County Carlow – Local Economic & Community Plan

County Carlow 2021 Local Economic & Community Plan 2016-2021

Contents

Acknowledgements 3 Foreword 4 Section 1: Introduction & Background 5 9  Guiding Principles of Local Economic & Community Plan 10  Local Economic & Community Plan Governance 13  Economic Development & Carlow County Council 14  Community Development & Carlow County Council 15  Consultative & Participative Planning 16  Holistic Approach 18  Regional context  Local Context – Planning and Development Framework 18  Policy Context 19 Section 2: Socio-Economic Profile 20 21  Economic overview 30  Demographics 32  Education 34  Housing 35  Disadvantage

Section 3: LECP Development Process 42 Section 4: SWOT Analysis 46 47  Living in County Carlow 53  Doing Business & Working in County Carlow 60  Education, Upskilling & Professional Development 63  Visiting County Carlow 74  Underpinning Infrastructure Section 5: Action Plan 80 Section 6: Implementation, Monitoring & Measurement 126 Appendices 128

 Baseline Data Reference 129  Public Consultation Process 131  Mainstream & Other Specialist Services (Acronyms) 158

Acknowledgments

Inclusion Planning is an essential element in modern society and Carlow LCDC & Carlow County Council acknowledges the various contributors to this publication which sets out a vision for County Carlow in terms 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 acknowledge the Steering Group for the LECP 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 Ltd) 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 LECP 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.

Cathaoirleach Chief Executive Eamonn Moore Carlow County Council Carlow County Council Chairperson LCDC

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

8 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 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 Achieving activity and on social value for active inclusion money citizenship

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.

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, etc  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 citizenship  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 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 in October 2015 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) in November 2015

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 A S T Doing Business in R Carlow U C T U R Education,Upskilling & Professional E Development

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/Carrickduff 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.

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

1 County Development Plan

Town Council boundaries into both 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 2015-2021 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 of our citizens. 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.

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 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 and water infrastructure, 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 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 Ltd., 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 polices 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.

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 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 Co. 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 Co. Carlow, which means that the proportion of disabled persons in Co. 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

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. 37 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 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.

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

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: LECP 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 four 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 East and Midland 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. CCC 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 citizens 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 Florale’ 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 citizens 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 citizen 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 citizen. 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 citizen 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 goals 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, sustainable participate and inclusive communities 1.2 To create, empower and support 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

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 €25million 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 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 sector.

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 Agriculture2010 and Teagasc National Farm Survey Results 2012, provide the most up to date figures on the Agricultural sector

56 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

57 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 goals

58 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 innovative and entrepreneurial enterprise culture Economic culture in County Carlow 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

59 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 community and economic 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 up skilling 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

61 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 Carlow in their collaboration with communities other partner institutes Shared 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 indoor amenities such as the VISUAL theatre, Carlow College, IT Carlow, hotels, and restaurants. Close proximity to the motorway is also seen as a distinct advantage to Carlow tourism. In 2013, tourism grew by 7% in Ireland.

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 2012, Carlow welcomed 69,000 overseas visitors which contributed €37 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

63 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. You might prefer Britain and Ireland to the British Isles terminology but the River Barrow is certainly respected as the most beautiful waterway in Ireland and Britain and not just Ireland alone. 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, 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 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

65 looped options, Carlow has the 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. 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, 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 21 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 Carlow IT 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 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.

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 Talbot Hotel opened in December 2005 with 83 rooms, 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 Craft 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, Co. 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.

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 2015 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, four craft workshops featuring wood turning, stained glass and jewellery 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.

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.

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

• Friendly, open people • Lack of signage to draw people in • Beautiful landscape; Black Stairs, from the Motorway Mount Leinster, Barrow, Slaney • Under representation of Carlow • Walking and cycling trails Product in Regional & National • Heritage, Dolmen, historical trails Strategies • VISUAL • County Museum • Arboretum Garden Centre • 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

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 product Shared 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.

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 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

74 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 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 citizens 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. The County also has a number of major Tourist attractions including VISUAL which is a flagship for the South East.

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

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 fully All communities Carlow Carlow County 2016 - sustainable and citizens to inclusive and (geographic and PPN Council, CCDP and 2021 inclusive communities actively representative communities of interest) all other Voluntary participate in Carlow and Statutory mechanism for Agencies the citizens of Carlow

1.1.2 Build thriving, resilient, To empower Develop an Citizens, Groups, Carlow Carlow Volunteer 2016 - sustainable and citizens to effective Communities and PPN Centre, interest 2017 inclusive communities actively communication Agencies groups, community participate plan that groups, agencies enables and encourages all citizens of Carlow to engage meaningfully

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 the Citizens, Communities, Carlow DECLG, 2016 - sustainable and citizens to value of all organisations that Volunteer organisations 2021 inclusive communities actively volunteering engage and depend on Centre (Statutory and participate and increase volunteers and society Voluntary) that the range and as a whole engage volunteers quality of and 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, Carlow 2021 inclusive communities and support (Geographical disadvantage e.g. areas Integration Forum, leaders and and issue- in Carlow Town and CYRS (Carlow build based) that boundary rural areas, Regional Youth capacity Service), St require pre- New Communities, Catherine’s development in Traveller and Roma Community Services, capacity Community etc Carlow Age Friendly, building Traveller Interagency Committee KCETB

and 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 (being Council, 2021 inclusive communities and support deliver pre- cognisant KCETB, FRCs, St. leaders and development also of Catherine’s, CYRS build capacity support to other (Carlow Regional communities funding Youth Services), identified in sources) IWA, Carlow Action 1.2.1 Volunteer Centre etc.

1.2.3 Build thriving, resilient, To create, To facilitate All Communities and PPN, Carlow Volunteer 2016 - sustainable and empower established groups Carlow Centre, KCETB, 2021 inclusive communities and support Communities County Interagency groups, leaders and and groups to Council, build capacity strengthen CCDP their skills and self-reliance and build 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 LSP, NGBs, Carlow 2016 - sustainable and sustainable with Boards of CCDP Volunteer Centre, 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives community Management and Communities, and social groups to fully people of County groups, sporting enterprises and utilise their Carlow. bodies, schools, community existing parish councils, facilities as community Carlow County identified by facilities and Council, other the support their agencies communities sustainability

1.3.2 Build thriving, resilient, To develop Develop Local Community Carlow Local Community 2016 - sustainable and sustainable Community County and relevant local 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives Facilities Council, agencies and social where a need CCDP enterprises has been and 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, Carlow 2016 - sustainable and sustainable community County Tourism, local 2021 inclusive communities cooperatives based Council SMEs, Carlow IT and social Cooperatives (Community and KCETB enterprises 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, All support agencies 2016 - sustainable and community Suicide Carlow Carlow 2021 inclusive communities well-being, Prevention and Mental health and Mental Health Health safety Strategy for Association, County Carlow CCDP

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 Community, St, 2016 - sustainable and inclusive community well- South East (Traveller Catherine’s, FRCs, 2021 communities being, health and Traveller Health Interagency KCETB, Carlow County safety Unit Strategic Plan Group) Council 2015 - 2020

1.4.3 Build thriving, resilient, To enhance Implementation of All individuals in Carlow Local Sports CCYPSC, Comhairle na 2016 - sustainable and inclusive community well- the Sport & Partnership nÓg, Carlow County 2021 communities being, health and Physical Activity Development safety Strategy 2016 – Partnership, Carlow 2021, collaborating Volunteer Centre, with local Education & Training stakeholders in Board, FRCs, Carlow relation to planning Age Friendly Committee, and policy Mental Health development to Association, Carlow ensure that local County Council, HSE, IT resources are used Carlow, Carlow Regional to best effect Youth Services, County Carlow Women’s

Network, ,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 Carlow Local Sports Dept. of TTS, Carlow 2016 - sustainable and community feasibility of Partnership County Council, HSE, 2021 inclusive communities well-being, conducting, in IT Carlow, Carlow health and partnership with County Development safety the Department Partnership, KCETB of 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 and individuals and Joint An Garda Siochána, 2016- sustainable and community implement a communities Policing elected 2021 inclusive communities well-being, joint policing Committee representatives, health and committee work representatives of the safety plan for County PPN, Chamber of Carlow 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 and 2020 and inclusive and support disadvantage statutory agencies communities sustainable community and community 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 statutory, 2018 and inclusive and Children and families in County and Young community and communities sustainable Young People Carlow People voluntary agencies community Services services to Committee’s Services 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 and communities sustainable Group agencies community services to strategy and address action plan social exclusion and poverty

1.5.4 Build thriving, To deliver To implement New Communities Carlow CCDP, St 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated the Carlow Integration Catherine’s, Carlow 2021 and inclusive and Integration Forum Volunteer Centre, communities sustainable Forum strategy KCETB, community services to and action Interagency groups address plan. social 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 The Older Individuals County County Carlow 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated Carlow Age of Carlow Carlow Older Persons 2021 and inclusive and Friendly Age Forum, CCDP, communities sustainable Committee and Friendly Carlow County community services to the Committee Council, Gardaí, address implementation of Carlow Volunteer social their strategy and Centre etc. exclusion assist in the and poverty provision of adequate,

affordable and

accessible facilities and services for older people.

1.5.6 Build thriving, To deliver To implement the Persons with drug and South East Carlow National Drug 2016 - resilient, sustainable integrated South East alcohol addiction Regional Strategy Action 2021 and inclusive and Regional Drugs issues and their Drugs and Implementation Team, communities sustainable Alcohol Task families. Alcohol other relevant community Force strategy Task Force Government services to Communities affected address and action plan departments and by substance misuse social agencies, and voluntary exclusion issues. and community sectors and poverty 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 unemployed DSP CCDP, Carlow 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated Department of and unemployed County Council, 2021 and inclusive and Social community and communities sustainable Protection and voluntary agencies, community services to relevant bodies sporting address in the organisations, social implementatio KCETB, Carlow exclusion n and delivery Chamber of and poverty of labour Commerce and activation IBEC programmes including Gateway, Community Employment, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and other similar activation programmes.

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 Disabilities HSE Disability services 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated forum to both statutory and 2021 and inclusive and support the voluntary communities sustainable Disability community services to Sector in address County Carlow social exclusion and poverty

1.5.9 Build thriving, To deliver To maximise Housing waiting list, Carlow Voluntary Housing 2016 – resilient, sustainable integrated use of all homeless, families County Organisations 2021 and inclusive and existing social experiencing abuse Council Department of communities sustainable housing supply and individuals/ ECLG/ Private community services to models families leaving rented landlords address (including institutional social HAP) and to accommodation exclusion explore and poverty alternative 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 and communities sustainable profile of agencies community services to County Carlow address to Identify social areas of exclusion greatest socio and poverty economic 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 future Carlow DECLG, Bi- resilient, sustainable protect and adoption of generations, County Householders, Local annually and inclusive sustain the energy Council Business, Carlow environment communities efficiency Businesses , Domestic Kilkenny Energy technology in Householders, all users Agency, SEAI, homes, of Energy and generators Statutory Bodies, businesses and of CO2 Environmental NGO, communities Community Groups, and achieve Government targets and Agencies, Schools, objectives set Farming out in Sustainable Energy Action Plan as part of joining the Covenant of Mayors

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

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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 Authorities 2016- resilient, sustainable protect and facilitate active Agriculture, industry, County National Water 2021 and inclusive sustain the community tourism, and future Council Framework, communities environment engagement in generations Directive Office, implementing the South DECLG, Eastern River EPA, Basin Management PPN, Plan LCDC (SERBMP) in Carlow Environmental NGO

1.6.4 Build thriving, To share, To establish a Local Communities, Carlow Local Authorities 2016- resilient, sustainable protect and county Agriculture, industry, County National Water 2021 and inclusive sustain the environmental tourism, and society in Council Framework, communities environment water forum general Directive Office, consisting of 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 Authorities ongoing resilient, sustainable protect and promote the County National Water and inclusive sustain the economic and Council Framework, communities environment societal Directive Office, benefits of a high quality DECLG, natural EPA, environment PPN, Environmental NGO

1.6.6 Build thriving, To share, To apply the General Public, Southern General Public, Lifetime resilient, sustainable protect and strategic vision Businesses, Regional Businesses, of and inclusive sustain the of the Regional Waste Statutory Bodies, Southern communities environment Waste Plan by Office and Community Waste rethinking our L.A. Groups, Manage approach to Government ment managing Agencies, Plan waste and Environmental viewing waste NGO 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 , Domestic Southern General Public, Towards resilient, sustainable protect and towards Householders, all Regional Businesses, 2030 and inclusive sustain the achieving a generators of waste Waste Statutory Bodies, communities environment Circular Office and Community Groups, Economy with L.A. Government Agencies, Farming a zero waste Communities, objective 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 Bodies, communities environment for recycling & Tidy Towns , Community Groups, Reuse of Communitie Government s Business Environmental NGO waste at Agencies, Farming County and Community , Local level

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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 Arts generations County Council and strategic 2021 inclusive communities promote arts, strategy. Council partners including arts culture and Arts Office organisations, local heritage community groups, artists and national stakeholders

1.7.2 Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, To implement Communities and future Carlow Education Providers 2016 - sustainable and nurture and the Carlow generations County Voluntary and 2021 inclusive communities promote arts, Library Service Council Statutory Agencies culture and strategy to Library heritage provide for a Service quality 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 and 2016 – sustainable and nurture and implement a generations County relevant stakeholders 2021 inclusive communities promote arts, Heritage Plan Council and community, culture and for County 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 and Communities and future Carlow DEC&LG, Heritage 2016 - sustainable and nurture and implement a generations County Council and relevant 2021 inclusive communities promote arts, Biodiversity Plan Council stakeholders and culture and for County community, heritage 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  Carlow County Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and leaders and of an Investors County Council 2016 sustainable enterprise build Economic Council /  Enterprise culture in County capacity Forum with Local Ireland Carlow key business Enterprise  IDA  Connect Ireland and strategic Office  Carlow public sector Chamber interests in  IT Carlow partnership

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

Community Development Committee

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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  Carlow County Qtr 3 , promote a thriving and leaders and Deliver a Investors County Council 2016- sustainable enterprise build variety of Council /  Enterprise 2021 culture in County capacity projects to Local Ireland Carlow build capacity Enterprise  IDA  Connect Ireland projects based Office  Carlow on the Chamber outcomes of  IT Carlow the Enterprise  Local and Economic Community Development Development Leadership Committee 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 the Establish a Business Community Carlow Carlow Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and development of Business Chamber Chamber of 2016 sustainable enterprise an innovative Network with of Commerce culture in County and representation Commerce Carlow entrepreneurial culture from a Number of Sectors who will act as a collective voice for Business in County Carlow

2.2.2 Strengthen and To facilitate the Implementatio Business Community Inter-  Carlow 2016- promote a thriving and development of n of the Agency County 2021 sustainable enterprise an innovative Actions as part Council culture in County and of the Action  Enterprise Carlow entrepreneurial culture Plan for Jobs Ireland  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 the Development Business Community Carlow  Carlow Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and development of of an Annual / Public Sector County County 2016 sustainable enterprise an innovative County Council – Council (Annually) culture in County and Enterprise Local Enterprise Carlow entrepreneurial  culture Plan in Enterprise Ireland consultation Office  IDA with the SPC &  Connect Business Ireland Representation  Carlow Network Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC 2.2.4 Strengthen and To facilitate the Increase Public Sector Carlow  Carlow Qtr 1 , promote a thriving and development of awareness of County County 2016 sustainable enterprise an innovative the range of Council / Council (Annually) culture in County and activities and Local Enterprise Carlow entrepreneurial  culture supports Enterprise Ireland available from Office /  IDA within the  Connect Public & Ireland Business  Carlow Sector by the Chamber hosting of an  IT Carlow Annual  SPC

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Information Event

Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 2.3.1 Strengthen and To develop a Develop and Rural Communities Local Action All enterprise 2016 promote a thriving and sustainable promote the Group agencies sustainable enterprise rural Local Implementer / culture in County economy, Enterprise Local Carlow facilitated by community Office as a first Enterprise centres stop shop Office (linked to providing social advice and enterprise) supports

2.3.2 Strengthen and To develop a Investment Rural Communities Local CCDP / 2016 - promote a thriving and sustainable Programme to Enterprise Carlow 2021 sustainable enterprise rural support Office County culture in County economy, development Council Carlow facilitated by community expansion and centres sustaining of (linked to rural social enterprises enterprise) and job 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 a Confined call Rural Communities Local CCDP / 2016 - promote a thriving and sustainable for proposals Enterprise Carlow 2021 sustainable enterprise rural from enterprise Office County culture in County economy, with more than Council Carlow facilitated by community 10 employees centres serving the (linked to domestic social market only enterprise) 2.3.4 Strengthen and To develop a Provision of Rural Communities Local CCDP / 2016 - promote a thriving and sustainable range of Enterprise Carlow 2021 sustainable enterprise rural employer led Office County culture in County economy, training Council Carlow facilitated by community programmes to centres support the (linked to recruitment of social people from enterprise) the live 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 LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns analysis of 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages transport culture in County through options Carlow investment in people, including an communities investment and in the programme natural, for co- heritage and ordination physical and small environment scale projects

2.4.2 Strengthen and Revitalisation Investment Community LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme 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 LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages for culture in County through community 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 LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns programme for 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages community culture in County through groups Carlow investment in promoting people, village communities enhancement and in the measures natural, and/or heritage and addressing physical economic environment decline / 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 LCDC 2016 - promote a thriving and of rural towns building and 2021 sustainable enterprise and villages training 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 1-2 , promote a thriving and further Research on Public Sector Employer Council 2016 sustainable enterprise develop key Sector Status Forum  Enterprise culture in County sectors & Opportunity Ireland Carlow to feed into  IDA Economic  Connect Ireland Development  Department of Strategies & Social Carlow Protection Employers  Carlow Forum Chamber Impact:  IT Carlow Increased  SPC 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 enterprise culture in locally partnership with  Enterprise (Annually) County Carlow Ireland the Business  IDA Community  Connect Ireland  Departmen t 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 Business Community Enterprise County 2016 and sustainable purchase Awareness Office Council enterprise culture in locally Campaign  Enterprise (Annually) County Carlow Ireland around buying  IDA Locally and its  Connect effects on Ireland Economic  Departmen Development t of Social Protection  Carlow Chamber  IT Carlow

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 SPC 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 Business Community  ETB’s 2021 and sustainable and between  Industry enterprise culture in apprenticeship employers and  Carlow County Carlow opportunities HEI’s as County Council outlined at Regional Skills Forum

2.8.1 Strengthen and Create local Development of Business Community / Carlow  Carlow Qtr 1 promote a thriving conditions to an Annual Public Sector County County (Annually) and sustainable encourage County Council – Council enterprise culture in business Enterprise Plan Local  Enterprise County Carlow growth and Ireland in consultation Enterprise expansion  IDA with the SPC & Office  Connect Business Ireland Representation  Carlow Network Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Agency Frame 2.9.1 Strengthen and Ensure Roll out of the Business Community Carlow  Carlow Qtr 1 promote a thriving and development Age Friendly / Public Sector County County (Annually) sustainable enterprise of an age Business Council – Council culture in County friendly Recognition Local  Enterprise Carlow business Ireland Programme Enterprise culture  IDA Office /  Connect Carlow Ireland Tourism  Carlow Chamber  IT Carlow  SPC  Older Persons Network 2.10.1 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 2.10.2 Strengthen and Build digital Roll out of Business Community Carlow  IT Carlow 2016- promote a thriving capacity of Trading Online County  Enterprise 2019? and sustainable Carlow Voucher Scheme Council/ Ireland enterp0rise 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 College , 2021 Professional of establishment Department of Development in Technological of a Education & Carlow University for Technological Skills KCETB, and all the South East University for other relevant the South East stakeholders

3.2.1 Education, Up- Support Carlow Develop a General Society Carlow IT Carlow / 2016 - skilling & College and IT variety of College KCETB and all 2021 Professional Carlow in their information other relevant Development in collaboration and marketing stakeholders Carlow with other tools to further 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, Up- To connect Development General Public / Department  All enterprise 2016 skilling & employers with of Carlow Business Community of Social agencies Professional education and Employers Protection Development in skills Forum Carlow development providers to address vocational training needs

3.3.2 Education, Up- To connect Development General Public / IT Carlow  HEI 2016 skilling & employers with of a linkage Business Community  KCETB Professional education and between  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, Up- To connect Promote General Society KCETB Enterprise 2017 skilling & employers with engagement DSP / Intreo agencies Professional education and between FET Turas Nua Chamber of Development in skills providers, Business Commerce Carlow development industry and Community 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, Up- Community Promote General Society KCETB DSP / FRCs / 2017 skilling & education: engagement DSP / Intreo St. Catherine’s Professional empowerment, using community Turas Nua Development in well-being Business education Carlow Community 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 Communities and local Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and tourism businesses product Compelling including vision for ongoing Carlow development and promotion of County Carlow

4.1.2 Optimise the tourism To further Develop a Tourists. Carlow Public & Private 2016- product and message Develop a sector & Communities and local Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and product based businesses Compelling methodology vision for to Tourism Carlow Development i.e. Gardens, Golf etc.

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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 Communities and local Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 clear and of the River businesses Compelling Barrow and vision for the Blackstairs Carlow as a key Tourism Asset for County Carlow.

4.1.4 Optimise the tourism To further Support the Tourists. Carlow Carlow Tourism 2016 - product and message Develop a continued Communities and local County OPW 2021 clear and development businesses Council CCDP Compelling of key 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 To continue, Tourists. Carlow DECLG, Tidy 2016 – product and message greater sense strengthen Communities and local County Towns, Residents 2021 of pride by and fund businesses Council Associations, locals and the initiatives such Carlow Chamber of business as Carlow’s Commerce and community in Pride of Place Carlow Town Team the tourism and Tidy product Towns and prioritise the involvement of local businesses 4.3.1 Optimise the tourism To develop Development Tourists. Carlow Public & Private 2016 – product and message and deliver a of a County Communities and local Tourism Tourism Sector 2021 coherent, Carlow businesses bottom up, Tourism & tourism strategy, Development marketing Strategy strategy and product 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 Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 4.4.1 Optimise the tourism The Investment Tourists. Local Action CCDP / Carlow 2016- product and message development programme for Communities and local Group tourism / Carlow 2021 of development businesses Implementer County Council and promotion / Coillte Ireland sustainable of rural walks Board Fáilte rural tourism Private Sector as an economic driver and stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

4.4.2 Optimise the tourism The Investment Tourists. Local Action CCDP /Carlow 2016- product and message development programme for Communities and local Group Tourism / 2021 of collective businesses Implementer Carlow County sustainable marketing of Council / rural tourism Carlow tourism Board Fáilte, as an product Private Sector economic driver and stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 4.4.3 Optimise the tourism The Investment Tourists. Local Action CCDP / 2016 - product and message development programme to Communities and local Group Carlow 2021 of develop and businesses Implementer tourism / sustainable promote new Carlow rural tourism and existing County as an Carlow Council / economic tourism, Private driver and heritage and Sector stimulus for cultural job creation products and throughout trails Carlow Town and County 4.4.4 Optimise the tourism The Investment Tourists. Local Action CCDP / Carlow 2016 - product and message development programme for Communities and local Group tourism / Carlow 2021 of tourism businesses Implementer County Council sustainable accommodatio / Private Sector rural tourism n proposals as an economic driver and stimulus for job creation throughout Carlow Town and County

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Ref High End Goal Strategic Action Target Lead Agency Collaborator Time Objectives Group/Beneficiaries Frame 4.4.5 Optimise the tourism The Investment Tourists. Local Action CCDP / Carlow 2016 product and message development programme to Communities and local Group tourism / Carlow 2021 of cluster, businesses Implementer County Council sustainable develop and / Private Sector rural tourism promote as an tourism in economic specific sub- driver and county 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 Public Sector County Public & 2016 Carlow steering lead an action 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 Qtr 1 , investment into County local of a Suite of County 2016 Carlow steering marketing Council group materials for (public and private FDI Promotion sector) and

develop high 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  Carlow Qtr 1 investment into County Carlow as a County Carlow Public Sector County County (Annually) Carlow location of as a location Council – Council choice for for inward Local  Enterprise Ireland inward Investment - Enterprise  IDA investment Develop a Office  Connect suite of Ireland marketing  Carlow material Chamber including  IT Carlow baseline data  SPC and supports

6.2.2 Maximise external Develop Provide Business Community / IDA /  Carlow 2016- investment into County Carlow as a appropriate, Public Sector Private County 2021 Carlow location of innovative and 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  Carlow 2016- investment into County Carlow as a work of FDI Public Sector County County 2021 Carlow location of Agencies as Council Council choice for outlined in the  Enterprise inward Ireland Regional investment  IDA Action Plan for Jobs

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

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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 Climate Change Adaptation Framework  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 (DECLG)  Social Housing Strategy 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

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Appendix 2:

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 place to 30 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 citizen engagement 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 low representative skilled or unskilled target groups organisation Submission by High levels of youth unemployment representative organisation Submission by Social and psychological implications of recession –poverty, representative isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, crime, mental organisation health etc. Submission by Some people need to be motivated to participate in education representative and training to increase their prospects of securing employment organisation and bettering their lives and those of their families Submission by Despondency – people living with no hope leading to antisocial representative 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 communicate organisation en masse, with young people in particular Submission by Limited number of affordable childcare places on offer means representative demand is not always met organisation Submission by Access can be very difficult for support/intervention services for representative children and families, such as speech and language therapy organisation 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 citizenship. Real community development to help people in organisation 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 Supporting Traveller self determination Submission by 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 VISUALl 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

Acting CEO Carlow Regional Youth Services Planning Tullow FRC Director of Services, Corporate, Carlow Volunteer Centre Planning & Economic Carlow Co. Co. Development Carlow PPN Community HSE Resource Officer IT 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 Commerce IDA LEO IT Carlow KCETB CEO KCETB AIB CCDP CEO St. Catherine’s LEO College / Parish Council St Catherine’s Carlow County Council

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

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

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Appendix 3

Mainstream & Other Specialist Services Acronyms

Glossary and Acronyms

ACRONYMS

ABP An Bord Pleanála

AHBs Approved Housing Bodies

ATB Advanced Technology Building

BGE Bord Gáis Energy

BIC Business Innovation Centre

BTEA Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

CCDP Ltd. Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd.

CCYPSC Carlow Children and Young People’s Services Committe

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

CCYPSC Carlow Children and Young People Services Committee

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

DECLG Department of Environment, Community & Local Government

DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools 158 | P a g e

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

ETBs Education and Training Boards

EWO Education Welfare Officer

FDI Foreign Direct Investment

Foróige Youth Organisation

FRC Family Resource Centre

GDP Gross Domestic Product

GNP Gross National Product

HEA Higher Education Authority

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

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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

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

PRTB Private Residential Tenancies Board

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 160 | P a g e

SICAP Social Inclusion and Community Activation Plan

Skillnet Funding to grow skills and sustain jobs

SME Small and Medium Enterprises

SPC Strategic Policy Committee

STEA Short Term Enterprise Allowance

SVP St Vincent de Paul

TCU Transport Co-ordination Unit

Triple “P” Parenting Programme

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

WHO World Health Organisation

LSP Local Sports Partnership

TIG Traveller Interagency Group

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