Joe O’Brien
If we keep doing things the way we’ve always done them, we know where it leads!
It leads to more people leaving our area, fewer opportunities for young people, more division between groups competing for limited resources, and an economy that struggles to grow.
Doing nothing isn’t the safe option anymore. It’s the one option that guarantees more population decline, more social division and continued economic stagnation.
That’s why a group of local volunteers, businesses and community organisations has been working together to create a new Ballyleague-Lanesborough Community Development Council.
This isn’t about creating another committee. It’s about creating one strong community organisation that can bring people together, attract investment, secure funding, develop local projects and make sure our towns have a voice in shaping their own future.
Facilitated through the EU Just Transition Programme, the aim is to build an organisation that belongs to the community and works for the community. Its job will be to help deliver projects that improve everyday life, whether that’s better tourism, supporting local businesses, improving recreation and amenities, protecting our environment, strengthening community facilities or creating new opportunities for future generations.
Over recent months, representatives from community groups, businesses and local volunteers have been meeting to design how this organisation should work. They have also looked at successful community development companies across Ireland to learn what works and what doesn’t.
The next step is simple – to talk to the wider community. Just Transition Activator Colm Croffy is inviting up to three officers from every club and organisation – especially those affiliated to the County Councils – to attend one of a series of short briefing clinics.
These sessions are not about telling people what has already been decided. They are about explaining the proposal, answering questions, listening to concerns and making sure local people help shape the final organisation. Every question is welcome. Every concern matters.
Briefing clinics
The briefing clinics will take place as follows: The first one will be held from 10 am to 8 pm on Tuesday, July 21st, in St Faithleach’s GAA Clubhouse. The second one will be held from 10 am to 8 pm on Wednesday, July 22nd, in St Mary’s Parish Hall. The third one will be held from 2 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, July 28th, in Lanesborough Library.
Appointments last approximately 25 minutes and are available by pre-booking with email to ccroffy@Longfordcoco.ie, with an additional drop-in hour at each venue. Members of the working group will attend alongside the Just Transition Activator.
Following the briefings, facilitated Community Organisation Re-imagining Workshops are planned for late September. Priority for workshop places will be given to those who attended a briefing session.
Anyone unable to attend a clinic can arrange an online Teams briefing with Colm Croffy by emailing cccroffy@longfordcoco.ie or texting 086 206 6597 before August 7th.
The future of Ballyleague and Lanesborough won’t be decided by someone else. It will be decided by the people who choose to get involved.
*Joe O’Brien is a businessman in Lanesborough and a community activist in Ballyleague-Lanesborough
