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SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF GOLEEN & DISTRICT

Location:

Goleen & District Community Council spans the Mizen Peninsula incorporating the District Electoral Divisions of Crookhaven, Goleen, Toormore, Dunmanus and Lowertown. Goleen village, the focal point, is situated 14 miles from the village of Schull and over 80 miles from Cork City. One of the peripheral peninsulas along the West Cork coastline, it is endowed with spectacular scenery, but also the inherent problems of such areas - poor land, residue effects of emigration, limited employment opportunities and a decline in the primary sectors such as agriculture and fishing

Population/Employment:

The total population of the five District Electoral Divisions (DEDs) is 1340, according to the 2002 census compared with 1273 in the 1996 census. From 1991 to 1996 there was evidence of a population at a standstill; in the 5 years to 2002 there is a growth in population. Significantly in 2002 there were 304 children between 0-14 years (23%). For the future we will develop our area for growth, putting in place the facilities/amenities that will enhance our vibrant community and encourage others to live here permanently.

With wireless broadband and distance working, employment opportunities do not have to be rooted in the area necessarily. The main advantage we have in the modern world is a safe and healthy environment for children. Our focus is to recruit young families to live here

Tourism has been an important employment base for forty years though it still has a very seasonal nature. There are many natural draws for visitors with the scenery, beaches and heritage. Amenities have been developed as well.

Since 1994 Mizen Tourism Co-operative Society Ltd. has successfully developed the now automated Mizen Head Signal Station into a major tourist attraction, investing a further 750,000 euro in 2001 through funding from Bord Failte/ERDF, West Cork LEADER Co-operative, Cork County Council, National Millennium Fund and an AIB loan. This project was also awarded in the Rural Tourism Small Business Enterprise section of the National AIB & Irish Farmers' Journal Rural Tourism Awards. The Centre attracts over 60,000 visitors a year (in 2003, 47846 visitors paid to go over the Bridge, but many more people visit but do not pay to go down)

A pontoon and moorings were constructed in Crookhaven in 1998 to enhance water-based activities (part funded by West Cork LEADER).

Barleycove Beach Project was developed by Cork County Council to conserve he dunes. A pontoon bridge, boardwalk and car park has opened up the main beach.

Some piers and slipways have been resurfaced and improved

Services:

There are a number of shops, pubs, restaurants and guesthouses servicing the area. There are a hotel and apartments at Barleycove. A bus service runs to and from Cork twice daily, The Bantry Rural transport bus goes to Bantry twice a week. There is a surgery/health centre, Garda Barracks and mobile library service. Sheltered housing has been provided in the village through the Community Care group. Primary education is available in the National Schools at Goleen and at Lissigriffin. The nearest secondary school is Schull Community College.

Voluntary Activity:

Approximately 20 groups are active in the area ranging from GAA, ICA, Preschool Playgroup, Bowling Association, Mizen AFC to an Active Retirement Association and the IFA. Both the Irish Coast Guard and Inshore Rescue groups provide an invaluable service for this large stretch of coastline. Mizen Tourism Co-operative Society Ltd. has been active and successful in securing funding to develop the Visitor Centre.

Population of each Province, County, City, urban area, rural area and Electoral Division,
courtesy CSO 1966 & 2002
District	1996	2002			Change in population		Area^*
	1996	2002			1996-2002		(hectares)
	Persons	Persons	Males	Females	Actual	Percentage
312 Crookhaven	222	250	126	124	28	12.6	2,455
313 Dunbeacon	204	213	106	107	9	4.4	2,510
314 Dunmanus	202	197	101	96	-5	-2.5	2,411
315 Goleen	248	260	139	121	12	4.8	1,781
317 Lowertown	219	206	105	101	-13	-5.9	1,227
319 Toormore	178	214	117	97	36	20.2	1,572
Total	1273	1340	694	646	67	33.6	11956

	Persons, males and females in each Province, County, City, urban area,
	rural area and Electoral Division classified by age group, 2002
Age Group	Total	0-14 yrs	15-24 yrs	25-44 yrs	45-64 yrs	65 yrs & over

312 Crookhaven	250	56	23	64	71	36
313 Dunbeacon	213	61	21	62	43	26
314 Dunmanus	197	39	13	53	51	41
315 Goleen	260	51	33	54	59	63
317 Lowertown	206	64	20	53	37	32
319 Toormore	214	33	24	55	61	41
Total	1340	304	134	341	322	239