CLDC announces biodiversity enhancement plan training for Clare communities
Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is now taking applications for a LEADER funded online and field-based training programme to help participants prepare a biodiversity enhancement plan for an outdoor recreational space in their community. It can be any site which has public access which people use for recreation, a park, perimeter of a sports or playground, the grounds of a community building (church, community centre) or other green space.
The training which is free of charge and which will run for a total of 6 months is open to all community groups in County Clare.
It will be held as a series of 12 webinars taking place on Wednesday evenings from 12th May to 28th July, 2021 combined with on-site training, and a final series of 4 online workshops in September to complete the plans.
The programme will be led by Dr Fran Giaquinto who will explain the fundamentals of biodiversity and habitat protection, and show participants how to recognise the potential for increasing biodiversity in their selected area.
“By increasing biodiversity, we increase the amount of carbon that is stored”, said Dr. Giaquinto who will also show participating groups how this can be measured and introduced into their plan to help protect from climate change.
Organic gardener, Linda Gilsenan will show participants how to bring native trees and pollinator-friendly plants into their community whilst Phoebe O’Brien, a well-known local botanist will demonstrate how to conduct surveys and identify the biodiversity that exists in the area.
“We want this training programme to succeed at a very high level and provide a blueprint for community-led habitat protection into the future. Our vision is to equip all participants with the confidence, knowledge and tools to design and implement their plans, and become proud of their endeavours” said Dr Giaquinto.
“As part of this training we will help you design a biodiversity plan and direct you to the resources to implement it. Also, this is an opportunity for communities in County Clare to become the first in the country to collectively measure their carbon storage as a result of biodiversity actions,” she added.
CLDC LEADER projects Co-ordinator, Ms. Gloria Callinan has urged groups with an interest in enhancing the biodiversity of their local outdoor recreational spaces to apply for a place on the course. “The programme will also deliver on the biodiversity objective of our Local Development Strategy to deliver training for community groups that stimulates actions to protect and enhance vulnerable species and habitats”, said Ms. Callinan.
Places are limited to 25 groups and participants will need access to internet and a smart phone or laptop. The trainers will assist with set up and use of the online Zoom software.
Further information can be obtained by emailing biodiversityleader@gmail.com
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 30th April, 2021
Download further information on the webinar series and course schedule here
Download a copy of the application form here
Clare Local Development Company wishes to recruit a Rural Development Officer (18 month contract 21-28 (TBC) hours per week)
The Rural Development Officer will support the implementation of specific rural development actions under various programmes delivered by CLDC.
For full job description and person specification, please email imatthew@cldc.ie
Completed applications to include CV and cover letter to be forwarded to Iyabo Matthew, HR Dept., CLDC, Unit 1 Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare or imatthew@cldc.ie
A panel may be formed from which future temporary or permanent appointments may be made if required.
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday 29th April 2021
Clare Local Development Company is an equal opportunities employer.
CLDC is delighted to offer a suite of online workshops and training courses, designed to support businesses in dealing with the impact of the pandemic.
The training is funded under the LEADER programme. #LEADERforEnterprise and will be rolled out by Evelyn Cormican, Blueprint Coaching & Training.
The training includes:
- – Rebuilding your Business after Covid-19
- – Marketing Tools for Tourism Businesses
- – Financial Skills for Micro and Small Business owners
- – Create your own e-commerce store using Shopify
Click here for full details with the schedule of delivery dates and times where you can register to attend.
Shopify is an ecommerce platform that allows you to set up an online store and sell your products to an International audience. It is widely loved by small businesses because it is easy to use and manage.
Together in this (approximately) 25-hour course on Building Your Website, you’ll learn how to set up your very own website using Shopify with a minimum 5 products for sale.
By the time your 14 day trial is complete, you’ll be selling your products to the world! The training will be delivered through a combination of pre-loaded instructional videos showing the steps involved in setting up the online shop, and live webinars with Q&A and discussion on progress throughout the 10 day course.
Course schedule
Sept 21st at 2pm
This pre-course webinar will provide you with an overview of the training, whether the programme is right of you, marketing considerations for your business, and demonstration of tools. This session is an opportunity to explain the programme and ensure that participants are clear on objectives and level of commitment.
An invitation to register for the 10 day course will be issued.
It is essential that you attend the Pre-Course Webinar to establish if this course is right for you and your business.
Oct 5th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 1 – Module 1 – Live Session, course introduction, and qualities of an effective website, with collaborative discussion: The group will review the skills, abilities and what is required to build their own website, key considerations when creating a website. Questions and concerns about technology, costs, product considerations, and platforms will be addressed.
Day 2 – Module 2 – Instructional Video – What is Shopify? Shopify vs other platforms? Setting up your 14 day free trial on Shopify
Oct 8th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 4 – Module 3 – Live Session, Review progress, Address any questions, collaborative discussion on content. Creating content, images and text for your website
Day 5 & 6 – Module 4 – Instructional Video – Choosing a free theme. Creating ‘About’ & ‘Contact’ pages. Creating Collections and adding your first products.
Oct 12th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 7 – Module 5 – Live Session, Review progress, address any questions, collaborative discussion on content. Creating content, images and text for your website
Day 8 – Module 6 – Instructional Video – Set up shipping methods, set up payment methods, stripe/paypal account, styling your theme, integrating with Facebook, Go live!
Oct 16th – 2pm – 3.30pm
Day 10- Module 7 – Live Session, Review progress to date, review websites and provide practical suggestions on next steps.
Click here to register for the course
This is a Clare Local Development Company programme. It is funded by the LEADER Programme
CLDC NETWORKS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME
Monday 17th August – Monday 19th October, 2020
This is a 10 week online programme delivered by Tina O’Dwyer, The Tourism Space to support the development of 3 Tourism and Business networks and to support the members with business recovery.
Members of the following CLDC supported networks are invited and warmly encouraged to take part:
- Tourism East Clare
- Creative Clare
- Clare Food & Drink Network (New)
Network members can participate online in weekly business recovery training as well as a weekly Network building workshop. The sessions are delivered by expert trainers and facilitators who are experienced in working with networks and delivering supports online.
Purpose of the CLDC Networks Development Training Programme
- Connect businesses who are members of the same network together online
- Enable peer collaboration
- Allow businesses to share experience, insights and learnings during a challenging period
- Provide training and mentoring that helps strengthen both the Network and its members
- Ensure members feel supported and connected throughout this period of uncertainty.
- Enable access for members to expert advice and resources as they need them.
- Reduce feelings of isolation in difficult times.
You can find out more about the programme and register at https://www.thetourismspace.com/cldcnetworks for free and join in!
Kilrush Town Team launched their development plan on the 9th May 2019.
The aim of the event was to engage with individuals and businesses who wanted to consider the following:
A bright future for Kilrush
How to get involved and collaborate with others
Promote local societies, clubs and businesses
Gain access to information on funding opportunities
The main speakers at the event were David Fitzsimons, Group Chief Executive of Retail Excellence, and Colm O’Brien, founder and managing director of Carambola Kidz – Healthy School Lunches Delivered.
The launch event was sponsored by Kilrush Credit Union, Wild Atlantic Opticians, Clare Local Development Company & Kilrush Marina and was well attended.
What is Kilrush Town Team?
Kilrush Town Team is a partnership body, which was formed under Clare Local Development Company’s (CLDC) Market Towns project in February 2018.
The primary motivating factor behind the establishment of a Town Team is to support sustainable and coordinated approaches to the revitalisation of a town. A Town Team structure allows a town, and its various community organisations, to prepare and cost a selection of the most desirable projects which can be targeted when funding opportunities become available. It is often found the window for funding is short creating difficulties for communities to organise and submit suitable applications. With a Town team in place, who have helped to select and cost initiatives with other community groups, these types of applications can be completed in a timely and efficient manner. Essentially, this allows for ‘’shovel ready’’ projects which can be progressed immediately. The Town Team comprises a “Management Team” and “Thematic Groups.”
