A current issue for Limerick rises from the current merging of Limerick City and County Councils so that the challenge exists to develop the concept of the Learning City with that of a Learning Region. Limerick’s experience in this process is likely to provide insights for other cities facing similar challenges. Cork has been an active participant in PIE with its EcCoWell initiative so that the addition of Limerick will strengthen the already strong Irish contribution to PIE development with the se3cond and thir5d cities of Ireland now participating.... [Peter Kearns]
Introduction to Limerick
Limerick is the Republic of Ireland’s third largest City and is located on the River Shannon. The population of Limerick City and suburbs reached 91,454 in the 2011 census; (with the overall county of Limerick having a population of 134,703.) Limerick is the hub of transport, economic, educational and social activities in the Mid-West Region. It is specified as a gateway under the National Spatial Strategy (2002) and an important driver of regional growth.
The city which has a rich medieval past was conquered by the Vikings in the ninth century. Its medieval precinct includes the famous King John’s Castle. The County of Limerick is a place of rural charm and beauty, with a landscape that varies from the mountains of Ballyhoura in the Golden Vale to the Shannon Estuary. The county has a range of attractive towns; Castleconnell by the Shannon, Kilmallock and its rich history and Adare with its old world thatched cottages and medieval churches to name but a few. Limerick’s three third-level institutions: University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College and Limerick Institute of Technology, have a combined student population of almost 20,000. Limerick is set to become the National City of Culture 2014 and has ambitious plan to establish the city as an internationally recognised location for culture activities in 2014 and beyond.
There has always been a significant social divide between the affluent and disadvantaged parts of Limerick City. Limerick City has ranked as the second most disadvantaged local authority area in the State since 1991. In response to the Government commissioned Fitzgerald Report on Social Exclusion in Limerick (2006); two Limerick regeneration agencies were established in 2007 (one in the Northside and one in the Southside of the City). The launch of the ambitious Masterplans for Moyross, Southill/Ballinacurra Weston and St. Mary’s Park by the Regeneration Agencies coincided with a sharp economic down-turn nationally; placing constraints on the amount funding available for the project. At the end of its 5 year term in 2012; the full remit of the Regeneration Agencies was transferred over to Limerick City Council.
Those areas suffering high levels of disadvantage are particularly vulnerable in the severe economic downturn that has occurred nationally since 2008 and the associated rising unemployment. In the 2011 census, the unemployment rate for Limerick City was 28.6 per cent compared with a national average rate of 19.0 per cent. Furthermore, the census also identified the educational attainment levels in Limerick City: - of those aged 15 years and over whose full-time education had ceased, 19.9 per cent were early school leavers; a further 57 per cent attained second level while 23.1 per cent were educated to third level. The corresponding figures for Limerick County are 15% for early school leavers, a further 55.6 per cent attained second level while 29.3 per cent were educated to third level.
Limerick City of Learning
Limerick City of Learning Steering Group promotes the value of learning in Limerick, in all settings and across all stages of the life cycle. It was established by the Limerick City Development Board in 2002. The group launched its strategy document, Limerick City of Learning: Together for a Brighter Future - A Collaborative Framework for Progress [1], in 2008. This Framework puts learning at the heart of the development, renewal and regeneration of Limerick and outlines strategies to support its citizens to cope with the challenges of globalisation and the rapid and radical changes associated with it: i.e. Technological, Social, Economic, Environmental and Cultural.
Over the last three years the Learning City initiative has evolved while still keeping its roots in that visionary document. The group aims to put learning at the heart of local government, where it can make a significant contribution to the regeneration and renewal of Limerick City. In addition it aims to raise the profile of Limerick both nationally and internationally, in ways that are positive and beneficial.
In 2011 the Steering Group was reconstituted around key sectoral networks, partnerships and fora rather than specific institutions or individuals, to create a cascade effect and disseminate learning-related information as widely as possible. The Steering Group supports the range of sectoral networks and groups in their efforts to engage people in positive learning experiences, whether formal, non-formal or informal.
The specific objectives of the City of Learning Initiative include:
To enhance the Profile of Limerick as a Learning City
The Limerick City of Learning Group uses the strengths of social and institutional relationships to bring about cultural shifts in perceptions and to promote the value of learning. It aims to bring all partners together to encourage, recognise and celebrate lifelong learning for all. A key initiative that promotes Limerick is the group’s annual Lifelong Learning Festival which is now established as an important flagship project for Limerick City and County, with the third festival held in March 2013. By showcasing a wide variety of enjoyable and informative events, it aims to promote Limerick as a superb location for personal, social and work-related learning and development.
To develop the Concept of the Learning City into that of a Learning Region
The Limerick City of Learning Steering Group will now work to expand the group to include partners from across the wider Limerick Region. Limerick City and County Councils are in the process of merging into a new single local authority structure, which seeks to meet some of Limerick’s challenges in more integrated ways. The Vocational Education Committees in Limerick City, County, and County Clare are also amalgamating to become the single Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (ETB). These developments will help to establish an environment that is conducive to the creation of integrated development strategies, regionally and sectorally, and for the adoption of shared vision and identity, under a lifelong learning framework.
To increase awareness and uptake of the range of Learning Opportunities in Communities experiencing disadvantage
Learning cities are a new way of promoting economic renewal, and new forms of participation and social inclusion. As such, the overall regeneration and renewal of Limerick to create a successful dynamic Limerick is at the heart of the City of Learning Initiative. Since physical regeneration will have limited impact if social and educational issues are not addressed at the same time, the Steering Group aims to ‘create a spark for learning’ and provide equality of access to quality learning opportunities. The overall goal is for increased learning opportunities in our workplaces, communities, institutions, outdoor spaces and homes - enabling the people of Limerick to reach their full potential in their lives and work. The Steering Group seeks to engage communities and individuals experiencing exclusion from learning opportunities. It does this through the activities and contacts of key community groups such as the Limerick Community Education Network (LCEN); ensuring maximum exposure to those least convinced of the value of learning.
Benefits to communities are:
- Family learning initiatives supported
- Active Citizenship initiatives supported
- Exposure to new learning spaces, e.g. public libraries, art galleries and parks being used for learning festivals, etc
- Enhanced awareness of environmental issues through informal classes, and open green spaces provided
- Learning champions emerging from local communities
- More opportunities for sport, leisure, health and arts related activities to make learning fun
To further develop the Structure for the City of Learning to ensure the inclusion and participation of all key Stakeholders
A key priority is that key players from the business sector are engaged at all levels of the project: Steering Group, Learning Initiatives, Learning Partnerships, Learning Events, etc. Workplace learning is a key strand of Lifelong Learning and is a fundamental element of any City of Learning strategy. There is also need to enhance participation from the Primary and 2nd level Education Sectors.
Key Initiatives of City of Learning Steering Group
1. Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival
In 2011, the first pilot Lifelong Learning Festival for Limerick was held which had 70 events, growing to almost 200 events in 2013. Over the last two years, the group has worked with County Limerick partners to expand the range of events. This year’s Festival in March 2013 was organised by the Limerick City of Learning Steering Group with Limerick Communications Office, Limerick County Council, County Limerick Vocational Education Committee, West Limerick Resources and Ballyhoura Development Ltd. The growth and success of the festival must be attributed to the effort, creativity and commitment of many partners who promote and support learning for all ages. The network of partners, event organisers and learners are brought together three times throughout the year, reviewing, evaluating and planning for the next festival. These meetings are an opportunity to share ideas and experience, and collaborate on joint events.
2. European Projects
In 2011, the Limerick City of Learning group partnered with Nexus Consulting on the EU-funded R3L Gruntdvig ‘Quality Indicators for Learning Regions’ Project. The final outcome of the project, Eckert et al. (2012) includes many references to the work of the Limerick City of Learning Steering Group, the Irish case study site. The steering group will now seek to partner with other ‘Learning Regions’ on common areas of interest, to share best practice and develop new learning cities/regions models.
3. Developing the concept of the Learning City into that of a Learning Region
The present City of Learning Steering Group will re-configure to become a broader ‘Limerick Learning Region’ Group. This work has already started through the work of the Festival Organising Committee level, where County Limerick Partners are represented and have been actively involved in the Lifelong Learning Festival. Key actions for the Learning Region will include: -
- The networks already formed through organisation of the 2013 Lifelong Learning Festival will form the basis of new opportunities for networking and partnership development across the Learning Region agenda. These networks and partnerships will undertake a range of lifelong learning initiatives during the year and will not be solely concerned with the annual Festival.
- Existing initiatives in both rural and urban locations will be identified and extended to create partnerships across the region, thus contributing to the development of a sustainable learning region.
- New pilot projects/initiatives will be developed that demonstrate active involvement of partners from both the City and County. These initiatives will in turn foster increased participation, partnership and engagement in the Lifelong Learning Initiative.
- Extending the branding of the Lifelong Learning Festival to learning initiatives going on at other times; and into other areas of work that would not normally be associated with learning; - highlighting the learning and development that takes place where change is happening - driven by the desire to do things better.
4. Participation in PASCAL International Exchanges (PIE)
Limerick’s recent participation in PIE will enhance the work of the Limerick Learning Region by offering the opportunity to share experiences, learn from others and develop international networks. This exchange and sharing information on initiatives may further help develop the sustainable Learning Region and perhaps provide opportunities for action research.
5. Linking with City of Culture
Limerick is set to become the National City of Culture 2014. Particular efforts will be made to collaborate with “Limerick City of Culture” planning and promotion activities. The programme of cultural events and engagement for 2014 aims to have a longer-term positive impact for the city. It is intended for Limerick to truly reinvent and rebrand itself as a vibrant city with a reputation as a high-quality, multi-faceted centre of culture, this in turn will inspire, empower and elevate those who live, work and visit the city.
Discussion Questions:
- How do we ensure active involvement and participation of both City and County partners in our plans to become a wider Learning Region?
- How do we ensure the active involvement and sustainable outcomes for marginalised communities in the Learning Region?
- How do we encourage greater participation by the Business Sector to support Lifelong Learning – through direct involvement at all levels: Steering Group, Learning Initiatives, Partnerships, etc – whilst also ensuring that the collaboration provides added value for the business partners?
- In what ways can we contribute to the plans and programme of activities for Limerick as the National City of Culture 2014?
- How can local government best support the Learning Region Group and promote Lifelong Learning for Limerick?
- What do we see as the main strengths of Limerick as a Learning Region that we could further develop to promote the sustainability of the initiative?