milford, county cork · milford socio-economic plan 2008 - 2013 4 profile of milford – area in...

Milford, County CorkÁth an Mhuilinn, Contae Chorcaí.

Milford Community

Socio-Economic Plan

2008-2013

Milford Socio-Economic Plan 2008 - 2013 2

Contents

Introduction 3

Profile of Milford 4

Historical Background 5

Population 6

Community Structures 7

Employment, Retailing & Economic Activity 8

Milford Creamery 9

Infrastructure & Services 10

Housing, Planning & Development, 10

Health and Care Services 11

Education & Training 11

Amenities & Facilities 11

Tourism, Heritage & Culture 12

SWOT Analysis 13-14

Outline of Community Plan 15

Action Plan 16-26

Implementing the Plan 27

Appendices 28-30

� Appendix A: Community Groups

� Appendix B: List of Protected Structures

� Appendix C: Townlands in Milford DED

Additional Resources 31


Milford Community Socio-Economic Plan

2008-2013

Introduction

This Milford Community Socio-Economic Plan has been undertaken by the people of Milford Community to

identify the needs of the community into the future and to plan adequately to make sure that these needs can

be met.

The Milford Community Socio-Economic represents the community’s vision for how it would like to see

Milford develop and prosper in the future by proposing certain action points to make Milford a more

attractive place to live and recreate and seeks to enhance quality of life. It is long-term in its focus and covers

a wide range of social, environmental and economic issues in an attempt to promote, facilitate and guide

development in the community of Milford. The plan aims to guide the work of local clubs and organisations

and provide a reference point for the local community.

It must be remembered that this is a plan for the people of Milford. It is the result of a series of meetings

which were held to seek the views of the local community. Every effort was made to include all local

organisations and members of the public with meetings advertised locally, through community groups and in

the press. Thus, responsibility for implementing the plan rests largely with the community.

The method1 used in compiling the plan aims to provide a more strategic approach to involving

representatives of the local community in their own community’s development in that it is an inclusive

approach to community planning and representation.

• The first meeting on 24th October 2007 outlined the planning process and the procedures involved.

• The second and third meetings on 8th November and 22nd of November 2007 identified the key issues

facing Milford and the steps needed to address them.

• On 24th January 2008, meetings were held with representatives of the various state agencies and public

service providers to seek their support for the plan and to discuss their potential roles.

• A draft plan was presented and discussed at a public meeting on Thursday, 5th February 2009.

• This final version of the Plan was approved by Milford Area Community Council at a meeting in March

2009

The planning meetings were facilitated by Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

1“ADOPT: a development model to strengthen the community sector in Ireland’s local development process”. Pat Gibbons, UCD, 2003.


Profile of Milford – Area in Context

The community of Milford is situated in north County Cork close to the County Limerick border. It is located

on the R515 regional road that runs between Charleville and Newcastle West. In the context of the Kanturk

Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2005, Milford is designated as a key village as it has many key services and

has the potential for future growth as varied.

At the first Public Planning Meeting in the consultation process, it was decided by those present that the

Community of Milford was defined as the DED of Milford plus 5 additional town lands in three DED’s (see

table).

For statistical purposes, figures for Milford DED will be considered through this plan.

Townlands within Milford Community

DED Townland Name Acres HectaresMilford Acres 54 21.9

Milford Ballagharea 316 127.9

Milford Ballyhane Lower 262 106.0

Milford Ballyhane upper 167 67.6

Milford Coolnagour 229 92.7

Milford Delliga 182 73.7

Milford Doony 301 121.8

Milford Gortaheeda 29 11.7

Milford Gortnagoul 339 137.2

Milford Kilbolane 421 170.4

Milford Kilmore 336 136.0

Milford Kinteera 53 21.4

Milford Kyle 181 73.2

Milford Laragh 542 219.3

Milford Lyragh 171 69.2

Milford Moanarnane 180 72.8

Milford Moanavraca 209 84.6

Milford Moanroe 117 47.3

Milford Prohust 611 247.3

Milford Scart 221 89.4

Milford Shronepookeen 277 112.1

Milford Teeracurra 144 58.3

Milford Trienieragh 269 108.9

Newtown Main North 817 330.6

Newtown Main South 495 200.3

Allow Concealment 87 35.2

Allow Cromoge 560 226.6

Dromcolliher Gorteens 128 51.8

TOTAL 7698 3115.2

* This table shows the DEDs & Townland’s which represent geographically the Community of Milford


Historical Background

Milford is a quiet rural village at the foot of Kilbolane Hill. Kilbolane Castle sits on top of the Hill and dates

back to the coming of Strongbow to Ireland. It was the stronghold of the De Cogans and later of the

Fitzgibbon branch of the Fitzgeralds. The Castle was partially destroyed by Cromwell’s troops in 1642.

It is recorded that in 19052 Milford Village had the following trades, professions or businesses: Shopkeeper

and Vintner x 4, Carpenters x 4, Vintners x 2, Blacksmiths x 2, Shopkeepers x 2, Cooper x 2, and

Grocer/General Merchant, Watchmaker, and shoemaker x 1, Post Office, Creamery, and the R.I.C. Station

with living quarters, and National School.

Time moves on and today in 2008, the residents of Milford Community are no strangers to the economic

terms of the “Celtic tiger” and perhaps the more damaging the “global village” and as a Community how has

this benefited us? We have 1 shop/post office, 2 Vintners, 2 Garages, 1 cabinetmaker, 1 Builder, a Garda

Station which is staffed remotely on certain opening hours,. In 1973 when the Dairy Co-ops were

amalgamating / reorganizing / rationalising this resulted in the loss of 20 permanent jobs and 15 to 20

seasonal jobs in our Creamery. The National School went from being a 6 teacher school to a 4 teacher school

over a period of two years in the 1970s due to falling enrolments. Another loss here is the social interaction

which is the heart of any Community and gives people a sense of belonging and community spirit, this loss

cannot be measured in monetary terms.

What does the future hold for Milford, or more importantly how can we as a Community influence or shape

the future, for us as a Community going forward. In 2005 elections were held to elect a new Milford

Community Council {term of Office 3 yrs.} which elected 26 members from across the whole Community.

And in 2008 a new Community Council was elected with 29 members reflecting the growth in numbers in the

Community. The Community Council on its own does not have the resources to achieve its goals but it does

have the social capital i.e. the dedicated and skilled people capable of bringing about much needed progress

and change in the community with assistance from local agencies and national statutory bodies.

* Article provided by Gerard Falvey, Kilbolane.

2 Grove-White, James, Historical and topographical notes, etc... on North Cork, (four vols.,1905-1918). Covers part or all of the four

northern baronies of County Cork


Population

Census 2006 showed a total population of 603, comprised of 298 males & 305 females in the Milford DED.

This figure indicates a percentage change in population between 2002 and 2006 of minus 2.1%, going against

the trend of the previous Census figures which had shown an increase in population.

Milford DED Population StatisticsPopulation Males Females

2006 2002 1996 2006 2002 1996 2006 2002 1996603 616 571 298 304 284 305 312 287

*The table above shows population changes in Milford DED between the years 1996-2006 (CSO 2006)

Milford DED Population Statistics Population Change Males Change Females Change

2002- 2006 1996- 2002 1991- 1996 2002- 2006 1996- 2002 1991-1996 2002- 2006 1996-2002 1991-1996-2.1% 7.3% -8.5 % -1.97 % 7.04% -11.3% -2.24% 8.7% -5.6%

*The table above shows percentage population changes in Milford DED between the years 1996-2006(CSO

2006)

Milford DED Population by Age (CSO 2006)Age Male Total Female Total0-4 20 19

5-9 23 24

10-14 18 24

15-19 27 25

20-24 14 21

25-29 15 19

30-34 20 13

35-39 18 17

40-44 21 25

45-49 23 28

50-54 28 20

55-59 17 17

60-64 16 11

65-69 14 12

70-74 8 15

75-79 11 4

80-84 3 7

85 + 2 4

Total 298 305

*The table above gives a breakdown of population in Milford DED by sex and age (CSO 2006)


Community Structures

Milford has a vibrant community, voluntary and sporting sector with up to 15 active groups and sub-

committees.

Milford Community Council

Milford Community Council reformed in 2004 to undertake projects that would benefit the community of

Milford. Members of the Community Council are elected and representative of all areas of the community.

The council has regular monthly meetings and an AGM. There are 29 elected members on the council.

Aims of Milford Community Council:

• To promote the involvement of the people of Milford in the promotion of education, cultural and

economic welfare of the whole community regardless of class, political or religious persuasion.

• To represent each member of the community in dealings with local government, statutory bodies and

other agencies in seeking technical, financial and other assistance in the promotion of the common good.

• To acquire by rental, lease, purchase or donation such property or effects as shall be necessary or

expedient to those ends.

Subgroups of and associate member groups affiliated to Milford Community Council

Sub-Groups: Associate Members

Milford Social Club Milford Tennis Club

Milford Tidy Towns

Milford Historical Society

Milford Camogie Club

Milford Camogie Club was formed in January 1997. Prior to its establishment, the local girls had won two

Community Games All Ireland titles in 1996 & 1997. Since its inception, the club has won every county title

from U12 to Senior B as well as reaching the Feile na nGael All Ireland Finals in 1999 and 2007. Many of the

girls have represented Cork at Inter County level which included three members of the club captaining the

Cork three in a row minor team they were Maria Watson (2001), Elaine O Riordan (2002) and Anna Geary

(2003).

See Appendix A for list of community, voluntary and sporting groups in Milford


Employment, Retailing and Economic Activity

Agriculture in particular dairy and beef farming are the main employer and source of economic activity in the

area. The Creamery / Store has recently been modernised and has a substantial customer base and attracts

business from a wide radius. Access to the N20 national route at Charleville is an important factor to the

future development of Milford as it allows locals to commute to work in Limerick and Cork and easy access

for those who wish to do business in the area. Other commercial facilities in the community include a

convenience store / post office, a play school, 2 car sales garages, 2 public houses and an engineering

company. The table below outlines the various industries providing employment to Milford.

Type Name(s)Engineering Quaid Engineering

Seamus Kirwan

Agricultural Store Kerry Group

Oil Distribution Byrnes & Dillon Oil

Public Houses Collins Lounge Bar

O Doherty’s Bar

Auto Repair & Sales Peter O Gorman

Michael Donegan

Grocery Shop/ Post Office Casey’s Food store / Post Office

Agricultural Contractors Boyce’s

Sheehy Brothers

School Milford Primary School

Medical Dr Mary Roche

Dairy / AgriculturalEquipment

Sextons

Gerard O Regan

Milford Play SchoolFitted Furniture George Fitzgibbon

Builders Vincent Cremin

Sand and Gravel John Dillane

* The table above outlines the main providers of employment in the community as at March 2008

Persons at Work by Industry 2006 in Milford DED

Male Female Total

Agriculture 32 6 38

Construction 16 0 16

Manufacturing Electrical & Gas 46 8 54

Commerce 19 33 52

Transport 13 1 14

Clerical / Administration 6 25 31

Professional Services 10 24 34

Other 5 5 10

Total persons at work 15+ 147 102 249


Milford Creamery – Co-operative Employment

Milford Dairy Factory Co Ltd was formed in 1887. It was one of the first creameries in Ireland and was a very

successful venture. In the succeeding years creameries were set up in all the surrounding parishes. In the early

years butter making and milling were the main activities. Around 1915 the creamery started to generate

electricity and by 1918 the church and most of the houses in the village had electric light from the creamery

generator. On a few occasions during the war of independence the Black and Tans tried to burn the creamery

and on the second attempt severe damage was done. The creamery company was subsequently awarded

£10,000.00 in compensation.

In 1928 Milford CoOp took over the running of Dromcollogher and Dromina Creameries. In 1937 a new

cheese house was built in Milford to cater for the increased production of cheese. In the 1940s and 1950s the

creamery was a hive of activity with over 30 people employed. The creamery ran a very successful machinery

contracting business; offering ploughing, harrowing, spraying, mowing, mole ploughing and reaper and

binder for hire.

The creamery had a good business in the supply of day old chicks and the collection and export of eggs. It

also supplied day old turkeys to be reared for the Christmas market. This business gave extra employment

leading up to the Christmas period.

In 1943 the Creamery purchased a farm at Kilbolane. This was used to supply milk to the creamery and also

as a pig fattening unit. In 1949 the creamery appointed a veterinary surgeon to deal with the veterinary needs

of its suppliers.

In the 1960s Milford Creamery won several awards for butter and cheese making. In 1966 at the world

Cheddar Championships in Wisconsin USA, Milford won best European entry. In 1969 Milford Cheddar

Cheese won a silver medal at London International Dairy Show, it also won a number of awards at the Spring

Show in Dublin.

In 1968 there were 320 milk suppliers in the Milford Dromcollogher and Dromina area. In 1973 Milford

CoOp Creameries amalgamated with Golden Vale CoOp Ltd. Bulk Collection followed, in the following

year’s cheese and butter production and the milling business ceased in Milford. Gradually all the milk

suppliers went to bulk collection. Today there are 25 milk suppliers in the Milford area.

*Article provided by Billy Broderick, Scart.


Infrastructure and Services

According to the Cork County Development Plan 2003 (as varied), Milford also has access to a good water

supply. The village is supplied with water from the Allow Water Supply Scheme. Cork County Council stated

in January 2008 that this is adequate for the needs of the community in the medium term and that there is

adequate water pressure. The waste water treatment plant has sufficient capacity to deal with the development

needs of the community during the lifetime of the County Development Plan.

Due to its location and the topography of the area, Milford does not have an adequate broadband service

(situation as of spring 2008). An adequate broadband service is integral to the economic development of the

community. The provision of an efficient broadband service with adequate capacity for local needs will be a

priority in this socio economic plan.

Housing, Planning and Development

According to Kanturk Electoral Area Local Area Plan 2005, there are a total of 7.4 hectares of land within the

development boundary of Milford zoned for residential development

The village is termed as being elongated in nature. The development boundary has been tightly drawn to

encourage development on zoned areas within the boundary. Land has been zoned for both residential and

light industrial development. As there is a history of agricultural small industry in the area the potential exists

for future developments (Cork County Development Plan 2005, as varied).

Planning permission was granted in 2005 for the construction of 35 no. dwelling units at Gortnahowan in

Milford and in phase one, 14 no. units are currently under construction (2008). It is anticipated that further

housing development will take place in the future as Milford is recognised as a community with potential for

growth due to its location and the level of services in the community (Cork County Development Plan 2005,

as varied).

Number of private households by type accommodation (CSO 2006)

House/Bungalow Flat/Apartment Bed-sit Caravan/Mobile Not stated Total

202 1 0 2 6 211

The figures below show a large proportion of the housing stock in the DED had been built pre 1980 and also

that a significant proportion of the population lives in this housing

Number of private households by year house built (CSO 2006)

Pre 19191919 to

1940

1941 to

1960

1961 to

1970

1971 to

1980

1981 to

1990

1991 to

1995

1996 to

2000

2001 or

later

Not

statedTotal

34 26 32 13 16 26 17 9 26 10 209


Number of persons in private households by year house built (CSO 2006)

Pre 19191919 to

1940

1941 to

1960

1961 to

1970

1971 to

1980

1981 to

1990

1991 to

1995

1996 to

2000

2001 or

later

Not

statedTotal

70 77 69 30 41 112 60 30 78 38 605

With almost two-thirds of the existing housing stock built pre-1991, a key consideration of community

members is ensuring that houses are adequately insulated

Health and Care Services

There are no formal care services provided in Milford. However there are excellent facilities in the

neighbouring communities of Dromcolliher and Charleville, including Respite and Day-Care Centres, semi-

sheltered housing, health centres, and a Child and Family Education Centre which cater for the needs of

surrounding communities including Milford.

Education and Training

There has been a formal educational structure in Milford since 1838 when the first National School was built

at Scart on the Feenagh road. Kilbolane Boys & Kilbolane Girls Schools were located here. This was

extended in 1893 when two classrooms were added and a total of 4 teachers employed. The current school

was built in 1959 and is named Schoil Mhuire. It was built as two separate schools with 6 teachers but they

were amalgamated in 1969. In the mid 1970s the school was adapted to include a general purpose room and 2

new classrooms. The school currently has 7 staff members and 91 pupils.

The surrounding towns of Dromcolliher and Charleville cater for the second level educational needs of the

area. With the provision of a modern community facility Milford could benefit from additional Adult

Education or other outreach services.


Amenities and Facilities

The village of Milford has a number of community facilities including a primary school, a church, a Garda

Station, a Community Centre, a GAA Pitch and Clubhouse, Tennis Courts and Clubhouse, a Town Park and a

Play School.

The Community Centre building was constructed around 1911 and has been a focal point for community

and voluntary activity, serving as a hall for meetings and other community events.

The Village Park was previously incorporated as part of the creamery property but has since been

transformed into an attractive riverside park in the centre of the village.

Milford Tennis Club was founded in 1936 and currently has in excess of 100 members its facilities include 2

grass courts, 1 hard court and a club house.

While there is no definitive date, it is believed that the GAA Club in Milford was founded in the late 1800s.

Its facilities include a playing field, changing rooms and ball alley.

Tourism, Heritage and Culture

Milford is an area rich in heritage and culture. Kilbolane Castle is a visible reminder that Milford was an

important focal point in the region down through the ages and it has been a wish for the community for many

years to have its presence greater highlighted. There has always been a strong sporting tradition in the area,

especially in the GAA, having a proud tradition and enjoying particular success on the playing fields during

the 1970s and 80s.

There is a very active branch of Ceolmhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann in the community. It was founded in 1992 and

provides music and set dancing classes on an ongoing basis. In 2000, Milford CCE hosted the County Fleadh

Ceoil, with visitors coming to the community from all over Munster; this event proved to be a great success.


SWOT AnalysisOvercoming Weaknesses and Threats, Building on Strengths and Identifying Opportunities

Strengths

• Volunteers: Good community spirit and significant voluntary movement

o 15 voluntary organisations in the community.

o Community Council is the umbrella group.

• Garda Station in the community

• Landscape and riverscape

• FAS Scheme

• The river Deel, which flows through the centre of the village, is an untapped resource for fishing and

walking

• Kilbolane Castle – history available

• GAA has a very strong tradition in the community and has excellent facilities

• Tennis Club has over 100 members and is in process of developing its facilities

• School

• Playschool is located within the school and caters for children from surrounding parishes

• Good facilities in Dromcolliher for the elderly, with the Daycare centre, and at Hazelwood College

with the education and sporting facilities

• Roads in generally good condition

Weaknesses

• Community Centre – current facility is unsuitable for community needs.(need for large and small

rooms in any redevelopment)

• Limited public transport particularly for elderly – need to examine Rural Bus routes

• Improved wheelchair access to the church

• Lack of industry means lack of local employment. Land is zoned for light industry but no industrial

units have been built.

• Petrol station closed recently

• Lack of catering facilities for sporting events: (there are no catering facilities at the GAA pitch)

• Resources for youth and teenagers limited

• Lack of full day-care facilities

• Lack of Broadband access (this is a barrier to business development).

• Public Lighting - Lighting from village to Kilbolane Castle needs upgrading, as well as Hardingville

to Dr. Croke Place, and out the Old Schoolhouse Road (Scart)

• Land Zoning - The wrong land (i.e. land that will never be for sale) is currently zoned – The council

appear to have ignored local representations regarding areas zoned for development

• Derelict sites - Need to be continually monitored. Has been highlighted with Council by Tidy Towns

committee, but its safety is still in doubt.

• Footpaths – A number in need of repair, path from school to castle needs to be constructed.

• Water – the pressure in the current system is low, potential to upgrade?

• Sewage System - is it adequate for new houses in Gortahowan development?

• Repair work to bridge in the centre of the village following car accident of very poor quality.

• Speed Signs: why were they moved?

Threats

• Garda Station is manned part-time

• Community centre currently closed


• Current sewage system may not have capacity if extra housing is to be attracted to the area

• Lack of broadband is not helping to attract people back to area

• Incorrect zoning – both residential and industrial – may not be appropriate

• Speeding – may be needed to include traffic calming measures.

• Anti-social behaviour.

• Farm diversification – a change in way of life, and also the amount of land going to forestry

• Retail premises closed lately, possibility of more?

• Derelict sites must be continually monitored

• Lack of facilities for classes

Opportunities

• An improved community facility which could accommodate the wider community activities, such as

childcare, youth, elderly groups and activities. This could be a new greenfield location.

• Planning granted for 35 houses near the village. Could part of these be for social/sheltered housing,

to include appropriate facilities?

• Need to get correct land zoned and housing developments to follow

• Land owned by Diocese adjacent to Church could be used for community purposes

• Potential to develop walkways (i.e. in Newtown, around GAA field)

• Broadband (if in line of sight from Bweeng, can access Broadband)

• Castle: Land privately owned but building is state owned, attracts many visitors

• Develop Walkways based on historical aspects of community or broader (historical road)

• Riverside could be promoted more

• River, for fishing, walking

• With a new Community Centre, a greater range of educational courses could be made available

• Childcare/elderly facilities could be incorporated into new community centre development


Outline of Actions for the Milford Socio-Economic Plan

During the course of drawing up the plan, the issues identified were placed under specific headings, or

sectors. Groups of local volunteers were formed under each of these headings to discuss and develop the

ideas, meet with the relevant state agencies and identify specific areas of work and potential projects under

individual headings.

Implementation of the plan will require the involvement of existing clubs and organisations in Milford, with

the establishment of new working groups in some cases, and have a central structure for reporting purposes,

ideally, Milford Community Council.

SECTOR PAGE

1.0 Community Structures 16-17

2.0 Environment, Infrastructure & Enterprise 18-21

3.0 Tourism, Culture & Heritage 22

4.0 Sports & Recreation 23-24

5.0 Family Services 25-27


1.0 Community Structures (including community groups and Community Hall)

Number Action DescriptionLead

Organisations /Agencies

SupportOrganisations /

AgenciesResources Timescale

1.1 MilfordCommunityCentre

Community Centre: The communitycentre is in need of repair and anengineering report conducted in 2007 hasoutlined requirements for refurbishment.

− Review of the needs of the variousgroups in the community whocurrently use the hall and those whomay require facilities.

− Accommodate all needs if possible inrefurbishment

− Examine gaps in service provision

− If gaps exist, could a potentialreplacement facility be an option, withthe right supports in place?

MilfordCommunityCouncil

BallyhouraDevelopmentLtd.

Cork CountyCouncil

Department ofCommunity,Rural andGaeltacht Affairs

HSE

Business / DevPlan

Funding

2008 - Ongoing

1.2 PoliticalRepresentation

Local County Councillors and TD’s mustbe lobbied to promote Milford to agenciesand support this plan. They in turn will bekept updated on progress

All CommunityGroups

Local CountyCouncillors andTD’s

Lobbying Ongoing






1.3 IncreasedCommunicationbetween Groupsand the widerCommunity

There are up to 15 community andvoluntary groups in the Milford area.There is a need for continued andincreased communication andcooperation between the variousgroups for the development andwellbeing of the community.� Website: Groups to feed

information to existing site –www.milfordparish.com Communityto identify if a student form the areacould maintain site

� Welcome Pack: Publish aWelcome Pack which wouldprovide details of services andorganizations in the Community fornew residents in Milford.

� Volunteerism: Groups should havegood volunteer practices andpolicies for volunteers

� Identify appropriate training forVolunteers


All clubs andgroups in Milford

Vale Star,Corkman

Second or Thirdlevel studentsfrom the area

BallyhouraDevelopment Ltd

Training

Funding

2008 - Ongoing


2.0 Environment, Infrastructure & Enterprise





2.1 InfrastructuralIssues

• Traffic Calming: Speeding trafficentering the village from KilbolaneHill is a concern to the community.This traffic is passing the school atspeed and is a serious safety issue

− Implement traffic calmingmeasures at school withadequate approach warning

• Public Lighting: There is a needfor lighting from the village toKilbolane Castle. Improved lightingis to be put in place at the schooland at Dr Croke place during 2008.The lighting at end of Doona Roadis inadequate also.

• Derelict sites: These need to becontinually monitored. The CountyCouncil will act to deal with suchsites under the appropriatelegislation

Cork CountyCouncil


Milford TidyTowns

Public Fundingthrough LocalAuthority

2008 - ongoing





InfrastructuralIssues (cont)

• Roads and Footpaths: A footpathis needed from the school toKilbolane Castle. The path from theschool to the creamery will berepaired in 2009 and wheelchairaccess will be put in place at thepost office around this time. The

Cork CountyCouncil


Milford TidyTowns


footpath at the 1st terrace at the

west end is to be replaced and newfootpaths to be constructed betweenthe quay wall and the bridge during2008.

o The Scart Road alsoneeds to have a path inplace and the roadsurface needs to beupgraded.

• Water: Cork County Council havehighlighted the fact that the waterpressure in the village is very goodand individual householdsexperiencing low water pressuremay have internal plumbingproblems.

• Sewage System: The waste watertreatment plant has spare capacityand is due to be upgraded in thenear future

Bridge: The repair works previouslycarried out by Cork County Council onthe bridge need to be revisited to ensurethat they are in keeping with its distinctarchitectural merit.





InfrastructuralIssues (cont)

• Graveyard: The surface at theentrance to Delga Graveyard will betarred during 2008 and the grass willbe cut regularly.

• Road Maintenance: Good roadmaintenance is important in the

Cork CountyCouncil



Milford TidyTowns


community. The problem with floodwater run-off on Donna will beinvestigated by the Council in 2008.

• Street Sweeping: The possibility ofTidy Towns groups coming togetherat district level to purchase a streetsweeping machine is to beinvestigated this may becoordinated by the CE or RSSchemes.

• Litter: Illegal dumping is an issue inthe community. Instances should bereported to Cork County Council.

• Bottle bank: A concrete base willbe put in place at the bottle-bankthis year (summer 2008).





2.2 Tidy TownsPlan

Continue with the 3 year Tidy TownPlans which guide the development ofthe Built and Natural Environment inMilford.

Milford TidyTowns Committee

Cork CountyCouncil


Heritage Council

Cork CountyCouncil AmenityGrant


2008 - ongoing

2.3 RuralTransport

Bus: The rural bus service for Drominaand Newtownshandrum will be extendedto Milford. This should commence duringthe spring / summer of 2008.

Rural Bus

Milford SocialCommittee

Communitygroups andindividuals

Transport needsanalysis

2008


• A transport needs analysis of thelocal people will be carried out bythe Social Committee.

• Routes to be identified andcommenced

2.4 Provision ofBroadbandInternetaccess

There is currently little or no broadbandaccess in Milford (spring 2008) but thereis local interest in obtaining the service.

• Identify local interest

• Meet with service providers

• Identify costs involved orinfrastructural work required

• Identify strategy for implementation

MilfordCommunityCouncil to co-ordinate

Private broadbandproviders –Amocom, BBNet

Cork CountyCouncil

Critical capacity ofsubscribers

Broadbandinfrastructure

2008

2.5 Promoteretail activity

New housing developments will requirea retail base and potential employment,however, a critical population mass andfavourable economic environmentrequired to sustain such an enterprise



North CorkEnterprise

Advice/Mentoring/Training forindividuals

2009

3.0 Tourism, Culture & Heritage





3.1 Developtourismpotential ofMilford

Milford has great potential for touristactivity, with the main attractions beingKilbolane Castle and riverside.

− Examine potential to maximize useof Castle. Apply to OPW & CountyCouncil for permission to install spotlighting at the Castle

− Examine development of historic orother walkways around river

Milford TidyTowns

Cork-KerryTourism


Various funding 2008 & Ongoing


− 3.2 Document

history ofMilfordcommunity

Milford has much history and folkloreboth documented and not.

− Co-ordinate information from existingsources and publish an extensivehistory of Milford

− Examine a potential display area

− Source funding for History project

Local historicalgroup

National &Secondary Schoolpupils


RuralDevelopmentProgramme(LEADER) funding

2009

4.0 Sport & Recreation





4.1 The provisionof safe off-road Walks inthe area

The need for safe walking areas hasbeen highlighted.� Plans are in progress for the

provision of a 1000m walk aroundthe GAA pitch.

� The provision of a sand based trimtrail is also to be investigated as analternative

� The provision of lighting is also anissue which will have to be givenserious consideration e.g. solarpowered lighting

� The potential development ofriverside walks also exists as doesthe development of walkways basedon historical or other aspects of thecommunity.


Landowners

GAA

BallyhouraDevelopment Ltd.

Dept of ArtsSports andTourism

LEADER funding

Sports CapitalGrants

2009

4.2 Cateringfacilities forvisitinggroups

The fact that there are no communityfacilities for cooking or catering has beenhighlighted.

− Joint project between GAA &

Milford GAA

Milford CamogieClub

County CorkLocal SportsPartnership

LEADER funding

Sports CapitalGrant

2009


Camogie to consider cateringfacilities on the GAA grounds

Alternatively, Community Centre couldaccommodate these facilities in aredevelopment or relocation.




4.3 Supportupgrading ofexistingfacilities ofMilfordTennis Club

Milford Tennis Club has been inexistence since 1936. There is a currentmembership of 60 juveniles and 25students and 20 adults. There are 3courts, 2 grass and 1 hard court. Theproposed upgrade will entail the

− Installation of 2 artificial surfacesand floodlighting for same

− Replacement of fencing around thefacility

− re-roofing and upgrade of clubhouse

Milford TennisClub




Funding

Sports CapitalGrant

LEADER

2008 ongoing

4.4 Increasedindoor sportsfacilities

The redevelopment of the communitycentre should include increasedfacilities, especially for youth and elderly




Training &Equipment

4.5 Playground There is a large population of childrenunder the age of 10 in the communityand the current housing developmentwill add to this number. The need for aPlayground has been highlighted.

• Form playground committee

• locate a site for a playground

• source funding and information

PlaygroundCommittee(MilfordCommunityCouncil)

Cork CountyCouncil


Identify site

Funding

2008

4.6 CommunityPark

The park is an important amenity in acentral location in the village its upkeepand maintenance is important

Tidy Towns /Community

Cork CountyCouncil

Funding forlandscaping

2008



5.0 Family Services (including Education & Training, Health, Elderly,Childcare, Youth)





NOTE: THE PROVISION OF A SUITABLE VENUE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ROLL OUT OF THESE ACTIONS. Timescale dependent on this

5.1 Provision oflocal trainingandeducation

Potential to increase amount ofcommunity education and trainingcourses in the Community Centre e.g.computers

− Conduct survey to identifydemand and type of trainingneeded

− Source support

− Provide venue

Local groups Co. Cork VEC.

HSE


Annually conductedTraining NeedsAnalysis

Co- funding for courses

Ongoing

5.2 Setting up ofa youth clubandactivities foryoungadults

The need has been highlighted foractivities for the youth of Milfordalthough the lack of a suitable venuefor meetings is currently a barrier.Foroige have committed to assistingthe establishment of a youth club

− A needs analysis with the youth ofthe area may be undertaken

Local youth clubsteering group

Foróige

County CorkVEC


Training for leaders

Venue

Funding forequipment/programmes

Ongoing

5.3Development

There is no purpose built childcarefacility in the community. While the

Local childcaresteering group

Cork CountyChildcare

Needs analysis Ongoing






of childcarefacilities

community recognise a need for sucha facility. The HSE will only providefunding when a survey of the childcareneeds in the community has beenundertaken and the needs quantified

i.e. Children’s ages and Working

hours of parents etc

− Establish local childcare steeringgroup to investigate

− Carry out needs assessment

− Identify suitable location

− Source funding for capital &staffing

Committee

HSE

Local schools /ParentsAssociation

Venue

Funding

5.4 Provision ofservice andsupport foroldermembers ofcommunity

Milford has a substantial elderlypopulation with 13% of the populationaged 65 and over. The only socialactivities organized in the communityare the twice yearly outings organizedby the social committee of thecommunity council.Carry out needs assessment

− Assess demand

− Establish an active retirementgroup

− Identify suitable venue

− Set up activities and schedule

− Source appropriate funding

Social committeeHSE

Co. Cork VEC

Cork CountySportsPartnership

Venue

Training & Funding

Ongoing

5.5 Createongoinglinksbetweenolderpersons andyouth

With an active group for elderly andvibrant primary school there ispotential for developing joint projects(e.g. Friendship Tree in Dromina)

Social committee

Local School

HSE

Co. Cork VEC

Cork CountyCouncil ArtsOffice

Various funding 2009


Implementing the plan

The benefits of the Plan will only be achieved if its policies are translated into action. The implementation of

the Plan will be through:

• The development control process;

• Developing partnerships with agencies;

• Ongoing management of the Plan;

• Monitoring and reviewing the Plan regularly.

Responsibilities of community groups and agencies

Implementation of the plan will depend primarily on ensuring strong local involvement and voluntary effort.

The plan is a community plan and the greater support it has in the local community, the more likely it is that

the goals identified can be met. The plan will require a strong umbrella structure to be put in place in place to

ensure that it is implemented.

Statutory bodies and other support agencies must also recognise that the Milford Community have a

legitimate role in the in the development of the area and that both they and the community must work together

in partnership to achieve the actions contained in this plan.

Structures required implementing the actions

Milford Community Council, which was established in the 2007, acts as an umbrella organisation and

coordinating body for groups in the community. With such an umbrella structure in place it is important that

it uses this plan as a guiding document for planning and development within the community for its duration,

subject to review. Specific actions have been assigned to other local groups within the plan and it is important

that they participate in the process and engage relevant supports where required.

Training needed to assist implementation

There is a need for training to assist local volunteers in implementing the plan. This is particularly relevant in

terms of putting local community structures on a firm foundation. Ballyhoura Development Ltd. will assist

with providing advice, information and training for community groups on committee skills, legal and

structural issues (e.g. charitable status), insurance, attracting and keeping new volunteers, improving facilities

and in other areas where support might be required.


Appendix A

Community, voluntary, sporting and political groups in Milford, Co. Cork

Group Name First Name Surname Contact Position Address1 Address2 Address3 County

Gerard Falvey Chairperson Kilbolane Milford Charleville CorkMilford Community Council

Sarah Broderick Secretary Scart Milford Charleville Cork

EllenAnn Geary Chairperson Gurteen Milford Charleville CorkMilford Camogie Club

Kay Galvin Secretary Coolagour Milford Charleville Cork

Sean Carroll Chairman Kilbolane Milford Charleville CorkMilford GAA Club

John Dillon Secretary Gibbonsgrove Milford Charleville Cork

Eamon Murphy Chairman Bunmona Milford Charleville CorkMilford Juvenile GAA Club

Sean O’Gorman Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork

Paul Buckley Secretary Scart Milford Charleville CorkMilford Coursing and Gun Club

Garry O’Mahony Chairman Lauragh Milford Charleville Cork

Eamon Murphy Chairman Bunmona Milford Charleville CorkMilford Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann

Mary Healy Secretary Ballyhrea Milford Charleville Cork

Pat O’Friel President Scart Milford Charleville CorkMilford Golf Society

Sean Carroll Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork

Gerard Falvey Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville CorkMilford Historical Committee

Fr. Padraig Keogh Chairman Milford Charleville Cork

Donal O Murchu Chairman Kyle Milford Charleville CorkMilford Fianna Fail

Bart Donegan Secretary Blossomville Milford Charleville Cork

Pat O’Connell Secretary Gortnagaol Milford Charleville CorkMilford Fine Gael

Denis Holmes Chairman Fortwilliam Milford Charleville Cork

Mairead Stritch Chairperson Tieracurra Milford Charleville CorkMilford Parents Council

Valerie O’Sullivan Secretary Kilbolane Milford Charleville Cork

Ena Enright Chairperson Scart Milford Charleville CorkMilford Tidy Towns

Hanna Waker Treasurer West End Milford Charleville Cork

Billy Broderick Chairman Scart Milford Charleville CorkMilford Tennis Club

Anthony Geary Secretary Monabraca Milford Charleville Cork


Appendix B

Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in Milford area

RPS No. Name of Structure Townland

00001 Kilbolane House Kilbolane00002 Kilbolane Castle (Tower House) Kilbolane00003 Former Scart School Scart00015 Gibbingsgrove House & Lodge Maine South00018 Prohust House Prohust01094 Thatch House Doony01096 Thatch House Cloonleagh South01097 Thatch House Cloonleagh South01100 Thatch House Kyle


Appendix C

Milford District Electoral Division

DED Townland Name Acres HectaresMilford Acres 54 21.9

Milford Ballagharea 316 127.9

Milford Ballyhane Lower 262 106.0

Milford Ballyhane upper 167 67.6

Milford Coolnagour 229 92.7

Milford Delliga 182 73.7

Milford Doony 301 121.8

Milford Gortaheeda 29 11.7

Milford Gortnagoul 339 137.2

Milford Kilbolane 421 170.4

Milford Kilmore 336 136.0

Milford Kinteera 53 21.4

Milford Kyle 181 73.2

Milford Laragh 542 219.3

Milford Lyragh 171 69.2

Milford Moanarnane 180 72.8

Milford Moanavraca 209 84.6

Milford Moanroe 117 47.3

Milford Prohust 611 247.3

Milford Scart 221 89.4

Milford Shronepookeen 277 112.1

Milford Teeracurra 144 58.3

Milford Trienieragh 269 108.9


Other Resources

NationalThe National Development Plan 2007 – 2013

The National Spatial Strategy 2002 – 2020

CountyThe Integrated Strategy for the Economic, Social & Cultural Development of County Cork, 2002 - 2011

(County Development Board)

Retail Strategy March 2004 – Variation to the Cork County Development Plan 2003.

Cork Recreational Needs Report (1999)

Ready Steady Play – A National Play Policy. (National Children’s Office)

The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001 – 2020

The North and West Cork Strategic Plan 2002 – 2020

The Cork County Development Plan 2003

Localwww.milfordparish.com

Further information

Further information on this plan can be obtained from Milford Community Council.

Alternatively, please contact:

The Community Development Officer

Ballyhoura Development Ltd.

Main Street,

Charleville,

Co. Cork.

Tel. +353 (0)63 21008

Fax. +353 (0)63 21147

Web www.ballyhouracountry.com

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