County Carlow 2021 Local Economic and Community Plan 2016-2021

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

Acknowledgements 3 Foreword 4 Overview & Summary 5

Section 1: Introduction and Background 9 Guiding Principles of Local Economic and Community Plan 13 Local Economic and Community Plan Governance 14 Economic Development and Carlow County Council 16 Community Development and Carlow County Council 17 Consultation and Participative Planning 18 Holistic Approach 19 Regional Context 20 Local Context – Planning and Development Framework 20 Policy Context 21

Section 2: Socio-Economic Profile 23 Economic 0verview 24 Demographics 30 Education 31 Disadvantage 33 Labour Market 36

Section 3: LECP Development Process 39

Section 4: SWOT Analysis 43 Living in County Carlow 44 Doing Business and Working in County Carlow 49 Education, Upskilling and Professional Development 54 Visiting County Carlow 57 Underpinning Infrastructure 65 Investing in County Carlow 69

Section 5: Action Plan 71

Section 6: Implementation, Monitoring and Measurement 95

Appendices 97 • Baseline Data Reference 98 • Public Consultation Process Pre Plan Preparation 100 • Public Consultation Process Draft Plan 118 • Southern Regional Assembly Statement 121 • Mainstream and Other Specialist Services (Acronyms) 122 • Map of County Carlow 124 • Key Performance Indicators 125 • Table Detailing LECP Actions Consistent with Policies 144

2 Acknowledgments

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

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

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

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

3 Foreword

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

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

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

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

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

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

CharlieCllr. Charlie Murphy Murphy KathleenKathleen HolohanHolohan EamonnEamonn MooreMoore Cathaoirleach Carlow County Council Chief Executive Carlow County Council Chairperson LCDC

4 Overview & Summary

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

Carlow County Council and Carlow Local Community Development Committee will oversee, coordinate, monitor and review the plan through a number of processes, which will include the Local Economic and Community Plan Advisory Steering Group. The Local Authority’s performance in implementing this Plan will also be subject to examination and report by the National Oversight Audit Commission (NOAC). Why County Carlow? There are many reasons why County Carlow is seen as a developed County with many opportunities for people who work, live and visit County Carlow. Strategically located in the South East of Ireland, in close proximity to the Greater Dublin Area, the county provides a one stop shop solution for many types of enterprises, from small to medium enterprises, large indigenous enterprises and multi- national organisations. Carlow is a culturally diverse society with many cultural eco-systems built within it.

County Carlow believes that its strengths lie in its:

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

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

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

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

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

5 Overview & Summary

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

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

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

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

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

Over the 6 year period of the Plan, as a result of public consultation with various stakeholders and analysis of the SWOT, and having regard to the County Carlow Profile, the following Strategic high level goals. Build thriving, resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities; Strengthen and promote a thriving and sustainable enterprise culture in County Carlow; Ensure access to education and skills for all members of communities; Optimise the tourism product and message; Provide the required infrastructure for the County; Maximise external investment into Carlow.

Supported by strategic objectives were formulated which will be delivered through a number of actions: 36 Community Focused Actions will be delivered; 24 Economic Focused Actions will be delivered; 23 Hyrbid Actions Focused Actions will be delivered which are identified in the plan to have a Community & Economic Impact.

The plan is designed to complement the work already happening on the ground and avoid duplication of resources. The following are two examples of Actions to be delivered as part of the plan and their effective impact.

6 Overview & Summary

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

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

7 4 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.

Local government will be the main “vehicle of governance and public service at local level, leading economic, social and community development. ”

10 Introduction and Background

Five headline targets have been set at EU level focusing on the areas of employment, research and11 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:

EMPLOYMENT: that by 2020, the employment rate among 20-64 year olds will rise to 69-71%

POVERTY: that by 2020, The number experiencing “consistent poverty” (who are both at risk of poverty and experiencing basic deprivation) be reduced to 4% by 2016 (interim figure) and 2% or less of the population by 2020 (6.3% in 2010)

POVERTY: 200,000 less people will be living in combined poverty (either consistent poverty, at risk of poverty or basic deprivation)

EDUCATION: that by 2020, the percentage of 18-24 year olds with at most lower secondary education or less and not in further education and training be reduced to 8%

EDUCATION: The percentage of 30 -34 year olds who have completed third level education will be at least 60%

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: that by 2020, Research and Development, between Public and Private Expenditure, 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%

11 Introduction and Background

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

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

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

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

12 Guiding Principles of County Carlow 2021 – Local Economic and 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.

13 Local Economic and 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:

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

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

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

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

14 Local Economic and Community Plan Governance

Carlow County Council Municipal Districts

LEGEND

Municipal District of Carlow (10 seats)

Municipal District of Muinebheag (8 seats)

Municipal District Boundary

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.

15 Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

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

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

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

Planning framework to facilitate economic development; Provision of infrastructure; Provision of a range of enterprise support measures; Provision of enterprise incubation units The “Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First” recognised this existing role of the Local Authority in Enterprise and Economic Development. The Action Programme recommended a significantly enhanced role for the Local Authority and the Local Government Reform Act 2014 provided legislative powers for the Local Authority to give effect to this enhanced role. This enabled the establishment of the Local Enterprise Offices.

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

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

16 Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

Community Development and Carlow County Council Local Authorities also have a long history of involvement in Community Development initiatives ranging from: Provision of Community infrastructure such as libraries, swimming pools, art centres, etc.; Community Development under the RAPID programme; Estate Management; Support of the Community and Voluntary Fora; Support of local community initiatives such as Tidy Towns, Pride of Place; Social employment schemes; Consultation in relation to the planning process and other local authority initiatives.

For the purposes of the LECP, and in accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014, the promotion of local and community development includes but is not limited to the following activities: Promoting and supporting the interests of local communities including measures to enhance quality of life and well-being of communities aimed at tackling poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion; Supporting training and up-skilling, creating employment and self-employment opportunities and investing in local development; Provision of infrastructure and community facilities and investment in physical regeneration and environmental improvements; Supporting the capacity building of communities to improve their quality of life Supporting social enterprise, social capital, volunteering and active participation by individuals; Developing integrated and evidence based approaches to service planning and delivery; Identifying community needs and priorities and making best use of local assets, strengths and opportunities to address these needs; Making best use of public and private funding to stimulate development; Supporting community involvement in decision making processes in relation to planning and delivery of services.

17 Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

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

Carlow County Council and Carlow LCDC consulted as follows: Public written/oral submissions were sought during March / April 2015; Community Facilitation Workshops were held in March 2015; Strategic Consultation Stakeholder Workshops were held in July/August 2015 during which SWOT analyses were undertaken; Consultations were held with Members of Carlow County Council; Carlow LCDC; the Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning Strategic Policy Committee and the Advisory Steering Group in the period February to August 2015; Draft Plan consultations were held with the LECP Advisory Steering Group; Elected Members of the Municipal Districts of Muinebheag and Carlow, LCDC; SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Planning, and the Southern Regional Assembly (to ensure consistency of the Plan with Regional Planning Guidelines/Regional Spatial & Economic Strategies) and Key Stakeholders and the County Carlow Public Participation Network (PPN) during the period October 2015 to January 2016; The Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Planning Strategic Policy Committee approved the Economic elements of the Plan on the 9th October 2015; The Plan went out for public consultation during the period 22nd December 2015 to 22nd January 2016. Submissions received were incorporated into the draft Plan. (Appendix 1 and 2); The Carlow LCDC approved the draft LECP Plan on 27th January 2016.

18 shared betweenEconomicandCommunityDevelopmentarehighlightedbelow. the various aspects of life in County Carlow and the underpinning infrastructure. Some of the themes are The followingfigureillustrates the relationship the 6themes with between the fivepillars representing included toaddress and the requirement to have specific actions around same was identified. A sixth cross cutting theme is as a methodology for the SWOT. As a result of the SWOT a strategic action of Upskilling Carlow, Education, & ProfessionalDevelopment, Visiting County Carlow,which was used aspects of lifein County Carlow - The Plan is structured around fourcorethemeswhich represent a holistic of thedifferent perspective Holistic Approach Local CommunityDevelopmentCommitteeaspartofGovernmentReform KEY: INFRASTRUCTURE Economic Development Underpinning Infrastructure Living in County Carlow, Doing Business and Working in County Living Working inCounty in CountyCarlow,Doing Business and Community Development whichsupportstheotherfivethemes. Shared (Economic&Community Development) Development Professional Upskilling & County Carlow Investing in County Carlow Investing inCounty Education, in County Investing Living in Business & Working in Visiting County County Carlow Carlow Carlow Doing

19 STEP 5 STEP 4 STEP 3 STEP 2 STEP 1 Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

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

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

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

Local Context – Planning and Development Framework

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

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

Environmental related policies and objectives of the Carlow County Development Plan will be complied within implementing this plan.

1 County Development Plan 20 Local Community Development Committee as part of Government Reform

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

The wider urban area has been defined as the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area for which a Joint Spatial Plan 2 has been adopted by Carlow County Council, the former Carlow Town Council and Laois County Council.

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

Policy Context

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

2 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012-2018 21 4 Section 2:

Socio Economic Profile 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 Labour Market

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.

24 Socio Economic Profile

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

Proximity to various third level colleges Excellent social and Encourages the and the critical leisure amenities development educated population with good quality of unique high mass to support urban and natural technology units large scale economic environment enterprise

Ensures that an Provision of Encourages Continuous monitoring Promotes research adequate quantity indigenous and foreign childcare facilities in and range of suitable and upgrading of the and development and appropriate locations investment across all County’s information particularly encourage land is available sectors of the economy thereby promoting for enterprise technology innovation labour market development infrastructure participation

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

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

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

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

25 Socio Economic Profile

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

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

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

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

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

Assist development of all economic sectors by the implementation of relevant policies to cater for such growth; Provide adequate infrastructural facilities; Promote e-business; Zone sufficient and appropriately located lands for industrial and commercial development and their possible acquisition; Provide enterprise areas and training infrastructure; Zone adequate residential lands and creation of attractive towns and villages; Develop the public realm and amenities of Carlow so that the quality of life of employees and residents can be improved; Provide recreation / amenity facilities; Support festivals and events; Encourage collaborative structures focusing on economic development; Address, where feasible, infrastructural deficiencies that may be hindering economic development and aim to ensure that sustainable infrastructural development precedes economic development; Assist in the provision of a well-educated labour force; Facilitate and support, where possible, the further development and expansion of the Institute

26 Socio Economic Profile

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;

27 Socio Economic Profile

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 conservation areas or protection areas etc.; 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; 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;

28 Socio Economic Profile

Recognise the contribution of the public sector to the economic life of the county and to facilitate the future location of new public services in the county; Actively support and facilitate the provision of advanced communication networks and services throughout the County, providing installation of such does not negatively impinge on the landscape or local environment; Support start-up businesses within the home throughout the county; Advise on and support the relocation of home based businesses to alternative, more suitable locations within the County, if required; Look upon favourably and promote the redevelopment of brownfield sites for industrial, energy-related uses or suitably deemed appropriate uses; Prepare renewal advice briefs and schemes, in respect of obsolete and derelict areas, with a view towards their redevelopment; Strive to develop the amenities and the infrastructure of towns and villages throughout the county with the aim of encouraging redevelopment.

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

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

29 Socio Economic Profile

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 (Source: CSO 2006, 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

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 (Source: CSO 2006, 2011) Population Population Population Population Percentage Percentage Percentage Percentage Population Population Population Population Area Density Density Density Density (Sq Km) (Sq Km) (Sq Km) (Sq Km) Density Change Density Change Density Change Density Change 2011 2006 2002 1996 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 East 52.9 48.9 45.0 41.6 8.2% 8.8% 8.1% 27.1% National 67.0 60.6 56.0 51.8 8.0% 8.2% 10.0% 29.3% 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%).

30 Socio Economic Profile

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 (Source: CSO 2011)

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

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 National School in Askea, (5) Carlow Vocational School, (2) Holy Family Boys National School in Askea, (6) St. Joseph’s Hacketstown, (3) Carlow Town Educate Together National School, (7) Vocational School Muine Bheag, (4) Scoil Naisunta Treasa Naomha, Tynock, (8) Naomh Fhingin in Garryhill.

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%.

31 Socio Economic Profile

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 (Source: CSO 2011) Population Education Ceased Percentage Population with Area (excl ‘not stated’) 3rd Level Education Carlow 23,288 24.3% South East 240,017 24.1% National 2,153,921 30.6%

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%).

32 Socio Economic Profile

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 - 30 Very Affluent Medium 10 - 20 Affluent Medium 0 - 10 Marginally Above Average 0 - 10 Marginally Below Average ‐10 - 20 Disadvantaged ‐20 - 30 ‐ Very Disadvantaged Below ‐30 Extremely Disadvantaged

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

Table 6: Geographical Disadvantage ED Score Level of Disadvantage Graigue Urban -12.70 Disadvantaged Hacketstown -10.9 Disadvantaged Rathvilly -10.81 Disadvantaged Carlow Urban -9.48 Marginally Below Average Bagenalstown -9.38 Marginally Below Average Tullow -8.18 Marginally Below Average

Disadvantaged Groups New Communities (including refugees/ asylum seekers) The 2011 Census revealed that there are 5,997 foreign nationals in County Carlow, making up 11% of the county’s population. These were concentrated in Carlow Urban (699) and Rural (2,527); Graigue Urban (154); Bagenalstown Urban (304) and Tullow Urban (667). This means that, for example, in the Bagenalstown area, 6.2% of the population is of non-Irish ethnicity. The largest ethnic group comprises members of the Polish community (2,278) who have mainly settled in the principle urban centres (Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown) and their immediate hinterlands. Tullow is the town with the 4th highest percentage of Poles in Ireland. However, the primarily rural area of Cranemore has 129 individuals of Polish origin, making up 12.13% of this ED. There are 227 Lithuanian nationals in the county with 127 living in Carlow Rural (127). Clusters of other EU nationals (excluding UK in origin) are situated in Carlow Rural (557) and Tullow Urban (173). Foreign nationals from outside the EU are concentrated in Carlow Urban (217) and Rural (500).

33 Socio Economic Profile

Traveller Communities The highest concentration of members of the traveller community in the county is found in the North of the county, stretching from Carlow Town to Tullow. Table 7: ED’s with highest concentration of members of the Traveller community ED Name Numbers Carlow Rural 209 Carlow Urban 47 Cranemore 38 Tullowbeg 34

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

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

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

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 county 3. 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 case. 4

Furthermore, as services tend to follow density of population, many rural areas are left without important public and social services (Walsh & O’Shea, 2009), 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.

3 & 4 Connelly et al., (2012) Rural Ageing in Ireland, Irish Centre for Social Gerontology 34 Socio Economic Profile

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 (Source: CSO 2011) Area 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%

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.

35 Socio Economic Profile

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 (Source: CSO 2011) Principle Economic Status Carlow % South East % National %

46% 48% 50% At work 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 disability 6% 5% 4%

Total aged 15 years and over 100% 100% 100%

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 (Source: CSO 2011) 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%

36 Socio Economic Profile

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

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

37 4 Section 3:

Local Economic and Community Plan Development Process Local Economic and Community Plan Development Process

Process The approach taken to the development of the LECP was to build a socio economic profile of Carlow looking at the demographics, sectoral, employment and education data for the county. The LECP takes account of key policies at local, national and European level. Stakeholder workshops were held to undertake a SWOT analysis of the six themes identified for the LECP. From the SWOT analysis a series of high level goals, strategic objectives and actions were developed for each of the six themes. The following is the process of development: STAGE 3

Develop Objectives Consultation and Actions of on Draft LECP Draft LECP STAGE 2 STAGE 4

Prepare Finalise Framework 3 4 Plan Statement

2 5 STAGE 5 STAGE 1

1 6 Implementation, Identification of High Level Monitoring and Review Goals STAGE 6

Local Economic and Community Plan Development Process

40 Local Economic and Community Plan Development Process

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS STAGES:

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

Stage 2: Prepare Framework Statement (7) Develop a Framework Statement. (8) Approval of Framework Statement by LCDC and SPC. (9) Submit Framework Statement to Regional Assembly.

Stage 3: Develop Objectives and Actions of Draft LECP (10) Complete detailed socio-economic analysis of County. (11) Analysis of socio-economic data including SWOT analysis. (12) Develop Actions for Economic and Community element of Plan. (13) Identify roles and responsibilities of Agencies in delivery of Actions. (14) Identify Performance Indicators. (15) Prepare Draft LECP. (16) Approval of Draft LECP by LCDC and SPC.

Stage 4: Consultation on Draft LECP (17) Advertise for public consultation. (18) Consult with relevant public funded agencies. (19) Submit to Southern Regional Assembly. (20) Finalise Plan. (21) Prepare report on consultations.

Stage 5: Finalise Plan (22) Update draft LECP based on feedback from consultation. (23) Consideration of final Plan by LCDC and SPC. (24) Carlow County Council to consider and adopt LECP. (25) Publish Plan.

Stage 6: Implementation, Monitoring and Review (26) Submit to Department of Environment Community and Local Government. (27) Develop Implementation Monitoring and Review mechanism. (28) Commence Implementation of Plan. (29) Monitoring and Review.

41 4 Section 4:

SWOT Analysis Living in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

Living in County Carlow

Our vision is to create vibrant, sustainable, self- determining communities that have the social, cultural and economic well-being of all its people at their core, “built upon a shared understanding of their needs and aspirations and where both participative and local democracy provides individuals with the opportunity, means, confidence, and skills to influence, shape and participate in decision-making structures and processes that affect them and their communities.

Draft Framework Policy for Local and Community Development, 2016 – Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

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

44 Living in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

Strong community spirit; pride in communities Strong volunteering culture; backbone of communities Diverse communities Collaborative approach between agencies STRENGTHS Responsiveness of agencies to changing needs of communities Good range of services for youth, family support, people with disabilities, travelling community, mental health, social inclusion etc. Age friendly county Strong heritage credentials Geographical size of Carlow

Isolation in rural communities Concentration of Services in urban areas Access to employment WEAKNESSES Access to affordable childcare Aging profile of volunteers Lack of affordable accommodation Lack of Economic Provision of Sustainable Transport Limited access to mental health services especially for young people

Tourism Enhance the Volunteer Culture in county Carlow OPPORTUNITIES Encourage integration through different communities; promote advocacy and build relationships Development of projects and programmes for Intergenerational work

Changes in Government policy; emphasis on job activation and economic development will impact on community development and social inclusion initiatives Increasing elderly population THREATS Availability of support solutions for an ageing population Change of Government Policy towards economic models of social/ public support services Rural Crime Environmental pollution

45 Living in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

There are large numbers of small rural communities throughout the county of Carlow. Facilities available vary considerably in these areas but generally include a mixture of schools, shops, places of worship, post offices, public houses, playing fields and other community and sporting facilities. Due to the downturn in the economy and the need to deliver efficiency in services, this poses a major threat to the fabric of rural communities through the closure of these services such as post offices, garda stations and this gives rise to a feeling of isolation for many communities. The challenge therefore is to enable rural communities and the relevant agencies to work together in order to address these issues that seriously threaten rural living and in the long-term create a Rural Carlow that is sustainable and dynamic.

46 Living in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

47 Living in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

Theme High End Goal

Living in Build thriving, resilient, sustainable 1. County Carlow Community Development and inclusive communities Strategic Objectives 1.1 To empower individuals to actively participate 1.2 To create, empower and support leaders and build capacity

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 & poverty 1.6 To share, protect and sustain the environment and receiving environment 1.7 To sustain, nurture and promote arts, culture and heritage 48 Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

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

In preparing the LECP it was acknowledged that the nature of work was changing due to a number of factors. In prior generations, a job for life was the expectation and now it is acknowledged that people are

49 Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

likely to have several careers and at least 6-10 jobs in ones working life. More and more people are seeing themselves, therefore, as self-employed, in attitude if not in reality, offering a portfolio of solutions to a willing, fluid marketplace.

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

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

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

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

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

50 Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

51 Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

Strategic Location; easy to network Good support infrastructure for start-ups and business development Strong engineering sector; creating new products and materials for export markets STRENGTHS 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

WEAKNESSES Unemployment Lack of affordable child care

Create niche for Carlow building on engineering track record and skills Industrial, business and retail space available Employment opportunities; existing businesses are starting to rehire; link with back to work services OPPORTUNITIES Explore alternative enterprises for agri-sector Development of artisan food based businesses Take advantage of pool of skilled graduates Plug into Diaspora Rivers, Mountains

Trend for businesses to locate in large urban locations; challenging for Carlow to compete THREATS Need for a clear reemployment strategy and plan Shortage of Quality Housing Stock

52 Doing Business & Working in County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

Theme High End Goal Strengthen and promote a thriving Doing business and and sustainable enterprise culture in 2. working in Carlow Economic Development County Carlow Strategic Objectives 2.1 To create leaders and build capacity 2.2 To facilitate the development of an innovative and entrepreneurial culture

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

53 Education, Upskilling & Professional Development – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

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

54 Education, Upskilling & Professional Development – SWOT Analysis

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

Two Institutions of Higher Education Strong Second Level Offering Second Level Expansion Plans STRENGTHS Foundation Formed for Regional Skills Forum Postitive Engagement in Enterprise Education Access to Continious Development Access for people with disabilities Ingergrated Use of Resources by Stakeholders in Education & learning

Insufficent Number of places for further education for Under 25’s WEAKNESSES Lack of Supported Childcare Provision for Educational Places No-Dedicated Solas Funded Training Centre

University for the South East Regional Skills Forum Development of Information Tools for Education & Skills Intergrated approach to FDI & Enterprise Development OPPORTUNITIES Leverage of FDI Client Base Enhancement of Industry Base Development of new Further Education College Population Growth Requirement for a Strong Carlow Education Brand

Over focus on Economic Development THREATS Proximity Challenges

55 Education, Upskilling & Professional Development – SWOT Analysis

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

Theme High End Goal Education, Up-skilling and Ensure access to education and skills Professional development 3. for all members of communities in Carlow Shared

Strategic Objectives

3.1 To support the establishment of a Technology University for the South East 3.2 Support Carlow College and IT Carlow in their collaboration with other partner institutes

3.3 To connect employers with education and skills development providers to address vocational training needs 3.4 Community education; empowerment, well-being

56 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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, Borris, Bunclody and Killerig; Oak Park Forest Park; Altamont Gardens, Duckett’s Grove etc. These amenities provide many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. There are many weather independent facilities such as the VISUAL Theatre and Carlow College. Close proximity to the motorway is also seen as a distinct advantage to Carlow tourism. Tourism is significant to the economy and culture of County Carlow and makes an important contribution to the local economy, with income derived from tourist activity being distributed across a wide range of economic sectors. In 2013, 68,000 visitors contributed €30 million to the local economy. Carlow County Council, over a long number of years, has demonstrated serious commitment to the development and promotion of Carlow as a holiday destination of repute. In 1999 the Council commissioned the first Tourism Development Strategy for County Carlow, which functioned as a strategic document to guide the future growth of the industry, from a tourism development and marketing perspective. Effective institutions to guide proper planning were seen as vital to the development of a sustainable tourism industry within the county. Carlow Tourism Ltd. is a partnership between Carlow County Council, agencies, community and the tourism industry within the county, providing a cohesive approach to tourism marketing and development planning. This partnership model works well with all sides recognising their commitment to tourism development and marketing and no one party being left with the entire responsibility. Public sector investment in the county has also stimulated revenue and occupancy for the private tourism sector and has given both small and large scale providers the confidence to invest or re- invest, be that in the accommodation or attractions sector. It is important that the LECP promotes, encourages and facilitates the development of sustainable tourism through the conservation, protection and enhancement of the built and natural heritage. Sustainable tourism provides a high quality product, based on a high quality natural environment. The tourism sector in Ireland is continually evolving and the product offered in Carlow must reflect emerging trends.

Tourism Carlow is strategically located in the heart of the South East quadrant of the country, with Carlow town equidistant between Dublin and Waterford. The county town is approximately one hour from Dublin and Waterford Airports and 90 minutes from the ferry ports of Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin. The county town is well serviced by public transport while touring the county is facilitated by a good quality road network. In recent years, County Carlow has improved its profile as a holiday destination with attractive countryside and leisure activities, a wide range of things to do and high quality accommodation. The attractions of its five neighbouring counties – Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Wicklow are all within easy driving distance. In 2013 (the latest year for which official county statistics are available), Carlow welcomed 68,000 overseas visitors whose presence contributed €30 million to the local Carlow economy accounting for 1,020 full- time job equivalents. A previous study conducted by CHL at the end of 2011, which reflected Fáilte Ireland and CSO figures, estimated the size of the domestic market in Carlow to be in the region of 100,000 visitors. The potential of the sector is significant. Overall visits to Ireland in 2014 from overseas markets

57 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis rose by 8.9% (7.604 million trips) with total tourism and travel earnings from overseas visitors (incl. fares) growing by 10.4% to €4.68 billion. The domestic market also performed extremely well in 2014 with a 3% increase in numbers and 7% increase in expenditure.

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

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

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

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

58 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

English Language Learning Destination Carlow Town has proven an ideal location for English language learning with two ACELS approved schools currently operating in the area. There is also considerable attendance of overseas students at IT Carlow and Carlow College. They attract visitors throughout the year from Spain, Italy, Austria, France, Saudi Arabia, Oman, China, Japan, Russia, America, among others. These students make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural life of Carlow. Their positive experiences and bonds they form while here form the basis of many return trips and holiday recommendations to family and friends back home with visitors accommodated in local B&B’s, guesthouses and hotels. Fáilte Isteach provides conversational English classes for newcomers to the community and currently has 80 students in Carlow and Tullow. Also Ceorcal Gaeilge held by Glór Cheatharlach attracts a number of overseas nationals to engage in conversational Irish Classes.

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

59 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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 Number of properties Number of rooms Hotels 8 476 Guesthouses 2 20 B&B’s incl. Townhouses, Farmhouses and Country Homes 18 98

Self-Catering 8 165 (Total of 55 self-catering units in the county on 8 properties)

Historic Houses 2 11 Total 38 770 (Source: Carlow Tourism / Fáilte Ireland )

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 invested in upgrading their premises on a regular basis which helps in maintaining quality standards.

60 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

Carlow is an artistically rich county, encompassing all of the arts, from festivals, music and theatre to visual arts and performance. Carlow is home to locally and internationally renowned cultural organisations, festivals and artists. These include long established artistic endeavours such as Eigse Carlow Arts Festival, Aspiro, Carlow Youth Theatre to name but a few and also newer developments such as Visual Centre for Contemporary Art, The Carlow Music Generation Programme and Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas. Carlow has undoubtedly witnessed an enormous growth in the arts sector across the county and this in turn has only enhanced the quality of life for our inhabitants as well as visitors to the county alike. A number of visitor centres and projects have involved significant capital expenditure and in more recent years include VISUAL, Carlow County Museum and Duckett’s Grove Historic House and Walled Gardens. Nonetheless the need for further interpretation and investment at a number of other key heritage sites is noted.

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

61 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

62 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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

Strategic Location Range of outdoor pursuits Carlow Garden Trail and Carlow Garden Festival STRENGTHS Friendly, open people Beautiful landscape; Black Stairs, Mount Leinster, Barrow, Slaney Heritage, Dolmen, historical trails VISUAL County Museum Festival, Music, Arts, Film Pride of Place; Tidy Towns

Lack of signage to draw people in from the Motorway and across the County Under representation of Carlow Product in Regional and National WEAKNESSES Strategies Poor access to and interpretation of heritage and culture sites Accommodation blackspots in certain areas of the county

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

Underdeveloped vision and ‘image’ for Carlow THREATS Lack of belief in Carlow people in what they have to offer

63 Visiting County Carlow – SWOT Analysis

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 County Carlow’ were formulated:

Theme High End Goal

Optimise the tourism product Visiting County Carlow 4. Shared and message Strategic Objectives 4.1 To instil a greater sense of pride by locals and the business community in the tourism product 4.2 To further develop a clear and compelling vision for Carlow To develop and deliver a coherent, bottom up, tourism strategy, marketing strategy and 4.3 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

64 Underpinning Infrastructure – SWOT Analysis

Underpinning Infrastructure The development of the Economic and Social Infrastructure in County Carlow is key to ensuring economic growth, sustainability and quality of life for its Communities. The South East Regional Planning Guidelines 2010 - 2022 details critical enabling investment priorities which will enhance infrastructure in the South East Region and consequently the development of County Carlow in the future i.e.

Smart Economy Energy and Communications Transport Infrastructure Services Waste Management Plan

Social The development and facilitation of an effective social infrastructure ensures that Carlow is an attractive place to live, work and visit by building strong, inclusive communities that have a sense of place and belonging, with adequate provision of and access to services and facilities to meet the needs of the county’s growing population.

Social Infrastructure which Carlow has includes facilities for education, childcare, sports and recreation, affordable housing, arts and culture, library services, healthcare, and a good quality built environment. Communities also require opportunities to meet and interact, all essential prerequisites to the evolution of a sense of place and belonging and this is facilitated through such services as community facilities, volunteering service, residents associations and community development groups. All of these services have suffered significantly in the recession through drastic cuts in resources and they now need to be restored and improved and adequately financed in order to ensure their long-term sustainability.

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

The provision of sustainable, efficient and effective transport networks in the county is a major determinant of its level of competiveness and its capacity to address some of its major social and environmental needs. The pursuit of sustainable transport and accessibility in Ireland and indeed County Carlow is underpinned by a national policy context that seeks to integrate land use and transportation policy.

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

65 Underpinning Infrastructure – SWOT Analysis

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 and 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.

66 Underpinning Infrastructure – SWOT Analysis

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

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

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

67 Underpinning Infrastructure – SWOT Analysis

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 underpinning infrastructure in Carlow. The following table is a summary of the internal and external strengths and opportunities for development identified: Underpinning Infrastructure SWOT Analysis

Good road infrastructure, number of motorway exits in the Carlow area Good public transport from Carlow town, Ring a Link facility Development of cycle lanes Proximity to sea port Energy, own sources with potential to expand STRENGTHS Broadband, good 4G coverage, Carlow MAN Good water infrastructure Multifaceted Library service provision with partnership approach Good Rail Network M9, N8 interchange Good Social / Sporting / Community / Recreation and Amenity Infrastructure

Limited transport links in rural areas and East / West. Some secondary roads need attention, challenge as some are privately owned WEAKNESSES Need for more consultation with service users when planning buildings and projects Poor broadband in rural parts of county Shopping centre has moved out from town centre many empty units in Carlow Town centre

Rural transport, extend Ring a Link (now Local Link) service, shuttle buses, taxi sharing initiatives Energy, potential to make county more self-reliant exploiting own OPPORTUNITIES energy source (Biomass), community initiatives Waste disposal, explore different options Rejuvenation of Carlow Town centre Potential of library to be used as a community space and focal point, branches already in existence, scope for outreach services across a broad range of topics supporting community and economic development

Energy, willingness to take on new programmes Waste, threat to the image of the county THREATS Lack of good quality broadband across all parts of the county Lack of integration between the main towns Closure of rural post offices and police stations, lose social connection, security issues

68 Investing in Carlow – SWOT Analysis

Underpinning Infrastructure – 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 Goal

Underpinning To provide the required 5. Infrastructure Shared infrastructure for the county Strategic Objectives 5.1 To develop and implement a regeneration strategy for Towns and Villages in County Carlow 5.2 To create awareness of existing core infrastructure 5.3 To identify and address gaps in underpinning infrastructure 5.4 To explore renewable energy options

5.5 To put in place strategic partnerships to create synergies in addressing infrastructure gaps (establish protocols / MoUs / SLAs)

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

Investing in County 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 two strategic objectives for investing in Carlow were formulated:

Theme High End Goal

Investing in Maximise external investment 6. County Carlow Economic Development into Carlow Strategic Objectives 6.1 Establish a local steering group (public & private sector). Develop high level plan – ‘think tank’ 6.2 Develop Carlow as a location of choice for inward investment

69 4 Section 5:

Action Plan 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Build thriving, Develop a fully resilient, To empower inclusive and All communities Carlow County Council (geographic and CCDP 1.1.1 sustainable individuals to representative Carlow PPN 2016 - 2021 and inclusive actively participate mechanism for the communities of Voluntary Agencies communities people of Carlow interest) in Carlow Statutory Agencies Develop an effective Carlow Volunteer Centre Build thriving, communication Interest groups / resilient, To empower plan that enables Individuals, Groups, community groups 1.1.2 sustainable individuals to and encourages Communities and Carlow PPN Citizens Information 2016 - 2017 and inclusive actively participate all individuals in Agencies Service communities Carlow to engage Carlow Libraries meaningfully Agencies

To promote the Individuals, DECLG Build thriving, value of volunteering Communities, all Organisations (Statutory resilient, To empower Carlow and Voluntary) that 1.1.3 and increase the organisations that 2016 - 2021 sustainable individuals to range and quality engage and depend Volunteer engage volunteers and and inclusive actively participate of volunteering in on volunteers and Centre individuals with an communities County Carlow society as a whole interest in volunteering

Carlow County Council Communities Carlow Integration Forum Identify communities experiencing St. Catherine’s Community Build thriving, (Geographical disadvantage e.g. Services resilient, To create, empower and issue-based) areas in Carlow 6 Carlow Age Friendly sustainable CCDP 2016 - 2021 1.2.1 and support leaders that require pre- Town and boundary Traveller Interagency and inclusive and build capacity development in rural areas, New Committee communities capacity building Communities, KCETB Traveller and Roma CYRS Community etc. Other organisations as appropriate

6 Where CCDP is identified as a lead agency they act on behalf of Carlow LCDC as the implementer of SICAP and/or LEADER. 72 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Carlow County Council Build thriving, Develop initiatives KCETB resilient, To create, empower to deliver pre- Communities CYRS (Carlow Regional 1.2.2 sustainable and support leaders development support identified in CCDP Youth Services) 2016 - 2021 and inclusive and build capacity to communities Action 1.2.1 St. Catherine’s communities identified in Action FRCs 1.2.1 IWA Carlow Volunteer Centre To facilitate Build thriving, established Carlow County Council resilient, To create, empower Communities and CCDP All Communities 1.2.3 sustainable and support leaders groups to strengthen Carlow PPN Carlow Volunteer Centre 2016 - 2021 and inclusive and build capacity their skills and self- and groups KCETB communities reliance and build Interagency groups leadership capacity NGBs To develop sustainable Work closely with Community Carlow Volunteer Centre Build thriving, cooperatives and community groups Facilities Boards of Community groups resilient, social enterprises and to fully utilise their Management and CCDP Sporting bodies 2016 - 2021 sustainable 1.3.1 community facilities existing community people of County Schools and inclusive as identified by the facilities and support Carlow Parish Councils communities communities their sustainability Carlow County Council LSP Other Agencies To develop sustainable Build thriving, To support Carlow cooperatives and social CCDP resilient, community based County enterprises Carlow Tourism sustainable Cooperatives and Council 1.3.2 and community Local Communities Local SMEs 2016 - 2021 and inclusive Social Enterprises in (Community facilities as identified IT Carlow communities the County and LEO) by the communities KCETB

73 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries To develop sustainable Build thriving, To support Carlow CCDP cooperatives and resilient, community based County Carlow Tourism social enterprises and sustainable Cooperatives and Council Local SMEs 1.3.3 community facilities Local 2016 - 2021 and inclusive Social Enterprises in (Community IT Carlow as identified by the Communities communities the County and LEO) KCETB communities Build thriving, resilient, To enhance Develop Suicide Prevention and Mental Carlow Mental Health Association 1.4.1 sustainable community well-being, People of HSE 2016 - 2021 CCDP and inclusive health and safety Health Strategy for County Carlow communities County Carlow

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

74 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

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

Build thriving, To develop and An Garda Siochána To enhance Joint resilient, implement a joint Elected Representatives community well-being, Individuals and Policing 1.4.5 sustainable policing committee Representatives of the PPN 2016 - 2017 health and safety Communities Committee and inclusive work plan for County Chamber of Commerce communities Carlow To create a forum to support community, Build thriving, To deliver integrated voluntary & statutory agencies to maximise Community and Voluntary resilient, and sustainable Communities their resources and to groups 1.5.1 sustainable community services experiencing LCDC 2016 - 2020 work collaboratively Statutory Agencies and inclusive to address social disadvantage communities exclusion and poverty in responding to the Interagency Groups needs of communities on the margins Build thriving, To deliver integrated To implement the Carlow Other relevant statutory resilient, and sustainable All children, Carlow Children and Children & agencies 1.5.2 sustainable community services young people and Young People 2016 - 2018 Young People Services Community and Voluntary and inclusive to address social their families in Services Committee’s strategy groups communities exclusion and poverty County Carlow Committee

75 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

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

Build thriving, To deliver integrated CCDP To implement the resilient, and sustainable Carlow St. Catherine’s Carlow Integration 1.5.4 sustainable community services New Communities Integration Carlow Volunteer Centre 2016 - 2021 Forum strategy and and inclusive to address social Forum KCETB action plan communities exclusion and poverty Interagency groups To support Carlow Age Friendly Build thriving, To deliver integrated Committee and the County Carlow Older Persons County resilient, and sustainable implementation of The Older Forum Carlow Age 1.5.5 sustainable community services their strategy and Individuals CCDP 2016 - 2021 Friendly and inclusive to address social assist in the provision of Carlow Carlow County Council communities exclusion and poverty of adequate, affordable Committee Gardaí and accessible Carlow Volunteer Centre facilities and services for older people

Persons with Carlow National Drug Build thriving, To deliver integrated To implement the drug and alcohol South East Strategy Action resilient, and sustainable South East Regional addiction issues Regional Implementation Team 1.5.6 sustainable community services Drugs Alcohol Task and their families Drugs and Other relevant Government 2016 - 2021 and inclusive to address social Force strategy and Communities Alcohol departments and agencies communities exclusion and poverty action plan affected by Task Force Voluntary and Community substance misuse sectors as represented on issues SERDATF

76 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries To support the CCDP Department of Social Carlow County Council Build thriving, To deliver integrated Protection and KCETB Long-term resilient, and sustainable relevant bodies in IBEC 1.5.7 unemployed and DSP 2016 - 2021 sustainable community services the implementation Community and Voluntary unemployed and inclusive to address social and delivery of Groups communities exclusion and poverty labour activation Sporting Organisations programmes Carlow Chamber of Commerce Build thriving, To deliver integrated To create a forum to resilient, and sustainable Disability services both support the Disability 1.5.8 sustainable community services People with HSE statutory and voluntary 2016 - 2021 Sector in County and inclusive to address social Disabilities Statutory Agencies Carlow communities exclusion and poverty

To maximise use of Housing waiting list, homeless, Build thriving, To deliver integrated all existing social families resilient, and sustainable housing supply models Voluntary Housing experiencing abuse Carlow 1.5.9 sustainable community services (including HAP) and County Organisations 2016 - 2021 and individuals/ and inclusive to address social to explore alternative Council Private rented landlords families leaving communities exclusion and poverty models to address the DECLG social housing deficit institutional accommodation Carry out an in-depth socio economic profile Build thriving, To deliver integrated of County Carlow resilient, and sustainable to Identify areas Carlow Relevant Government 1.5.10 sustainable community services of greatest socio County Carlow County Departments 2017 - 2018 Council and inclusive to address social economic need based Agencies communities exclusion and poverty on deprivation indices score and the 2016 Census data

77 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Agency Householders To promote the adoption Local Business Statutory Bodies of energy efficiency Communities and Environmental NGOs Build thriving, technology in homes, future generations Government Agencies resilient, To share, protect businesses & communities Businesses, Carlow Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency 1.6.1 sustainable and sustain the and achieve targets Domestic County Bi-annually Community Groups and inclusive environment and objectives set out in Householders all Council SEAI communities Sustainable Energy Action users of energy and Schools Plan as part of joining the generators of CO2 Covenant of Mayors Farming DECLG CCDP Build thriving, To promote the Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency resilient, development of innovative To share, protect Communities and Carlow SEAI 1.6.2 sustainable renewable energy 2016 - 2021 and sustain the future generations County Environmental NGOs and inclusive for businesses and environment Council CCDP communities communities Local Authorities National Water To seek and facilitate active Build thriving, Framework Directive Office community engagement resilient, Communities, Environmental NGOs To share, protect in implementing the Carlow 1.6.3 sustainable Agriculture DECLG 2016 - 2021 and sustain the South Eastern River County and inclusive industry, Tourism, EPA environment Basin Management Plan Council communities Future generations PPN (SERBMP) in Carlow LCDC Local Authorities National Water Build thriving, To establish a county Local Communities, Framework Directive Office resilient, To share, protect environmental water forum Agriculture Carlow Environmental NGOs 1.6.4 sustainable 2016 - 2021 and sustain the consisting of NGO’s and Industry, Tourism, County DECLG and inclusive environment public bodies Society in general Council EPA communities PPN

78 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries National Water Framework Build thriving, To identify and Directive Office resilient, To share, protect promote the economic Carlow Local Authorities 1.6.5 sustainable and sustain the and societal benefits People of Carlow County Environmental NGOs Ongoing and inclusive environment of a high quality Council DECLG communities natural environment EPA PPN To apply the strategic vision of the General Public Southern Build thriving, Regional Waste Plan Businesses Lifetime of Regional resilient, To share, protect by rethinking our Statutory Bodies Southern 1.6.6 General Public, Waste Office sustainable and sustain the approach to managing Community Groups Waste Businesses Carlow and inclusive environment waste and viewing Government Agencies Management County communities waste streams as a Environmental NGOs Plan valuable material Council resource

Build thriving, Southern General Public To strive towards Regional Businesses resilient, To share, protect Business, Domestic achieving a Circular Waste Office Statutory Bodies Towards 1.6.7 sustainable and sustain the Householders, All Economy with a zero Carlow Community Groups 2030 and inclusive environment generators of waste communities waste objective County Farming Community Council Environmental NGOs

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

79 1. Living in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Build thriving, Carlow County Council Carlow resilient, To sustain, nurture strategic partners including To implement the Communities and County sustainable and promote arts, arts organisations local 1.7.1 Carlow Arts Strategy future generations Council 2016 - 2021 and inclusive culture and heritage Arts Office community groups, artists communities national stakeholders To implement the Build thriving, Carlow Library Carlow resilient, To sustain, nurture Service strategy to Communities and County Education Providers 1.7.2 sustainable and promote arts, provide for a quality future generations Council Voluntary / Statutory 2016 - 2021 and inclusive culture and heritage accessible service that Library Agencies communities enhances the lives of Service communities. Build thriving, resilient, To sustain, nurture To develop and Carlow Heritage Council Communities and 1.7.3 sustainable and promote arts, implement a Heritage County Relevant stakeholders 2016 - 2021 future generations and inclusive culture and heritage Plan for County Carlow Council Community communities Build thriving, To develop and DECLG resilient, To sustain, nurture Carlow implement a Communities and Heritage Council 1.7.4 sustainable and promote arts, County 2016 - 2021 Biodiversity Plan future generations Relevant Stakeholders and inclusive culture and heritage Council for County Carlow Community communities

80 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

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

Development of a Carlow Enterprise Ireland Strengthen and strategy in respect County IDA promote a thriving To create leaders of enterprise and Business Council, Connect Ireland Qtr 2, 2.1.2 and sustainable and build capacity economic leadership Community / Local Carlow Chamber of Commerce 2016 enterprise culture required for County Investors Enterprise IT Carlow in County Carlow Carlow Office LCDC Design and Deliver a Strengthen and variety of projects to Carlow Enterprise Ireland promote a thriving build capacity projects Business County IDA To create leaders Qtr 3 2.1.3 and sustainable based on the outcomes Community / Council, Connect Ireland and build capacity 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture of the Enterprise and Investors Local Carlow Chamber of Commerce in County Carlow Economic Development Enterprise IT Carlow Leadership Study on an Office LCDC interagency basis

Establish a Business Strengthen and To facilitate the Network with Carlow County Council promote a thriving development of representation from a Carlow Business Enterprise Ireland Qtr 1, 2.2.1 and sustainable an innovative and Number of Sectors who Chamber of Community IDA 2016 enterprise culture entrepreneurial will act as a collective Commerce Connect Ireland in County Carlow culture voice for Business in County Carlow

81 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Carlow County Council Strengthen and To facilitate the Enterprise Ireland promote a thriving development of Implementation of the IDA 2.2.2 and sustainable an innovative and Actions as part of the Business Inter-Agency Connect Ireland 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture entrepreneurial Action Plan for Jobs Community Carlow Chamber of Commerce in County Carlow culture IT Carlow SPC Development of an Annual Local Enterprise Carlow Enterprise Ireland Development Plan in Strengthen and To facilitate the County IDA consultation with the Business Qtr 1, promote a thriving development of Council, Connect Ireland SPC to include Carlow Community, 2016 2.2.3 and sustainable an innovative and Local Carlow Chamber of Commerce County Stakeholders Public Sector (Annually) enterprise culture entrepreneurial Enterprise IT Carlow actions under the in County Carlow culture Office SPC Regional Action Plan for Jobs Increase awareness of Carlow Strengthen and To facilitate the the range of activities County promote a thriving development of and supports available Relevant state agencies Council, Qtr 1, 2.2.4 and sustainable an innovative and from within the Public Public Sector that provide to start ups and Local 2016 and Business Sector by develop enterprise enterprise culture entrepreneurial Enterprise in County Carlow culture the hosting of an Annual Office Information Event To develop a Strengthen and Develop and promote sustainable rural promote a thriving the Local Enterprise CCDP, economy, facilitated 2.3.1 and sustainable Office as a first stop Rural Carlow All enterprise agencies 2016 by community centres enterprise culture shop providing advice Communities County (linked to social in County Carlow and supports Council enterprise)

82 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Investment Programme Strengthen and To develop a sustainable to support development promote a thriving rural economy, facilitated expansion and sustaining Rural Local CCDP 2.3.2 and sustainable 2016 - 2021 by community centres of rural enterprises and Communities Enterprise Carlow County Council enterprise culture Office (linked to social enterprise) job creation measures in County Carlow across all sectors Strengthen and promote a thriving To develop a sustainable Confined call for proposals Rural and sustainable rural economy, facilitated from enterprise with more 2.3.3 Communities CCDP Carlow County Council 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture by community centres than 10 employees serving in County Carlow (linked to social enterprise) the domestic market only

Strengthen and To develop a sustainable Provision of range of CCDP promote a thriving employer led training rural economy, facilitated Rural Local Carlow County Council 2.3.4 and sustainable programmes to support 2016 - 2021 by community centres Communities Enterprise DSP enterprise culture (linked to social enterprise) the recruitment of people Office KCETB in County Carlow from the live register Solas Revitalisation of rural Research and analysis of Strengthen and towns and villages through transport options including promote a thriving investment in people, an investment programme Carlow LCDC and sustainable 2.4.1 communities and in the to develop specific actions Community County CCDP 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture natural, heritage and for sustainable travel Council Ring a Link in County Carlow physical environment within the county Revitalisation of rural Investment programme Strengthen and towns and villages through for animation, capacity promote a thriving investment in people, building and training and sustainable CCDP 2.4.2 communities and in the initiatives of a general Community CCDP 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture PPN natural, heritage and nature of community in County Carlow physical environment groups

83 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Revitalisation of rural Investment programme Strengthen and towns and villages through for community groups to promote a thriving investment in people, establish and or refurbish Carlow County Council 2.4.3 and sustainable communities and in the community, amenity and Community CCDP LCDC 2016 - 2021 enterprise culture natural, heritage and leisure facilities accessible PPN in County Carlow physical environment to all Investment programme for community groups Revitalisation of rural promoting village Strengthen and towns and villages through enhancement measures Carlow County Council promote a thriving investment in people, 2.4.4 and/or addressing Community CCDP LCDC 2016 - 2021 and sustainable communities and in the PPN enterprise culture natural, heritage and economic decline / in County Carlow physical environment unemployment and / or gaps in service provision in their area Revitalisation of rural Capacity building and Strengthen and towns and villages through training programme promote a thriving investment in people, for active individual LCDC 2.4.5 and sustainable Community CCDP 2016 - 2021 communities and in the engagement and active Volunteer Centre enterprise culture natural, heritage and leadership in the in County Carlow physical environment community Conduct Research on Sector Status and Strengthen and Opportunity to feed into Carlow County Council Business promote a thriving To grow and further Economic Development Carlow Enterprise Ireland Qtr 1 & 2, Community, 2.5.1 and sustainable develop key sectors Strategies and Carlow Employer IDA 2016 enterprise culture Employers Forum Impact: Public Sector Forum Connect Ireland in County Carlow Increased awareness of sector opportunities and trends

84 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Carlow County Council Strengthen and Enterprise Ireland Development of a buy promote a thriving Carlow IDA Qtr 2, Encourage people local campaign in Business 2.6.1 and sustainable Chamber of Connect Ireland 2016 to purchase locally partnership with the Community enterprise culture Commerce Dept. of Social Protection (Annually) in County Carlow Business Community Carlow Chamber of Commerce IT Carlow SPC Carlow County Council Enterprise Ireland Strengthen and Strengthen and Delivery of a Public General Public, Local IDA Qtr 4, promote a thriving promote a thriving Awareness Campaign Connect Ireland 2.6.2 and sustainable and sustainable around buying Locally Business Enterprise 2016 Community Office Dept. of Social Protection (Annually) enterprise culture enterprise culture and its effects on Carlow Chamber of Commerce in County Carlow in County Carlow Economic Development IT Carlow SPC Strengthen and To maximise Development of a linkage HEI’s promote a thriving employment and between employers General Public, ETB’s 2.7.1 and sustainable IT Carlow 2016 - 2021 apprenticeship and HEI’s as outlined at Business Industry enterprise culture opportunities Regional Skills Forum Community Carlow County Council in County Carlow

Carlow Enterprise Ireland Strengthen and County IDA Council, promote a thriving Ensure development Roll out of the Age Business Connect Ireland Qtr 1 Local 2.8.1 and sustainable of an age friendly Friendly Business Community, Carlow Chamber of Commerce (Annually) enterprise culture business culture Recognition Programme Public Sector Enterprise IT Carlow in County Carlow Office, SPC Carlow Older Persons Forum Tourism

85 2. Doing Business and Working in County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries

Strengthen and Development of an IT Carlow Build digital capacity Carlow promote a thriving Annual Digital Strategy Business Enterprise Ireland Qtr 1, of Carlow business County 2.9.1 and sustainable as part of the County Community Skillsnet (Annually) and retailers digital Council enterprise culture Enterprise Plan on an Carlow Chamber of Commerce in County Carlow interagency basis

Strengthen and Delivery of a Public Carlow County promote a thriving Build digital capacity Awareness Campaign Business Council IT Carlow 2.10.1 and sustainable of Carlow business around buying Locally 2016 - 2021 Community Local Enterprise Ireland enterprise culture and retailers digital and its effects on in County Carlow Economic Development Enterprise Office

86 3. Education, Up-Skilling and professional Development in Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Ensure access To support the IT Waterford To continue to promote to education establishment KCETB the establishment of a 3.1.1 and skills for of Technological General Society IT Carlow Department of Education 2016 - 2021 Technological University all members of University for the and Skills for the South East communities South East All other relevant stakeholders Develop a variety Strengthen and Support Carlow of information and IT Carlow promote a thriving College and IT Carlow marketing tools to further Carlow KCETB 3.2.1 and sustainable in their collaboration General Society 2016 - 2021 enhance the awareness of College All other relevant stakeholders enterprise culture with other partner capacity and potential of LCDC in County Carlow institutes the HEI and FET Sectors in County Carlow

Strengthen and To connect employers with education and promote a thriving General Public, Department 3.3.1 skills development Development of Carlow and sustainable Business of Social All enterprise agencies 2016 - 2021 providers to address Employers Forum enterprise culture vocational training Community Protection in County Carlow needs

To connect employers Strengthen and Development of a linkage with education and General Public, HEI 3.3.2 promote a thriving between employers, skills development Business KCETB and sustainable HEI’s and FET providers IT Carlow 2016 providers to address Community Industry enterprise culture vocational training as outlined at Regional Carlow County Council in County Carlow needs Skills Forum

87 3. Education, Up-Skilling and professional Development in Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Agency Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries Promote engagement To connect employers Strengthen and between FET providers, promote a thriving with education and skills development industry and employment 3.3.3 and sustainable General Society KCETB, HEI’s Employers Forum 2017 providers to address services to ensure that enterprise culture vocational training FET provision is relevant in County Carlow needs to needs of learners and labour market Promote engagement using community Ensure access education principles to education Community education: between FET providers, 3.4.1 and skills for General Society KCETB, HEI’s Employers Forum 2017 empowerment, industry and employment all members of well-being services to ensure that communities FET provision is relevant to needs of learners and labour market

88 4. Visiting County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries agency

Develop a world class Public & Private Tourism Sector LCDC Optimise the To further develop a tourism product including Tourists, Carlow County Council 4.1.1 tourism product clear and compelling ongoing development and Communities and Carlow 2016 - 2021 Tourism CCDP and message vision for Carlow promotion of County local businesses Carlow Product Providers Fáilte Ireland Public & Private Tourism Sector Further the development LCDC Optimise the To further develop a of sector and product Tourists, Carlow County Council 4.1.2 Carlow 2016 - 2021 tourism product clear and compelling basic methodology to Communities and CCDP vision for Carlow Tourism and message tourism development local businesses Product Providers Fáilte Ireland

Support the development Public & Private Tourism Sector Optimise the To further develop a Tourists, of the River Barrow and Carlow LCDC clear and compelling 4.1.3 tourism product the Blackstairs as a key Communities and Tourism Carlow County Council 2016 - 2021 and message vision for Carlow Tourism Asset for County local businesses CCDP Carlow Product Providers

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

Continue, strengthen and Tidy Towns Residents To instil a greater fund initiatives such as Associations Optimise the sense of pride by Tourists, Carlow’s Pride of Place and Carlow Carlow Chamber of Commerce 4.2.1 tourism product locals and the business Communities and 2016 - 2021 Tidy Towns initiatives and Tourism Carlow Town Team and message community in the local businesses prioritise the involvement DECLG tourism product of local businesses CCDP

89 4. Visiting County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries agency To develop and deliver a coherent, bottom up, tourism strategy, Public & Private Tourism Sector marketing strategy and LCDC Optimise the product development Development of a County Tourists, Carlow County Council 4.3.1 tourism product Carlow Tourism and Communities and Carlow 2016 - 2021 strategy over a 5 year Tourism CCDP and message period that encompasses Development Strategy local businesses Product Providers all the strengths Carlow Fáilte Ireland has to offer Promote engagement using community education principles Optimise the Community education: between FET providers, KCETB, 4.4.1 tourism product empowerment, industry and employment General Society Employers Forum 2017 HEI’s and message well-being services to ensure that FET provision is relevant to needs of learners and labour market The development of CCDP Optimise the sustainable rural Strategic programme for Tourists, tourism as an economic Carlow Carlow County Council tourism product collective marketing of Communities and 2016 - 2021 4.4.2 driver and stimulus for Tourism Fáilte Ireland and message Carlow tourism product local businesses job creation throughout Private Sector Carlow Town and County

The development of Strategic programme CCDP sustainable rural Carlow County Council Optimise the to develop and promote Tourists, tourism as an economic Carlow Museum Product Providers tourism product new and existing Carlow Communities and 4.4.3 driver and stimulus for Tourism 2016 - 2021 tourism, heritage and Farming Organisations and message job creation throughout local businesses cultural products and trails Heritage Ireland Carlow Town and County Fáilte Ireland

9088 4. Visiting County Carlow – Action Plan

Ref High End Goal Strategic Objectives Action Target Group/ Lead Collaborator Time Frame Beneficiaries agency The development of Optimise the sustainable rural Strategic programme for Tourists, Carlow County Council Carlow 4.4.4 tourism product tourism as an economic tourism accommodation Communities and Private Sector 2016 - 2021 driver and stimulus for Tourism and message proposals local businesses Fáilte Ireland job creation throughout CCDP Carlow Town and County

The development of Strategic programme sustainable rural to cluster, develop and CCDP Optimise the tourism as an economic Tourists, 4.4.2 tourism product promote tourism in Communities and Carlow Carlow County Council 2016 - 2021 driver and stimulus for specific sub-county Tourism Private Sector and message job creation throughout local businesses geographical areas Fáilte Ireland Carlow Town and County

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

91 6. Investing in County Carlow – Action Plan

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

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

Promote County Carlow Carlow Enterprise Ireland Maximise as a location for inward County Connect Ireland Develop Carlow as a Business Qtr 1 external Investment - Develop Council Carlow Chamber of Commerce 6.2.1 location of choice for Community, (Annually) investment into a suite of marketing Local IDA inward investment Public Sector County Carlow material including Enterprise IT Carlow baseline data and supports Office SPC

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

92 6. Investing in County Carlow – Action Plan

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

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

93 4 Section 6:

Implementation, Monitoring & Measurement 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.

96 Appendices

99 Appendix 1

SOCIO ECONOMIC EVIDENCE BASE – ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY INFORMATION BASE BASELINE DATA – REFERENCES

LOCAL Carlow County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 - 2018 Local Area Plans for the Towns of Tullow, Bagenalstown, Hacketstown, Tinnahinch & Borris Carlow County Council Corporate Plan 2015 – 2019 Local Enterprise Office (Carlow) 2015 Plan (Carlow County Council & Enterprise Ireland) County Carlow Rural Development Strategy 2014 – 2020 County Carlow Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) County Carlow Local Sports Partnership Strategy County Carlow Arts Strategy 2015 – 2021 County Carlow Litter Management Plan 2014 – 2017 Carlow County Council Towards Universal Access for All Implementation Plan 2008 – 2015 Carlow County Council Irish Language Scheme Carlow Age Friendly County Strategy Carlow Tourism Strategy Institute of Technology / IT Carlow Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 Carlow College Strategic Plan Kilkenny & Carlow Education & Training Board Strategic Plan County Carlow Children & Young People’s Services Committee Strategic Plan County Carlow Integration Strategy Traveller Interagency Plan REGIONAL Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East Region 2010- 2022 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (Pending) Joint Waste Management Plan for the South East Region Waste Management Plan for the Southern Region (Pending) South East Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) 2013 – 2023 South East Homelessness Action Plan 2013 – 2016 Traveller Accommodation Programme 2014 - 2018 South East River Basin District Management Plan Barrow Corridor Recreational, Tourism & Commercial Product Identification Study “Ireland Ancient East”

98 Appendix 1

SOCIO ECONOMIC EVIDENCE BASE – ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY INFORMATION BASE BASELINE DATA – REFERENCES

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

99 Appendix 2 Public Consultation Process Pre Plan Preparation

County Carlow 2021 Submissions Report and 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 and 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.

100 Overview of Observations

Summary of Submissions In total 306 observations were recorded broken down as follows:

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

10% 11%

20% 28%

3%

8% 20%

Activities to address challenges or building Organisational Challenges/Review/Inclusion on strengths in the Community Services to support the economic development Challenges community needs to overcome and job creation

101 Area 1: Observations

AREA 1: Observations on Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 24th March 2015 Bagenalstown - Get involved in schools, Queen of the Universe are developing a community garden and all of the community is getting involved in this project. Children are the future. Ballinabranna - Redevelopment of community hall, Ballinabranna have a very active community group. Council should support a re-imagine plan of the area like what happened in Westport. Borris – Eigse regeneration of Dublin Street. Borris House festival of writing and ideas is very significant; it is a different way of thinking about festivals and can cause a ripple effect. Music Generation project in Borris is very successful.

St. Mullins - 1300 Commemoration of St. Moling, history folklore, project for the millennium, pilgrim’s way, 3ft bridge national monument. Raised bog project can be used as an educational tool – history of farming. Community Hall in St. Mullins/Glynn. Carlow - Produce a database and/ or an app to access heritage sites which would not fit into the current European classifications for areas of sites of interest. Potential future project for Carlow could be regeneration of Carlow Town for example Carlow 800. Leighlinbridge – Voluntary housing and Sports facilities GAA and training pitches will benefit young people and maybe an opportunity for the community. Bagenalstown – issue with housing for young people. There has been huge development of Bagenalstown Town Park and there are great sporting facilities in the area. Ballinabranna – Broadband is very poor and a big problem. Community groups what can we do differently – review for committees and groups i.e. educational piece. Leighlinbridge – Broadband and housing. Borris – Communities are tired, it is hard to keep going on a voluntary basis, communities do a lot of work, incredible value in care taking and minding. Harvesting knowledge for the community. Rural transport need to link in with extra meaning, people.

St. Mullin’s – Village renewal plan, there are CPO’s in St. Mullins since 2002, the Council need to talk to the communities / stakeholders. Byelaws need to be set up in St. Mullins in respect of anti-social behaviour. Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Need places where there is tranquillity and preserve these places – mental health.

Irish people are renowned for being friendly we need to hold on to this and market it. Pan Celtic and Carlow 800 worked very well. Racism and discrimination is a challenge – Integration Strategy is a good plan and issue needs to be part of the LECP. Integration needs to be broadened to include everyone, explore other communities. Need to do more to integrate people moving into Carlow and also integrate commuters. Welcome people to the community. Community alert is very effective in Carlow. Broaden the well-established festivals.

102 Area 1: Observations

AREA 1: Observations on Activities to address challenges or building on strengths in the Community Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Commission a website and survey of heritage in South Carlow; invest in showcasing the area to people and take ownership. Lack of pride for County Carlow. A Heritage Officer is needed in the County. Have a designated museum to houses Carlow assets for example Carlow Sugar Factory. Lots being done within Carlow. Sporting facilities plentiful. Volunteers GAA etc. Grass cutting keeps area looking fresh. Relaxation on road maintenance – locals filling pot holes should be allowed. Need community leaders – giving people confidence to become one. Confidence building, to get people to lead activities for walking, cycling or art groups etc. Pride of place, tidy towns – addressing challenges, using competitions as forms of motivation etc. Using skills present to create groups/societies (children’s art groups etc.) Helping each other leads to a sense of community, recession assisted this as people less able to afford services they may need. Pylons should be stopped. Major challenge for Carlow tourism – tourism will drop dramatically if pylons enforced. ‘Save the Barrow’ facebook page set up, grabs attention of the young and old on social media, inspiration for new advertising methods. AREA 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome Submission from Entity Submission from Arts Office in respect of the requirement for the inclusion of Arts as a stand alone element of the LECP considering the active engagement of individuals in the sector. Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 24th March 2015 St. Mullins – Heritage, Waterways Ireland, so many different agencies from a community point of view, set up a group for forward planning in each area, input is needed in going forward for communities. Bagenalstown – Waterways, LEADER, Carlow County Council – everyone is very helpful and advice on approaching projects is very important to Community Groups throughout the County. Carlow – Europe has Interreg funding SME – development of craft, weaving etc. If a project is identified then Carlow Groups can look at accessing funding. Ballinabranna – Co-ordinated education of funding that is available and training on how to maximise on this. Borris – Good examples of Socio Economic Plan – draw up a vision of what you want your town/village to look 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. 103 Area 2: Observations

AREA 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Integrated Communication Plan for Carlow to focus on everything that is good about Carlow. Appoint a Promotions Officer. Highlight what is good about Carlow through social media i.e. facebook, twitter etc. Safety in Carlow is an issue. Social integration is a challenge and becoming part of the new Carlow. To promote and communicate hidden talent in Carlow for example choir’s, traditional music, music generation and VISUAL. Disappearance of commonage farming in the upland areas of the South Carlow region due to the aging population of farmers and deepening isolation - this way of life is rapidly disappearing.

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

104 Area 2: Observations

AREA 2: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome Submission by representative organisation Flooding. Lack of affordable housing. Graiguecullen – decisions made by Laois County Council affect Carlow town. Lack of employment. Rubbish/Littering. Horses being kept in residential areas. Dog Fouling. Bad Footpaths. Ageing population. Need to keep young people in the town. Need to develop community spirit. Lack of facilities – play area is too small in Town Park. No park on the Tullow Road side of town. Free Sports facilities – basketball courts, Skate Park, bike track. Need for economic resurgence of town centre. Need for Job Creation and Investment in the County. Aging profile of volunteers working in Carlow. Illegal dumping huge problem county wide. Lack of employment or suitable employment schemes for low skilled or unskilled target groups. High levels of youth unemployment. Social and psychological implications of recession – poverty, isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, crime, mental health etc. Some people need to be motivated to participate in education and training to increase their prospects of securing employment and bettering their lives and those of their families. Despondency – people living with no hope leading to antisocial behaviour. Skate/bike parks and other amenities are needed for young people. With the advent of social media communities have become more dispersed and it’s becoming more difficult to communicate en masse, with young people in particular. Limited number of affordable childcare places on offer means demand is not always met. Access can be very difficult for support/intervention services for children and families, such as speech and language therapy and mental health services. Children & families support needs are increasing in complexity due to often chaotic family situations.

105 Area 3: Observations

AREA 3: Observations on Challenges community needs to overcome Submission from representative group Submission by a representative group outlining the 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 representative organisation Increasing complexity in the needs of service users – this requires more resources, more highly trained and flexible staff and greater co-ordination of service provision.

Annual funding rather than multi-annual funding inhibits long term planning. Larger premises are required. Keeping the public informed of our services and new services we can offer.

The current economic climate leads to uncertainty around the future budgets of funding programmes. Competitive tendering can result in a focus on a narrow set of outcomes. Simple progression indicators do not recognise the complexity of the work and time required when working in pre- development or with disadvantaged communities and groups. Grey area over Carlow which is getting worse. Bad attitude (government may be making it too easy for people to stay at home – benefits). This complexity and perceived lack of return on investment can result in “difficult” groups and communities being overlooked. AREA 4: Observations on services to support the economic development and job creation Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 24th March 2015 Leighlinbridge – Industrial & Commercial Development when led by the County Council is very strong for example MSD – hiring and servicing suitable sites. Carlow is in an ideal location not far from Dublin, through the IDA Carlow should try and encourage. St. Mullins – Tour Guide, Craft. Carlow - Generate work, sustainable development produces jobs; development generates work on way to self-sustainability.

Borris – Carlow is strategically located not far from Dublin, there is a lot of opportunity to bring people into the County, need joined up thinking, hard to find out what Carlow has to offer, information needs to be more accessible for example Green Way. Carlow – There needs to be joined up thinking, the County need to promote key locations / destinations. Broadband is an issue, promote green tourism in the County and develop local food brand.

106 Area 4: Observations

AREA 4: Observations on services to support the economic development and job creation Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Carlow is very lucky to have a Local Enterprise Office (LEO), it is one of the strongest in the Country in respect of the support it offers. The LEO is very under resourced in Carlow. Carlow needs more LEO’s around the County. More facilities to support home grown business. Business based on the river for example aqua tourism. Developing tourism for example there is a lack of accommodation, B&B’s. A needs analysis of business opportunities. Sustainable development for example footpaths along the river. Tullow Street in Carlow Town was the heart of the business community and now it is very quiet, where shops are closed there needs to be some kind of intervention – some activities for example the farmers market, pop up shops, Eigse. Wexford had a similar problem. Commercial Rates are an issue. Carlow should look at going for a purple flag (safe nights out), Waterford City achieved this. Carlow has a skilled work force that is not being used to its full potential, e.g. the sugar factory brought a massive job creation. Industry is needed back in Carlow to bring employment levels back up. An apprenticeship programme may be a solution; this slack is being taken up by the Institute of Technology. Transport links should be improved, sign posts and road maintenance. Boating services for the river barrow could be of significance to the economy. Integrate Castledermots’ features into Carlow tourism e.g. round tower. Farmleigh type convention for Carlow, looking at what we do have. Tourism contributes to the development of the economy and has not been developed in rural areas of Carlow e.g. Hacketstown. Educate Carlow to appreciate what we have to offer, lift their attitude towards Carlow. Carlow I.T. receiving jobs post qualifications in Carlow town. The many self-employed who employ few are more valuable as opposed to the fewer larger companies. More supports put in place for the new entrepreneurs starting up to train them up. Retraining for older people necessary although their benefits get taken away. This is national policy that is effective locally.

107 Area 5: Observations

AREA 5: Observations on services/facilities required to support community to thrive Submission by representative organisation Training people to be Community Leaders. More recreational facilities. Better Roads. Another bridge across the river Barrow. Project that could help build community spirit and active participation by individuals. Real community development to help people in local communities. Develop skills and initiatives to improve own community. Local transport – buses. More help on the integration of new communities – make new communities feel a part of Carlow. Use volunteers to call door to door. A fully integrated diversity education structure, which sees a commons approach with anti-bias emphasis from pre-school all the way to third level. The inclusion of citizenship and philosophy as subjects in schools across the levels. Small co-op system established to support employment of Travellers in areas such as organic gardening and market gardening, crafts, animal husbandry/care/production, animal care, animal grooming. Leadership programmes that provide the Travelling community with more role models. Supporting Traveller self determination. Pre-development education and training designed to increase confidence and skills allowing Travellers to progress into integrated opportunities. Training opportunities that recognise the abilities and skills that many men possess, although they have no formal qualifications. School liaison teacher for the Travelling community to support parents to support children to stay in school for longer. Appropriate social outlets for Traveller youth. Job creation and innovation. Public Transport – lack of same great barrier to employment opportunities. Survey young people to find out what are their needs and aspirations. Make use and develop walking facilities in Carlow. The Barrow river should be utilised more. Further need for policing outside shopping centres and public places. Investment in local heritage to increase tourism. More people needed to promote Carlow. Local radio seems to be biased towards Kilkenny and there is no studio in Carlow.

108 Area 4: Observations

AREA 5: Observations on Services/facilities required to support community to thrive Submission by representative organisation Develop more festivals to attract people into Carlow. Festivals for ordinary people, music connects to a mass of people. Greater ‘case conferencing’ between grass root workers and governmental departments with regards to the needs of individuals they work with. Social enterprises offering training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities and groups. More formal and informal family support to parents. Linking families into appropriate support services. Additional affordable childcare for families to facilitate participation in education, training and employment. Encourage professional development and on-going training for staff working in the provision of community and social services. Improved access to health services for families, e.g. speech/hearing therapy. Access to expert agencies and services including drug and alcohol/addition services, domestic violence etc. More physical activity programmes for younger children are needed, most are aimed at school age children. More availability of counselling services for children experiencing difficulties. More targeted development and pre-employment programmes aimed at groups at risk of long term joblessness such as lone parents, Travellers, people with addiction issues, immigrants, ex-prisoners etc. More outreach work required to reach families most isolated and the furthest away from employability. i.e. a service that tries to reach families that don’t engage at all in the community. Methods of supporting fathers to be involved in the active parenting of their children, particularly where the father does not live with the child. Submission by Public Body Primary Focus on Good Sustainable Jobs for County Carlow. Consideration of the Teagasc Region Advisory Strategic Plan. Submission from Representative Group Consideration of the inclusion of the strategic vision for VISUAL in the LECP. Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 24th March 2015 Carlow – Local transport, urban as well as rural, people need to use this service, however advertising of this service maybe a problem.

109 Area 5: Observations

AREA 5: Observations on services/facilities required to support community to thrive Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Computer classes to communicate to people on what Carlow has to offer and how to access these services. Carlow County Council needs to have facebook and twitter. Carlow people need to take pride in their county for example Carlow Arts Festival Eigse are celebrating Carlow Heroes by displaying their image on Carlow Post Office Panels. Ireland Newfoundland programme needs to be built upon so we can better connect to the Diaspora. Volunteers promotes individuals – funding has been cut and this is a challenge, this issue needs to be driven locally to feed into national policy. Appropriate transport links and a decent branding campaign both nationally and internationally for Carlow. Men’s health is an issue and needs to be addressed for example the Men’s Shed Programme and Mensa. Make use and develop walking facilities in Carlow. Gardens are plentiful and contribute to tourism. Barrow should be utilised more. Was heart of life in Carlow town. Parental support – need somewhere for them to do safe outdoor activities with family. Road safety is important for cyclists. Further need for policing outside shopping centres and public places e.g. people begging outside shops etc. Wheelie bins should be provided for in rent for people who are in rented accommodation. This would largely decrease illegal dumping.

More affordable accommodation for people on holidays. The cost of hotels etc. negates against tourism. Special interest tours could be set up. Investment in heritage to get services up to scratch. Secure parking needed. High vandalism rates in car parks. More people needed to promote Carlow. Local radio seems to be biased towards Kilkenny and there is no studio in Carlow.

Develop more festivals to entice people into Carlow. Festivals for ordinary people, music connects to a mass of people. The young people and their attitude should make the community thrive and bring life to the town.

110 Area 6: Observations

AREA 6: Observations on Strengths of Community Submission by Individual - Via Consultation Session 24th March 2015 St. Mullin’s & Glynn – There is so much to like about this community, it has a wealth of history, would like to see more young people getting involved in community work in a voluntary way. Important to know where the border between Carlow and Muinebheag. Bagenalstown – the River Barrow is sadly lacking, the facilities are not there compared to Clashganny. The River needs to be developed and utilised in a better way. Ballinabranna – Rep for community groups to give advice on making submissions. Leighlinbridge – The River Barrow is a huge resource that is under resourced. More support is needed for community groups starting up for example insurance is very expensive and this is a barrier that prevents communities from doing what they would like. Borris – Creative industries for example craft, heritage, film and tourism etc. The County border attracts people from other Counties, Carlow is too small a County to think of itself, Carlow has a breath of assets and it would be wrong to concentrate on one area i.e. River Barrow. Farmers are the caretakers of the landscape, they preserve the heritage for example trails, walls and sites etc. Carlow – The River Barrow being underutilised in towns and villages around the county has been raised on a number of occasions.

Ballon – Carlow has very vibrant communities, Co. Carlow is the country and people like this quality, this needs to be promoted from a tourism perspective. Carlow has also good food, need to highlight the experience of Carlow i.e. Rivers Barrow and Slaney. Carlow – Appreciate the River Barrow and its impacts and stakeholders along the river, heritage needs a lot of nurturing, also needed is an inventory / database in respect of the richness of heritage in the County. Methodical Heritage i.e. Ballymoon Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Volunteering Spirit in Carlow. There is a lot of potential in Carlow but the man power is not always available. Tourism, there is a lot of history in Carlow and heritage is huge. St. Mullin’s is a wonderful area in Carlow and in recent years it has become more visible nationally but we need to make more of this area. Carlow has a lot of well kept secrets, even Carlow people don’t recognise areas in Carlow, need to publicise areas getting a positive message of Carlow across locally, nationally and internationally. Also needed is sustainable development in Carlow. The River is an asset to the county, need to educate people on what is in the County, there is so much nature that is not publicised, not just tourism, it is about Carlow people knowing what a great County we live in, and there are so many hidden treasure. St. Mullins is so peaceful, gets teenagers away from computer. Diversity of Communities in Carlow – There is wide diversity of people in Carlow for example culture, travellers and foreign nationals. The geographical size of County Carlow is very advantageous as it facilitates a rich tapestry of networking together. Carlow people do not sell Carlow, Carlow people are very modest.

111 Area 6: Observations

AREA 6: Observations on Strengths of Community Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Carlow has two colleges which are a great asset, students add to the community. Carlow is the only county to strive towards university status. Carlow also has very good educational services i.e. St. Lazerians, Delta, Holy Angels etc. Very good sports clubs, facilities etc. There is quite a lot in Carlow and there are no waiting lists and readily accessible to young people compared to cities. See community as very well represented in Carlow. Support services available to the disadvantaged / disabled. Roads / transport very strong. Tourism is a big part of Carlow – natural landscape (variety of landscape), garden trails and rivers. Educational infrastructure and forward thinking, IT, Carlow College of Further Education. Create opportunities for everybody. A lot of local business support for a small community. Inter-agency work major strength. Bring all agencies together to plan services for young people. Young thriving population in Carlow. Sport variety good strength. Working together as a community, pride place and tidy towns encourage community development and strength. Location is to our advantage, good road networks. Have all natural strengths that are not being used to full potential. Submission by representative organisation Gateway town between Dublin, Waterford and Ferry Ports. Easily accessible to motorway and rail network. Excellent educational infrastructure at primary, secondary and third levels, including Educate Together, Gael Scoil and Gael Colaiste, Carlow College and IT Carlow. Good local amenities – River Barrow, Town Park, Oak Park etc. Good shopping town. Excellent local produce – food, arts and crafts. Tourism attractions – natural landscape, heritage, garden trails and rivers. Variety of sporting clubs and activities. Good community initiatives such as Pride of Place and Tidy Towns that encourage community development.

Good range of organisations in Carlow tackling social exclusion and working with disadvantaged communities and groups.

112 Area 6: Observations

AREA 6: Observations on Strengths of Community Submission by representative organisation Excellent service provision in terms of Adult, Community and Third Level Education. Excellent service provision in terms of Community and Rural Development. Excellent interagency collaboration. Affordable high quality childcare for families Highly qualified and experienced staff. Early intervention families linked in to appropriate services. Generally high levels of resilience in the broad local community. Good parenting capacity in the vast majority of families that can be built on. New communities bring new skills, cultures and experiences to Carlow. Many young people from disadvantaged communities want to work and are willing participants in programmes and services that they believe can help them.

We have the IT College and St. Patrick’s College. We have 2 swimming pools. We have a Cinema. Location – it’s not far from Dublin or the port in Rosslare. We have a park/Oak Park. Shopping Centres. Transport Links - train, bus, taxi. Cycle tracks. FAS office. Community Centre. Library. Good Schools and Childcare. Good Sports facilities. Youth Clubs. Citizen Information. Built on the Barrow – could be developed for Tourism. Carlow Castle and Dolmen. Activities for kids – Dome and Big Blue Barn. Good shops and restaurants. Lots of support organisations – AA, Women’s Aid etc. Court.

113 Area 6: Observations

AREA 6: Observations on Strengths of Community Collected by Individual - Via Consultation Session 26th March 2015 Garda Station. Post Office. Social Welfare Office. Main Banks. Good Volunteers. Motorway. Theatre. VISUAL Arts Centre. Teagasc. Good Medical Services – Doctors/Dentists. AREA 7: Support/services should be put in place to support social inclusion, community development, and economic development Submission by representative organisation Improve transport links, sign posts and road maintenance. Boating services for the Barrow could be of significance to the economy. A Farmleigh type convention for Carlow, looking at what we do have. Tourism contributes to the development of the economy and could be developed further in rural areas of Carlow. Promote Carlow locally to improve Carlovians appreciation of Carlow. More support services for Carlow immigrants – language skills development, particularly functional language and conversational language skills. Greater cultural awareness and integration of Carlow immigrants. Greater equity in terms of supports for different religious beliefs. Need to look at recognition of previous learning for those coming from other nations with regard to qualifications and skills. Development of labour market relevant training – need for analysis of current and future labour market trends in the locality and where deficits/skill shortages lie. Community Education/CVET sector needs to embrace more current trends in education – blended learning and use of technology for example. Need to make education/training more accessible and relevant for marginalised or disadvantaged groups through the provision of pre-development programmes with the aim of progression into mainstream providers. Pre development and ‘Learning To Learn’ initiatives.

114 Area 6: Observations

AREA 7: Support/services should be put in place to support social inclusion, community development, and economic development Submission by representative organisation Youth unemployment – development of tailored programmes to provide real and meaningful interventions for same. Look at conducting a local analysis of reasons for early school leaving and disenfranchisement of this target group. Profiling of what services have to offer – need to reach out to communities in language that they can understand. Supports for vulnerable women in Carlow – no shelter for homeless women or women at risk. Supports for children experiencing mental health and behavioural difficulties. Build more houses – shortage of housing – more employment. More council loans to help people buy houses. Bring more companies to Carlow – promote Carlow as a good place to do business – incentives e.g. lower rates. Educated workforce. Need to revitalise the Town Centre – eliminate derelict houses and businesses. Develop the use of the River Barrow – Tourism. Promote Carlow as a tourist destination – educate people to appreciate what Carlow has to offer. Need an Annual Festival that has mass appeal. Run a competition to find the best idea for a Festival. Build a local maternity hospital. Support more people to start their own businesses.

115 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 Office County Arts Vision / Plan Helena Fitzgerald for Blackstairs Farming Sustainable management and development of for Conservation Group Blackstairs and Barrow Valley Bríde De Róiste for Glór Cheatharlach Cultural Development 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 Technology Vision for the South East Technological University Carlow Ann Ferris TD for East Carlow Sustainable Planning Mairead Maddock for Carlow Kilkenny Children Children and Young People and Young People Services Committee Padraig Dooley for National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) Sustainable Jobs for the County

Simone Webb for Mid Carlow: Kellistown, Kilcoole (Graignaspiddogue), Rathoe, Fighting Cox and Tourism and Heritage Ballintrane Community Groups Niall Morris for St. Catherine’s Community Promotion of Social Inclusion and Wellbeing Services Centre Kathleen Fitzgerald for The Monastery Hostel Homeless and Provision of Accommodation Ann Mulrooney for VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and The George Bernard Social Cultural, Educational Development of the Shaw Theatre County Paula Madden for Yellow Flag, Irish Traveller Movement Cultural Diversity

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.

116 Strategic Stakeholders Consultation Workshops

Carlow Council Staff 8th July 2015 Studying/Up Skilling in Carlow Acting CEO 9th July 2015 Planning IDA Director of Services, Corporate, Planning IT Carlow and Economic Development CEO KCETB Community CCDP IT Carlow LEO Local Sports Partnership St. Catherine’s County Librarian Visiting Carlow 9th July 2015 Arts Office Building Engineer Carlow PPN Finance Carlow Young Artist Choir Roads Engineer Carlow County Council LEO South East River Basin Carlow Historical & Archaeological Society Living in Carlow 8th July 2015 Waterways Ireland Carlow Regional Youth Services LEO Tullow FRC VISUAL Carlow Volunteer Centre Mount Wolseley Carlow County Council Carlow Coffee Company Carlow PPN Camping business HSE Resource Officer Carlow Tourism South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force St. Fiacc’s House Infrastructure in Carlow Barnardos 10th July 2015 Carlow Chamber of Commerce TUSLA St. Catherine’s Community Services Carlow Chamber of Commerce CCDP Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency MS Carlow LEO CRISP (Carlow Rural Information Service) CCDP Ltd VISUAL IT Carlow Carlow PPN Working in Carlow 9th July 2015 Carlow Integration Forum CCDP Carlow Chamber of Commerce LEO KCETB AIB CEO St. Catherine’s College / Parish Council Carlow County Council

117 Appendix 3

Report on Submissions Received following Draft Plan Public Consultation Process

Submissions were received from the following during the Public Consultation Process. Southern Regional Assembly County Carlow Development Partnership CLG Carlow Tourism Environmental Protection Agency

Southern Regional Assembly Issues raised include:

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

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

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

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

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

(6) It is considered that actions contained in the draft LECP are practical in nature. However, further detail would seem to be required in respect of some of the actions so that actions are specific in terms of what they seek to achieve. Further consideration of the time-bound element (i.e. deadlines instead of a timeframe) and inclusion of steps for delivery is also required to assist in future implementation, monitoring and review of the LECP. Response: This will be taken into account during the implementation stage of the plan.

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

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

118 Appendix 3

Carlow Tourism Issues raised: (1) Amendments / additions to narrative. Response: Narrative amended, pages 58, 59, 60, 61, 62

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

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

Environmental Protection Agency Issues raised: (1) Include an additional high level goal for the LECP, relating to protecting the receiving environment. Response: The high level goals were already agreed and approved by the LCDC, SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Planning and members of Council. High level goal, “Living in Carlow” covers this issue, however, strategic objective 1.6.1 under this goal has been amended from To Share Protect and sustain the environment to Share Protect and Sustain the Environment and Receiving Environment, page 48

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

(3) The LECP could consider encouraging community level activities in areas such as energy conservation, water conservation, river clean-ups, riparian zone protection measures, awareness and appropriate control of invasive species etc., which would be beneficial for both local communities as well as the environment. Supporting measures which promote and encourage local eco-tourism ventures, fishing/angling, bird watching, agri-tourism, supporting and encouraging citizen science activities such as local heritage mapping, supporting habitat restoration would also be beneficial in forming a closer link between social participation and involvement in and environmental protection at a local level. In this regard, community related activities associated with implementation of EU LIFE Programmes such as IRD Duhallow and Burren LIFE have played a significant role in protecting environmental sensitivities while supporting local communities and would be a very useful model to consider promoting in the LECP. In particular, the ‘RIVER Allow Integrated Catchment Management Approach’ may be worth considering in terms of supporting and protecting/managing environmental resources at local level. It may be useful to consider taking into account the relevant environmental topics contained in the SEA Environmental Monitoring Programme aspects of the CDP, as appropriate, so that over the lifetime of the LECP the potential cumulative/in-combination effects can be reviewed. Response: These issues are covered in the Plan and will be taken into account during the implementation stage

119 Appendix 3

(4) Future Amendments to the Draft LECP – Carlow County Council should determine whether or not any future proposed variations/amendments would be likely to have significant effects on the environment. This assessment should take account of the SEA Regulations. Response: This matter will be taken into account during any review process

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

(6) Appropriate Assessment – The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) should be consulted, as relevant and appropriate, with regard to screening of the Plan for Appropriate Assessment. Where Appropriate Assessment is required, any findings or recommendations should be incorporated into the SEA and LECP, as appropriate. Response: The NWPS were advised and no comments were received in respect of the plan.

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

During consideration of the draft plan, members requested that reference be made in the plan to the provision of a Regional Logistics Park in Carlow. Response: The provision of a Logistics park in Carlow is a key strategic objective of Carlow County Council and will provide a considerable asset in reinforcing and enhancing future economic development, page 29.

120 Appendix 4 Southern Regional Assembly Statement

121 Appendix 5 Mainstream and Other Specialist Services Acronyms

Glossary and Acronyms Carlow County Council AA Appropriate Assessment Carlow County Childcare Committee BIC Business Innovation Centre Carlow County Development Partnership CLG Carlow PPN Carlow Public Participation Network Carlow Public Participation Network CCC Carlow County Council CCCC Carlow County Childcare Committee CCDP Carlow County Development Partnership CLG CCYPSC Carlow Children and Young People’s Services Committee CE Community Employment CEDRA Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas Comhairle na nÓg Children and Youth Councils CRYS Carlow Regional Youth Services CSO Central Statistics Office DAFM Department of Agriculture Food and Marine DAHG Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht DCENR Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources DCYA Department of Children and Youth Affairs DECLG Department of Environment, Community and Local Government DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools DES Department of Education and Skills DFI Disability Federation of Ireland DJE Department of Justice and Equality DSP Department of Social Protection DTTS Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport DJEI Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation EI Enterprise Ireland Eirgrid Deliver a safe secure and reliable source of electricity EPA Environmental Protection Agency FDI Foreign Direct Investment FRC Family Resource Centre GDP Gross Domestic Product GNP Gross National Product HEI’s Higher Education Institutes HSE Health Service Executive IBEC Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation ICT Information Communication Technology IDA Industrial Development Agency IFA Irish Farmers Association INTREO A single point of contact for all employment and income supports. (Department of Social Protection)

122 Appendix 5 Mainstream and Other Specialist Services Acronyms

Glossary and Acronyms IT Carlow Institute of Technology Carlow IW Irish Water JI Job Initiative JPC Joint Policing Committee KCETB Kilkenny Carlow Education Training Board LAG Local Action Group LCDC Local Community Development Committee LDS Local Development Strategy LECP Local Economic and Community Plan LEO Local Enterprise Office LSP Local Sports Partnership MD Municipal District MGS Music Generation NRA National Roads Authority NSS National Spatial Strategy NTA National Transport Authority OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OPW Office of Public Works Work on behalf of government and in partnership with various stakeholders to improve POBAL outcomes, particularly for people experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion PWD People with Disabilities RAPID Revitalising Areas through Planning and Investment RDP Rural Development Programme REDZ Rural Economic Development Zones Ring a Link Community Transport (Local Link) RPG Regional Planning Guidelines RSES Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SEAI Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland SERA South East Regional Assembly SERDATF South East Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force SICAP Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme Skillnet Funding to grow skills and sustain jobs SME Small and Medium Enterprises SPC Strategic Policy Committee TIG Traveller Interagency Group TÚS Is a community work placement scheme TUSLA Child and Family Agency WHO World Health Organisation

123 Appendix 6 Map of County Carlow Highlighting its Location in a Regional Context

LEGEND County Town - Carlow District Towns Other Towns and Villages M9 National Routes Railway Rivers Structurally Weak Areas Structurally Urdan Areas

124 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Interested groups signed up to membership of PPN Action 1.1.1: Develop a fully PPN fully inclusive and Strength of linkage groups inclusive and representative representative of voluntary Influence policy and Carlow PPN Meaningful participation 2016 - 2021 mechanism for the people of and community sector decision making through active membership Carlow county wide in Carlow of decision-making bodies

Increased number of Action 1.1.2 Develop an interested groups effective communication registered to the PPN PPN fully inclusive and plan that enables and representative of voluntary Influence policy and Carlow PPN To strengthen linkage 2016 - 2021 encourages all individuals groups and community sector decision making of Carlow to engage Meaningful participation county wide in Carlow meaningfully through active membership of decision-making bodies Increased involvement Action 1.1.3: To promote and connection with Increased membership and the value of volunteering Carlow communities participation in groups and and increase the range and Volunteer Communication Plan Enhanced wellbeing and 2016 - 2021 communities quality of volunteering in Centre sustainability giving Increased volunteerism County Carlow a sense of pride and ownership Action 1.2.1: Identify Consultation with key communities (Geographical agencies and groups to List of communities in need and issue-based) that CCDP identify communities that of predevelopment support 2016 - 2017 require pre-development in require support capacity building

125 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

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

Update the 2008 county directory of facilities and Directory of indoor and Action 1.3.1: Work closely extend to include outdoor outdoor facilities with community groups to facilities Increased accessibility Increased awareness of fully utilise their existing CCDP Support groups and to long term sustainable 2016 - 2021 facilities available and gaps community facilities and committees running community facilities. in provision support their sustainability sporting and community facilities through upskilling Increased usage of facilities and empowerment

Increased access to facilities for communities Action 1.3.2: Develop Carlow Ongoing needs and and groups, Community Facilities where County gap analysis, physical Integrated and sustainable 2016 - 2021 Universal access a need has been identified Council development work community facilities More effective use of facilities and resources

126 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Provision of advice on Action 1.3.3: To Support Carlow County facilities, planning community based More joined up support More sustainable Council regulations etc. 2016 - 2021 Cooperatives and Social between agencies communities (Community Referral to enterprise Enterprises in the County and LEO) support programmes

Increased awareness of Greater awareness of one’s Action 1.4.1: Develop mental health issues, own mental health, Implementation of the Greater access to mental Suicide Prevention and HSE Increased uptake of mental 2016 - 2021 Mental Health Strategy for mental health strategy health services, health support services County Carlow for County Carlow Increased promotion of Reduction in self-harm positive mental health and number of deaths by suicide

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

Implementation of Sport & Physical Activity Strategy 2016 – 2021. Action 1.4.3: To work in collaboration Implementation of the Sport with local stakeholders & Physical Activity Strategy Complementary plans Increased levels of to promote active 2016 – 2021, collaborating to promote health, well- physical activity, health Local Sports communities and increase with local stakeholders in being and active lifestyles and well-being of 2016 - 2021 Partnership physical activity levels, relation to planning and delivered by other relevant individuals in County with a particular focus policy development to stakeholders Carlow on disadvantaged areas, ensure that local resources people with disabilities, are used to best effect older people, and those who are otherwise socially excluded.

127 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Action 1.4.4: To explore the Ability to measure trends feasibility of conducting, Engage with Dept. of TTS Baseline of physical sports of physical activity in partnership with the Local Sports to secure resources to activity participation in participation 2016 - 2021 Department of TTS, a Partnership undertake baseline study. County Carlow Increased health and baseline study of physical Undertake baseline study sports activity participation well-being in County Carlow Increased sense of safety and security for individuals 1.4.5: To develop and and communities in Develop and implement a implement a joint policing Joint Policing A joint policing committee County Carlow joint policing committee 2016 - 2021 committee work plan for Reduction in crime in Committee work plan work plan County Carlow County Carlow resulting in less demand on public and individual resources

Action 1.5.1: To create a forum to support community and voluntary and statutory agencies to LCDC to establish a sub Increased capacity for Reduced number of maximise their resources LCDC group to deliver this action delivering services in communities on the 2016 and to work collaboratively response to needs margins in responding to the needs of communities on the margins.

128 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Provision of adequate, affordable and accessible facilities and services Action 1.5.2: To implement Better quality of life and the Carlow Children and Implementation of CYPSC for children and young Carlow CYPSC people and their families future for children, young 2016 - 2018 Young People Services strategy and plan people and their families Committee’s Strategy in line with the 5 National Outcomes for children (Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, DCYA 2014)

Action 1.5.3: To implement Provision of adequate, Implementation of the TIG affordable and accessible Better quality of life for the Traveller Interagency Carlow TIG 2016 - 2021 strategy and action plan facilities and services for the Traveller and Roma Group strategy and action Communities plan the Traveller and Roma Communities.

Action 1.5.4: To implement Provision of adequate, the Carlow Integration Carlow Implement the Carlow affordable and accessible Better quality of life for 2016 - 2021 Forum strategy and action Integration Integration Forum strategy facilities and services for New Communities in plan Forum the New Communities County Carlow

Action 1.5.5: To support Carlow Age Friendly Committee and the Implementation of the Provision of adequate, County Carlow Better quality of life for implementation of their Carlow Age Friendly affordable and accessible Age Friendly older people in County 2016 - 2021 strategy and assist in the Committee strategy and facilities and services for Committee Carlow provision of adequate, action plan older people affordable and accessible facilities and services for older people.

129 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Provision of adequate, affordable and accessible Action 1.5.6: To implement South East Implement the South East Better quality of life for the South East Regional Regional Drugs Alcohol facilities and services for people with addiction Regional Drugs people with addiction 2016 – 2021 Drugs Alcohol Task Force and Alcohol Task Force strategy and issues, their families and strategy and action plan action plan issues, their families and communities Task Force responses to community identified concerns

Action 1.5.7: To support the Department of Social Protection and relevant bodies in the implementation Implementation and and delivery of labour Increased work readiness delivery of labour Reduced unemployment activation programmes of unemployed people in DSP activation programmes in in County Carlow 2016 – 2021 including Gateway, County Carlow County Carlow Community Employment, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and other similar activation programmes An interagency structure Action 1.5.8: To create HSE to create a forum to co-ordinate and deliver Better quality of life and a forum to support the HSE to support the Disability the provision of adequate, opportunities for people 2016 – 2021 Disability Sector in County Sector in County Carlow affordable and accessible with disabilities Carlow facilities and services for people with disabilities Action 1.5.9: To maximise use of all existing social housing Reduced housing waiting Carlow To explore various housing supply models (including County Increased housing stock lists and decreased 2016 – 2021 models HAP) and to explore Council homelessness alternative models to address the social housing deficit.

130 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

1.5.10: Carry out an in-depth socio economic profile of Updated socio economic Better targeted service Carlow Undertake an in-depth County Carlow to Identify profile of County Carlow to delivery and use of County socio economic profile of 2018 areas of greatest socio inform future investment resources achieving Council County Carlow economic need based on and service delivery optimal value for money deprivation indices score and the 2016 Census data.

Action 1.6.1: To promote the Carlow Implementation of an adoption of energy efficiency County education and awareness 2016 - 2021 technology in homes, Council programme business and communities

Action 1.6.2: To promote of the development of Carlow 2016 – 2021 innovative renewable County energy for businesses and Council communities

Action 1.6.3: To seek and facilitate active Establish contacts and Carlow community engagement setup consultation fora Objectives tailored to local Greater understanding of December County in implementing the with relevant community priorities and issues need to protect waters 2016 Council South Eastern River Basin and sectoral groups Management Plan (SERBMP) in Carlow Greater public participation Action 1.6.4: To establish a Carlow Establish contacts with in implementation of the RBMP becomes more county environmental water December County public bodies and through SERBMP and developing representative of the views forum consisting of NGO’s 2017 Council PPN, with relevant NGO’s the next cycle of river basin of the people of Carlow and public bodies management plans

131 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

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

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

132 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

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

Action 1.7.3; 1.7.4: To develop Carlow Develop and implement a Protected heritage and and implement a Heritage Heritage and Bio-diversity County Heritage and Bio-diversity bio-diversity environment 2016 - 2021 and Bio-diversity Strategy strategy Council strategy for County Carlow for County Carlow in County Carlow

133 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

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

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

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

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

134 Appendix 7 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Living in County Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

Action 2.2.4: Increase awareness of the range Organise Annual Carlow of activities and supports Information Event Increase in numbers County Council Increased awareness of Qtr. 1, 2016 available from within the Advertise and market event availing of activities and Local Enterprise activities and support (Annually) Public & Business Sector by Liaise with public and supports Office the hosting of an Annual business sector clients Information Event Improve knowledge among public, entrepreneurs, LEO recognised as the owners and managers Action 2.3.1: Develop and one stop shop for small Carlow of the range of supports A strong culture of promote the Local Enterprise businesses in the county County Council available to businesses entrepreneurship in the Office as the first stop shops Supports in place to assist 2016 and CCDP from Government services county providing advice and supports public, entrepreneurs, e.g. Provision of Business owners and managers Information and Advisory Services / Events Action 2.3.2: Investment Programme to support Local Growth / sustainability development, expansion Implementation of Number of programmes Enterprise of rural enterprises and 2016 - 2021 and sustaining of rural Investment Programme in place Office job creation enterprises and job creation measures across all sectors

135 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Doing Business & Working in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

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

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

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

Action 2.4.3: Investment programme for community Improved standard / groups to establish and / accessibility of community CCDP Delivery of investment Improved community 2016 - 2021 or refurbish community, programme amenity and leisure facilities amenity and leisure facilities facilities accessible to all

136 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Doing Business & Working in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Action 2.4.4: Investment programme for community groups promoting village Delivery of investment Increased involvement and enhancement measures and/or CCDP programme connection with community Enhanced wellbeing 2016 - 2021 addressing economic decline / groups unemployment and/or gaps in service provision in their area Action 2.4.5: Capacity building and training programme for Increased engagement and Strengthened active active individual engagement CCDP Design programme activity by community participation by individuals 2016 - 2021 and active leadership in the community Action 2.5.1: Conduct research on the sector’s Carlow Consultation with key Increased awareness of Growth and development Qtr 1-2, status and opportunity Employers agencies and groups sector opportunities and of key sectors 2016 to feed into economic Forum trends development strategies and Carlow Employers Forum

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

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

137 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Doing Business & Working in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

Link with businesses / retailers in County Carlow Carlow to promote an age friendly County Council, Action 2.8.1: Roll out of business culture Business recognition Better quality of life for Local Enterprise Qtr. 1 the Age Friendly Business Engage with business / Development of an age older people in County Office, (Annually) Recognition Programme retailers to participate friendly business culture Carlow Carlow Tourism in Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme Action 2.9.1: Development of Liaise with relevant Carlow Increased digital capacity an Annual Digital Strategy as agencies Qtr. 1 County Annual Digital Strategy of Carlow Business and part of the County Enterprise Plan, implement and (Annually) Council retailers Plan on an interagency basis monitor digital strategy

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

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

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

Employers Forum Department Liaise with Carlow Action 3.3.1: Development of established Strong links between DSP of Social Employers to develop an 2016 Carlow Employers Forum Increased work placement / and Employers Protection Employers Forum Employment opportunities Connect employers, HEI’s Action 3.3.2: Development of and FET providers as a linkage between employers, outlined at regional skill HEI’s and FET providers as IT Carlow Linkage Groups established Increased skills in Region 2016 forum outlined at Regional Skills Progress the establishment Forum of a Skills Forum

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

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

KCETB is participating in Regional Skills Forum which Action 3.3.3: Promote includes representatives engagement between FET of industry, employment services and HEIs in the providers, industry and Work in progress during KCETB, HEI’s region 2017 employment services to 2015 - 2016 ensure that FET provision is The FET planning process in relevant to needs of learners KCETB has been revised in and labour market accordance with new SOLAS procedures to take account of learner and labour market needs

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

140 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Visiting Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Action 4.1.1: Develop a world Develop a tourism product Tourism Product developed class tourism product including for County Carlow Increase in number of Carlow Tourism County Carlow know as a 2016 - 2021 ongoing development and Promotion of County Carlow visitors to County Carlow tourism destination promotion of County Carlow as a tourism destination

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

Action 4.1.3: Support the development of the River Support and develop the key Increased awareness of Increase in number of Barrow and the Blackstairs Carlow Tourism tourism assets of the River the River Barrow and the visitors to key tourism 2016 - 2021 as a key Tourism Asset for Barrow and the Blackstairs Blackstairs assets County Carlow

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

Action 4.2.1: To continue, strengthen and fund Carlow Development and support of Greater sense of pride by initiatives such as Carlow’s County Community Groups locals and the business Increased tourism 2016 - 2021 Pride of Place and Tidy Towns Council Liaise with local businesses community in the tourism and prioritise the involvement product of local businesses

141 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Visiting Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

Action 4.3.1: Development of Develop and deliver a tourism strategy, marketing County Carlow Tourism and a County Carlow Tourism & A growing and sustainable Carlow Tourism strategy and product Development Strategy for 2016 - 2021 Development Strategy for the tourism sector County Carlow period 2017-2021 development strategy over a 5 year period Implement investment Action 4.4.1: Strategic Carlow programme for the Rural walks in County Increased walking visitors programme for development County Council, 2016 - 2021 development and promotion Carlow developed to the County and promotion of rural walks Carlow Tourism of rural walks

Action 4.4.2: Strategic Implement investment programme for collective programme for collective Collective marketing of Increase in number of marketing of Carlow tourism Carlow Tourism marketing of Carlow Carlow Tourism product visitors to County Carlow 2016 - 2021 product Tourism product

Action 4.4.3 Strategic Implement investment New and existing Carlow programme to develop and programme to develop and tourism, heritage, cultural Increase in number of promote new and existing Carlow Tourism promote new and existing products and trails visitors 2016 - 2021 Carlow tourism, heritage and Carlow tourism, cultural developed cultural products and trails products and trails

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

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

142 Key Performance Indicators for Actions – Investing in Carlow

Action Lead Agency Activit(y/ies) Outcome(s) Impact(s) Time Frame

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

Action 6.1.2: Development of Carlow Develop a suite of marketing Marketing material for FDI Increased level of interest a Suite of marketing materials County Qtr. 1, 2016 materials for FDI Promotion Promotion developed from FDI potential investors for FDI Promotion Council Action 6.2.1: Promote County Promotion of County Carlow Carlow as a location for Carlow as a location for inward inward Investment - Develop County Council investment Increased awareness Increased level of interest Qtr. 1, a suite of marketing material Local Enterprise Develop a suite of marketing of County Carlow as a from potential investors (Annually) including baseline data and Office material investment location supports Compile baseline data Action 6.2.2: Provide In conjunction with appropriate, innovative Availability of competitive IDA, stakeholders identify Increased level of interest and competitive property property solutions and 2016 - 2021 Private Sector appropriate property from FDI potential investors solutions coupled with robust robust infrastructure solutions infrastructure Action 6.2.3: Support the work Carlow of FDI Agencies as outlined in County Support the work of FDI Promote Carlow as a Increased level of interest the Regional Action Plan for 2016 - 2021 Council Agencies location for investment from FDI potential investors Jobs

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

143 Appendix 8 Table detailing actions consistent with the Regional Planning Guideline 2010-2022, County Development Plan 2015 - 2021 and Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018

Carlow County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 Reference High Level Goal / Action South East Regional Planning / Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Number Guidelines 2010 - 2022 Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy Planning Policy Objectives SI P8, Page 165 1.3.2 Develop Community Facilities where a need has been identified 7.2 and 7.8 Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Pages 107 and 109 Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy SOC P11 – 14, Page 124 To implement the Carlow Children and Young People Services County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.5.2 Committee’s strategy SI P2, Page 160 To implement the Traveller Interagency Group strategy and County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.5.3 action plan SI P7, Page 164 To implement the Carlow Integration Forum strategy and County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.5.4 action plan SI P6, Page 163 To support Carlow Age Friendly Committee and the implementation of their strategy and assist in the provision of County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.5.5 adequate, affordable and accessible facilities and services for SI P4, Page 162 older people To promote the adoption of energy efficiency technology in homes, businesses and communities and achieve targets and County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.6.1 Section 6 – 6.2.8 Page 102 objectives set out in Sustainable Energy Action Plan as part of EN P10, Page 146 joining the Covenant of Mayors

To seek and facilitate active community engagement in Planning Policy Objectives County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 1.6.3 implementing the South Eastern River Basin Management Plan 5.23 and 8.5 Pages 93 and 114 HER OB3, Page 220 (SERBMP) in Carlow Policy ENV P6 and P7 Pages 254 and 258 County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy To apply the strategic vision of the Regional Waste Plan by ENV P1, Page 241 Planning Policy Objectives 1.6.6 rethinking our approach to managing waste and viewing waste Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, streams as a valuable material resource 5.26 Page 94 Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy ENV007 Page 87

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

Carlow County Development Plan 2015 – 2021 Reference High Level Goal / Action South East Regional Planning / Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, Number Guidelines 2010 - 2022 Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018

To implement the Carlow Library Service strategy to provide County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy Planning Policy Objectives SI P13, Page 170, Joint Spatial Plan for the 1.7.2 for a quality accessible service that enhances the lives of communities 7.5 Page 107 Greater Carlow, Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy SOC P26 – 30, Page 126 Design and deliver a variety of projects to build capacity County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 2.1.3 projects based on the outcomes of the Enterprise and Economic Development Leadership Study on an interagency basis ED P5, Page 78 Investment Programme to support development expansion County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 2.3.2 and sustaining of rural enterprises and job creation ED P6, Page 79 measures across all sectors Investment programme for animation, capacity building and County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy 2.4.2 training initiatives of a general nature of community groups ED P5, Page 78 Investment programme for community groups promoting village enhancement measures and/or addressing economic 2.4.4 Strategic Goal B5 Page 47 County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy decline / unemployment and/or gaps in service provision in ED P21, Page 89 their area

To continue to promote the establishment of a Technological Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, 3.1.1 University for the South East Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy E and S004, Page 102

Develop a world class tourism product including ongoing Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, 4.1.1 development and promotion of County Carlow Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy ECN P24, Page 49 Support the continued development of key strategic assets County Development Plan 2015-2021 Policy i.e. Duckett’s Grove, Altamont Gardens, Brownshill Dolmen via 4.1.4 Strategic Goal A7 Page 47 Tourism P1 and 2, Pages 190 and 192 partnership Investment programme to develop and promote new and Joint Spatial Plan for the Greater Carlow, 4.4.3 existing Carlow tourism, heritage and cultural products and Strategic Goal A7 Page 47 Graiguecullen Urban Area 2012 – 2018 Policy trails ECN P21, Page 49 145