Irish Rural Link 19 th November 2010

Irish Rural Link – The Organisation Founded in 1991 Representing Community based organisations whose aim is to promote rural sustainability Has campaigned against the continued downgrading of small towns and villages Represents the Rural Strand on National Social Partnership Opened the National Rural Development & Training Centre in October 2003 Based in Moate Co Westmeath

Why was Irish Rural Link established? To address the economic, social and cultural needs of rural people and communities, especially those most marginalised The founders were concerned that rural communities were voiceless in relation to the major policy and decision making areas and felt that constructive action was needed to address the variety of problems facing rural Ireland

Vision & Mission Statements Vision Statement Irish Rural Link’s vision is of vibrant, inclusive and sustainable rural communities that contribute to an equitable and just society. Mission Our mission is to influence national and European development policies and programmes in favour of those who are marginalized as a result of poverty and social exclusion in rural areas.

In order to achieve our vision and mission statement, Irish Rural Link has the following strategic objectives To articulate and facilitate the voices of rural communities, especially those experiencing poverty and social exclusion, in local, regional, national and European policy areas To promote local and community development in rural communities To critique and disseminate models of rural development, which address issues of poverty, social exclusion, equality and sustainability

In order to achieve our vision and mission statement, Irish Rural Link has the following strategic objectives (cont) To develop the organisation and management of IRL in a manner which is inclusive, participatory and sustainable. To inform public opinion on matters impacting on rural communities and sustainable rural development. To influence decision-making in areas relating to rural communities and sustainable rural development.

What does Irish Rural Link do? Irish Rural Link represents, advocates and provides information about rural issues. As one of the Social Partners it speaks for rural people and communities at National Social Partnership negotiations. IRL provides a structure through which those concerned for rural communities can articulate their common needs and priorities, share experiences and present their case to policy makers and EU level.

Representation on External Bodies As well as representing rural communities in Social Partnership, Irish Rural Link represents rural interests on a wide range of external bodies & boards

Economic & Social Infrastructure Operational Programme. Administered by the Department of Transport, this committee monitors work undertaken as part of the NDP. Productive Sector Operational Programme. Also an NDP monitoring committee. It is administrated by the Department of Enterprise and Employment. NESF – National and Economic Social Forum. National Transport Forum. NESC - National and Economic Social Council. Community Platform.

Carnegie Commission for Rural Development. The Carnegie Trust based in Dunfermline, established this commission, chaired by David Steel, former Liberal Party leader, to “carry out a research programme, promote debate between policy makers and local communities and support the exchange of good practice nationally and internationally”. The Wheel.

Social Inclusion committee. Ireland / Wales programme 2007 – 2013 Peace III Monitoring Committee Rural Agri Tourism Committee Rural Co-ordinating Committee Consumer Liaison Panel - Department of Agriculture.

Training Funding seminars Irish Rural Link have held a number of one-day courses which aim to improve the skills and knowledge of those involved in assembling funding proposals for their community group or local organisation

Community Development Training ( Modules) Community Structures Local Development Context Strategic Planning Finance and Funding Opportunities Community Engagement and Volunteering Needs Analysis and Resource Audit Development of Action Plans Communications

Questions and Answers

Thank you Vincent Nally Membership Development Officer Irish Rural Link Moate Business Park, Clara Road, Moate, Co Westmeath Telephone Website: