County Leitrim Local Development Strategy Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (LEADER) County Leitrim Local Development Strategy in partnership with… County Leitrim Local Development Strategy Table of Contents Glossary ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Chairperson's Foreword ...................................................................................................................... 2 1 The Local Action Group/Governance Model ............................................................................ 4 1.1 Organisation Details & Primary Contact ........................................................................... 4 1.2 Legal Description of the LAG.............................................................................................. 4 1.3 LAG Composition ................................................................................................................. 5 1.4 Decision Making ................................................................................................................... 6 1.5 LAG Roles and Responsibilities ......................................................................................... 9 1.5.1 Role of LCDC as the LAG ........................................................................................... 9 1.5.2 Role of Leitrim Development Company as Lead Implementing Partner .............. 9 1.5.3 Role of Leitrim County Council as Lead Financial Partner .................................... 9 1.6 LAG Financial Management ............................................................................................. 10 1.6.1 Financial Management - Procedures Manual ........................................................ 10 1.6.2 Public Procurement .................................................................................................... 11 1.6.3 Financial Partner ........................................................................................................ 11 1.7 LEADER Staffing ................................................................................................................ 12 1.7.1 Lead Implementing Partner ...................................................................................... 12 1.7.2 Financial Partner ........................................................................................................ 13 1.7.3 Other Staffing .............................................................................................................. 14 1.8 Project Selection Procedures for LEADER .................................................................... 14 1.8.1 Expression of Interest & Eligibility ............................................................................ 14 1.8.2 Application Process.................................................................................................... 14 1.8.3 Initial Project Assessment/Evaluation ..................................................................... 15 1.8.4 Evaluation Committee................................................................................................ 15 1.8.5 LAG Decision Making ................................................................................................ 15 1.9 Relevant Experience .......................................................................................................... 16 1.9.1 Leitrim Development Company - The Lead Implementing Partner .................... 16 1.9.2 Leitrim County Council the Lead Financial Partner Relevant Experience ......... 18 2 Area Profile .................................................................................................................................. 18 2.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 18 2.2 Demographic Characteristics ........................................................................................... 19 2.2.1 Population and Distribution ....................................................................................... 19 2.2.2 Age Profile and Age Dependency ............................................................................ 21 2.2.3 Migration, Nationalities, Ethnic & Cultural Backgrounds ...................................... 22 2.2.4 Martial Status, Families, Households and Housing .............................................. 23 County Leitrim Local Development Strategy 2.2.5 Health and Disability .................................................................................................. 24 2.2.6 Deprivation Index and Disposable Income ............................................................. 24 2.2.7 Transport, Community Assets and Broadband ...................................................... 27 2.2.8 Educational Trends .................................................................................................... 28 2.2.9 Socio-Economic Group and Labour Force ............................................................. 29 2.2.10 Unemployment ............................................................................................................ 30 2.2.11 Employment by Sector .............................................................................................. 30 2.3 Review of Key Services/ Programmes ............................................................................ 33 2.4 Area Needs Analysis ......................................................................................................... 37 2.5 Target Group Analysis ....................................................................................................... 42 3 The Participative Planning Process for RDP 2014-2020 ..................................................... 46 3.1 Review of RDP LEADER 2007-2013 Programme ........................................................ 46 3.2 Review of Strategies, Plans, Documents ....................................................................... 47 3.3 Public Consultation ............................................................................................................ 48 3.3.1 Area Based Consultation Events ............................................................................. 49 3.3.2 Focus Groups ............................................................................................................. 50 3.3.3 Online Surveys ........................................................................................................... 50 3.3.4 Submissions ................................................................................................................ 50 3.4 The Results of the Consultations ..................................................................................... 50 3.4.1 Developing a Thriving Authentic Tourism Sector .................................................. 51 3.4.2 Dynamic & Diversified Rural Economy ................................................................... 52 3.4.3 Enhanced ICT Awareness & Knowledge ................................................................ 53 3.4.4 Sustainable Inclusive Communities ......................................................................... 53 3.4.5 Vibrant Towns & Villages as Hubs of Activity & Services .................................... 54 3.4.6 Conservation of Our Natural Environment ............................................................. 55 3.4.7 Harnessing our Natural Resources ......................................................................... 56 3.4.8 Other Items from the Consultations ......................................................................... 56 3.5 SWOT Analysis ................................................................................................................... 57 4 Priorities ....................................................................................................................................... 60 Priority 1 - Thriving Authentic Tourism Sector ........................................................................... 60 Priority 2 - Dynamic & Diversified Rural Economy .................................................................... 61 Priority 3 - Vibrant Towns & Villages as Hubs of Activity and Services ................................. 61 Priority 4 - Enhanced ICT Awareness & Knowledge ................................................................ 62 Priority 5 - Sustainable Inclusive Communities ......................................................................... 62 Priority 6 - Conservation & Sustainable Use of Local Biodiversity & Water Resources ...... 63 Priority 7 - Harnessing Our Natural Resources ......................................................................... 63 County Leitrim Local Development Strategy 4.1 Rural Tourism ..................................................................................................................... 64 1A Develop existing and support new tourism assets and infrastructure .................................... 64 1Ai To develop sustainable rural tourism facilities, products and services .............................. 64 1B Develop a range of high quality tourism accommodation ...................................................... 65 1Bi To enhance and develop new and existing tourism accommodation ................................ 65 1Bii To encourage the development of niche or specialist accommodation