design’ biodiversity matters into their present and future projects for their area while maximising the benefits for wildlife along with people. The plans are to be used as a guide for the various groups over the next three years. Gabriel O’Connell, CEO of Monaghan Integrated Development, applauded the project, ‘These plans will inform the groups in how to carry out their biodiversity projects, raise awareness of how biodiversity is considered in these communities, while supporting groups seeking financial or material support for future projects. The 33 community groups involved now see biodiversity as a key consideration in the community planning process’. Many of these plans will be the subject of future LEADER funding applications and we look forward to seeing exciting biodiversity projects emerge as a result of these Community Plans.
Would you like to encourage local biodiversity and create a plan? Contact Monaghan LEADER at  / 087 176 0877 and visit www.midl.ie 
Monaghan Local Action Group (LAG) is administering the LEADER RDP 2014-2022 in County Monaghan for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The County Monaghan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is operating as the LAG for the County. Monaghan Integrated Development the Local Development Company for County Monaghan is the implementing partner and Monaghan County Council is the lead financial partner.

For more information about Monaghan LEADER, contact  / 087 176 0877 and visit www.midl.ie 

Monaghan communities have been using LEADER funding to create walkways around their GAA pitches, opening up to the broader community and creating a great opportunity to meet others while keeping fit!

As we ease ourselves into 2022, we consider ways that we can renew and rejuvenate ourselves. The pandemic has encouraged us to take stock of our local surroundings and amenities; what do you utilise near you? Are there ways to reimagine and repurpose spaces in your communities, beyond what they were initially purposed for? The Monaghan LEADER programme provides funding for projects across the county that promote social inclusion, develop the local economy through enterprise and tourism, and protect the environment. Latton O’Rahilly, Clontibret O’Neills and Donaghmoyne GFC have used the LEADER programme to complete walking tracks at their pitches, while Cremartin Shamrocks GFC and Castleblayney Faughs got approval from Monaghan LEADER Local Action Group for similar projects.

After community consultations in the Latton Bawn area, the Latton O’Rahilly GAA Club established that, at night (especially Autumn to early Spring), there was nothing for the vast majority of the community to do outside if they were not involved actively in the GAA. The club wanted to change this and provide an outdoor facility available to the entire community. They received LEADER funding to develop a 750 meter lit walking track (2m wide) that would run right around its facilities. The track also includes a 110 meter lined running track (5m wide) and is undulating in parts to provide variety and challenge. The project has opened up the Club facilities to the larger community; ‘we now have a facility that enables all, young and old, to get out and get active and will enhance the community for decades to come’

With assistance from LEADER, in 2019, Clontibret O’Neill’s GAA Club developed a track around the perimeter of their two football pitches. The walking track has proved to be a great success with people of all ages and abilities using the track from early morning to late at night. In 2020, in a bid to encourage the general public to use the track facility when training was happening on the pitch, the group sought LEADER funding to erect barrier perimeter fence between a section of the walking track and the pitch to prevent stray balls from entering the walking track; ‘the Club was delighted to receive the funding offered for the perimeter fencing from LEADER. The perimeter fence defines both areas distinctly and creates a boundary which will facilitate the safety of walkers on our walking track, which received significant use during the pandemic’. The fence also incorporates gates to allow access in and out of the playing pitch.

Donaghmoyne GFC GAA Club installed a 2 meter wide walking track with a spectator fence around the perimeter of their new pitch. The track is a facility for all of the community with the club locally advertising walking at set times in the hope that it will be used as much as possible, especially during the day.

‘The walking tracks we funded under the LEADER Programme are a great asset and amenity for the local community, it is priceless to have an accessible safe space to walk and exercise for everyone’ said Marianne McEneaney, LEADER Development Officer with Monaghan Integrated Development. As we embark on another year, try to make use of the surroundings and amenities available near you. If your local area lacks an available activity area, could a similar idea to those mentioned here be applied and funded by LEADER? We are keen to receive project ideas under the Social Inclusion and Environment themes. To chat and learn more about how Monaghan LEADER can strengthen your community spirit and space, contact  / 087 176 0877 and visit www.midl.ie 

Monaghan Local Action Group (LAG) is administering the LEADER RDP 2014-2022 in County Monaghan for the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The County Monaghan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is operating as the LAG for the County. Monaghan Integrated Development the Local Development Company for County Monaghan is the implementing partner and Monaghan County Council is the lead financial partner.