It was an instant pleasure to meet – five people who, in most cases, had never crossed paths before, yet were all united by a shared purpose: coming together to support Carbury and Derrinturn.

As we each shared our skills and interests, it quickly became clear that the group brought a rich mix of abilities – a blend of really strong analytical thinkers, creatives, humanitarians, and one self-proclaimed, professional organiser! Everyone’s strong connection to the local area shone through, and it was evident that this shared commitment was the intention that piqued their interest in registering for the project.

An intriguing and emotive discussion sprang up about the different sense of identity that comes from living in different places within the Carbury and Derrinturn community; each village and townsland is in itself their own locality and there are intricate shared and varied characteristics that make each place unique. But it was unanimous that no matter where you were from in the area, the group were keen to be inclusive and focus on how the whole area could thrive.

Desmond then introduced Turning the Sod, outlining the opportunity and support that will be provided across ten sessions to help shape a SMART Community Strategy. The aim is for specific project ideas to emerge during the process, which can then be put forward for LEADER funding and managed locally. We also explored the concept of SMART Villages, looking at inspiring examples of how communities across the country have tackled challenges and thrived through collaboration.

The group discussed the importance of Carbury village and parish in history, and the development and growth of Derrinturn in more recent years. Habitat and improved biodiversity were an important motivation for the area and the group were delighted to hear red squirrels and an otter had been spotted locally.

The group recognised that both Carbury and Derrinturn have experienced varying levels of community activity over the years, with energy and momentum coming and going in waves. Some of the groups that were mentioned who are currently active include:

Derrinturn Community Garden

Tidy Towns in Derrinturn and starting up in Kilshanroe

Ladies Group

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

Toddler Group on a Thursday morning

Balyna Environmental Action Group

Knockirr and Carbury Bog Group

Numerous Residents Associations across both villages

GAA Club

Local Schools

We started to brainstorm potential projects for the future. While it was agreed that it’s still too early to determine which ideas might be most suitable, some initial possibilities included:

• Better access to awareness about the Bog 

• A focus on heritage and the area being the “Source of the Boyne”

• Improved access and interpretation of Carbury Castle and Trinity Well

• More connections and sharing between residents’ associations to coordinate projects

• Connecting the two canals via the old railway from Edenderry - Johnstown Bridge, Enfield, through Carbury Bog

• Revitalising Carbury Community Centre (the old cinema)

These and other ideas will continue to evolve as the sessions progress and the wider community will be able to take these further. Any information discussed during the first session can be shared with new participants as they join.

The group recognised that only a small part of the community was represented at the first meeting, and there was strong enthusiasm for encouraging more people to take part in future sessions. There was a shared feeling that the wider community could benefit from a renewed focus on collaboration, with as many voices as possible involved in shaping the area’s future.

It was super to have 4 fresh faces at this session to join the existing team. Again, everyone agreed that wherever you live in the parish of Carbury, it gave you a unique and hyperlocal identity, while still feeling like ‘the parish of Carbury’ was the broad identity that incorporates Carbury, Derrinturn and the surrounding hinterland. There was a feeling that the recent realignment of the main road had cut off the main settlements of Derrinturn and Carbury, especially with no path now connecting the two villages. Some people remembered when the grass verge between the villages had a path which is now just a grass verge. Could this be reinstated?

We did a brief recap on the first session and discussed how word was getting out to the wider community about the project and the work that’s happening in each session. We’re starting to move with understanding the local challenges and thinking about what projects could work, but it’s still early days so lots of time for new people to feed in and shape the way forward.

Desmond described the Community-Led Local Development sector, including the key players like CKLP and the local LAG, who provide direction and governance for funding decisions. We discussed the principles that underpin CLLD work from the local community, right up to the European Union, with an emphasis on achieving bottom-up approaches and projects.

Using the double-diamond approach from Design Thinking to guide us through the 10 sessions will ensure we test the local challenges so that we tackle and solve the right problems.

As a group, we started to differentiate the local challenges that were exciting or achievable, while considering how challenges that crossed over both, would likely be the best to approach first. Some of the main challenges that we discussed were:

• Safety and enjoyment for getting about without a car, especially due to the lorries

• A sense of disconnection between local communities within the area

• The need for more coordination and communication across the parish, balancing positive social activities and efforts to overcome problems when they emerge

• More facilities for groups to use, particularly in Derrinturn (the old hall is a hot topic!)

• A lack of activities for young people including playparks and spaces for teenagers.

• The reduced bus stopping points, which means public transport becomes more difficult without a lift.

• The missing path between Carbury and Derrinturn and routes into the countryside/bog

• Making the most of the rich local heritage and environment.

In the next session, after Christmas, we will explore these challenges further and begin to understand what’s needed to get them right. So why not make a New Years Resolution, to join the group and get involved for your local area?