A community initiative to help plan for the next 20 years in Kinsale
In order to join Kinsale CoOp, either as a resident or a visitor, you only need to print off the form at the bottom, and either make a bank transfer or drop in the standing order form to your bank. But to notify Future Kinsale of your membership, please also send us the form by email to futurekinsale@gmail.com
If you’re reading this, chances are you care about the town of Kinsale and probably have some questions about what it will be like to live here in 2030 if we don’t fix the traffic, find a use (and a sugar daddy) for the decaying Town Hall,, and make it possible for staff in local businesses to afford to live in their own town !
In the last 20+ years I’ve come to believe that Kinsale is not just the gourmet capital, and home of a mad number of Young Scientist award winners, but that we have in our midst, both the people and the resources to create a thriving and sustainable Future Kinsale that the kids will be proud of.
Never has it been easier to start a business, or raise funding for all manner of projects, or get connected, and yet we have done little (OK nothing !) to tackle climate change, the wealth divide, or just the local traffic and waste pollution.
From the birth of the Transition Towns movement in our own back yard, to Strong Towns in the US, to Kinsale scale cooperatives in small welsh towns, and the growth of technology coops in UK, we are surrounded by opportunity
Earlier this year Forbes published one of several articles explaining how the ‘sharing economy’ has only just got going, and how, as communities, we could all gain so much from looking after ourselves and our resources in new and very different ways.
It doesn’t take a young scientist to know there are enough cars owned by Kinsale residents to take you anywhere at any time – but they’re just mostly lying idle in driveways and car parks. We have unused public buildings and spaces, and a bunch of great ideas for their use, but the entrepreneurs, the creators, and the financial experts, aren’t able to come together. We live surrounded by the most perfect land for growing healthy food, but we still buy cheap white bread baked 100 miles away and water in plastic bottles !
So, what if we set up a cooperative that could take ownership of, and manage public assets like the Town Hall, or even the “SuperValu’ car park, for the benefit of the community ? A cooperative where membership is open to all residents. A cooperative where the aim is to be a thriving healthy community, and to share the amazing resources we have – people, money, land, buildings etc – for the benefit of all.
There is a statue in our town of Peter Barry. Arguably the last person to dare to dream about a great future for his Kinsale. And we’ve been benefiting from his legacy for the last 30+ years. Now we probably need to renew the vision for a Future Kinsale, and one which goes beyond just being a ‘gourmet capital’.
So come and join us 6pm Jan 25th 2019 Trident Hotel, and be part of the conversation. We don’t have a town council any more, but we can have a “Town Hall” meeting
On July 26th Anna Mulcahy, chair of the Municipal Hall Revival Group, Alan Clayton of Future Kinsale, and Fiona McGeown also from the Hall Revival Group, presented a draft proposal of how we believe the Municipal Hall could be revived as a sustainable community venture, providing iconic space for arts, performances, co-working space for local startup enterprises, and more. Next step is a feasibility study and financial plan – into which YOUR comments, suggestions, contributions are welcome – speak now, as they say !! futurekinsale@gmail.com
Could Kinsale learn from the experience of Caernarvon in Wales ? A small seaside town with empty public spaces and buildings – ring a bell ? Future Kinsale would love to know what you think of this project – including community performance/presentation space, small business facilities, top quality cafe, program of courses and events. And it all pays for itself supported by a local coop ! What do you think ? What would you like to see in the Municipal Hall ?
Good news, there is already a dedicated group of residents working to turn such a vision into reality, but it’s a ‘participation sport’ where everyone who wants to benefit, can.
For full information and details for each grant, please click the download button below.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland – The Academy
This six-day programme, over the course of six months, will provide you with the support and direction you need to help you to kick-start your idea and take the next steps.
– Deadline: 19 March 2019
http://socialentrepreneurs.ie/theacademy
Energy for Generations Fund
Charities working in the areas of suicide prevention, homelessness and education access and support can apply to the Fund for project specific funding.
– Deadline: 22 March 2019
https://www.esb.ie/acting-responsibly/community-stem-and-the-arts/esb-corporate- responsibility
Foras na Gaeilge – Summer Camp Scheme
This is a nonprofit scheme to keep the camp fees low for the young people. Grants are provided out of public funding, and Foras na Gaeilge has statutory duties to ensure value for money for all funded projects. Particularly welcoming applications from organisations located in areas recognised in Government strategies or legislation.
– Deadline: 22 March 2019
https://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/funding-schemes/?lang=en#
Loreto Foundation Fund
The Loreto Foundation Fund supports groups which are of benefit to, and improve the lives of, the most vulnerable in Irish society. The focus for 2019 and 2020 is homelessness and so the fund will only fund groups that are working in this area.
– Deadline: 31 March 2019
https://loreto.ie/loreto-outreach/the-loreto-foundation-fund/
World of Children Awards
It is important to recognize that our children are the world’s largest voiceless minority, as well as its most important asset. The World of Children seeks to give this minority a voice by making children’s issues central to the future of all societies around the world. All Award funds go to support the proven and sustainable programs initiated/managed by the winners.
– Deadline: 31 March 2019
https://worldofchildren.org/award/
EPA – Event Support Grants
The Environmental Protection Agency provides funding to support science, technology, research and innovation projects through grant-aid to third level institutions, state agencies, government departments, local and regional authorities, the private sector and individuals.
– Deadline: 31 March 2019
http://www.epa.ie/researchandeducation/research/epafunding/eventsupport/#.VWzK089Viko
EYF Grants – Annual Work Plan Grant
Its purpose is to encourage co-operation among young people in Europe by providing financial support to such European youth activities which serve the promotion of peace, understanding and co-operation in a spirit of respect for the Council of Europe’s fundamental values such as human rights, democracy, tolerance and solidarity.
– Deadline: 1 April 2019
http://www.coe.int/en/web/european-youth-foundation/annual-work-plan
EYF Grants – International Activity Grant
International meeting of young people or youth leaders in Europe which contribute to the work of the youth sector of the Council of Europe in topic, methodology and with a clear European dimension.
– Deadline: 1 April 2019
http://www.coe.int/web/european-youth-foundation/how-to-apply
The Hospital Saturday Fund Charity
The Hospital Saturday Fund was founded in 1873, at a time when poverty, overcrowding and ill- health were prevalent and little help was available for those needing costly hospital care.
– Deadline: 3 April 2019
www.hospitalsaturdayfund.org
Foras na Gaeilge – Youth Events Scheme
Foras na Gaeilge is providing funding for appropriate Youth Events programmes (which must contain a minimum of 12 sessions) through Irish for young people (3 to 18 years of age).
– Deadline: 5 April 2019
http://www.forasnagaeilge.ie/funding-schemes/?lang=en
The Ireland Funds – Small Grants & Flagship Investment Grants
The mission is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland.
– Deadline TBC
https://irelandfunds.org/grants/
Human Rights and Equality Grant Scheme 2019
Supporting activities in Ireland that advance economic andsocial rights and equality in relation to the prioritised areas of:`
1. Housing/Accommodation; 2. Health and Decent work.
– Deadline: 15 April
www.ihrec.ie/our- work/human-rights-and-equality-grants-scheme/
Social Innovation Fund Ireland – The Mná na hÉireann, Women of Ireland Fund
The first fund in Ireland to support charities and social enterprises that seek to enhance the economic mobility of women, and is designed specifically to equip these organisations to expand their business acumen, drive growth and deepen their impact across Ireland.
– Deadline: 18 April 2019
http://www.socialinnovation.ie/mna-na-heireann-fund/
Koch Foundation Grants
The Koch Foundation is an independent, private Catholic family foundation that administers grants for projects and programs that spread the Catholic faith, using its endowment to support evangelization activities.
– Deadline: 1 May 2019
http://www.thekochfoundation.org
Social Innovation Fund Ireland – Ignite Fund
The objective of the Ignite Fund is to sparkmeaningful social impact in communities across Ireland by providing support to some of the most innovative charities and social enterprises.
– Deadline: 6 May 2019
http://www.socialinnovation.ie/ignite-fund/
DM Thomas Foundation for Young People Grants
the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People (DMTFYP) is able to reach directly into communities and offer help where it is needed, as a funder to smaller charities and organisations that may be otherwise overlooked.
– Deadline: 7 May 2019
https://dmthomasfoundation.org/what-we-do/grants/dmtf-central-grants/
Fantastic turnout and support for the launch of the Kinsale Community Energy Project, on March 7th, which was hosted by Transition Town Kinsale. There was at least 60 + people, young and old, including local residents and businesses from within the community. The Chamber was represented by Kilcaw House B&B, Actons Hotel and The Trident Hotel, who openly supported the project by offering to take part in The Energy Master Plan for the area.
For further information on reviewing your energy costs or upgrading your business or property to a more sustainable and energy efficient system, please find attached form for download or contact:
Donal Chambers: 087 641 7924 donal_chambers@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Creed: 087 2894077, lizmcreed@gmaill.com
Please click below to access the Cork County Public Participation Network (PPN) news and upcoming dates, as well as need-to-know guidelines.
Berlin’s co-operative efforts bring a network of shared spaces and ideas to the city, including a market, studios for artists, and a public housing initiative.
KCEP – Kinsale Community Energy Project – Information Evening
Transition Town Kinsale set up Kinsale Community Energy Project, and became a member of the Sustainable Energy Communities network, early in 2018. KCEP has been set up to facilitate the community to benefit from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Community Grant Scheme. We hope KCEP will help in providing everyone in the community a support network, and greater bulk buying power, as we make our energy transition. We are currently waiting to hear if we have received funding from the SEAI to carry out an Energy Master Plan for the area.
We are inviting the community to an information evening with Xavier Dubuisson, the Sustainable Energy Community Mentor for the area, on Thursday 7th March at 7.30pm in The Friary Centre, Kinsale. All are welcome to come along and find out about the grants available from the SEAI for homes, businesses and community buildings, and why we will get so much more if we work together as a community.
These grants facilitate the community to upgrade buildings and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, massively reducing our energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Funding is available for upgrading insulation, installing heating controls, a heat pump or solar panels and for carrying out a ‘deep-retrofit’. If you have already done some work on your home or other building, and are happy to share your experience, please contact us at info@transitiontownkinasale.
And finally, we are looking for a cross section of different properties owners to volunteer to take part in our energy audit for the Kinsale area as part of ‘The Energy Master Plan’ so if you are interested in being involved please get in touch, or come along on the night to find our more and share your ideas for this.
Contacts:
Donal Chambers: 087 641 7924 donal_chambers@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Creed: 087 2894077, lizmcreed@gmaill.com
Future Kinsale 