A craft community has been developed at Ballycasey in Shannon.
Ballycasey in Shannon town is not only Ireland's youngest community but also perhaps its most adventurous.
The story of a marriage between private enterprise on the one hand and adventurous semi-state involvement on the other.
A once disused old farmers yard has been transformed into a thriving community of highly skilled craft workers under the Shannon Development Agency's small industries programme. Shannon is the most international town in Ireland and this is reflected in the artists and crafts people at work in Ballycasey.
A jewellery workshop established by Brian Gleeson is just one of the eight small craft industries in this community. Brian Gleeson says he would not have been able to set up his own workshop without the aid of Shannon Development. There is a great sense of community as all the among craft workers who work together to overcome the challenges they face. Brian Gleeson designs and creates many one-off pieces specifically for the customer.
Sigrid Manahan is a designer working with leather. She completed a business course through Shannon Development before starting up her own business in a spare room at home. Last October, she moved her workshop into Ballycasey. Being part of the community of crafts people here has inspired her.
Weaver Sue Erridge is comforted by being surrounded by other crafts people who face the same challenges. These include transport, communication and sales.
We don't conflict in a competitive sense because the products here are all different.
Each small industry at Ballycasey has complete responsibility for its own operation with Shannon Development operating as an umbrella organisation helping out with grant aid and advice.
The concept of a craft community working with closely with a major industrial development organisation is a new one.
Willie Moloney of Shannon Development explains how the development of Ballycasey came about in recognition of the importance of craft industry. Ballycasey is on a major tourist route and the high end products created there are selling. There are also other craft centres in the region and plans for more. It is also planned to double the size of Ballycasey over the next two years.
Start your own small industry and Shannon Development will back you all the way.
'Ireland's Eye' broadcast on 6 January 1982. The presenter is Pat Butler.
