Cushendall Development Group
The Cushendall Development Group (CDG) was formed in October 1990 in response to a growing realisation that locally based initiatives were needed to stimulate development in the village. Membership of the group is open to anyone living, working or interested in the area.
Presently there are over 80 members, made up of individuals, businesses and voluntary groups. The CDG office is a ‘Hub’ for the local Cushendall community. CDG strives to improve, develop and extend services in line with community needs and source funding or other alternatives to help keep the office running for the benefit of the local community. Groups and clubs regularly use administration services on offer.
CDG liaise with local government and other agencies and forward any information of interest to groups and clubs. CDG also assists in funding applications where necessary. Between 2000-2004 funding from National Lottery Community Fund enabled the group to employ a full time Development Officer and part time administrative offer.
The group now sustain part time administrative staff from their own resources. The revamped Conference Room, which is available to hire, includes a top of the range Clevertouch LED Interactive Touchscreen and projector.
Current Activities include:
Heart of the Glens Festival
This group came about thanks to CDG . The annual festival has now been running for 33 years and has become self-sustaining, providing a varied programme of events over nine days in August. The Festival also runs other events throughout the year including a Christmas event. CDG assists with admin for Heart of the Glens Festival and is also instrumental in securing funding for this group.
Reusable Bags
CDG received funding to purchase good quality reusable bags to be given to every household in the community to discourage them from using plastic bags and help protect the environment. These have proved very popular both for their practical use and for promoting Cushendall.
Due to the popularity of this initiative CDG continues to stock these bags from their own funds. The bags are available to purchase in local shops.
Community Allotments
CDG continues to assess the needs of the local community with regular surveys or evaluations. CDG then seeks funding to facilitate activities locally. We have also installed a community Defibrillator at the Parish Centre.
Previous Notable Projects
Old School House
The Groups first major project was the Community Regeneration Improvement Special Programme (CRISP) scheme, which attracted £550,000 in funding from DoE and IFI. This involved the refurbishment of the old village school in Mill Street, Cushendall for use as shops, offices, and workshops. This opened in October 1994 and all the units are now occupied.
Cottage Site
CDG worked in partnership with Moyle District Council and the Woodland Trust to develop the ‘Cottage Site’ into a community woodland area (cost of £500,000). The ‘Cottage Wood’ provides a valuable asset to the village. Families can enjoy the play areas and picnic facilities, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the peaceful and pleasant walks through the wood. CDG have developed the Stable Block on the site into community/workspace units and this is presently occupied by Glenmona Resource Centre as a Day Care Facility.
Townlands in Cushendall
This project was funded by the Heritage
Lottery and worked with local Primary School children to enable a better understanding of the townlands in the village. CDG produced a book with information on all the townlands in the parish. This project was further developed in recent years. Working in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, CDG designed Townland Markers which were placed at each Townland in the Parish. The markers are in the shape of the old milestones that can be seen around country roads. This was a very successful project and was further enhanced by a Townlands Map on display in the village and the digitalising of each Townland on Social Media for all to see. This part of the project was funded by Community Foundation NI.
Cushendall Focus
This community magazine, first published in 1991 is now printed twice a year. To date there have been over 140 editions of the Cushendall Focus published. The magazine captures village life throughout the year, with articles from individuals, local clubs and groups highlighting special achievements and activities. The magazine also publishes historical snippets which give an insight of life in the Glens in days gone by.
Cushendall in Focus
The Facebook page was created in February 2021 during the Covid 19 pandemic. It was set up to encourage the community and those connected, living further afield to share old photographs and memories of Cushendall. This popular page boasts over 2300 members and has been a huge success allowing the Cushendall community from across the world to stay connected. – (photo courtesy NLI -National Library of Ireland) Click for more