Since the foundation of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society in 1894, the co-operative movement has evolved beyond its agricultural roots to serve a wide-range of industries.
The study undertaken by Aisling Moroney, Bridget Carroll and Dr Olive McCarthy from the Centre for Co-operative Studies aims to raise awareness of the role of co-operatives in Ireland.
Bridget Carroll explains that the project aims to raise awareness of the role of co-operatives in Ireland. The focus of the case studies is on the motivations and experiences of these co-operatives including factors facilitating and/or hindering their development.
The cases cover a range of geographical locations, both urban and rural and a range of sectors from agri-food to retailing to environmental sustainability. The co-operatives featured are:
- Aran Islands Energy Co-operative/ Comharchumann Fuinnimh Oileáin Árann Teoranta
- Donegal Woodlands Owners Co-operative
- Ring of Kerry Quality Lamb Co-operative
- Courtmacsherry Community Shop
- Third Space Co-operative
It is hoped that the cases will be of benefit to groups wishing to establish a co-operative, educators and researchers in need of relevant case studies to demonstrate the roles and practicalities as well as policy issues pertaining to co-operative development and representative/apex bodies involved in the establishment and development of co-operatives.
The research was funded by the Golden Jubilee Trust.
A copy of the report can be found here.
For further information contact Bridget Carroll at [email protected] or telephone 021 4902070.
