Ballymun Development Group for Children and Young People
youngballymun has its origins in the Ballymun Development Group for Children and Young People, which was brought together by Atlantic Philanthropies in December 2003. The purpose of the Group was to develop a strategy that could significantly improve the lives and well-being of the children and young people of Ballymun.
Members of the Development Group were drawn from key organisations, local and national, who shared a commitment to the project’s aims:
Chair Noirin Hayes - Dublin Institute of Technology
Hugh Greaves Coordinator - Ballymun Drugs Task Force
Ciaran Murray Assistant City Manager – Dublin City Council
Donnacadh Hurley Director – Ballymun Regional Youth Resource
Stephen Rourke Chair - Ballymun RAPID
Bernie Roe Manager Social Inclusion Unit - Dublin City Council
Mary Kenny Manager Primary Care – HSE
Declan Dunne CEO – Ballymun Partnership
Ian Murphy – Department of Education and Science
Brendan Doody Regional Manager – Department of Education and Science
The Ballymun Development Group and youngballymun
With its strong focus on outcomes, the main objective of the Ballymun Development Group was to produce a comprehensive ten-year plan of action for children and young people in Ballymun. It would also put in place structures, delivery mechanisms and funding arrangements that could ensure the successful implementation of the plan.
It was expected that the plan of action would take into account the many different and evolving needs and circumstances of children and young people in Ballymun over the next ten years. The plan was also expected to provide an integrated and child-centered response that could maximise the value of services and supports available to children and young people.
Wide consultation
In arriving at its plan of action, the Ballymun Development Group consulted widely within the community and further a field; and conducted research across a range of areas. This process of consultation and research included the following:
- Detailed community consultation, including consultation with children and young people, and with other stakeholders and decision makers;
- An audit of existing services and an audit of local needs;
- A review of the national policy context and
- Active steps in building a constituency for change in Ballymun.
By December 2006, the Ballymun Development Group had completed its plan and submitted it to both the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs and to Atlantic Philanthropies. The plan was approved by both of these bodies and approved for a funding programme of €15 million over an initial five-year period. At this point, the Ballymun Development Group was disolved and youngballymun was formed as the body tasked with the implementation of the plan.
The Ballymun Development Group nominated one member to the Board of youngballymun to ensure continuity between the planning and implementation stages of the work. Their nominee on the youngballymun Board is Donnacadh Hurley.
