The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
New plan to energise our economy
THE first ever economic and community plan for County Kerry has been published by Kerry County Council.
The Kerry Local Economic and Community Plan for 2016 to 2022 provides a comprehensive and highly detailed strategic framework for the county’s economic and community development.
The Plan – which is the culmination of 12 months of consultation and engagement with local, regional and national partners – brought together a wide range of organisations and agencies working in the areas of economic and community development and has now been adopted by the Council.
It builds on the national and regional policy framework, particularly the Regional Action Plan for Jobs, and will allow the council provide enhanced strategic planning and better targeting and co-ordination of resources.
Specific targets for economic and community development are included and delivery time frames are set out. The Plan will be overseen by a special implementation group which will report regularly to Council on the progress being made.
“This Plan represents a very comprehensive attempt to improve the attractiveness of our beautiful county as a place to work and live. It aims to enhance what we have to offer to companies, small businesses and individuals who want to come to work and live in our county. The Plan recognises the challenges the county faces as well as the opportunities that exist for growth in our local economy and in our communities,” said Mayor of Kerry Michael O’Shea.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said the plan provides the county with a roadmap for achieving improved economic and community development in the years ahead.
“Working with bodies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to attract more employment and investment to Kerry, the Council and other agencies will continue to strive for improvements in our employment and economic environment. Likewise, we will work to build stronger communities ensuring the facilities and services required are targeted in a meaningful way,” she said.