Changing Ireland magazine editor's response to 'Breaking Crime' (Limerick)

The editor of national community development magazine ‘Changing Ireland’, based in Moyross, Limerick, has written to TV3’s chief executive, David McRedmond asking for improved treatment by the station of disadvantaged communities.

He has also produced a video response to the first installment of the 'Breaking Crime' programme broadcast on TV3.

“There should be a much stronger focus on the positive work being done on the ground, which ‘Breaking Crime’ barely touched on,” said Allen Meagher in his letter to the TV3 boss.
His views are echoed in reactions to the programme's focus on the capital's inner city, with the National College of Ireland saying the "negative publicity will make us even more determined to work together... at home, in the creches, schools, afterschools and in the community." 

Established in 2001, ‘Changing Ireland’ highlights community-based solutions to supposedly impossible social issues. The magazine is based in Moyross which was referred to in the first instalment in the four-part series.

Mr. Meagher, speaking in Southill where the joy-riding element was filmed, said, “The integrity of that programme, in my view, was not quite what it should be. The car crime element provided joy-riders with over a minute’s coverage while failing to mention a project in the area that is successful in steering young people away from such activity. Also, that element of the programme lacked continuity, notably when at one stage a jeep disappeared.”

Young, unemployed, angry and calling for action - one person's experience

Vivien Whelan

- VIVIEN WHELAN SPEAKS OUT

Vivien Whelan from Wexford is angry about being long-term unemployed, yet remains positive about the future - once people realise they must take action.
If you've an interest in seeing this country facing up to long-term youth unemployment, Vivien's article gets to the heart of the challenge at a personal and societal level and comes highly recommended by 'Changing Ireland' editor Allen Meagher.

Flood-relief Volunteers & Community give it all

- while Government criticised

'Changing Ireland' reporter Darragh Clifford-Cronin spoke to volunteers who came to the community's aid after flooding of St Mary's Park, Limerick, and to local residents. Local and central Government's input was less than desired and, this week, residents published a report which was very critical of the official response and forwarded a copy onto An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny.

Darragh, a media student with Limerick College of Further Education, was on placement with 'Changing Ireland'. Watch out for his print media reports in our Spring 2013 edition.

Ecoeye inspired by Tipperary's community energy scheme

- Duncan Stewart sees groundswell build in face of "massive change”

RTE’s Ecoeye on Feb 4^th showcased the work of an unique LCDP-supported community energy project in North Tipperary.

Reflecting afterwards on this and a project he visited on Inis Mor, presenter Duncan Stewart said, “I believe we’re on the cusp of a massive change… it’s slow but it’s coming."

All credit to the people in Drombane and Upperchurch in Tipperary, as well as North Tipperary Leader Partnership, for setting the example and showing how it can be done.

The programme is available to view for 3 weeks on the RTE Player.

RTE's Ecoeye visited Drumbane-Upperchurch to see how the Tipperary Energy Agency worked.
Their work featured in a broadcast on Feb 4, 2014.

Duncan is optimistic about communities showing resilience in the face of climate change: 

“Each community needs champions and a committed team. On Aran, it’s a co-operative; in Drumbane and Upperchurch, it was the local energy team. The idea of community energy is beginning to catch on.

Affordable (€10) 'Social Media for Change' training in Cork on Jan 21st

In 1994, Ballyphehane CDP's office had a typewritter and a telephone to communicate with the outside world. Now everyone has a tablet and they can communicate with most members of the community without leaving the building (they do leave the building). On Jan 21st, they're hosting a seminar on using Social Media for Social Change and will look at how new technologies can help us communicate, campaign and challenge in the 21^st century.

The event is supported by Cork City Partnership, the Irish Examiner and RTE. 
Cost €10.

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