Leader+ Observatory Seminar ‘The Legacy of Leader+ at local level: Building the future of rural areas’ April 2007 Cap Corse, Nebbiù è Custera, Corse, FRANCE The Added Value of Networking Mini Plenary I 2 Maura Walsh, IRD Duhallow, IRELAND European Commission

Networking – The Initial Phase From the Experience of LEADER in Ireland 1991 Local Action Groups COMPETE for LEADER Dec-17 win – Competition is not a good kindergarten for co-operation! Adversity, lack of knowledge and inexperience and fear of failure is Realised that best chance of succeeding was to share and learn Voluntary Network established Irish Lags in June 1992 Duhallow elected Secretary and 3 other officers elected Overcoming our Fears- No longer in Competition, Realising Rural Development is not “Secret” and the sharer is “twice Blessed” Sharing of know how of admin rules; Savings in Joint Purchasing

 The Irish LEADER Network Quickly became the voice of LEADER in Ireland and took its place at the Ministry Table  We also made visits to Brussels and made friends in the Commission and Parliament and lobby for Networks in Europe  The LEADER ll Guidelines allow for National Networks  However the interpretation varies, result is Technical Support Units  A Network by definition must be of Equals with Give and Take  A Technical Support Unit is expected to provide just that  Confusion exists because Technical Support Units are called Networks and therefore are predisposed to disappoint  Likewise at EU Level the term Observatory is more accurate but Consultation meetings should include Networks and T S U The Role of Networking, The National Network and The European Observatory

SCHOLA – The European Rural Schools Network Through Participation in The Observatory's Round Table Session I got to know Julio Conde from Spain who was passionate about Rural Schools and wanted to establish a European Network of Schools Despite the language barrier we signed up to a Transnational Project LEADER ll offered the possibilities – LEADER+ more difficult Our Project has seen the involvement of 16 Rural Schools We have identified the huge role the school can play in community We have now 6 LAGS involved and intend to grow the network Practical Lessons have been learned and we want to continue

 Transnational Projects will grow from LAGS who have met and built relationships through the Networks  Conferences such as this offers opportunities for LAGs to meet  Experience in Networking at local and national level builds confidence  Learning what is out there whets the appetite to do more and better things in ones own territory  Having a good Trans-national Experience encourages LAGs to repeat the process and to gain new partners  Duhallow has learned so much and the programme has gained strength as a result of participating in co-operation projects The Role of Networking in Promoting Trans-national Co-operation

Conclusions and Recommendations  Co-operation Projects should be initiated in all LEADER sectors  Our Target Groups of Women and Youth must be Prioritised  LEADER Trans-national projects are not merely another arm of our National Trade Boards  I welcome the Commissions proposals to Establish a European Rural Forum – Ireland has done this and it has added to LEADERs success  If Europe is to achieve cohesion social and cultural differences must become known, understood and respected in all Member States  Citizens all over Europe in different ways are all looking for the same thing- an opportunity to have their voices heard LEADER is the ideal model of community based bottom up development  The exchange of experience and know-how is crucial and must be included again in LEADER