A Socio-Economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023
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A Socio-Economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 June 2019 A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 The Socio-Economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 was commissioned by South Kerry Development Partnership CLG and Kerry County Council. Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the LEADER Programme 2014-2020, it was prepared by Ian Dempsey, Prescience Business & Management Development Ltd, between March and May 2019. Prescience wishes to acknowledge the active contribution of the many organisations and individuals in Kenmare, who throughout the process, gave willingly of their time and who shared their perspectives, ideals and ambitions. 1 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 Table of Contents Page Executive Summary 3 1. Logic Model, Methodology & Process 4 2. SWOT Analysis 9 3. The Shared Vision 19 4. Objectives 20 5. The Socio-economic Plan 23 6. Resources & Funding 38 7. Monitoring, Review & Evaluation 48 8. Implementation 54 9. A Socio-economic Profile of Kenmare 59 10. Appendices 101 2 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 Executive Summary The socio-economic plan appraises the current baseline and context for social, economic and environmental development in Kenmare and puts forward proposals for its development over the medium term to 2023. It is based on extensive research and stakeholder consultation conducted between March and May 2019. Kenmare is endowed with a rich heritage legacy, an attractive public realm and a wealth of environmental features; chief amongst which are its coastal and upland resources. The town has long found favour as a vibrant, socially-engaging tourism location; marshalling its heritage and environmental assets and building collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders to develop and actively promote a compelling tourist proposition. There is, however, a growing appreciation that Kenmare must sustain itself and continue to develop amid an ever-changing, dynamic but sometimes challenging context. To do this, the town and its citizens must build resilience and capability; allowing it capitalise on exciting new opportunities while also addressing challenges and concerns for liveability and sustainability. The plan, its findings and recommendations, are shaped by a clear knowledge and understanding of a range of demographic, social, economic, environmental, behavioural and technological trends and opportunities. Consideration of these factors has informed widespread consultation with local stakeholders in the preparation of the plan; its vision, themes and development actions are rooted firmly in their ideas and ambitions. It is intended that the plan be community-led and while much of the knowledge and skill needed to do so is embedded in Kenmare itself, the wider community must be engaged, empowered and resourced to lead and facilitate development and change. As is always the case, development initiatives that are well-planned, inclusive and incremental offer the best path to social wellbeing, economic vibrancy and diversity, enhanced quality of place and environmental sustainability. The plan sets out 100 actions and initiatives for the social, economic and environmental development of Kenmare. Linked by a distinctive vision and theme, the plan prioritises integrated, innovative, sustainable development and seeks cooperation, balance and equity in project planning, implementation and resourcing. Particular emphasis has been placed on innovation and on best practice to deliver sustainable, future-oriented, place-based development. As an outcome, the plan envisages the development of Kenmare as a progressive, vibrant and inclusive community, where guided by the principles of sustainability, its social, cultural environmental and economic assets are harnessed and aligned to achieve an improved quality of life for all. The plan is aligned to national and regional strategies with attention drawn to the priorities, opportunities and enabling resources detailed in the Ireland 2040 Plan. It concludes by identifying the key enablers – agencies, organisations, sectoral interests and individuals – whose commitment, engagement and resources remain central to Kenmare’s future development. 3 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 1. Logic Model, Methodology & Process 4 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 The development of the socio-economic plan is based upon five discrete but inter-related stages as follows: Figure 1: Methodology & Process Engage Facilitate Review Develop Report Active stakeholder engagement and participation has been to the fore in the preparation of the socio- economic plan. This has been shaped by the use of a logic model as well as through public meetings; individual one-to-one meetings; agency liaison meetings as well as online engagement through surveys, email and social media. The plan has also been shaped through knowledge and understanding gained in development work undertaken by Prescience Business & Management Ltd in County Kerry in 2018 and 2019. Throughout an extensive consultation and stakeholder engagement process, particular care was taken to ensure the objectives, strategies and proposed projects outlined in the action plan accorded with relevant EU, national, regional, sectoral and local development policies, plans, strategies and reports (see appendix 1). Stakeholder consultation and engagement has been framed through 16 key questions as follows: Figure 2: 16 Key questions What are our What's the operating How might this Who are we? attributes? and skills? environment? change? What's working & What can we do What resources do Who will provide the what's not? better? we need? resources needed? Have we a shared Are our objectives Do we have an Are our resources vision? and goals defined? enabling stategy? aligned to this? Who has an interest How do we What will success How will we measure in our work? collaborate? look like? it? 5 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 A logic model is an explicit visual statement of the essential elements, activities and synergies in the development of the socio-economic plan. It depicts the relationship between the plan’s proposed actions and activities and its intended outcomes and impacts. Moreover, it represents a roadmap to focus multi-level stakeholder effort and resources, providing a common language as well as a point of reference for development, implementation and review. Figure 3: Logic Model •Define the "problem" to be addressed and solved •Identify development context •Determine stakeholder views and expectations Assess •Identify strategic issues to address Position •Identify optimal means for planning, advocacy and and implementation •Undertake SWOT assessment •Determine coherent theme and purpose •Identify core objectives •Create vision •Determine areas of competitive/comparative advantage Develop •Develop overarching strategy Strategy •Determine plans, initiatives and actions •Identify development and funding opportunities •Use SWOT analysis to shape action plan •Use stakeholder views to shape plan •Align actions to opportunities •Align to development opportunities and funds Build Plan •Build alliances, collaborations and networks •Select appropriate Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) •Align stakeholder talents and resources •Communicate strategic plan to all stakeholders •Establish schedule and mechanisms for review •Conduct periodic review Manage •Communicate successes Performance •Review efficacy of planning, advocacy and implementation •Update annually within 2019 - 2023 period. 6 | P a g e A Socio-economic Plan for Kenmare 2019-2023 Between April 2nd and May 28th, 2019 a comprehensive online survey was circulated widely by stakeholder interests and community organisations in Kenmare and its environs. Detailed feedback and qualitative feedback was sourced from 124 adult respondents, with a survey completion rate of 97%. In addition to this, a survey specifically tailored to elicit views and perspectives of young people in Kenmare was circulated. Responses were received from 88 respondents, with a 100% completion rate. Both surveys were closed at the point at which saturation occurred i.e. the questionnaire no longer yielded additional perspectives or information. Summary data from each of the surveys presented in appendix 2 of this document has shaped the scope, objectives and actions of this socio-economic plan. All told, the stakeholder consultation and engagement process sought to: Build upon previous strategic planning, developmental and stakeholder management initiatives delivered in the area, including those undertaken by Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland and South Kerry Development Partnership, amongst others. Establish the current demographic and economic baseline in Kenmare using accurate, relevant data based on Census 2016 and other appropriate data sources. Ensure stakeholder engagement, shared ownership and commitment to the plan and its future delivery, in particular emphasising the requirement to engage with and collaborate with regional initiatives and partnerships; the objective of which is the best use of scarce resources to build scale and impact. Validate the need for Kenmare to “speak with One Voice” and suggest the optimal means by which it might do this. Establish a clear context for the future social, economic and environmental development of Kenmare. Assess the drivers and trends (demographic, behavioural, political, cultural, technological, economic and environmental)