Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021
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Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021
CONTENTS
Page
The Town Team Initiative 3
About Virginia 3
Background to the Virginia Town Team 4
The Team 5
The Virginia Town Team Plan 6
Virginia SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats 7
Virginia Town Team Strategic Plan 11
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 2
The Town Team Initiative The Town Team Initiative is an action within the Cavan Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 -2012. This initiative aims to support the people of County Cavan to secure towns they can be proud of. It aims to create town centres that are prosperous and vibrant; places where people want to spend time and money. The vision of the Town Team Initiative is to create an environment that will support job creation, facilitate start up businesses and have vibrant, sustainable and thriving towns with a broad mix of retail, community and leisure facilities. It aims to support the emergence of towns that will re-instill pride in the community and enhance the well being of all members of the community. The Town Teams will act as a catalyst to encourage businesses, local communities and other relevant stakeholders to work together to energise and reinvigorate their towns in collaboration with public authorities and other service providers. About Virginia Virginia is located on the northern shores of beautiful Lough Ramor, in the east of County Cavan close to the border with County Meath. Located just one hour from Dublin, Virginia is the gateway to Ulster. It is the first town you meet travelling from Dublin on the main M3/N3 which leads on to Fermanagh and Donegal. The N3 along with regional roads R194, R195 and R178 makes Virginia one of the most accessible towns in County Cavan, providing direct linkages to Cavan Town, Ballyjamesduff, Mullagh and Bailieborough. Over the past 20 years Virginia has grown from a village, with a population of just 811 in 1996, into one of County Cavan's larger towns with a population of 2,648 in April 2016. Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 3
Background to the Virginia Town Team This plan has been prepared by Virginia Town Team in active consultation with local stakeholders and relevant bodies. This plan is non- statutory and provides guidance for the promotion and implementation of economic, environmental and social regeneration initiatives. The plan was prepared over a 12-month period, June 2016 to May 2017, opening with a public meeting in Virginia. This meeting reviewed the approach to the work and discussed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the town. Following the meeting, participants were invited to join the Town Team to progress ideas further. A subsequent meeting in September 2016 brought the Virginia Town Team together with teams from Cavan and Cootehill to review objectives and strategies for the future. During autumn 2016, the team followed up with the development of ideas for projects. A further joint review meeting with the other Town Teams took place in December 2016. In February 2017 new members were recruited and Virginia Town Team was supported with the provision of a written constitution, standing orders and a start-up grant from Cavan County Council. The Virginia Town Team Committee was elected in April 2017 and further expansion of project ideas has taken place during our monthly meetings, all of which has culminated in this Plan. Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 4
The Team
Virginia Town Team currently has 17 members
Member Name Representing Member Name Representing
1. Sheelagh McGuinness Local Resident 2. Julie Doughty Local Resident
Chairperson Secretary
3. Kathleen Duffy Virginia Show Centre 4. Rita Martin Virginia Development Association
Secretary Treasurer
5. John Brodie Virginia Men’s Shed 6. John O’ Donoghue Historical Society
7. Mary Whelan Virginia Development 8. Ciara Olwill Local Resident
Association/Virginia Ramblers
9. Patrick Farrelly Virginia Development 10. Helen Rahill Virginia Ramblers
Association
11. Brian O’Donoghue Business Owner 12. Barbara Olwill Virginia Show Centre
13. Sheila Courtney Historical Society/Virginia 14. Fintan Cahill Virginia Show Society
Rambler
15. Mags Matthew Virginia Development 16. Rev. Craig McCauley Virginia Church of Ireland
Association/Virginia Tidy Towns
17. Marian Smith Virginia Pumpkin Festival
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 5The Virginia Town Team Plan The Virginia Town Team Plan is set out in the following sections: SWOT Analysis Strategic Plan for the Town Like all plans, this is not written in stone and will need to be reviewed and updated over time. This plan was prepared by Virginia Town Team in consultation with local stakeholders. Virginia Town Team would like to acknowledge and thank Cavan County Council, The Local Enterprise Office, Breffni Integrated Development and Shannon International Development Consultants for their input and support in the development of the Plan. Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 6
Virginia SWOT Analysis: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats
Strengths
Amenities Accessible natural amenities: Deerpark Facilities Large employers; Fleetwood & Glanbia
Forest, Lough Ramour, lanes, walking, Well renowned hotels/B&B and restaurants
cycling, natural beauty on our doorstep Modern education facilities; primary and
Access to megalithic tombs and Boyne secondary schools
Valley, Primary Health Centre
Agri-tourism Sporting Activities (golf, cycling, triathlon, rugby,
Heritage GAA, soccer, theatre)
Broadband available in town
Virginia Show Centre & Virginia Show Society
Peoples hall and community centre
Proximity to Loughcrew Estate and County
Can accommodate motorhomes
Strong food retail sector
Existing agri-industry
Mens shed
Ramour Theatre
Communications M3 access and links to Northern Ireland Community Active retirement group
Proximity to Dublin County Council support
Well serviced by public transport (bus) Strong community spirit; sense of pride
Profile as a country town, historical society
New residents are well integrated
Clean environment
Strong arts and culture activities
Growing population
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 7Weaknesses
Development Lack of development of strengths, Environment Derelict buildings in the town, very unsightly, poor
especially tourism aesthetic of main street
No substantial new industries since No bus shelter in the town
Glanbia (20 years ago) No litter bins
Lack of tourist accommodation No dog poop bins
Role of broadband in area’s development No parking in the centre of the town
No office buildings/shovel-ready site
Lack of retail (e.g. men’s clothing)
Traffic congestion & dangerous speed of traffic
through town
Architectural features being lost
Poor/unsafe pedestrian crossings
Poor street lighting
Information No town map of amenities Community No forum for the residents to communicate with
Poor signage and marketing the County Council
Lack of general information on town No joined-up thinking with C & V
tourism, no booklet or print information, groups/organisations
inactive website, no social media presence No community council
Lack of community cohesion
Lack of youth services and facilities
Presence of anti-social behavior
Lack of storage space for community groups
Inadequate library
Poor children’s playground
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 8Opportunities
Tourism Substantial tourism potential in Lough Environment New Library
Ramor & Deerpark Forest Rejuvenation of town centre and houses and
Heritage – little museum of Virginia gardens as proposed by Commission for
Special interest tourism in agri-tourism, Economic Development in Rural Areas (CEDRA)
eco-tourism, heritage, walking tours, Upgrade present community facilities with grants
cycling to purchase much-needed equipment for youth
Fishing and boats for hire: fishing platforms and social inclusion
and floating decks Recruit community workers to perform
Blueways and greenways maintenance work around the town to improve
River and lake boardwalks appearance
River Blackwater Special Area of Enforce byelaws on visual amenity
Conservation/flora and fauna, information
interactive point
Renovate derelict buildings on the Main
Street with development opportunities for
tourist accommodation/enterprise/office
units
Information Develop a website, app, facebook and Employment Attract employers/industry to create
connect all groups, both community and employment locally
industry Support entrepreneurial development
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 9Threats
Traffic No parking, business being damaged Community Apathy
Speed of traffic, road safety concerns Lack of leadership and community spirit, no
Traffic congestion overall community forum
People passing through town without Leadership needed to make a difference, lack of
stopping joined-up thinking
Unsafe pedestrian crossings Anti-social behavior; vandalism is growing
Lack of policing
Environment Derelict town buildings remain in disrepair Competition Development in other towns
No public toilet Better facilities in other areas
Illegal dumping/litter
Unsightly signage
Damage to property, lack of CCTV in the
town
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 10Virginia Town Team Strategic Plan
The following pages set out the Virginia Town Team Strategic Plan for the coming four years, 2017 to 2021. The Plan sets out five key Goals,
which if successfully delivered will culminate in the achievement of the Town Team’s Vision for Virginia. The Goals are broken down into
Objectives and Actions which will achieve these Objectives as outlined. By definition, the proposals are ambitious and some may take longer
than four years to achieve in their entirety. Their success will be determined by the availability of funding and the level of collaborations and
cooperation with our statutory partners. Additionally and most importantly the success or otherwise of the Town Team Plan will be
determined by the level of community support received and the participation of our community supporting the delivery of the actions.
Virginia Town Team have the following Vision for Virginia:
By 2021, Virginia will be renowned as an attractive location to live, work and visit.
The Strategic Plan – 5 Key Goals:
Goal 1: Improve Recreational Amenities in Virginia
Goal 2: Achieve Improvements in the Town Centre
Goal 3: Promote Social and Community Engagement
Goal 4: Support Enterprise Development and Employment Creation
Goal 5: Market Virginia as a Destination
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 11Goal 1: Improve Recreational Amenities in Virginia
Objectives Key Actions
Players
Objective 1: TT, CCC, 1.1 Implement design plans already completed for the development of the Lakeshore amenity area
Virginia will have a range of VDA, by VDA. Complete the works on a phased basis in line with budget availability.
accessible recreational Lakeside
amenities to cater for people Manor 1.2 Prepare a feasibility study for the further development of Lakeshore areas to include dedicated
of all ages and abilities & all walks along the lakeshore/river. Source funding and implement proposals arising from the
local study.
sports
clubs 1.3 Identify sites which have the potential to be developed into recreational areas e.g. a new
children's playground, youth cafe/pool and games rooms. Source funding and proceed with
development.
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 12Goal 2: Achieve Improvements in the Town Centre
Objectives Key Actions
Players
Objective 1: TT, CCC, 1.1 Liaise with CCC to agree the most appropriate car parking solution for the town. Once
Improve car parking, VDA, appropriate site(s) identified, source funding and tender for proposed works.
accessibility, and safety in local
the town centre Gardaí 1.2 Review and prioritise areas most in need of CCTV. Consult with the Gardaí and other
stakeholders to develop a coordinated CCTV plan for the town. Apply for funding under
Community CCTV Grant Aid Scheme to part fund the proposed works.
1.3 Highlight road safety issues and accessibility concerns to CCC and ensure that remedial actions
are taken to address issues highlighted e.g. street lighting, pedestrian crossings, speed controls
etc.
Objective 2: TT, CCC, 2.1 Liaise with CCC in respect of derelict sites and buildings, compile a list of derelict sites within the
Eliminate the presence of VDA town and work with the property owners to find an agreed solution. Where appropriate request
derelict and vacant buildings CCC to use the relevant statutory frameworks to address the issues of derelict sites.
in the town centre 2.2 Explore opportunities for development of vacant properties in the town and leverage relevant
Government Schemes to develop same e.g. enterprise/office units, tourist accommodation.
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 13Objective 3: TT, CCC, 3.1 Liaise with CCC to develop a Litter Management Plan for Virginia.
Improve the visual VDA,
attractiveness of the town Tidy 3.2 Ensure implementation of the Litter Management Plan.
towns,
business 3.3 Engage with property owners and tenants to enhance the appearance of properties in the town
and through a Shop Front Paint Scheme.
property
owners, 3.4 Support Virginia Tidy Towns Committee to improve the visual attractiveness of the town
Fleetwo through floral and horticultural displays.
od
Paints 3.5 Collaborate with local schools/men’s shed to develop horticultural projects to supply and
support the work of Virginia Tidy Towns Committee.
3.6 Work with the schools to engage our youth in identifying future town enhancement projects.
3.7 Input into the development of a Town Revitalisation Plan for Virginia.
3.8 Work on implementing actions prioritised in the Town Revitalisation Plan 2018.
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 14Goal 3: Promote Social and Community Engagement
Objectives Key Actions
Players
Objective 1: TT, RT, 1.1 Establish a festival in Virginia. Options to be explored include: drama, outdoor film, food,
Develop and promote a PFC vintage, music, fishing etc.
festival in the town 1.2 Develop a model for the establishment of the festival, source funding and deliver a programme
of events.
1.3 Review event and deliver annually.
Objective 2: TT, VSC, 2.1 Explore the possibility of establishing a ‘Little Museum of Virginia’.
Create a Little Museum of VDA,
Virginia CCM
Objective 3: TT, VDA, 3.1 Review audit of community facilities in Virginia; identify labour, storage and equipment needs.
Improve the resources VSC,
available to community and C&V 3.2 Source community storage space, community workers and equipment in line with community
voluntary groups in Virginia Groups needs.
3.3 Submit applications for funding and workers as funding streams and programs become
available.
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 15Goal 4: Support Enterprise Development and Employment Creation
Objectives Key Actions
Players
Objective 1: TT, VSC, 1.1 Conduct an audit of existing businesses in the town to identify gaps in the market.
Increase the number of jobs LEO, BID
in Virginia 1.2 Promote the business opportunities identified through the provision of training programmes to
encourage new business start-ups and youth entrepreneurship.
1.3 Explore opportunities to develop a social enterprise e.g. Enterprise units, tourist
accommodation, leisure activities i.e. watersports, fishing and boat hire.
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 16Goal 5: Market Virginia as a Destination
Objectives Key Actions
Players
Objective 1: CCC, TT, 1.1 Engage professional expertise to develop a branding/marketing plan for Virginia.
Implement a branding and VDA,
marketing plan for Virginia LEADER 1.2 Create a logo for Virginia.
1.3 Create a Town Visitor Brochure to provide information about Virginia to visitors.
1.4 Construct a new website for Virginia, continue to update the website with the latest local news
and events at least weekly.
1.5 Implement branding and marketing plan, use new branding on all town promotional materials
and town welcome signs etc.
Objective 2: TT 2.1 Complete an audit of signage in Virginia including commercial and non-commercial signage.
Conduct a review of signage VDA
in Virginia 2.2 Liaise with CCC with regard to best practice guidelines and monitoring for signage throughout
the town. Implement best practice guidelines.
CCC: Cavan County Council; TT: Town Team; VDA: Virginia Development Association; VSC: Virginia Show Centre; BID: Breffni Integrated Development, CCB; Cavan
County Museum, PF; Pumpkin Festival, RT; Ramour Theatre
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017-2021 Page 17You can also read
