Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021

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Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021
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              Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021
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
Virginia Town Team Plan 2017- 2021
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 5
The 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 7
Weaknesses
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 8
Opportunities
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 9
Threats
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 10
Virginia 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 11
Goal 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 12
Goal 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 13
Objective 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 14
Goal 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 15
Goal 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 16
Goal 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 17
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