RURAL DEVELOPMENT

INTRODUCTION

Encouraging members to play an active role in their local community has always been an aspiration of Macra. Traditionally this has included becoming involved in community associations, parish councils and social service activities. Macra clubs have had a proud tradition of community activity and innovation and the need to continue that tradition is more important now than ever. While Macra nationally has a rural development programme activities detailed below focus on activities that clubs can undertake.

RESOURCE AUDITS

Clubs can undertake resource audits of their local community parish. This involves assessing:

1.     Social facilities available such as clubs, groups, meeting places, playing fields.

2.     Availability of Social Services such as Post Offices, Health Centres, Doctors and Transport.

3.     Educational facilities - National School, Secondary School, Night Classes.

4.     Employment Opportunities.

5.     How many people live in the area, the age profile, where people work, number unemployed, how people travel to work,

A needs assessment which includes surveying people living in the area as to what services they feel should be provided, should be undertaken.

When the resource audit is completed it should be presented in report form to the local community. A number of resource audits undertaken by clubs are available from National Office.

ENVIRONMENTALIRECREATIONAL PROJECTS

Clubs can become involved in undertaking environmental or recreational projects. Projects can include; clean up of a local amenity, tree planting, landscaping development of playground facilities. Clubs may agree to maintain a community facility on behalf of the local community.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Clubs are encouraged to become involved in other local community groups. This may mean either becoming a member of the local group or supporting their activities.

Clubs are encouraged to become involved in the groups who are committed to rural development issues.

FUNDING

Clubs should actively seek funding for their community development activities from their local Area Partnership Boards, Leader Companies or direct from funding bodies such as Urban District Councils or County Councils. A number of Government Departments such as the Department of the Environment advertise national grant schemes for local environment projects.

REGION/COUNTY ACTIVITIES

Clubs are encouraged to become involved in rural development initiatives that may be undertaken by regional or county executives. These initiatives or activities might include seminars, campaigns or joint activities with other bodies.