County Carlow 2021 Local Economic and Community Plan

County Carlow 2021 Local Economic & Community Plan 2016-2021

Adopted by Members of Carlow County Council on 8th February 2016

Contents

Acknowledgements 3 Foreword 4 Overview & Summary 5 Section 1: Introduction & Background 9

 Guiding Principles of Local Economic & Community Plan 13  Local Economic & Community Plan Governance 14  Economic Development & Carlow County Council 16  Community Development & Carlow County Council 17  Consultation & Participative Planning 18  Holistic Approach 19  Regional Context 21  Local Context – Planning and Development Framework 21  Policy Context 22 Section 2: Socio-Economic Profile 23

 Economic overview 24  Demographics 31  Education 32  Housing 34  Disadvantage 34 Section 3: LECP Development Process 40 Section 4: SWOT Analysis 43

 Living in County Carlow 44  Doing Business & Working in County Carlow 50  Education, Upskilling & Professional Development 56  Visiting County Carlow 59  Underpinning Infrastructure 70  Investment in Carlow 76

Section 5: Action Plan 77 Section 6: Implementation, Monitoring & Measurement 122 Appendices 124

 Baseline Data Reference 125  Public Consultation Process Pre Plan Preparation 127  Public Consultation Process Draft Plan 154  Southern Regional Assembly Statement 158  Mainstream & Other Specialist Services (Acronyms) 159  Map of County Carlow 162  Key Performance Indicators 163  Table Detailing LECP Actions Consistent with Policies 192

Acknowledgments

Inclusion Planning is an essential element in modern society and Carlow County Council and Carlow Local Development Committee acknowledges the various contributors to this publication which sets out a vision for County Carlow in terms of Economic & Community Development.

From the various members of the public who made submissions to organisations who facilitated submissions and actions on behalf of their communities, we thank you for helping us build a framework for Community & Economic Development Planning in County Carlow.

In particular Carlow Local Community Development Committee acknowledges the Advisory Steering Group for the Local Economic Community Plan which comprised of:

Andrea Dalton Carlow LCDC (St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre Ltd) Arlene O’Connor Planning Department – Carlow County Council Bernie O’Brien Director of Services - Carlow County Council Declan Doyle IT Carlow Fiona Dunne Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board Helen Martin Carlow College Kieran Comerford Head of Enterprise - Carlow County Council Mary Walsh Carlow LCDC (Carlow County Development Partnership CLG) Michael Brennan Chief Officer – Carlow LCDC Michael Doran Chair of SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning. Seamus O’Connor Director of Services - Carlow County Council

Foreword

We live in exciting, challenging and changing times. How we prepare for and manage the future will greatly influence our lives and the lives of future generations.

The expansion and strengthening of local authority functions in economic development and local community development is an important means to advance the overarching purpose of local government. The newly established Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is the primary vehicle for the coordination of local and community activity within the administrative area of Carlow County Council.

The preparation of this Local Economic & Community Plan was the responsibility of Carlow County Council and Carlow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). The Plan aims to improve the well-being of the people and economy of County Carlow through enhanced strategic planning, targeting of resources and more meaningful impacts for local communities. It will provide the strategic framework for all publicly funded economic, local and community development programmes in the County with the objective of maximizing the social, community, cultural, sporting and economic development of County Carlow on a regional level.

The Local Economic and Community Plan provides an ambitious, yet achievable, Economic and Social Vision for County Carlow, with living and workable actions and ongoing monitoring and appraisal.

We would like to thank all involved in the preparation of this Plan, it is through this ongoing co-operation that we can endeavour to achieve the living and workable actions as set out in the Plan. Whilst ambitious, this Economic and Social Vision for County Carlow is achievable.

We look forward with confidence to the delivery of the Local Economic and Community Plan.

Cllr. Charlie Murphy Kathleen Holohan Eamonn Moore Cathaoirleach Chief Executive Chairperson LCDC Carlow County Council Carlow County Council

Overview & Summary

The purpose of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) is to set out, for a six-year period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic development and the local and community development of County Carlow. These actions will be agreed and implemented both by Carlow County Council, Carlow Local Community Development Committee and in partnership with other economic and community development stakeholders.

Carlow County Council and Carlow Local Community Development Committee will oversee, coordinate, monitor and review the plan through a number of processes, which will include the Local Economic and Community Plan Advisory Steering Group. The Local Authority’s performance in implementing this Plan will also be subject to examination and report by the National Oversight Audit Commission (NOAC).

Why County Carlow?

There are many reasons why County Carlow is seen as a developed County with many opportunities for people who work, live and visit County Carlow. Strategically located in the South East of Ireland, in close proximity to the Greater Dublin Area, the county provides a one stop shop solution for many types of enterprises, from small to medium enterprises, large indigenous enterprises and multi-national organisations. Carlow is a culturally diverse society with many cultural eco-systems built within it.

County Carlow believes that its strengths lie in its:

Location: Carlow is the gateway to the South East of Ireland and the Greater Dublin Area, in close proximity to airports, ports, motorway and rail with attractive business development opportunities and community participation opportunities for all.

Ambition: County Carlow provides a base for the development of ambitious companies who want to be world class in their fields of expertise. Kennan’s, Burnside, Netwatch and Autolaunch, are just a few companies who call County Carlow home. The county is home to leaders in Technology and Innovation, Engineering, Pharmaceutical, Internationally traded services and Retail Enterprises.

Infrastructure: County Carlow has developed a balanced infrastructure, designed to create an environment where residents and visitors have access to a variety of services, which include world class artistic and cultural spaces, traditional social infrastructure, quality parks and walks.

Opportunity: County Carlow provides an opportunity for any individual or organisation to avail of a variety of development opportunities such as the opportunities to gain world class personal and professional development from our two Institutions of Higher Education, IT Carlow and Carlow College. This is supported by a complimentary Community Development Programme speared by the public service, social services, community and voluntary groups.

Connectivity: County Carlow is a connected eco-system. From an economic viewpoint we have many examples of innovative clusters, in areas such as technology, international services and engineering and these, coupled with the abilities of our Higher Education Institutions, make the county the ideal place to grow your business. From a community viewpoint we have many projects which are aimed to engage our communities and help them grow.

Wellbeing: The Community and Economic elements of the Plan set out to promote synergy, collaboration, engagement, support and leadership by working with stakeholders to enhance the wellbeing of all our communities, so that County Carlow is a sustainable and vibrant place to live, visit, invest and work in.

How will the plan be resourced?

The plan is delivered by projects spearheaded and funded by Carlow County Council, Carlow LCDC and associated strategic partners and represents a €17milllion framework in Community & Economic Development over a 6 year period.

The following Seven principles will be included in the delivery of the plan:

A Promotion of Harnessing of developmental enterprise and existing Best use of “bottom up” employment community available approach development infrastructure resources • Voluntary A clear focus activity and Achieving on social active value for inclusion participation money by individuals

Over the 6 year period of the Plan, as a result of public consultation with various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT, and having regard to the County Carlow Profile, the following Strategic high level goals.

 Build thriving, resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities;  Strengthen and promote a thriving and sustainable enterprise culture in County Carlow;  Ensure access to education and skills for all members of communities;  Optimise the tourism product and message;  Provide the required infrastructure for the County;  Maximise external investment into Carlow Supported by strategic objectives were formulated which will be delivered through a number of actions:

 36 Community Focused Actions will be delivered;  24 Economic Focused Actions will be delivered;  23 Hyrbid Actions Focused Actions will be delivered which are identified in the plan to have a Community & Economic Impact. The plan is designed to complement the work already happening on the ground and avoid duplication of resources. The following are two examples of Actions to be delivered as part of the plan and their effective impact.

The Social Inclusion, Community Action programme (SICAP)

This programme will invest over €500,000 per annum on supporting those communities and individuals affected by social exclusion in County Carlow. The SICAP Programme is a key player in the County’s response to disadvantage and in the development of greater participation in social and political structures. Strong links have been established and will continue to be maintained with key stakeholders during the life of this plan in the area of suicide and men’s health, community development both urban and rural, early school leaving, lone parents, unemployed, and integration of our new communities through strategic interventions. This programme is approved and monitored by the Local Community Development Committee through key performance indicators and working in partnership with the programme implementer Carlow County Development Partnership CLG.

Local Enterprise Development Plan

One example of an economic objective as outlined in the plan is the annual delivery and design of the Local Enterprise Development Plan by the Economic Development & Enterprise Support Team in Carlow County Council. This plan involves the annual strategic planning of over €1m worth of investment in enterprise support and economic development on an annual basis, based on output focuses and annual review of the potential of the Carlow economy. Then plan is measured under a Service Level Agreement by Enterprise Ireland and by metrics developed as part of various schemes funded by Carlow County Council. The plan is delivered using the partnership principle with a variety of stakeholders involved in a series of strategic actions.

Section 1: Introduction & Background

Introduction and Background

The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides a stronger and clearer role for local government in economic and community development. This is a key element in achieving the vision set out in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First “local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public service at local level, leading economic, social and community development”.

Section 44 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides for the making of a six year integrated Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The plan will set out the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic development and the local and community development of the County and is the primary mechanism at local level to bring forward relevant actions arising from measures under the Action Plan for Jobs and the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA). The Plan is consistent with the Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022 and subsequently with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RESE’s) to be prepared by the Regional Assemblies in 2016, the County Carlow Development Plan 2015-2021, the Council’s Corporate Plan 2014-2019 and current Government Policy in relation to economic and social inclusion.

Europe 2020 is the EU’s growth strategy for the coming decade. The priorities for the strategy are that Europe will become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy and therefore deliver high levels of employment, productivity and social cohesion to each member state.

Five headline targets have been set at EU level focusing on the areas of employment, research and development, climate change, education and poverty. Ireland has committed to achieving these targets and they are outlined in the National Reform Programme Ireland April 2015, as follows:

Poverty: that by 2020, The number experiencing “consistent poverty” (who Employment: that by 2020, the are both at risk of poverty and employment rate among 20-64 year olds experiencing basic deprivation be will rise to 69-71% reduced to 4% by 2016 (interim figure) and 2% or less of the population by 2020 (6.3% in 2010)

Education: that by 2020, 200,000 less people will be living in combined poverty (either consistent The percentage of 18-24 year olds with at poverty, at risk of poverty or basic most lower secondary education or less deprivation) and not in further education and training be reduced to 8%

Research and Development: that by The percentage of 30 -34 year olds who 2020, Research and Development, have completed third level education will between Public and Private Expenditure, be at least 60% will be 2.0% of GDP or 2.5% of GNP

Climate Change and Energy: that by 2020, Greenhouse gas emissions in the non-trade sector be reduced by 20% compared to 2005 levels. The share of renewables in final energy consumption to increase to 16% Energy efficiency, in terms of “Primary Energy” will have increased to 20%

Local Government has a significant impact on the overall economy, accounting for an estimated €5.4 billion between capital (€1.2 billion) and current (€4.2 billion) expenditure in 2014. It exerts a major influence on the local economy as provider, enabler, procurer or regulator in a range of matters such as delivery of infrastructure, planning, as well as directly providing jobs. In addition to this significant impact on economy activity, in the future, economic development must, of itself, be regarded as a “mainstream” local authority function alongside its more traditional roles.

Local Authorities have also played a strong role in community development through the provision of community services/facilities, such as libraries, recreation, arts and amenity facilities and services, estate management, tidy towns, Pride of Place and the operation of community labour activation schemes, such as ‘Gateway’, often in partnership with key local stakeholders. These are important and rich interventions that help build social capital and have been a fundamental part of the role local government has played in local community development to date. The establishment of the Public Participation Network structure in the County provides an opportunity to create a greater synergy between local government and local and community development and will place local and community development at the heart of local government.

The expansion and strengthening of local authority functions in economic development and local community development provided for in the Local Government Reform Act 2014 is an important means to advance the overarching purpose of local government, as highlighted in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First, “to promote the well-being and quality of life of citizens and communities”. The newly established Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), is the primary vehicle for the coordination of local and community activity within the administrative area of Carlow County Council.

The Plan aims to improve the well-being of the people and economy of Carlow through enhanced strategic planning, better targeting of resources and more meaningful impacts for local communities. It provides the strategic framework for all publicly funded economic, local and community development programmes in the County with the objective of maximizing the social, cultural, sporting and economic development of Carlow at a regional level. The Plan includes measures to tackle poverty and exclusion and to develop opportunities for enterprise and employment, training and education, community wellbeing, rural and community development, local

12 infrastructure and services, tourism, cultural services, innovation/R&D, natural resources, agriculture and the promotion of Carlow.

The LECP for County Carlow, will deliver clear, concise, and innovative and evidence based measures aimed at accelerating the economic and social transformation, revitalisation and sustainable development of the County. The LECP also provides an ambitious, yet achievable, Economic and Social Vision for County Carlow, with living and workable actions and ongoing monitoring and appraisal.

Guiding Principles of County Carlow 2021 – Local Economic & Community Plan:

 The creation of a framework for an economic and community strategy for County Carlow;  Promotion and main-streaming of equality;  Sustainability – promoting a more resource efficient, green and more inclusive economy;  Maximising returns – avoiding unnecessary overlap and duplication and achieving synergies through co-operation;  Participative planning – meaningful participation and consultation in the planning process;  Community consultation and engagement – participation, empowerment and collective decision making to achieve change at local level;  Community Development principles – Equality, participation, empowerment, collective decision making;  Accessibility and ownership – the plan is written in a style that is open, straightforward and as accessible as possible.

These guiding principles have been developed taking into account the strategic vision of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021.

Local Economic & Community Plan Governance

The preparation of the Plan, is the responsibility of Carlow County Council and Carlow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). The economic elements of County Carlow 2021 - Local Economic & Community Plan 2016-2021 have been developed by Carlow County Council through the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Planning, whilst the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has developed the community elements of the Plan.

The guiding principles of the LCDC are:

A Promotion of Harnessing of developmental enterprise and existing Best use of “bottom up” employment community available approach development infrastructure resources

Voluntary A clear focus activity and Achieving on social active value for inclusion participation money by individuals

The LCDC comprises of 17 members (8 representatives from the Public Sector and 9 representatives from the community and private sector). The purpose of the LCDC is to develop, co-ordinate, implement and manage a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development in County Carlow. Its responsibilities include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation programme (SICAP) and as Local Action Group (LAG), the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. It is important that the LCDC, ensures that the priorities and operation of these two programmes are aligned with the high level goals, objectives and actions in the LECP.

The Local Economic and Community elements of the Plan are integrated, and adopted by the Elected Members of Carlow County Council. The Members also play a key role at Municipal District level (Map 1). The LCDC, together with the Local Authority, will implement, monitor and review the plan on a regular basis. An Advisory Steering Group comprising representatives of the LCDC, Carlow County Council members, staff and key stakeholders, was established to assist in the preparation, drafting, and adoption of the Plan, and to ensure that the preparation of the economic and community elements contained herein are co-ordinated, avoiding duplication and repetition. The Advisory Steering Group, will also have a role in monitoring the Plan.

The Local Authority’s performance in implementing this plan will also be subject to the examination and report by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC).

The Plan can only be achieved by an ethos of collaboration and partnership by all local agencies and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of actions. Therefore it is important when preparing and implementing operational plans, that they are cognisant of the agreed priorities and objectives as set out in stakeholders’ own plans and their roles in achieving these priorities.

The LCDC will promote an environment which is fair, transparent and welcoming for all individuals and organisations, employees, service-users and elected members. The LCDC is committed to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations when making decisions, developing and implementing policies.

Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

The Local Community Development Committee was established as part of the reform process of government. This included the streamlining of essential strategic programmes which make a significant impact on the ground via the empowering of the local community to manage government services and programmes under its remit. This process was further coupled with the County Councils effective role in the wider support of economic development via the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices.

The LCDC and its members representing both the statutory bodies and the community in the instance of County Carlow now act as the implementing and controlling body for the SICAP & Rural Development Programme (LEADER). In the interest of streamlining of effective services the LCDC have engaged with Carlow County Development Partnership CLG in order to effectively deliver these programmes in a variety of contract arrangements. This in the case of Carlow is seen as a model of good practice as it brings together the collective knowledge of the representatives of the LCDC with the Board and Staff of CCDP CLG.

Economic Development and Carlow County Council

Carlow County Council has played a significant role in economic development over a long numbers of years. The economic role of the Council included a range of measures such as:

 Planning framework to facilitate economic development;  Provision of infrastructure;  Provision of a range of enterprise support measures;  Provision of enterprise incubation units.

The “Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First” recognised this existing role of the Local Authority in Enterprise and Economic Development. The Action Programme recommended a significantly enhanced role for the Local Authority and the Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided legislative powers for the Local Authority to give effect to this enhanced role. This enabled the establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices.

For the purposes of the LECP and in accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the promotion of economic development includes but is not limited to the following activities:

 Creating and sustaining jobs;  Promoting the interests of the community including enterprise and economic development, foreign direct investment, indigenous industry, micro and small to medium enterprises, tourism, agriculture, forestry, marine sectors and other natural resources sectors;  Identifying and acknowledging local attributes that are essential to enhancing local economic performance, such as the quality of the environment and the quality of towns and rural areas, and to promote local economic activities;  Supporting enhancement of local innovation capacity including investment in research and development capacity, technology transfer, up-skilling and re- skilling;  Identifying opportunities for existing businesses to engage with local government on relevant matters in setting up and managing their businesses and to ensure speedy and coordinated access and response;  Identifying local strengths, challenges, opportunities and threats relevant to economic performance;  Identifying economic potential and the requirements to realise it. In relation to Economic Development the role of the Local Authority was seen as an evolving one, involving creativity, innovation and initiative.

Community Development and Carlow County Council

Local Authorities also have a long history of involvement in Community Development initiatives ranging from:

 Provision of Community infrastructure such as libraries, swimming pools, art centres, etc.;  Community Development under the RAPID programme;  Estate Management;  Support of the Community and Voluntary Fora;  Support of local community initiatives such as Tidy Towns, Pride of Place;  Social employment schemes;  Consultation in relation to the planning process and other local authority initiatives.

For the purposes of the LECP, and in accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the promotion of local and community development includes but is not limited to the following activities:

 Promoting and supporting the interests of local communities including measures to enhance quality of life and well-being of communities aimed at tackling poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion;  Supporting training and up-skilling, creating employment and self-employment opportunities and investing in local development;  Provision of infrastructure and community facilities and investment in physical regeneration and environmental improvements;  Supporting the capacity building of communities to improve their quality of life  Supporting social enterprise, social capital, volunteering and active participation by individuals;  Developing integrated and evidence based approaches to service planning and delivery;  Identifying community needs and priorities and making best use of local assets, strengths and opportunities to address these needs;  Making best use of public and private funding to stimulate development;  Supporting community involvement in decision making processes in relation to planning & delivery of services.

Consultation and Participative Planning

Whilst the preparation and development of the Plan, is the responsibility of Carlow County Council and Carlow LCDC, there are other stakeholder groups and people whose input has been integral to the formulation and delivery of objectives and actions in the Plan. The guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, emphasise that the Plan should be developed through a process that is participative, consultative and collaborative, meaning all key stakeholder groups should have an opportunity to shape the Plan. In addition, some of these stakeholders will be delivering aspects of the Plan. Stakeholder engagement has been a critical part of the priority identification process for preparation of this Plan.

Carlow County Council and Carlow LCDC consulted as follows:  Public written/oral submissions were sought during March /April 2015;  Community Facilitation Workshops were held in March 2015;  Strategic Consultation Stakeholder Workshops were held in July/August 2015 during which SWOT analyses were undertaken;  Consultations were held with Members of Carlow County Council; Carlow LCDC; the Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning Strategic Policy Committee and the Advisory Steering Group in the period February to August 2015;  Draft Plan consultations were held with the LECP Advisory Steering Group; Elected Members of the Municipal Districts of Muinebheag and Carlow, LCDC; SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Planning, and the Southern Regional Assembly (to ensure consistency of the Plan with Regional Planning Guidelines/Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies) and Key Stakeholders and the County Carlow Public Participation Network (PPN) during the period October 2015 to January 2016;  The Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning Strategic Policy Committee approved the Economic elements of the Plan on the 9th October 2015;  The Plan went out for public consultation during the period 22nd December 2015 to 22nd January 2016. Submissions received were incorporated into the draft Plan. (Appendix 3);  The Carlow LCDC approved the draft LECP Plan on 27th January 2016.

Holistic Approach

The Plan is structured around four core themes which represent a holistic perspective of the different aspects of life in County Carlow - Living in Carlow, Doing Business and Working in Carlow, Education, Upskilling & Professional Development, Visiting Carlow, which was used as a methodology for the SWOT. As a result of the SWOT a strategic action of Investing in Carlow and the requirement to have specific actions around same was identified. A sixth cross cutting theme is included to address Underpinning Infrastructure which supports the other five themes.

The following figure illustrates the relationship between the 6 themes with the five pillars representing the various aspects of life in County Carlow and the underpinning infrastructure. Some of the themes are shared between Economic and Community Development and are highlighted below.

Investing in County Carlow

I Visiting County Carlow N F R A S Doing Business in T Carlow R U C T U Education,Upskilling & Professional R Development E

Living in Carlow

= Economic Development = Shared ( Economic & Community Development)

= Community Development

Regional Context

The Regional Planning Guidelines provide a strategic planning framework for the South-East Region, with the objective of implementing the National Spatial Strategy, at regional level and achieving balanced regional development.1

The Vision of the South-East Regional Planning Guidelines by 2022, will be that the South East will be “a distinct and cohesive region that is prosperous and competitive, where the benefits of economic success are shared equitably throughout the region and throughout society and which offers a good quality of life in an environment rich in heritage and landscape value.” The aim of this plan is to ensure the realisation of this vision and the achievement of a competitive environment and social progress in County Carlow through sustainable development and regeneration.

In the Regional Planning Guidelines Carlow Town is defined as a County Town and Bagenalstown, Bunclody/Carrigduff and Tullow are designated District Towns.

Local Context – Planning and Development Framework

The County Development Strategy for County Carlow for the period 2015-2021, builds upon the vision set out in the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021, to achieve a vibrant county of opportunity with a high quality of life and attractive high quality environment.

The Development Plan seeks to develop the County through the promotion of sustainable economic, social and cultural development, taking advantage of its strategic regional location in the South-East region. The Development Strategy, through the County Development Plan will focus on key Strategic Development Opportunities for the County.

Environmental related policies and objectives of the Carlow County Development Plan

1 County Development Plan

21 will be complied within implementing this plan.

Carlow, as a County Town is recognised as a critical element in the regional settlement structure for realising balanced regional development and an important focus for strengthening its own area. Carlow Town including Graiguecullen on the western side of the River Barrow forms part of a wider urban area and extends beyond the traditional Town Council boundaries into County Laois on the Graiguecullen side and into the County Council area to the east, north and south.

The wider urban area has been defined as the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area for which a Joint Spatial Plan2 has been adopted by Carlow County Council, the former Carlow Town Council and Laois County Council.

After Carlow, the market towns of Tullow and Bagenalstown are the prominent towns in the county, with a network of smaller towns and villages.

Policy Context

County Carlow 2021 - LECP 2016-2021 will be the framework for the economic development and local community development of the local authority area. The LECP will also be the primary mechanism at local level to bring forward relevant actions arising from measures under the Action Plan for Jobs, and other statements of Government policy including the report of the Commission for Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA). This Plan has been formulated with regard to the relevant sections of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and a range of European, National, Regional and County Plans and relevant guidelines in the appendix of this report.

2 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012-2018

Section 2: Socio Economic Profile

The Socio Economic Profile for the LECP examines from a strategic level, the characteristics of County Carlow under the following broad headings:

Economic Overview

Demographics

Education

Housing

Disadvantage

Economic Overview

County Carlow is an inland County, located in the South East Region and bordered by Counties Wicklow, Wexford, Kilkenny, Laois and Kildare. The County is 943 sq. km. in area. The principal towns in the county are Carlow, Tullow, Muinebheag, Hacketstown and Borris.

Carlow has a pivotal location as a County Town in the South East Region with a strong relationship to the Midlands and South Leinster region. The county has two institutions of higher education i.e. IT Carlow and Carlow College, the National Crops Biotechnology Research Centre at Teagasc Oak Park, substantial infrastructural developments and proximity to both Dublin and the major transport hubs, all of which present Carlow as an ideal location for business. Carlow’s strategic location close to Dublin has been enhanced by the opening of the M9 motorway from Dublin to Waterford.

The main rivers flowing through County Carlow are the Barrow and Slaney Rivers and their associated tributaries. The main focal points of settlement in the County are along these rivers, which have long been important corridors of settlement, defence and transportation.

The modern name Carlow is derived from the old Irish place name Ceatharloch, meaning 'four lakes'. Visitors to the area can enjoy its many pre-historic sites, castles, churches and monastic buildings and routes.

The strengths of Carlow County, in attracting and supporting industry and business are as follows;

Excellent infrastructure in terms of roads, rail, access to airports and seaports - only 85k from Dublin, 79km from Waterford and 88km from Rosslare

Excellent social and leisure amenities with good quality urban and natural environment

Proximity to various third level colleges and Encourages the the critical educated development of unique population mass to high technology units support large scale economic enterprise

Encourages indigenous Promotes research and and foreign investment development and across all sectors of the particularly encourage economy innovation

Continuous Ensures that an monitoring and Provision of childcare adequate quantity and upgrading of the facilities in appropriate range of suitable land is County’s locations thereby available for enterprise information promoting labour development technology market participation infrastructure

Traditionally the economy of the county has been characterised by manufacturing and food manufacturing based on commodities produced in a rich agricultural hinterland and also an under-developed services sector. The local economy has changed significantly in recent years. The industrial base is now made up of a wide variety of industries ranging from multi-national enterprises employing skilled workforces of upwards of 100 people to smaller indigenous enterprises serving local to international markets.

There is huge potential for investment in County Carlow at a local, national and international level. At a local level, the county has a highly skilled and educated workforce, a central and accessible location, a clean environment with attractive towns, villages and countryside, excellent educational facilities and an excellent quality of life. It holds a strategic location in the South East, being a gateway to the region from Dublin and the Midlands.

We live in exciting, challenging and changing times. Above all, change has become a major feature of the lives of all individuals. How Carlow County Council prepares for and manages this change will greatly influence our lives and the lives of future generations.

The Irish economy is undertaking a profound transition from a failed model built around debt, construction and housing to one based on innovation, enterprise and exports. The fallout from that failed economic model was catastrophic, with competitiveness lost; markets lost and most traumatic of all was the huge rise in unemployment.

The Governments Action Plan for Jobs, is a Government response to methodically and deliberately reconfigure and retool our economy so that long term sustainable jobs are created for our people and that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated. Government has stated that it aims to have 100,000 more people in work by 2016 and 2 million people in work by 2020.

Recent private sector investments include Merck Sharp & Dohme, one of the world’s 65 largest pharmaceutical companies, resulting in the creation of circa 400 new jobs (between full-time and contract). Walsh Whiskey Distillery Company is investing €25million in a world-class Distillery and Visitor Centre in Bagenalstown/Muinebheag, with the creation of 55 permanent and 40 temporary jobs. US Company Unum has created in excess of 100 new jobs to date, while homegrown Carlow Company Netwatch, has engaged in a multimillion-euro expansion at home and abroad. Other organisations in expansion mode include Integrated Communications Ltd, Autolaunch Automotive Industry and Manufacturing Plant in Bagenalstown/Muinebheag (part of Magna Inc.), Keenan’s Manufacturing Plant in Borris (agricultural machinery) together with continuing development by indigenous manufacturing and export companies such as Burnside Group, PB Machines, Oglesby & Butler and Tanco.

Carlow County Council has an important role to play in facilitating development within the county. This ranges from its direct role which includes physical planning and development, undertaking socio-economic research and analysis, the provision of essential infrastructure, including transport, which is vital for enterprises as well as community infrastructure.

The Council is also a key agent for local delivery of national policy objectives through

26 close co-operation with the agencies which have an established remit for specific intervention in this area and through its direct and indirect involvement with local development companies and organisations such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Carlow County Development Partnership CLG., Carlow County Chamber, IBEC and other development agencies in the County. In April 2014, the Council took on the local micro-enterprise support service through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), integrating the services of the former County Enterprise Board with the Council’s Business Support Unit, to improve and build on existing structures to sustain and create jobs.

The County Development Plan recognises the following broad economic objectives for the County:

 Assist development of all economic sectors by the implementation of relevant policies to cater for such growth;  Provide adequate infrastructural facilities;  Promote e-business;  Zone sufficient and appropriately located lands for industrial and commercial development and their possible acquisition;  Provide enterprise areas and training infrastructure;  Zone adequate residential lands and creation of attractive towns and villages;  Develop the public realm and amenities of Carlow so that the quality of life of employees and residents can be improved;  Provide recreation / amenity facilities;  Support festivals and events;  Encourage collaborative structures focusing on economic development;  Address, where feasible, infrastructural deficiencies that may be hindering economic development and aim to ensure that sustainable infrastructural development precedes economic development;  Assist in the provision of a well-educated labour force;  Facilitate and support, where possible, the further development and expansion of the Institute of Technology Carlow, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board, Carlow College and all educational facilities within the County  Support the development of a University in the South East Region;  Facilitate the creation of new employment opportunities in the county where feasible;  Ensure that sufficient serviced lands and structures are allocated for industrial purposes;  Facilitate where possible, the expansion of existing industries and businesses  Co-operate with specialist agencies in attracting new industries to Carlow;  Promote home based working through the provision of high speed internet services;  Encourage sites for small industries and services and to facilitate home-based economic activity;  Facilitate the creation of new employment opportunities in the county and

support economic development, which requires a multi-pronged approach;  Accelerate the provision of water, sewerage, roads and information technology services to eliminate any delay in the progression of development;  Ensure that sufficient land is zoned for industrial and commercial development;  Earmark key settlements for focused growth;  Facilitate the expansion of existing industries and businesses and the development of new industrial or service sector undertakings;  Facilitate and encourage the establishment of small scale light industries;  Support the IDA in the promotion of foreign investment and establishment of new industries in the County;  Support rural development projects in conjunction with the LEADER programme and the Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd;  Support Enterprise Ireland in the promotion of inward investment in the County;  Prepare an Economic Plan and integrated industrial development strategy for the County;  Facilitate the provision of childcare facilities in appropriate locations thereby promoting labour market participation among parents and supporting parents in accessing training, education and employment;  Ensure the availability of high-speed telecommunications, especially for enterprise;  Ensure the availability of clean and reliable sources of energy;  Promote and facilitate appropriate educational / training measures to ensure a suitably skilled local workforce;  Encourage research and development linkages between industry / business and local third-level and fourth-level institutions;  Secure high standards of landscape and environmental protection / enhancement;  Ensure that towns and villages remain attractive to investment;  Offer a good quality of life to those who live and work in the County;  Support / Implement the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs;  Provide an adequate range of locations for both large and small scale new industrial development throughout the County;  Promote and facilitate rural industries generally and to facilitate certain kinds of rural industry, especially those that are natural resource dependent (e.g. associated sugar beet, forestry or crops) to be located outside towns in appropriate locations with due consideration to the protection of the Natura 2000 network of sites;  Promote farm enterprises associated with diversification and sustainable agri- business;  Support the revival of the sugar beet industry and the construction of a new bio- refinery, which has the potential to create 5,000 jobs, outside of towns;  Encourage and facilitate the provision of manufacturing developments at appropriate locations providing the proposed manufacturing / industrial use is complementary to any other existing employment based use in the proximity of the site;

 Encourage and facilitate the development of such specialist industries at appropriate locations, in accordance with the relevant development and environmental standards;  Support and strengthen the capability and quality of research and development functions in the County;  Continue to support the development and growth of the agri-business sector in County Carlow and aid such businesses where feasible;  Promote a broad concept of rural development and not one based solely on agriculture or other dominant natural resource;  Maintain and enhance the existing rural community to ensure vibrant sustainable rural areas;  Ensure that the rural environment will be respected and that development in rural areas will take place in a sustainable manner;  Rural Development will be subject to Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive;  Continue building on the strengths of the County, giving priority to sustainably developing the tourism product, festivals and events and to consolidate the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors in County Carlow;  Encourage new investment in the Tourism sector with specific reference to accommodation in terms of choice, location and quality of product;  Encourage and facilitate the development of ‘green’ industries, including industries relating to renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, and waste recycling and conservation;  Work under the guidance of the South East Regional Authority’s Bioenergy Implementation Plan;  Provide for quarry and extractive development where it can be demonstrated that the development would not result in a reduction of the visual amenity of designated scenic area, to residential amenities or give rise to potential damage to areas of scientific, geological, botanical, zoological and other natural significance including all designated European Sites;  Take a positive approach to applications for agricultural developments generally, subject to the protection of ground waters, residential amenities, designated habitats and the landscape;  To capitalise on the potential for the growth in food processing in the county;  Support the redevelopment and reintroduction of the sugar beet and associated industry into County Carlow;  Promote and assist the further development of the fishing industry in County Carlow, as a major attraction throughout the County and beyond;  Promote and assist the further development of services provided along the rivers Barrow and Slaney and their tributaries for enhancing the growth and promotion of this industry further, especially as a tourist activity;  Ensure any new major aquaculture projects will be environmentally sustainable and have a limited impact on the visual amenity of the area;  The development of services along water courses will be subject to Appropriate Assessment in accordance with Article 6 of the Habitats Directive;

 Recognise the importance of financial services companies and facilitate their development;  Seek to accommodate afforestation throughout the county where it is deemed appropriate, both native broadleaf and coniferous species and in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the county;  Support and promote the importance of the arts and the craft sectors in Carlow for tourism, employment and quality of life;  Recognise the contribution of the public sector to the economic life of the county and to facilitate the future location of new public services in the county;  Actively support and facilitate the provision of advanced communication networks and services throughout the County, providing installation of such does not negatively impinge on the landscape or local environment;  Support start-up businesses within the home throughout the county;  Advise on and support the relocation of home based businesses to alternative, more suitable locations within the County, if required;  Look upon favourably and promote the redevelopment of brownfield sites for industrial, energy-related uses or suitably deemed appropriate uses;  Prepare renewal advice briefs and schemes, in respect of obsolete and derelict areas, with a view towards their redevelopment;  Strive to develop the amenities and the infrastructure of towns and villages throughout the county with the aim of encouraging redevelopment.

Carlow Logistics Park

Following an evidence based economic assessment by Future Analytics Consulting on behalf of Carlow County Council, it has been concluded that Carlow has identifiable potential for a regional logistics park that could function as a vital conduit for employment led growth in County Carlow, the South East and the wider economy.

The report states that the future economic development of Carlow and the South East must be grounded in a clear appreciation of the national context and the contribution the county can make in continuing the path towards more balanced economic growth. Given its key strategic location with excellent connectivity links to the Greater Dublin Area and the key national freight gateways of the Port of Waterford and Rosslare Europort, the provision of a regional logistics park in Carlow will provide a considerable asset in reinforcing and enhancing future economic development.

Demographics Population Ireland has experienced a population growth of 30.1% over the past 20 years with the South East region population base increasing at a comparative rate (29.9%). Carlow however, has experienced higher levels of population growth at 33.4% over the same period. According to the 2011 Census the population of Carlow is 54,612, of which 27,431 (50%) are males and 27,818 (50%) are females. Table 1 highlights the population trends between 1996 and 2011. Table 1: Population Trends between 1996 – 2011

Population Trends State Leinster Carlow 1996 3,626,087 1,924,702 41,616 2002 3,917,203 2,105,579 46,014 2006 4,239,848 2,295,123 50,349 2011 4,588,252 2,504,814 54,612 Source: CSO 2006, 2011

The population growth that has been experienced in County Carlow can be largely attributed to external and internal migration (due to Carlow’s proximity to Dublin) as well as a natural increase in population. The 2011 census data identified that the fastest growing EDs in Carlow, between the periods of 2006-2011, were rural namely, Myshall (52.9%), Fenagh (42.2%) and Tullow Rural (37.1%). However no ED experienced a doubling of its population as is typified in the fastest growing areas in other counties.

Linked to the strong population growth, County Carlow recorded a higher change in population density (30.9%) over the period 1996 – 2006, compared to the regional and national figures 27.1% and 29.3% respectively. (Table 2) Table 2 - Population Density Change 1996 – 2011

Area Population Population Population Population Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Density Density Density Density Population Population Population Population (Sq Km) (Sq Km) (Sq Km) (Sq Km) Density Density Density Density 2011 2006 2002 1996 Change Change Change Change 1996-2002 2002-2006 2006-2011 1996-2011

Carlow 61.0 56.4 51.5 46.6 10.6% 9.4% 8.1% 30.9%

South 52.9 48.9 45.0 41.6 8.2% 8.8% 8.1% 27.1% East

National 67.0 60.6 56.0 51.8 8.0% 8.2% 10.0% 29.3%

Source: CSO 2006, 2011

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the population density for County Carlow at 61.0 people per square kilometre is below the national level of 67.6, thus indicating a relatively high level of population dispersal in the County which gives rise to the issue of social inclusion and rural isolation. In fact some rural EDs (e.g. Rathanna) in the County have recorded a population density as low as 4.8 people per square kilometre.

Age Profile

In Carlow 44% of the population are aged between 15-44 years which is higher than the South East regional level of 42%, but comparable to the national level at 44.2%. Further analysis of the age profile reveals that the proportion of people aged 75 years and older was higher in Carlow at 7.6% than the South East Region at 5.4% and the national figure of 5.2%.

There has been a continuous decline in the age dependency rate (the proportion of population under 15 years of age or over 64 as part of the total population) throughout Ireland in the period between 1991 and 2006, from 38.1% (1991) to 31.4% (2006) but this figure increased to 33.0% in 2011. There was a significant decline in County Carlow during the same period between 1991 and 2006 (39.0% to 31.5%) and similar to the national trend this figure increased to 33.6% in 2011. Most noticeably within Carlow, there exists a typical urban-rural differential with age dependency rates in Carlow Urban at 30.0% and age dependency rates exceeding 40% in four EDs, Kyle (42.5%), Ridge (40.7%), Rathrush (40.3%) and Haroldstown (40.2%).

Education

In 2011, 1.9% of the total population of Carlow reported no formal or primary education compared to 1.4% at national level. More specifically, 14.3% cited educational attainment at lower secondary level compared to 16.6% at national level. The table below further details the education attainment of the population in Carlow in 2011.

Table 3 - Educational Attainment in Carlow 2011

Population Population Population Population Population Age Age no formal lower upper technical 3rd level education education or primary secondary secondary or education ceased ceased education education education vocational % < or = 15 > or = 20 % % % education % % % Carlow 17.3 20.0 20.2 10.6 24.3 12.2 49.5% South 17.2 20.6 21.5 9.8 24.1 14.5 55.7% East National 16.9 17.4 21.0 9.0 30.6 12.9 50.3% Source: CSO 2011

There has been a continuous improvement in the level of education amongst adults over the past 15 years throughout Ireland. In 1991, 36.7% of the adult population reported having primary education. This dropped to half that level (18.9%) in 2006 and

32 dropped significantly in 2011 to 13.8%. This trend is continued in Carlow with a decline in the population with primary education from 38.1% in 1991 to 14.3% in 2011. This is a reduction of 23.9 % (compared to 22.9% percentage points nationally), and represents a level and rate of change just marginally above that of the national average.

Despite the improvement at county level, there are several rural EDs where considerable parts of the adult population have primary education only. These include Coonogue (34.8%), Ballymurphy (26.4%) and Graigue rural (26.4%).

DEIS Status

There are 8 schools with DEIS status in Carlow namely; (1) Holy Family Girls and Boys National School in Askea, (2) Carlow Town Educate Together NS, (3) Bhride National School (4) Scoil Naomh Abban in Carlow, (5) Carlow Vocational School, (6) St Joseph’s Hacketstown, (7) Vocational School Muine Bheag (8) Naomh Fhingin in Bagenalstown.

The census 2011 figures show that 12.2% of the population of County Carlow ceased education and left the system at or before the age of 15 years, compared to 14.5 % in the South East Region and the state at 12.9%.

Third level

In 1991, 13.0% of the national adult population had completed third level education growing to 30.6% in 2011. The proportion of Carlow’s population who have availed of third level education has grown from 9.3% to 24.3% between1991-2011. However despite this increase Carlow continues to lag behind in terms of third level attainment compared to the national level (30.6%) but is consistent with the South East region as a whole (24.1%)

Table 4: Third Level Educational Attainment 2011

Area Population Education Ceased % Population with 3rd Level (excl ‘not stated’) Education Carlow 23288 24.3 South East 240,017 24.1 National 2,153,921 30.6 Source: CSO 2011

As noted in the Carlow rural development strategy 2007- 2013 the downward trend of the population leaving education before the age of 15 is welcome but does not in any way compensate for the low level of third level education attainment in the short to medium term. This continues to present a challenge to Carlow in that a highly skilled population will be necessary to attract new investment, particularly multi-nationals. This is key in order to offset the decline in the agricultural, manufacturing and construction sectors.

Housing Structure

According to the Trutz Haase research, a 1.9% decrease in the population of local authority housing at national level was recorded over the past 20 years, from 9.8% to 7.9%. The south east has declined by 1.1% from 10.2% to 9.1%, during the same period. Carlow has experienced a marginal increase in the proportion of local authority housing from 8.5% to 8.9%. The highest concentration of local authority housing is found in Muinebheag Urban (18.0%), Tullow Urban (17.5%) and Carlow Urban/Rural (15.7%).

Disadvantage

Geographical Disadvantage

The Pobal Haase‐Pratschke Deprivation Index (HP Index hereafter) comprises successive deprivation indices based on the Census of Population, 1991‐2011. This HP Index rates small areas as ranking either extremely affluent, very affluent, affluent, marginally above average, marginally below average, disadvantaged, very disadvantaged and extremely disadvantaged.

Table 5 HP Index scores

Score Level of Disadvantage 20 to 30 Very Affluent Medium 10 to 20 Affluent Medium 0 to 10 Marginally Above Average 0 to ‐10 Marginally Below Average ‐10 to ‐20 Disadvantaged ‐20 to ‐30 ‐ Very Disadvantaged Below ‐30 Extremely Disadvantaged

The absolute HP Index score for Ireland is -6.78 and the South East Region is -5.76. In comparison, the absolute score for Carlow is -10.41. A spatial analysis of the HP index score for Carlow highlights that specific areas within the county are ranked as ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘very disadvantaged’.

Table 6 - Geographical Disadvantage

ED Score Level of Disadvantage Graigue Urban -12.70 Disadvantaged Hacketstown -10.9 Disadvantaged Rathvilly -10.81 Disadvantaged Carlow Urban -9.48 Marginally Below Average Bagenalstown -9.38 Marginally Below Average Tullow -8.18 Marginally Below Average

Disadvantaged Groups

New Communities (including refugees/ asylum seekers)

The 2011 Census revealed that there are 5,997 foreign nationals in County Carlow, making up 11% of the county’s population. These were concentrated in Carlow Urban (699) and Rural (2,527); Graigue Urban (154); Bagenalstown Urban (304) and Tullow Urban (667). This means that, for example, in the Bagenalstown area, 6.2% of the population is of non-Irish ethnicity.

The largest ethnic group comprises members of the Polish community (2,278) who have mainly settled in the principle urban centres (Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown) and their immediate hinterlands. Tullow is the town with the 4th highest percentage of Poles in Ireland. However, the primarily rural area of Cranemore has 129 individuals of Polish origin, making up 12.13% of this ED. There are 227 Lithuanian nationals in the county with 127 living in Carlow Rural (127). Clusters of other EU nationals (excluding UK in origin) are situated in Carlow Rural (557) and Tullow Urban (173). Foreign nationals from outside the EU are concentrated in Carlow Urban (217) and Rural (500).

Traveller Communities

The highest concentration of members of the traveller community in the county is found in the North of the county, stretching from Carlow Town to Tullow.

Table 7 ED’s with highest concentration of members of the Traveller community

ED Name Numbers Carlow Rural 209 Carlow Urban 47 Cranemore 38 Tullowbeg 34

Outside of these 4 areas the majority of EDs in Co. Carlow have a lower proportion than the national average or have no members of the Traveller community.

Persons with disabilities

In absolute terms, as seen in the 2011 Census, there are 7,482 disabled persons in County Carlow, which means that the proportion of disabled persons in County Carlow (13.7%) is marginally higher that the national average (13%).

Table 8 Breakdown of persons with disabilities in Carlow Age Number 0 – 14 years 715 15 – 64 years 4,340 Over 65 years 2,427 Source: CSO 2011

Proportion of Older persons

Due to a number of factors, including better health care, Ireland’s population is increasingly ageing. In 2011, just under 12% of the population were aged 65 and older, but the CSO predicts that this will increase to approximately 16% by 2026. A similar pattern can be expected in Carlow where there were 6,211 persons over the age of 65 years resident in the county in 2011, equating to 11.7% of the total population, consistent with the national average. In Carlow, approximately 58% of older persons live in the rural parts of the county However, there is a higher proportion in Carlow in the 65 to 69 age category (32.7%) in comparison to the 85 years and over age category (10.4%). EDs situated in rural areas of the south and west such as Rathanna and Borris have a considerably older age profile in comparison to other locations. Research carried out by Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP) regarding the needs of 250 Older Persons above the age of 65 who are registered with its “Care and Repair” Service stated that in County Carlow, approximately 58% of older persons live in the rural parts of the county3. CCDP’s research has found that they are susceptible to a double type of exclusion, the first being caused by increasing age and reduced mobility, the second by social exclusion and difficulty in accessing services. While there is often a perception that older people in rural areas have strong family networks, this is frequently not the case4. Furthermore, as services tend to follow density of population, many rural areas are left without important public and social services (Walsh & O’Shea, 2009),5 and many of the participants in CCDP’s survey

3 Connelly et al., (2012) Rural Ageing in Ireland, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology. 4 Connelly et al., (2012) Rural Ageing in Ireland, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology. 5 Walsh, K., O’Shea, E. (2009).The Role of Migrant Care Workers in Ageing Societies: Context and Experiences in Ireland. Irish Centre for Social Gerontology

reported increased isolation as a result. This finding was confirmed in the recent 2014 AIRO index.

One parent families (Lone Parents)

One parent families make up 21.1% of all families in Carlow in 2011, which is very similar to the national average, where 35.4% of all births in 2013 were outside of marriage, most of which were to women between the ages of 25 to 40. However, within the county, CSO figures show that some urban areas have rates which are high by comparison with national rates.

Table 9 One parent families

Areas Percentage of families as one parent families Carlow Urban/Rural 36.0% Graigue Urban 30.6% Hacketstown 30.5% Bagenalstown 28.35% Tullow Urban 26.32% Rathvilly 45.5% Rathoran 25% Source: CSO 2011

One parent families are the household type with the highest poverty and deprivation rates in Ireland (SVDP, 2014). In 2011 28.4% of one parent families were at risk of poverty, with 16.4% experiencing consistent poverty and 56% experiencing deprivation (CSO, 2012). Recent research in the Growing up in Ireland report shows that the risk of poverty was highest in one-parent families, where the main carer was under 25 years when a child was born and where the main carer had a Junior Cert level of education or lower.

Labour Market

Work Force

The distribution of Carlow’s population by principal economic status is shown in Table 9 below. The CSO 2011 statistics reveals a relatively lower percentage of the population in employment in Carlow (46%) compared to the National level (50%). This relatively lower percentage of the population of Carlow at work is also reflected in the relatively higher levels of unemployment.

Table 10 Principle Economic Status Principle Economic Status Carlow South National % East % % At work 46 48 50 Looking for first regular job 1 1 1 Unemployed having lost or given up previous job 13 12 11 Student 12 10 11 Looking after home/family 10 10 10 Retired 12 14 13 Unable to work due to permanent sickness or 6 5 4 disability Total aged 15 years and over 100% 100% 100% Source: CSO 2011

According to the 2011 Census, the daytime working population (resident and no- resident) of Carlow in 2011 was 19,502 with commerce and trade being the largest industry. A further breakdown of the workforce in Carlow by industry is contained in Table 11.

Table 11 - Principle Economic Status Industry Population % Agriculture, forestry and fishing 1,411 7.2% Building and construction 1,070 5.5% Manufacturing industries 2,469 12.7% Commerce and trade 4,993 25.6% Transport and communications 986 5% Public administration 1,068 5.5% Professional services 4,304 22.1% Other 3,201 16.4% Total 19,502 100% Source: CSO 2011

Unemployment

The economic downturn after 2007 has strongly affected the unemployment rates with unemployed in 2011 surpassing the 1991 levels. In November 2015, there were 5,386 people on the live register in Carlow of which 41% are female and 59% male. A profile of those unemployed in Carlow is detailed in table 12. Table 12 Unemployment Levels in Carlow (November 2015)

Social Welfare Office Sex Under 25 25 years Total years and over Carlow Female 178 1,027 1,205 Male 280 1,548 1,828 Total 458 2,575 3,033 Muinebheag (Bagenalstown) Female 74 399 473 Male 91 621 712 Total 165 1,020 1,185 Tullow Female 80 465 545 Male 81 542 623 Total 161 1,007 1,168 Grand Total 784 4,602 5,386 Source: DSP 2015

A high level of those unemployed reside in Carlow urban (32-36) with a noticeable concentration of unemployment in Rathvilly and Hacketstown and Tullow East.

Young Unemployed Persons in disadvantaged areas and Youth at risk

In Ireland, the youth unemployment rate peaked at around 31% in the second quarter of 2012 but it has since declined to 26% in the first quarter of 2014. In November 2015, the actual number of people under 25 on the Live Register is as follows:

Table 13 - Youth unemployment in Carlow

Male Female Carlow County 539 359 Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) 109 78 Carlow 345 206 Tullow 85 75 Source: DSP Nov 2015

Section 3: Local Economic and Community Plan Development Process

Process

The approach taken to the development of the LECP was to build a socio economic profile of Carlow looking at the demographics, sectoral, employment and education data for the county. The LECP takes account of key policies at local, national and European level. Stakeholder workshops were held to undertake a SWOT analysis of the six themes identified for the LECP. From the SWOT analysis a series of high level goals, strategic objectives and actions were developed for each of the six themes. The following is the process of development:

• Identification of High Level Goals Stage 1

• Prepare Framework Statement Stage 2

• Develop Objectives and Actions of Stage 3 Draft LECP

• Consultation on Draft LECP Stage 4

• Finalise Plan Stage 5

• Implementation, Monitoring and Stage 6 Review

Stage 1 – Identification of High Level Goals

1. Establishment of LECP Advisory Steering Group. 2. Initial stakeholder consultation with public to identify needs. 3. Workshops with agencies to identify priorities. 4. Undertake socio-economic profile of County. 5. Review of relevant high level strategies and plans. 6. Identify High Level Goals.

Stage 2 – Prepare Framework Statement

7. Develop a Framework Statement. 8. Approval of Framework Statement by LCDC and SPC. 9. Submit Framework Statement to Regional Assembly.

Stage 3 – Develop Objectives and Actions of Draft LECP

10. Complete detailed socio-economic analysis of County. 11. Analysis of socio-economic data including SWOT analysis. 12. Develop Actions for Economic and Community element of Plan. 13. Identify roles and responsibilities of Agencies in delivery of Actions. 14. Identify Performance Indicators. 15. Prepare Draft LECP. 16. Approval of Draft LECP by LCDC and SPC.

Stage 4 – Consultation on Draft LECP

17. Advertise for public consultation. 18. Consult with relevant public funded agencies. 19. Submit to Southern Regional Assembly. 20. Finalise Plan. 21. Prepare report on consultations.

Stage 5 – Finalise Plan

22. Update draft LECP based on feedback from consultation. 23. Consideration of final Plan by LCDC and SPC. 24. Carlow County Council to consider and adopt LECP. 25. Publish Plan.

Stage 6 - Implementation, Monitoring and Review

26. Submit to Department of Environment Community and Local Government. 27. Develop Implementation Monitoring and Review mechanism. 28. Commence Implementation of Plan. 29. Monitoring and Review.

Section 4: SWOT Analysis

Living in County Carlow

“Our vision is to create vibrant, sustainable, self-determining communities that have the social, cultural and economic well-being of all its people at their core, built upon a shared understanding of their needs and aspirations and where both participative and local democracy provides individuals with the opportunity, means, confidence, and skills to influence, shape and participate in decision-making structures and processes that affect them and their communities.” (Draft Framework Policy for Local and Community Development, 2016 – Department of Environment, Community and Local Government)

In line with this vision the goal of this plan is to ensure that all persons living in Carlow will be able to access affordable housing, live safely in their communities, be supported in living active healthy lifestyles, have access to education and employment, have access to provision of affordable childcare and have lifelong learning opportunities and that they will have a meaningful role in influencing and shaping how these vital services are delivered and sustained.

Living in County Carlow SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Strong community spirit; pride in • Isolation in rural communities communities • Concentration of Services in urban • Strong volunteering culture; areas backbone of communities • Access to employment • Diverse communities • Access to affordable childcare • Collaborative approach between • Aging profile of volunteers agencies • Lack of affordable accommodation • Responsiveness of agencies to • Lack of Economic Provision of changing needs of communities Sustainable Transport • Good range of services for youth, • Limited Access to mental health family support, people with services especially for young people disabilities, travelling community, mental health, social inclusion etc. • Age friendly county • Strong heritage credentials • Geographical size of Carlow Living in County Carlow SWOT Analysis OPPORTUNITIES THREATS • Enhance the Volunteer Culture in county Carlow • Changes in Government policy; • Encourage integration through emphasis on job activation and different communities; promote economic development will impact advocacy and build relationships on community development and • Development of projects and social inclusion initiatives programmes for Intergenerational • Increasing elderly population work • Availability of support solutions for • Tourism an ageing population • Change of Government Policy

towards economic models of social/public support services • Rural Crime • Environmental pollution

County Carlow is widely known for its strong vibrant communities as evidenced by the participation of significant numbers of these villages and towns in the National Tidy Towns awards, Co-Operation Ireland Pride of Place, ‘Entente Floral’ and the County Carlow Pride of Place competition and the great successes achieved both internationally, nationally and locally. This has created a rich tapestry of beautiful and well-kept villages and towns that individuals obviously take pride in and create places that are very attractive to live in, work in and visit. This invaluable work which is led by the significant voluntary efforts of these communities must be adequately supported and sustained through adequate provision of resources and access to capacity building opportunities.

The urban areas of the county have significant social and economic infrastructure and services including two Institutions of Higher Education (IT Carlow and Carlow College); Teagasc Agricultural Research Centre; VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre; engineering; manufacturing; service based industries and retail businesses etc. However these urban areas have suffered decline due to the recent economic downturn where main streets suffered from closure of retail outlets and subsequent dereliction and now require regeneration solutions. Also, throughout the County, there are a number of marginalised communities that have been left without adequate social infrastructure and services and this needs to be addressed.

Whilst urban areas have become home to a significant number of new communities who are now making a major contribution to the diversity and cultural life in Carlow, there are issues of integration that require to be addressed.

There are large numbers of small rural communities throughout the county of Carlow. Facilities available vary considerably in these areas but generally include a mixture of schools, shops, places of worship, post offices, public houses, playing fields and other community and sporting facilities. Due to the downturn in the economy and the need to deliver efficiency in services, this poses a major threat to the fabric of rural communities through the closure of these services such as post offices, garda stations and this gives rise to a feeling of isolation for many communities.

The challenge therefore is to enable rural communities and the relevant agencies to work together in order to address these issues that seriously threaten rural living and in the long-term create a Rural Carlow that is sustainable and dynamic.

Research has shown that strongly connected communities are a source of social support and wellbeing for those who live there, whilst communities that lack this connection can experience significant strain and stress. People living in strong communities feel proud to live there, have a number of opportunities to develop personally and socially and become part of decisions that affect their area. They are characterised by strong inclusive local leadership and active community involvement.

As already mentioned, well-being is vital for any community where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health to their full potential, where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society and is everyone’s responsibility. “Health is a personal, social and economic good, and the health and wellbeing of individuals, and of the population as a whole, is Ireland’s most valuable resource. ...This means that all sectors of society and the whole of Government need to be proactively involved in improving the health and wellbeing of the population” (HI, Healthy Ireland – A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013 -2025, Department of Health)

It is widely recognised that the community and voluntary sector plays a crucial role in sustaining and developing a vibrant and inclusive society. Since 2000 there have been a number of strategies, initiatives for change and policy paper frameworks supporting, promoting and recognizing the need for statutory and community and voluntary agencies to work in partnership with communities to bring about positive change and cohesion in communities.

The establishment of County and City Development Boards arose from the challenge posed at that time by the need for co-ordination of public service delivery at the point of delivery to the individual. In Ireland a large number of separate agencies and groups had been dealing with matters such as industrial development, local development, education and health.

Most recently the reforms in local government, as outlined in the Action Programme for Effective Local Government – ‘Putting People First’ and enacted in the Local Government Reform Act 2014, now position local government as the primary vehicle of governance and public service at local level and this happens through the recently established LCDCs. In addition to structural, financial and representational reform, the reforms include measures which emphasise the need for more inclusive policy making processes and for local authorities to secure greater individual engagement and involvement in these processes.

In County Carlow, Communities and Agencies enjoy strong and positive working relationships and have a strong culture of interagency collaboration. This is particularly evident from the significant increase in the number and quality of community interagency groups and the development of a number of strong, successful interagency projects and partnerships which were able to be developed and sustained through some very challenging times i.e. County Carlow Local Sports Partnership; Carlow Volunteer Centre; Traveller Interagency Group; RAPID Programme and more recently Carlow Age Friendly Initiative and the Children and Young Persons Services Committee.

In County Carlow, while much good work has been done, there was a strong sense expressed, during the Public and Stakeholder consultation process in preparation for this plan, that the economic downturn has left community development work fragmented with some resources gone completely and this is a challenge that must be addressed during the lifetime of this plan.

Based on the above it is the aim of this plan that Carlow will have vibrant, resilient and sustainable communities, where individuals and families will have a good quality of life and have access to quality public services when required. An integral part of the plan will be the promotion of social inclusion and equality where all individuals in County Carlow will have equal opportunities to access, participate and engage in the social and economic life of the County. This will be achieved by the following working together i.e. Individuals of County Carlow, Elected Members of Carlow County Council and relevant agencies both Statutory and Non-Statutory using community development principles.

Living in Carlow - High End Goals

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow Profile the following strategic high level goal supported by seven strategic objectives for living in Carlow were formulated

Theme High End Goal Strategic Objectives

1. Living in Carlow Build thriving, 1.1 To empower individuals to actively resilient, participate sustainable and inclusive 1.2 To create, empower and support communities leaders and build capacity Community Development 1.3 To develop sustainable cooperatives and social enterprises and community facilities identified by communities

1.4 To enhance community well-being, health and safety

1.5 To deliver integrated and sustainable community services to address social exclusion and poverty

1.6 To share, protect and sustain the environment and receiving environment

1.7 To sustain, nurture and promote arts, culture and heritage

Doing Business & Working in County Carlow

County Carlow provides an attractive base for the development of work and employment creation.

Carlow County Council, the business community and a network of national and local agencies collaborate to provide a key enabling role in a myriad of activities which result in a job dividend. Factors that make a location attractive for both firms and their employees are the key to a successful economic development strategy. Carlow has a pivotal location as a County Town in the South East Region with a strong relationship to the Midlands and South Leinster Region. The county has a highly educated workforce, two Institutions of Higher Education plus the National Crops Biotechnology Research Centre at Teagasc Oak Park, substantial infrastructural developments and proximity to both Dublin and the major transport hubs, all of which present Carlow as an ideal location for business.

Carlow’s strategic location close to Dublin has been enhanced by the opening of the M9 motorway from Dublin to Waterford. Recent private sector investments include Merck Sharp & Dohme, one of the world’s 65 largest pharmaceutical companies, resulting in the creation of circa 400 new jobs (between full-time and contract). Walsh Whiskey Distillery is investing €25 million in a world-class Distillery and Visitor Centre in Bagenalstown, with the creation of 55 permanent and 40 temporary jobs. US company Unum has created in excess of 100 new jobs to date, while home grown Carlow company Netwatch, has engaged in a multimillion-euro expansion at home and abroad. Other organisations in expansion mode include Integrated Communications Ltd. Carlow; Autolaunch Automotive Industry and Manufacturing Plant in Bagenalstown (part of Magna Inc); Carlow Brewing Company in Bagenalstown; Burnside Autocyl in Tullow; Keenan’s Manufacturing Plant in Borris (agricultural machinery) together with continuing development by indigenous manufacturing and export companies such as Burnside Group, PB Machines, Oglesby & Butler and Tanco.

The Irish economy is undertaking a profound transition from a failed model built around debt, construction and housing to one based on innovation, enterprise and exports. The daytime working population (resident and non-resident) of Carlow in 2011 was 19,502 with commerce and trade being the largest industry.

Labour activity according to the industrial sector is similarly matched between Carlow and the South Eastern Economic Catchment with a strong presence of manufacturing, commerce and trade and professional services within both areas. Whilst the industrial sector classification used in Census data is considered broad, these dominant sectors in Carlow and the South Eastern Economic Catchment would indicate a significant export and logistics orientated dynamic within industries in these areas.

In preparing the LECP it was acknowledged that the nature of work was changing due to a number of factors. In prior generations, a job for life was the expectation and now it is acknowledged that people are likely to have several careers and at least 6-10 jobs in ones working life. More and more people are seeing themselves, therefore, as self- employed, in attitude if not in reality, offering a portfolio of solutions to a willing, fluid marketplace.

It has been widely acknowledged that better education and better technology provide more flexibility to work part-time or flexi-time, to job-share and to work from home. It is important that the LECP will promote, encourage and facilitate the development of interventions which develop high quality jobs in a variety of sectors.

Economic Assessment

The economy of Carlow is based primarily on manufacturing, agriculture, retailing and services. An overview of each sector is outlined below.

Manufacturing

Recent private sector investments include Merck Sharp & Dohme, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, resulting in the creation of circa 400 new jobs. Walsh Whiskey Distillery Company is investing €25m in a world-class Distillery and Visitor Centre in Bagenalstown with the creation of 55 permanent and 40 temporary jobs. US company Unum, has created in excess of 100 new jobs to date, while Carlow based company Netwatch has engaged in a multimillion euro expansion both on the domestic and international fronts. Other organisations indicating growth include Autolaunch, Integrated Communications Ltd, Keenan’s Manufacturing Plant in Borris together with continuing development by indigenous manufacturing and export companies such as Burnside Group, PB Machines, Oglesby & Butler, Tanco and Whitelite.

Services

Carlow has been the recipient of 2 major retail developments – the Carlow Retail Park and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre. The Carlow Retail Park (12,635 gross sq. m.) accommodates one of the largest Woodies DIY stores in Ireland (5,017 gross sq. m) providing approximately 600 surface car parking spaces close to the town centre. The Fairgreen Shopping Centre opened nearby in 2002 and has recently completed Phase 2 of its construction. Anchored by Tescos and Heatons it comprises a total of 18,000 gross sq. m. and accommodates retailers such as River Island and Next.

Retail

The retail sector has contributed significantly to employment and to the economic growth of the county in more recent years. The major retail outlets are located in Carlow Town and some medium sized food retailers are located in the county towns of Bagenalstown and Tullow which provides them with critical mass they require for their business to thrive.

Agriculture & Agri-business

Agriculture continues to play a very important role in our economy and the agri-food sector is one of the most dynamic and important indigenous industries in the Irish economy. The sector remains one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries, accounting for 7.7% of gross value added at factor cost and providing 8% of employment. Furthermore, the agri-food sector sources 74% of raw materials and services from Irish suppliers, compared to 40% for all manufacturing concerns. Low import dependence and the low level of profit repatriation in the industry means that the net inflow of funds to the Irish economy from these exports is much higher than that from other sectors. Therefore, every €100 from the exports from the bio-sector (agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, and drink industries) contributes around €52 to GNP while the ‘non bio-sector’ equivalent contributes around €19.

Ireland’s vision for the agri-food sector is encapsulated in the Food Harvest 2020 report, which proposes a strategy of Smart, Green, Growth that will map the future direction of the agri-food sector up to 2020. The targets agreed by the industry are challenging and it is a tribute to the hard work and global vision of the sector that such ambitious goals have been agreed. (Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, 2012)

Agriculture and Food in Carlow

According to the County Development Plan 2015 – 2021, Agriculture has traditionally been the mainstay of rural economies and while it has experienced major change in the past 30 years, it will continue to play an important role in County Carlow. However this sector is now more multifaceted than what it was previously with a number of new emerging non-agricultural resource based dependent activities such as agri-food.

Agriculture in Carlow supports thousands of jobs in the rural economy, both directly in food & drink processing and also in the wider agri-industry, including input suppliers, agricultural contractors, jobs in auctioneering, transport and engineering and in accountancy, legal, veterinary and other agri advisory services.

The Central Statistics Office, Census of Agriculture 2010 and Teagasc National Farm Survey Results 2012, provide the most up to date figures on the Agricultural sector within the county. There is therefore a distinct absence of up to date data. However, Carlow can be considered to follow the national trends in relation to the sector as it follows national policy which in turn is strongly influenced by EU policy. According to (Central Statistics Office, 2010) of the 89,700 hectares in the county of Carlow the area used for agricultural is 70,637 hectares, 79%of the county.

Agri-Enterprise

Agriculture in Carlow supports hundreds of jobs in the rural economy, both directly in food and drink processing and also in the wider agri- industry, including input suppliers, agricultural contractors, jobs in auctioneering, transport and engineering and in accountancy, legal, veterinary and other agri- advisory services. The main agri- business currently within County Carlow are Kepak, Ballon Meats Ltd, Leinster Marts, Tullow Livestock Sales, Keenan & Co, Hi Spec Engineering and Tanco Autowrap.

Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

In the preparation of the strategy a variety of community stakeholders engaged and participated in a series of development workshops including a SWOT Analysis to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to doing business and working in Carlow. The following table is a summary of the internal and external strengths and opportunities for development identified:

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Strategic Location; easy to network • Unemployment • Good support infrastructure for • Lack of affordable child care start-ups and business development • Strong engineering sector; creating new products and materials for export markets • Strong IT sector • Good Education Infrastructure – 2 Institutions of Higher Education - Young population; pool of skilled graduates • Strong agri-sector • Mixed skills farmer population; technical and agricultural • Good facilities, e.g. Oak Park Research facility, IT Carlow Doing Business and Working in County Carlow SWOT OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

• Create niche for Carlow building on engineering track record and skills • Trend for businesses to locate in • Industrial, business and retail space large urban locations; challenging for available Carlow to compete • Employment opportunities; existing • Need for a clear reemployment businesses are starting to rehire; link strategy and plan with back to work services • Shortage of Quality Housing Stock • Explore alternative enterprises for agri-sector • Development of artisan food based businesses • Take advantage of pool of skilled graduates • Plug into Diaspora • Rivers , Mountains & Natural Resources • Product Development as part of Ireland’s Ancient East • Pool of older skilled people, particularly in the engineering field, who have a lot to offer but cannot get work

High End Goal

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow Profile the following strategic high level goal supported by ten strategic objectives for ‘doing business and working in Carlow’ were formulated

Theme High End Goals Strategic Objectives

Doing business and Strengthen and 2.1 To create leaders and build working in Carlow promote a thriving capacity and sustainable 2.2 To facilitate the development of an enterprise culture innovative and entrepreneurial Economic in County Carlow culture Development 2.3 To develop a sustainable rural economy, facilitated by community centres (linked to social enterprise) 2.4 Revitalisation of rural towns and villages through investment in people, communities and in the natural heritage and physical environment 2.5 To grow and further develop key sectors 2.6 Encourage people to purchase locally 2.7 To maximise employment and apprenticeship opportunities 2.8 Create local conditions to encourage business growth and expansion 2.9 Ensure development of an age friendly business culture 2.10 Build digital capacity of Carlow businesses and retailers

Education, Upskilling & Professional Development

County Carlow provides a significant opportunity base for Economic and Community Development in the context of studying and upskilling. The provision of adequate education facilities can lead to the increased attractiveness of an area for the location of businesses and families and increased development and prosperity.

A balanced approach to the support of a diverse society in the context of studying and upskilling is of paramount importance to the development of a balanced economic and community plan. The LECP must take a cradle to grave approach to lifelong learning taking into account the resources from childcare to adult education.

Further education and Training (FET) as well as third and fourth level educational facilities are significant to the economy, culture and excellence of County Carlow and its people. The continuing expansion of further and higher education and training is important to the social, cultural and economic life of the town and county. Carlow has a strong educational and upskilling base with further and higher education, training and upskilling courses offered at the Institute of Technology Carlow; Carlow College (St. Patrick’s); Teagasc Research Centre; Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB); Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet and Saint Catherine’s Community Services Centre

The development of a link between studying and up skilling and business has been highlighted in the Action Plan for Jobs 2016 and the requirement to link education, training and skill development with the requirements of business from a SME, indigenous and FDI level.

In the preparation of the strategy a variety of community stakeholders engaged and participated in a series of development workshops including a SWOT Analysis to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to Studying and Upskilling and Professional Development in Carlow. The following table is a summary of the internal and external strengths and opportunities for development identified:

Education, Upskilling & Professional Development in County Carlow SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS Two Institutions of Higher Education WEAKNESSES Strong Second Level Offering Second Level Expansion Plans Insufficent Number of places for further Foundation Formed for Regional Skills Forum education for Under 25's Postitive Engagement in Enterprise Education Lack of Supported Childcare Provision for Educational Places Access to Continious Development No-Dedicated Solas Funded Training Centre Access for people with disabilities Ingergrated Use of Resources by Stakeholders in Education & learning

Education , Upskilling & Professional Development SWOT

OPPORTUNITIES University for the South East Regional Skills Forum THREATS/CHALLENGES Development of Information Tools for Education & Skills Intergrated approach to FDI & Enterprise Over focus on Economic Development Development Proximity Challenges Leverage of FDI Client Base Enhancement of Industry Base Development of new Further Education College Population Growth Requirement for a Strong Carlow Education Brand

High End Goal

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow Profile the following strategic high level goal supported by four strategic objectives for ’ education, upskilling & professional development in Carlow were formulated

Theme High End Goals Strategic Objectives

Education, Up-skilling & Ensure access to 3.1 To support the establishment of a professional development education and Technology University for the in Carlow skills for all South East members of 3.2 Support Carlow College and IT communities Carlow in their collaboration with Shared other partner institutes 3.3 To connect employers with education and skills development providers to address vocational training needs 3.4 Community education; empowerment, well-being

Visiting County Carlow

County Carlow provides a significant opportunity base for Economic and Community Development in the context of Tourism. The county offers a broad range of amenities, both indoor and outdoor. A strong tourism industry improves the attractiveness of the area for businesses and families. Tourism harbours growth, prosperity and development.

County Carlow has a vast amount of amenities which draws in tourists each year. There are many outdoor amenities such as the Black Stairs on Mount Leinster; the River Barrow Way; Golf Courses in Carlow, Tullow and Borris; Oak Park Forest Park; Altamont Gardens, Duckett’s Grove etc. These amenities provide many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many weather independent facilities such as the VISUAL Theatre and Carlow College. Close proximity to the motorway is also seen as a distinct advantage to Carlow tourism.

Tourism is significant to the economy and culture of County Carlow and makes an important contribution to the local economy, with income derived from tourist activity being distributed across a wide range of economic sectors. In 2013, 68,000 visitors contributed €30 million to the local economy.

Carlow County Council, over a long number of years, has demonstrated serious commitment to the development and promotion of Carlow as a holiday destination of repute. In 1999 the Council commissioned the first Tourism Development Strategy for County Carlow, which functioned as a strategic document to guide the future growth of the industry, from a tourism development and marketing perspective. Effective institutions to guide proper planning were seen as vital to the development of a sustainable tourism industry within the county. Carlow Tourism Ltd. is a partnership between Carlow County Council, agencies, community and the tourism industry within the county, providing a cohesive approach to tourism marketing and development planning. This partnership model works well with all sides recognising their commitment to tourism development and marketing and no one party being left with the entire responsibility. Public sector investment in the county has also stimulated revenue and occupancy for the private tourism sector and has given both small and large scale providers the confidence to invest or re-invest, be that in the accommodation or attractions sector.

It is important that the LECP promotes, encourages and facilitates the development of sustainable tourism through the conservation, protection and enhancement of the built and natural heritage.

Sustainable tourism provides a high quality product, based on a high quality natural environment. The tourism sector in Ireland is continually evolving and the product offered in Carlow must reflect emerging trends.

Tourism

Carlow is strategically located in the heart of the South East quadrant of the country, with Carlow town equidistant between Dublin and Waterford. The county town is approximately one hour from Dublin and Waterford Airports and 90 minutes from the ferry ports of Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin. The county town is well serviced by public transport while touring the county is facilitated by a good quality road network.

In recent years, County Carlow has improved its profile as a holiday destination with attractive countryside and leisure activities, a wide range of things to do and high quality accommodation. The attractions of its five neighbouring counties – Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Wicklow are all within easy driving distance.

In 2013 (the latest year for which official county statistics are available), Carlow welcomed 68,000 overseas visitors whose presence contributed €30 million to the local Carlow economy accounting for 1,020 full-time job equivalents. A previous study conducted by CHL at the end of 2011, which reflected Fáilte Ireland and CSO figures, estimated the size of the domestic market in Carlow to be in the region of 100,000 visitors. The potential of the sector is significant. Overall visits to Ireland in 2014 from overseas markets rose by 8.9% (7.604 million trips) with total tourism and travel earnings from overseas visitors (incl. fares) growing by 10.4% to €4.68 billion. The domestic market also performed extremely well in 2014 with a 3% increase in numbers and 7% increase in expenditure.

Carlow’s Tourism Product Base

While Carlow has a mixed tourism product the county possesses a number of strong and attractive natural features which make a valuable contribution to its touristic potential.

Mountains and Rivers

The most notable of these are the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow and Slaney rivers. The Blackstairs provide a back drop for a range of outdoor activities including walking/hiking, hang-gliding and mountain biking, and are also at the heart of the Mount Leinster Heritage Drive, one of the most attractive driving routes in the county. The Barrow and Slaney rivers and their tributaries are important scenically. Both rivers offer good angling and canoeing/kayaking amenities. The Barrow has particular appeal amongst walkers, bird watchers and boating enthusiasts. Widely recognised as the most beautiful river in Ireland and Britain, the tourism potential for the river Barrow (192km) is enormous but has never been fully realised. The Barrow Corridor Study, commissioned by Waterways Ireland and strategic partners, has identified a number of product development strategies which could be developed in an integrated manner with the ability to support each other. These include water based activities including boat hire, angling, canoeing and off river attractions including restaurants/pubs along its banks. Additionally the river Barrow constitutes one of the most significant industrial heritage monuments in the country with bridges, corn-mills, locks and lock-houses largely unchanged over 200 years.

Walking

These natural features ensure that Carlow has an array of outdoor activities to meet the needs of the outdoor enthusiast. Home to three of Ireland’s key walking routes – The South Leinster, The Barrow and the Wicklow Ways - the county is fortunate to have hundreds of miles of excellent and varied walking. A series of looped walks located in Carlow town, Clogrennane and at Kilbrannish on the Blackstairs Mountains and at Clashgranny Forest on the River Barrow, partly cater for the needs of the casual, leisure walker, who have been identified by Fáilte Ireland as a growing market in recent years. Given sufficient investment in the upgrading of its current long- distance walking routes and the development of new looped options, Carlow has the

61 opportunity to enhance its profile for walking tourism considerably in the same way that the quality of its gardening product has evolved and gained recognition.

However, there is a lack of signage, maps, walking guides, maintenance, promotion and other amenities on these looped walks. Walking remains the single most popular outdoor activity in the domestic and overseas markets, based on research supplied by Fáilte Ireland. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the potential of walking tourism in Carlow is significant, with Carlow Tourism organising a walking festival each year attracting in the region of 300 visitors. The existing looped walks at Clogrennane, Oak Park etc., have the facilities above i.e. signage and maintenance. New routes that will be developed into the future need to take account of these requirements.

Garden Trail

Carlow has a number of beautiful high quality gardens, and the profile of the county in this area continues to grow. The Carlow Garden Trail, now featuring 22 gardening attractions includes various types of gardens ranging from those at Altamont which attract in excess of 60,000 visitors per year to smaller gardens, award winning garden centres and forest parks. These further enhance the profile of the trail and add variety to its offering. With the assistance of Carlow County Council the Carlow Garden Trail also oversees the delivery of the most successful gardening festival in the country, attracting large audiences and a host of Irish and UK gardening experts.

English Language Learning Destination

Carlow town has proven an ideal location for English language learning with two ACELS approved schools currently operating in the area. There is also considerable attendance of overseas students at IT Carlow and Carlow College. They attract visitors throughout the year from Spain, Italy, Austria, France, Saudi Arabia, Oman, China, Japan, Russia, America, among others. These students make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Carlow. Their positive experiences and bonds they form while here form the basis of many return trips and

62 holiday recommendations to family and friends back home with visitors accommodated in local B&B’s, guesthouses and hotels. Fáilte Isteach provides conversational English classes for newcomers to the community and currently has 80 students in Carlow and Tullow. Also Ceorcal Gaeilge held by Glór Cheatharlach attracts a number of overseas nationals to engage in conversational Irish Classes.

Hospitality premises

A range of ancillary services including hospitality premises and public houses serve the needs of the visitor in most of the larger towns and villages. However, some locations continue to lack basic visitor facilities. While the number of festivals has increased in recent years, the festival sector is underdeveloped in comparison to neighbouring counties.

Accommodation

The overall approved accommodation base is small in size with a total of 38 premises offering 770 rooms. However, this represents a significant capacity increase of over 250% above that available in 2000. There has also been a change in profile as the increase in capacity has been concentrated in the hotel and self-catering sectors.

Investment on the part of private accommodation operators over a number of years has positively influenced the progression of Carlow’s tourism industry. Additionally a number of existing properties have invested in upgrading their premises on a regular basis which helps in maintaining quality standards.

Table 14 Registered Accommodation in County Carlow, 2015

Type No. of Properties No. of Rooms Hotels 8 476 Guesthouses 2 20 B&B’s incl. 18 98 Townhouses, Farmhouses and Country Homes Self-Catering* 8 165 Historic Houses 2 11

Total 38 770

Source: Carlow Tourism/Fáilte Ireland * Note: There are a total of 55 self-catering units in the county on 8 properties.

There has been a significant reduction in approved accommodation stock since 2006, particularly in the self-catering sector, where there has been an overall reduction of almost 100 properties. The number of properties in the bed and breakfast including the townhouse, farmhouse and country home sector has remained relatively constant. However, this is primarily due to the introduction of the new Welcome Standard by Fáilte Ireland, which has been enthusiastically embraced by nine properties in the county to date.

Investment on the part of private accommodation operators over a number of years has positively influenced the progression of Carlow’s tourism industry. Additionally a number of existing properties have in-vested in upgrading their premises on a regular basis which helps in maintaining quality standards.

The hotel accommodation developments which have been undertaken in County Carlow over the last year are evidence of the growing importance of the tourism industry in the county. The Seven Oaks increased its capacity to 90 rooms and The Step House Hotel in Borris in the south of the County opened in October 2007 with a capacity of 20 rooms.

Heritage and Culture

Ireland’s cultural heritage is one of the main reasons why tourists choose to come to Ireland and Carlow has much to offer in this regard. With its rich Celtic past, County Carlow is steeped in historical and archaeological artefacts from pagan sites such as the Brownshill Dolmen to ecclesiastical settlements at St. Mullins.

The county possesses a number of strong and attractive heritage features which could make a valuable contribution to the rural economy of Carlow if sensitively developed. The key component of the Heritage product in Carlow is the Built Heritage, Rural Villages, Special Areas of Conservation and local craft and traditions.

Carlow is an artistically rich county, encompassing all of the arts, from festivals, music and theatre to visual arts and performance. Carlow is home to locally and internationally renowned cultural organisations, festivals and artists. These include long established artistic endeavours such as Eigse Carlow Arts Festival, Aspiro, Carlow Youth Theatre to name but a few and also newer developments such as Visual Centre for Contemporary Art, The Carlow Music Generation Programme and Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas. Carlow has undoubtedly witnessed an enormous growth in the arts sector across the county and this in turn has only enhanced the quality of life for our inhabitants as well as visitors to the county alike.

A number of visitor centres and projects have involved significant capital expenditure and in more recent years include VISUAL, Carlow County Museum and Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens. Nonetheless the need for further interpretation and investment at a number of other key heritage sites is noted.

Built Heritage

Carlow has much to offer in this respect. Its rich heritage has many dimensions, including- Archaeological Sites (Brownshill and Haroldstown dolmens, and the Rath Gall hill fort, Ecclesiastical Sites (Cathedral of Saint Lazerian’s in Old Leighlin and St. Mullins), Castles and Houses (Duckett’s Grove, Ballymoon, Clonmore and Ballyloughan Castles Other visitor Attractions & Gardens (Altamount Gardens, and Museums)

Rural Towns and Villages

One of the striking features of County Carlow is the charming character of many of its small towns and villages. Their layout, streetscapes, heritage attraction, geographic positioning and architectural ambience combine to generate considerable touristic appeal. This is particularly evident in the southern half of the county, where settlements such as Leighlinbridge, Borris, Bagenalstown, St. Mullins and Clonegal offer uniquely attractive and unspoilt built environments and is evidenced by two villages, Leighlinbridge and Clonegal, securing ‘gold’ in the European Entente Florale competition in recent years.

Trails

A number of trails have been developed in recent years to target this market more effectively including the Garden Trail, Mount Leinster Heritage Trail and Carlow – Trails of the Saints and two trails which will be completed before end of 2016 under REDZ – the South Carlow Adventure Trail and the Carlow Food Trail.

Ireland Ancient East

Fáilte Ireland has recently developed a new brand, Ireland’s Ancient East, as an alternative to the Wild Atlantic Way, covering the geographic area from Carlingford in County Louth to Cork City, which includes County Carlow. It is intended as a 10-year strategy for the development of tourism and focuses on the key differentiator for this region which is its diverse ancient history. Four key themes have been identified – ancient, early Christian, medieval and Anglo- Ireland. Carlow has much to offer in this regard, with strong products under the ancient (Brownshill Dolmen), early Christian (St. Mullins, Myshall and Old Leighlin) and Anglo- Ireland themes (gardens and houses including those at Borris House, Huntington Castle, Duckett’s Grove and Altamont House).

Special Areas of Conservation

The National Parks and Wildlife have designated the following areas in Carlow as legally protected sites (Barrow/Nore River, Slaney River, Derreen River and Blackstairs Mountain). Dúchas has also listed 17 Natural Heritage Areas (NHA) in the County.

Local Craft and Traditions

The craft sector in Carlow is characterised by a structure of micro-enterprises located mainly in rural areas many of which generate low turnover on a small scale basis. It includes a broad range of craft disciplines including wood turning, enamelling, textiles, ceramics, metal workings, sculpture, jewellery making and couture knitwear. More importantly it hosts a number of distinctive craft skills which are dying out and considered unique to Carlow’s heritage. They include Carlow Fence which is a decorative fence made from cut granite pieces and crudely worked to shape and assembled together and traditional lace making techniques such as Borris Lace.

There are currently 49 Carlow craft workers registered with the Craft Council of Ireland (compared to 20 in 2007) with an estimated 15 craft workers engaged in a craft enterprise on a full time basis. Craft related activity also provides a significant level of supplementary income for a further 20 makers engaged in a part time craft enterprise. While Duckett’s Grove Design, Craft and Food Emporium includes a large craft retail area, with one of the four craft workshops occupied, featuring , stained glass making the county lacks a central venue for visitors to view and purchase local craft 7 days per week throughout the calendar year. There are several craft clusters in Carlow. Carlow County Development Partnership CLG/Duckett’s Grove Craft Group, Form Craft Cluster (12 members) and River Barrow Artists Group.

In the preparation of the strategy a variety of stakeholders engaged and participated in a series of development workshops including a SWOT Analysis to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in relation to tourism in Carlow. The following table is a summary of the internal and external strengths and opportunities for development identified:

Visiting County Carlow SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Strategic Location • Lack of signage to draw people in • Range of outdoor pursuits from the Motorway and across the • Carlow Garden Trail and Carlow County Garden Festival • Under representation of Carlow • Friendly, open people Product in Regional & National • Beautiful landscape; Black Strategies Stairs, Mount Leinster, Barrow, • Poor access to and interpretation of Slaney heritage and culture sites • Heritage, Dolmen, historical • Accommodation blackspots in certain trails areas of the county • VISUAL • County Museum • Festival, Music, Arts, Film • Pride of Place; Tidy Towns

Visiting Carlow SWOT Analysis OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

• Underdeveloped vision and ‘image’ • Develop concept of the ‘short stay’; for Carlow package for visitors • Lack of belief in Carlow people in • Develop the walking product; Carlow what they have to offer Camino, link with circular routes • Develop the potential of the river; kayaking, boating, canoeing, cycling track along the Barrow • Exploit potential of heritage; Ireland’s Ancient East (Fáilte Ireland 10 year plan) • Use well-known Carlow people to promote Carlow • Walking and cycling trails Festival Development

High End Goal

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow Profile the following strategic high level goal supported by four strategic objectives for ’ Visiting Carlow’ were formulated

Theme High End Goals Strategic Objectives

Visiting Carlow Optimise the 4.1 To instil a greater sense of pride tourism product by locals and the business and message community in the tourism Shared product 4.2 To further develop a clear and compelling vision for Carlow 4.3 To develop and deliver a coherent, bottom up, tourism strategy, marketing strategy and product development strategy over a 5 year period that encompasses all the strengths Carlow has to offer 4.4 The development of sustainable rural tourism as an economic driver and stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

Underpinning Infrastructure

The development of the Economic and Social Infrastructure in County Carlow is key to ensuring economic growth, sustainability and quality of life for its Communities.

The South East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 - 2022 details critical enabling investment priorities which will enhance infrastructure in the South East Region and consequently the development of County Carlow in the future i.e.  Smart Economy;  Transport Infrastructure Services;  Energy and Communications;  Waste Management Plan.

Social

The development and facilitation of an effective social infrastructure ensures that Carlow is an attractive place to live, work and visit by building strong, inclusive communities that have a sense of place and belonging, with adequate provision of and access to services and facilities to meet the needs of the county’s growing population. Social Infrastructure which Carlow has includes facilities for education, childcare, sports and recreation, affordable housing, arts and culture, library services, healthcare, and a good quality built environment. Communities also require opportunities to meet and interact, all essential prerequisites to the evolution of a sense of place and belonging and this is facilitated through such services as community facilities, volunteering service, residents associations and community development groups. All of these services have suffered significantly in the recession through drastic cuts in resources and they now need to be restored and improved and adequately financed in order to ensure their long-term sustainability.

Transportation

The economic strength of Carlow is based on its transport infrastructure, its water and wastewater infrastructure network at strategic locations and the associated network of business parks, industrial estates and land zoned for enterprise, employment and industry.

The provision of sustainable, efficient and effective transport networks in the county is a major determinant of its level of competiveness and its capacity to address some of its major social and environmental needs. The pursuit of sustainable transport and

70 accessibility in Ireland and indeed County Carlow is underpinned by a national policy context that seeks to integrate land use and transportation policy.

Carlow is located mid-way between Waterford and Dublin, providing access to Dublin airport, Waterford regional airport, and Dublin and Waterford ports. Carlow’s access to other cities has been greatly enhanced by the construction of the M9 motorway Kilcullen to Waterford, the ongoing investment in National Secondary Road N80 which is a designated Euro-route from Rosslare to the Midlands. Regional and local roads in County Carlow are of a high standard and there continues to be ongoing investment by Carlow County Council and Central Government in them.

Carlow is served by the Dublin to Waterford intercity line which over the last few years has improved journey times and safety across the network. Further investment provided new rolling stock which allowed improved service frequencies with potential also for additional carriage of freight via the rail Network. The increased use of the rail network during the night for freight will be essential. A modern, efficient and dependable passenger and freight rail network has a crucial role to play in terms of promoting County Carlow for business, industrial, residential and recreational purposes. There are other benefits too in terms of sustainability, reduced congestion and reduced car generated pollution.

The existing Bus Éireann and private bus services provide important transport services from Carlow to Dublin, Waterford and many other strategic and regional destinations. The Ring-a-Link rural bus service also provides a crucial link to/from smaller towns and villages in county Carlow and adjoining Counties.

Water & Wastewater

County Carlow’s water supplies are derived from public supplies, private group scheme and individual private supplies. The main public sources of water in Carlow are surface water abstraction supplemented by a number of ground water sources. Surface water in County Carlow is sourced from a number of rivers, with the principle sources being The Rivers Burrin and Slaney. The sources have to date provided a very effective and reliable source of water supply for the County to meet the demand. Carlow County Council operates and maintains the water supply in County Carlow under a service level agreement with Irish Water, who are responsible for the overall

71 management of water supply in Ireland. Public water supplies are licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who monitor and regulate public water supplies in Ireland. Results of this monitoring show that the water supply in Carlow is of an excellent standard and is compliant with regulations. Under the EU Water Framework Directive and the River Basin District Management Plans, Carlow County Council & the EPA monitor water quality to ensure the protection of our water resources in the region for current and future generations.

Waste Management

Waste management is a fundamental infrastructural requirement essential for sustainable development and protection of public health and the environment. Waste infrastructure includes bring recycling centres, civic amenity centres, waste transfer stations, material recovery facilities, biological waste treatment facilities, authorised treatment facilities for end-of-life vehicles and landfills.

Telecommunications

Telecommunications investment is essential for the strong social and economic development of County Carlow. An advanced communications infrastructure is key for an information-based society, and as a key support for business, education, research, families and communities. Intensive digitisation of telecommunications offers a competitive advantage in attracting economic development and investment and strengthening social capital. It also offers more flexible working arrangements, enabling people to work and communicate internationally from their homes including with their families who are part of the Diaspora. According to the 2011 census, 58% of households in County Carlow had a broadband connection, which represents a significant increase in uptake over previous years. However, the county still lags behind the state in terms of broadband provision, as 64% of households in the country had a connection. The implementation of broadband is under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. In 2015, the Department published the "National Broadband Plan" (NBP) which aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland. It will ensure that all individuals and businesses have access to high speed broadband no matter where they live or work. This will be delivered through a combination of commercial and State led investment. By 2020, all parts of Ireland will have access to a minimum broadband speed of 30mbps. The evidence from the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas also supports the need for higher speed broadband.

Energy

The ability of the economy to perform successfully depends critically on the supply of adequate, affordable and environmentally sustainable energy. The Government’s White Paper - Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) 2007, due for renewal in 2014) sets out the Energy Policy Framework for the period 2007-2020. It outlines a number of strategic goals to ensure security of energy supply, enhance competitiveness and promote sustainability of energy supply and use. Central to this is the need to address climate change and reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by promoting renewable energy sources and maximising our energy efficiency.

Education

The location of two Institutions of Higher Education in Carlow provides for a well- educated workforce in the County and therefore makes it a more attractive place for Economic Development.

Underpinning Infrastructure SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Good road infrastructure, number of • Limited transport links in rural areas motorway exits in the Carlow area and East / West. • Good public transport from Carlow • Some secondary roads need town, Ring a Link facility attention, challenge as some are • Development of cycle lanes privately owned • Proximity to sea port • Need for more consultation with • Energy, own sources with potential to service users when planning expand buildings and projects • Broadband, good 4G coverage, Carlow • Poor broadband in rural parts of MAN. county • Good water infrastructure • Shopping centre has moved out • Multifaceted Library service provision from town centre many empty units with partnership approach in Carlow town centre • Good Rail Network. • Service provision is complicated • M9, N8 interchange. due to borders with other • Good Social / Sporting / Community counties / Recreation & Amenity • Lack of awareness of the role Infrastructure Underpinningand services provided by the OPPORTUNITIES Infrastructure SWOTLibrary. THREATS

• Rural transport, extend Ring a Link (now • Energy, willingness to take on new Local Link) service, shuttle buses, taxi programmes sharing initiatives • Waste, threat to the image of the • Energy, potential to make county more county self-reliant exploiting own energy source • Lack of good quality broadband across (Biomass), community initiatives all parts of the county • Waste disposal, explore different options • Lack of integration between the main • Rejuvenation of Carlow town centre towns • Potential of library to be used as a • Closure of rural post offices and police community space and focal point, stations, lose social connection, branches already in existence, scope for security issues outreach services across a broad range of topics supporting community and economic development

High End Goal

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow Profile the following strategic high level goal supported by five strategic objectives for underpinning infrastructure were formulated

Theme High End Goals Strategic Objectives

Underpinning To provide the 5.1 To develop and implement a Infrastructure required regeneration strategy for Towns infrastructure for and Villages in County Carlow the county To create awareness of existing Shared 5.2 core infrastructure 5.3 To identify and address gaps in underpinning infrastructure 5.4 To explore renewable energy options 5.5 To put in place strategic partnerships to create synergies in addressing infrastructure gaps (establish protocols / MoUs / SLAs)

It is acknowledged that actions pertaining to the development of infrastructure are outlined in the Carlow County Development Plan 2015 - 2021

Investing in Carlow

Following public consultation with the various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT and having regard to the County Carlow profile the following Strategic high level goal supported by two strategic objectives for investing in Carlow were formulated:

Theme High End Goals Strategic Objectives

Investing Maximise external 6.1 Establish a local steering group in Carlow investment into (public and private sector) and Carlow develop high level plan – think

Economic tank Development 6.2 Develop Carlow as a location of choice for inward investment

Section 5: Action Plan

Living in County Carlow

Ref: High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.1.1 Build thriving, resilient, To empower Develop a All communities Carlow  Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and individuals fully inclusive (geographic and PPN Council 2021 inclusive communities to actively and communities of interest) participate in Carlow representative  CCDP

mechanism for  Voluntary the people of Agencies Carlow  Statutory

Agencies 1.1.2 Build thriving, resilient, To empower Develop an Individuals, Groups, Carlow  Carlow 2016 - sustainable and individuals effective Communities and PPN Volunteer 2017 inclusive communities to actively communication Agencies Centre participate plan that  Interest groups / community enables and groups encourages all  Citizens individuals in Information Carlow to Service engage  Carlow Libraries meaningfully  Agencies

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.1.3 Build thriving, resilient, To empower To promote Individuals, Carlow  DECLG 2016 - sustainable and individuals the value of Communities, all Volunteer organisations 2021 inclusive communities to actively volunteering organisations that Centre (Statutory and participate and increase engage and depend on Voluntary) that engage the range and volunteers and society volunteers and quality of as a whole individuals with volunteering in an interest in County Carlow volunteering

1.2.1 Build thriving, resilient, To create, Identify Communities CCDP6  Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and empower communities experiencing Council, 2021 inclusive communities and support (Geographical disadvantage e.g. areas  Carlow leaders and Integration Forum and issue- in Carlow Town and build  CYRS capacity based) that boundary rural areas,  St Catherine’s require pre- New Communities, Community development Traveller and Roma Services  Carlow Age in capacity Community etc. Friendly building  Traveller Interagency Committee  KCETB  Other organisations as appropriate

6Where CCDP are identified as a lead agency they act on behalf of Carlow LCDC as the implementer of SICAP and/or LEADER.

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.2.2 Build thriving, resilient, To create, Develop Communities identified CCDP  Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and empower initiatives to in Action 1.2.1 Council 2021 inclusive communities and support deliver pre-  KCETB leaders and development  FRCs build support to  St. Catherine’s, capacity  CYRS (Carlow communities Regional Youth identified in Services) Action 1.2.1  IWA  Carlow Volunteer Centre etc. 1.2.3 Build thriving, resilient, To create, To facilitate All Communities and PPN  Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and empower established groups Council 2021 inclusive communities and support Communities  CCDP leaders and and groups to  Carlow build strengthen Volunteer capacity Centre their skills and  KCETB self-reliance  Interagency and build groups leadership capacity

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.3.1 Build thriving, resilient, To develop Work closely Community Facilities CCDP  NGBs 2016 - sustainable and sustainable with Boards of  Carlow 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives community Management and Volunteer and social groups to fully people of County Centre enterprises utilise their Carlow.  Community and groups existing community  Sporting bodies facilities as community  Schools identified by facilities and  Parish councils the support their  Carlow County communities sustainability Council  LSP  Other Agencies

1.3.2 Build thriving, resilient, To develop Develop Local Community Carlow  Local 2016 - sustainable and sustainable Community County Community 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives Facilities Council  Relevant local and social where a need agencies enterprises and has been community identified facilities as identified by the

communities

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.3.3 Build thriving, resilient, To develop To support Local Communities Carlow  CCDP 2016 - sustainable and sustainable community County  Carlow Tourism 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives based Council  Local SMEs and social Cooperatives (Community  IT Carlow enterprises  KCETB and and Social and LEO) community Enterprises in

facilities as the County identified by the communities

1.4.1 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance Develop People of County HSE  Carlow Mental 2016 - sustainable and community Suicide Carlow Health 2021 inclusive communities well-being, Prevention and Association health and Mental Health  CCDP safety Strategy for County Carlow

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.4.2 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance Implementation of Traveller Community HSE, TIG  Traveller 2016 - sustainable and inclusive community well- South East (Traveller Community 2021 communities being, health Traveller Health Interagency  St, Catherine’s and safety Unit Strategic Plan Group) FRCs, 2015 - 2020  KCETB  Carlow County Council 1.4.3 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance Implementation of All individuals in Carlow Local Sports  CCYPSC 2016 - sustainable and inclusive community well- the Sport & Partnership  Comhairle na nÓg 2021 communities being, health Physical Activity  CCDP and safety Strategy 2016 –  Carlow Volunteer 2021, collaborating Centre with local  Education & Training stakeholders in Board relation to planning  FRCs and policy  Carlow Age Friendly development to Committee  Mental Health ensure that local Association resources are  Carlow County used to best effect Council  HSE  IT Carlow  CRYS  CCWN  Schools  Leisure Centres  Disability Sector  NGBs  Clubs & Community Groups.

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.4.4 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance To explore the All individuals in Local Sports  Dept. of TTS 2016 - sustainable and community feasibility of Carlow Partnership  Carlow County 2021 inclusive communities well-being, conducting, in Council health and partnership  HSE safety with the  IT Carlow  CCDP Department of  KCETB Transportation, Tourism and

Sports, a baseline study of physical sports activity participation and facilities in County Carlow

1.4.5 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance To develop Individuals and Joint  An Garda 2016- sustainable and community and implement Communities Policing Siochána, 2021 inclusive communities well-being, a joint policing Committee  Elected health and Representatives committee safety  Representatives work plan for of the PPN County Carlow  Chamber of Commerce

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.1 Build thriving, To deliver To create a Communities LCDC  Community and 2016- resilient, sustainable integrated forum to experiencing Voluntary 2020 and inclusive and support disadvantage groups communities sustainable community and  Statutory community Agencies services to voluntary and address statutory social agencies to exclusion maximise their and poverty resources and to work collaboratively in responding to the needs of communities on the margins.

1.5.2 Build thriving, To deliver To implement All children, young Carlow  Other relevant 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated the Carlow people and their Children and statutory 2018 and inclusive and Children and families in County Young agencies communities sustainable Young People Carlow People  Community and community Services Voluntary Services services to Committee’s groups address strategy Committee social exclusion and poverty

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.3 Build thriving, To deliver To implement Traveller Community Carlow TIG  Other relevant 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated the Traveller Government 2021 and inclusive and Interagency departments communities sustainable Group strategy and agencies community services to and action plan address

social exclusion and poverty

1.5.4 Build thriving, To deliver To implement New Communities Carlow  CCDP 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated the Carlow Integration  St Catherine’s 2021 and inclusive and Integration Forum  Carlow communities sustainable Forum strategy Volunteer community and action plan. Centre services to  KCETB address  Interagency social groups exclusion and poverty

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.5 Build thriving, To deliver To support Carlow The Older Individuals County  County Carlow 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated Age Friendly of Carlow Carlow Age Older Persons 2021 and inclusive and Committee and the Friendly Forum communities sustainable implementation of Committee  CCDP community their strategy and  Carlow County services to assist in the Council address provision of  Gardaí social adequate,  Carlow exclusion affordable and Volunteer and poverty accessible facilities Centre etc. and services for older people. 1.5.6 Build thriving, To deliver To implement the Persons with drug South East  Carlow 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated South East and alcohol addiction Regional National Drug 2021 and inclusive and Regional Drugs issues and their Drugs and Strategy Action communities sustainable Alcohol Task families. Alcohol Implementation community Force strategy and Task Force Team services to action plan Communities affected  Other relevant address by substance misuse Government social issues. Departments exclusion and agencies and poverty  Voluntary and Community sectors as represented on SERDATF

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.7 Build thriving, To deliver To support the Long-term DSP  CCDP 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated Department of unemployed and  Carlow County 2021 and inclusive and Social unemployed Council communities sustainable Protection and  Community and community relevant bodies Voluntary services to Groups in the address  Sporting

social implementation Organisations exclusion and delivery of  KCETB and poverty labour  Carlow activation Chamber of programmes. Commerce  IBEC

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.8 Build thriving, To deliver To create a People with HSE  Disability 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated forum to Disabilities services both 2021 and inclusive and support the statutory and communities sustainable Disability Sector voluntary community services to in County address Carlow social exclusion and poverty

1.5.9 Build thriving, To deliver To maximise Housing waiting list, Carlow  Voluntary 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated use of all homeless, families County Housing 2021 and inclusive and existing social experiencing abuse Council Organisations communities sustainable housing supply and individuals/  Department of community ECLG models families leaving services to  Private rented address (including HAP) institutional landlords social and to explore accommodation exclusion alternative and poverty models to address the social housing deficit.

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.5.10 Build thriving, To deliver Carry out an in- County Carlow Carlow  Relevant 2017 - resilient, sustainable integrated depth socio County Government 2018 and inclusive and economic Council departments communities sustainable profile of  Agencies community services to County Carlow address to Identify areas social of greatest exclusion socio economic and poverty need based on deprivation indices score and the 2016 Census data.

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.6.1 Build thriving, To share, To promote the Communities and Carlow  DECLG Bi- resilient, sustainable protect and adoption of future generations County  Householders annually and inclusive sustain the energy Council  Local Business communities environment efficiency Businesses , Domestic  Carlow technology in Householders all users Kilkenny homes, of Energy and Energy Agency businesses and generators of CO2 SEAI communities  Statutory and achieve Bodies targets and  Environmental objectives set NGO out in  Community Sustainable Groups Energy Action  Government Plan as part of Agencies joining the  Schools Covenant of  Farming Mayors  CCDP

1.6.2 Build thriving, To share, To promote the Communities and Carlow  Carlow 2016 - resilient, sustainable protect and development of future generations County Kilkenny 2021 and inclusive sustain the innovative Council Energy Agency communities environment renewable SEAI energy for  Environmental businesses and NGO communities  CCDP

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.6.3 Build thriving, To share, To seek and Communities Carlow  Local 2016- resilient, sustainable protect and facilitate active County Authorities 2021 and inclusive sustain the community Agriculture industry Council National Water communities environment engagement in Framework Tourism Directive implementing Office Future generations the South  DECLG Eastern River  EPA Basin  PPN Management  LCDC Plan  Environmental (SERBMP) in NGO Carlow

1.6.4 Build thriving, To share, To establish a Local Communities Carlow  Local 2016- resilient, sustainable protect and county County Authorities 2021 and inclusive sustain the environmental Agriculture Industry Council National communities environment water forum Water Tourism Framework consisting of Directive Office Society in general NGO’s and  DECLG public bodies  EPA  PPN

 Environmental NGO

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.6.5 Build thriving, To share, To identify and People of Carlow Carlow  Local Ongoing resilient, sustainable protect and promote the County Authorities and inclusive sustain the economic and Council National Water communities environment societal Framework Directive Office benefits of a  DECLG high quality  EPA natural  PPN environment  Environmental NGO

1.6.6 Build thriving, To share, To apply the General Public Southern  General Public Lifetime resilient, sustainable protect and strategic vision Regional  Businesses of and inclusive sustain the of the Businesses Waste  Statutory Southern communities environment Regional Office Bodies Waste Waste Plan by  Community Manage Groups rethinking our Carlow ment  Government approach to County Plan Council Agencies managing  Environmental waste and NGO viewing waste streams as a valuable material resource

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.6.7 Build thriving, To share, To strive Business Southern  General Public Towards resilient, sustainable protect and towards Regional  Businesses 2030 and inclusive sustain the achieving a Domestic Waste  Statutory communities environment Circular Householders Office Bodies Economy with  Community All generators of waste Groups a zero waste Carlow  Farming objective County Council  Communities  Environmental NGO

1.6.8 Build thriving, To share, To develop Businesses , Domestic Carlow  General Public Towards resilient, sustainable protect and local action Householders, all County  Businesses 2020 and inclusive sustain the programmes generators of waste Council  Statutory communities environment for recycling & Bodies Reuse of Tidy  Community Groups waste at Towns  Environmental County and NGO Agencies Local level  Farming Community

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.7.1 Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, To implement Communities and future Carlow Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and nurture and the Carlow generations County Council strategic 2021 inclusive communities promote Arts strategy. Council partners including arts, culture arts organisations and heritage Arts local community Office groups, artists national stakeholders

1.7.2 Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, To implement Communities and future Carlow  Education 2016 - sustainable and nurture and the Carlow generations County Providers 2021 inclusive communities promote Library Service Council  Voluntary / arts, culture strategy to Statutory and heritage Agencies provide for a Library quality Service accessible service that enhances the lives of communities.

1.7.3 Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, To develop and Communities and future Carlow  Heritage Council 2016 – sustainable and inclusive nurture and implement a generations County  Relevant 2021 communities promote arts, Heritage Plan stakeholders culture and Council for County  Community heritage Carlow.

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 1.7.4 Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, To develop Communities and future Carlow  DEC&LG 2016 - sustainable and nurture and and implement generations County  Heritage 2021 inclusive communities promote a Biodiversity Council Council arts, culture Plan for  Relevant and heritage County Stakeholders  Community Carlow.

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Doing Business and Working in County Carlow

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.1.1 Strengthen and To create Development Business Community / Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 1, promote a thriving and leaders and of an Investors County Ireland 2016 sustainable enterprise build Economic Council  IDA culture in County capacity Forum with  Connect Ireland Carlow key business Local  Carlow Chamber and strategic Enterprise Office  IT Carlow public sector interests in partnership

2.1.2 Strengthen and To create Development Business Community / Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 2, promote a thriving and leaders and of a strategy in Investors County Ireland 2016 sustainable enterprise build respect of Council  IDA culture in County capacity enterprise and  Connect Ireland Carlow economic Local  Carlow Chamber leadership Enterprise  IT Carlow required for Office  LCDC County Carlow

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.1.3 Strengthen and To create Design & Business Community Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 3 , promote a thriving and leaders and Deliver a County Ireland 2016- sustainable enterprise build variety of Investors Council  IDA 2021 culture in County capacity projects to  Connect Ireland Carlow build capacity Local  Carlow Chamber projects based Enterprise  IT Carlow on the Office  LCDC outcomes of the Enterprise and Economic Development Leadership Study on an interagency basis

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.2.1 Strengthen and To facilitate Establish a Business Community Carlow  Carlow Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and the Business Chamber County 2016 sustainable enterprise development Network with of Council culture in County of an representation Commerce  Enterprise Carlow innovative and Ireland from a Number entrepreneurial  IDA of Sectors who culture  Connect will act as a Ireland collective voice for Business in County Carlow

2.2.2 Strengthen and To facilitate Implementation Business Community Inter-  Carlow 2016- promote a thriving and the of the Actions Agency County 2021 sustainable enterprise development as part of the Council culture in County of an Action Plan for Carlow innovative and  Enterprise Jobs entrepreneurial Ireland culture  IDA  Connect Ireland  Carlow Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.2.3 Strengthen and To facilitate Development of Business Community Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and the an Annual Local County Ireland 2016 Public Sector sustainable enterprise development Enterprise Council  IDA (Annually) culture in County of an Development  Connect Carlow innovative and Plan in Local Ireland entrepreneurial consultation with Enterprise culture  Carlow the SPC to Office include Carlow Chamber County  IT Carlow Stakeholders  SPC actions under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs

2.2.4 Strengthen and To facilitate Increase Public Sector Carlow Relevant state Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and the awareness of County agencies that 2016 sustainable enterprise development the range of Council provide to start (Annually) culture in County of an activities and ups and develop Carlow innovative and supports Local enterprise. entrepreneurial available from Enterprise culture within the Public Office & Business Sector by the hosting of an Annual Information Event

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 2.3.1 Strengthen and To develop Develop and Rural Communities CCDP All enterprise 2016 promote a thriving and a promote the agencies sustainable enterprise sustainable Local Carlow County culture in County rural Enterprise Council Carlow economy, facilitated by Office as a first community stop shop centres providing (linked to advice and social supports enterprise) 2.3.2 Strengthen and To develop Investment Rural Communities Local  CCDP 2016 - promote a thriving and a Programme to Enterprise  Carlow 2021 sustainable enterprise sustainable support Office County culture in County rural development Council Carlow economy, facilitated by expansion and community sustaining of centres rural (linked to enterprises social and job enterprise) creation measures across all sectors

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 2.3.3 Strengthen and To develop Confined call Rural Communities CCDP  Carlow 2016 - promote a thriving and a for proposals County 2021 sustainable enterprise sustainable from enterprise Council culture in County rural with more than Carlow economy, facilitated by 10 employees community serving the centres domestic (linked to market only social enterprise) 2.3.4 Strengthen and To develop Provision of Rural Communities Local  CCDP 2016 - promote a thriving and a range of Enterprise  Carlow 2021 sustainable enterprise sustainable employer led Office County culture in County rural training Council Carlow economy, programmes to  DSP facilitated by  KCETB support the community  Solas centres recruitment of (linked to people from social the live enterprise) register

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.4.1 Strengthen and Revitalisation Research and Community Carlow  LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns analysis of County  CCDP 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages transport Council  Ring a Link culture in County through options Carlow investment in people, including an communities investment and in the programme to natural, develop heritage and specific physical actions for environment sustainable travel within the county

2.4.2 Strengthen and Revitalisation Investment Community CCDP  LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme  PPN 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages for animation, culture in County through capacity Carlow investment in building and people, training communities initiatives of a and in the general natural, nature of heritage and community physical groups environment

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.4.3 Strengthen and Revitalisation Investment Community CCDP  Carlow County 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme Council 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages for  LCDC culture in County through community  PPN Carlow investment in groups to people, establish and communities or refurbish and in the community, natural, amenity and heritage and leisure physical facilities environment accessible to all 2.4.4 Strengthen and Revitalisation Investment Community CCDP  Carlow County 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme for Council 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages community  LCDC groups culture in County through  PPN Carlow investment in promoting village people, enhancement communities measures and in the and/or natural, addressing heritage and economic physical decline / environment unemployment and/or gaps in service provision in their area

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.4.5 Strengthen and Revitalisation Capacity Community CCDP  LCDC, 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns building and  Volunteer 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages training Centre culture in County through programme Carlow investment in for active people, individual communities engagement and in the and active natural, leadership in heritage and the physical community environment 2.5.1 Strengthen and To grow and Conduct Business Community Carlow  Carlow County Qtr 1 & promote a thriving and further Research on Employer Council 2, 2016 sustainable enterprise develop key Sector Status Public Sector Forum  Enterprise culture in County sectors & Opportunity Ireland Carlow to feed into  IDA Economic  Connect Ireland Development Strategies & Carlow Employers Forum Impact: Increased awareness of sector opportunities and trends

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.6.1 Strengthen and Encourage Development of Business Community Carlow  Carlow Qtr 2, promote a thriving people to a buy local Chamber of County 2016 and sustainable purchase campaign in Commerce Council (Annually) enterprise culture in locally partnership with  Enterprise County Carlow Ireland the Business  IDA Community  Connect Ireland  Dept. of Social Protection  Carlow Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC 2.6.2 Strengthen and Encourage Delivery of a General Public Local  Carlow Qtr 4, promote a thriving people to Public Enterprise County 2016 Council and sustainable purchase Awareness Business Community Office (Annually) enterprise culture in locally  Enterprise Campaign County Carlow Ireland around buying  IDA Locally and its  Connect effects on Ireland  Department Economic of Social Development Protection  Carlow Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.7.1 Strengthen and To maximise Development of General Public IT Carlow  HEI’s 2016- promote a thriving employment a linkage  ETB’s 2021 and sustainable and between Business Community  Industry enterprise culture in apprenticeship employers and  Carlow County Carlow opportunities HEI’s as County Council outlined at Regional Skills Forum

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.8.1 Strengthen and Ensure Roll out of the Business Community Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 1 promote a thriving development Age Friendly County Ireland (Annually) and sustainable of an age Business Public Sector Council  IDA enterprise culture in friendly Recognition  Connect County Carlow business Programme Local Ireland culture Enterprise  Carlow Office Chamber  IT Carlow Carlow  SPC Tourism  Older Persons Forum 2.9.1 Strengthen and Build digital Development of Business Community Carlow  IT Carlow Qtr 1, promote a thriving capacity of a Annual Digital County  Enterprise (Annually) and sustainable Carlow Strategy as part Council Ireland enterprise culture in business of the County  Skillsnet County Carlow and retailers Enterprise Plan  Carlow digital Chamber on an interagency basis

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.10.1 Strengthen and Build digital Roll out of Business Community Carlow  IT Carlow 2016- promote a thriving capacity of Trading Online County  Enterprise 2021 and sustainable Carlow Voucher Scheme Council Ireland enterprise culture in business in partnership County Carlow and retailers LEO digital with the Department of Communications

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Education, Up-Skilling & professional Development in Carlow

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 3.1.1 Education, Up- To support the To continue to General Society IT Carlow  IT Waterford 2016 - skilling & establishment promote the  Carlow 2021 Professional of establishment College Development in Technological of a  Department Carlow University for Technological of Education the South East University for & Skills the South East  KCETB  all other relevant stakeholders 3.2.1 Education, Up- Support Carlow Develop a General Society Carlow  IT Carlow 2016 - skilling & College and IT variety of College  KCETB 2021 Professional Carlow in their information  All other Development in collaboration and marketing relevant Carlow with other tools to further stakeholders partner enhance the institutes awareness of capacity and potential of the HEI and FET Sectors in County Carlow

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 3.3.1 Education, To connect Development General Public Department  All enterprise 2016 Upskilling & employers with of Carlow of Social agencies Professional education and Employers Business Community Protection Development in skills Forum Carlow development providers to address vocational training needs

3.3.2 Education, To connect Development General Public IT Carlow  HEI 2016 Upskilling & employers with of a linkage  KCETB Professional education and between Business Community  Industry Development in skills employers,  Carlow Carlow development HEI’s and FET County providers to Council address providers as vocational outlined at training needs Regional Skills Forum

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 3.3.3 Education, To connect Promote General Society KCETB  Employers 2017 Upskilling & employers with engagement Forum Professional education and between FET HEI’s Development in skills providers, Carlow development industry and providers to employment address services to vocational ensure that FET training needs provision is relevant to needs of learners and labour market 3.4.1 Education, Community Promote General Society KCETB  Employers 2017 Upskilling & education: engagement Forum Professional empowerment, using community HEI’s Development in well-being education Carlow principles between FET providers, industry and employment services to ensure that FET provision is relevant to needs of learners and labour market

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Visiting County Carlow

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.1.1 Optimise the tourism To further Develop a Tourists Carlow  Public & Private 2016- product and message Develop a world class Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and tourism Communities and local LCDC product businesses Compelling  Carlow County including Council vision for ongoing  CCDP Carlow development  Product and promotion Providers of County  Fáilte Ireland Carlow

4.1.2 Optimise the tourism To further Further the Tourists Carlow  Public & Private 2016- product and message Develop a development Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and of sector and Communities and local  LCDC Compelling businesses product basic  Carlow County vision for methodology Council Carlow  CCDP to tourism  Product development Providers  Fáilte Ireland

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.1.3 Optimise the tourism To further Support the Tourists Carlow  Public & Private 2016 - product and message Develop a development Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and of the River Communities and local  LCDC Compelling Barrow and businesses  Carlow County vision for the Blackstairs Council Carlow as a key  CCDP Tourism Asset  Product for County Providers Carlow.  Fáilte Ireland

4.1.4 Optimise the tourism To further Support the Tourists Carlow  Carlow Tourism 2016 - product and message Develop a continued County  OPW 2021 clear and development Communities and local Council  CCDP Compelling of key businesses  Board Fáilte vision for strategic  Public & Private Carlow assets i.e. Tourism Sector Duckett’s Grove, Altamont Gardens, Brownshill Dolmen via partnership

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.2.1 Optimise the tourism To instil a Continue, Tourists Carlow  DECLG, 2016 – product and message greater sense strengthen and County  Tidy Towns 2021 of pride by fund initiatives Communities and local Council Residents locals and the such as businesses Associations business Carlow’s Pride of Place and  Carlow community in Tidy Towns Chamber of the tourism initiatives and Commerce and product prioritise the Carlow Town involvement of Team local  CCDP businesses 4.3.1 Optimise the tourism To develop Development Tourists Carlow  Public & Private 2016 – product and message and deliver a of a County Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 coherent, Carlow Communities and local  LCDC bottom up, businesses Tourism &  Carlow County tourism Development Council strategy,  CCDP Strategy marketing  Product strategy and Providers product  Fáilte Ireland development strategy over a 5 year period that encompasses all the strengths Carlow has to offer

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.4.1 Optimise the tourism The Strategic Tourists Carlow  CCDP 2016- product and message development programme for County  Coillte 2021 of development Communities and local Council Ireland sustainable and promotion businesses  Fáilte rural tourism of rural walks Carlow Ireland as an Tourism  LCDC economic  National driver and Trails Office, stimulus for  Tourism job creation Providers throughout  Farming Carlow Town Organisation and County  Private Sector 4.4.2 Optimise the tourism The Strategic Tourists Carlow  CCDP 2016- product and message development programme for Tourism  Carlow 2021 of collective Communities and local County sustainable marketing of businesses Council rural tourism Carlow tourism  Fáilte as an product Ireland economic  Private driver and Sector stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.4.3 Optimise the tourism The Strategic Tourists Carlow  CCDP 2016 - product and message development programme to Tourism  Carlow 2021 of develop and Communities and local County sustainable promote new businesses Council rural tourism and existing  Museum as an Carlow Product economic tourism, Providers driver and heritage and  Farming stimulus for cultural Organisation job creation products and  Heritage throughout trails Ireland Carlow  Fáilte Town and Ireland County 4.4.4 Optimise the tourism The Strategic Tourists Carlow  Carlow 2016 - product and message development programme for Tourism County 2021 of tourism Communities and local Council sustainable accommodation businesses  Private rural tourism proposals Sector as an  Fáilte economic Ireland driver and  CCDP stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 4.4.5 Optimise the tourism The Strategic Tourists Carlow  CCDP 2016 - product and message development programme to Tourism  Carlow 2021 of cluster, Communities and local County sustainable develop and businesses Council rural tourism promote  Private as an tourism in Sector economic specific sub-  Fáilte driver and county Ireland stimulus for geographical job creation areas throughout Carlow Town and County

Underpinning Infrastructure

Actions pertaining to the development of infrastructure are outlined in the Carlow County Development Plan 2015 – 2021.

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Investing in County Carlow

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 6.1.1 Maximise external Establish a Carlow County Business Community Carlow  Invited Qtr 1, investment into County local Council will County Public & 2016 Carlow steering lead an action Public Sector Council Private group in partnership Sector (public and Interests with IDA and private  IDA sector) and Connect Ireland  Connect develop high to establish a Ireland level plan – local “think tank” ambassador forum (Public & Private Sector) and develop high level plan

6.1.2 Maximise external Establish a Development Investors Carlow  Invited Qtr 1, investment into County local of a Suite of County Public & 2016 Carlow steering marketing Council Private group materials for Sector (public and Interests FDI Promotion private  IDA sector) and  Connect develop high Ireland level plan – “think tank”

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 6.2.1 Maximise external Develop Promote Business Community Carlow  Enterprise Qtr 1 investment into County Carlow as a County Carlow County Ireland (Annually) Carlow location of as a location Public Sector Council –  IDA  Connect choice for for inward Local inward Investment - Enterprise Ireland  Carlow investment Develop a Office Chamber suite of  IT Carlow marketing  SPC material including baseline data and supports

6.2.2 Maximise external Develop Provide Business Community IDA /  Carlow 2016- investment into County Carlow as a appropriate, Private County 2021 Carlow location of innovative and Public Sector Sector Council choice for competitive  Enterprise inward Ireland property investment  IDA solutions coupled with robust infrastructure

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 6.2.3 Maximise external Develop Support the Business Community Carlow  Enterprise 2016- investment into County Carlow as a work of FDI County Ireland 2021 Carlow location of Agencies as Public Sector Council  IDA choice for outlined in the inward investment Regional Action Plan for Jobs

6.2.4 Maximise external Develop Actively Business Community Carlow  Connect 2016- investment into County Carlow as a engage with County Ireland 2021 Carlow location of and support Public Sector Council  IDA choice for Connect inward investment Ireland the roll out of its Community Partnership Programme

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Section 6: Implementation, Monitoring & Measurement

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Implementation & Monitoring

The actions outlined in this plan consist of the identification and focus on a number of High Level Goals, some of which are shared between Economic and Community development, which will strengthen and develop County Carlow during the life time of this plan. Each High level goal has a set of strategic objectives and actions which will be delivered by a number of lead agencies in collaboration with partners.

One of the key purposes of this plan is to achieve greater synergies and focus of programmes with a view to minimizing duplication.

The actions in this plan will be implemented in a number of ways over the next six year period. Some will be ongoing, whilst others will be by way of individual projects undertaken by specific lead agencies under the remit of Carlow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). Lead Agencies have agreed through signed protocols to report to the LCDC on an annual basis on the progress of their action(s).

Carlow County Council and Carlow LCDC will implement, oversee, coordinate, monitor and review the plan through the following processes  Lead Agency progress report to LCDC and the Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning Strategic Policy Committee  Annual Economic progress report to Carlow County Council Members and the Council Annual Report  Annual Community progress report to Carlow County Council Members through Carlow LCDC Annual Report and the Council’s Annual Report

The Local Authority’s performance in implementing this Plan will also be subject to examination and report by the National Oversight Audit Commission (NOAC).

The LECP Advisory Steering Group which is made up of membership drawn from the Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Planning; the LCDC; Local Authority Officials and other Stakeholders from IT Carlow; Carlow College; Carlow County Development Partnership; Kilkenny /Carlow Education and Training Board and St Catherine’s Community Services, will also have a role in monitoring the implementation of the Plan

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Appendices

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Appendix 1

SOCIO ECONOMIC EVIDENCE BASE – ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY INFORMATION BASE

BASELINE DATA – REFERENCES

Local

 Carlow County Development Plan 2015 – 2021  Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 - 2018  Local Area Plans for the Towns of Tullow, Bagenalstown, Hacketstown, Tinnahinch & Borris  Carlow County Council Corporate Plan 2015 – 2019  Local Enterprise Office (Carlow) 2015 Plan (Carlow County Council & Enterprise Ireland)  County Carlow Rural Development Strategy 2014 – 2020  County Carlow Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP)  County Carlow Local Sports Partnership Strategy  County Carlow Arts Strategy 2015 – 2021  County Carlow Litter Management Plan 2014 – 2017  Carlow County Council Towards Universal Access for All Implementation Plan 2008 – 2015  Carlow County Council Irish Language Scheme  Carlow Age Friendly County Strategy  Carlow Tourism Strategy  Institute of Technology / IT Carlow Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018  Carlow College Strategic Plan  Kilkenny & Carlow Education & Training Board Strategic Plan  County Carlow Children & Young People’s Services Committee Strategic Plan  County Carlow Integration Strategy  Traveller Interagency Plan Regional

 Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Region 2010- 2022  Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (Pending)  Joint Waste Management Plan for the South East Region  Waste Management Plan for the Southern Region (Pending)  South East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) 2013 – 2023  South East Homelessness Action Plan 2013 – 2016  Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 - 2018  South East River Basin District Management Plan  Barrow Corridor Recreational, Tourism & Commercial Product Identification Study  “Ireland Ancient East”

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National/EU

 Local Government Reform Act 2014 (S.44 – 46) & DECLG Circular LG 1/2015 of 21/01/2015  Action Programme for Effective Local Government 2012 “Putting People First”  Keeping Communities Safe – Fire Services Framework 2013 (DECLG)  Opportunities for All - A Strategy for Public Libraries 2013 - 2017  Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2012 & Pathways to Work 2013  National Spatial Strategy 2002 - 2020  CEDRA – Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy (Report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas)  Supporting Enterprise, Local Development & Economic Growth (Analysis of Local Authority Activities)  Food Harvest 2020  Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government’s Strategy Statement (2011 – 2014)  Local Government ICT Strategy Implementation Plan  Report on Growth & Employment in the Green Economy in Ireland (DJEI) 2013  Our Sustainable Future – A Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland 2012 (DECLG)  Horizon 2020 – IDA Ireland Strategy  National Climate Change Adaptation Framework (NCCAF) 2012  Homelessness Policy Statement 2013 – 2016 (DECLG)  Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 – 2018 (DECLG)  National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan 2013 – 2-15 (Dept. Health)  National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011 – 2016 (DECLG)  DECLG Housing Policy Statement 2011  Social Housing Strategy 2014 & 2020 (DECLG)  Implementation Plan on the State’s Response to Homelessness 2014–2016 (DECLG)  National Policy Framework for Children 2014 – 2020 (Dept. Children & Youth Affairs)  Children First – National Guidance for the Protection & Welfare of Children (DCYA)  Government’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme and associated strategies (e.g. Health Strategy, Childcare Strategy, National Anti- Poverty Strategy)  Better Outcomes/Brighter Futures (National Policy Framework for Children & Young People 2014-2020)  Towards 2016 (Ten Year Framework for Social Partnership Agreement 2006 – 2015)  Healthy Ireland –A Framework for Improved Health & Wellbeing 2013-2018  National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016  Ireland’s National Traveller/Roma Integration Strategy 2011-2016  Building Stronger and Inclusive Communities –A Regional Strategy for LGBT inclusion and support in the South East 2013-2018  “People, Place and Policy, Growing Tourism to 2025”  Europe 2020

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Appendix 2:

Public Consultation Process Pre Plan Preparation

County Carlow 2021 Submissions Report & Review of Strategy Reports

Overview of Observations

Following design of the LECP consultation process

The consultation ran from 2nd March 2015 to 6th April 2015 and an outline document was published and disseminated via:

 Press Advertisements  Website  Social Media  Community Newsletters & Notice boards

Two consultation events were facilitated by members of the LECP Steering Group. The consultation events were recorded by scribes at each of the events.

Some general observations and comments by the LECP Steering Group:

(1) There was a lack of observations from certain geographical area’s in the County and this will be addressed as part of the Phase 2 Consultation (2) There was a lack of economic observations from business representative organizations and while this was acknowledged it was also acknowledged that the Local Enterprise Office/Carlow County Council was involved in the stakeholder review for the Regional Action Plan for Jobs (3) There was a requirement following the announcement of the Rural Development Funding to align the LECP Process in so far as possible with the Rural Development Process.

Phase 2 of the process will be led by the two thematic strands within the LECP. The Economic element will be led by the LEO/Economic Development Unit of Carlow County Council and report to the SPC for Economic Development and the Community element will be led by the community section of Carlow County Council.

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In total 306 observations were recorded broken down as follows:

Area Description Number

Area 1 Activities to address challenges or 34 building on strengths in the Community Area 2 Challenges community needs to 60 overcome Area 3 Organizational Challenges 9 /Review/Inclusion Area 4 Services to support the economic 25 development and job creation Area 5 Services/facilities required to support 63 community to thrive Area 6 Strengths of Community 85 Area 7 Support/services should be put in 30 place to support social inclusion, community development, economic development 306

Summary of Submissions 10% 11% Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community

Challenges community needs to overcome 20%

28% Organisational Challenges /Review/Inclusion

3% Services to support the economic development and job creation 8%

20%

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Area 1: Observations on Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via Bagenalstown - Get involved in schools, Queen of the Consultation Universe are developing a community garden and all of the Session 24th March community is getting involved in this project. Children are 2015 the future. Individual - Via Ballinabranna - Redevelopment of community hall, Consultation Ballinabranna have a very active community group. Council Session 24th March should support a re-imagine plan of the area like what 2015 happened in Westport. Individual - Via Borris – Eigse regeneration of Dublin Street. Borris House Consultation festival of writing and ideas is very significant; it is a Session 24th March different way of thinking about festivals and can cause a 2015 ripple effect. Music Generation project in Borris is very successful Individual - Via St. Mullins - 1300 Commemoration of St. Moling, history Consultation folklore, project for the millennium, pilgrim’s way, 3ft bridge Session 24th March national monument. Raised bog project can be used as an 2015 educational tool – history of farming. Community Hall in St. Mullins/Glynn Individual - Via Carlow - Produce a database and/ or an app to access Consultation heritage sites which would not fit into the current European Session 24th March classifications for areas of sites of interest. Potential future 2015 project for Carlow could be regeneration of Carlow Town for example Carlow 800 Individual - Via Leighlinbridge – Voluntary housing and Sports facilities GAA Consultation and training pitches will benefit young people and maybe an Session 24th March opportunity for the community. 2015 Individual - Via Bagenalstown – issue with housing for young people. There Consultation has been huge development of Bagenalstown Town Park Session 24th March and there are great sporting facilities in the area. 2015 Individual - Via Ballinabranna – Broadband is very poor and a big problem. Consultation Community groups what can we do differently – review for Session 24th March committees and groups i.e. educational piece. 2015 Individual - Via Leighlinbridge – Broadband and housing. Consultation Session 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Borris – Communities are tired, it is hard to keep going on a Consultation voluntary basis, communities do a lot of work, incredible Session 24th March value in care taking and minding. Harvesting knowledge for 2015 the community. Rural transport need to link in with extra meaning, people.

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Area 1: Observations on Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community continued.

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via St. Mullin’s – Village renewal plan, there are CPO’s in St. Consultation Mullins since 2002, the Council need to talk to the Session 24th March communities / stakeholders. Byelaws need to be set up in St. 2015 Mullins in respect of anti-social behaviour. Individual - Via Need places where there is tranquillity and preserve these Consultation places – mental health. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Irish people are renowned for being friendly we need to hold Consultation on to this and market it. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Pan Celtic and Carlow 800 worked very well. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Racism and discrimination is a challenge – Integration Consultation Strategy is a good plan and issue needs to be part of the Session 26th March LECP. Integration needs to be broadened to include 2015 everyone, explore other communities. Individual - Via Need to do more to integrate people moving into Carlow and Consultation also integrate commuters. Welcome people to the Session 26th March community. 2015 Individual - Via Community alert is very effective in Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Broaden the well-established festivals. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Commission a website and survey of heritage in South Consultation Carlow; invest in showcasing the area to people and take Session 26th March ownership. 2015 Individual - Via Lack of pride for County Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via A Heritage Officer is needed in the County. Consultation Session 26th March 2015

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Area 1: Observations on Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community continued.

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via Have a designated museum to houses Carlow assets for Consultation example Carlow Sugar Factory. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Lots being done within Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Sporting facilities plentiful. Volunteers GAA etc. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Grass cutting keeps area looking fresh. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Relaxation on road maintenance – locals filling pot holes Consultation should be allowed. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Need community leaders – giving people confidence to Consultation become one. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Confidence building, to get people to lead activities for Consultation walking, cycling or art groups etc. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Pride of place, tidy towns – addressing challenges, using Consultation competitions as forms of motivation etc. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Using skills present to create groups/societies (children’s art Consultation groups etc.) Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Helping each other leads to a sense of community, recession Consultation assisted this as people less able to afford services they may Session 26th March need. 2015 Individual - Via Pylons should be stopped. Major challenge for Carlow Consultation tourism – tourism will drop dramatically if pylons enforced. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via ‘Save the Barrow’ facebook page set up, grabs attention of Consultation the young and old on social media, inspiration for new Session 26th March advertising methods. 2015

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Area 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome

Collected by Narrative Submission from Entity Submission from Arts Office in respect of the requirement for the inclusion of Arts as a standalone element of the LECP considering the active engagement of individuals in the sector Individual - Via St. Mullins – Heritage, Waterways Ireland there are so Consultation Session many different agencies from a community point of view, 24th March 2015 set up a group for forward planning in each area, input is needed in going forward for communities. Individual - Via Bagenalstown – Waterways, LEADER, Carlow County Consultation Session Council – everyone is very helpful and advice on 24th March 2015 approaching projects is very important to Community Groups throughout the County. Individual - Via Carlow – Europe has Interreg funding SME – development Consultation Session of craft, weaving etc. If a project is identified then Carlow 24th March 2015 Groups can look at accessing funding. Individual - Via Ballinabranna – Co-ordinated education of funding that is Consultation Session available and training on how to maximise on this. 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Borris – Good examples of Socio Economic Plan – draw Consultation Session up a vision of what you want your town/village to look 24th March 2015 like, this process does take time but gets people to look at their area for example in Westport, Tidy Towns, they changed their fortune by appointing a Town Architect Individual - Via Integrated Communication Plan for Carlow to focus on Consultation Session everything that is good about Carlow. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Appoint a Promotions Officer. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Highlight what is good about Carlow through social media Consultation Session i.e. facebook, twitter etc. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Safety in Carlow is an issue. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Social integration is a challenge and becoming part of the Consultation Session new Carlow. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via To promote and communicate hidden talent in Carlow for Consultation Session example choir’s, traditional music, music generation and 26th March 2015 VISUAL. Individual - Via Disappearance of commonage farming in the upland Consultation Session areas of the South Carlow region due to the aging 26th March 2015 population of farmers and deepening isolation - this way of life is rapidly disappearing. Individual - Via Very poor transport links in Carlow Town and County. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Reduction in rural services for example Gardaí, banks and Consultation Session post offices etc. 26th March 2015

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Area 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome continued.

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via Rural isolation – need to recognise the postal service Consultation Session connects people, the postman’s brief needs to be widened 26th March 2015 as they play a huge part of the community. Individual - Via Broadband is an issue. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Men’s mental health needs to be addressed. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Grey area over Carlow which is getting worse. Bad Consultation Session attitude (government may be making it too easy for people 26th March 2015 to stay at home – benefits). Individual - Via More job opportunities for women in Carlow than men. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via No history in Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Manufacturing gone. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Age profile old. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Aging profile of volunteers working in Carlow, needing Consultation Session young minds. Profile of volunteering has changed; 26th March 2015 volunteers want jobs at end defeating the principal of volunteering. Individual - Via Asking young people what they want in order to find ways Consultation Session to get them on board. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Despondency – people living with no hope leading to Consultation Session antisocial behaviour. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Need to reinvigorate town centre. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Illegal dumping huge problem country wide. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via No signs driving through Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Skate/bike parks may be useful to the young people. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Social media hinders communities developing. Consultation Session Communication methods changed. Young people don’t 26th March 2015 read newspapers.

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Area 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome continued.

Collected by Narrative Submission by Flooding representative organisation Submission by Lack of affordable housing. representative organisation Submission by Graiguecullen – decisions made by Laois County Council representative affect Carlow town. organisation Submission by Lack of employment. representative organisation Submission by Rubbish/Littering. representative organisation Submission by Horses being kept in residential areas. representative organisation Submission by Dog Fouling. representative organisation Submission by Bad Footpaths. representative organisation Submission by Ageing population. representative organisation Submission by Need to keep young people in the town. representative organisation

Submission by Need to develop community spirit. representative organisation Submission by Lack of facilities – play area is too small in Town Park. representative organisation Submission by No park on the Tullow Road side of town. representative organisation Submission by Free Sports facilities – basketball courts, Skate Park, bike representative track. organisation Submission by Need for economic resurgence of town centre representative organisation Submission by Need for Job Creation and Investment in the County representative organisation Submission by Aging profile of volunteers working in Carlow representative organisation

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Area 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome continued.

Collected by Narrative Submission by Illegal dumping huge problem county wide representative organisation Submission by Lack of employment or suitable employment schemes for representative low skilled or unskilled target groups organisation Submission by High levels of youth unemployment representative organisation Submission by Social and psychological implications of recession – representative poverty, isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, organisation crime, mental health etc. Submission by Some people need to be motivated to participate in representative education and training to increase their prospects of organisation securing employment and bettering their lives and those of their families Submission by Despondency – people living with no hope leading to representative antisocial behaviour. organisation Submission by Skate/bike parks and other amenities are needed for young representative people. organisation Submission by With the advent of social media communities have become representative more dispersed and it’s becoming more difficult to organisation communicate en masse, with young people in particular Submission by Limited number of affordable childcare places on offer representative means demand is not always met organisation Submission by Access can be very difficult for support/intervention representative services for children and families, such as speech and organisation language therapy and mental health services Submission by Children and families support needs are increasing in representative complexity due to often chaotic family situations organisation

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Area 3: Observations on Organisational Challenges /Review/Inclusion

Collected by Narrative Submission from Submission by a representative group outlining the representative group increase in Ireland cultural and religious diversity but indicating Irish Society's tolerance and acceptance of diversify has not developed at the same pace and proposing an intervention with young people Submission by Increasing complexity in the needs of service users – this representative requires more resources, more highly trained and flexible organisation staff and greater co-ordination of service provision Submission by Annual funding rather than multi-annual funding inhibits representative long term planning organisation Submission by Larger premises are required representative organisation Submission by Keeping the public informed of our services and new representative services we can offer organisation Submission by The current economic climate leads to uncertainty around representative the future budgets of funding programmes. organisation Submission by Competitive tendering can result in a focus on a narrow set representative of outcomes. Simple progression indicators do not organisation recognise the complexity of the work and time required when working in pre-development or with disadvantaged communities and groups Submission by This complexity and perceived lack of return on investment representative can result in “difficult” groups and communities being organisation overlooked

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Area 4: Observations on services to support the economic development and job creation

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via Leighlinbridge – Industrial & Commercial Development when Consultation led by the County Council is very strong for example MSD – Session 24th March hiring and servicing suitable sites. Carlow is in an ideal 2015 location not far from Dublin, through the IDA Carlow should try and encourage Individual - Via St. Mullins – Tour Guide, Craft. Consultation Session 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow - Generate work, sustainable development produces Consultation jobs; development generates work on way to self- Session 24th March sustainability. 2015 Individual - Via Borris – Carlow is strategically located not far from Dublin, Consultation there is a lot of opportunity to bring people into the County, Session 24th March need joined up thinking, hard to find out what Carlow has to 2015 offer, information needs to be more accessible for example Green Way. Individual - Via Carlow – There needs to be joined up thinking, the County Consultation need to promote key locations / destinations. Session 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Broadband is an issue, promote green tourism in the County Consultation and develop local food brand. Session 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow is very lucky to have a Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Consultation it is one of the strongest in the Country in respect of the Session 26th March support it offers. The LEO is very under resourced in Carlow. 2015 Carlow needs more LEO’s around the County. Individual - Via More facilities to support home grown business. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Business based on the river for example aqua tourism. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Developing tourism for example there is a lack of Consultation accommodation, B&B’s. A needs analysis of business Session 26th March opportunities. 2015 Individual - Via Sustainable development for example footpaths along the Consultation river. Session 26th March 2015

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Area 4: Observations on services to support the economic development and job creation continued

Collected by Narrative Individual - Via Tullow Street in Carlow Town was the heart of the business Consultation Session community and now it is very quiet, where shops are closed there 26th March 2015 needs to be some kind of intervention – some activities for example the farmers market, pop up shops, Eigse. Wexford had a similar problem. Individual - Via Commercial Rates are an issue. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow should look at going for a purple flag (safe nights out), Consultation Session Waterford City achieved this. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow has a skilled work force that is not being used to its full Consultation Session potential, e.g. the sugar factory brought a massive job creation. 26th March 2015 Industry is needed back in Carlow to bring employment levels back up. Individual - Via An apprenticeship programme may be a solution; this slack is being Consultation Session taken up by the Institute of Technology. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Transport links should be improved, sign posts and road Consultation Session maintenance. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Boating services for the river barrow could be of significance to the Consultation Session economy. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Integrate Castledermots’ features into Carlow tourism e.g. round Consultation Session tower. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Farmleigh type convention for Carlow, looking at what we do have. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Tourism contributes to the development of the economy and has not Consultation Session been developed in rural areas of Carlow e.g. Hacketstown. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Educate Carlow to appreciate what we have to offer, lift their attitude Consultation Session towards Carlow. 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow I.T. receiving jobs post qualifications in Carlow town. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via The many self-employed who employ few are more valuable as Consultation Session opposed to the fewer larger companies. More supports put in place 26th March 2015 for the new entrepreneurs starting up to train them up. Individual - Via Retraining for older people necessary although their benefits get Consultation Session taken away. This is national policy that is effective locally. 26th March 2015

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Area 5 – Observations on Services/facilities required to support community to thrive

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Training people to be Community Leaders. representative organisation Submission by More recreational facilities. representative organisation Submission by Better Roads. representative organisation Submission by Another bridge across the river Barrow. representative organisation Submission by Project that could help build community spirit and active representative participation by individuals. Real community development to organisation help people in local communities. Submission by Develop skills and initiatives to improve own community. representative organisation Submission by Local transport – buses. representative organisation Submission by More help on the integration of new communities – make new representative communities feel a part of Carlow. organisation Submission by Use volunteers to call door to door. representative organisation Submission by A fully integrated diversity education structure, which sees a representative commons approach with anti-bias emphasis from pre-school organisation all the way to third level. Submission by The inclusion of citizenship and philosophy as subjects in representative schools across the levels. organisation Submission by Small co-op system established to support employment of representative Travellers in areas such as organic gardening and market organisation gardening, crafts, animal husbandry/care/production, animal care, animal grooming, Submission by Leadership programmes that provide the Travelling community representative with more role models organisation Submission by Supporting Traveller self determination representative organisation Submission by Pre-development education and training designed to increase representative confidence and skills allowing Travellers to progress into organisation integrated opportunities Submission by Training opportunities that recognise the abilities and skills representative that many men possess, although they have no formal organisation qualifications. Submission by School liaison teacher for the Travelling community to support representative parents to support children to stay in school for longer organisation

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Area 5 – Observations on Services/facilities required to support community to thrive continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Appropriate social outlets for Traveller youth representative organisation Submission by Job creation and innovation representative organisation Submission by Public Transport – lack of same great barrier to employment representative opportunities organisation Submission by Survey young people to find out what are their needs and representative aspirations organisation Submission by Make use and develop walking facilities in Carlow. The Barrow representative river should be utilised more. organisation Submission by Further need for policing outside shopping centres and public representative places organisation Submission by Investment in local heritage to increase tourism representative organisation Submission by More people needed to promote Carlow. Local radio seems to representative be biased towards Kilkenny and there is no studio in Carlow. organisation Submission by Develop more festivals to attract people into Carlow. Festivals representative for ordinary people, music connects to a mass of people organisation Submission by Greater ‘case conferencing’ between grass root workers and representative governmental departments with regards to the needs of organisation individuals they work with Submission by Social enterprises offering training and employment representative opportunities for disadvantaged communities and groups organisation Submission by More formal and informal family support to parents representative organisation Submission by Linking families into appropriate support services representative organisation Submission by Additional affordable childcare for families to facilitate representative participation in education, training and employment organisation Submission by Encourage professional development and on-going training for representative staff working in the provision of community and social organisation services Submission by Improved access to health services for families, e.g. representative speech/hearing therapy organisation Submission by Access to expert agencies and services including drug and representative alcohol/addition services, domestic violence etc. organisation

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Area 5 – Observations on Services/facilities required to support community to thrive continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by More physical activity programmes for younger children are representative needed, most are aimed at school age children organisation Submission by More availability of counselling services for children representative experiencing difficulties organisation Submission by More targeted development and pre-employment programmes representative aimed at groups at risk of long term joblessness such as lone organisation parents, Travellers, people with addiction issues, immigrants, ex-prisoners etc. Submission by More outreach work required to reach families most isolated representative and the furthest away from employability. i.e. a service that organisation tries to reach families that don’t engage at all in the community Submission by Methods of supporting fathers to be involved in the active representative parenting of their children, particularly where the father does organisation not live with the child Submission by Primary Focus on Good Sustainable Jobs for County Carlow Public Body Submission by Consideration of the Teagasc Region Advisory Strategic Plan Public Body Submission from Consideration of the inclusion of the strategic vision for Representative VISUAL in the LECP Group Individual - Via Carlow – Local transport, urban as well as rural, people need Consultation to use this service, however advertising of this service maybe Session 24th a problem? March 2015 Individual - Via Computer classes to communicate to people on what Carlow Consultation has to offer and how to access these services. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow County Council needs to have facebook and twitter. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow people need to take pride in their county for example Consultation Carlow Arts Festival Eigse are celebrating Carlow Heroes by Session 26th displaying their image on Carlow Post Office Panels. March 2015 Individual - Via Ireland Newfoundland programme needs to be built upon so Consultation we can better connect to the Diaspora. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Volunteers promotes individuals – funding has been cut and Consultation this is a challenge, this issue needs to be driven locally to feed Session 26th into national policy. March 2015 Individual - Via Appropriate transport links and a decent branding campaign Consultation both nationally and internationally for Carlow. Session 26th March 2015

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Area 5 – Observations on Services/facilities required to support community to thrive continued.

Submitted by Narrative Individual - Via Men’s health is an issue and needs to be addressed for Consultation example the Men’s Shed Programme and Mensa. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Make use and develop walking facilities in Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Gardens are plentiful and contribute to tourism. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Barrow should be utilised more. Was heart of life in Carlow Consultation town. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Parental support – need somewhere for them to do safe Consultation outdoor activities with family. Road safety is important for Session 26th cyclists. March 2015 Individual - Via Further need for policing outside shopping centres and public Consultation places e.g. people begging outside shops etc. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Wheelie bins should be provided for in rent for people who are Consultation in rented accommodation. This would largely decrease illegal Session 26th dumping. March 2015 Individual - Via More affordable accommodation for people on holidays. The Consultation cost of hotels etc. negates against tourism. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Special interest tours could be set up. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Investment in heritage to get services up to scratch. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Secure parking needed. High vandalism rates in car parks. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via More people needed to promote Carlow. Local radio seems to Consultation be biased towards Kilkenny and there is no studio in Carlow. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Develop more festivals to entice people into Carlow. Festivals Consultation for ordinary people, music connects to a mass of people. Session 26th March 2015

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Individual - Via The young people and their attitude should make the Consultation community thrive and bring life to the town. Session 26th March 2015

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Area 6 – Observations on Strengths of Community

Submitted by Narrative Individual - Via St. Mullin’s & Glynn – There is so much to like about this Consultation community, it has a wealth of history, would like to see more Session 24th young people getting involved in community work in a March 2015 voluntary way. Important to know where the border between Carlow and Muinebheag Individual - Via Bagenalstown – the River Barrow is sadly lacking, the facilities Consultation are not there compared to Clashganny. The River needs to be Session 24th developed and utilised in a better way. March 2015 Individual - Via Ballinabranna – Rep for community groups to give advice on Consultation making submissions. Session 24th March 2015 Individual - Via Leighlinbridge – The River Barrow is a huge resource that is Consultation under resourced. More support is needed for community Session 24th groups starting up for example insurance is very expensive March 2015 and this is a barrier that prevents communities from doing what they would like Individual - Via Borris – Creative industries for example craft, heritage, film Consultation and tourism etc. The County border attracts people from other Session 24th Counties, Carlow is too small a County to think of itself, Carlow March 2015 has a breath of assets and it would be wrong to concentrate on o Individual - Via Carlow – The River Barrow being underutilised in towns and Consultation villages around the county has been raised on a number of Session 24th occasions. March 2015 Individual - Via Ballon – Carlow has very vibrant communities, Co. Carlow is Consultation the country and people like this quality, this needs to be Session 24th promoted from a tourism perspective. Carlow has also good March 2015 food, need to highlight the experience of Carlow i.e. Rivers Barrow and Slaney Individual - Via Carlow – Appreciate the River Barrow and its impacts and Consultation stakeholders along the river, heritage needs a lot of nurturing, Session 24th also needed is an inventory / database in respect of the March 2015 richness of heritage in the County. Methodical Heritage i.e. Ballymoon Individual - Via Volunteering Spirit in Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via There is a lot of potential in Carlow but the man power is not Consultation always available. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Tourism, there is a lot of history in Carlow and heritage is Consultation huge. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via St. Mullin’s is a wonderful area in Carlow and in recent years it Consultation has become more visible nationally but we need to make more Session 26th of this area. March 2015

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Area 6 – Observations on Strengths of Community continued.

Submitted by Narrative Individual - Via Carlow has a lot of well kept secrets, even Carlow people don’t Consultation recognise areas in Carlow, need to publicise areas getting a Session 26th positive message of Carlow across locally, nationally and March 2015 internationally. Also needed is sustainable development in Carlow. Individual - Via The River is an asset to the county, need to educate people on Consultation what is in the County, there is so much nature that is not Session 26th publicised, not just tourism, it is about Carlow people knowing March 2015 what a great County we live in, and there are so many hidden treasure Individual - Via St. Mullins is so peaceful, gets teenagers away from computer. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Diversity of Communities in Carlow – There is wide diversity of Consultation people in Carlow for example culture, travellers and foreign Session 26th nationals. The geographical size of County Carlow is very March 2015 advantageous as it facilitates a rich tapestry of networking together Individual - Via Carlow people do not sell Carlow, Carlow People are very Consultation modest. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow has two colleges which are a great asset, students add Consultation to the community. Carlow is the only county to strive towards Session 26th university status. March 2015 Individual - Via Carlow also has very good educational services i.e. St. Consultation Lazerians, Delta, Holy Angles etc. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Very good sports clubs, facilities etc. There is quite a lot in Consultation Carlow and there are no waiting lists and readily accessible to Session 26th young people compared to cities. March 2015 Individual - Via See community as very well represented in Carlow. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Support services available to the disadvantaged / disabled. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Roads / transport very strong. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Tourism is a big part of Carlow – natural landscape (variety of Consultation landscape), garden trails and rivers. Session 26th March 2015

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Area 6 - Observations on Strengths of Community continued.

Submitted by Narrative Individual - Via Educational infrastructure and forward thinking, IT, Carlow Consultation College of further education. Create opportunities for Session 26th everybody. March 2015 Individual - Via A lot of local business support for a small community. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Inter-agency work major strength. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Bring all agencies together to plan services for young people. Consultation Young thriving population in Carlow. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Sport variety good strength. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Working together as a community, pride place and tidy towns Consultation encourage community development and strength. Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Location is to our advantage, good road networks. Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Individual - Via Have all natural strengths that are not being used to full Consultation potential. Session 26th March 2015 Submission by Gateway town between Dublin, Waterford and Ferry Ports representative organisation Submission by Easily Accessible to Motorway and rail network representative organisation Submission by Excellent educational infrastructure at primary, secondary and representative third levels, including Educate Together, Gael Scoil and Gael organisation Colaiste, Carlow College and IT Carlow Submission by Good local amenities – river barrow, town park, oak park etc representative organisation Submission by Good shopping town representative organisation Submission by Excellent local produce – food, arts and crafts representative organisation Submission by Tourism attractions – natural landscape, heritage, garden trails representative and rivers. organisation

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Area 6 - Observations on Strengths of Community continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Variety of sporting clubs and activities representative organisation Submission by Good community initiatives such as Pride of Place and Tidy representative Towns that encourage community development organisation Submission by Good range of organisations in Carlow tackling social representative exclusion and working with disadvantaged communities and organisation groups Submission by Excellent service provision in terms of Adult, Community and representative Third Level Education organisation Submission by Excellent service provision in terms of Community and Rural representative Development organisation Submission by Excellent interagency collaboration representative organisation Submission by Affordable high quality childcare for families representative organisation Submission by Highly qualified and experienced staff representative organisation Submission by Early intervention families linked in to appropriate services representative organisation Submission by Generally high levels of resilience in the broad local representative community organisation Submission by Good parenting capacity in the vast majority of families that representative can be built on organisation Submission by New communities bring new skills, cultures and experiences to representative Carlow organisation Submission by Many young people from disadvantaged communities want to representative work and are willing participants in programmes and services organisation that they believe can help them Submission by We have the IT College and St. Patrick’s College. representative organisation Submission by We have 2 swimming pools. representative organisation Submission by We have a Cinema. representative organisation Submission by Location – it’s not far from Dublin or the port in Rosslare. representative organisation

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Area 6 – Observations on Strengths of Community continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by We have a park/Oak Park. representative organisation Submission by Shopping Centres representative organisation Submission by Transport Links - train, bus, taxi. representative organisation Submission by Cycle tracks. representative organisation Submission by FAS office. representative organisation Submission by Community Centre. representative organisation Submission by Library. representative organisation Submission by Good Schools and Childcare. representative organisation Submission by Lots of Sports Clubs. representative organisation Submission by Good Sports facilities. representative organisation Submission by Youth Clubs. representative organisation Submission by Citizen Information. representative organisation Submission by Built on the Barrow – could be developed for Tourism. representative organisation Submission by Carlow Castle and Dolmen. representative organisation Submission by Activities for kids – Dome and Big Blue Barn. representative organisation Submission by Good shops and restaurants. representative organisation Submission by Lots of support organisations – AA, Women’s Aid etc. representative organisation

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Area 6 – Observations on Strengths of Community continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Court. representative organisation Submission by Garda Station. representative organisation Submission by Post Office. representative organisation Submission by Social Welfare Office. representative organisation Submission by Main Banks. representative organisation Submission by Good Volunteers. representative organisation Submission by Motorway. representative organisation Submission by Theatre. representative organisation Submission by VISUAL Arts Centre. representative organisation Submission by Teagasc. representative organisation Submission by Good Medical Services – Doctors/Dentists. representative organisation

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Area 7 - Support/services should be put in place to support social inclusion, community development, and economic development

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Improve transport links, sign posts and road maintenance. representative organisation Submission by Boating services for the Barrow could be of significance to representative the economy. organisation Submission by A Farmleigh type convention for Carlow, looking at what representative we do have. organisation Submission by Tourism contributes to the development of the economy representative and could be developed further in rural areas of Carlow organisation Submission by Promote Carlow locally to improve Carlovians appreciation representative of Carlow. organisation Submission by More support services for Carlow immigrants – language representative skills development, particularly functional language and organisation conversational language skills. Submission by Greater cultural awareness and integration of Carlow representative immigrants organisation Submission by Greater equity in terms of supports for different religious representative beliefs organisation Submission by Need to look at recognition of previous learning for those representative coming from other nations with regard to qualifications and organisation skills Submission by Development of labour market relevant training – need for representative analysis of current and future labour market trends in the organisation locality and where deficits/skill shortages lie. Submission by Community Education/CVET sector needs to embrace more representative current trends in education – blended learning and use of organisation technology for example Submission by Need to make education/training more accessible and representative relevant for marginalised or disadvantaged groups through organisation the provision of pre-development programmes with the aim of progression into mainstream providers Submission by Pre development and ‘Learning To Learn’ initiatives representative organisation Submission by Youth unemployment – development of tailored representative programmes to provide real and meaningful interventions organisation for same Submission by Look at conducting a local analysis of reasons for early representative school leaving and disenfranchisement of this target group organisation Submission by Profiling of what services have to offer – need to reach out representative to communities in language that they can understand organisation

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Area 7 - Support/services should be put in place to support social inclusion, community development, and economic development continued.

Submitted by Narrative Submission by Supports for vulnerable women in Carlow – no shelter for representative homeless women or women at risk organisation Submission by Supports for children experiencing mental health and representative behavioural difficulties organisation Submission by Build more houses – shortage of housing – more representative employment. organisation Submission by More council loans to help people buy houses. representative organisation Submission by Bring more companies to Carlow – promote Carlow as a representative good place to do business – incentives e.g. lower rates. organisation Submission by Educated workforce. representative organisation Submission by Need to revitalise the Town Centre – eliminate derelict representative houses and businesses. organisation Submission by Develop the use of the River Barrow – Tourism. representative organisation Submission by Promote Carlow as a tourist destination – educate people representative to appreciate what Carlow has to offer. organisation Submission by Need an Annual Festival that has mass appeal. representative organisation Submission by Run a competition to find the best idea for a Festival. representative organisation Submission by Build a local maternity hospital. representative organisation Submission by Support more people to start their own businesses. representative organisation

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Thank You

Thank you to the following organizations and individuals who made formal submissions which will be considered in the preparation of the LECP County Carlow 2021.

Name Subject Ann Nolan Promotion of Tourism and Economic Development Sinead Dowling for Carlow Arts County Arts Vision / Plan Office Helena Fitzgerald for Blackstairs Sustainable management and development of Farming for Conservation Group Blackstairs and Barrow Valley Bride De Roiste for Glor Cultural Development Cheatharlach Pat O'Neill for Carlow Historical and Genealogy and Tourism Archaeological Society Paddy Browne for Teagasc Research, Education and Advisory Dr. Patricia Mulcahy for Institute of Vision for the South East Technological Technology Carlow University Ann Ferris TD for East Carlow Sustainable Planning Mairead Maddock for Carlow Children and Young People Kilkenny Children and Young People Services Committee Padraig Dooley for National Sustainable Jobs for the County Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Simone Webb for Mid Carlow: Tourism and Heritage Kellistown, Kilcoole (Graignaspiddogue), Rathoe, Fighting Cox and Ballintrane Community Groups Niall Morris for St. Catherine's Promotion of Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Community Services Centre Kathleen Fitzgerald for The Homeless and Provision of Accommodation Monastery Hostel Ann Mulrooney for VISUAL Centre for Social Cultural, Educational Development of Contemporary Art & The George the County Bernard Shaw Theatre Paula Madden for Yellow Flag, Irish Cultural Diversity Traveller Movement

Thanks also to individuals / organizations who participated in the Public Consultation Workshops held on 24th and 26th March 2015, for the preparation of the LECP County Carlow 2021.

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Strategic Stakeholders Consultation Workshops

Carlow Council Staff 8th July 2015 Living in Carlow 8th July 2015 Carlow Regional Youth Acting CEO Services Planning Tullow FRC Director of Services, Carlow Volunteer Centre Corporate, Planning & Carlow County Council Economic Development Carlow PPN Community HSE Resource Officer IT Carlow South East Regional Drug and Local Sports Partnership Alcohol Task Force County Librarian St. Fiacc’s House Arts Office Barnardos Building Engineer Carlow Chamber of Commerce Finance St. Catherine’s Community Roads Engineer Services LEO CCDP St Fiacc’s House MS Carlow CRISP (Carlow Rural Information Service) Visual

Working in Carlow 9th July 2015 Studying/Up skilling in Carlow 9th July 2015

CCDP Carlow Chamber of IDA Commerce IT Carlow LEO CEO KCETB KCETB CCDP AIB LEO CEO St. Catherine’s St Catherine’s College / Parish Council Carlow County Council

Visiting Carlow 9th July 2015 Infrastructure in Carlow 10th July 2015

Carlow PPN Carlow Young Artist Choir TUSLA Carlow County Council Carlow Chamber of South East River Basin Commerce Carlow Historical & Carlow Kilkenny Archaeological Society Energy Agency Waterways Ireland LEO LEO CCDP Ltd VISUAL IT Carlow Mount Wolseley Carlow PPN Carlow Coffee Company Carlow Integration Camping business Forum Carlow Tourism

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Appendix 3

Report on Submissions Received following Draft Plan Public Consultation Process

Submissions were received from the following during the Public Consultation Process.

 Southern Regional Assembly  County Carlow Development Partnership CLG  Carlow Tourism  Environmental Protection Agency

Southern Regional Assembly

Issues raised include:

1. Need to demonstrate consistency of high level goals/objectives of LECP with objectives/policies in Regional Planning Guidelines for South East Region 2010-2022, Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 and Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012-2018 Response: This matter has been noted and an appendix has been included in the draft plan detailing same.

2. LECP objectives 5.1 at page 82 – Need to identify and address gaps in underpinning infrastructure; request to make reference in plan to critical enabling investment priorities contained in Section 10.1.1 of the Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Strategic Planning Area. Response: This issue is referenced on page 67 of the plan.

3. Need to identify and or inclusion of specific actions in the LECP for the Regional Action Plan for jobs would assist in the implementation of actions at local level. Response: The matter has been addressed on page 168 of the plan, action 2.2.3.

4. Action 2.4.1 of the plan, request for action to be more focused to develop specific actions for sustainable travel within the County. Response: Action 2.4.1 has been modified to reflect this wording.

5. Request to include graphics and maps to illustrate County Carlow in its regional context. Response: Map included as an appendix of the plan

6. It is considered that actions contained in the draft LECP are practical in nature. However, further detail would seem to be required in respect of some of the actions so that actions are specific in terms of what they seek to achieve. Further consideration of the time-bound element (i.e. deadlines instead of a

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timeframe) and inclusion of steps for delivery is also required to assist in future implementation, monitoring and review of the LECP. Response: This will be taken into account during the implementation stage of the plan.

Carlow County Development Partnership CLG

Issues raised:

1. Clarity of role of CCDP under LECP and prospective collaborators identified. Response: High level goal/actions and collaborators have been amended where appropriate i.e. pages 73, 86, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 108, 110, 112

2. Relationship between Carlow LCDC and Carlow County Development Partnership CLG. Response: Narrative has been amended to reflect this page 15

Carlow Tourism

Issues raised:

1. Amendments / additions to narrative. Response: Narrative amended, pages 58, 59, 60, 61, 62

2. Request to include additional strengths / weakness / opportunities in High Level Goal” Visiting County Carlow SWOT analysis”. Response: Amendments made, page 65

3. Change of wording of narrative of actions 4.4.1, 4.4.2, 4.4.3, 4.4.4, 4.4.5 from investment to strategic and 4.4.5 Lead Agency to be amended to Carlow Tourism. Response: Amendments made pages 111, 112, 113

Environmental Protection Agency

Issues raised:

1. Include an additional high level goal for the LECP, relating to protecting the receiving environment. Response: The high level goals were already agreed and approved by the LCDC, SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning and members of Council. High level goal, “Living in Carlow” covers this issue, however, strategic objective 1.6.1 under this goal has been amended from To Share Protect and

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sustain the environment to Share Protect and Sustain the Environment and Receiving Environment, page 48

2. Include a commitment that environmental related policies and objectives of the Carlow County Development Plan 2015-2021 will be complied with implementing the LECP. Response: Text has been included in plan to reflect this commitment, page 20

3. The LECP could consider encouraging community level activities in areas such as energy conservation, water conservation, river clean-ups, riparian zone protection measures, awareness and appropriate control of invasive species etc., which would be beneficial for both local communities as well as the environment. Supporting measures which promote and encourage local eco- tourism ventures, fishing/angling, bird watching, agri-tourism, supporting and encouraging citizen science activities such as local heritage mapping, supporting habitat restoration would also be beneficial in forming a closer link between social participation and involvement in and environmental protection at a local level.

In this regard, community related activities associated with implementation of EU LIFE Programmes such as IRD Duhallow and Burren LIFE have played a significant role in protecting environmental sensitivities while supporting local communities and would be a very useful model to consider promoting in the LECP. In particular, the ‘RIVER Allow Integrated Catchment Management Approach’ may be worth considering in terms of supporting and protecting/managing environmental resources at local level.

It may be useful to consider taking into account the relevant environmental topics contained in the SEA Environmental Monitoring Programme aspects of the CDP, as appropriate, so that over the lifetime of the LECP the potential cumulative/in-combination effects can be reviewed.

Response: These issues are cover in the Plan and will be taken into account during the implementation stage

4. Future Amendments to the Draft LECP – Carlow County Council should determine whether or not any future proposed variations/amendments would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. This assessment should take account of the SEA Regulations.

Response: This matter will be taken into account during any review process

5. Infrastructure Planning – In proposing the LECP and any related amendments, variations etc. of the LECP and in implementing the LECP, adequate and appropriate infrastructure should be in place, or required to be put in place, to service any development proposed and authorised during the lifetime of the particular LECP.

Response: This matter is noted

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6. Appropriate Assessment – The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) should be consulted, as relevant and appropriate, with regard to screening of the Plan for Appropriate Assessment. Where Appropriate Assessment is required, any findings or recommendations should be incorporated into the SEA and LECP, as appropriate.

Response: The NWPS were advised and no comments were received in respect of the plan.

7. SEA Screening Determination – A copy of your decision regarding the determination should be made available for public inspection at your offices, local authority website and should also be notified to any Environmental Authorities already consulted

Response: This is standard practice

During consideration of the draft plan, members requested that reference be made in the plan to the provision of a Regional Logistics Park in Carlow.

Response: The provision of a Logistics park in Carlow is a key strategic objective of Carlow County Council and will provide a considerable asset in reinforcing and enhancing future economic development, page 29.

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Appendix 4 Southern Regional Assembly Statement

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Appendix 5 Mainstream & Other Specialist Services Acronyms Glossary and Acronyms

ACRONYMS

AA Appropriate Assessment

BIC Business Innovation Centre

CCYPSC Carlow Children and Young People’s Services Committee

CE Community employment

CEDRA Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas

Comhairle na nÓg Children and Youth Councils

CRYS Carlow Regional Youth Services

CSO Central Statistics Office

DAFM Department of Agriculture Food and Marine

DAHG Department of Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht

DCENR Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

DCYA Department of Children and Youth Affairs

DECLG Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools

DES Department of Education and Skills

DFI Disability Federation of Ireland

DJE Department of Justice and Equality

DSP Department of Social Protection

DTTS Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport

DEI Enterprise Ireland

Eirgrid Deliver a safe secure & reliable source of electricity

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 159 | P a g e

FDI Foreign Direct Investment

FRC Family Resource Centre

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GNP Gross National Product

HEI’s Higher Education Institutes

HSE Health Service Executive

IBEC Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation

ICT Information Communication Technology

IDA Industrial Development Agency

IFA Irish Farmers Association

INTREO A single point of contact for all employment and income supports. (Department of Social Protection)

IT Carlow Institute of Technology Carlow

IW Irish Water

JI Job Initiative

JPC Joint Policing Committee

KCETB Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board

LAG Local Action Group

LCDC Local Community Development Committee

LDS Local Development Strategy

LECP Local Economic and Community Plan

LEO Local Enterprise Office

Ring a Link Community Transport (Local Link)

MD Municipal District

MGS Music Generation

CRYS Carlow Regional Youth Service

NRA National Roads Authority

NSS National Spatial Strategy

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NTA National Transport Authority

SERA South East Regional Assembly

SERDATF South East Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

OPW Office of Public Works

POBAL Work on behalf of government and in partnership with various stakeholders to improve outcomes, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion.

Carlow PPN Carlow Public Participation Network

PWD People with Disabilities

RAPID Revitalising Areas through Planning and Investment

RDP Rural Development Programme

REDZ Rural Economic Development Zones

RPG Regional Planning Guidelines

RSES Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

SICAP Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme

Skillnet Funding to grow skills and sustain jobs

SME Small and Medium Enterprises

SPC Strategic Policy Committee

TIG Traveller Interagency Group

TÚS Is a community work placement scheme

TUSLA Child and Family Agency

CCC Carlow County Council

CCCC Carlow County Childcare Committee

CCDP Carlow County Development Partnership CLG

WHO World Health Organisation

LSP Local Sports Partnership 161 | P a g e

Map of County Carlow Highlighting its Location in a Regional Context

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Key Performance Indicators for Actions

Action Lead Agency Activity(ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Timeframe

Action 1.1.1: Carlow PPN  Interested groups  PPN fully inclusive  Influence policy and 2016-2021 Develop a fully (number/%?) and representative decision making inclusive and signed up to of voluntary and representative membership of community sector PPN county wide in mechanism for the  Strength of linkage Carlow people of Carlow groups  Meaningful participation through active membership of decision-making bodies Action 1.1.2 Develop Carlow PPN  Increased number of  PPN fully inclusive Influencing policy and 2016-2021 an effective Interested groups and representative of decision making communication plan registered to the PPN voluntary and that enables and  To strengthen linkage community sector encourages all groups county wide in Carlow individuals of Carlow  Meaningful to engage participation through meaningfully active membership of decision-making bodies

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Action 1.1.3: To Carlow Volunteer  Communication  Increased  Increased involvement 2016-2021 promote the value of Centre Plan membership and and connection with volunteering and participation in groups communities increase the range and communities Enhanced wellbeing and and quality of Increased sustainability giving a volunteering in volunteerism sense of pride and County Carlow ownership

Action 1.2.1: CCDP  Consultation with key  List of communities in 2016- Identify agencies and groups need of communities to identify predevelopment (Geographical and communities that support issue-based) that require support require predevelopment in capacity building

Action 1.2.2: CCDP  Design  Participation in  Greater pool of 2016 - 2021 Develop initiatives predevelopment predevelopment people empowered to deliver pre- support initiatives support initiatives (at to play a role in their development least 50% of those community support to identified) communities identified in Action 1.2.1

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Action 1.2.3: To PPN  Mentoring, training,  Empowered groups  Groups are 2016 - 2021 facilitate workshops with increased rejuvenated, strategic, established leadership capacity with increased active Communities and (25% take-up by participation and groups) strong leaders groups to strengthen their skills and self- reliance and build leadership capacity

Action 1.3.1: Work CCDP  Update the 2008  Directory of indoor  Increased 2016 - 2021 closely with county directory of and outdoor accessibility to long community groups facilities and extend facilities, term sustainable to fully utilise their to include outdoor  Increased community facilities. facilities awareness of existing community  Support groups and facilities available facilities and committees running and gaps in support their sporting and provision. sustainability community facilities  Increased usage of through upskilling facilities. and empowerment. Action 1.3.2: Carlow County  Ongoing needs and  integrated and  increased access to 2016 - 2021 Develop Community Council gap analysis, sustainable facilities for Facilities where a physical community facilities communities and need has been development work groups,  universal access identified  More effective use of facilities and resources

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Action 1.3.3: To Carlow County  Provision of advice  More joined up  More sustainable 2016 - 2021 Support community Council on facilities, support between communities based Cooperatives (Community and planning regulations agencies LEO) and Social etc.  Referral to Enterprises in the enterprise support County programmes Action 1.4.1: HSE,  Implementation of  Increased  Greater awareness 2016 - 2021 Develop Suicide the mental health awareness of mental of one’s own mental Prevention and strategy for County health issues, health, Mental Health Carlow  Increased uptake of  Greater access to mental health mental health Strategy for County services, support services, Carlow  Increased promotion  Reduction in self- of positive mental harm and number of

health deaths by suicide Action 1.4.2: HSE, TIG  Implementation of  Increased  Improved health and 2016 - 2021 Implementation of (Traveller the Traveller awareness of wellbeing for the South East Traveller Interagency Primary Health Care Traveller health care Traveller community Health Unit Group) project support, increased take-up of support Strategic Plan 2015 – 2020

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Action 1.4.3: Local Sports  Implementation of  Complementary  Increased levels of 2016 - 2021 Implementation of Partnership Sport & Physical plans to promote physical activity, the Sport & Activity Strategy health, well-being health and well-being Physical Activity 2016 – 2021. and active lifestyles of individuals in  To work in delivered by other County Carlow Strategy 2016 – collaboration with relevant 2021, collaborating local stakeholders to stakeholders. with local promote active stakeholders in communities and relation to planning increase physical and policy activity levels, with a development to particular focus on disadvantaged ensure that local areas, people with resources are used disabilities, older to best effect people, and those who are otherwise socially excluded. Action 1.4.4: To Local Sports  Engage with Dept.  Baseline of physical  Ability to measure 2016-2021 explore the Partnership of TTS to secure sports activity trends of physical feasibility of resources to participation in activity participation. conducting, in undertake baseline County Carlow  Increased health and study. well-being. partnership with the  Undertake baseline Department of TTS, study a baseline study of physical sports activity participation in County Carlow

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1.4.5: To develop Joint Policing  Develop and  A joint policing  Increased sense of 2016-2021 and implement a Committee implement a joint committee work plan safety and security for joint policing policing committee individuals and committee work work plan communities in County Carlow plan for County  Reduction in crime in Carlow County Carlow resulting in less

demand on public and individual resources Action 1.5.1: To LCDC  LCDC to establish a  Increased capacity  Reduced number of 2016 create a forum to sub group to deliver for delivering communities on the support community this action. services in response margins and voluntary and to needs statutory agencies to maximise their resources and to work collaboratively in responding to the needs of communities on the margins. Action 1.5.2: To Carlow CYPSC  Implementation of  Provision of adequate,  Better quality of life 2016 - 2018 implement the CYPSC strategy and affordable and and future for children, Carlow Children plan accessible facilities and young people and and Young People services for children their families. Services and young people and Committee’s their families in line with the 5 National Strategy Outcomes for children (Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, DCYA 2014).

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Action 1.5.3: To Carlow TIG  Implementation of the  Provision of  Better quality of life for 2016 - 2021 implement the TIG strategy and adequate, affordable the Traveller and Traveller action plan and accessible Roma Communities. Interagency Group facilities and services strategy and action for the Traveller and plan Roma Communities. Action 1.5.4: To Carlow  Implement the Carlow  Provision of  Better quality of life for 2016 - 2021 implement the Integration Forum Integration Forum adequate, affordable New Communities in Carlow Integration strategy. and accessible County Carlow Forum strategy and facilities and services action plan. for the New Communities. Action 1.5.5: To County Carlow  Implementation of the  Provision of  Better quality of life for 2016 - 2021 support Carlow Age Age Friendly Carlow Age Friendly adequate, affordable older people in County Friendly Committee Committee Committee strategy and accessible Carlow and the and action plan facilities and services implementation of for older people their strategy and assist in the provision of adequate, affordable and accessible facilities and services for older people.

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Action 1.5.6: To South East  Implement the  Provision of  Better quality of life 2016 – 2021 implement the Regional Drugs South East Regional adequate, affordable for people with South East and Alcohol Task Drugs Alcohol Task and accessible addiction issues, Regional Drugs Force Force strategy and facilities and their families and Alcohol Task Force action plan services for people communities. strategy and action with addiction plan issues, their families and responses to community identified concerns. Action 1.5.7: To DSP  Implementation and  Increased work  Reduced 2016 – 2021 support the delivery of labour readiness of unemployment in Department of activation unemployed people County Carlow Social Protection programmes in in County Carlow and relevant bodies County Carlow in the implementation and delivery of labour activation programmes including Gateway, Community Employment, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and other similar activation programmes.

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Action 1.5.8: To HSE  HSE to create a  An interagency  Better quality of life 2016 – 2021 create a forum to forum to support the structure to co- and opportunities for support the Disability Sector in ordinate and deliver people with Disability Sector in County Carlow the provision of disabilities adequate, affordable County Carlow and accessible facilities and services for people with disabilities. Action 1.5.9: To Carlow County  To explore various  Increased housing  Reduced housing 2016 – 2021 maximise use of all Council housing models stock waiting lists and existing social decreased housing supply homelessness models (including HAP) and to explore alternative models to address the social housing deficit. 1.5.10: Carry out an Carlow County  Undertake an in-  Updated socio  Better targeted 2017 in-depth socio Council depth socio economic economic profile of service delivery and economic profile of profile of County County Carlow to use of resources County Carlow to Carlow inform future achieving optimal Identify areas of investment and value for money greatest socio service delivery economic need based on deprivation indices score and the 2016 Census data.

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Action 1.6.1: To Carlow County  Implementation of an 2016 - 2021 promote the Council education and adoption of energy awareness efficiency programme technology in homes, business and communities Action 1.6.2: To Carlow County 2016 - 2021 promote of the Council development of innovative renewable energy for businesses and communities Action 1.6.3: To Carlow County  Establish contacts  Objectives tailored to  Greater understanding December seek and facilitate Council and setup local priorities and of need to protect 2016 active community consultation fora with issues waters engagement in relevant community and sectoral groups implementing the South Eastern River Basin Management Plan (SERBMP) in Carlow

Action 1.6.4: To Carlow County  Establish contacts  Greater public  RBMP becomes more December establish a county Council with public bodies participation in representative of the 2017 environmental water and through PPN, implementation of the views of the people of forum consisting of with relevant NGO’s SERBMP and Carlow NGO’s and public developing the next bodies cycle of river basin management plans

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Action 1.6.5: Carlow County  Develop an inventory  Inventory of benefits  Greater environmental Ongoing Council of local eco-systems which the natural understanding and To identify and services provided by environment bestows sustainability included promote the the environment in on Carlow in plans and economic and Carlow programmes societal benefits of a high quality natural environment

Action 1.6.6: Southern  Change to existing  Reduction in  Better Environment for Lifetime of To apply the Regional Waste ways of dealing with production of waste everyone Southern strategic vision of Office and Local waste Waste the Regional Waste Authority Management Plan by rethinking our approach to Plan managing waste and viewing waste streams as a valuable material resource Action 1.6.7: Southern  Increase awareness  Reduction in waste  Reduce CO2 Towards Regional Waste among the Public and Emissions and 2030 To strive towards Office and Local Business Sector. improve environment achieving a Circular Authority  Encourage recycling Economy with a and reuse of zero waste materials. objective  Introduce incentives to encourage this approach.  Include in Planning Policies.

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Action 1.6.8 Carlow County  Set in place  Reduce waste,  Healthier environment Towards Council, Tidy programmes set out increase recycling and more sustainable 2020 To develop local Towns , in plan and reuse economy action programmes for recycling & Reuse of waste at County and Local level

Action 1.7.1 Carlow County  Implementation of the  Provided leadership  The Arts in County 2016 - 2021 Council Arts Arts Strategy over the through evidence Carlow are an integral To implement the Office 6 years based practise and part of daily life that Carlow Arts policy in the arts enrich the quality of strategy. sector. life of all individuals.  Commissioned a social, cultural and economic impact study.  Well-resourced communities and artists sustained by

transparent and redefined working partnerships

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Action 1.7.2 Carlow County  To provide for the  To increase the  Libraries are viewed 2016 - 2021 Council Library information, cultural, relevance and as a place of civic To implement the Service education, importance of the participation for all Carlow Library recreational and County Library ages. Service strategy to learning needs of Service to support provide for a quality people throughout the strong communities, accessible service network of library cultural centres, branches in Borris, education and literary, which enhances the Muinebheag, Carlow digital literacy, well- lives of central, Tullow and being and heritage communities. Local Studies. and history.  Increased usage of library service, increased engagement and collaboration with relevant agencies and organisations in the provision of services. Action 1.7.3; 1.7.4 Carlow County  Develop and  Heritage and Bio-  Protected heritage 2016 - 2021 To develop and Council implement a Heritage diversity strategy and bio-diversity implement a and Bio-diversity  Impact: Protected environment in County Heritage and Bio- strategy for County heritage and bio- Carlow Carlow diversity environment diversity Strategy in County Carlow for County Carlow.

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Key Performance Indicators for Actions - Doing Business & Working in Carlow

Action Lead Activity(ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Timeframe Agency

Action 2.1.1 Carlow Liaise with key businesses, Economic Forum Co-ordinated Qtr. 1, Development of an County strategic public sector interests to Established approach to 2016 Economic Forum Council/ establish an Economic Forum enterprise with key business Local and strategic public Enterprise sector interests in Office partnership

Action 2.1.2 Carlow Development of strategy Planned, Co-ordinated A sustainable Qtr. 2, Development of a County approach to enterprise enterprise 2016 strategy in respect Council/ and economic activity culture in County of enterprise and Local in the County Carlow economic Enterprise leadership required Office for County Carlow

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Action 2.1.3 Carlow Review outcomes of Enterprise & Projects identified and Planned Qtr 3, 2016 Design & Deliver a County Economic Development Leadership delivered implementation - 2021 variety of projects to Council Study Planned, Co- build capacity ordinated projects based on Local Consultation with key agencies to approach to the outcomes of the Enterprise identify projects enterprise and Enterprise and Office economic Economic activity in the Development County Leadership Study on an interagency basis

Action 2.2.1 Carlow Participation of interested business Collective voice for County Carlow Qtr 1, 2016 Establish a Chamber of groups to establish a Business SME’s within the seen as an Business Network Commerce Network County to lobby, attractive with representation organise information investment from a Number of sessions on common location Sectors who will act issues. as a collective voice for Business in County Carlow

Action 2.2.2 Inter-Agency Implementation of actions Deliver on Actions as part Increased job 2016 - 2021 Implementation of of Action Plan for Jobs creation the Actions as part of the Action Plan for Jobs

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Action 2.2.3 Carlow County Consultation with SPC and Business Annual County Planned Qtr. 1, 2016 Development of an Council/ Local Representation Network Enterprise Plan implementation (Annually) Annual Local Enterprise Developed Preparation of an annual enterprise Enterprise Office plan. Development Plan in consultation with the SPC to include Carlow County Stakeholders actions under the Regional Action Plan for Jobs

Action 2.2.4 Carlow County Organise Annual Information Event Increased awareness of Increase in Qtr. 1, 2016 Increase awareness Council/ Local activities and support numbers availing (Annually) of the range of Enterprise Advertise and market Event of activities and activities and Office supports supports available Liaise with public and business sector from within the clients Public & Business Sector by the hosting of an Annual Information Event

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Action 2.3.1 Carlow Improve knowledge among public, LEO recognised as the A strong culture 2016 Develop and County entrepreneurs, owners and one stop shop for small of promote the Local Council and managers of the range of supports businesses in the county. entrepreneurship Enterprise Office as CCDP available to businesses from Supports in place to in the county the first stop shops Government services e.g. Provision assist public, entrepreneurs, owners providing advice of Business Information & Advisory and managers. and supports Services / Events

Action 2.3.2 Local Implementation of Investment Number of Growth / 2016 - 2021 Investment Enterprise Programme programmes in place sustainability of Programme to Office rural enterprises support and job creation development, expansion and sustaining of rural enterprises and job creation measures across all sectors

Action 2.3.3 CCDP Establish date for call for proposals Increased support to More 2016 - 2021 enterprise with greater sustainable Confined call for Evaluate and approve proposals than businesses proposals from enterprise with more 10 employees than 10 employees serving the domestic market only

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Action 2.3.4 Local Investigate training needs, develop Availability of training Increased 2016 - 2021 Enterprise and implement training programmes programmes employment Provision of range Office opportunities of employer led Identify progression routes Increased skillset training programmes to support the recruitment of people from the live register

Action 2.4.1 : Carlow Undertake research and analysis of Transport options and Revitalisation of 2016 - 2021 Research and County transport options investment programme towns and analysis of transport Council identified villages options including an Roll out of investment programme investment programme for coordination and small scale projects

Action 2.4.2 CCDP Roll out of investment programme Increased skill set / Revitalisation of 2016 - 2021 i.e. training etc. capacity in people and rural towns and Investment communities villages programme for animation, capacity building and training initiatives of a general nature of community groups

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Action 2.4.3 Delivery of investment programme Improved standard / Improved 2016 - 2021 accessibility of community Investment CCDP programme for community amenity facilities community groups and leisure facilities to establish and /or refurbish community, amenity and leisure facilities accessible to all Action 2.4.4 CCDP Delivery of investment programme Increased involvement Enhanced 2016 - 2021 Investment and connection with wellbeing programme for community groups community groups promoting village enhancement measures and/or addressing economic decline / unemployment and/or gaps in service provision in their area

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Action 2.4.5 CCDP Design programme Increased engagement Strengthened 2016 - and activity by active 2021 Capacity building community participation by and training individuals programme for active individual engagement and active leadership in the community

Action 2.5.1 Carlow Consultation with key agencies and Increased awareness of Growth and Qtr 1-2, Conduct Research Employers groups sector opportunities and development of 2016 on Sector Status & Forum trends key sectors Opportunity to feed into Economic Development Strategies & Carlow Employers Forum

Action 2.6.1 Carlow Design and develop a buy local People encouraged to Positive impact on Qtr. 2, 2016 Development of a Chamber of campaign with the Business Community purchase locally local economy (Annually) buy local campaign Commerce in partnership with the Business Community

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Action 2.6.2 Local Delivery of Public Awareness Campaign Increased local business Sustainable local Qtr. 4, 2016 Delivery of a Public Enterprise activity economy (Annually) Awareness Office Campaign around buying Locally and its effects on Economic Development

Action 2.7.1 IT Carlow To develop strong linkages between To maximise employment Increased local 2016 - 2021 Development of a Higher Education Institutes and the opportunities employment linkage between business sector employers and HEI’s as outlined at Regional Skills Forum

Action 2.8.1 Carlow Link with businesses / retailers in Business recognition Better quality of Qtr. 1 County County Carlow to promote an age life for older (Annually) Roll out of the Age Council/ friendly business culture Development of an age people in County Friendly Business Local friendly business Carlow Recognition Enterprise Engage with business / retailers to culture Programme Office/Carlow participate in Age Friendly Business Tourism Recognition Programme

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Action 2.9.1 Carlow Liaise with relevant agencies Annual Digital Strategy Increased digital Qtr. 1 County capacity of (Annually) Development of an Council Plan, implement and monitor digital Carlow Business Annual Digital strategy and retailers. Strategy as part of the County Enterprise Plan on an interagency basis

Action 2.10.1 Carlow Promote e-business Increased awareness More 2016 County Information sessions organised for of Trading Online sustainable Roll out of Trading Council - businesses / retailers Voucher Scheme. businesses Online Voucher LEO Scheme in Evaluation and Approval of Increase e-commerce partnership with the Applications activity Department of Communications

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Key Performance Indicators for Actions - Education, Upskilling & Professional Development in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activity(ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Timeframe Action 3.1.1 & IT Carlow and Carlow Collaboration with other Establishment of Enhanced 2016 - 2021 3.2.1: To support College partner institutes Technological economic / the establishment University in the educational / Develop information and South East. research and of Technological marketing tools development. University for the Increased awareness South East. of HEI and FET in Increase in Develop a variety County Carlow. numbers of information and attending marketing tools to HEI and FEI further enhance the awareness of capacity and potential of the HEI and FET Sectors in County Carlow

Action 3.3.1; Department of Social Liaise with Carlow Employers to Employers Forum Strong links 2016 Development of Protection develop an Employers Forum Established between DSP Carlow Employers and Employers Forum Increased work placement / Employment opportunities

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Action 3.3.2; IT Carlow Connect employers, HEI’s and Linkage Groups Increased skills 2016 Development of a FET providers as outlined at established. in Region linkage between regional skill forum. employers, HEI’s and FET providers Progress the establishment of a as outlined at Skills Forum Regional Skills Forum Action 3.3.3; KCETB / HEI’s KCETB is participating in Regional Work in progress 2017 Promote Skills Forum which includes during 2015 - 2016 engagement representatives of industry, between FET employment services and HEIs in providers, industry the region. and employment The FET planning process in services to ensure that FET provision KCETB has been revised in is relevant to needs accordance with new SOLAS of learners and procedures to take account of labour market learner and labour market needs.

Action 3.4.1; KCETB and HEI’s Through the expansion of its FET Work in progress 2017 Promote engagement services to include training during 2015 - 2016 using community programmes, KCETB is enhancing education principles its links with all relevant between FET stakeholders to ensure that FET providers, industry provision is relevant to needs and employment of learners and labour market. services to ensure that FET provision is relevant to needs of learners and labour market

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Key Performance Indicators for Actions - Visiting Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activity(ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Timeframe Action: 4.1.1 Develop a Carlow Develop a tourism product for Tourism Product Increase in 2016 - 2021 world class tourism Tourism County Carlow developed number of product including visitors to ongoing development Promotion of County Carlow as County Carlow know County and promotion of a tourism destination as a Tourism Carlow County Carlow destination

Action 4.1.2 Develop a Carlow Develop a sector and product Sector and product Increase in 2016 - 2021 sector & product based Tourism based methodology to Tourism based methodology to number of methodology to Tourism Development Tourism Development visitors to Development i.e. developed County Gardens, Golf etc. Carlow

Action 4.1.3 Support the Carlow Support and develop the key Increased awareness Increase in 2016? development of the Tourism tourism assets of the River of the River Barrow number of River Barrow and the Barrow and the Blackstairs and the Blackstairs visitors to key Blackstairs as a key tourism Tourism Asset for assets County Carlow.

Action 4.1.4 Support the Carlow Support the continued Increase awareness Increase in 2016 - 2021 continued development County development of key strategic of County Carlow’s number of of key strategic assets Council assets of County Carlow key strategic assets visitors to key i.e. Duckett’s Grove, strategic Altamont Gardens, assets Brownshill Dolmen via partnership

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Action 4.2.1: To Carlow Development and support of Greater sense of pride Increased 2016 - 2021 continue, strengthen County Community Groups by locals and the tourism and fund initiatives such Council business community in as Carlow’s Pride of Liaise with local businesses the tourism product Place and Tidy Towns and prioritise the involvement of local businesses Action 4.3.1 : Carlow Develop and deliver a tourism County Carlow A growing 2016 - 2021 Development of a Tourism strategy, marketing strategy and Tourism & and County Carlow Tourism product development strategy over Development sustainable & Development Strategy a 5 year period Strategy for County tourism for the period 2017-2021 Carlow sector

Action: 4.4.1 Strategic Carlow Implement investment Rural walks in County Increased 2016 - 2021 programme for County programme for the development Carlow developed walking development and Council and and promotion of rural walks visitors to the promotion of rural walks Carlow County Tourism Action 4.4.2 Strategic Carlow Implement investment Collective marketing Increase in 2016 - 2021 programme for Tourism programme for collective of Carlow Tourism number of collective marketing of marketing of Carlow Tourism product visitors to Carlow tourism product product County Carlow Action 4.4.3 Strategic Carlow Implement investment New and existing Increase in 2016 - 2021 programme to develop Tourism programme to develop and Carlow tourism, number of and promote new and promote new and existing heritage, cultural visitors existing Carlow tourism, Carlow tourism, cultural products and trails heritage and cultural products and trails developed products and trails

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Action 4.4.4 Strategic Carlow Implement investment Availability of Increased 2016 - 2021 programme for tourism Tourism programme for tourism accommodation visitor bed accommodation accommodation proposals night proposals occupancy

Action 4.4.5 Strategic Carlow Identify sub county geographical Promotion of Tourism 2016 - 2021 programme to cluster, Tourism areas in sub county Increase in develop and promote geographical areas visitor tourism in specific sub- Implement investment numbers county geographical programme to cluster, develop areas and promote tourism in these areas

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Key Performance Indicators for Actions - Investing in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activity(ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Timeframe Action 6.1.1 – Carlow Liaise with relevant stakeholders to Local Steering Group Increased level Qtr. 1, Establishment of a County establish a Local Steering Group established of interest from 2016 Local Steering Group Council potential Develop High Level Plan Coordinated planned investors (Public & Private developed Sector) and develop high level plan

Action 6.1.2 – Carlow Develop a suite of marketing Marketing material for Increased level Qtr. 1, Development of a County materials for FDI Promotion FDI Promotion of interest from 2016 Suite of marketing Council developed FDI potential investors materials for FDI Promotion

Action 6.2.1 : Carlow Promotion of County Carlow as a Increased awareness of Increased level Qtr. 1, Promote County County location for inward investment County Carlow as a of interest from (Annually) Carlow as a location Council investment location potential for inward Develop a suite of marketing investors Investment - Develop Local material a suite of marketing Enterprise material including Office Compile baseline data baseline data and supports

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Action 6.2.2: Provide IDA In conjunction with stakeholders Availability of Increased level 2016 - appropriate, identify appropriate property competitive property of interest from 2021 innovative and Private solutions solutions and robust FDI potential Sector infrastructure investors competitive property solutions coupled with robust infrastructure

Action 6.2.3: Support Carlow Support the work of FDI Agencies Promote Carlow as a Increased level 2016 - the work of FDI County location for investment of interest from 2021 Agencies as outlined Council FDI potential investors in the Regional Action Plan for Jobs

Action 6.2.4: Actively Carlow Engage with and support Connect Increase in the number Companies 2016 - engage with and County Ireland of contacts made with locating in 2021 support Connect Council Connect Ireland County Carlow Link with community groups to roll Ireland the roll out of out Connect Irelands Community its Community Partnership Programme Partnership Programme

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Table detailing actions consistent with the Regional Planning Guideline 2010-2022, County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 and Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018

Reference Number High Leve Goal / Action South East Regional Planning Carlow County Development Guidelines 2010 - 2022 Plan 2015 – 2021 / Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 1.3.2 Develop Community Facilities Planning Policy Objectives 7.2 & County Development Plan 2015- where a need has been identified 7.8 pages 107 & 109 2021 Policy SI P8, Page 165 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy SOC P11 – 14, Page 124 1.5.2 To implement the Carlow Children County Development Plan 2015- and Young People Services 2021 Policy SI P2, Page 160 Committee’s strategy 1.5.3 To implement the Traveller County Development Plan 2015- Interagency Group strategy and 2021 Policy SI P7, Page 164 action plan

1.5.4 To implement the Carlow County Development Plan 2015- Integration Forum strategy and 2021 Policy SI P6, Page 163 action plan. 1.5.5 To support Carlow Age Friendly County Development Plan 2015- Committee and the implementation of 2021 Policy SI P4, Page 162 their strategy and assist in the provision of adequate, affordable and accessible facilities and services for older people.

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1.6.1 To promote the adoption of energy Section 6 – 6.2.8 County Development Plan 2015- efficiency technology in homes, Page 102 2021 Policy EN P10, Page 146 businesses and communities and achieve targets and objectives set out in Sustainable Energy Action Plan as part of joining the Covenant of Mayors 1.6.3 To seek and facilitate active Planning Policy Objectives 5.23 & County Development Plan 2015- community engagement in 8.5 pages 93 & 114 2021 Policy HER OB3, Page 220 implementing the South Eastern Policy ENV P6 & P7 Pages 254 & River Basin Management Plan 258 (SERBMP) in Carlow 1.6.6 To apply the strategic vision of the Planning Policy Objectives 5.26 County Development Plan 2015- Regional Waste Plan by rethinking page 94 2021 Policy ENV P1, Page 241 our approach to managing waste Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater and viewing waste streams as a Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area valuable material resource 2012 – 2018 Policy ENV007 Page 87 1.7.2 To implement the Carlow Library Planning Policy Objectives 7.5 County Development Plan 2015- Service strategy to provide for a page 107 2021 Policy SI P13, Page 170 quality accessible service that Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater enhances the lives of communities. Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy SOC P26 – 30 Page 126 2.1.3 Design & Deliver a variety of County Development Plan 2015- projects to build capacity projects 2021 Policy ED P5, Page 78 based on the outcomes of the Enterprise and Economic Development Leadership Study on an interagency basis

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2.3.2 Investment Programme to support County Development Plan 2015- development expansion and 2021 Policy ED P6, Page 79 sustaining of rural enterprises and job creation measures across all sectors 2.4.2 Investment programme for County Development Plan 2015- animation, capacity building and 2021 Policy ED P5, Page 78 training initiatives of a general nature of community groups 2.4.4 Investment programme for Strategic Goal B5 County Development Plan 2015- community groups promoting Page 47 2021 Policy ED P21, Page 89 village enhancement measures and/or addressing economic decline / unemployment and/or gaps in service provision in their area 3.1.1 To continue to promote the Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater establishment of a Technological Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area University for the South East 2012 – 2018 Policy E&S004 Page 102 4.1.1 Develop a world class tourism Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater product including ongoing Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area development and promotion of 2012 – 2018 Policy ECN P24 County Carlow Page 49 4.1.4 Support the continued development Strategic Goal A7 County Development Plan 2015- of key strategic assets i.e. Page 47 2021 Policy TOURISM P1 & 2, Duckett’s Grove , Altamont Pages 190 & 192 Gardens , Brownshill Dolmen via partnership

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4.4.3 Investment programme to develop Strategic Goal A7 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater and promote new and existing Page 47 Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area Carlow tourism, heritage and 2012 – 2018 Policy ECN P21 cultural products and trails Page 49

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