Volunteers essential to success of Offaly area's five-year development plan
THE input of volunteers will be essential to the success of an ambitious five-year community plan in Pullough.
Describing the plan as 'progressive', Junior Agriculture Minister, Pippa Hackett described it as a “reflection of the hard work and dedication of the community.”
Speaking at the official launch in the area's community centre on Friday evening last, the Green party senator said there was a rich variety of activities on offer in Pullough suited to people of all age groups.
The plan was launched before a capacity attendance by emerging local boxing stars Paul Loonam and Nicole Buckley who were also honoured for their achievements on the night.
Presentations were also made to Offaly football legend Johnny Cooney and the students of St Mary's National School who had come home third in the Offaly VEX robotics competition last week.
The five-year plan aims to support the social, recreational and economic regeneration of Pullough and the surrounding areas.
It's implementation will involve new and existing volunteers, local enterprises and community groups.
The plan will build on the community spirit and pride that is so evident in Pullough, as shown by the wall displays from a range of different local groups at the launch.
The five-year plan was developed from a household survey and the subsequent liaisons between local groups and the plan's co-ordinating body with the help of Offaly Local Development Company.
The objectives in the document will be implemented by local community groups in association with statutory bodies in Offaly to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Pullough and district.
The Pullough Planning Group which played the key role in formulating the plan is composed of representatives of a range of local voluntary groups – Pullough Community Action (Community Shop), Dernagun Residents Association, Tidy Towns, Pullough Heritage Group, Pullough Youth Space, Pullough Community Centre, Pullough Men's Shed, Pullough Community Alert, Pullough Active Retirement Group, Christmas Lights committee, Pullough Community Pre-school, Pullough Parents Association, St Mary's N.S., Erin Rovers GAA, Pullough Badminton Club, Ballycumber Area Defibrillator Scheme and Pullough Gun Club.
Speaking at the outset of proceedings on Friday last, Master of Ceremonies, Eamon Dunican said the “strategic plan is our way of expressing our pride in the area . . . this is our plan and it's up to us and no one else to see it through to fruition.”
Martin Buckley, Chairman of Pullough Planning Group, said he looked forward to working with volunteers and state agencies to ensure the plan's objectives were achieved.
He stressed the plan “shows that we here in Pullough are heading in the right direction.”
Declan Costello, Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC), said his body had been delighted to support the development of the plan.
He paid tribute to the local community groups in Pullough and said the area's “fantastic achievement” in the Pride of Place competition was testament to their hard work.
Mr Costello said it was great to see such a gathering of young and old at the launch and noted that 95 per cent of the people present were volunteers.
The speaker also spoke in detail about some of the plan's objectives and said none of them would be achieved without the work of volunteers.
Plan's Goals
* That Pullough will have new social activities and learning opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for the people
* That Pullough will have services and infrastructure that will make it an attractive place to live
* That the people of Pullough and visitors to the area will have a greater understanding and connection to the history and heritage of the area
* That the community develop innovative recreational activities that harness natural assets, promote health and well being and encourage new visitors
* That Pullough be at the forefront of sustainable change and the transition to a zero carbon economy
* That Pullough will further develop energy efficiencies locally and improve the local ecology through its community effort
* That Pullough will impact positively with new and existing enterprise opportunities locally
* Village enhancement
* Marketing the village and the wider area
* Working together for a better Pullough