Achill Community Futures Action Plan 2018-2023

Communities Planning For Their Future
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

ACHILL
2018-2023
Achill Community Futures Steering Group Grúpa Stiúrtha Futures Phobal Acla
Mayo Community Futures Futures Phobal Mhaigh Eo
Mayo County Council Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2018-2023
ACHILL
Réamhrá
PLEAN GNÍOMH PHOBAL ACLA
Deánann an Plean Gníomh Pobail seo athchoimre ar dhearcadh

ár bpobail ar:
• Cén riocht ina bhfuil Acaill anois
• Fís ar thodhchaí an cheantair
• Na hábhair is tábhachtaí
• Tosaiochtaí do thograí agus gníomhaíochtaí
Seo an treoir d’ár bplean oibre – mar phobal – a dheánfaidh

View of Slievemore from Saddle Head
muid iarracht a chur i gcrích thar na 5 bliana romhainn.
GRÚPA STIÚRTHA FUTURES PHOBAL ACLA
‘Sé an Grúpa Stiúrthe ón phobal áitiúil a thug treoir agus a d’ullmhaigh an Plean Oibre agus a thug le chéile
ionadaithe ar fud an pharóiste chuige sin.
Thug Futures Phobal Mhaigh Eo tacaíocht don Ghrupa Stiúrtha ina chuid oibre.
TUGTAR CLUAS DO THUAIRMÍOCHT AN PHOBAIL
Tá an Plean Oibre seo mar thoradh ar phróiséis láidir chomhoibre sa phobal i rith 2017.
Le treoir agus tacaíocht ó Futures Phobal Mhaigh Eo:

• Eagraíodh cruinnithe agus agallaimh le grúpaí éagsúla agus daoine thar cheann chuile ghné den
phobal.
• Rinneadh suirbhé teaghlaigh ar dhearcadh an phobail i ngach baile fearainn i gceantar Pharóiste Acla.
• Rinneadh suirbhé ar dhearcadh daoine óga le micléinn dara leibhéil.
• Rinneadh suirbhé ar thuairmí lucht gnó le gnóthaí áitiúla.
• Ullmhaíodh próifíl phobail ag cur síos go mion fíorais agus figiúirí faoin phobal.
• Eagraíodh ócáid Lá Oscailte Futures Phobail, ag cur san áireamh tosaíochtaí gníomhaíochta.
EAGRAÍODH 23 AGALLAMH
SEOLADH AR AIS 1204 FOIRMEACHA SUIRBHÉ THUAIIRMÍ POBAIL Ó 1,300 TEAGHLACH
FRITHEADH AR AIS 192 SUIRBHÉ ÓN ÓIGE AGUS 39 SUIRBHÉ GNÓ
D’FHREASTAIL 468 DUINE AN LÁ OSCAILTE POBAIL
BUÍOCHAS DO CHUILE DHUINE A GHLAC PÁIRT

CHUIDIGH NA FREAGRAÍ LE HEOLAS A FHÁIL AR NA TOSAÍOCHTAÍ SA PHLEAN SEO
1
ACHILL
Introduction
ACHILL COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
This Community Action Plan summarises our community’s

views on:
• What Achill is like now
• The vision for the future of the area
• The issues that matter most
• Priorities for projects and action
This plan will be our guide for what we - as a community

Achill Greenway
- try to make happen over the next 5 years.
ACHILL COMMUNITY FUTURES STEERING GROUP
The preparation of the Action Plan has been guided by a local Community Futures Steering group which
brought together representatives from throughout the parish area.
The Steering Group was supported in its work by Mayo Community Futures.
LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE THEIR SAY
This Action Plan is the result of extensive community engagement carried out in 2017.
Under the guidance and support from Mayo Community Futures we:
• Held meetings and interviews with different groups and individuals representing all aspects of the
community
• Carried out a household community views survey, which encompassed all of the townlands in the
Parish area of Achill
• Carried out a youth views survey with secondary school students
• Carried out a business views survey with local businesses
• Prepared a community profile detailing facts and figures about our community
• Organised a Community Futures Open Day event, which included voting on priority actions
OVER 23 INTERVIEWS WERE HELD

1,204 COMMUNITY VIEWS SURVEY FORMS WERE RETURNED FROM 1,300 HOUSEHOLDS
192 YOUTH VIEWS SURVEYS AND 39 BUSINESS SURVEYS WERE RECEIVED
OVER 468 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE COMMUNITY OPEN DAY
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART

THE RESPONSES HELPED TO INFORM THE PRIORITIES IDENTIFIED IN THIS PLAN
2
ACHILL
Ár bPobail i láthair na huaire

Rinne muid achomair thíos ar na príomh fíorais agus figiúirí ón Phróifíl Phobail.
PRÓIFÍL PHOBAL ACLA 2017 ACHCHOMAIR ACHCHOMAIR
Tá Acaill suite in iarthair Co. Mhaigh Eo tuairim is uair a’chloig taistil ó Chaisleán a’Bharraigh agus Cathair na
Mart. ‘Séard atá sa pharóiste ná Oileán Acla agus leithinis an Churráin. Ceanglaíonn Droichead Micheál
Dáibhéid, a tógadh ar dtús in 1887, an t-oileán leis an mhórthír ag Gob a’Choire. Tá Acaill ar cheann de thrí
cheantar oifigiúil “Gaeltachta” i Maigh Eo in ar labhraíodh an teanga dhúchasach Gaeilge anseo le 4,000 bliain
anuas. Tá saibhreas de bhéaloideas, cultúr, ceol, stair, agus láithreacha seandálaíochta, sa cheantar.
Daonra agus Tithíocht

Tithe Tithe Tithe Tithe Aois Aois Aois Aois Aois Aois Aois
Sliabh Mór Cónaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamha 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Dumhach Cionn Aille 108 53 12 14 9 24 14 0 65 65 58
An Pollach 33 17 10 9 3 10 3 1 10 15 35
Dumha Goirt 50 87 2 19 0 8 6 4 17 18 38
An Caol 99 156 11 16 3 8 15 27 39 34 97
Dumha Acha 114 52 17 28 5 17 14 11 35 22 57
Ceantar Iomlán 404 365 52 86 20 67 52 43 166 154 285
Dumha Éige Conaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamh 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Poll Raithní 50 3 5 19 10 2 4 2 35 16 42
Cill Damhnait/An
Chloch Mhór 57 67 32 26 2 16 9 6 36 18 25
An Doirín/An Aisléim 27 26 14 1 0 12 2 3 7 8 31
Na Sraithíní 28 43 14 1 0 7 5 0 18 7 23
Gob a’Choire 75 33 5 3 3 5 2 6 13 23 22
Dumha Éige 58 16 15 5 3 6 14 8 31 30 44
Ceantar Iomlán 295 188 85 55 18 48 36 25 140 102 187
Acaill Cónaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamh 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Ascail 14 33 5 3 0 0 0 3 4 2 16
Dún Ibhir/Béal
a‘Bhulláin 42 18 2 6 6 13 19 11 25 15 36
An Cladach 11 9 1 1 1 6 2 2 8 4 10
Sáile 95 18 28 22 4 6 4 4 21 33 66
Bun a’Chorraigh 73 15 7 16 2 10 11 7 40 40 45
Tóín a’tSeanbhaile 44 25 6 5 3 10 12 4 21 21 35
An Caiseal 63 17 6 9 10 10 18 3 44 18 58
Ceantar Iomlán 342 135 55 62 26 55 66 34 163 133 266
Tóin ré Gaoith/An
Curr,an Cónaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamh 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Abhainn Dhubh 18 3 2 0 8 10 10 6 12 9 12
Tóin ré Gaoith 66 15 9 9 13 6 13 28 12 47
An Currán 86 46 31 8 4 2 17 13 44 45 75
Ceantar Iomlán 170 64 42 17 12 25 33 32 84 66 134
Daonra Iomlán 1,211 752 234 220 76 195 187 134 553 455 872
Foinse: meastachán áitiúil is fearr Aibreán 2017
3
ACHILL
Our Community Now

We have summarised below the main facts and figures from the Community Profile.
ACHILL COMMUNITY PROFILE 2017 SUMMARY

Achill is located in the west of Co. Mayo approximately one hour’s drive from Castlebar and Westport. The
parish consists of Achill Island and the Currane peninsula. The Island is attached to the mainland at Achill
Sound by the Michael Davitt Bridge which was first constructed in 1887. Achill is one of three official
designated “Gaeltacht” areas in Mayo where the native Irish language has been spoken here for the last 4,000
years. The area is rich in folklore, culture, music, history and archaeological sites. The area
Population and Housing

Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages
Slievemore Houses Homes Houses Houses 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Dookinella 108 53 12 14 9 24 14 0 65 65 58
Pollagh 33 17 10 9 3 10 3 1 10 15 35
Dugort 50 87 2 19 0 8 6 4 17 18 38
Keel 99 156 11 16 3 8 15 27 39 34 97
Dooagh 114 52 17 28 5 17 14 11 35 22 57
Total area 404 365 52 86 20 67 52 43 166 154 285
Dooega Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Polranny 50 3 5 19 10 2 4 2 35 16 42
Kildownet/Cloughmore 57 67 32 26 2 16 9 6 36 18 25
Dereens/Ashleam 27 26 14 1 0 12 2 3 7 8 31
Shraheens 28 43 14 1 0 7 5 0 18 7 23
Achill Sound 75 33 5 3 3 5 2 6 13 23 22
Dooega 58 16 15 5 3 6 14 8 31 30 44
Total area 295 188 85 55 18 48 36 25 140 102 187
Achill Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Askill 14 33 5 3 0 0 0 3 4 2 16
Dooniver/Bullsmouth 42 18 2 6 6 13 19 11 25 15 36
Claddagh 11 9 1 1 1 6 2 2 8 4 10
Saula 95 18 28 22 4 6 4 4 21 33 66
Bunnacurry 73 15 7 16 2 10 11 7 40 40 45
The Valley 44 25 6 5 3 10 12 4 21 21 35
Cashel 63 17 6 9 10 10 18 3 44 18 58
Total area 342 135 55 62 26 55 66 34 163 133 266
Tonragee / Currane Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus
Owenduff 18 3 2 0 8 10 10 6 12 9 12
Tonragee 66 15 9 9 13 6 13 28 12 47
Currane 86 46 31 8 4 2 17 13 44 45 75
Total area 170 64 42 17 12 25 33 32 84 66 134
TOTAL POPULATION 1,211 752 234 220 76 195 187 134 553 455 872
Source: best local estimate April 2017
4
ACHILL
a
Meastar ón eolas áitiúil is fearr gur 2,472 daonra an Oideachas
pharóiste i Mí na Bealtaine 2017. Dá réir, tá tuairim O
is 54% den daonra ós cionn 50 bliain agus beagán Réamh Scoil Uimhreacha
ós cionn 35% san aois ghrúpa 60+. Tá timpeall 76 Naíonra Naomh Sheosaimh 32
páiste san aois ghrúpa 5 bliana agus níos óige agus Suantraí 18
tá 458 nó 18.5% den daonra faoi 18 bliana. Léiríonn Iomlán 50
na figiúirí seo géarchéim ar ball i leith na n-
uimhreacha ag freastal ar na scoileanna áitiúla agus Scoileanna Náisiúnta Uimhir Daltaí
na riachtainisí romhainn i gcomhair breis seirbhísí Tóin ré Gaoith 53
don daonra ag dul in aois. Sáile 47
Tá go leor tithe saoire in Acaill, go príomha mar
Bun a’Chorraigh 15
gheall ar an ineistíocht ollmhór a rinneadh i dtithe
Gob a’Choire 24
breise, i dtithe saoire agus i maoin phearsanta sular
Béal a’ Bhulláin 18
thárla an cúlú eacnamaíoch. Anois, tar éis deich Tóin a’tSeanbhaile 12
mbliana tá cuid den mhaoin seo tar éis titim i Dumhach Cionn Aille 37
neamhchúram nó i raice. Dumha Acha 31
Iomlán 237
Eolas áitiúil 2017
Fostaíocht agus an Eacnamaíocht Áitiúil Tá 242 mac léinn i gColáiste Pobail Acla, an Scoil
Dara Leibhéal i bPoll Raithní.
Is é an turasóireacht an ranníocóir is mó sa
ghníomhaíocht eacnamaíoch in Acaill. Is é an earnáil
saoire is cúis leis an fhostaíocht is mó. Sin ráite, is
Oideachas Breise agus Oideachas Aosaithe
obair shéasúrach agus páirt aimsire cuid mhór den
fhostaíocht. Ainneoin gur oileán agus nádúr chósta Tairgeann Bord Traenála agus Oideachais Mhaigh
an ceantar níl an iascaireacht ag cothú mórán Eo, Shligigh agusIsLiatroma ar anTheicneolaiochta
Chaiseal cúrsaíGaillimh
lán
fostaíochta.
é an Institiúid agu
a aimsire le cáilíocht QQ1 Leibhéal a 5 i Riaradh Oifige,
Staidéar Ginearálta agus Turasóireacht le Gnó agus
Sa séasúr neamhghnóthach is é an fheirmeoir-eacht
cúrsaí páirt aimsire eile. Tairgeann an tIonad
agus saothrú sliogéisc, díolachán agus roinnt
Oideachais Lasmuigh cúrsa bliana in Oideachas
turasóireachta, seirbhísí sláinte, caitheamh aimsire,
Lasmuigh.
oideachas & seirbhís phoiblí, obair thógála agus
scéimeanna stáit-urraithe mar Scéim Fostaíocht Is é an Institiúid Theicneolaiochta Gaillimh agus
Obair Phobail (TÚS), Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe (RSS), Maigh Eo (GMIT) i gCaisleán a’Bharraigh an coláiste
SOLAS (Fás) agus Pobal a sholáthraionn an 3ú leibhéal is goire d’Acaill.
fhostáiocht. Cé go bhfuil fostaíocht lán aimsire ar
fáil in Acaill ins na rannóga éagsúla, bíonn cuid den
obair seo páirt aimsire.
View over Achill Island from the Menawn Cliffs
5
ACHILL
e
Best local knowledge estimates that the population Education

E
of the parish in May 2017 is 2,472. Accordingly,
approx. 54% of the population is 50 years and over Preschool Numbers
with just over 35% in the 60+ age bracket. There are Naíonra Naomh Sheosaimh 32
approx. 76 children in the under 5 age group and Suantraí 18
approx. 458 or 18.5% of the population in total is Total 50
under 18 years of age. These figures have stark
consequences for the numbers attending the local National Schools Number of pupils
schools and the future requirements for additional
services for an ageing population.
Tonragee 53
Saula 47
Achill has many holiday homes, due mainly to the
Bunnacurry 15
huge investment before the economic recession in Achill Sound 24
second homes, holiday homes and investment Bullsmouth 18
properties. Now, ten years later, some of these The Valley 12
properties have fallen into a state of disrepair or Dookinella 37
neglect. Dooagh 31
Total 237
Local knowledge 2017
Employment and the Local Economy Coláiste Pobail Acla, the Secondary School in
Polranny, has 242 students.
Tourism is the biggest contributor to the economic
activity of Achill. The hospitality sector is
responsible for the highest level of employment.
Further Education and Adult Education
However, a large part of the employment is seasonal
and part time. Despite being an island and the The Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Educational and
coastal nature of the area, fishing is not a major Training Board in Cashel offers full-time courses
contributor. with QQI Level 5 qualification in Office
Administration, General Studies and Tourism with
In the off-season, employment is gained from
Business and other part-time courses. The Outdoor
agriculture and aquaculture, retail and hospitality
Educational Centre offers a one-year course in
(to a lesser extent), health services, recreation,
Outdoor Education.
education and public service, construction and
state-sponsored schemes such as the Community The nearest 3rd level institution is the Galway-Mayo
Work Placement Scheme (TÚS) Rural Social Scheme Institute of Technology (GMIT) in Castlebar.
(RSS), SOLAS (FÁS) and Pobal. While year-round
employment is available in Achill in the different
sectors, some of this work is part-time.
Panorama of Achill Island from Croaghaun,
6
ACHILL
Cúram Sláinte & Seirbhísí Éigeandála Sóisialta agus Pobal

Seirbhísí Bunchúraim: Eagraíochtaí Pobail, Clubanna agus Grúpaí
Is seirbhís cúram lae do dhaoine aosta Ionad Naomh Tá uimhir mhór grúpaí pobail gníomhacha deonacha
Colmán, sa Chaol a sholáthraíonn seirbhis Béilí ar agus eagraíochtaí ag freastal ar spéiseanna éagsúla
Rotha go laethúil freisin ar fud an pharóiste. Is ionad a áiríonn spórt, drámaíocht, ceol, cultúr, stair,
altranais pobail 32-leaba a thugann cúram ar bhonn ealaíon, turasóireacht, spórt muirí agus a lán cineál
lán aimsire agus seirbhís cúram faoisimh do caitheamh aimsire agus gníomhaíochtaí. Léiríonn
chlanna Ionad Altranais Naomh Fionán i nGob a’ an uimhir mhór féilte agus imeachtaí a eagraítear i
Choire. Tá dhá ionad leighis sa Phollach agus i nGob rith na bliana leibhéal na gníomhaíochta san áit.
a’ Choire, ceathrar dochtúirí leighis lán aimsire agus
beirt bhanaltra Sláinte Poiblí ag clúdach an
cheantair. Tá cógaslann i nGob a’ Choire agus fo- Seirbhísí Eile
scóip dhíolta sa Chaol. Féachann fiaclóir i ndiaidh
Tá naoi Séipéal Caitliceach agus séipéal amháin de
páistí bunscoile san Ionad Sláinte, Gob a’ Choire
chuid Eaglais na hÉireann in Acaill. Deánann dhá
agus tá seirbhísí do dhaoine fásta i gCaisleán
theach tórraimh agus ceathrar stiúrthóir tórraimh
a’Bharraigh agus Cathair na Mart.
freastal ar an cheantar. Cuireann Banc Aontas
Éireann agus Banc Uladh seirbhís banc taistil ar fáil
ceithe lá na seachtaine. Tá meaisín ATM amháin ag
Fóillíocht agus Caitheamh Aimsire agus
siopa An tSuibhnigh i nGob a’Choire. Bionn áiseanna
Spásanna Oscailte
teoranta bainc ar fáil tríd an dá Oifig Phoist sa Chaol
Áiseanna Faoi Dhíon agus Gob a’Choire. Bionn an Comhar Creidmheas
Úsáidtear hallaí pobail, mar Halla Acla i nGob a’ First Choice agus an leabharlann áitiúil ar oscailt
Choire agus Glór na dTonn ar an Chorrán do ceirhre lá gach seachtain i nGob a’Choire. Tá oifig
ranganna agus ceardlanna. Tá Club Dornálaíocht Seirbhísí Fostaíocht Áitiúil lonnaithe sa Pholl
Acla lonnaithe i Seanscoil Náisiúnta ar an Doirín. Tá Raithní.
gasóga Beavers/Cubs Acla bunaithe i Seanscoil
Náisiúnta Dhumha Goirt. Níl na háiseanna spóirt faoi
dhíon mar atá faoi láthair in acmhainn don éileamh,
Ealaíon agus Cultúr
go mór mhór don ghlúin óg. Tharraingíodh a lán ealaíontóirí go hAcaill i ngeall ar
a háilleacht fhiáin agus a caractar sainiúil. Tá go leor
péintéirí, dearbhthóirí, scríbhneoirí, ceoltóirí agus
Áiseanna Lasmuigh, Spásanna Oscailte & Siúlóidí ealaíontóirí radharcacha ina gcónaí anseo agus go
Tá 5 thrá Bhrat Gorm in Acaill; Dumha Éige, Dumha leor dánlanna agus stiúideonna sa cheantar.
Goirt, An Trá Órga, An Caol agus Coim. Úsáidtear 15 Cothaíonn Scoil Acla, eagraíocht dheonach, ceol
céibheanna i gcomhair iascaireachta agus traidisiúnta, Gaeilge agus cultúr agus bíonn
caitheamh aimsire – níl aon chéibh ar na lochanna. ranganna ceol traidisiúnta aca ar an oileán gach
Tá 4 lúbshiúlóid thaibhseacha creidiúnaithe ag seachtain ó cheann ceann na bliana. Eagraíonn siad
Cosáin Mhaigh Eo; Lúbshiúlóid an Bhaile Tréigthe, scoil shamhraidh atá an-rathúil ar feadh seachtaine
Lúbshiúlóid Dhumha Acha, Slí Ghráinne Mhaol agus i Mí Iúil chuile bhliain.
Lúbshiúlóid Thóin a’ tSeanbhaile. Ritheann an Tá canúint Gaeilge an-difriúil ann féin sa cheantar
Bealach Glas Great Western (42km) ó Ghob a’Choire as a bhfuil muintir Acla bródúil. Cuireann Coláiste
go Cathair na Mart ar chúrsa an tsean bhóthar Acla, coláiste príomháideach Gaeilge, ranganna
iarainn. Ta sé beartaithe, le cead uinéirí talún agus agus réimse spóirt uisce, gníomhaíochtaí sóisialta
maoiniú a bheith ar fáil, cur leis an Bhealach Glas agus cultúrtha ar fail do dhaoine óga. Tá grúpaí an-
tríd an oileán céim ar chéim. Tá Achar Ilúsáid ghníomhacha ceoil agus drámaíochta sa cheantar.
Chluichí (MUGA) ag an scoil dara leibhéal i bPoll Tá Teach Heinrich Boll i nDumha Goirt in úsáid ó
Raithní agus tá áis shúgartha sa Chaol. Tá páirc 1992 mar Áras Cónaí d’Ealaíontóirí. Coinníonn coiste
peile, Páirc an Dáibhéidigh, ag CLCG agus tá áitiúil, Fundúireacht Heinrich Boll sa Ghearmáin,
clubtheach nua á thógáil faoi láthair. Is é Páirc an clann Boll agus Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo caoi
Athair Ó Briain i dTóin a’tSeanbhaile an pháirc bhaile ar an teach agus riarann siad áras cónaí na n-
do Chlub Sacair Rovers Acla. Tá Gailf Chumann Acla ealaíontóirí.
sa Chaol le machaire gailf naoi-bpoll.
7
ACHILL
Health Care & Emergency Services A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is at the secondary
Primary Care Services: school and there is a playground in Keel. The GAA
has a pitch at Polranny and a new clubhouse is
St Colman’s in Keel is a day care service for older
currently under construction. Fr. O’Brien Park is
people which also provides a daily Meals on Wheels
home to Achill Rovers Soccer Club in The Valley. The
service to the parish. St. Fionnan’s Nursing Unit,
Achill Golf Club is based in Keel with a nine-hole
Achill Sound is a 32-bed community nursing unit
links course.
which cares for the elderly on a full-time basis and
provides a respite care service for families. There are
two medical centres at Pollagh and Achill Sound, Social and Community
four full time GP’s and two Public Health nurses Community Organisations, Clubs and Groups
covering the area. There is a pharmacy in Achill
There are numerous active voluntary community
Sound and a sub-outlet in Keel. A dentist looks after
groups and organisations catering for a variety of
national school children in the Health Centre, Achill
interests including sports, drama, music, culture,
Sound adult services are in Castlebar and Westport.
history, arts, tourism, marine and various other
hobbies and activities. The level of activity is
Leisure, Recreation and Open Spaces particularly evident in the huge number of festivals
Indoor Facilities and events that are organised throughout the year.
Community halls, such as Halla Acla in Achill Sound
and Glór na dTonn in Currane are used for classes Other Services
and workshops. Achill Boxing Club is based in
Derreens old National School. Achill Beavers/Cubs There are nine Catholic Churches and one Church of
are based in Dugort old National School. Adequate Ireland in Achill. The area is served by two funeral
indoor facilities for sport are currently not meeting homes and four funeral directors. Mobile bank
demand, particularly for the younger generation. services are operated by Ulster Bank and Allied Irish
Bank four days a week. There is one ATM in
Sweeney’s in Achill Sound. Limited banking facilities
Outdoor Facilities, Open Spaces & Walks
are available through the two Post Offices in Keel
Achill has 5 Blue Flag beaches; Dooega, Dugort, and in Achill Sound. First Choice Credit Union in
Golden Strand, Keel and Keem. 15 piers are used for Achill Sound is open four days a week as is the
fishing and recreation - there are no piers on the public library. The Local Employment Services office
lakes. There are 4 scenic loop walks accredited with is located in Polranny.
Mayo Trails; The Deserted Village Loop Walk,
Dooagh Loop Walk, Slí Gráinne Mhaol and The Valley Arts and Culture
Loop Walk. The Great Western Greenway (42km)
runs from Achill Sound to Westport along the Achill has attracted many artists due to its wild
disused railway. It is planned, with the permission beauty and unique character. There are many
of landowners and available funding, to extend the painters, sculptors, potters, writers, musicians and
Greenway through the island in stages. visual artists living here with numerous galleries and
studios in the area. Scoil Acla, a voluntary
organisation, promotes traditional music, language
and culture and it runs weekly traditional music
classes on the island all year round. It also runs a
very successful summer school for a week in July.
The area has a very distinct Irish language dialect
which it is very proud of. Coláiste Acla, a private Irish
language college, offers classes and a range of
water sports, cultural and social activities to young
people. There are very active musical and drama
groups in the area. The Heinrich Boll Cottage in
Dugort has been used since 1992 as an Artist’s
Residence. A local committee, the Heinrich Boll
Foundation in Germany, the Boll Family and Mayo
County Council maintain the cottage and administer
Kite Surfing the artist’s residency.
8
ACHILL
Bannaí Píob Timpeallacht

Tá traidisiún bannaí píob an-láidir agus le fada ag Séard atá sa talamh ar fud Acla ná portach, talamh
Acaill. Tá 6 bhanna: An Chaoil, Dhumhach Cionn féarach, sléibhte, croic, gleannta, tránna agus cósta
Aille, An Phollaigh, Dhumha Acha, Thóin ré Gaoith garbh. Feirmeoireacht caorach an córas feirmeoir-
agus Banna Píob Acla. Fógraíonn siad isteach an eachta is coitianta. Gabháltais bheaga
Athbhliain le píobaireacht agus is gné sainniuil den phríomháideacha, léas-seilbh agus páirt i gcimín an
chultúr é paráid Lá Féile Pádraig. Filleann go leor de úinéireacht talaimh atá ann.
bhunadh Acla abhaile don tradisiun seo ó chuile
Áirítear Oileán Acla ar fad agus leithinis an Churráin
cheard den domhan. Bailíonn na bannaí ag breacadh
i mBealach an Atlantaigh Fhiáin, an cúrsa cósta
lae ag Teach Pobail an Phollaigh agus máirseáileann
sonraitheach is fuide ar domhan. Tá seacht gceann
siad ar ais go dtí a sráidbhailte féin agus tithe pobail.
tíre fionnachtana agus ceann tíre amháin suntasach
Leanann cuairteoirí agus daoine áitiúla na bannaí ó
sa pharóiste. Ta pleananna beartaithe pointe dealfa
shéipéal go séipéal agus ó theach tabhairne go
radhairc a fhorbairt ag Coim. Tá na hailltreacha ar
teach tabhairne ar feadh an lae, sa chaoi is go bhfuil
chúl Croc Chruacháin ar na hailltreacha cósta is
ócáid pharáid na Féile Pádraig seo ar an pharáid is
airde san Eoraip.
uathúla sa tír!
Flóra & Ainmhithe

Bóithre agus Iompar
Tá roinnt ceantar in Acaill atá ainmnithe mar
Ta Acaill suite ar an R319. Tá an t-oileán ceangailte
Cheantair Speisialta Caomhnaithe (SAC) agus
den mhórthír ag Droichead Micheál Dáibhéid, idir
Ceantair Oidhreachta Náisiúnta (NHA) mar gheall ar
sráidbhailte Ghob a’Choire agus Poll Raithní.
an flora uathúil. De bhrí go bhfuil Acaill suite go
Críochnaíodh an droichead ar dtús in 1887,
hiargúlta ar chósta thiar na hÉireann faoi thionchar
athshuíodh é le structúr eile i 1949 agus le ceann eile
an Aigéan Atlantaigh is láthair cuairte é do líomháin
ina dhiaidh sin i 2008 leis an droichead i láthair na
gréine, doraid agus éagsúlacht éanacha fiáine. Tá
huaire. Seirbhís amháin bus atá ag paróiste Acla le
faire ar mhíolta móra an-choitianta anseo.
seirbhís Bus Éireann a fhágann ag 8.30am go
Cathair na Mart agus ag filleadh ó Chathair na Mart
ag 18.00 Luan go Satharn. Ar an Domhnach fágann
an tseirbhís Acaill ag 16.00 go Gaillimh agus ag
filleadh ó Ghaillimh ag 21.00. Soláthraíonn Stáisiún
Traenach Chathair na Mart an tseirbhís traenach is
goire. Tugann seirbhís Iompar Tuaithe ar an oileán
daoine go Gob a’Choire ar an Aoine agus téann sé
go Caisleán a’Bharraigh dhá uair sa tseachtain. Tá
bus Iompar Tuaithe freisin ar an Churráin atá á oibriú
ag Muintir a’Churráin Teo. Tá soláthraithe taxi
príomháideacha agus mini busanna le fostú ar fáil.
Seirbhísí Éigceandála
Is faoi rannán cheantar Ghárda Chathair na Mart atá
Acaill agus tá stáisiúin i nGob a’Choire agus sa
Chaol. Tá togra CCTV pobail curtha isteach i nGob
a’Choire faoi cheannas na nGárdaí.Tá an tseirbhís
otharcharr is goire ar an Mhala Raithní. Tá Stáisiún
Dóiteáin i nGob a’Choire ina bhfuil oibrí amháin lán
aimsire fostaithe agus foireann dheonach áitiúil ag
cabhrú leis. Tá An Gárda Cósta lonnaithe i nGob
a’Choire á fheidhmiú ag oibrithe deonacha áitiúla. Is
eagraíocht dheonach é Ord Malta Acla atá lonnaithe
i gclós Naomh Colmán sa Chaol.
St Patrick's Cabbage (Saxifraga spathularis),
Croaghaun, Achill Island,
9
ACHILL
Pipe Bands nearest ambulance service is in Mulranny. The Fire

Station in Achill Sound has one full-time operative
Achill has a very strong and long tradition of pipe assisted by local volunteers. The Coastguard service
bands. There are 6 bands: Keel, Dookinella, Pollagh, operated by local volunteers, is based in the Sound.
Dooagh, Tonragee and the Achill Pipe Band. They Achill Order of Malta is a voluntary organisation and
ring in the New Year and a unique feature of the pipe based on the grounds of St. Colman’s in Keel.
band culture is the St Patrick’s Day parade.
Environment
The land around the parish of Achill is made up of
peat bog, grazing land, mountains, hills, valleys,
beaches and rugged coastline. Sheep farming is the
most common method of farming. Land ownership
is made up of private smallholdings, leaseholds and
shares of common land.
The Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastal
route in the world, includes all of Achill Island and
Achill Pipe Band
Many Achill people return for this tradition from all the Currane peninsula. The parish is home to seven
over the world. The bands gather at day break at discovery points and one signature point. There are
Dooagh Church and march back to their respective plans to develop an iconic viewing point at Keem.
villages and churches. Visitors and locals follow the The cliffs at the back of Croaghaun Mountain (688
bands from church to church, and pub to pub, for the metres) are the highest sea cliffs in Europe.
duration of the day, making this one of the most
unique St Patrick’s Day parades in the country!
Flora & Fauna
Some areas in Achill are designated Special Areas
Roads and Transport of Conservation (SAC) and National Heritage Areas
Achill is located on the R319. The island is attached (NHA) because of the unique flora. Because of
to the mainland by the Michael Davitt Bridge, Achill’s remote location on Ireland’s west coast and
between the villages of Gob an Choire (Achill Sound) its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean, it is a visiting
and Poll Raithní (Polranny). The bridge was first ground for basking sharks, dolphins and a variety of
completed in 1887, replaced by another structure in wild birds. Whale watching is very popular here.
1949, and subsequently replaced with the current
bridge in 2008. The parish is serviced by one Bus
Éireann service which departs for Westport at
8:30am and departs Westport for Achill at 18:00
Monday to Saturday. A service on Sunday departs
Achill at 16:00 for Galway and departs Galway at
21:00 for its return to Achill. Westport Train Station
provides the nearest rail service. A Rural Transport
service on the island takes people to Achill Sound
on Friday and goes to Castlebar twice weekly. There
is also a rural transport bus in Currane operated by
Muintir a’ Chorrán Teo. There are private taxi
providers and mini bus hire.
Emergency Services
Achill is under the Westport Garda district division
and has stations in Achill Sound and Keel. A
community CCTV project was installed in Achill
Sound and it is under the control of the Gardaí. The St Thomas’ Church, Dugort, Achill
10
ACHILL
Oidhreacht spreagtha go mór ag cruth na scamall a thagann

isteach ón Atlantach agus mórthimpeall na sléibhte.
Ins an 19ú céad bunaíodh eaglais Naomh Tomás
agus tógadh ‘colony’ ann. Sa ‘cholony’ bhí scoil, Rugadh Heinrich Boll sa Ghearmáin i 1917 agus
dílleachtlann, íoclann, clóphreas agus institiúd bhuaigh sé an Duais Nobel do litríocht i 1972.
diagachta. Fosclaíodh an Mhainistir Chónaigh agus d’oibrigh Boll in Acaill trí na 1960í
Proinsiascánach i mBun a’Chorraigh in 1852 agus agus isteach ins na 1970í, ag cur faoi i dteach i
bhí sé ar cheann de mhóran scoileanna Caitliceacha nDumha Goirt. Tá an-cháil ar a leabhar ‘Irische
a thóg Árdeasbog Thuama, Seán Mac Éil, ins an Tagebuch’ nó ‘Irish Journal’ ina chuieann sé síos ar
pharóiste. Gar go Dumha Goirt ag bun chroc an a thaithí saoil in Acaill.
tSléibhe Mhóir tá an Baile Tréigthe. Tá 88 teach
Is teach túir ón 15ú céad é Caisleán Chill Damhnait
tréigthe ins an sráidbhaile.
atá luaite le Clann Uí Mháille, clann a bhí tráth i
gceannas ar Acaill. Eagraíonn Scoil Mhachaire
Seandálaíochta Acla cúrsaí seandálaíochta i rith
míonna an tsamhraidh ag díriú ar áitribh staire ar
oileán Acla. Tá líne iarannród caol nach n-úsáidtear
feasta a d’iompraíodh grianchloch ón chairéal cloch
go dtí cé an Phoirtín ar an oilean.
Thaistil go leor daoine as Acaill go hAlbain le fataí a
phiocadh chun airgead a thuilleadh dá gclanna sa
bhaile. ’Tattie-hokers’ an t-ainm a glaodh ortha in
Albain chun cur síos go sonrach ar lucht pioctha
fataí as Éirinn. Ó Mheitheamh go Deire Fomhair a
bhídís thall. Níor labhair a lán díobh ach Gaeilge
agus bhí roinnt díobh chomh hóg le 13 bliana. B’iad
sciobóil nó ‘bothies’ a bhíodh mar stáblaí bheithigh
sa gheimhreadh a n-áiteacha cónaí. Dóú deichniúr
oibríthe as Acaill ina mbeatha i ndóiteán sa bothy
Tá dúnta sléibhe ag dul siar go dtí an Ré Chré-umha
ina rabhadar i dtragóid Kirkintilloch i 1937.
breactha timpeall an oileáin. Tá tuambaí
Fostaíodh traein speisialta chun coirp an deichniúr
Meigiliotacha agus tithe cruinne ón Mhean Ré Chré-
ógánach a iompar abhaile go dtí a n-áit dúchais in
umha le fáil ar Sliabh Mór. Ar Acaill Bheag tá Dún
Acaill.
Aille na Cille Móire go síltear faoi gurb é an ceann is
sine dá chineál é in Éirinn. Tá fothrach de Thúr
Comhartha Napoleon, a thóg na Sasanaigh chun
fógairt faoi aon ionradh a d’fhéadfadh teacht ón
Fhrainc, ar bharr chroic gar go Dumha Acha agus
don Chaol. Is i nDumhach Cionn Aille atá Crannóg
Lochán na Deirge a bhfuil tagairt dó i gcuntais
chomh fada siar le 1898.
Tugadh Teach Coire Mhóir ar léas do Charles
Cunningham Boycott a bhí mar thiarna talún áitiúil
ag deire an 19ú céad. Cruthaíodh an téarma
“boycott” nuair a d’fhág sé Acaill agus d’éirigh na
tionóntaí i gceantar Loch Measc amach ina choinne.
Go luath san 20ú céad cheannaigh an t-ealaíontóir
cáiliúil Meiriceánach Robert Henri an teach agus
b’ansiúd a chruthaigh sé an saothar is fearr dá chuid
ag péinteáil daoine as Acaill. Thóg an t-úinéir ina
dhiaidh, Major Freyer, aimfítéater ag an taobh theas
den teach a bhfuil a iarsma le feiceáil go fóill. Tá an
t-ealaíontóir Paul Henry luaite go láidir go fóill le
baile Dhumha Acha. Tá baint ag cuid mhór dá
shaothar samhailteach le hOileán Acla mar bhí sé
Kildownet Castle and Pier, Achill
Cé beag Cloughmore
11
ACHILL
Heritage Slievemore. Achill Beg Island is home to the Dun

Kilmore promontory fort which is thought to be the
The Achill Mission or ‘The Colony’ at Dugort is one oldest of its kind in Ireland. The ruin of a Napoleonic
of Achill’s most famous historical sites. In the Signal Tower, built by the British to warn of any
1800’s St Thomas’s mission church was founded possible French invasion, is on top of a hill near
and a colony was built. It included a school, Dooagh and Keel. Dookinella has the
orphanage, dispensary, a medical practice, a printing Loughannaderriga Crannóg, referred to in records
press and a theological institute. The Franciscan dating back to 1898.
Friary at Bunnacurry was opened in 1852 and it was
one of the many Catholic schools and churches built In the late 19th century Corrymore House was
in the parish by the Archbishop of Tuam, John leased to Charles Cunningham Boycott who became
McHale. Close to Dugort, at the base of Slievemore the local landlord. The term “boycott” was coined
mountain, lies the Deserted Village. There are 88 after he left Achill and locals around Lough Mask
abandoned houses in the village. revolted against him. In the early 20th century the
building was purchased by famous American artist
Hill forts dating back to the Bronze Age are dotted Robert Henri who carried out some of his finest work
around the island. Megalithic tombs and Middle painting the people of Achill. The subsequent
Bronze Age roundhouses are to be found on occupant Major Freyer commissioned an
amphitheatre to be built at the south of the house,
remains of this can still be seen today. The artist
Paul Henry is associated with the village of Dooagh.
Many of his most iconic works are of Achill Island
as he was greatly inspired by the cloud formation
which comes in from the Atlantic and surrounds the
mountains.
Heinrich Boll was born in Germany in 1917 and won
the Nobel Prize for literature in 1972. Throughout the
1960’s and into the 1970’s, Boll lived and worked in
Achill, residing in a cottage in Dugort. His book
‘Irische Tagebuch’ or ‘Irish Journal’ is well known
and recounts some of his experiences of Achill
Reflections on Keel Strand Kildownet Castle is a 15th century tower house
associated with the O’ Malley Clan, who were once
a ruling family of Achill. The Achill Archaeological
Field School runs courses in archaeology
throughout the summer months concentrating on
historic settlements on Achill Island. The Island has
a disused narrow-gauge railway line used for the
transportation of quartz from the stone quarry to the
harbour in Purteen.
Many people from Achill travelled to Scotland to pick
potatoes to support their families at home. ‘Tattie-
Hokers’ was the name used in Scotland to
specifically describe Irish potato pickers. They went
to Scotland from June to October. Many only spoke
Irish and some of the workers were as young as 13
years old. Their accommodation was barns or
bothies that cattle used in winter. In the 1937
Kirkintilloch Tragedy, 10 tattie workers from Achill
lost their lives when their bothy went on fire. A
special train was put on to return the bodies of ten
young boys to their native Achill.
12
ACHILL
Suirbhé Teaghlaigh Tuairmí Pobail

Dearfach
CÉARD A THAITNÍONN LEAT FAOI ACAILL?
% de na
PRÍOMH RUDAÍ freagraí RÁITIS
Aiseanna lasmuigh agus Ailleacht 76% “Sár-radharcra fiu ia aimsir fhiáin tá draíocht dá cuid féin
Nádúrtha: radharcra, tránna, siúlóidí, ag farraige agus tonntracha”
sléibhte, an Bealach Glas agus fiadhúlra “Tírdreach iontach, caomhnaigh mar sin é, le do thoil”
“Sléibhte íontacha ársa agus tránna ar leac an dorais”
“Tránna Brat Gorm áilne”
“Fiadhúlra, ar leith ar na sléibhte agus ar thalamh féarach
agus ar uisce”
Daoine agus áiteacha: daoine cáirdiula, 73% “An chomharsanacht cháirdiúil tacúil ina gcónaíonn muid”
spiorad pobail, síocháin agus ciúineas, “Pobal cosantach cáirdiúil” “Comhar comharsan pobail sa
stair agus cultúr, baile agus clann, áit droch am”
mhaith chun clann a thógáil, glan agus “Slán sábháilte do sheandaoine agus óige maireachtáil
slachtmhar gan cur isteach”
“Síocháin agus ciúineas sa cheantar – gan an fuadar
bhailte móra/cathracha”
Na drámaí agus na ceoltóirí (níos mó drámaíochta le bhur
dtoil”
“Scoil Acla – seisiúin cheoil – éisteacht leis na bannaí Lá’l’
Pádraig”
Áiseanna Pobail agus Gníomhaíochtaí: 14% “Mar a dtugtar aire do sheandaoine (Ionad Naomh
áiseanna do sheandaoine, cúram sláinte Colmáin)”
agus seirbhísí éigeandála, scoileanna, “De bhrí go bhfuil Ionad Cúram Lae agus Teach Altranais in
cumainn spóirt, gníomhaíochtaí Acaill”
sóisialta “Foireann chéad chúram mhaith”
“Sár áiseanna leighis – dochtúirí – banaltraí”
“Na scoltacha uilig chomh diongbhailte chun leas na
ndaltaí a chur chun cinn”
“Na clubanna spóirt do pháistí”
Chuile Rud 13% “Is maith liom chuile rud faoi Acaill”
Turasóireacht agus Eacnamaíocht 10% “Is breá liom cafés/siopaí caife atá againn”
Áitiúil: “Áiteacha maithe le clann, cuairteoirI a thógáil do bhéilí in
Bialanna, siopaí áitiúla, turasóirí, óstáin&rl”
pubanna agus óstáin, Bealach Fiáin an “Ní gá dul go baile mór, SuperValu, Oifigí Poist, banc taistil,
Atlantaigh, ócáidí agus féilte, Uisceadán Comhar Creidmheasa”
“Scoil Acla agus na féiltí éagsúla go léir sa samhradh”
“Mar a léimeann chun beochta sa samhradh”
13
ACHILL
Community Views Household Survey

Likes
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT ACHILL?
% of
TOP LIKES responses COMMENTS
Outdoor Amenities and Natural Beauty: 76% “Magnificent scenery, even in wild weather the sea and the
scenery, beaches, walks, mountains, waves have a magic of their own”
the Greenway, wildlife “Fantastic landscape, please keep it that way”
“Wonderful pristine mountains and beaches on our
doorstep”
“The beautiful Blue Flag beaches”
“Wildlife, exceptional on the mountains and lower
grasslands and water”
People and Place: friendly people, 73% “The supportive friendly neighbourhood that we live in”
community spirit, peace and quiet, safe, “Friendly, protective community”
history and culture, home and family, “Togetherness of community when things go wrong”
good place to raise a family, clean
“Secure for the elderly and young to live without
and tidy
interference”
“Peace and quiet of the area – no hustle and bustle of
towns/cities”
“The plays and the musicals (more dramas please)”
“Scoil Acla - music session – St Patrick’s Day listening to
the bands”
Community Facilities and Activities: 14% “The way the older generation are looked after
facilities for older people, healthcare
(St. Colman’s)”
and emergency services, schools,
sports clubs, social activities “The fact that there is a Day Care Centre and Nursing
Home on Achill”
“Good primary care team” “Excellent medical facilities –
doctors – nurses”
“All schools committed so much to enhancing the
prospects of the pupils”
“The Sports Clubs for the Children”
Everything 13% “I love everything about Achill”
Tourism and Local Economy: 10%

“I love the cafés /coffee shops we have”
restaurants, local shops, tourists, pubs
“Good places to take family, visitors to eat in hotels etc”
and hotels, Wild Atlantic Way, events
and festivals, Aquarium “No need to go to town, Supervalu, Post Offices, butchers,
mobile bank, Credit Union”
“Scoil Acla and all the different festival in the summer”
“The way it leaps into life in the summer”
14
ACHILL
Suirbhé Teaghlaigh Tuairmí Pobail

Diúltach
CÉARD A DTHAITNÍONN LEAT FAOI ACAILL?
% de na
PRÍOMH RUDAÍ freagraí RÁITIS
Infrastructúr: dromchlá bóithre & 76% “Easpa luas leathanbhanda agus seirbhís rialta”
sábháilteacht, leathanbhanda, droch “Níos mó busanna don phobal le n-úsáid – gan ach ceann
iompar poiblí, easpa cosáin agus amháin ar maidin nach bhfilleann go dtí 7.40pm an lá sin”
soilsiú, leithris poiblí, droch “Nuair a glantar na díoga bíonn an t-ábhar níos airde ná
chomharaíocht, easpa ATM, droch taobh an bhóthair a choscann cairríní láimhe,
sheirbhís fón póca, calaídh/céibheanna/ cathaoireacha rotha agus rothaithe ar trácht a sheachaint”
droichid “Gan dóthain leithris don uimhir mhór siúlóirí agus
rothaithe” “Rochtain tránna i.e. le buggy/páiste nó fiú do
lucht cathaoireacha rotha – a bhfurmhór do-rochtaithe”
Titim Daonra: easpa fostaíochta, 73% “De bhrí go gcaithfidh ár ndaoine óga imeacht ó bhaile
eisimirce, titim daonra agus cailliúint chun obair a fháil agus a gclanna a thógáil” “Imníoch faoi
seirbhísí mar thoradh – tithe tabhairne, uimhir na ndaoine óganach bhfuil ag lonnadh in Acaill”
oifigí poist, scoltacha, tithe agus “D’fhéadfadh sé a bheith an-uaigneach má bhíonn tú ag
uaigneas tuaithe obair – is deacair castáil le daoine sa gheimhreadh”
Áiseanna Pobail & Gníomhaíochtaí: gan “Gan áiseanna sóisialta nó aclaíochta nó linn snámha, nó
aon áiseanna chaitheamh aimsire, ionaid cruinnithe” “Is ar éigin a bhfuil aon áiseanna ar chor
easpa gníomhaíochtaí don óige, gan ar bith do dhéagóirí”
aon áiseanna sóisialta do dhaoine óga “Gan dóthain áiseanna m.sh. gníomhaíochta faoi dhíon do
nó seandaoine, gan linn snámha, easpa pháistí” “Easpa áiseanna faoi dhíon m.sh. pictiúrlann, linn
gníomhaíochtaí sóisialta, gan snámha, ionaid shúgartha”
pictiúrlann, gan ionad fóillíochta “Níl aon áit le teacht le chéile i gcomhar tae nó caifé in éis
6pm ach amháin tithe tabhairne”
Cruthan an Cheantair: caoirí siúlacha, 14% “Ní maith liom na caoirí fánacha,…… fágann siad cac
fothracha míshlachtmhara agus téigthe, caorach chuile áit…..”
tránna míshlachtmhara, bruscar agus “Ta cuma neamhchúraim i go leor ceantar – tógálacha,
dumpáil, suíomhanna tréigthe, - iad uilig gránna” “Sílim gur mór an
Gunnera fiáin agus knot-fiailí, náire nach bhfuil na ródodendrain agus an gunnera faoi
ródaidéandrain, an iomarca tithe saoire, smacht”
láthair tréigthe an Chaoil “Tá i bhfad an iomarca tithe saoire again freisin ag titim ag
titim chun raice” “An poll sa Chaol – ní mór é a líonadh
isteach”
Eacnamaíocht Áitiuil: réimse teoranta 13% “Siopaí bia agus siopaí éadaigh teoranta”
siopadóireachta, rogha teoranta “Gá le tuilleadh rogha” “Gan mórán le tairiscint do chlanna
bialanna i rith na bliana ar fad, gnóthaí cé is moite de shéasúr na saoire”
dúnta don gheimhreadh, gan dóthain “Is dona liom nach bhfuil ár ndóthain áiseanna againn
poiblíochta d’Acaill chun turasóirí a spreagadh teacht anseo agus fanacht”
Comhoibroú Pobail: 10% “Ba choir dúinn uilig tarraint le chéile ar mhaithe leis an
Gan dóthain oibriú le chéile agus oileán iomlán” “Easpa oscailteachta agus uaillmhiain mar
comhoibriú idir chuile cheantar, gan fhreagra do thograí nó gnóthaí a dheánfadh leas don
chomhcheangal smaointe, roinnt oileán agus a mhuintir” “Gan dóthain comhoibriú, mórtas
diúltachais, roinnt úinéirí gnó gan bheith pobail”
ag comhoibriú lena chéile “Roinnt daoine diúltach agus breithiúnach ..”
15
ACHILL
Community Views Household Survey

Dislikes
WHAT DO YOU NOT LIKE ABOUT ACHILL?
% of
TOP DISLIKES responses COMMENTS
Infrastructure: road surfaces & safety, 39% “Lack of good broadband speeds and regular service”
broadband, poor public transport, lack “More buses for the public to use - not just one in the
of pavements and lighting, public toilets, morning that does not return until 7.40pm that day”
poor signage, lack of ATM, mobile “Ditches when cleaned are heaped higher than the edge of
phone reception, the roads and prevents pushchairs, wheelchairs and
harbours/piers/bridges cyclists moving off road from traffic”
“Not enough toilets for so many walkers and cyclists”
“Access to beaches i.e. with a buggy/child or even for
wheelchair users – most are totally inaccessible”
Population Decline: lack of employment, 33% “The fact that our young people have to leave home to find
emigration, declining population and as work and bring up their families”
a result the loss of services - pub, post “Concerned about the number of young people not settling
offices, schools, houses and rural in Achill”
isolation “It can be very isolating especially if you work – hard to
meet up with people in winter months”
Community Facilities & Activities: no 31% “No indoor social or exercise facilities and swimming pool
indoor recreational facility, lack of or meeting areas”
activities for youth, no social amenities “Amenities for teenagers is practically non-existent”
for young or old, no swimming pool, lack “Not enough facilities e.g. indoor activities for kids”
social activities, no cinema, no leisure
“Lack of indoor facilities – cinema, pool, play areas”
centre
“Nowhere to meet for a tea or coffee after 6pm only pubs”
Appearance of the Area: roaming sheep, 26% “I do not like the wandering sheep, they leave excrement
shabby, untidy looking & derelict everywhere ………”
buildings, untidy beaches, litter and “The look of neglect in many areas – buildings, abandoned
dumping, wild rhubarb/knotweed/ sites – all eye sores”
rhododendrons, too many holiday “The rhododendron and Gunnera not been controlled
homes, Keel site which I feel is a real shame”
“We also have far too many holiday homes falling into
disrepair” “The hole in Keel – it needs to be filled”
Local Economy: limited range of 20% “Limited food stores and clothing stores”
shopping, limited restaurant choice all “……need more choice”
year round, businesses closed for the
“Not a lot on offer for families outside the holiday season
winter, not enough promotion of Achill time”
“I don’t like the fact that we do not have enough amenities
to encourage tourists to come and stay”
Community Co-operation: not enough 17% “We should all pull together for the good or the whole
working together and co-operation island” “Lack of openness and ambition in response to
between all areas, no joined-up thinking, certain projects or businesses that could benefit the island
some negativity, some business owners and its inhabitants” “No enough co-operation,
not collaborating with each other collaboration, sense of community”
“Negative and critical attitude of some inhabitants…”
16
ACHILL
Acaill – An Fís don Todhchaí

Réitíodh an ráiteas seo mar athchoimre ar na priomh tuairmí a fritheadh ón suirbhé teaghlaigh agus ó
dhaoine áitiúla agus eagraiochtaí nuair a fiafraíodh díobh cén cineál Acaill
a mbeadh siad ag súil leis i gceann 10 mbliana.
Spiorad Pobail
Beidh Acaill mar áit slán sábháilte ina mbeidh chuile dhuine ag
comhoibriú i mbealach oscailte agus cothaíoch ar mhaithe le leas
an phobail iomlán. Beidh an pobal aontaithe, oscailte do mholtaí
agus tuairmí agus le heagraíocht fhorbartha phobail ag obair as
lámh a chéile leis an phobal chun na tuairmi seo a thabhairt chun
críche. Beidh áiseanna agus imeachtaí féiltiúla ann le daoine a
thabhairt le chéile go sóisialta.
Beidh na gnéithe uathúla agus bunbhrí ár bpobail coinnithe slán
againn lena oighríocht bhródúil dá ealaíon, cultúr, traidisiún agus an
teanga Gaeilge.
Áiseanna Pobail agus Seirbhísí

Beidh Ionad Gníomhaíochtaí agus pobail nua aimseartha d’árd
chaighdeán le réimse gníomhaíochtaí agus áiseanna ag freastal ar
chuile aois ghrúpa agus ábaltacht. Beidh fáil ar
Fishing boats at Purteen Harbour
áiseanna agus seirbhísí den chéad scoth ag áireamh

cúram sláinte, iompar pobail agus poiblí, bóithre,
calaidh, céibheanna agus leathanbhanda.
Eacnamaíocht Áitiuil & Turasóireacht
Beidh Acaill ina ceann cúrsa d’ionad saoire bríomhar

le heacnamaíocht áitiúil láidir agus beidh flúirse
deiseanna fostaíochta ag tarraint clanna ar ais agus
ag cur ar chumas dhaoine óga fanacht sa cheantar. Dugort Strand and Slievemore
Acmhainní Nádúrtha
Beidh a háilleacht nádúrtha slán ag Acaill. Beidh

muid in éis ár dtimpeallacht uathúil a chothú agus
a chosaint agus beidh muid in éis deis a sholáthar
don phobal ar fad agus do chuairteoirí chuig ár n-
acmhainní iontacha nádúrtha. Úsáidfear acmhainní
athnuachana fuinnimh i gcomhair cumhachta d’ár
n-áiseanna pobail agus d’ár dtithe.
The Deserted Village at Slievemore
17
ACHILL
Achill – Our Vision for the Future

This statement has been prepared to summarise the main views expressed in the household views
survey and by local people and organisations when they were asked what they hoped
the ideal Achill would be like in 10 years’ time.
Community Spirit
Achill will be a safe and nurturing place where everyone works

together in an inclusive and transparent way for the benefit of the
whole community. The community will be united, open to local
suggestions and ideas and with an umbrella community
development organisation working in tandem with the community
to help bring those ideas to fruition. There will be facilities and
regular events to bring people together socially.
We will have retained the unique aspects and the essence of our
community with its proud heritage of the arts, culture, traditions and
the Irish language.
Community Facilities & Services

There will be a modern state of the art Community and Activity
Centre with a range of activities and facilities catering for all age
groups and abilities. There will be access to first
Sheep above Keem Strand
class facilities and services including health care,

public and community transport, roads, harbours,
piers and broadband.
Local Economy and Tourism
Achill will be a vibrant holiday destination with a

thriving local economy and there will be an
abundance of employment opportunities attracting
families and enabling young people to stay in the
area.
Village of Dooega
Natural Resources
Achill will have retained its natural beauty. We will

have nurtured and protected our unique environment
and we will have provided access for all the
community and visitors to our wonderful natural
amenities. Renewable energy resources will be used
to power our community facilities and homes.
Sailing, Clew Bay
18
ACHILL
Príomh Stráitéisí agus Tosaíochtaí

Seo iad na príomh stráitéisí agus tosaíochtaí a chuirfeas muid, an pobal, chun cinn thar na cúig bliana
romhainn i bpáirtinéireacht le gníomhairí poibli agus lucht tacaíochta eile.
1 INFRASTRUCTÚR
Sonraíodh go minic le linn an phróiséis taighde an droch bhail atá ar an chóras leathan bhanda. Faoi láthair,
tá éifeacht diúltach aige seo ar an phobal, ar mhicléinn agus an tionscail turasóireachta agus lagaíonn sé an
dóchas ar ghnóthaí nua a bhunú sa cheantar go mór mhór iad siúd dírithe ar theicneolaíocht. Ba mhór ag an
phobal go rachfaí i mbun gnímh chun staid an ghréasán bóithre a fheabhsú, cothabháil a dheánamh ar
chiumhaiseanna bóthar agus draenacha agus tuilleadh cosáin siúil a chur ins na sráidbhailte ar fud an
pharóiste.
De bhrí go gcaithfidh daoine taisteal amach i gcomhair coinní in ospidéil, le traein, siopadóireacht agus
seirbhísí eile a fháil chuideodh comhordadh d’acmhainní agus cláir ama idir na soláthróirí seirbhísí iompar
pobail agus poiblí chun seirbhís níos fearr a sholáthar don phobal. I ngeall ar a shuíomh, mar oileán agus
leithinis, ba mhaith le hAcaill a chumas a uasmhéadú le céibheanna agus calaidh a fhorbairt agus a sholáthar
d’iascaireacht agus fóillíocht mhara.
Príomh Tosaíochtaí
1. Stocaireacht a dhéanamh chun córas leathanbhanda agus fón póca a fheabhsú
2. Uasghrádú a dheánamh ar bhóithre, ciumhaiseanna, cosáin agus soilsiú
3. Calaidh, céibheanna agus marina a fhorbairt
4. Seirbhís bus poiblí níos fearr a sholáthar
Céad Chéimeanna Eile

Cuireann muid síos anseo ar chuid de na chéad chéimeanna eile a thógfas muid i bhforbairt na bpríomh
tosaíochtaí
• Socraigh go cinnte cén bhail atá ar seirbhísí faoi láthair, cá bhfuil cúis na faidhbe agus i gcaidreamh
le soláthraíthe fóin póca agus leathanbhanda na seirbhísí a fheabhsú
• Aimsigh triúr nó ceathrar daoine áitiúla leasmhara chun castáil go rialta le hoifigí Cheantar Riaracháin
Mhaigh Eo Thiar chun ceisteanna áitiúla a ardú mar bhóithre, cosáin siúil, párcáil, soilsiú, céibheanna
agus calaidh
• Cabhair ó ionadaithe áitiúla tofa chun a dtacaíocht a fháil
• Lorg réitigh, cothaigh modhanna maithe oibre agus oibrigh i bpáirtinéireacht
• Deán nasc le gníomhairí eile agus pobail mhara chun a dtuairmía a fháil agus foghlaim óna
gcleachtaidh
• Déán cinnte ar ghaol maith a choinneáil leis an phobal in Acaill
• Cas le Bus Éireann agus iarr seirbhís níos comhordaithe uathú tré nascadh le córas iompar pobail
Action by: Áitiúil: Pobal áitiúil, Taisteal Pobal áitiúil, Ionadaí tofa
Eagraiochtaí Tacaíochta
Ceantar Rialtais Mhaigh Eo Thiar C.C.Mh. Eo, Comhlacht Forbartha Thiar Theas Mhaigh Eo
(LEADER), BIM, Údarás na Gaeltachta, HSE, Iascaireacht Intíre, Bus Éireann,
Taisteal Pobal Mhaigh Eo
19
ACHILL
Main Strategies and Priorities

These are the main strategies and priorities we, the community, will progress over the next five years
in partnership with public agencies and other supporters:
1 INFRASTRUCTURE
The poor and sketchy quality of broadband was frequently highlighted throughout the research process. At
present, it has a negative impact on the community, on students and the tourism industry and it weakens the
prospect of new businesses starting up in the area, especially those with an IT focus. Improved quality of the
road network, the maintenance of the verges and drains and the provision of more footpaths in the villages
throughout the parish are areas that the community would like to see action on.
Because people must travel out of the area for hospital appointments, to get the train, for shopping and other
services, the co-ordination of resources and timetables between the public and community transport service
providers would help to provide a better service to the community. Because of its location, Achill would like
to maximise its potential through the development and provision of harbours and piers for fishing and for
marine leisure.
Main Priorities
1. Lobby for better broadband and mobile phone reception
2. Upgrade roads, verges, footpaths and lighting
3. Develop harbours, piers and a marina
4. Provide a better public bus service
Next Steps
We describe here some of the next steps we will take in
developing the main priorities
Annagh Bay
• Establish what the quality of the current services are, where the problem areas are and liaise with
broadband and mobile phone providers to improve the services
• Identify three or four interested locals to meet regularly with the West Mayo Municipal District
officials to address local issues including roads, footpaths, parking, lighting, piers and harbours
• Involve local elected representatives and get their support
• Seek solutions, build good working relationships and work in partnerships
• Link in with other relevant agencies and maritime communities to get ideas and learn from their
experiences
• Ensure good communication to the Achill community
• Meet with and lobby Bus Éireann for a more coordinated service and link in with community transport
Action by: Local

Local community, local Community Transport, Elected Representative
Support organisations
West Mayo Municipal District MCC, South West Mayo Development Co. (LEADER), BIM,
Údarás na Gaeltachta, HSE, Inland Fisheries, Bus Éireann, Mayo Community Transport
20
ACHILL
2 TIMPEALLACHT
Teastaíonn ó mhuintir Acla agus ó dhaoine a bhfuil baint aca le hAcaill go mbeadh caomhnú agus
cothabháil ar a thimpeallacht uathúil, ar a shuímh oidhreachta agus cultúrtha agus ceantair áilleachta
nádúrtha. Is é inmharthanacht na timpeallachta agus córas maireachtála shaol oileáin is tábhachtaí do
thodhchaí an cheantair. Cé gur mór ag cuairteoirí caoirí a fheiceáil ag fánaíocht gan beann a thugann
deiseanna maithe griangrafaíochta dóibh, cruthaíonn siad dúshlán freisin dóibh siúd ina gcónaí san áit sa
mhéid is go mbíonn siad ag bradaíocht ar thalamh príomháideach agus ag milleadh agus ag fágáil salachair
ina ndiaidh i ngáirdíní tí &rl.
Ní mór chuile iarracht a dheánamh forleathadh na bplandaí ionraitheacha a smachtú, dreach an cheantair
a fheabhsú agus féachaint ar réitithe nuálacha agus athracha buan, fuinneamh athnuachana san áireamh,
chun an timpeallacht nádúrtha a chosaint agus a chaomhnú.
1. Aghaidh a thabhairt ar fhadhb chaoirí ag fánaíocht gan aire
2. Dul i ngleic leis an gunnera fiáin agus knotfiailí Seapáineacha
3. Soláthraigh níos mó leithris
4. Taighde ar thograí athnuachan fuinnimh a bheadh feiliúnach d’Acaill
5. Lacht agus caoi ar an cheantar ar fad

Cuireann muid síos anseo ar chuid de na céimeanna a thógfas muid i bhforbairt na bpríomh tosaíochtaí
• Tabhair cuireadh do dhaoine a bhfuil suim aca sa Timpeallacht cuidiú leis an Ghrúpa Timpeallachta
áitiúil plean a chur i dtoll a chéile chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar thosaíochtaí ainmnithe thuas
• Deimhnigh go lorgaítear agus go n-éistítear le tuairmí na scarshealbhóirí uilig agus leis na daoine
bainteach leis na ceisteanna agus cuir iad sna moltaí agus pleananna
• Bunaigh fó-ghrúpaí gníomhaíochta beaga chun dualgaisí faoi leith a dheánamh
• Teigh chuig grúpaí pobail áitiula eile agus daoine eile i gcomhair cabhrach agus tacaíocht
• Deán ceangail leis na gníomhaithe ábharacha uilig idir áitiuil agus náisiúnta
• Oibrigh le Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo le haontú ar chlár gnímh chun deire a chur le Gunnera agus
knotfiailí Seapáineach agus forleathadh tuilleadh den ródodendrain
• Beartaigh plean 3-bliana chun slacht agus caoi a chur ar Acaill agus ar chuma na háite le comhoibriú
na sráidbhailte uilig
Gníomhaithe: Áitiúil
Grúpa timpeallachta áitiúil, grupaí na
mBailte Slachtmhara, daoine le suim
feirmeoirí, an óige
Eagraíochtaí Tacaíochta
Teagasc, IFA, Roinn Timpeallachta
Chomhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo,
Bailte Slachtmhara
Feral goats on the slopes of Croaghaun
21
ACHILL
2 ENVIRONMENT
The people who live in Achill and those associated with it want to see the preservation and maintenance of
its unique environment, cultural and heritage sites and areas of natural beauty. The sustainability of the
environment and of island living is key to the future of the area. While sheep roaming freely can be seen by
visitors as charming and provide good photo opportunities, they also pose challenges for those living in the
area in terms of wandering on to private property and interfering with landscaping, soiling gardens etc.
Every effort must be made to curb the spread of invasive species, to enhance the appearance of the area and
to look at innovative and alternative sustainable solutions, including renewable energy, to protect and preserve
the natural environment.
Main Priorities
1. Address the problem of sheep roaming
2. Tackle the gunnera and Japanese knotweed
3. Provide more public toilets
4. Research renewable energy projects that might be suitable for Achill
5. Tidy up the whole area
Next Steps
We describe here some of the next steps we will take in developing the main priorities
• Invite people with an interest in the environment to help the local Environment Group to put a plan in
place to address the priorities identified above
• Ensure the views of all stakeholders and those directly involved in the issues are sought and listened
to and incorporated into proposals and plans
• Form small action sub groups to take on specific tasks
• Look to other local community groups and individuals for help and support
• Link in with all relevant agencies both locally and nationally
• Work with Mayo County Council to agree a programme of action for the eradication of gunnera and
Japanese knotweed and to curb the further spread of rhododendron
• Devise a 3-year plan to tidy up and start to further enhance the appearance of Achill with the
cooperation of all the villages
Action by: Local

Local Environment Group,
TidyTowns groups, interested individuals,
farmers, youth
Teagasc, IFA, Environment Section Mayo
County Council, TidyTowns
Achill Sunset
22
ACHILL
3 ÁISEANNA POBAIL AGUS COMHOIBRIÚ

Tá soláthar áis d’árd chaighdeán ilúsáideach faoi dhíon ina mbeidh na healaíona, amharclann, spás
taispeántais agus gníomhaíochtaí ó cheann ceann na bliana do chuile aoisghrúpa agus spéiseanna
ainmnithe ag an phobal mar thosaíocht phráinneach. Chuirfeadh sé seo gníomhaíochtaí ar fáil do thurasóirí
agus do pháistí sa samhradh le linn báistigh. Ba mhaith leis an phobal freisin níos mó spásanna pobail
ilúsaide lasmuigh a fheiceáil i gcomhair cluichí lasmuigh agus deiseanna súgartha a bheith ar fáíl do chuile
aois ghrúpa agus ábaltacht.
‘Séard atá ar bharr an liosta de thograi a d’ainmnigh an óige i Suirbhé Tuairmí An Óige ná soláthar club
óige agus spás ar leith díobh ina dtiocfadh daoine óga le chéile.
Sa taighde uilig agus sna comhráití le linn an phróiséis Futures Pobail is é an rud tábhachtach ná go
gcomhoibreodh grúpaí agus daoine ar fud an pharóiste le chéile go hoscailte follasach ar mhaithe leis an
fhorbairt uilig sa toghchaí d’Acaill.
1. Áis ilfheidhme Phobail faoi dhíon a fhorbairt
2. Fóchlós ilúsáide súgartha lasmuigh a fhorbairt agus féach ar cén fheidhm atá leis an chúirt
leadóige sa Chaol
3. Eagraigh club don óige m.sh. Foróige agus spás chruinnithe dóibh féin amháin
4. Bunaigh Comhairle Pobail, Pobal Futures nó Coiste Forbartha Pobail le maoirseoireacht a
dheánamh ar dhul chun cinn an phlean agus chun comhoibriu agus comhordnú a fheabhsú.

• Oibrigh leis an Scoil Dara Leibhéal agus leis an choiste atá cheana féin ag beartú áis fhóillíochta faoi
dhíon a fhorbairt
• Tabhair le chéile iad le daoine eile a bhfuil suim aca bheith gníomhach agus aontú ar phlean oibre
• Deán deimhin go dtugtar cluas do thuairmí aoisghrúpaí agus ceantair éagsúla i gcás cén cineál
gníomhaíochtaí a chuirfear ar fáil agus suímh fheiliúnacha d’ionaid shúgartha lasmuigh &rl.
• Tabhair cuireadh do cheannairi Foróige agus Clubanna Gan Ainm chuig cruinniú chun eolas agus
comhairle a thabhairt don óige, do thuismitheoirí agus do cheannairí óige in Acaill
• Tabhair tacaiocht don óige ina gcinnidh agus comhoibrigh leo lena spriocanna a aimsiú
• Tabhair cuireadh do na daoine uilig a mbeadh suim aca cuidiú, ceannairí pobail agus eagraíochtaí
ar an bhfód teacht le chéile chun an Plean Futures Pobail a chíoradh agus an bealach is fearr lena
chur chun cinn agus cén eagraíocht ionadaíoch chlúdaigh a ghlacfaidh freagracht agus maoirseacht
ar an obair agus comhordnú a dheánamh ar fhorbairt phobail in Acaill
• Deán nasc le pobail Futures pobail eile lena gcleachtadh a fhoghlaim uathu m.sh. An Mhala Raithní
• Eagraigh clár traenála le dea-chleachtas rialaithe a chinntiú, rólanna freagrachta, dea-theagmháil,
follasach &rl
Pobal Futures Acla, eagraíochtaí áitiúla agus an pobal áitiuil
Foróige, Club Gan Ainm, Oifigeach Ceangail Óige ETB, Comhlacht Forbartha Maigh Eo
Thiar Theas, Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo
23
ACHILL
3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND CO-OPERATION

The provision of a multi-use state of the art indoor facility encompassing the arts, theatre, exhibition space
and all year-round activities for all age groups and interests has been identified by the community as an
urgent priority. This would also provide activities for tourists and children in the summer months when it
is raining. The community would also like to see more multi-use outdoor community spaces to facilitate
outdoor games and play opportunities that would be accessible to people of all ages and ability.
Top of the list of projects that the youth identified in the Youth Views Survey is the provision for a youth
club and a dedicated space for young people to meet.
Underpinned in all the research and conversations throughout the Community Futures process is the wish
that groups and individuals throughout the parish would work together in an open and transparent manner
for the betterment of all and the future development of Achill.
Main Priorities
1. Develop a multi-purpose indoor Community Facility
2. Provide multi use outdoor play areas and look at the use of the tennis courts in Keel
3. Organise a club for youth e.g. Foróige and a dedicated meeting space
4. Form a Community Council, a Community Futures or a Community Development Committee to
oversee the progress of the Plan and to improve co-operation and co-ordination of activities
Next Steps
• Work with the Secondary School and the committee that are already looking at the provision of an
indoor recreational facility
• Bring them together with others who are interested in getting involved and agree a plan of action
• Ensure the views of the different age groups and areas are listened to in deciding what type of
activities are provided and suitable sites for outdoor play areas etc.
• Invite leaders from Foróige and/or the No Name Club to a meeting to give information and advice to
the youth, parents and youth leaders in Achill
• Support the youth in their decisions and work with them to achieve their goals
• Invite all interested individuals, community leaders and existing organisations to come together to
tease out how the Community Futures Plan will be delivered and what representative umbrella
organisation will take responsibility to oversee it and coordinate community development in Achill
• Link in with other Community Futures communities to learn from their experience e.g. Mulranny
• Organise a training programme to ensure good governance, roles and responsibility, good
communication, transparency etc.
Action by:
Local
Achill Community Futures, local organisations and
the local community
Foróige, No Name Club, Youth Liaison Officer ETB,
South West Mayo Development Co. (LEADER),
Mayo County Council
Stream on Keem Strand
24
ACHILL
4 FOSTAÍOCHT AGUS AN EACNAMAÍOCHT ÁITIÚIL

Is é inmharthanacht an cheantair sa todhchaí an t-aon imní is mó ar mhuintir Acla mar gheall ar an easpa
deiseanna fostaíochta ann le daoine óga agus clanna a choinneáil sa bhaile. De thoradh an titim leanúnach
daonra bíonn laghdú ar sheirbhísí, níos mó acmhainní ag teastáil don daonra ag dul in aois agus bíonn
toradh diúltach ar scoileanna áitiúla agus ar an bhunshraith dílis de shaol pobail. Ní mór chuile iarracht a
dheánamh tacú leis an eacnamaíocht áitiúil agus oibriu leis na gníomhairí ábharacha timpeallacht a chruthú
a bheadh fábharach chun fostóirí nua a mhealladh chun na háite.
Rinne Grúpa Stiúrtha Futures Phobal Acla Suirbhé Tuairmí Gnó le gnóthaí sa pharóiste i gcaoi is go gcloisfí
agus go dtógfaí ar bord a dtuairmí agus smaointe.
Fritheadh ar ais 39
suirbhé comhlánaithe
ó rannóg na
turasóireachta,
déantúsaíochta,
tógála, aíochta agus
seirbhísí - 30% ar ais
1. Tacaíocht a thabhairt do ghnóthaí beaga agus féachaint le cur le tuilleadh fostaíochta áitiúil
2. Stocaireacht a dheánamh i gcomhair ATM eile
3. Bain úsáid as na monarchana i mBun a’Chorraigh
4. Iniúchadh a dheánamh ar fhéidireachtaí na farraige do bhuntáiste eacnamaíoch áitiúil
5. Oibrigh le gníomhairí chun tacaíochtaí aontaithe a fhorbairt do ghnóthaí chun gníomhaíocht
eacnamaíoch áitiúil a chothú agus éascaíocht a chruthú d’fhostóirí nua

• Tabhair cuireadh do ghnóthaí, lucht fiontair agus ceannairí pobail teacht le chéile leis an bealach is
fearr a rianú le go n-oibreodh gnóthaí le chéile, le iad féin a eagrú le pleanáil agus stocaireacht i
gcomhair níos mó deiseanna fostaíochta
• Deán iniúchadh ar sholáthar lár-ionad do ghnóthí beaga le seirbhisí leathanbhanda agus “hot desk”
• Ceangail le Fiontar Éireann, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Oifig Fiontair Áitiúil Mhaigh Eo, Bord Iascaigh
Mhara, Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo, Institiúd na Mara agus gníomhairí ábharacha eile agus
soláthraithe seirbhísí le fáil amach cén deiseanna atá ar fáil agus céard iad na moltaí agus pleananna
atá aca don cheantar
• Plean straitéise 5-bliana agus plean gnímh comhnascaithe a aontú ag tabhairt le chéile tosaíochtaí
gnó agus pobail mar a ainmníodh thuas agus le hionchur agus tacaíocht ó na gníomhairí ábharacha,
ón phobal áitiúil, ó ionadaithe náisiúnta agus áitiúla tofa agus ó cheannairí
25
ACHILL
4 EMPLOYMENT AND THE LOCAL ECONOMY

The single biggest concern for the people of Achill is for the sustainability of the area in the future because
of the lack of employment opportunities to keep young people and families at home. The knock-on effect
of a declining population sees a reduction of services, increased resources required for an aging population
and a negative impact on local schools and the very fabric of community life. Every effort must be made
to support the local economy and work with the relevant agencies to create an environment that is
conducive to attracting new employers.
The Achill Community Futures Steering Group carried out a Business Views Survey with the businesses in
the parish so that their views and ideas could be heard and incorporated.
39 completed surveys
were returned from the
tourism, manufacturing,
construction, hospitality
and services sectors - a
return of 30%.
These are the main priorities that were identified and voted for by the community.
Main Priorities
1. Support small businesses and look at attracting more local employment
2. Lobby for another ATM
3. Utilise the factories in Bunnacurry
4. Investigate the potential of the resources of the sea for local economic benefit
5. Work with agencies to develop bespoke supports for businesses to sustain local economic activity
and facilitate new employers
Next Steps
• Invite local businesses, enterprise interests and community leaders to come together to scope out
how businesses can best work together to organise themselves, to plan and lobby for the provision
of more employment opportunities
• Explore the provision of a small business hub with broadband services and a “hot desk”
• Liaise with Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Mayo Local Enterprise Office, Bord Iascaigh
Mhara, Mayo County Council, Marine Institute and other relevant agencies and service providers to
find out what opportunities there are and what proposals or plans they have for the area
• Agree a 5-year strategy and integrated action plan incorporating the community and business
priorities identified above and with input and support from all relevant agencies, from the local
community, from local and national elected representatives and from business leaders
26
ACHILL
• Aontaigh cé thógfas an plean ar aghaidh (b’fhéidir tasc fórsa speisialta) agus roinn amach
gníomhaiochtaí le cur i gcrích
• Deán comhcheanngail agus cruthaigh dea-chaidreamh le grúpaí gnó eile sa chondae agus i réigiún
an iarthair
• Deán deimhin d’oscailteacht, dea-theagmháil agus aiseolas go dtí an pobal agus scarshealbhóirí
Gníomhaithe: Áitiúil: Gnóthaí áitiúla, ceannairí gnó, an pobal áitiuil, Turasóireacht Acla, CFÁA
Údarás na Gaeltachta, Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo, Oifig Fiontair Áitiúil Mhaigh Eo,
Fiontar Éireann, BIM, An Institiúd Mhara, Cumann Lucht Tráchtála, Tionól Reigiúnach an
Tuaiscirt & an Iarthair, Coimisiún Forbbartha an Iarthair
5 TURASÓIREACHT
Is ait iontach agus ilghnéitheach go fíor Acaill ar fud Bhealach Fiáin an Atlantaigh. Is mian leis an phobal
a háilleacht nádúrtha a choinneáil gan mhilleadh, a teanga dhúshasach Gaeilge agus gach rud atá
bainteach lena stair áitiúil shaibhir, cultúr agus oidhreacht a chothabháil agus a chaomhnú.
Is fada bunaithe an ceantar mar ionad uathúil turasóireachta ach bíonn an séasúr gearr agus ní mór chuile
bheart a thriail chun fad a chur leis an séasúr. Chuideodh gníomhaíochtaí breise agus áiseanna fóillíochta
le níos mó cuairteoirí a mhealladh agus a choinneáil níos faide sa cheantar. Cabhróidh soláthróirí
turasóireachta agus eagraíochtaí turasóireachta ag comhoibriú leis an phobal agus le lucht gnó cur le
cumas an cheantair ar bhealach inmharthanach agus mar thoradh beidh méadú i ngníomhaíocht
eacnamaíoch ar mhaithe le heacnamaíocht bhreise áitiúil.
1. Bealaigh níos fearr chuig na tránna agus áiseanna níos fearr ortha le freastal ar chuile leibhéal
ábaltachta, cathaoireacha rotha agus buggies
2. Go ndeánfadh Turasóireacht Acla seiftiú ar phlean cuimsitheach turasóireachta agus margaíochta
a bhunú
3. Féach ar bhealaigh chun an séasúr turasóireachta a leathnú
4. Tacaíocht don dealbh tarraingteach beartaithe ag Coim
5. Forbairt ar an suíomh sa Chaol
6. Deán iarracht ar tionsclóir a mhealladh chun óstán 4/5 grád a thógáil/uasghrádaigh óstáin sa cheantar

• Go ndeánfadh Turasóireacht Acla seiftiú ar phlean nua cuimsitheach turasóireachta 5 bliana agus
margaíochta don pharóiste iomlán a chur i dtoll a chéile
• Tosaigh ar phróiséas comhairleach le soláthraithe seirbhísí turasóireachta ar aíocht, fáiltiú, imeachtaí
lasmuigh, oideachais, cultúrtha&rl
• Téigh i gcomhairle le pobal gnó áitiúil agus le pobail ar fud an pharóiste chomh maith le Diaspora
Acla agus úinéirí tithe saoire
• Comhoibrigh le Fáilte Éireann, Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo agus le gníomhairí ábharacha eile chun
smaointe agus pleananna a iomlánú agus le tacaíocht a thabhairt dá chéile
• Eagraigh “Lá Pobail” cosúil leis an an phróiséas Futures Pobail, chun aiseolas a fháil ar thorthaí na
gcomhráití agus chun tacaíocht agus ionchur an phobail a fháil do na moltaí le dul chun cinn
• Aontaigh gnímh, fís agus branda/mana agus ar céard is féidir le chuile áirneáil agus ceantar in Acaill
a dheánamh le go n-oibreodh an plean
• Eagraigh athbhreithniú bliantúil chun dul chun cinn a uasdátú agus dea-thorthaí a cheiliúradh
27
ACHILL
• Agree who will take the plan forward (perhaps a special task force) and assign actions
• Link in with and build good working relationships with other business groups in the county and in
the western region
• Ensure transparency, good communication and feedback to the local community and all stakeholders
Action by: Local: Local businesses, business leaders, local community, Achill Tourism, CFAA
Support organisations: Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo County Council, Mayo Local Enterprise
Office, Enterprise Ireland, BIM, Marine Institute, Chambers of Commerce, Northern & Western
Regional Assembly, Western Development Commission
5 TOURISM
Achill is truly a wonderful and diverse place along the Wild Atlantic Way. The community wishes to maintain
and preserve its natural unspoilt beauty, native Gaeilge language and all that is associated with its rich
local history, culture and heritage.
The area is long established as a unique tourist destination but the season is short and all avenues need
to be explored to extend the season. Providing extra activities and leisure facilities may help to attract
more visitors and keep them longer in the area. Tourism providers and tourism organisations working
together with the community and business interest will help to maximise the potential of the area in a
sustainable way and result in an increase in economic activity for a better local economy.
Main Priorities
1. Provide better access and more facilities at the beaches to cater for all ability levels, wheelchairs
and buggies
2. Achill Tourism to devise a comprehensive tourism and marketing plan
3. Look at ways to extend the tourist season
4. Support an iconic attraction at Keem
5. Develop the Keel site
6. Look at attracting an investor for a 4/5-star hotel/upgrade existing premises
Next Steps
• Achill Tourism to devise a new comprehensive 5-year tourism and marketing plan for the whole parish
• Begin a process of consultation with tourism services providers including accommodation,
hospitality, outdoor pursuits, educational, cultural etc
• Consult with the local business community and the communities throughout the parish area
including the Achill Diaspora and holiday home owners
• Work with Fáilte Ireland, Mayo County Council and other relevant agencies to integrate plans and
ideas and to support each other
• Organise a “Community Day” similar to the Community Futures process, to give feedback on the
findings of the consultations and to get the input and support of the community on the proposals
for the way forward
• Agree actions, a vision and a marketing brand/slogan and what every sector and area in Achill can
do to make the plan work
• Organise an annual review to update progress and to celebrate achievements
Action by: Local: Achill Tourism, local businesses, local organisations and the community.
Support organisations: Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, BIM, Údarás na Gaeltachta,
South West Mayo Development Co. (LEADER)
28
ACHILL
6 CÚRAM SLÁINTE AGUS OIDEACHAS

Is údar an-mhór imní ó thaobh thodhchaí Acla de an easpa deiseanna fostaíochta ann cé is moite de
thionscail na turasóireachta. Tá sé seo tugtha faoi deara cheana (p.26) d’eacnamaíocht phobail agus
fostaíochta. Mar sin féin, is fiú díriú air arís, anois ó thaobh droch bhail uimhreacha na scoileanna náisiúnta.
Muna mbíonn postanna ann chun daoine óga a mhealladh agus le clanna óga a choinneáil sa cheantar,
leanfaidh uimhreacha na ndaltaí ag freastal ar scoileanna náisiúnta ag titim agus ag dúnadh roinnt
scoileanna dá thoradh. Beidh sé seo tubáisteach do na ceantair i mbaol. Ba chóir spreagadh agus tacaíocht
a thabhairt do scéimeanna agus cúrsaí oideachais a bhéas dírithe ar fhostaíocht áitiúil agus atá mar chuid
de phlean ar leibhéal níos airde.
Sonraíodh freisin na pleananna ar athláithreamh Ionad Naomh Colmán chomh maith le riachtanais
tithíochta, áiseanna cúraim agus seirbhísí do sheandaoine agus daoine le míchumas mar thosaíochtaí i
gcomhair tacaíochta agus gnímh faoi ábhar an téama seo.
1. 1. Printiseacht agus cláranna traenáil fostaíochta a spreagadh
2. Tacaíocht a thabhairt don fhorbairt ar áis nua d’Ionad Naomh Colmán
3. Taighde ar riachtanais tithíóchta do sheandaoine agus daoine le míchumas

• Ceanglaíonn Tosaíocht 1 thuas leis an rannóg fostaíochta agus ba chóir go mbeadh sé mar chuid
de straitéis iomlán agus bealach ilaidhme chun fostaíocht a mhéadú
• Fáigh amach céard iad na riachtanaisí áitiúla ó thaobh: uimhir daoine ag lorg fostaíochta go háitiúil,
an libhéal scileanna, uimhir daoine ar scéimeanna m.sh. TÚS, CE &rl, an bhfuil daoine ag lorg
uasgrádú scileanna, ‘bhfuil fostóirí ag lorg scileanna speisialta &rl
• Comhcheangail isteach le soláthraithe oideachais agus traenála, gníomhairí tacaíocht fostaíochta
agus Seirbhísí Fostaíochta Áitiúil Acla
• Cruinnigh le chéile daoine a bhfuil suim aca cabhrú le féachaint céard a bheadh le deánamh chun
aghaidh a thabhairt ar riachtanaisí sheandaoine agus iad siud le míchumas
• Téigh i gcomhairle le hIonad Naomh Colmán, na dochtúirí áitiúla, banaltraí agus chuile dhuine atá
ag soláthar cúram sláinte sa phobal le fáil amach uathu cén bealach is fearr tacú lena n-iarrachtaí
agus stocaireacht a dheánamh le haghaidh áiseanna agus seirbhísí atá oiriúnach dá riachtanaisí
Soláthraithe Oideachais Áitiúil; scoileanna &rl, Seirbhísí Fostaíochta Áitiúil Acla, Ionad Naomh
Colmáin, seirbhísí sláinte agus cúram pobail áitiúil
Údarás na Gaeltachta, Oifig Fiontair Áitiúil Mhaigh Eo, Fiontar Éireann, BIM, Bord Oideachais
Liatroma Shligigh Mhaigh Eo, Comhlacht Forbartha Mhaigh Eo Thiar Thuaidh, HSE
29
ACHILL
6 HEALTH CARE AND EDUCATION

The lack of employment opportunities outside of the tourism industry is a huge concern for the future of
Achill. This has already been noted in the employment and local economy section on page 26. However, it
is worth emphasising again, this time in terms of the viability of the existing number of primary schools.
Unless there are jobs to attract young people and to keep young families in the locality, the number of
children attending primary school will continue to decrease with the inevitable closure of some of the
schools. This will be devastating on the areas affected. Training and education schemes and programmes
geared towards local employment skills and that are part of a bigger plan should be encouraged and
supported.
The plans for the relocation of St Colman’s as well as housing needs, care facilities and services for older
people and people with disabilities were also highlighted as priorities for support and action under this
theme.
Main Priorities
1. Encourage apprenticeship and employment training programmes
2. Support the development of a new facility for St. Colman’s
3. Research the housing needs of older people and those with disabilities
Next Steps
• Priority 1 above links in with the employment section and should form part of an overall strategy and
multi-faceted approach to increase employment
• Find out what the local needs are in terms of: number of people looking for employment locally, the
skills level, number of people on schemes, e.g. TÚS, CE etc, are people looking to upskill, are
employers looking for specific skill sets etc.
• Link in with education and training providers, employment support agencies and the Achill Local
Employment Services
• Bring interested people together to look at what actions to take to address the needs of older people
and those with disabilities
• Consult with St Colman’s, the local doctors, nurses all everyone providing health care in the
community to ascertain how the community can best support their efforts and lobby for facilities
and services that are fit for purpose
Action by: Local

Local Education providers; schools etc,
Achill Local Employment Services,
St Colman’s, health and local community
care services
Údarás na Gaeltachta, Mayo Local
Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, BIM,
Mayo Sligo Leitrim Education Board, South
West Mayo Development Co. (LEADER),
HSE
30
ACHILL
An Cur i gCrích
Tugann an plean seo treoir do phobal Acla agus a eagraíochtaí na gníomhaíochtaí le cur
i bhfeidhm thar na cúig bliana romhainn
Eagraíocht Chlúdaigh
Tá an-fhonn orainn oibriú i mbealach comhordaithe agus cuimsitheach agus tá muid aireach gan teacht
trasna nó bheith ag athdheánamh na dea-oibre atá idir lámha faoi láthair ag grúpaí éagsúla gníomhacha
deonacha. Scrúdófar cén chaoi a bhféadfaidh na tosaíochtaí ar ghníomhaíochtaí ainmnithe sa phlean seo a
bheith mar chuid d’obair na ngrúpaí agus féachaint le coistí nua oibre a bhunú chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar
bhearnaí in ár n-eagrachtaí pobail.
Deánfaimid iarracht leanúnach ag deimhniú go bhfuil eagraíochtaí fíor ionadaíoch pobail againn, oscailte
agus follasach ag claoigh le cleachtais dea-rialaithe. Aithníonn muid an tábhacht as bheith ag obair i
bpáirtinéireacht le daoine eile agus ag cothú dea-chaidrimh.
Deánfaimíd iarracht chuile dhuine a choinneáil ar an eolas, a dtuairmí a lorg agus an pobal a spreagadh a
bheith gníomhach i bhforbairt phobal Acla le go mbeadh feabhas ar chúrsaí le maireachtáil ann, le bheith ag
obair ann agus le cuairt a thabhairt air.
Tá fonn orainn chuile rogha a scrúdú agus muid ag athrú ár n-intinn ó phleanáil go cur i gcrích! Braithfidh
dea-thoradh an phlean ghnímh seo ar iomlán díograis agus tacaíochta chuile dhuine sa Pharóiste mar ba
dóibh a hullmhaíodh é.
I gcomhair eolais ginearálta deán teagmháil le:

Chris McCarthy, (Chair) Achill Community Futures Steering Group
Tel: 087 2786286
Email: mrchrismccarthy68@gmail.com
ATHBHREITHNIÚ AN PHLEAN GNÍMH

Ó am go céile féachfaidh muid ar cén chaoi an bhfuil ag éirí linn an plean a chur i bhfeidhm. Tionólfaimid
cruinniú athbhreithniú bliantúil le fáil amach céard atá curtha i gcrích go data, chomh maith le bearta a aontú
don chéad bhliain eile. Soláthróidh seo an t-eolas don tuairisc bhliantúil ar an dul chun cinn do Futures
Phobal Mhaigh Eo.
ATHNUACHAN
Le treoir ó Futures Phobal Mhaigh Eo rachaimid trí phróiséis
athnuachana i gceann 5 bliana nuair a bhéas an plean as dáta.
Tabharfaidh sé seo deis dúinn a fheiceáil céard atá bainte amach
againn, céard atá fágtha sa phlean le baint amach agus rachaidh
muid i gcomhairle le chuile dhuine inár bpobal i gcomhair bearta nua
d’Acaill do na 5 bliana romhainn.
31
ACHILL
Making it Happen
This plan gives the community of Achill and its organisations a guide on what actions
to work on over the next five years.
Umbrella Organisation
We are keen to work in a coordinated and inclusive manner and we are anxious not to duplicate or overlap
the good work that is being done at present by a variety of active voluntary groups. We will explore how the
priorities for actions identified in this plan can form part of their work and look at setting up new working
committees to address the gaps in our community organisations.
We will continually strive to ensure that we have truly representative community organisations, open and
transparent and that adhere to good governance practices. We recognise the importance of working in
partnership with others and building good relationships.
We will strive to keep everyone informed, to seek their views and encourage the residents of our community
to get involved in the community development of Achill to make it a better place to live in, to work in and to
visit.
We are keen to explore all options as we turn our attention from planning to making things happen! The
success of this action plan will depend on the wholehearted enthusiasm and support of all the people in the
Parish, for whom the plan has been prepared.
For general information contact:

Chris McCarthy, (Chair) Achill Community Futures Steering Group
Tel: 087 2786286
Email: mrchrismccarthy68@gmail.com
REVIEWING THE ACTION PLAN

We will, from time to time, look at how we are all doing at implementing this plan. We will convene an annual
review meeting to take stock of what has been achieved to date, as well as agreeing actions for the following
year. This will inform our annual progress report to Mayo Community Futures
RENEWAL
With guidance from Mayo Community Futures we will undergo a
renewal process in 5 years’ time when our plan is out of date. This
will allow us to see what we have achieved, what is left in the plan
to achieve and we will again consult with everyone in our community
to get new ideas for Achill for the following 5 years.
Keem Strand
32
Seaweed on Strand Northern Lights at
in Tonragee Kildavnet Castle, Achill
Yawl Racing in Belfarsad Bay, Achill
Bunacurry in Bloom
33 Bridge at Keem Strand View of Slievemore from Saddle Head

ACHILL COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

2017-2022
MAYO COMMUNITY FUTURES
The Mayo Community Futures programme assists communities to prepare their own action
plans in a way that is inclusive and participatory. The process not only leads to good action
planning that reflects the priorities of communities but it also encourages people to get
involved in making things happen in their local area. Plans prepared in this way strengthen
the communities’ ability to access funding for the projects identified and assists them to
effectively represent their interests at area, county and National levels.
Mayo Community Futures is overseen by a partnership of community and agencies that are
committed to supporting communities in having a say in their own future. The committee has
representatives from; the communities that participated in the programme, the local
development companies (LEADER): South West Mayo Development Co and Mayo North East,
Tochar Valley Rural Network and Mayo County Council.
The programme is funded, supported and co-ordinated by Mayo County Council.
ACHILL
COMMUNITY
FUTURES
If you would like to know more about Mayo Community Futures please contact;;
Mary Wrafter, Co-ordinator,

Mayo Community Futures,
Community & Engagement,
Mayo County Council,
Castlebar, Co. Mayo F23 WF90
Tel: 094 9047545
E-mail: communityfutures@mayococo.ie
www.mayococo.ie
34
PLEAN GNÍOMH POBAIL ACLA

2017-2022
FUTURES POBAIL MHAIGH EO
Cabhraíonn Futures Pobail Mhaigh Eo le pobail chun a bpleananna gníomhaíochta féin a ullmhú
ar bhealach cuimsitheach agus rannpháirtíoch. Ní amháin go gcothaíonn an próiséas dea-
phleanáil a léiríonn príomh riachtanaisí na bpobal ach spreagann sé daoine a bheith páirteach
in iarrachtaí a gceantar áitiúil féin a chur chun cinn. Láidríonn pleananna a ullmhaítear mar
seo na pobail a bheith in ann maoiniú a rochtain do na tograí a aithnítear agus cabhrú leo leas
agus buntáiste a gceantair a chur in iúl go láidir ag libhéal ceantair, chondae agus naisiúnta.
Tá Futures Pobail Mhaigh Eo á maoirseacht ag páirtinéireacht de phobail agus gníomhairí atá

dírithe ar thacú le pobail guth a bheith aca ina dtodhchaí féin. Tá ionadaíocht ag an choiste ó:
na pobail a ghlac páirt sa chlár, na comhlachtaí forbartha áitiúla (LEADER), Comhlacht
Forbartha Iardheisceart agus Oirthuaisceart Mhaigh Eo, Tochar Valley Rural Network agus
Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo.
Tá an clár maoinithe, tacaithe agus comhordaithe ag Comhairle Chondae Mhaigh Eo.
FUTURES
PHOBAL
ACLA
Dá mba mhaith leat tuilleadh eolais a fháil faoi Futures Pobail Mhaigh Eo
deán teagmháil le do thoil le;
Mary Wrafter, Co-ordinator,

Mayo Community Futures,
Community & Engagement,
Mayo County Council,
Castlebar, Co. Mayo F23 WF90
Tel: 094 9047545
E-mail: communityfutures@mayococo.ie
www.mayococo.ie

Achill Community Futures Action Plan 2018-2023

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Achill Community Futures Action Plan 2018-2023

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Communities Planning For Their Future

COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN

Deánann an Plean Gníomh Pobail seo athchoimre ar dhearcadh

Seo an treoir d’ár bplean oibre – mar phobal – a dheánfaidh

muid iarracht a chur i gcrích thar na 5 bliana romhainn.

GRÚPA STIÚRTHA FUTURES PHOBAL ACLA

TUGTAR CLUAS DO THUAIRMÍOCHT AN PHOBAIL

Le treoir agus tacaíocht ó Futures Phobal Mhaigh Eo:

BUÍOCHAS DO CHUILE DHUINE A GHLAC PÁIRT

This Community Action Plan summarises our community’s

This plan will be our guide for what we - as a community

- try to make happen over the next 5 years.

ACHILL COMMUNITY FUTURES STEERING GROUP

LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE THEIR SAY

OVER 23 INTERVIEWS WERE HELD

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART

Ár bPobail i láthair na huaire

PRÓIFÍL PHOBAL ACLA 2017 ACHCHOMAIR ACHCHOMAIR

Daonra agus Tithíocht

Dumhach Cionn Aille 108 53 12 14 9 24 14 0 65 65 58

Dumha Acha 114 52 17 28 5 17 14 11 35 22 57

Ceantar Iomlán 404 365 52 86 20 67 52 43 166 154 285

Dumha Éige Conaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamh 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus

Ceantar Iomlán 295 188 85 55 18 48 36 25 140 102 187

Acaill Cónaithe Saoire Tréigthe Folamh 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus

Ceantar Iomlán 342 135 55 62 26 55 66 34 163 133 266

Ceantar Iomlán 170 64 42 17 12 25 33 32 84 66 134

Our Community Now

ACHILL COMMUNITY PROFILE 2017 SUMMARY

Population and Housing

Total area 404 365 52 86 20 67 52 43 166 154 285

Dooega Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus

Total area 295 188 85 55 18 48 36 25 140 102 187

Achill Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus

Total area 342 135 55 62 26 55 66 34 163 133 266

Tonragee / Currane Inhabited Holiday Derelict Vacant 0 to 5 5 to 12 13 to 18 19 to 24 25 to 49 50 to 60 60 plus

Total area 170 64 42 17 12 25 33 32 84 66 134

View over Achill Island from the Menawn Cliﬀs

Best local knowledge estimates that the population Education

Panorama of Achill Island from Croaghaun,

Cúram Sláinte & Seirbhísí Éigeandála Sóisialta agus Pobal

Bannaí Píob Timpeallacht

Flóra & Ainmhithe

Pipe Bands nearest ambulance service is in Mulranny. The Fire

Oidhreacht spreagtha go mór ag cruth na scamall a thagann

Heritage Slievemore. Achill Beg Island is home to the Dun

Suirbhé Teaghlaigh Tuairmí Pobail

Community Views Household Survey

Everything 13% “I love everything about Achill”

Tourism and Local Economy: 10%

Suirbhé Teaghlaigh Tuairmí Pobail

Community Views Household Survey

Acaill – An Fís don Todhchaí

Áiseanna Pobail agus Seirbhísí

áiseanna agus seirbhísí den chéad scoth ag áireamh

Eacnamaíocht Áitiuil & Turasóireacht

Beidh Acaill ina ceann cúrsa d’ionad saoire bríomhar

Beidh a háilleacht nádúrtha slán ag Acaill. Beidh

Achill – Our Vision for the Future

Achill will be a safe and nurturing place where everyone works

Community Facilities & Services

class facilities and services including health care,

Local Economy and Tourism