Celebrating 20 Years of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) 

We were delighted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) with a special event held at the Connacht Centre of Excellence. The day brought together RSS participants and supervisors, with a warm welcome from CEO John Feerick, who reminded us to take a moment to remember those valued members of the RSS who are sadly no longer with us.

Gerry Mullaney, RSS Supervisor, then took the stage to express his gratitude to his team, particularly the participants who make the scheme such a success. “You all know the great work you do,” Mullaney said, emphasising the vital role the RSS plays in supporting rural communities. “The word social is the most important part of the RSS. We carry the community sector on our back,” he added, while thanking the supervisors for their ongoing support.

Exploring the Connacht Centre of Excellence

The event continued with a guided tour of the centre, led by John Prenty, Secretary of the Connacht GAA Centre. The tour showcased the impressive facilities, including over 13,000 trees and a full-time medical centre—features that make it the largest facility of its kind in the world.

The centre is a beacon of sustainability, boasting biodiversity initiatives, solar panels, and projects aimed at selling electricity back to the grid. In fact, an additional 500 solar panels are expected to arrive within weeks. This commitment to environmental stewardship was further highlighted by partnerships with St. Coleman’s College, whose biodiversity projects include bee-keeping, resulting in 400 jars of honey this year alone.

The RSS participants have also contributed to various sustainable projects across several counties, working on initiatives such as football and hurling grounds and helping to conserve natural spaces. “Without Sligo LEADER Partnership and the Rural Generation Fund, we would not be here today,” noted Prenty.

Insights from Teagasc on Sustainability and Organic Farming

Following the tour, Lisa McGrane, Education Officer at Teagasc, delivered an insightful talk on the importance of sustainability in agriculture. She introduced the ACRES project (Agriculture Climate Rural Environmental Scheme) and spoke about how this initiative encourages the planting of hedgerows, preserving land for wildlife such as barn owls and geese, and protecting traditional stone walls and orchards. She also touched on the significance of sustainable fencing practices.

McGrane highlighted the growing focus on organic farming in Ireland, mentioning that there are currently 5,000 organic farmers across the country, covering 5% of the farming sector. Participants with farms were encouraged to explore opportunities in organic farming, with schemes aimed at everything from beef production to the sale of organic fruit and vegetables. She explained how the government is offering increased support, particularly through TAMS grants (Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes), beef and sheep welfare schemes, and agroforestry grants. She also spoke about the importance of biodiversity, which is a key component of Teagasc’s mission.

After the tour, we enjoyed a lovely lunch at the centre, complete with a fabulous birthday cake to mark the occasion. A special mention must go to Sean McDonagh, one of our RSS Supervisors, who kindly stepped in during lunch to assist with the catering, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrated the achievements of the past 20 years, this event also highlighted the important role the RSS continues to play in rural Ireland. The scheme’s emphasis on sustainability, community building, and social value is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the RSS participants and supervisors.

This event was a fitting tribute to both the history and future of the Rural Social Scheme, with its focus on improving the quality of life in rural communities while protecting Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who attended and contributed to making this day such a memorable celebration of 20 years of the RSS.