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Development Plans and Feasibility Studies The Practice carries out development plans, strategies, and feasibility studies. This work incorporates elements of:
 general and market research
survey analysis, including SPSS applications
research, consultation
publicity
local facilitation
public funding sourcing
financial projections including economic appraisals
legal formation
management and strategy formation and report preparation
Many of our clients have been community based groups and rural development agencies. Sectors have included:
community development
rural enterprise
economic development
tourism
leisure
social inclusion
training
marine resource related
We provide legal formation advice, and group facilitation, training, audits for community based groups.
We are Planning for Real®, Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation Accredited for community consultation.
We use Village Appraisals® package for community consultations analyses.
We have membership with the European Movement, Irish Rural Link, Community Workers Co-operative, NICVA.
Selected Key Development Plan and Feasibility Study Projects
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Development Plans and Action Plans
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| Arranmore Island Integrated Development Plan 2007 |
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Detailed consultation and socio-economic study leading to integrated development plan for Arranmore Island in County Donegal's West Gaeltacht (currently underway). |
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| Land Use Plan for Barrack Hill, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal (2003) |
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Wide ranging community consultations and meetings were conducted on behalf of the Housing Section, Donegal County Council, to determine the best use of the lands at Barrack Hill.A land use plan was produced with justifications, recommending policy changes to the County Development Plan and implementation measures for what would be an exemplary council-lead development. |
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| Togra Gleann Goabh Barra (2005)
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The potential for a community development project was sourced particularly concerned with social housing, a community complex, playing fields and work units. Based in Leitermacaward, a local community group has embarked on a Development Plan and is seeking funding from the International Fund for Ireland and the Gaeltacht Development Agencies. |
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| Anagaire Action Plan (2000) |
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Prepared for a local development group, this action plan detailed various social, infra-structural and environmental projects. The plan assessed costs, viability, ownership and funding. The recommended projects included a slip-way, jetty, rural tourism and community resource centre. |
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| Kincasslagh Development Plan (1995) |
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This Area Development Plan identified projects for the rural district, including pre-feasibility on identified projects, definition of the area, representative development group and related consultations.
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| North East Inishowen Development Plan (1995) |
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The area was profiled and tourism and household surveys were conducted, which allowed for quantification of disadvantage.Several projects were selected from pre-feasibility appraisal.These included marketing strategy, work-space and information technology centre, tourism information and environmental improvements.The group received subsequent major funding for a self-catering development based on a conversion of old stone buildings. |
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| Arranmore Island Integrated Development Plan (1993) |
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Multifaceted island plan including household survey with 59 development measures identified, many of which were carried out. |
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| Letterkenny Action Plan (1995) |
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Carried out on behalf of Letterkenny Urban District Council, this study identified various projects which would be eligible for funding from the EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme and the EU/Irish Government funded Programme Measure for Town Renewal. An action plan was produced which encompassed a methodology for selection of projects to meet criteria such as social inclusion, economic development end environmental enhancement.
Consultations were made with community, private and public sector representative. Architectural sketch plans and cost estimates for a town park, riverside walk, children’s open-space provision, urban spaces, reuse of certain derelict buildings, streetscape improvements and improvements to the focal Cathedral Square were prepared. The town park is now completed and is a regional facility which has secured substantial funding. |
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| Improvement and Feasibility Case Study of Inch Island Pier: Inch Island, Inishowen, Co. Donegal.(2004) |
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This study was conducted for the Inch Island Community Association. It reviewed current uses of the pier and ascertained its central role in the development of the community. Canavan Associates Facilitated the transfer of the pier and access road from private ownership to the county council, so that essential improvements can be made. |
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| Donegal Equestrian Centre (2000) |
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This study appraised the proposal for an International Equestrian Centre to be based in County Donegal, on behalf of the Donegal Equine Association.Similar centres were assessed, sketch plans and projected costs were prepared, demand and viability ascertained. Site selection appraisal and financial projections were prepared along with determination of public funding. |
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| Socio-Economic and Retail Study: Templecrone Co-op Society Ltd (1999-2000) |
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This was a multi-dimensional retail and social economy study in a peripheral rural region.Seamus Canavan Associates contracted Prof. Donal McFetridge, a retailing specialist as part of the approach. A retailing profile of the region including customer survey and SPSS analysis. Community and social economy consultations were carried out.The retail performance and market shares of the Co-operative were determined.Management proposals and a training programme were detailed, and the tourism potential of the retailing outlets elucidated. The various retail premises were assessed with incorporated designs made for their improvement which would match retail opportunities. The property portfolio of the Co-operative was valued and funding structures proposed for reinvestment. |
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| Letterkenny Game Angling Plan (1997) |
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Carried out on behalf of the Letterkenny District Anglers , this was a survey of Game Angling, Rivers and Lakes in the 500 sq. mile area.It was produced with input from our associate Dr. Paul Johnston, Fisheries Expert. Existing data was collated, various consultations carried out and tourism potential targeted. Development works and proposals were suggested and costed for prioritized stretches of water. Access arrangements were assessed and financial projections prepared. The study utilized new approaches of a catchment area plan and methods of commercial charges for sports anglers whilst protecting genuine local anglers, thereby ensuring investment in the game angling waters with commensurate regulations, income generation and employment. |
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| Economic Appraisal And Business Plan: Multi-Use Community Centre (1998) |
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This economic appraisal generated multiple financial scenarios for a multi-use centre in Moneyneea, County Derry.Several uses were proposed for merging the Centre with a separately proposed tourism facility, the provision of workspaces, interpretation, local services, sports, leisure and community facilities. Funding commitments were obtained and the management, legal status and VAT implications of the project were determined. The Centre is now operational. |
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| Outdoor Activity Centre: Feasibility Study (1999) |
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Produced on behalf of the Finn Valley Athletics Club, this study secured €300,000.It considered the tourism market for athletics, with emphasis on disabled athletes and comprised detailed financial projections with a final business plan as well as management and promotion. |
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