Community Planning

Communities Planning for their Futures

In recent years many communities have availed of the opportunity to prepare strategic plans for their areas. They include rural towns, villages and coastal communities. Many have been motivated by a belief that a medium-term plan, based on local consultation and consensus, is needed to address the challenges they face. A major benefit of having a strategic plan is that it facilitates greater engagement with agencies and access to resources and supports. In supporting communities to prepare their own plans, Paul O’Raw & Associates are conscious that each area has its own history and circumstances, and therefore plans must reflect the local situation and characteristics.

Moyvane, North Kerry

Community Planning

Paul and associates Dr Brendan O’Keeffe & Dr Hrishi Balall completed a Community Strategic Plan 2024-2029 with Moyvane community between September 2021 and February 2022. This project was funded through NEWKD Leader programme. Link to plan.

Ballydribeen, Killarney, Co Kerry

Community Planning

Paul worked closely with Ballydribeen Resident’s Association to prepare Ballydribeen Community Development Plan 2023-2028. Associates Dr Brendan O’Keeffe and Dr Hrishi Balall. Funded by South Kerry Development Partnership Leader Programme Link to plan.

Asdee, North Kerry

Community Planning

Paul and associates Dr Brendan O’Keeffe& Dr Hrishi Balall completed a community planning project with Asdee Community Development Association. This project was funded through FLAG – Fisheries Local Action Group. Link to document.

Askeaton & Patrickswell

Limerick County Council – Community Planning

Paul O’Raw and associate Dr Shane O’Sullivan facilitated the preparation of community plans with the two communities. This was an initiative of Limerick City & County Council. Both plans can be downloaded – click on images below to download the plans.

Askeaton Community Plan 2020-2024

Patrickswell Community Plan 2020-2024

Ballyhoura Development CLG

Community Planning, 2018-2019

Paul O’Raw, Niall Heenan & Dr Shane O’Sullivan LIT, worked with 12 communities in the North Cork/ East Limerick area 2018-2019, preparing strategic plans. This Leader-funded project was a major initiative by Ballyhoura Development, supporting communities to build consensus on local development plans.

To view the plans click here.

Cromane, Co Kerry

Community Planning, 2017-2018

Paul O’Raw, Dr Brendan O’Keeffe, Dr Hrishi and Jamie Donnelly, facilitated the coastal community of Cromane to produce a strategic plan, 2018-2022.

View plan.

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What Clients Are Saying

”Paul is a terrific host. He gets the team working together and thinking not only as individuals but as a group also … He has opened up the dialogue for the team…’’

- Childcare Team, Killorglin Family Resource Centre.

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What Clients Are Saying

"A huge thank you to Mr Paul O’Raw and Dr Brendan O’Keeffe for their immense contribution, professionalism, patience, and approachable manner, which made this process a thoroughly enjoyable experience (chairman Asdee Community Development Association).’’"

- Preparing a Strategic Development Plan for Asdee, North Kerry

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What Clients Are Saying

"At times this was a difficult project and required perseverance and going the extra mile, and Paul always put the shoulder to the wheel to see the plan the through. The plan is now completed and published in the community, and now forms the foundations of a new Community Forum formed in conjunction with semi-states bodies to address local issues.

I would highly recommend Paul O Raw to you as person who has experience and the talents to take similar projects from inception to completion."

- Joe Whelan, Chairman Askeaton Community Council, Summer 2020

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What Clients Are Saying

"The facilitation, workshop design and data collected has provided considerable understanding of community need and action focus into the next 5-10 year period. Ballyhoura Development are very satisfied that this will lead to positive change for all the communities involved and commend Paul and his team for their commitment and understanding of the process, challenges and outputs."

- Amanda Slattery, Development Manager, Ballyhoura Development CLG

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What Clients Are Saying

"Excellent and well run workshop. Very concise and user-friendly language. Nice and calm, lots of learning points in a great manner. Very effective, not rushed, made sure everyone was included. Very good interaction with the group."

- Committee Effectiveness Training, HSE Mental Health Services, Mullingar

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What Clients Are Saying

"Paul was a pleasure to work with. He brought great clarity and focus to the group. With Paul facilitating we achieved more in one day than we had previously done in two months. I would highly recommend Paul."

- Louth Next Chapter Women’s Project, Review and Planning Day

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