Muintir na Tíre has undergone some dramatic changes since its foundation in the late 30’s. It has seen Ireland undergo similar dramatic changes, and has been party to many of them. The ability of the organistion to adapt in the face of these changes has been one of its greatest strenghts. This strength can be accredited to the underlying principles and philosophy of the organisation which are as applicable in today’s world as they were in the past.
Muintir na Tíre today is a CompanyCompany Limited by Guarantee, governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who are elected by its affiliated units. There are currently 9 full-time staff and 2 part-time staff employed by the Board. The organisation has 5 Community Alert Development Officers based at various locations throughout the country with the remaining personnel working from the Head Office in Tipperary.
Muintir na Tíre, since its inception in 1937, has been involved in several major community development projects, pilot studies and research, and in the preparation of policy documents.
Muintir na Tíre’s Track Record
| Warmer Homes Scheme: This scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and comfort conditions of homes occupied by low-income households, and to establish the systems and growing the capacity in Ireland to install such measures. | |
| 2011 | Celtic Community Link: an EU Community programme that aims to strengthen economic and social cohesion by promoting international and cross-border co-operation |
| 2009 | Launch of fundraising initiative – Cáirde Muintir na Tíre |
| 2009 | Launch of Muintir na Tíre Strategic and Organisational Plan 2009-2013 |
| 2009 | BenefIT Community TXT Link Programme for Older and Vulnerable People |
| 2009 | Delivery of the Community Education Module of the Road Safety Authority Strategy 2007-2012 to Communities |
| 2008 | Submission to the Law Reform Commission “Consultation Paper on the Civil Liability of Good Samaritans and Volunteers” |
| 2007 | Launch of Community Alert Strategy 2007-2011 |
| 2007 | INTERREG IIIA, joint Irish/Welsh Project – E-Volve – Electronic Services for the Voluntary Sector |
| 2006 | Submission to the Active Citizenship Taskforce at the Department of An Taoiseach |
| 2006 | Launch of Information Pack for Older People for use by volunteers funded by Comhairle |
| 2006 | Submission to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the Ireland Rural Development National Strategy Plan (NSP) 2007-2013 |
| 2005 | Submission to the Oireachtas – Report on Community Policing |
| 2004 to date | Promotion of Community Alert Primary Schools’ Art Competition |
| 2004 | National Committee on Volunteering Report “Tipping the Balance” |
| 2002-2006 | The National Rural Development Programme |
| 2001-2002 | Information and Communication Technology Project |
| 2002 | Policy document on “The Future of Rural Post Offices in Ireland” |
| 2001 | Policy document on “Spatial Strategy – The Way Forward” |
| 2000-2001 | Promoted information campaign on the Euro in association with the Euro Changeover Board of Ireland |
| 1998-2001 | LEADER II Programme (3 County Pilot Project to set up Community Council structures in Westmeath, North Kerry and West Cork) |
| 1991 | Promotion of Environmental/Heritage Projects |
| 1985 to date | Community Crime Prevention Programme – Community Alert |
| 1988 | Researched and published “Community Centres in Ireland” Report |
| 1985 | Researched and published “Towards a New Democracy?” Report |
| 1980 | Pioneered a pilot project for Local Community Radio |
| 1971 | Preservation of Ancient Monuments Campaign |
| 1961-1971 | Promoted the Credit Union Movement |
| 1963 to date | Promotion of Irish Tourism and the Tidy Towns Competition |
| 1965-1985 | Promotion of a national Post Primary Schools Public Speaking Competition |
| 1973-1977 | EEC Pilot Project for the Training of Trainers leading to employment opportunities through local enterprise (some of the findings were later adopted by the Youth Employment Agency) |
| 1968 | Piloting of Community Information Centres (now known as Citizen Information Centres) |
| 1959-1980 | Carrying out of group water schemes to install piped water in rural homes |
| 1948-1954 | The Limerick Rural Survey – to research and promote the development of small and medium sized industries suitable to the Irish economy |
| 1948-1957 | Muintir na Tíre’s Parish Plan for Agriculture |
| 1947 onwards | Encouraged rural communities to accept the Rural Electrification Scheme |
| 1940 | Development of Turf Cutting Schemes to provide fuel during the years of the Second World War |
| 1939 onwards | Encouraged the building of Community Halls and Centres throughout the country |