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LOCAL ECONOMIC and
COMMUNITY PLAN
2016 - 2021
Education
Agriculture & Food Business Demography
Population
Health & Wellbeing
Homelessness
Economic Development
Community Development
3Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Contents
Message from Cathaoirleach 5
FOREWORD 6
VISION STATEMENT 7
Part 1: Setting the Scene 9
1. LOcaL anD ecOnOMic cOMMUnitY PLan (LecP) 10
Background to the LECP 10
The LECP Process 11
Overview of Kilkenny LECP Process 12
Methodology & Consultations 13
Proofing the Plan 15
2. DeMOgraPhic PrOFiLe OF cOUntY KiLKennY 20
Kilkenny Area Profile 20
Population 22
Age Profile of the County 25
Labour Force 26
Education 27
Crime Rates 28
3. enterPriSe PrOFiLe 30
Agriculture & Food Profile 30
Business Demography 35
Health & Wellbeing
Economic Development
4 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
4. SOciaL anD cOMMUnitY PrOFiLe 40
Deprivation 40
Unemployment 43
Education & Disadvantage 48
Lone Parents 48
Housing 49
Homelessness 50
Health & Wellbeing 52
People with a Disability 52
Ethnic Minorities & Travellers 53
5. SWOt anaLYSiS 55
Part 2: the StrategY 57
6. high-LeVeL gOaLS: theMeS anD PriOritieS 58
7. LecP actiOn SUMMarY 64
Economic Actions 66
Community Actions 90
8. LecP actiOn PLanS 92
Economic Action Plans 92
Community Action Plans 108
9. iMPLeMentatiOn & MOnitOring 125
Appendix I: Memberships of LCDC and SPC1 127
Appendix II: Consultations and Desk Research 129
(i) Plans and Strategies Reviewed 129
(ii) Profile of Mainstream & Voluntary Services 131
LECP ACRONYM INDEX 2015 134
5Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
This Local Economic and Community Plan provides a road map for the next 6 years for the local economic
and community development of County Kilkenny.
The approval of the plan by Kilkenny County Council represents an important function under the Local
Government Reform Act.
The process of developing the plan has been a real collaboration between statutory agencies, local
development organisations, elected representatives, local businesses and communities. It has also
provided the basis for a comprehensive examination and understanding of the economic and social
aspects of County Kilkenny.
The implementation of the plan provides a unique opportunity for joined-up thinking and better value for
and co-ordination of publicly funded programmes. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders
to implement this plan.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Local Community Development Committee
(LCDC) and the members of the Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development, Enterprise
Supports and Tourism for their work over the past nine months in overseeing the preparation of this plan.
I firmly believe that the actions contained within the plan will have the potential to deliver better local
services and outcomes for businesses and communities in County Kilkenny.
____________________Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh,
Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County Council
Message from Cathaoirleach
6 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
ForewordIt is a privilege for us to introduce the first Local Economic and Community Plan for County Kilkenny
covering the period to 2021.
The Local Community Development Committee and Kilkenny County Council have been entrusted with the
responsibility of promoting local economic and community development in the County through this plan.
The plan represents the culmination of over nine months’ work involving extensive research, public
consultation, analysis, workshops and meetings. We would like to sincerely thank all those who have
participated in the process of preparing the plan. In particular, we would like to take this opportunity
to acknowledge the contribution made by Nickey Brennan to the process during his time as Interim
Chair of the Local Community Development Committee. We would also like to note the input of EXODEA
Europe Consulting Limited and Dr. Maria Power of Community Consultants, in relation to the research
and analysis they conducted, helping provide the rationale for the economic and community elements of
the strategy, respectively.
We are cognisant that the plan is not an end in itself. We are reliant on the willingness of local people,
businesses, communities, organisations and statutory bodies to work collectively to deliver on the
objectives and actions.
There are almost 50 agencies and organisations named in this plan and they each have a critical role to
play in its implementation. We believe that if we all work together to ensure that the actions are delivered,
this plan can make a real difference. We are now mandated to implement the plan and to oversee its
progress on an annual basis.
We invite you to join with us on the journey to realise the vision of this plan to further develop County
Kilkenny as a great place to live, work and play; offering our citizens dignity, security and the capacity to
participate to their maximum potential.
__________________________ __________________________
Cllr Pat Millea Chair of Kilkenny County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee - Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Tourism
Mr Fergus Keane Chair County Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee
VISION STATEMENTKilkenny is a great place to live, work and play; offering its citizens dignity, security and the
capacity to participate to their maximum potential. The Local Economic and Community Plan
will create the framework conditions to ensure that this continues to be the case by:
l supporting the enterprise economy,
l facilitating innovation and entrepreneurship,
l enhancing the visitor experience,
l enhancing educational attainment and skills development,
l developing the rural economy,
l advancing access and communications infrastructure,
l fostering leadership and capacity,
l protecting and utilising the natural, cultural and built environment,
l contributing to regional growth and international potential,
l addressing area based poverty and disadvantage,
l addressing poverty and social exclusion,
l enhancing community facilities and participation, and
l improving health and wellbeing.
Structure of the Plan The plan comprises two parts: Part 1 sets the context for the key issues to be addressed
and the opportunities to be pursued in the strategy, and comprises 5 sections:
l Section 1 provides the background to the LECP, the process undertaken and methodology used to prepare the plan;
l Section 2 provides a demographic profile of County Kilkenny;
l Section 3 comprises a profile of the enterprise sector in the county;
l Section 4 details the social and community profile, and
l Section 5 outlines a summary of the SWOT analysis for the county.
Part 2 sets out the strategy to deliver on the vision set out above, and comprises 4 sections:
l Section 6 outlines the high-level goals, themes and priorities arrived at for the development of the local
economic and community development of the county over the next 6 years;
l Section 7 provides the rationale for the list of economic and community actions;
l Section 8 details the LECP Action Plan and contains details of the key stakeholders, timeframes and
milestones involved in each of the actions, and
l Section 9 provides an overview of the implementation and monitoring arrangements that will be put in
place to ensure the delivery of the actions contained in the plan.
7Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
8 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
PART 1: SETTING THE SCENE
10 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
1. LOCAL AND ECONOMIC COMMUNITY PLAN (LECP)BaCkground to thE LECP
The Local Government Reform Act, 2014 provided the foundation for significant change in the role and
structure of local government, particularly in relation to local, economic and community development.
The legislation provided for:
1. The establishment of a Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in each local authority area.
2. each local authority, (as per Section 128B of the Local Government Act 2001, inserted by
Section 36 of the 2014 Act), to make a six year Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP)
for its administrative area, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development.
The objective of the County Kilkenny LECP is to further:
l the promotion of economic development, and
l the promotion of local and community development.
The LECP is being developed by the newly established Local Community Development Committee
(LCDC) and Kilkenny County Council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Economic Development,
Enterprise Support and Tourism (SPC1). Members of both committees are listed in Appendix I.
The underpinning principles for the LECP are:
l The promotion and mainstreaming of equality.
l Sustainability – promoting a more resource-efficient, green and more inclusive economy.
l Maximising Returns –through co-operation, collaboration and by avoiding duplication.
l Participative Planning – ensuring meaningful community participation and consultation in the
planning process.
l Community Consultation and Engagement.
l Community Development Principles – addressing social exclusion and providing supports for the most marginalized.
l Accessibility and Ownership – written in a straightforward style.
11Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
the LECP ProcessThe Guidelines for the development of the LECP outlined five distinct phases as follows:
Stage 1Preparation
Stage 2Public
Consultation
Stage 3develop objectives
& actions
Stage 4Finalise Plan
Stage 5Monitoring &
review
The LECP identifies specific community, social and economic priorities for the county for the next six years. The expectation is that relevant agencies/organisations working in the county will allocate resources towards the identified priorities, in a co-ordinated manner.
l Establish and analyse the socio-economic evidence base
l Develop evidence base socio-economic statement and high-level goals
l Advisory Group to prepare SPC & LCDC to adopt the statement for public consultation
l 4 week public consultation – socio-economic statement and high-level goals
l Revise statement and refer to Municipal Districts (MDs) and Regional Assembly (RAs)
l Advisory Group prepare SPC and LCDC to adopt statement revised statement for submission to MDs and RAs
l Develop objectives for economic and community elements of the plan, underpinned by measurable actions
l Advisory group to prepare SPC and LCDC to agree objectives and actions
l Advisory group to submit final draft statement, goals, objectives and actions to MDs and RAs
l SPC and LCDC consider and adopt final draft of revised statement, goals, objectives and actions as considered by MDs and RAs
l Local Authority (LA) to adopt final draft of the LECP
l Final plan submitted to the Minister (DECLG) and published by the LA
l Advisory group to monitor progress on actions and against measurable targets for the objectives and actions
12 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Integrated LECP
High-Level Goals
Economic Element Economic & Community Elements Community Element
Specific Objectives Shared Objectives Specific Objectives
All Actions to be
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART)
Goals Identified Through
Consultations with Key Stakeholders
Hosting of Thematic Focus Groups
Meeting with Municipal Districts
Invitation of Submissions
A Review of All Key Strategies and Plans at National, Regional and Local Level
overview of kilkenny LECP Process
13Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Methodology & Consultations The LECP process commenced in Kilkenny in early 2015. As part of this process an integrated approach
between the Economic Plan and Community Plan elements of the LECP involved consultation and
community engagement as follows:
l A public consultation process was launched on the draft socio-economic statement and high-level goals
in June 2015. An editorial about the process and a public notice in relation to the consultation were
placed in the Kilkenny People newspaper. Hard copies of the draft statement were made available in
County Hall and at all of the library branches throughout the county. An information leaflet explaining
the process was produced with the assistance of the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA). The
information leaflet was distributed widely, including to all groups registered with the Public Participation
Network (PPN). Submissions were invited by email, in writing and online at https://consult.kilkenny.ie.
17 submissions were received from members of the public by post, email or online during this phase
of the public consultation. A copy of the report on this phase of the public consultation can be viewed
on the Kilkenny County Council website.
l Municipal District public consultation meetings were held, where the general public were invited to
discuss the high-level goals of the LECP. These sessions allowed people to express their views on
what, for them, were the priority issues to be addressed in the county, from both a community and an
economic perspective.
l There was consultation on the high-level goals with the elected members of each Municipal District of
Kilkenny County Council.
l For the Community Plan element of the LECP, a series of focus groups were held with key stakeholders
to identify key priorities and actions for the LECP: Youth Unemployment; Lone Parents; Health &
Wellbeing; and Comhairle na nÓg. Agencies involved in these workshops included Family Resource
Centres, Foróige and Ossory Youth, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, Health Services Executive (HSE)
Health Promotion Department and South East Regional Drugs Task Force.
l The Community Plan element also involved a series of bilateral meetings with stakeholders, to identify
key priorities and actions for the LECP, including:
l Carlow Kilkenny Education and Training Board
l Department of Social Protection – Local Employment and Training Initiatives
l Family Resource Centres – Newpark Close, Fr. McGrath, Droichead, The Mill
l Health Services Executive – Social Inclusion Unit (South East); Health Promotion & Improvement;
Health & Wellbeing Division, Carlow/ Kilkenny
l Kilkenny Integration Forum
l Camphill Community in Callan, County Kilkenny and KCAT ART & Study Centre
l Kilkenny Traveller Interagency (including Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement)
l Kilkenny County Council – Area Office Engineers, Heritage Department, Libraries and Estate
Management.
14 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
A number of key stakeholders also made written submissions for consideration in the Community Plan
element including:
l Homeless Services – Homeless Action Team (HAT)
l Lifeline Kilkenny – suicide prevention group
l Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership
l Kilkenny Older People’s Forum
l South East Region Disability Federation
l South East Regional Drugs Task Force / Kilkenny Local Drugs Task Force
l TUSLA – The Child & Family Agency / Children’s Services Committee
l Kilkenny County Council – Arts Officer and Heritage Officer.
l The Ferrybank Steering Committee were also engaged (as part of the Community Development
Strategic Plan).
l The Economic Plan element of the LECP involved a series of bilateral meetings with key stakeholders
to identify key priorities and actions for the LECP. These included:
l Waterford Institute of Technology
l Institute of Technology Carlow
l Maynooth University (NUIM) Kilkenny Campus
l IDA Ireland
l Teagasc
l Fáilte Ireland
l Education & Training Board
l Department of Social Protection
l Key employers
l Kilkenny Tourism
l Construction Industry Federation
l Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce
l Kilkenny Business Club
l Local Enterprise Office clients
l South East Business & Innovation Centre
l Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
l In addition to the work undertaken in relation to the LECP planning process, the LCDC, as part of
the process of preparing the Local Development Strategy for the next LEADER Programme in County
Kilkenny, held 16 thematic (multi-sectoral) focus group sessions covering:
l Rural Tourism/ Food Sector
l Enterprise / Craft Sector
l Rural Towns
15Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
l Broadband
l Rural Youth (youth organisations, youth club leaders, Macra na Feirme, Young Farmers)
l Protection & Sustainable Use of Water Resources
l Heritage Forum - Natural, Cultural & Built Heritage
l Renewable Energy
l Farming Community (x 2)
l Family Resource Centres
l Comhairle na nÓg (x 5)
l Five focus group meetings with the Public Participation Network were held as follows:
l Social Inclusion Pillar
l Environment Pillar
l Community Pillar (x 3)
l Detailed economic and community actions were prepared on the basis of the public consultation
process outlined above and these were presented to the LCDC and SPC1 at their meetings held at
the end of October, 2015. It was decided that a further period of public consultation be launched
on the draft actions during the month of November 2015. A public notice was placed in the Kilkenny
People newspaper and hard copies of the draft actions were made available in County Hall and at
all of the library branches throughout the county. All groups registered with the Public Participation
Network (PPN) were notified. Submissions were invited by email, in writing and online at https://
consult.kilkenny.ie. 11 submissions were received by post, email or online during this phase of public
consultation. A copy of the report on this phase of public consultation can be viewed on the Kilkenny
County Council website.
desk researchStatistics were gathered through a number of sources that include:
l Pobal maps: http://maps.pobal.ie/
l AIRO Maps: http://airo.maynoothuniversity.ie//external-content/kilkenny-social-inclusion-monitoring-tool
l Kilkenny County Council GIS mapping tool: http://gis.kilkennycoco.ie/website/internet/viewer.htm
l Central Statistics Office (CSO) statistics and tables: http://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/
Proofing the PlanThe annual action plans of the Kilkenny LECP will be equality-proofed in conjunction with those groups
that are at risk of experiencing discrimination through their membership of any of the nine groups covered
under the Equal Status Acts 2000-2012 against the following key statements:
16 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Equality Equality StatementThe Kilkenny LECP will aim to promote an environment which is fair, transparent and welcoming for all
individuals and organisations: employees, service-users and elected members.
Kilkenny LCDC undertakes to have due regard for the need to eliminate discrimination; to advance equality
of opportunity; to foster good relations when making decisions and when developing and implementing
policies. Kilkenny LCDC in all its practices will, in as far as is possible:
l Bring opportunities closer to those who are most distanced from them.
l Integrate all service provision — public, voluntary, community and private — to benefit the entire
community.
l Secure and direct resources for community benefit.
l Ensure that communities are at the heart of decision-making.
l Develop the working structures and supports to better reflect community concerns.
The Kilkenny LECP will also commit to the promotion of equality under the Equal Status Acts 2000–2012
and to work to automatically include those groups outlined in the Equal Status Acts 2000–2012, and
endeavour to prohibit discrimination on the following nine grounds:
1. The gender ground: A man, a woman or a transsexual person;
2. The marital status ground: Single, married, separated, divorced or widowed;
3. The family status ground: Pregnant, a parent of a person under 18 years or the resident primary
carer or parent of a person with a disability;
4. The sexual orientation ground: Gay, lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual;
5. The religion ground: Different religious belief, background, outlook or none;
6. The age ground: This only applies to people over 18, except for the provision of car insurance to
licensed drivers under that age;
7. The race ground: A particular race, skin colour, nationality or ethnic origin;
8. The Traveller community ground: People who are commonly called Travellers, who are identified
both by Travellers and others as people with a shared history, culture and traditions, identified
historically as a nomadic way of life on the island of Ireland;
9. The disability ground: This is broadly defined including people with physical, intellectual, learning,
cognitive or emotional disabilities and a range of medical conditions.
The Kilkenny LECP, in its policies, practices and services will create the conditions for equality of outcome
that will benefit all people, including those outlined in the Equal Status Acts 2000-2012, in an equitable
way so that outcomes, actions and services are equally beneficial. Kilkenny LECP will also ensure the
equal participation and involvement of all groups outlined in the Equal Status Acts 2000-2012 in the
decision-making processes for which it is responsible.
17Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
EnvironmentCounty Kilkenny has a rich and varied built and natural environment. The natural environment includes
the variety of life often referred to as biodiversity, including rivers and woodlands, hedgerows, mammals,
birds and plants. It also includes geology and landscape. Archaeological sites and many other buildings
and structures are features of our built heritage.
Kilkenny’s natural and built environment is a valuable economic resource and is the basis for Kilkenny’s
tourism industry. Kilkenny County Council has a key role to play, through the implementation of the County
Heritage Plan and the Biodiversity Action Plan, in protecting and sustainably managing the heritage
of County Kilkenny for the benefit of current and future generations. It is the stated aim of Kilkenny
County Council to conserve, enhance and manage the county’s natural heritage, including its biodiversity,
landscapes and geological heritage, and to promote understanding of, and sustainable access to it.
Implementation of the Kilkenny LECP will conform to the following:
l The Regional Planning Guidelines and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (once that is in
place), and
l The provisions of the Kilkenny County and Kilkenny City Development Plans and Local Area Plans,
including provisions requiring sustainable development, and protection and management of the
environment.
Strategic Environmental assessment (SEa) and appropriate assessment (aa)The LECP has undergone Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA)
screening processes in order to establish whether there is a need for further detailed assessment.
SEA is the formal, systematic evaluation of the likely significant environmental effects of implementing a
plan or programme before a decision is made to adopt it. Requirements for SEA are established by the
SEA Directive and transposing Regulations1.
The SEA Screening process – the findings of which are detailed in an SEA Screening Report –has been
informed by consultations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and it has concluded that SEA
is not required.
AA is a focused and detailed impact assessment of the implications of a strategic action or project, alone
and in combination with other strategic actions and projects, on the integrity of a Natura 2000 site in view
of its conservation objectives.
Natura 2000 sites consist of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and
provide for the protection of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats. Requirements
for AA are established by the Habitats Directive2 and transposing Regulations3.
Both an SEA Screening Report and an Appropriate Assessment Screening Report were prepared, which
18 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
evaluated the requirements for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment
(AA) to be undertaken on the LECP, respectively.
The conclusion of the SEA Screening Report is that as the LECP does not set the framework for future
development consent of projects, SEA is therefore not required. Consequently no further consideration
of Schedule 1 to the above Regulations is required. Furthermore, the conclusion of the AA Screening
Report is that Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is not required to be undertaken on the LECP. It has been
determined that no effects on the integrity of Natura 2000 sites will result from the implementation of the
LECP, either on their own or in combination. Both the SEA and AA Screening Reports (that informed this
determination) are available on the Kilkenny County Council website.
Climate ChangeThe implementation of the LECP will also conform to the National Climate Change Adaptation Framework.
The Framework provides a strategic policy focus to ensure adaptation measures are taken across different
sectors and levels of government to reduce Ireland’s vulnerability to the negative impacts of climate
The overall aim of the Framework is to ensure that an effective role is played by all stakeholders in
putting in place an active and enduring policy regime. The second phase of this Framework involves
the development and implementation of sectoral and local adaptation action plans which will form a
comprehensive national response to the impacts of climate change. Sectoral mitigation and adaptation
action plans will be required under forthcoming legislation. The new Climate Action and Low Carbon
Development Bill, when enacted, will provide a framework for developing a new strategy to achieve
both adaptations (the management of risk associated with climate change) and mitigation measures in
accordance with EU adaptation policy.
Each local authority will be required to formulate and adopt an Adaptation Strategy for their administrative
area which will form part of the County Development Plan. Climate change policy is a loop, not a line.
The local Adaptation Strategy will help build a dynamic relationship between “how much” in emission
reduction policy and “how to” in adaptation and mitigation policy. There is a need for a multi-level and
inter-agency experimental approach to climate change and resource scarcity to ensure that meaningful
“how to” policies can be formulated and implemented.
1 European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 435 of 2004) as amended by European Communities (Environmental
Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I No. 200 of 2011).
2 Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
3 European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011)
19Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Constraints The successful delivery of the actions in the LECP is co-dependent on a number of factors, in particular:
adequate resources being provided and allocated to named actions, and the co-operation of and
collaboration between agencies and organisations in the delivery of actions agreed. Under-resourcing and
lack of co-operation will, at a minimum, slow down the delivery of actions within the agreed time-frames
and at worst, prevent them being achieved at all.
It is also important to note that not every issue identified through the process has been incorporated into
the LECP. Only actions highlighted as key priorities and which require collaboration of more than one
stakeholder have been prioritised.
It is envisaged that agencies referenced in the LECP will allocate appropriate resources to help deliver
on the priority actions in the LECP, along with their core area of activity. Lead agencies will report, as
appropriate, to the SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Tourism and the LCDC in
relation to the implementation of priority actions.
Monitoring the implementation of the actions will be critical in measuring the progress and impact of the
LECP. A Monitoring and Implementation Framework has been developed as an integral component of the
Kilkenny LECP (see Section 9.)
2. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF COUNTY KILKENNYkiLkEnny arEa ProFiLECounty Kilkenny is a medium-sized inland county located in south Leinster, covering just under 2,100
square kilometres. County Kilkenny is part of the newly configured Southern Region and is strategically
located within the southern half of the country. The county has direct access to the Irish Sea, through
Belview Port on the River Suir and through New Ross on the River Barrow.
Kilkenny City is the largest town in the county and dominates the local economy. It is close to Dublin
(115km) and other major urban centres including Cork (145km), Limerick (110km) and Waterford
(48km). Kilkenny is also close to Shannon International Airport (155km) and Rosslare Europort (105km)
(Figure 1).
The River Nore runs through Kilkenny City and bisects the county on a north-south axis. The Rivers
Barrow and Suir are natural boundaries to the east and to the south of the county, respectively.
Figure 1: kilkenny Location Context
20 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
0 4 8 12 16 20Scale of Kilometres
NKilkenny LECPeconomic indicators
3rd Level Institutions
South East Region
Co. Tipperary
Co. Laois
Co. Carlow
Co. Wexford
Co.Waterford
NUI MaynoothKilkenny Campus
Institute ofTechnology Carlow
Waterford Instituteof Technology
Limerick Instituteof TechnologyThurles
Limerick Instituteof TechnologyClonmel Teagasc Kildalton
AgriculturalCollege
21Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Figure 2: Map of kilkenny showing electoral areas and divisions.
As part of the local government reforms, County Kilkenny has been divided into 4 electoral areas and 3
Municipal Districts, namely Castlecomer Municipal District, Kilkenny City Municipal District and Piltown
Municipal District (Figure 2).
Kilkenny City is designated as one of nine Hubs in the National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020.
Wexford is the only other town in the South East that is designated a Hub, while Waterford City is designated
a Gateway.
As a Hub, Kilkenny City is to play two important associated roles: firstly, as supporter of Gateway growth
and secondly, as a driver for local sub-regional development.
0 4 8 12 16 20Scale of Kilometres
EA Castlecomer
EA Piltown
EA KilkennyCity East
EA KilkennyCity West
N
Clogh
Castlecomer
Moneenroe
Mothell
Mone
enro
e
Clogharinka
Attanagh
Ballyragget
Kilmacar
Muckalee
Ballyconra
Lisdowney
Rathbeag
Coolcraheen
Kilkieran
Rathcoole
Tiscoffin
Shankill
Paulstown
GoresbridgeGowran
Odagh
Ballinamara
Ballycallan
Kilmanagh
Balleen
Freshford
Tullardan
Rathealy
Ballybeagh
Turbridbrittain
Clonmantagh
Glashare
Glamoy
Urlingford
Baunmore Johnstown
Dunmore
Kilkenny No. 2Urban
Clara
Dunbell
BennettsbridgeBramblestown
Powerstown
UllardTullaherin
GraiguenamanaghKilfinaneWollengrange
Thomastown
Famma FreaghanaJerpointChurch
KnocktopherKiltorcan
CoolhillInistioge
Bally
vool
Albe
rsts
own
BallyhaleCastlebanny The Rower
St. C
anice
Kilkenny Rural
Grange OutrathTullaghanbrogue
Scotsborough
CallanUrbanCallan Rural
Earlstown
BurnchurchDanesfort
Ennisnag
Kells
Coolaghmore
Malla
rdst
own
Dunnamaggan
Stonyford
Kilkenny No. 1Urban
Kilmaganny
CastlegannonKilkeasy
Killamery
Boolyglass
Aghaviller
Shanbogh
RosberconRural
Dysa
rtmoo
n
Brownsford
ListerlinJerpointWest
Killahy
Muckalee
TempleorumPilltown
Whi
tech
urch
Tullahought
Ullid
Tubrid
Fiddown
FarnogeKilbride
Kilbeacon
Dunkitt
Rathpatrick
RossinanKilcolumbBallincrea
Kilmakevoge
AglishPortnascully
Pollrone
Kilculliheen
KilkennyCity
Callan
New Ross
Castlecomer
Ferrybank
Thomastown
Piltown
22 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
PopulationCentral Statistics Office (CSO) Census 2011 records reveal the population of County Kilkenny as 95,419,
which is an increase of 7,861 over the population recorded in 20064. This is a 9% population increase for
the county over the period, and compares well with the State, which averaged an increase of 8% over the
same period. Kilkenny City (environs and former Borough Council area combined) recorded a population
of 24,423 in 2011, which is an increase of 2,244 (10.1%) over the population recorded in 2006.
Table 1: Recorded Population 1996 - 2011
1996 2002 2006 2011
Kilkenny County 75,336 80,399 87,558 95,419
Kilkenny City5 18,696 20,735 22,179 24,423
Population trendsCensus 2011 reveals the State has shown strong population growth since 1996, with increases of
approximately 8% in each of the inter-censal periods. County Kilkenny has reflected this trend, with
growth rates of 6.7%, 8.9% and 9% within the last 3 inter-censal periods respectively. Migration into the
State has fallen from the high levels between 2002 and 2006 when it averaged 45,000 per annum, to
about 25,000 per annum between 2006 and 2011. While there has been a large reduction in the rate of
immigration, the increase in the overall number of immigrants over the period is still significant, given the
economic downturn since 2007. Kilkenny has reflected this trend, with net migration of 3,895 (49% of
total population increase) into the county between 2006 and 2011. The corresponding figure for 2002
to 2006 was 4,986 (69% of total population increase).
Population Change: urban areas The major focus for expansion in population has been in Kilkenny City environs and the Ferrybank area
(Waterford City environs within County Kilkenny). An increase of 2,244 persons was recorded in Kilkenny
City environs in the period 2006 to 2011 while the Ferrybank area recorded an increase of 1,322 persons
over the same period. Those two areas combined accounted for 44% of the total population increase
within the county. It is also significant to note that the Ferrybank area is now consolidated as the second
largest urban area in the county after Kilkenny City. Its population has increased by 123% since 2002.
Table 2: Population of the main Kilkenny towns and Ferrybank area
2002 2006 2011
Callan 1,325 1,771 2,330
Castlecomer 1,482 1,531 1,456
Graiguenamanagh6 1,166 1,097 1,252
Thomastown 1,600 1,837 2,273
Ferrybank Area 2,142 3,465 4,787
4 http://www.cso.ie/en/census/census2011reports/census2011thisisirelandpart1/
5 Figure for Kilkenny City is for the Borough Council area plus the environs of the City within the county area.
6 These figures do not include the Tinnahinch area in Graiguenamanagh, which is located within Co. Carlow.
23Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Table 2 shows that Callan and Thomastown have performed well in terms of population growth since
2002, while Castlecomer and Graiguenamanagh have mixed performances showing both increases and
decreases respectively in both census periods. The population of the county within aggregate town areas
as defined by the census has increased from 35.3% in 2006 to 37% in 2011. This shows that the
proportion of the population living in urban areas7 is gradually increasing.
Population Change: rural areas Figure 3 shows the population change across all rural Electoral Divisions (EDs) in the county between
2006 and 2011. There are 113 Electoral Divisions in the county and of these, 12 experienced a decrease
in population. The most significant of these was Castlecomer ED which experienced an actual decrease
of 114 persons.
There were 31 CLÁR areas identified in County Kilkenny in 2011 (highlighted in Figure 4). The CLÁR
Programme, introduced in 2001, was targeted at a number of rural areas where population decline had
been the most significant over the 1926 to 1996 period (based on CSO Census of Population data) and
was introduced to address depopulation and deficits in infrastructure and services in rural areas.
The report This is Ireland – Highlights from Census 2011, Part 1 (CSO, 2011) showed that from 2006
to 2011 the Irish urban population ncreased by 10.6% while the rural population only grew by 4.6%.
Kilkenny City experienced a percentage growth increase of 0.6%; while this is well below the national
average, Kilkenny City environs had a much greater rate of growth. In each of the rural towns in Kilkenny
there have been differing rates of growth and decline as seen in the table below.
Please note- Figure 3 represents the rural Electoral divisions (Eds) in Ferrybank only
7 Urban areas as defined by CSO, i.e. towns with populations of 1,500 or more. If Tinnahinch is included within Graiguenamanagh, then the population of the town would be 1,543.
24 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Figure 4: CLÁr areas and population centres in County kilkenny. Population ForecastsCensus 2011 recorded an actual population figure of 95,419 for the county. Table 3 gives population
targets using the Regional Planning Guidelines (RPG) figures that have been adjusted to take account of
Census 2011 results.
Table 3: Adjusted Regional Planning Guidelines figures
2011 Actual 2012 20148 2016 2020 2022
Kilkenny County 95,419 96,873 99,781 105,598 109,802 111,903
Kilkenny City 24,423 24,723 25,323 25,800 27,400 28,200
Ferrybank/Belview 4,7879 4,953 5,287 5,412 6,412 6,500
0 4 8 12 16 20Scale of Kilometres
NKilkenny LECPeconomic indicators
Principal Settlements
Dublin
M8
Cork
M8
Dublin
M9
KilkennyCity
WaterfordEnvirons
New RossEnvirons
Castlecomer
Graiguenamanagh
Thomastown
Callan
Ballyragget
Freshford
Clogh
Johnstown
Urlingford
Kilmanagh
Bennettsbridge
Paulstown
Goresbridge
Gowran
StoneyfordKells
InistiogeKnocktopher
BallyhaleKilmaganny
PiltownFiddown
Mooncoin
Kilmacow
Mullinavat
Glenmore
Slieverue
CarlowTown
Hub
Gateway
Large Town
District Town
Small Town/Village
Area Under Urban Influence
Stronger Rural Area
Area of Population Decline
Motorway
Rail Line
National Secondary Road
National Primary Road
8 The 2014 figures are obtained by disaggregating the RPG figures and applying the same growth rates to the Census 2011 figure.
9 The population increase in the environs of Waterford is 1,000 people from 2010 to 2016, a rate of 166.6 per year. This figure is for the Kilculliheen & Aglish EDs only;
it does not relate to the entire Ferrybank/ Belview Local Area Plan area.
25Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
age Profile of the County
Table 4: Age & Gender Profile in Kilkenny Population
AGE MALE FEMALE TOTAL
<1-3 3,163 2,896 6,059
4-12 6,353 6,051 12,404
13-19 4,519 4,298 8,817
20-24 2,594 2,588 5,182
25-29 3,049 3,350 6,399
30-34 3,779 3,789 7,568
35-39 3,850 3,778 7,628
40-44 3,445 3,435 6,880
45-49 3,278 3,289 6,567
50-54 3,128 3,010 6,138
55-59 2,736 2,629 5,365
60-64 2,472 2,250 4,722
65-69 1,927 1,918 3,845
70-74 1,352 1,396 2,748
75-79 1,031 1,198 2,229
80-84 657 861 1,518
85+ 455 895 1,350
Total 47,788 47,631 95,419
Percentage of Population by age groups
n 0-12 Years
n 13-24 Years
n 25 - 49 Years
n 50 - 85+ Years
26 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
age dependency ratio‘As a proportion of the population, over 65s are growing faster than any other group and are expected
to double in numbers by 2040,’ (Action Plan for Jobs, 2014). Haase and Pratschke (2012) determine
that counting those who are dependent as an indicator of the Labour Market Situation is important where
demographic growth is a measurement.
In Kilkenny the rate of dependency has increased by 4.6% compared to an increase of 5.1% for the
country as a whole between 2006 and 2011. The age dependency rate allows us to make provision for
the future of the country’s population in relation to areas such as healthcare, housing and welfare.
There also has been an increase in births since the onset of the downturn and similarly to the rest of
Europe, Ireland has a rising population of people over 65. This means that Kilkenny, like many other
counties will have to plan for a future ageing population.
Local Authority Area Age DepRate1991 %
Age DepRate1996 %
Age DepRate2002 %
Age DepRate2006 %
Age DepRate2011 %
% Change 2006 - 2011
Kilkenny 39.9 37.0 34.2 32.9 34.5 4.6table 5: age dependency rate: Percentage of population aged under 15 or over 64 years (www.pobal.ie)
Labour ForceCensus 2011 revealed that there were 46,265 persons aged 15 years and over in the labour force in
County Kilkenny, of which 80.6% (or 37,273 persons) were at work. Of those at work 9,054 worked
outside the area. The day-time working population (resident and non-resident) of County Kilkenny was
therefore 27,485 with commerce and trade being the largest employment sector.
The total number of people in the labour force in County Kilkenny fell by almost one in ten (9.9%) in the
period 2006 to 2011, compared to an almost 6% increase in the labour force nationally over the same
period. This may be explained in part by the age profile of the county outlined in Table 4, and perhaps by
sections of the labour force in the county that have migrated or emigrated in search of work during the
recent period of recession.
The numbers in the labour force across all industry occupations experienced a decline in the period
2006 to 2011, except professional services (which experienced an increase of 24.4%), transport and
communications (which increased by 17.3%) and public administration (which increased by 13.7%).
The industry sectors that experienced the greatest decline in labour force numbers over the period were
building and construction — down almost two thirds (65.6%) — and manufacturing, down by just under
a fifth (18.1%).
There are now comparatively fewer people in the labour force in building and construction in County
Kilkenny (at 5.7%) than the State (at 6.4%). The main occupation sectors in County Kilkenny in 2011 were
27Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
professional services (24.5%) and commerce and trade (23.8%). The manufacturing sector remained
an important sector in the county, accounting for 12.2% of the labour force, higher than the comparative
figure for the State (at 9.3%).
While the percentage of the labour force in agriculture, forestry and fishing (at 8.2%) in County Kilkenny
also fell (by 7.3%) between 2006 and 2011, the proportion of the labour force accounted for by this
sector is still almost twice the national average, reflecting the importance of agriculture, especially to the
rural areas of County Kilkenny.
The dramatic reduction in the building and construction sector, and the continuing retraction in agriculture
and in manufacturing, increases the need to provide alternative sources of employment for these sections
of the labour force into the future.
.
Figure 5: Social Class
In Kilkenny, the proportion of workers in the professional classes (34.9%) and the proportion in the lower-
skilled professions (17.6%) mark a class composition that is almost identical to the national average.
Unskilled workers and semi-skilled workers typically have skills that are associated with the building
and construction sector and these categories have the lowest percentages of gainful employment within
County Kilkenny.
Education Census 2011 statistics for County Kilkenny show that, for those aged 15 years and over, whose full-time education had ceased, 15.1% were educated to at most, primary level only; a further 58.1% attained second level, while the remaining 26.8% were educated to third level.
There has been a continuous improvement in the level of education amongst the adult population over
the past 20 years throughout Ireland. In 1991, 36.7% of the adult population in the state had primary
level only. This had dropped to half that level (18.9%) by 2006 and even further (to 16%) by 2011.
Percentage of Employment by occupation Sectors
n Professional workers 7%
n Managerial and technical 28%
n Non-manual 17%
n Skilled manual 17%
n Semi-skilled 11%
n Unskilled 4%
n All Others Gainfully occupied and unknown 16%
28 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Between 2006 and 2011 the adult population with primary level only in the State had decreased by 2.9
percentage points. The rate for County Kilkenny has fallen from 35.7% in 1991 to 15.1% in 2011.
table 6 outlines the highest education attainment for males and females in County kilkenny.
Table 6: Highest education attainment males and females aged 15+
Primary ( Incl. no formal education)
Lower Secondary
Upper Secondary
Third Level- Non-Degree
Third Level Degree or Higher
Not stated
Males 5,186 6,854 5,801 7,222 5,320 1,061
Females 4,010 5,337 6,987 6,232 5,431 1,168
Total Persons
9,196 12,191 12,778 13,454 10,751 2,229
Source: CSo Census of Population 2011
Crime rates A breakdown of more than a quarter of a million criminal offences recorded in Ireland last year shows
that one person in every 20 was affected by a crime. However, despite the spikes for certain offences in
parts of the country, the overall rate of crime fell by 7% last year and is at its lowest level in a decade.
Even though many offences are up, there has been an overall drop in the crime rate, driven by sizeable
reductions in criminal damage, drink-driving and public order offences. Of the offences that are up, many
are associated with the economic downturn.
The crime rate in Kilkenny, across all crimes committed, has fallen significantly over the five year period
from 2011 to 2015. This is attributed to the many Garda initiatives that have been put in place locally to
combat crime. Some of these initiatives include:
l public support and consent,
l relationship-building with community groups,
l flexible, committed professional personnel,
l high-visibility policing strategy,
l organisational focus on crime prevention,
l targeting of top offenders within County Kilkenny & County Carlow,
l pro charge of offenders,
l curfew of offenders before courts,
l real-time intelligence gathering, immediately actioned,
l crime investigation management, and
l divisional operations.
29Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The following tables outline the decline in crime rates in Kilkenny over a five-year period.
Crime Category 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015(ytd)
Robbery of an Establishment 11 13 3 4 3
Robbery from Person 12 5 11 6 8
Aggravated Burglary 6 3 1 2 3
Burglary 583 539 554 527 275
Theft from Person 24 29 19 36 19
Theft from Shop 280 303 286 370 277
Possession of Drugs – Sale and Supply 52 41 30 37 7
Possession of Drugs – Personal Use 174 173 224 189 120
Criminal Damage 446 349 344 351 236
table 7: decline in crime rates over a five-year period (Source: kilkenny garda Station 2015 )
Crime Category 2011 2015Projected
% Change
Robbery of an Establishment 11 4 -64%
Robbery from Person 12 11 -11%
Aggravated Burglary 6 4 -33%
Burglary 583 367 -37%
Theft from Person 24 25 6%
Theft from Shop 280 369 32%
Possession of Drugs – Sale and Supply 52 9 -82%
Possession of Drugs – Personal Use 174 160 -8%
Criminal Damage 446 315 -29%
table 8: Percentage decline in crime rates over a five-year period
30 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
3. ENTERPRISE PROFILE agriCuLturE & Food ProFiLEThe agriculture sector is an important sector to the local economy of County Kilkenny, with almost twice
the proportion of the labour force gainfully employed in this sector compared to the national average.
agricultural WorkforceAccording to Census 2011, 2,678 people were employed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector.
The CSO Census of Agriculture measures the labour input of each person who works on the farm in terms
of Annual Work Units (AWUs), with one AWU being defined as 1,800 hours or more of labour per person
per annum. Table 8 outlines the farm labour input in County Kilkenny as defined by number of persons
and AWUs
table 8: County kilkenny- Farm Labour input by number of Persons and annual Work units (aWu)
Census YearPersons (AWU) 1991 2000 2010 % change 2000-2010Holder* : Persons 4,4,17 3,763 3,725 -1.01%Holder : AWU 3,862 3,026 2,979 -1.55%Spouse : Persons 1,703 1,393 1,414 1,51%Spouse: AWU 1,254 785 632 -19.49%Other Family: Persons 2,275 1,907 2,329 23.12%Other Family: AWU 1,598 923 1,031 11.70%Non Family Labour :Persons 604 570 594 4.21%Non Family Labour :AWU 505 328 359 9.45%Total Persons 8,999 7,633 8,062 5.62%Total Farm AWU 7,219 5,061 5,002 -1.17%
*The Farm Holder is the legal owner of the family farm
Table 9 outlines the decline in the number of farmers in the younger age categories in the period 1991 to
2010. The average age of Irish farmers is 57 years. A particular concern in Ireland and across the EU is
the ageing workforce in agriculture, mainly due to the fact that farmers tend not to retire.
table 9: County kilkenny: number of families by age of holder
Census YearFarmers Age 1991 2000 2010Under 35 677 540 24335-44 909 885 72245-54 991 932 99555-64 1,004 702 91164 and over 836 704 854All Ages 4,417 3,763 3,725
31Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
regional overviewThe total number of farms in Ireland decreased by around 2,000 (approximately 1.2%) in the ten years
between 2000 and 2010. The average farm size in Ireland in 2010 was 32.7 hectares, whilst in the
Southern and Eastern region the average farm size was larger at 38.6 hectares.
table 10: Farm Size – County kilkenny number of Farms by farm size (aau)
Census YearFarm Size (Hectares) 1991 2000 2010 % change 2000-2010Farms less than 10Ha 687 466 425 -8.80%Farms from 10 to less than 20Ha 764 550 560 1.82%Farms from 20 to less than 30Ha 737 541 509 -5.91%Farms from 30 to less than 50Ha 1,147 1,014 964 -4.93&Farms from 50 to less than 100Ha 915 993 1,062 6.95%Farms equal / greater than 100Ha 188 206 217 5.34%Total Farms 4,438 3,770 3,737 -0.88%
Table 10 demonstrates that the average size of farms in County Kilkenny has changed significantly during
the period 1991 to 2010, with the number of farms of less than 10 hectares reducing by 38.14%,
representing only 11% of the total number of farms in 2010, compared to 15% in 1991.
Crops and tillage ProjectionsTillage crops are grown on only 10% of the agricultural land in the region and fewer than 100 farmers in
the region have tillage as their main farm enterprise. Tillage crops are concentrated in three main areas in
the region: the Blackwater Valley in west Waterford, the Suir Valley in south Kilkenny, and mid-Kilkenny.
The opportunities for cereal crops include: 1. the expansion in the number of micro-breweries and micro-
distilleries that has taken place in recent years leading to an increase in demand for malting barley; and 2.
the increase in demand for oats for human consumption from companies such as Flahavan’s in Waterford
and from Glanbia. The challenges to be met are price volatility, land availability and environmental
management. Some of these challenges will be met through the Teagasc Strategy 2015-2020 as it aims
to increase profitability by more rotation of crops, use of protein crops as break crops and growing of a
wider range of crops, while protecting the environment.
Over the inter-censal period 1991 to 2010 the area of County Kilkenny being farmed, reduced by 3,197
hectares (or 1.91%).
32 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
table 11: Crop Production in kilkenny: area Farmed and area under Selected Crops
Census YearCrops ( Hectares) 1991 2000 2010 % change 2000-2010Total Cereals 19,831 16,800 15,062 -10.35%Potatoes 931 470 398 -15.32%Total Crops 24,031 22,514 19,019 -15.12%Silage 37,041 44,705 45,469 1.71%Hay 14,916 9,864 8,089 -17.99%Pasture 83,580 78,623 86,870 10.49%Rough Grazing 8,232 4,759 5,068 6.49%All Areas Farmed 167,801 160,465 164,604 2.58%
Figure 6: County kilkenny: Profile of Selected Crops 2010
Source: CSo Census of agriculture 2010
Livestock Production The abolition of milk quotas, changes in income tax reliefs for land leasing; a broadening of partnership
rules, and the introduction of share farming combined with a growing demand for food, all provide an
opportunity for farmers to exploit the natural advantages of the people, land and climate in the region.
Lack of profitability, a high dependency on EU payments, increased production costs and the age profile
are some of the challenges facing the region’s beef farmers. There is a need to stabilise suckler cow
numbers in the region by improving profitability and where appropriate, to exploit the opportunity of an
increasing number of beef calves from the dairy herd.
The challenges facing the region’s sheep farmers are similar to those of beef farmers. The vast majority of
flocks in the region are farmed in conjunction with a beef enterprise. The flocks in Kilkenny and Waterford
are very different: the Kilkenny flocks are lowland sheep only, and the Waterford flocks are predominantly
hill sheep. Sheep farming has declined significantly in the last 10 year census period.
n Pastures Ha 48%
n Rough Grazing Ha 3%
n Total Cereals Ha 8%
Potatoes Ha 0%
n Total Crops Ha 11%
n Silage Ha 25%
n Hay Ha 5%
33Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
According to the CSO Census of Agriculture, the dairy herd size in Kilkenny remained comparatively
consistent between 1991 and 2010. Dairying is more exposed to market forces unless the farm and herd
size is significant.
table 12: County kilkenny- number of Selected Livestock
Census YearLivestock (Head) 1991 2000 2010 % change 2000-2010Bulls 1,298 2,319 2,065 -10.95%Dairy Cows 60,858 56,155 58,725 4,58%Other Cows 26,424 40,329 41,762 3.55%Other cattle 226,263 232,033 218,625 -5.78%Total Cattle 314,843 330,836 321,177 -2.92%Rams 3,876 2,942 1,676 -43.03%Ewes 148,337 117,125 52,434 -55.23%Other Sheep 142,617 94,597 54,296 -42.60%Total Sheep 294,830 214,664 108,406 -49.50%Horses 3,045 2,902 4,022 38.59%
The number of horses in the county increased between 2000 and 2010, and despite the impact of the
economic downturn, the horse industry is still a big revenue generator in Ireland. There were 7,781
registered thoroughbred breeders in Ireland in 2012 and nearly 1.2 million people attended race meetings
during the year. Over 9,000 horses are in training and there are over 20,697 registered stallions, mares
and foals in the country. Irish thoroughbred breeders sold horses for more than €86m at auctions in
Ireland, Britain and France in a recent three-week period.
The contribution of the Irish sport horse sector, which caters for various other disciplines, such as show
jumping and dressage, is also impressive. It is worth over €708m to the economy, directly employs
11,417 people, and involves 47,096 people overall. A total of 6,599 sport horses, to the value of €26.1m
were exported in 2011, with net exports amounting to €15.9m.
There are an estimated 124,000 sport horses in Ireland. They contribute to the household incomes of
29,295 people. Sport horse breeding accounts for a total expenditure of €226m within the economy and
the sector has 15,110 active breeders.
Kilkenny has Gowran Park Race Track, Connolly’s Red Mills animal feed, Goresbridge Horse Sales, a
number of equestrian centres and several stud farms.
34 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Figure 7: County kilkenny relative Livestock herd Sizes 2010
Source: CSo Census of agriculture 2010
ForestryThe forestry sector is relatively young but is increasingly important in the national economy. It has a vital
role to play in the context of rural development. Over the past decade the importance of wood processing
as a component of the sector has greatly increased, as levels of roundwood output have grown and
the return on State and private investment in afforestation, and related areas, becomes more tangible.
This trend will continue as the scope of forestry policy broadens, with increasing attention being paid
to competitiveness in the growing and processing of forestry products, and to Ireland’s comparative
advantage in growing wood.
The national forest estate has increased from a modest 89,000 hectares (ha) in 1928 to 731,650 hectares
by the end of 2012; an area that represents 10.5% of the total land area of the country Redmond (2013).
Approximately 46% is privately owned while the remaining 54% is publicly owned, primarily by Coillte
Teoranta. Up to the 1980s almost all afforestation was undertaken by the State. It was not until the
introduction of the State/ EU funded forestry grant and annual payment, premium schemes that private
landowners — mainly farmers — began to plant significant amounts of forest.
Non-native species represent 76.2% of the total forest area, with native species accounting for the
remaining 23.8%. The total growing stock is estimated at 70 million cubic metres, with 74% being in
publicly-owned forests.
The forestry industry, comprising the growing, harvesting and processing of forest products makes a
significant and increasing contribution to the Irish economy. In 2010, the total value to the economy of the
forestry growing sector was €673 million, while the overall forestry sector contributed an estimated €2.2
billion (FORECON 2011). Forests now support a substantial export market in timber and timber products.
With growth rates of certain species in the country more than double those achievable in other European
countries, Ireland has a strong comparative advantage in the growing of wood fibre. It is vitally important
n Other Cattle (Head) 50%
n Other Cows (Head) 10%
n Dairy Cows (Head) 14%
Bulls (Head) 0%
n Horses 1%
n Other Sheep (Head) 13%
n Ewes (Head) 12%
Rams (Head) 0%
35Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
that future afforestation harnesses this advantage through the use of suitable reproductive material,
appropriate species choice and suitable site types. Such an approach will contribute to the sustainability
of raw material supply and enhancement of carbon sequestration, and towards ensuring sustainable
supplies of renewable energy in line with the legally-binding 16% renewable energy 2020 target under
the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
Forestry plays an increasingly important role in rural development, not only through the diversification of
farm income but also through the provision of rurally-based employment, both of which contribute to rural
stabilisation and viability. In 2010 the total employment supported by the forestry sector was estimated
to be 12,000 with the majority of jobs rurally-based (FORECON 2011). 15,000 hectares per year level
of afforestation would result in the creation of an estimated additional 490 jobs in planting, managing,
harvesting and processing (Ní Dhubháin et al, 2006).
County Kilkenny has 3.6% of the national total of usable land. The land in the main is fertile and 88%
of it is set in pasture. A significant area is in woodland (11.2%), and much of this is commercial forestry
(9.2%) that comes into maturity over the next 20 years. This could provide an opportunity in both the
immediate and long-term future, in terms of producing wood fuels (biomass) from thinnings and felling
residues. Horticultural crops make up 22% and tillage accounts for 13.8% of the usable land area in the
county. In the south west of Kilkenny in particular, there is significant employment in the horticultural
sector, (including in Iverk Produce), which could be explored more for development as part of an agri-
food strategy for the county.
BuSinESS dEMograPhy number of Businesses
The CSO’s Business Demography Survey 2012 found that there were 3,273 businesses operating in
County Kilkenny, employing 13,970 people.
The number of businesses in the county fell across all NACE10 categories during the period 2006 to 2012,
except in mining and quarrying (where the number of businesses is very small, and increased from 11 to
13). The total number of businesses fell by over 700 (or 17%) during the recession, from 3,996 in 2006
to 3,273 in 2012. The numbers employed in each business sector also declined during the period by
an average of 23%, except in the financial and insurance business sector, which experienced a slight
increase of 3%, highlighting the critical importance of this sector to the local economy.
The Gateways and Hubs Development Index (GHDI) 2012 provides a detailed breakdown and assessment
of the socio-economic performance of individual Gateways and Hubs as designated under the National
Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-2020 (NSS).
10 NACE is a Statistical Classification of Economic Activities developed in the European Community.
36 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The Business Demography Survey 2012 identifies the importance of the Manufacturing, Wholesale and
Retail, and the Accommodation and Food sectors, as measured by the level of employment supported
in County Kilkenny. These three sectors accounted for some 70% of all business employees in 2012.
Belview Port is the nearest deep water Irish port to mainland Europe, providing a saving to shippers of
both time and fuel, while being a natural hub for the integration of port, shipping, road and rail freight
services. The Belview Development Zone is 6km from Waterford City and is an ideal location for industry,
especially in agri-business. The zone incorporates 265 hectares of zoned land, including a strategic IDA
land bank, the Marine Point Business Park and Belview Port. Agri-food businesses that locate in Belview
benefit from a good transport infrastructure with direct access to the national motorway network.
County Kilkenny is not overly reliant on a small number of large industries for employment, but has a rich
diversity of mainly indigenous enterprises across the full spectrum of industry sectors. There are only four
businesses in the county classified as large (i.e. employing more than 250 people), namely Glanbia plc,
State Street International, Bank of Ireland Credit Card Services and VHI Healthcare.
The following sectors are particularly important (especially in terms of employment) to the local economy:
Agri-Food; Engineering; Creative Industries; Construction; Retail; Tourism, Arts and Leisure; and Financial
Services, Information Technology, and associated Research & Development. A brief profile of each of
these sectors is provided in the following sections:
agri-foodThe major companies operating in the agri-food sector within County Kilkenny include Glanbia plc and
Connolly’s Red Mills, complemented by an emerging artisan food producer base of approximately 40
micro and medium-sized food producers.
Glanbia plc has its Global Nutritionals headquarters and the Group's main Innovation Centre located
in Kilkenny. Glanbia is a leading international dairy food and performance nutritional ingredients group
employing 5,800 people across 134 countries, and is the largest mozzarella producer in Europe. The
company has its headquarters in Kilkenny and employs almost 700 people, making it the largest employer
in the county. Glanbia has developed a research and development facility in Kilkenny, which employs
over 50 research professionals. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland recently invested €150 million in the largest
dedicated dairy powder facility in the country, at Belview in South Kilkenny.
There are a number of much smaller food producers spread throughout the county. However, relative to
its size, and despite the high level of primary agricultural production, the county has comparatively few
value-added food producers.
37Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Engineering Manufacturing businesses experienced significant decline (down 12%) between 2006 and 2012, with the
numbers employed falling by an even greater proportion (at 23%). The manufacturing sector accounted
for 8.7% of all businesses in the county in 2012 and 22% of the total number employed by all businesses.
Engineering products and services are a major component of the manufacturing sector and of the local
economy. Kilkenny Engineering Products Ltd was a seedbed for the development of many engineering
companies throughout the county since the early 1980s. Kilkenny Engineering Products was set-up as a local
community-based enterprise in the 1950s to help counter unemployment at that time. Today engineering
in Kilkenny embraces a wide range of activities in many different engineering sectors from fine-precision
engineering products, distributed worldwide, to small mechanical and tooling engineering services.
Creative industriesThere are over 50 registered craft producers in the county, operating in the manufacturing sector. Kilkenny
is associated with creative and artistic activity, and is branded as the Creative Heart of Ireland. As the
base for the Kilkenny Design Workshops (KDW) from the 1960s to the 1980s, the workshops pioneered a
cross-disciplinary approach to design, with craft, graphic and product designers all working in the same
organisation. This approach developed an international reputation for KDW and attracted designers from
many different countries to work in a centre of excellence for product and craft design.
KDW has spawned a cluster of creative industries and services, in artistic endeavours leading to the
establishment of master designers in jewellery, ceramics and artisan crafts. In addition, the creation of
Young Irish Film makers has in part led to the success of the digital media, graphic design, film, multi-
media and animation, including Cartoon Saloon (a twice Oscar nominated animation studio).
ConstructionDuring the peak years of the Celtic Tiger period11, construction accounted for some 20 % of national
economic activity. Currently the sector accounts for approximately 5% of national economic activity. The
number of construction businesses in County Kilkenny fell by approximately 28% in the period 2006 to
2012, and the numbers employed in the sector fell by over half (down 52%) during the same period.
However, the construction sector still accounts for almost a quarter of all businesses in the county (at
23%). In Kilkenny, some 900 of those signing on the Live Register (September 2014) cited construction,
woodwork and metal and related industries as being their last occupation held.
retailThere were 760 wholesale and retail businesses in County Kilkenny in 2012, employing over one in five
(or 22.9%) of the total number employed by businesses in the county, making it the most important
sector in terms of employment. A large proportion of these businesses are independent traders, specialist
boutiques and fashion stores located in the retail centre of Kilkenny City. While the number of retail
businesses fell by just 5% during the period 2006 to 2012, the numbers employed in these businesses
declined by over three times that rate (at 17%).
11 Title give to the economic boom years from 2003 – 2007.
38 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Kilkenny's medieval network of streets and lanes offer an attractive mix of traditional shops selling a range
of indigenous products. The range of shopping is well in excess of most other towns of a similar size and
population. It is noted that the Regional Enterprise Strategy to be developed as part of the South East
Region Action Plan for Jobs 2015-17, is to include measures specifically targeted at supporting the retail
sector in the region.
tourism, arts and LeisureTourism is currently a major revenue generator for County Kilkenny, estimated at approximately €60
million. Kilkenny City is a thriving tourist base, accommodating over 200,000 domestic and 204,000
overseas tourists in 2013. Kilkenny was Ireland’s second most popular domestic short break destination
and the city supported a significant number of festivals and events.
Kilkenny is marketed as a heritage destination and has a large number of visitor attractions associated
with heritage. There is potential to build on the contribution of heritage to the economic development
of Kilkenny. Kilkenny is the location of choice for the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the Heritage
Council and the Patents Office.
Natural heritage is a further significant asset for the county and offers a variety of services for free,
which bring many benefits to society and the economy. A high quality, natural environment supports the
economy by attracting employers, visitors and inward investment.
The value gained from biodiversity is reliant on its ongoing sustainable protection and management.
Green infrastructure is an integral part of sustainable development, alongside other infrastructure such as
utilities and transport networks. Green infrastructure is an asset that can have a particularly high tourism
amenity value.
There are almost 350 food and accommodation businesses in County Kilkenny, accounting for
approximately one in six (or 16.7%) of the total number employed by all businesses. There are a number
of well-established festivals which enhance the tourism offering, including the Sky Cat Laughs Comedy
Festival; Kilkenomics festival, which brings together some of the world’s leading economists and financial
commentators with comedians; Kilkenny Arts Festival, which features the best of visual art, street
performance and classical music; and the Savour Kilkenny food festival which showcases the produce
of local food producers. Newer festivals on the calendar such as Subtitle Film Festival further enhance
Kilkenny’s reputation as a leading event location. There is a potential to gain further leverage from the
creative arts in County Kilkenny. The county has a tradition in the creative arts, cinema, media and
design. This is supported by the proposed development of a creative quarter at the former Smithwick’s
Brewery site in the centre of Kilkenny City.
Financial Services, information technology, research & developmentWhile the number of businesses in this sector is relatively small (numbering just 36), they account for
approximately 8% of the total numbers employed in all businesses and include high-profile employers
such as State Street International, the world's leading provider of funds administration to institutional
39Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
investors; VHI Healthcare; Bank of Ireland Credit Card Services and Taxback. These businesses are all
located in Kilkenny City and enhance the city’s growing reputation as a leading services centre. This is
further exemplified by the number of state and semi-state agencies located in the city, which include
the Chemical Policy & Services Head Office of the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) and the regional
headquarters of the Health Service Executive (HSE); the national headquarters of Irish Patents Office; the
Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCOI) and The Heritage Council. Irish Water will shortly establish
a regional office in the city.
The former Smithwick’s Brewery site development (approximately 16 acres in the heart of the city) will
include the provision of a new third level Research and Enterprise Campus, and offices for corporate,
creative and technology companies. It is intended that the TSSG/ ArcLabs facility, a joint venture between
Kilkenny County Council and the Institutes of Technology in Waterford (WIT) and Carlow (IT Carlow), will
be located in the new third level campus facility.
n Mining and Quarrying 1%
n Real Estate Activities 1%
n Information and Communication Technologies 1%
n Wholesale and Retail 23%
n Accommodation and Food 17%
n Manufacturing 22%
n Information and Communications 1%
n Administrative Services Activities 5%
n Professional and Technical Activities 6%
n Transportation and Storage 5%
n Financial and Insurance Activities 8%
n Construction 10%
Figure 8: Sectoral Employment in kilkenny
40 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
4. SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY PROFILEdEPrivationKilkenny, as a county, enjoys a status of relative affluence. In order to understand the deprivation issues
experienced by particular groups and particular geographic areas it is important to highlight affluence
versus deprivation. The concept of relative deprivation takes account of access to resources other than
income. A deprivation index of items and activities that are generally taken to be the norm in a particular
society is compiled; people who are denied, through lack of income, items or activities on this list are
regarded as experiencing relative deprivation.
The term ‘consistent poverty’ describes someone whose income is below the relative/ ‘at risk of poverty’
threshold and who cannot afford at least two of the eleven deprivation indicators. The relative or ‘at risk
of poverty’ threshold represents an income of less than 60% of the national median (middle) annual
income. In 2013 the national median income was €17,374 making the risk of poverty threshold €10,425
(a decrease of over 16% since 2008).
Table 12 : Consistent Poverty Deprivation Indicators
1 Two pairs of shoes 7 Keep the home adequately warm
2 A warm waterproof overcoat 8 Buy presents for family or friends at least once a year
3 Buy new, not second-hand clothes 9 Replace any worn out furniture
4 Eat meals with meat, chicken, fish (or vegetarian equivalent) every second day
10 Have family or friends for a drink or meal once a month
5 Have a roast joint or its equivalent once a week
11 Have a morning, afternoon or evening out in the last fortnight, for entertainment
6 Had to go without heating during the last year through lack of money
The Absolute HP Index Scores show the level of overall affluence and deprivation in 2006 and 2011,
using identical measurement scales.
In simple terms, the Pobal HP Deprivation Index Haase and Pratschke (2012), is a method of measuring
the relative affluence or disadvantage of a particular geographical area using data compiled from various
censuses. A scoring is given to the area based on a national average of zero and ranging from approximately
-35 (being the most disadvantaged) to +35 (being the most affluent). In addition to this, percentage data
for the area is given under the following categories:
l Population Change;
41Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
l Age Dependency Ratio;
l Lone Parent Ratio;
l Primary Education Only;
l Third Level Education;
l Unemployment Rate (male and female);
l Proportion Living in Local Authority Rented Housing.
Local Authority Area
AbsoluteHP Index Score2006
AbsoluteHP Index Score2011
Change inAbsoluteHP Index Score2006 - 2011
RelativeHP Index Score2006
RelativeIndex Score2011
Change inRelativeHP Index Score2006 - 2011
Kilkenny -0.48 -7.99 -7.50 -0.48 -1.01 -0.52
table 13: absolute and relative hP index Scores ( www.pobal.ie)
The Relative HP Index Scores focus particularly on the previous two censuses, enabling easy comparison
of data between 2006 and 2011. This index is of particular significance given the economic changes that
have occurred nationally during this period.
The Pobal Maps online tool provides a visual representation of the data which is crucial in terms of
highlighting pockets of relative disadvantage, especially to small area level, and is a valuable resource in
targeting and tackling disadvantage. This level of detail can be viewed at http://maps.pobal.ie or from the
Community & Culture section of Kilkenny County Council.
42 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Table 14 highlights the electoral areas within County Kilkenny which have the highest deprivation ratings
taken from the Pobal HP Deprivation Index 2011.
Table 14: Deprivation in order of worst off in County Kilkenny (2011)1 Urlingford -12.1%2 Ferrybank -11.2%3 Freshford -9.6%4 Graiguenamanagh -9.4%5 Clogh -9%6 Castlecomer -7.69%7 Callan Urban -7.16%8 Kilkenny Urban 1 -4.73 9 Kilkenny Urban 2 -0.9%
deprivation, poverty and social exclusion: Poverty has a negative effect on people’s quality of life, on the opportunities open to them, and on their
ability to participate fully in society. It can be difficult to break out of the cycle of poverty, as poor children
are more likely to become poor adults. Poverty impacts on every aspect of a person’s life:
- Money and debt: many people who work in low-paid or insecure employment earn a wage that is not
adequate to cover the basic costs of living for themselves and their families. Others are dependent on
social welfare payments, whether because they are elderly, unemployed, carers, a lone parent, or have
a disability or long-term illness.
- Education: growing up in poverty can affect people’s future. Children who grow up in poor families are
more likely to leave school early and without qualifications, and to end up unemployed or in low-paid
jobs, which means that they are more likely to be poor as adults.
- Health & Wellbeing: people who live in poverty are at greater risk of poor mental and physical health;
they get sick more often and die younger than people who are better-off. Factors such as an inadequate
diet, a higher rate of chronic illness, a lower level of participation in sport and leisure activities12, and
a generally lower quality of life all contribute to lower levels of health and wellbeing among people who
experience poverty.
- Housing: people in poverty are more likely to be dependent on the State to meet their housing needs,
through subsidised privately rented accommodation or social housing. They are also at greater risk of
living in sub-standard accommodation and of becoming homeless.
Children and families living in disadvantaged areas are not individually statistically represented in CSO,
AIRO13 or other national profiles. Overall, targeted work in Kilkenny has been prioritised by taking
account of the Pobal HP Deprivation Index. It is expected that a County Profile will be developed by the
Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) in the near future, and will contribute to the
implementation of this plan.
12 http://www.combatpoverty.ie/povertyinireland/whatispoverty.htm
13 AIRO = All-Island Research Observatory.
43Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
unEMPLoyMEnt
national unemployment rates The unemployment rate for men in Ireland was an average of 5% from 2006 to 2008 but in 2009 it
increased dramatically to 15.3%, followed by further rises over the next three years, reaching a peak
of 23.2% in 2011. There was a drop in the male unemployment rate in 2013 to 15.9% and another
decrease in 2014 to 13.8%.
The national female unemployment rate, which averaged 4% from 2006 to 2008, also increased strongly,
to 8.3% in 2009, and continued to rise over the next four years, reaching 11.4% in 2013. However the
female rate of unemployment decreased in 2014, to 9.9%.
The younger age groups have been most affected by unemployment, with approximately three out of ten
men and two out of ten women aged 20-24 unemployed in 2013.
CSo Press release Women and Men in ireland 2013 http://www.cso.ie/en/newsandevents/pressreleases
Figure 8: CSo Press release 2013
Females and Male unemployment rate from 1991 to 2011
25
20
15
10
5
0
Female Unemployment % Male Unemployment %
1991 1996 2002 2006 2011
Females and Male unemployment rate from 1991 to 2011
25
20
15
10
5
0 1991 1996 2002 2006 2011
Female Unemployment % Male Unemployment %
44 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
unemployment in County kilkenny The unemployment rate for County Kilkenny in 2011 was 19.4%, which was higher than the national
average rate of 18.1%. The unemployment rate for the county has been running at over 1 percentage
point above the national rate over the course of the last 10 years.
Unemployment rates in individual Electoral Divisions (EDs) in the county reached levels well above
those prevailing county-wide, and were highest in Urlingford (38.5% male, 26.3% female), followed by
Graiguenamanagh (36% male, 18.8% female), Johnstown (29.6% male, 23.3% female), Clogh (31.7%
male, 20.5% female) and Moneenroe (32.4% male, 19.6% female), all of which relate to small town areas.
The relatively high unemployment rate highlights the severe adverse impact that the economic recession
has had on the county. The unemployment rate has reduced significantly since 2011 in line with the
downward trend in the Live Register numbers in County Kilkenny over the last four years. The Live
Register in County Kilkenny peaked at around 8,000 in 2011, and has fallen by almost 40% since then,
to approximately 5,500 at the end of December 2015.
kilkenny unemployment rates (Male and Female)Male unemployment in Kilkenny experienced a threefold increase, reaching 23.2% in 2011. This
compared to the national male unemployment rate in 2011 of 22.3% and a two-and-a-half fold increase
since 2006. Female unemployment in Kilkenny experienced a twofold increase, reaching 14.7% in
2011, compared to 15% nationally (www.pobal.ie).
Local Authority Area
MaleUnemployed1991 -%
MaleUnemployed1996- %
MaleUnemployed2002- %
MaleUnemployed2006 -%
Male
Unemployed
2011-%
% Change Male 2006 - 2011
Kilkenny 16.3 14.5 8.2 8.0 23.2 190.7
table 14: Male unemployment rate (www.pobal.ie)
When looking at the female unemployment rate, the patterns appear to follow Ireland’s economic boom
and recession. However, the percentage of unemployed females remains at a much lower baseline rate
with 14.75% being the highest rate of female unemployment in Kilkenny. This points to the dominance
of men in the construction industry and explains why the percentage of male unemployment grew
exponentially during the last decade.
Local Authority Area
FemaleUnemployed1991 %
FemaleUnemployed1996 %
FemaleUnemployed2002 %
FemaleUnemployed2006 %
FemaleUnemployed2011 %
% Change Female2006 - 2011
Kilkenny 12.2 10.9 6.8 6.8 14.7 114.5
table 15: Female unemployment rate (www.pobal.ie)
45Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Figure 9: unemployment rate Female 2011
0 4 8 12 16 20Scale of Kilometres
NKilkenny LECPeconomic indicators
Unemployment Rate Female 2011
Clogh
Castlecomer
Moneenroe
Mothell
Mone
enro
e
Clogharinka
Attanagh
Ballyragget
Kilmacar
Muckalee
Ballyconra
Lisdowney
Rathbeag
Coolcraheen
Kilkieran
Rathcoole
Tiscoffin
Shankill
Paulstown
GoresbridgeGowran
Odagh
Ballinamara
Ballycallan
Kilmanagh
Balleen
Freshford
Tullaroan
Rathealy
Ballybeagh
Turbridbrittain
Clonmantagh
Glashare
Glamoy
Urlingford
Baunmore Johnstown
Dunmore
Kilkenny No. 2Urban
Clara
Dunbell
BennettsbridgeBramblestown
Powerstown
UllardTullaherin
GraiguenamanaghKilfinaneWollengrange
Thomastown
Famma FreaghanaJerpointChurch
KnocktopherKiltorcan
CoolhillInistioge
Bally
vool
Albe
rsts
own
BallyhaleCastlebanny The Rower
St. C
anice
Kilkenny Rural
Grange OutrathTullaghanbrogue
Scotsborough
CallanUrbanCallan Rural
Earlstown
BurnchurchDanesfort
Ennisnag
Kells
Coolaghmore
Malla
rdst
own
Dunnamaggan
Stonyford
Kilkenny No. 1Urban
Kilmaganny
CastlegannonKilkeasy
Killamery
Boolyglass
Aghaviller
Shanbogh
RosberconRural
Dysa
rtmoo
n
Brownsford
ListerlinJerpointWest
Killahy
Muckalee
TempleorumPilltown
Whi
tech
urch
Tullahought
Ullid
Tubrid
Fiddown
FarnogeKilbride
Kilbeacon
DunkittRathpatrick
RossinanKilcolumbBallincrea
Kilmakevoge
AglishPortnascully
Pollrone
Kilculliheen
KilkennyCity
Callan
New Ross
Castlecomer
Ferrybank
ThomastownGraiguenamanagh
5% - <10%
<5%
10% - <15%
15% - <20%
20% - <30%
Female UnemploymentRate 2011
>30%
46 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Figure 10: unemployment rate Male 2011
0 4 8 12 16 20Scale of Kilometres
NKilkenny LECPeconomic indicators
Unemployment Rate Male 2011
Clogh
Castlecomer
Moneenroe
Mothell
Mone
enro
e
Clogharinka
Attanagh
Ballyragget
Kilmacar
Muckalee
Ballyconra
Lisdowney
Rathbeag
Coolcraheen
Kilkieran
Rathcoole
Tiscoffin
Shankill
Paulstown
GoresbridgeGowran
Odagh
Ballinamara
Ballycallan
Kilmanagh
Balleen
Freshford
Tullaroan
Rathealy
Ballybeagh
Turbridbrittain
Clonmantagh
Glashare
Glamoy
Urlingford
Baunmore Johnstown
Dunmore
Kilkenny No. 2Urban
Clara
Dunbell
BennettsbridgeBramblestown
Powerstown
UllardTullaherin
GraiguenamanaghKilfinaneWollengrange
Thomastown
Famma FreaghanaJerpointChurch
KnocktopherKiltorcan
CoolhillInistioge
Bally
vool
Albe
rsts
own
BallyhaleCastlebanny The Rower
St. C
anice
Kilkenny Rural
Grange OutrathTullaghanbrogue
Scotsborough
CallanUrbanCallan Rural
Earlstown
BurnchurchDanesfort
Ennisnag
Kells
Coolaghmore
Malla
rdst
own
Dunnamaggan
Stonyford
Kilkenny No. 1Urban
Kilmaganny
CastlegannonKilkeasy
Killamery
Boolyglass
Aghaviller
Shanbogh
RosberconRural
Dysa
rtmoo
n
Brownsford
ListerlinJerpointWest
Killahy
Muckalee
TempleorumPilltown
Whi
tech
urch
Tullahought
Ullid
Tubrid
Fiddown
FarnogeKilbride
Kilbeacon
DunkittRathpatrick
RossinanKilcolumbBallincrea
Kilmakevoge
AglishPortnascully
Pollrone
Kilculliheen
KilkennyCity
Callan
New Ross
Castlecomer
Ferrybank
ThomastownGraiguenamanagh
5% - <10%
<5%
10% - <15%
15% - <20%
20% - <30%
Male UnemploymentRate 2011
>30%
the Live register The Live register is compiled from returns made directly to the Central Statistics Office by each of the local
offices of the Department of Social Protection. It is not designed specifically to measure unemployment.
However, it provides a valuable short-term and up-to-date indicator of unemployment and under-
employment. Included on the Live Register are the following:
47Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
l All those on Jobseeker’s Benefit (JB) – excluding systematic short-time workers;
l All those on Jobseeker’s Allowance (JA) – excluding smallholders / farm assists and self-employed persons;
l Part-time workers (those who work up to 3 days per week) seasonal and casual workers entitled to
Jobseeker’s Allowance or Jobseeker’s Benefit;
l Those signing on for PRSI credits but receiving no payment.
In August 2010, there were approximately 5,216 men and 2,702 women on the County Kilkenny Live
Register, a total of 7,918 people. As of December 2015 there were a total of 5,542 people on the Live
Register.
Table 16: Live Register Figures December 2015
Kilkenny City Social Welfare Office 4,521
Thomastown Social Welfare Office 1,021
Total 5,542 table 17: young People under 25 unemployed living in disadvantaged areas
Kilkenny County (under 25 unemployed) as of Jan 2012 - AIRO
Total Total all live registers KK
Under 25 as a % of total unemployed
KK City – under 25 unemployedUrban 1Urban 2Rural KK
25616393287
1,68510076782533
15.2 %16.2%14%11%
Callan UrbanRural
694425
465298167
14.8%15%14.9%
Thomastown 41 363 11.3%
Ferrybank environs: i.e. Kilculiheen DED 84 814 10.3%
Urlingford 34 191 17.8%
Castlecomer/Donaguile 60 368 16.3%
Clogh 33 193 17%
Moneenroe 34 195 17.4%
Ballyragget 27 191 14.1%
Piltown 41 291 14.0%
Graiguenamanagh 30 275 10.9%
Created by CkLP, using Pobal hP deprivation index and Pobal Maps with overall data
48 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Education & disadvantageIn County Kilkenny there have been decreases in the numbers of students leaving school with just a
primary level education. This decrease is due to a number of factors, some of which are driven at national
policy level, for example, where the age for leaving school increased to 16, and other local initiatives in
Kilkenny, through programmes such as the School Liaison, Youthreach, NALA, and the ETBs.
Local Authority Area Low Education1991 %
Low Education1996 %
Low Education2002 %
Low Education2006 %
Low Education2011 %
% Change 2006-2011
Kilkenny 35.7 28.7 22.0 18.4 15.1 -17.9
National 15 years and over 36.7 29.5 22.2 18.9 16.0 -15.6
table 18: Proportion of Population with Primary Level Education only (www.pobal.ie)
There have been determined efforts made in retaining pupils up to and past secondary education.
However, despite the improvement at county level, there remain several rural Electoral Divisions (EDs)
where considerable parts of the adult population have primary level education only. Examples include
Freshford (26.8%), Goresbridge (25.6%), and Graiguenamanagh (25.2%)14.
In addition, minority groups such as Travellers continue to struggle with retention throughout primary
level education. In Kilkenny City, the Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM) have identified
areas such as St. Mary’s and St. Catherine’s halting sites that need extra school support. “Education was
identified as the main area of concern for Travellers living throughout Kilkenny. Concerns ranged from;
there being no pre-school in Rosbercon and a poor relationship with secondary school teachers, to many
Travellers still leaving school without being able to read and write, and there not being enough support for
homework at school.” (KTCM, 2013:25)
At a social class level Kilkenny county reflects the educational attainment profile of each area, with
Bramblestown having the highest composition (56% professionals, 8% semi- and unskilled manual
classes), and Callan Urban (22% professionals, 26.1% manual classes) and Urlingford (17.7%
professionals, 24.5% manual classes) having the lowest.15
Lone Parents According to National Economic and Social Forum (2001:17) and the Combat Poverty Agency (2010)
‘lone parents’ are defined as those who are parents, who have characteristics such as: being most likely
to be women; sole carers of their children and recognised by their marital status such as separated,
widowed, divorced or never married. There were 215,300 families headed by lone parents with children,
87%of which were lone mothers. Two-fifths of lone parents were single and just under a quarter were
widowed. 31.8% were separated or divorced, compared with 29.8%in 2006.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) Social Inclusion Report 2013 (Chapter 3: 52) states that there is a
14 https://www.pobal.ie/Publications/Documents/Pobal%20HP%20Deprivation%20Index_Inter_temporal%20Analysis%20of%20Small%20Area%20Deprivation%20Scores%202006%20%e2%80%93%202011.ppt
15 https://www.pobal.ie/Publications/Documents/Pobal%20HP%20Deprivation%20Index_Inter_temporal%20Analysis%20of%20Small%20Area%20Deprivation%20Scores%202006%20%e2%80%93%202011.ppt
49Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
28% chance that a household that has one parent and a child aged under 18 are most likely to fall into
the category of people living in poverty. This is almost twice the rate of a two-parent family likely to live in
poverty estimated at 14.6%. Adults and children in one-parent families have the highest deprivation rate
in Ireland (56%), a very significant increase since 2009 (44%).
Local Authority Area Lone ParentRate1991 %
Lone ParentRate1996 %
Lone ParentRate2002 %
Lone ParentRate2006 %
Lone ParentRate2011 %
% Change 2006- 2011
Kilkenny 8.3 10.4 13.0 16.9 17.8 5.5
table 19: Lone Parent rate: Percentage of single-parent households with at least one dependent child (aged under 15) as a proportion of all households with at least one dependent child (www.pobal.ie)
There are 3,782 lone parent households in Kilkenny: 84% lone mothers and 16% lone fathers. One-
parent families make up 11% of all households in Kilkenny. The steady rise in lone parents is a cause for
concern in the profile of County Kilkenny and requires prioritisation and further research as part of the
LECP implementation phase.
housing There has been a 1.9 percentage point decrease in the proportion of local authority housing in Ireland
over the past twenty years, from 9.8% in 1991 to 7.9% in 2011. The proportion in the South East region
has declined by 1.1 percentage points, from 10.2% to 9.1%. Similarly, County Kilkenny has seen a
marginal decline in the proportion of local authority housing, albeit from a lower base (7.7% to 7.1%).16
The highest concentrations of local authority housing are found in Kilkenny No. 1 Urban (17.1%) and
Kilamery (14.1%), but these are still low levels compared to those found in larger towns and cities. County
Kilkenny has a large number of schemes administered by Kilkenny County Council.
Kilkenny County Council is responsible for the management of just under 2,200 tenancies which are
located in both the city and the county (Kilkenny LA Estate Management Plan 2015-2020). The schemes
include Council Houses, Long Term Leasing, Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), Loans & Grants and
a new pilot Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
These schemes allow those who may be otherwise
unable to live in their own homes, to afford to live
in County Kilkenny. Like all counties in Ireland,
Kilkenny County Council caps its schemes
and this is based on a means assessment of a
person’s reckonable income. Table 20 shows that
local authority housing rental rates have remained
between 6% and 8 % since 1991.
16 www.pobal.ie
50 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Local Authority Area
LA Rented1991 %
LA Rented 1996 %
LA Rented2002 %
LA Rented2006 %
LA Rented2011 %
% Change 2006 - 2011
Kilkenny 7.7 7.0 6.5 6.0 7.1 18.5
National 9.8 8.3 7.1 7.5 7.9 6.5
table 20: Local authority housing (www.pobal.ie)
Note: This indicator is not included in the construction of the Pobal HP Deprivation Index.
Local Authority Area
PrivatelyRented1991 %
PrivatelyRented1996 %
PrivatelyRented2002 %
PrivatelyRented2006 %
PrivatelyRented2011 %
% Change inPrivatelyRented2006 - 2011
Kilkenny 5.0 6.7 8.1 10.3 14.8 43.9
table 21: Privately rented housing (www.pobal.ie)
When comparing the table of those who rent private accommodation and those who rent local authority
homes, there is a large disparity. It seems that there has been a substantial increase in people renting,
which could coincide with the downturn in the economy and the collapse of the financial sector in
Ireland. Lending for mortgages has been very low since 2008 and this can be another reason for the large
increase in privately rented accommodation in Kilkenny and Ireland.
hoMELESSnESSChanges and Issues arising over the last year:
l Increase in economic homeless presenters due to increased rents and unavailability of affordable
private rented accommodation.
l Inability to provide exit strategy from homeless services to private rented sector due to high market
rent, unavailability of privately rented accommodation, landlords refusing to accept social housing
support tenants.
l Increased pressure on emergency homeless providers due to increase in presentations, lack of exit
strategy, working at capacity.
l Increased pressure on Kilkenny County Council to provide emergency B&B when emergency homeless
providers are at capacity and presenter has no alternative housing options available.
l Increased pressure on Kilkenny County Council to meet on going demands of service users in
emergency accommodation settings and awaiting appropriate referral.
l Inability to provide emergency homeless accommodation in alternative locations (other counties) due
to pressures and capacity issues on the particular County Council and our inability to provide exit
strategy within the short term.
l Dealing with complex cases and finding appropriate referral pathways (if any) whilst dealing with the above.
51Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Comparative figures showing increase in homeless / potential homeless presentations to housing services:
From 1 October 2013 - 4 February 2014 there were 45 homeless/ potentially homeless
presentations, with this figure almost tripling to 133 for 1 October 2014 - 4 February 2015.
In the period 1 January 2014 - 1 May 2015 there were 78 homeless/ potentially homeless presentations,
while this figure more than doubled to 167 for the period 1 January 2015 - 1 May 2015.
In 2014 Amber Kilkenny Women's Refuge accommodated 9 women and 4 children as a direct result of
homelessness. Amber accommodated a further 16 women and 14 children who were admitted under
Domestic Violence but ended up homeless due to such factors. As a service, Amber found it very hard to
source adequate, private rented or Local Authority accommodation in Kilkenny for families experiencing
homelessness. Families struggled to source a new home for themselves which added massive strains to
their already difficult situations.
“This in turn affected our service as clients are staying much longer than before. Our Policy states that
we provide short term emergency accommodation for 8 - 10 weeks but this is not the case anymore due
to the difficulties in sourcing accommodation for our clients. This also affected our referral system as we
are turning away hundreds of referrals per year due to our refuge constantly being full.” (Amber, 2015).
These concerns and pressure on housing were echoed by the Good Shepherd Centre (Homeless Hostel)
located in Kilkenny City:
l There is a crisis in the lack of supply of priority accommodation, both in the Private Rented Sector,
Social Housing Sector and the Local Authority.
l Lack of appropriate responses to complex cases. Clients who have a dual diagnosis (substance misuse
& mental health) or clients who have personality or behavioural disorders.
l Rates of social welfare for those under the age of 24 are a contributing factor to clients’ financial ability
to enter into tenancies.
l Reluctance on behalf of some landlords to engage with Housing Support services, e.g. HAP, RAS.
l Severe cuts in homeless budgets in the past few years — no cuts in 2014 and as of yet, no cut in
2015 — but no increase in budgets.
l Emergency services are at full capacity, with few options for clients to move on or exit strategies being
available.
l Need for re-establishment of a county homeless structure.
52 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
hEaLth & WELLBEing
general healthAccording to Census 2011, 85,069 persons stated they were in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ health, representing
89.2% of the total population. This compares to 88.3% of total persons nationally. 1,324 persons stated
they were in ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health, representing 1.4% of the population in this area. Again this
compares with 1.5% of total persons nationally.
Health and wellbeing are not evenly distributed across Irish society. In order to aspire to positive health
outcomes for all there is a growing need for interventions to target particular health risks but also a focus
on addressing the wider social determinants of health – the circumstances in which people are born, grow,
live, work and age – to create economic, social, cultural and physical environments that foster healthy living.
Deprivation is frequently associated with poor health and health inequalities, that is, unequal
access and outcomes for those of lower socio-economic status. 85,069 persons stated they
were in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ health, representing 89.2% of total persons. This compares to
88.3% nationally. 1,324 persons stated they were in ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health, representing
1.4% of total persons in this area. This compares with 1.5% of total persons nationally.
A specific workshop was held to examine health and wellbeing priorities and the following were identified:
l Homelessness must be a priority for all services;
l Greater supports and services provided for people with a disability;
l Delivery of the County Kilkenny Action Plan for Suicide Prevention;
l Prioritisation of drug-prevention initiatives among young people;
l Prioritisation of Travellers and ethnic minorities, by all health services;
l Increase whole-population approaches to health improvement.
People with a disabilityThere were a total of 595,335 people with a disability in April 2011, accounting for 13% of the population,
up from 393,785 in 2006 when it accounted for 9.3% of the population. The largest increases in
percentage terms were seen in children aged under 5, where the numbers increased by 90%, from
5,298 to 10,084. The widespread incidence of childhood asthma and the specific reference to ‘breathing’
difficulties in the Other category may partly explain this. The rates of disability increased within this age
group, the exception being people in their twenties, who had lower disability rates than teenagers.
While overall the rates for men and women were similar, at 12.7% and 13.2% respectively, there were
variations by age group with male excesses in the 0-29 age groups and female excesses from age 70
onwards (This is Ireland – Highlights from Census 2011:p43)
53Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
According to the Census 2011, Kilkenny had 11,939 persons (13% of the total population) with a disability,
of whom 4,309 (36.1%) were aged 65 years and over.
4,055 persons (1,536 males and 2,519 females) provided regular unpaid personal help for a friend or
family member with a long-term illness, health problem or disability. 21.7% of these provided care for
more than six hours per day (www.cso.ie).
Age Nos % l 33% of people with a disability of working age are employed compared to 63% of those without a disability.
l 18% of people with a disability did not progress past primary education compared to 3% of those without a disability.
l 22% of people with a disability left school at lower secondary level compared to 16% of those without a disability.
0 – 14 1,103 9.2
15 - 24 832 6.9
25 - 44 2,209 18.5
45 - 64 3,486 29.1
65 + 4,309 36.1
Total 11,939 100
table 22: disability Federation of ireland (dFi) data for kilkenny 2015
EthniC MinoritiES & travELLErS County Kilkenny Ireland
Country of Birth Population% of Immigrant Population
Country of Birth Population% of Immigrant Population
England and Wales 4,689 39.3 England and Wales 212,286 27.7
Poland 2,033 17.0 Poland 115,193 15.0Northern Ireland 462 3.9 Northern Ireland 58,470 7.6Lithuania 396 3.3 Lithuania 34,847 4.5United States 375 3.1 United States 27,726 3.6Latvia 275 2.3 Latvia 19,989 2.6Romania 238 2.0 Nigeria 19,780 2.6Nigeria 162 1.4 Romania 17,995 2.3Scotland 197 1.7 Scotland 17,871 2.3India 181 1.5 India 17,856 2.3
table 23: Ethnic Minorities (CSo Census 2011)
Table 24: Size of Ethnic Minority Population in Kilkenny 201117
Nationality Birthplace Ethnicity
Non-Irish nationals
Born outside Ireland
Born outside Ireland & UK
Ethnic groups with roots in other countries
Ethnic Traveller Community
8.9% 12.6% 6.9% 9.4% 0.5%
8,367 11,929 6,581 8,829 483table 24: Size of Ethnic Minority Population in kilkenny
17 According to Census 2011, the total population of Kilkenny is 94,584. However, there may be a slight variation if the percentages stated in this table are applied to that total due to the fact that
a small number of people did not state their birthplace or ethnicity on the census form; therefore actual numbers of those who did give this information are also given above in Table 24.
54 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The statistics in Tables 23 and 24 can be summarised as follows:
l 8.9% were non-Irish nationals,
l 12.6% were foreign-born (6.9% were born outside UK and Ireland),
l 9.4% belong to ethnic groups with roots in other countries,
l while a further 0.5% belong to the Irish Traveller Community.
travellersA study carried out by the Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM) highlights key data and
concerns of the Traveller Community in Kilkenny:
Table 25: Traveller Population around County Kilkenny (according to Census 2011)
Electoral Areas Census 2006 Census 2011
Kilkenny City (urban areas & rural environs) 156 263
Piltown 111 84
Ballyraggett 31 40
Thomastown 45 86
Callan (urban areas & rural environs) 18 10
Totals 361 483
l There are 483 members of the Traveller Community in County Kilkenny (0.5% of the population of
Kilkenny) according to Census 2011.
l However, there are 177 families according to the Traveller Count for Kilkenny 2012, which suggests a
slightly higher number than the census figures suggest.
l The Traveller Community’s share in Kilkenny City’s population, at 1.1% is almost twice as much as
their share in the county’s overall population.
55Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
5. SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths and Opportunities Weaknesses and Threats
• The central location of Kilkenny City in the centre of the county with excellent connectivity to Dublin.
• Kilkenny’s strong brand.
• The settlement pattern of County Kilkenny with 1 large urban centre, 4 smaller towns and 17 dispersed villages.
• Kilkenny has a strong history of partnership work and the development of integrated delivery mechanisms.
• Programme of national and international festivals.
• The former Smithwick’s Brewery site development has the potential to be a hub for creative and technology-related industries and 3rd level research campus.
• Kilkenny as the medieval capital of Ireland is well placed to be a strong tourism destination within the new Ireland’s Ancient East tourism brand strategy.
• Very strong community networks (e.g. Tidy Towns.)
• Strong voluntary sector with strong community activity in rural villages.
• Established cluster of business service companies.
• Developing digital media industry – Cartoon Saloon, Mycrofilms, Young Irish Filmmakers, JamJou.
• Good education levels and the presence of TSSG Research &Innovation Centre, Maynooth University - Kilkenny Campus, proximity to WIT and IT Carlow.
• Potential for the formation of a South East Technological University with a campus in Kilkenny.
• Variety of amenities across the county, such as Woodstock, Jenkinstown, Castlecomer Discovery Park , Dunmore Caves and excellent sporting and play facilities.
• Strong heritage credentials and a strong county association with the creative arts.
• Excellent quality of life.
• High level of unemployment especially among the youth.
• High dependency rate and hidden pockets of poverty and disadvantage throughout the county.
• Decrease in funding for community and creative arts programmes.
• Emigration of youth population.
• Lack of a sustainable model for festival funding.
• Over-reliance on construction sector and Greater Dublin Area for employment.
• Closure of many SMEs since 2008.
• Increasing competition within the region, nationally and internationally for FDI projects.
• Manufacturing sector under threat.
• Resource funding constraints for micro-enterprises.
• Lack of skills in some sectors.
• Small critical mass of skilled ICT/ Pharmaceutical graduates.
• Limited public transport options.
• Limited/ no broadband in many areas. Unreliable access outside urban centres.
• Overburdening waste water treatment plants.
• Seasonality characteristic of tourism.
• Relatively small population centre vis a vis larger urban locations; limits ability to attract FDI of scale.
• Motorway infrastructure has bypassed many rural towns.
• Loss of economic functionality of rural towns, general rural decline and rural isolation.
• Maintaining green credentials at an acceptable cost given pressure on output.
56 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
57Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
PART 2: THE STRATEGY
58 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
6. HIGH-LEVEL GOALS: THEMES AND PRIORITIESBackgroundThis Plan has been developed in consultation with all key stakeholders concerned with Kilkenny’s community,
social and economic development and through widespread consultation with the public and takes account
of the County’s strengths and opportunities, as well as the constraints and threats. In addition, this Plan has
been prepared taking cognisance of other European and national strategies, in particular:
Europe 2020 Strategy: a strategy launched in 2010 for sustainable growth across Europe
and its member states. This strategy identified three priorities, five specific headline
objectives in support of the priorities and actions at national, EU and international level.
The three priorities are:
l Smart Growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation;
l Sustainable Growth: promoting a more resource-efficient, greener and more competitive economy;
l Inclusive Growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.
Ireland’s National Reform Programme: The Irish government submitted Ireland’s first National Reform
Programme under the Europe 2020 Strategy in 2011, amid significant financial and economic crisis. This
national programme in line with the key objectives of Europe 2020 identified a co-ordinated approach
across five key themes, with each of these having specific national targets:
l Employment
l Research & Development/ Innovation
l Climate Change/ Energy
l Education
l Poverty/ Social Exclusion
high-Level goalsThe emerging themes and goals of the Kilkenny LECP process align with national and European objectives
and themes. In total, 13 high-level goals have been identified for County Kilkenny, each with specific
sustainable objectives and a range of related actions. The following sections highlight the high-level goals
of the Kilkenny LECP and related actions.
59Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
high-Level Economic goals and objectives18
The overarching theme of the economic dimension of the Action Plan is job creation and to Foster a High
Employment Economy. This is supported by nine high-level goals. The high-level goals were developed
from the outcomes of the community and key stakeholders’ consultations, the strategic policy review, and
an analysis of the evidence to be found in the demographic and socio-economic profile of the county. The
high-level goals are designed to be consistent with the appropriate statements of the Regional Assembly
as defined in the Regional Planning Guidelines.
The nine high-level goals are built upon a suite of high-level objectives that underpin the Action Plan. Of
these, some contain cross-linked dimensions of SEDOs (Sustainable Economic Development Objectives)
and SCOs (Sustainable Community Objectives). Each objective within the economic element will
be achieved through the implementation of specific, time-bound and measurable actions. There are
63 economic actions, which in some cases contain sub-elements. In all cases, responsibility for the
individual action will be linked to a lead organisation (when the annual action plans are prepared each
year) and where appropriate, partner bodies. From the analysis of the evidence-base, a Socio-Economic
Statement, with high-level goals and targets for the Kilkenny LECP, was prepared. A number of tools were
used to synthesis and analyse the outputs from the socio-economic evidence base and the various levels
of consultation. The high-level goals were refined during the Plan’s development process to represent the
anticipated outcomes to be achieved in the LECP.
The nine high-level goals comprising the economic dimension of the LECP are as follows.
l Goal 1: Support the Enterprise Economy
High-Level Objective: strengthen the local enterprise base, and thereby encourage job creation and
multi-sectoral employment potential.
l Goal 2: Facilitate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
High-Level Objective: provide an integrated support structure for enhanced levels of enterprise start-up
and growth.
l Goal 3: Enhance Visitor Experiences
High-Level Objective: support, co-ordinate and optimise the visitor experience potential across the
county.
l Goal 4: Provide for enhanced levels of Educational Attainment and Skills Development
High-Level Objective: encourage and support up-skilling, job mobility and enterprise creation in key
economic growth sectors.
l Goal 5: Develop the Rural Economy
High-Level Objective: increase the levels of rural economic activity and build sustainability into the
rural economy.
18 Implementation of the High-Level Goals and Objectives shall conform to the provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans as appropriate. The
preparation of any lower tier plans or strategies would need to be subject to SEA and AA processes as appropriate.
l Goal 6: Improve Access and Communications Infrastructures
High-Level Objectives: encourage integrated transport systems through the use of existing and new
infrastructure innovations, and increase the use of communications technologies through enhanced
infrastructure and skilled communities.
l Goal 7: Foster Leadership and Increase Local Capacity
High-Level Objective: develop leadership capacity in promoting economic and integrated development.
l Goal 8: Protect and Utilise the Natural, Cultural and Built Environment
High-Level Objectives: encourage and support biodiversity and the protection and enhancement of
local heritage and culture, support energy efficiency and maximise the circular economy potential.
l Goal 9: Contribute to Regional Growth and International Potential
High-Level Objective: contribute to the growth of the region and expand the international reach of the
local economy.
high-Level Community goals and objectives The remaining four high-level goals relate to the Community element of the Plan. These goals have been
developed after analysis of key data and statistics across the county, an analysis with regard to strengths,
opportunities and threats as well as from public consultations, focus groups and bilateral meetings held
with stakeholders. All high-level goals link back to the EU 2020 targets outlined above.
l Goal 10: Address Area-based Poverty & Disadvantage:
High-Level Objectives:
10.1 Improve the deprivation indicators for those Electoral Division areas designated ‘disadvantaged’
or ‘very disadvantaged’.
10.2 Improve the deprivation indicators for those small areas designated ‘disadvantaged’ or ‘very
disadvantaged’.
10.3 Poverty: education – Increase the level of educational attainment for those living in disadvantaged
areas.
10.4 Poverty: unemployment – Reduce the level of unemployment in disadvantaged areas.
10.5 Poverty: youth unemployment – Reduce the level of youth unemployment in disadvantaged
l Goal 11: Address Poverty and Social Exclusion (targeted approaches)
High-Level Objectives:
11.1 Ensure the inclusion and active engagement of all citizens in the social and economic
development of County Kilkenny.
11.2 In particular focus attention on Lone Parents, Travellers, Ethnic Minorities, Older people, People
with a Disability and Children & Young People. Ensure such groupings are prioritised in relation
to poverty goals.
60 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
l Goal 12: Enhance Community Facilities and Participation 19
High-Level Objectives:
12.1 To ensure all citizens of Kilkenny (rural and urban based) have access to appropriate community
facilities.
12.2 To ensure all facilities are utilised to their optimum capacity, and are open and available to all
citizens.
12.3 To ensure community development coordination at Municipal District level to support
communities at local level.
12.4 To increase community participation and civic engagement at both Municipal/ Electoral Division
and at county level
l Goal 13: Improve Health & Wellbeing
High-Level Objectives:
13.1 Ensure that the health and wellbeing of all Kilkenny’s citizens is maximised
13.2 In particular, focus attention on the following areas: People with a Disability, Substance Misuse,
Mental Health & Suicide, Travellers, Ethnic Minorities, Homelessness and LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual Transgender and Intersexual).
61Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
19 Facilities, Infrastructure, Area Co-ordination, Community Development Activities, Programmes and Participation.
Figure 11: Kilkenny LECP Framework
62 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
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kilkenny LECP FrameworkThe Framework on the previous page (Figure 11) has been developed from an analysis of the Baseline
Economic Profile, together with a review of the evidence gathered from the strategic policy statements of
key agencies and organisations active in the county.
The Framework also facilitates a more integrated approach to the preparation and delivery of publicly
funded programmes, including the Local Development Strategy for the LEADER Rural Development
Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
The purpose of the Community element of the LECP is to promote local and community development
within County Kilkenny and ensure the co-ordination of relevant publicly-funded local and community
development actions in a way that reduces duplication, targets available resources where they are most
needed and maximises benefits for communities.
The Guidelines on Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs) identify economic and community
action areas to be considered when developing the plan and are as follows:
1. Formulating the economic development plan and advising on the economic components of the
community elements of the Plan,
2. Promoting economic development through general local authority powers and functions,
3. Operation of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs),
4. Economic components of the community/local development role,
5. Action Plan for Jobs and Labour Market Activation, and
6. Specific action to promote increased economic activity in line with regional priorities (e.g. South East
Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017),
7. Develop and implement Sustainable Community Objectives, which can include:
8. Improved quality and increased frequency of community-based services which promote social
inclusion and tackle poverty and disadvantage,
9. Physical, social, economic and environmental regeneration of deprived urban or rural communities,
10. Enhanced training and education infrastructure,
11. The creation of new jobs, especially in the low carbon and green economy,
12. Increased access to, and use of high-quality information and communications technology.
The economic and community goals and associated actions are presented in slightly different formats in
this plan due mainly to the differing developmental processes involved in the respective actions.
63Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
7. LECP ACTION SUMMARY kilkenny LECP action Plan 2016-2021
The Kilkenny LECP Action Plan 2016-2021 identifies the specific actions required to deliver on
the high-level goals and objectives. The Action Plan flows from the high-level goals outlined in the
preceding section and has been developed using a comprehensive process engaging with key
stakeholders, including agencies and the local community. The actions promote and support the
economic development and the local and community development of County Kilkenny.
The Action Plan has been proofed for consistency with the Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014-
2020, and takes account of the SEA Directive and Article 6 of the Habitats Directive to ensure compliance.
Implementation of the LECP is required to conform to the following:
l The Regional Planning Guidelines and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (whenever that is
in place); and
l The provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, including
those provisions requiring sustainable development and Rural and Urban Business Development
Zones.
Background Profile
Regional Planning Guidelines (RPGs) for the South-East Region 2010-2022 note that the regional strengths
include its successful industrial base (particularly in areas such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology
and chemicals); its high level of disposable incomes and GVA per head compared with many other
European regions; the highly-skilled and educated workforce, and relatively low rates of unemployment.
However, while the South-East Region is a dynamic region offering an attractive quality of life, the RPGs
identified five areas where targeted investment would support and attract new economic development in
the region. These are:
1. Develop The Smart Economy, including: the development of a University of the South-East; the
development of Strategic Employment Locations at the Gateway, Hubs and County Towns with first-
class infrastructure capable of facilitating new indigenous start-ups in advanced sectors and attracting
Foreign Direct Investment against competing locations nationally and internationall
2. Improve Transport Infrastructure and Services, including development of public transport services
along the main transportation corridors in the region, and supporting the development of the seaports
at Belview, Rosslare and New Ross and air access at Waterford Regional Airport.
64 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
3. Deliver First-Class Energy and Communications, including development of broadband technologies and
development of renewable and green energy sources.
4. Foster Urban Regeneration and Improved Quality of Life for All, including investment in key strategic
sites and the public realm of towns and city centres in the region.
5. Full Implementation of the Joint Waste Management Plan for the South East.
The Limerick - Waterford strategic corridor, under the Atlantic Gateways Initiative - Corridor Development
Framework, will benefit the southern part of the county (especially those towns and villages along the
N24), as well as the environs of Waterford City within County Kilkenny.
Kilkenny County Council, through the LECP, will support projects to address infrastructure deficits
under the Regional Planning Guidelines. There is also critical infrastructure required to support and
attract economic development in County Kilkenny, including projects identified in the objectives of the
Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014-2020.
Collaboration with Waterford City Council
South Kilkenny is an important area in the context of the Waterford Gateway, and there has been proactive
collaboration between Kilkenny County Council and Waterford City Council in relation to the planning and
development of the area in recent years. This collaboration includes:
l the Ferrybank Development Project (FDP). The FDP was aimed at providing a co-ordinated response
to social inclusion, community development and service provision in the Ferrybank area;
l the Hillsfield Community Centre;
l the Ferrybank Community Development Strategic Plan 2015-2020 (jointly prepared by Kilkenny
County Council and Waterford City Council); and
l the Ferrybank-Belview Local Area Plan (LAP). The LAP has been prioritised by Kilkenny County
Council as the first plan to be reviewed following the adoption of the County and City Development
Plans. Kilkenny County Council held (in conjunction with Waterford City Council) a public meeting in
connection with the preparation of the draft Ferrybank-Belview LAP in early 2015.
Kilkenny County Council intends to continue to develop collaborative actions with Waterford City & County
Council in order to achieve better outcomes for the communities of Ferrybank and South Kilkenny.
65Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Economic actions20 The LECP provides for a suite of 63 economic actions21 that will lead to the achievement of the high-level
goals and objectives over the time period 2016-2021.
goal 1: Support the Enterprise Economy Goal 1 is an enabling measure to ensure that the LECP has the capacity to respond to the requirements
of Economic Action Area 6 in promoting increased economic activity in line with both county and regional
priorities. The goal also aligns with Economic Action Areas 2 and 3.
Strong economies are essential to the development of sustainable communities. The LECP is founded
on the concept that a successful county must have thriving settlements at the core. These settlements
will drive economic growth. Human capital, as expressed in educational attainment and skills training, is
critical to economic prosperity and a high quality-of-life.
Employment is the key driver of economic activity. The proportion of the population who are in full-time
employment is a defining feature of economic prosperity. Europe 2020 provides an employment target
of 75%, whilst the National Reform Programme sets a target rate of 69-71%.
The International Labour Office (ILO) employment participation rate for Ireland in Q3, 2014 stood at
60.4% (unadjusted) or 60.0% seasonally adjusted rate. Over the period 2006-2011, male unemployment
in County Kilkenny experienced a threefold increase, reaching 23.2% in 2011. This compared to a
national male unemployment rate in 2011 of 22.3% and a two-and-a-half fold increase since 2006.
Female unemployment in Kilkenny experienced a twofold increase, reaching 14.7% in 2011, compared
to 15.0% nationally.
Unemployment rates in individual EDs reached levels well above those prevailing county wide, and are
highest in Urlingford (38.5% male, 26.3% female), followed by Graiguenamanagh (36.0% male, 18.8%
female), Johnstown (29.6% male, 23.3% female), Clogh (31.7% male, 20.5% female) and Moneenroe
(32.4% male, 19.6% female), all of which relate to small town areas.
The CSO Business Demography Survey 2012 found that the total number of businesses fell by over 700
(or 17%) during the recession from 3,996 in 2006 to 3,273 in 2012. The numbers employed in each
business sector also declined during the period by an average of 23%, excepting in the Financial and
Insurance business sector, which experienced a slight increase of 3%, highlighting the critical importance
of this sector to the local economy.
The CSO Business Demography Survey 2012 identifies the importance of the Manufacturing, Wholesale
and Retail, and the Accommodation and Food Sectors, as measured by the level of employment supported
in Co. Kilkenny. These three sectors accounted for some 9,864 employees in 2012.
66 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
20 Implementation of the LECP is required to conform to the following: The Regional Planning Guidelines and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (whenever that is in place); and The provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, including those provisions requiring sustainable development and Rural and Urban
Business Development Zones. Encourage innovative Social Economy businesses within these zones.
Belview Port is the nearest deep water Irish port to mainland Europe providing a saving to shippers of
both time and fuel while being a natural hub for the integration of port, shipping, road and rail freight
services. The Belview Development Zone is 6 km from Waterford City and is an ideal location for industry
in agribusiness. The zone incorporates 265 hectares of zoned land, including a strategic IDA land bank,
the Marine Point Business Park and Belview Port. Agri-food businesses that locate in Belview benefit
from a good transport infrastructure and direct access to the national motorway network.
Given the current economic performance of the county, the objective of Goal 1 is to strengthen the local
enterprise base. This will be achieved through targeting those diverse sectors that are seen to have an
increased employment potential during the period 2015-2021. Indicators have identified these sectors
to include (but are not limited to) FDI (generally), digital arts, culture-based activity, the tourism sector,
and agribusiness.
By encouraging further development across these sectors, in conformance with the provisions of the
Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, the economic dimensions of the
LECP will provide for increased levels of job creation requiring a range of skills delivered through a
variety of employment models. The LECP will also support the Fair Employment principle, as agreed and
accepted by Kilkenny County Council in September 2013.
Supporting Economic Recovery and Jobs – Locally22 states that the local authority is best placed to
promote the county as places to work, and to offer direct support to labour activation schemes. The report
also notes that the local authority is positioned to leverage local expertise to tailor national initiatives to
meet business needs. Such efforts include supporting business networking events, establishing sporting
and tourist heritage facilities, developing and driving a host of local festivals and events that support
employment.
The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has a strong track record of supporting new start-ups and micro-
businesses and its integration with the functions of the Council provides an opportunity to support
Kilkenny-based businesses in new and innovative ways.
Enhanced Business networkingImproved networking will complement the existing business interest groups, and the networking activities
of LEO Kilkenny. It will also facilitate and support county-based business network events with the added
purpose of generating an enterprise culture, innovation, business opportunities and investment. The
networking model will also be used to identify the skills pool amongst the network membership and
encourage the transfer of skills.
67Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
21 Implementation of the Actions shall conform to the provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans as appropriate. The preparation of any lower tier plans or strategies would need to be subject to SEA and AA processes as appropriate.
22 DECLG: Local Government Sectoral Strategy to Promote Employment and Support Local Enterprise.
Food SectorThe agri-food sector is one of Ireland’s most important, employing approximately 50,000 people directly,
as well as providing the primary outlet for the produce of 128,000 family farms. These jobs are dispersed
throughout all regions of the country, and especially rural areas. The sector accounts for half of purchased
Irish goods and services by the manufacturing industry and just over half of exports by indigenous
manufacturing industries. The agri-food sector is a critical component of the local economy of County
Kilkenny.
The major companies operating in the agri-food sector within the county include Glanbia plc and Connolly’s
Red Mills, complemented by an emerging artisan food producer base of approximately 40 micro- and
medium-sized food producers. Glanbia plc has their Global Nutritionals Headquarters and the Group's
main innovation centre located in Kilkenny.
The Belview Development Zone is considered to be an ideal location for industry in agribusiness. Agri-
food businesses located in Belview benefit from a good transport infrastructure and access to the national
motorway network. It is the nearest major Irish port to mainland Europe providing a saving to shippers
of both time and fuel while being a natural hub for the integration of port, shipping, road and rail freight
services, all of which are vital to the agri-food sector.
artisan FoodsKilkenny Food Strategy, developed by the County Kilkenny Leader Partnership (CKLP), saw the
establishment of a South East Inter-agency Food Group whereby four of the largest food service buyers
in the country met with twenty-two food producers from the South East region. In turn, this led to the
development of the South East Food Export Initiative, which involved high-potential food producers in
the region in fast tracking access to export markets, particularly the UK. The initiative also saw the
potential for the future development of the Town of Food Project, Regional Food Trade Desk, the South
East Regional Artisan Food School, and the The Irish Food Co-op. The Irish Food Co-op (a cooperative
of artisan food producers from across the South East) is now well-established and assists small-scale
producers in distribution, delivery and sales to customers nationwide, including administration, ordering,
invoicing, sales and marketing and logistics. The overriding trading principle of the Co-op is to have ‘One
Order, One Delivery, One Invoice’ representing multiple local brands per customer. The service provided
by the Co-op is invaluable, especially to start-up food businesses.
Savour Kilkenny has developed into an annual major regional event that engages with the full artisan food
sector, reinforcing the potential for further development and indicating the strong cross-links with the
tourism sector.
68 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
incubation SpaceBased on identified sectoral demand, this action will see the development of micro-enterprise business
incubation units. The action will see the development of innovative models of space provision, and will
be informed by the experience of NACEC23, and the existing community-based enterprise centres in the
county. In particular, incubation space for start-up craft, digital media and design businesses, modelled
on the success of the craft units in the Castle Yard, Kilkenny (managed by the Kilkenny Civic Trust) and
the Castlecomer Demesne Company will be investigated. An initial study will be undertaken to ensure that
the provision of any additional space to be provided is economically sustainable, and will not introduce an
undermining displacement effect on the existing provision.
In parallel with the above, the action will see the development of a collective promotional network strategy
for incubation space in the county. This will inform the activities of all of the enterprise enabling agencies,
including LEO Kilkenny.
retail Excellence StrategyThere were 760 wholesale and retail businesses in County Kilkenny in 2012, employing over one in five
(23%) of the total number employed by businesses in the county, making it the most important NACE
code sector in terms of employment. A large proportion of these businesses are independent traders,
specialist boutiques and fashion stores located in the retail centre of Kilkenny City. The Kilkenny County
Development Plan 2014-2020 establishes four objectives with respect to future retail development:
l To improve convenience market share retained within the county to 80% post 2020;
l To improve comparison market share retained within the county to 75% post 2020;
l To increase convenience trade draw from 8% to 15% post 2020;
l To maintain comparison trade draw at 58% post 2020.
The Retail Excellence Strategy will build upon cross-sectoral collaborations in areas such as shop frontage
design, use of technology in marketing, and the use of local heritage and culture in marketing design.
This will improve the retail experience in the county, and will support the attainment of the County
Development Plan objectives.
Small Business incentive SchemeKilkenny County Council is committed to supporting the economic development of the city and county in
a structured and strategic manner. As part of the Action Plan for Jobs 2015 the Council is committed to
prioritising job creation locally and supporting small businesses in meaningful and practical ways.
In 2014, the Council invoiced over €18 million in commercial rates to local businesses. Businesses and
commercial premises owners, who have a vacant property, or vacant element, can have commercial
rates struck-off to reflect the level of vacancy. There were 424 vacant units in Kilkenny in 2014, 311 of
these were retail and office units. The average commercial rates for a shop are €4,213 and an office
23 National Association of Community Enterprise Centres
69Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
is €3,688. Vacant commercial properties have a negative visual impact affecting the streetscape and
business sentiment of the community and visitors alike. Kilkenny County Council will investigate a ‘Small
Business Vacant Premises Incentive Scheme’ for the occupation of vacant commercial units. Such a
scheme will support job creation; encourage businesses to occupy vacant premises; help regenerate
town streetscapes, and help improve business sentiment.
goal 1: actions SummaryAction 1.1: Engage with local business to address sectoral needs, whilst simultaneously facilitating
strategic collaborations, networking and innovation. This will include supporting and facilitating existing
business and sectoral networks.
Action 1.2: Host an annual enterprise conference, modelled on the BizFest event, to promote cross-
sectoral networking among small business in the region.
Action 1.3: Undertake a needs analysis of the Agri-Food sector in County Kilkenny to include artisan
food producers. Agree a Strategic Action Plan taking into account Food Wise 2025 targets, and facilitate
access to markets for example: through local initiatives, participation in food and tourism related trade
shows, thematic festivals and international linkages. There will be a Food Story developed as part of the
Ireland’s Ancient East brand will offer opportunities for Kilkenny to leverage its food offering.
Action 1.4: Support the further development and expansion of the Irish Food Co-op in the south east.
Action 1.5: Promote greater business links between the tourism and food sectors, in particular promoting
use of local produce by the local hospitality sector and attracting visitors to Kilkenny for additional food
and beverage related activities. This will include building on the success of the Savour Kilkenny Food
Festival.
Action 1.6: Build on Kilkenny’s strength as a hub for craft businesses and develop centres of excellence
for ceramics and jewellery. This action will also include the introduction of a bursary scheme to support
start-up craft businesses.
Action 1.7: Maximise the potential of Connect Ireland within Kilkenny to further develop diaspora networks
and international linkages in the areas of trade promotion, attracting investment and advice and support
to entrepreneurs.
Action 1.8: Engage with Community Enterprise Centres (CECs) in the County to investigate the potential
for further development of incubation space and support services. Explore the potential of a collective
approach to planning and promotion of CECs in the County.
Action 1.9: Promote greater awareness of and engagement in public procurement opportunities among
small businesses, and in particular, opportunities available within local authorities and the HSE.
Action 1.10: Develop a Retail Excellence Strategy and include cross-sectoral collaborations in areas such
as shop frontage design, use of technology in sales and marketing (including online trading), and the
use of local heritage and culture in marketing design. This action will also include promoting ecommerce
opportunities and increasing the number of Trading On-line Vouchers drawn down in particular by retailers
in the County.
Action 1.11: Proactively assist IDA Ireland to update its online marketing and promotional material for
Kilkenny City and County.
70 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Action 1.12: Develop an incentive scheme for the occupation of vacant commercial units as a means of
supporting local business start-ups and job creation, as well as the regeneration of town streetscapes.
Action 1.13: Encourage greater use of alternative funding sources, especially for startups. This will include
promoting the Credit Union Small Business Loan Scheme and Micro Finance Ireland.
goal 2: Facilitate innovation and Entrepreneurship Goal 2 reflects core elements of Economic Action Area 5: Action Plan for Jobs and Labour Market
Activation, and Economic Action Area 6: Specific Action to Promote Increased Economic Activity in line
with Regional Priorities.
Goal 2 aims to advance economic activity and employment creation through the encouragement of
innovation and collaboration to provide an integrated support structure for enhanced levels of enterprise
start-up and growth.
County Kilkenny has shown the capacity to harness its locational attributes, and its well-developed image
as a county that is integral to the south-eastern economic corridor, whilst being largely rural in nature. It is
also served by a range of third-level institutions that can be further leveraged to support targeted sectoral
enterprise innovation: -
l Institute of Technology, Carlow provides a Research and Commercialisation Support Centre. This
provides a supportive environment to enterprise and entrepreneurs in the south-east region, connecting
them with cutting-edge research and expertise.
l Limerick Institute of Technology Clonmel delivers programmes in Business, Marketing, Creative
Multimedia, Digital Animation Production and Game Art and Design.
l Teagasc Kildalton is the largest agricultural college in the country. It is a leading provider of training in
Equine Studies, Machinery, Agriculture and Horticulture.
l The Kilkenny Campus of NUI Maynooth offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses for adult
students from Kilkenny and the south-east.
l Waterford Institute of Technology ArcLabs is a one-stop-shop for small businesses in the south-east
and beyond, providing access to the resources that the Institute offers to industry.
The outcome that is anticipated is the creation of an attractive and dynamic business environment that
caters for the needs of both existing and new employers and employees. It will enable Co. Kilkenny to
capitalise on its image and location through positive engagement with key players, including Enterprise
Ireland, IDA Ireland, and Third Level Institutions. Closer alliances between local employers and the enabling
State Agencies will increase the opportunity to foster innovative and sustainable employment options.
71Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Enterprise Start-upGoal 1 aims to advance economic activity and employment creation through the provision of targeted
supports. Goal 2 complements this by harnessing Kilkenny’s economic and locational strengths, and
references the availability of a skilled labour pool, and the ability of the county to attract a workforce with
new and emerging skills.
The common outcome that is anticipated from the actions emerging from G2 is the creation of
a dynamic business environment that caters for the needs of entrepreneurs in establishing new
businesses or upscaling existing enterprises. This will be achieved through positive engagement
with key players, including LEO Kilkenny, the Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Enterprise Ireland,
IDA Ireland, Connect Ireland, South East Business Innovation Centre and third level academic
institutions. Additionally, closer alliances between local employers and the enabling state agencies will
increase the opportunity to foster new and sustainable employment options.Strategic Client Support
One of the main objectives of Goal G2 will be to identify and provide strategic supports to scalable
start-ups and existing small businesses with high potential and job creation. The South East BIC will
facilitate this process in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and LEO Kilkenny, to include provision
of intensive mentoring and other specialist support. The South East BIC has access to the European
Business Network – EBN and Business Angels and Seed Capital Funds, including the Halo Business
Network (HBAN) in the South East.
abbey Creative QuarterKilkenny is the driver of growth for the county at a sub‐regional level and also supports Waterford City
in its role as a Gateway. Under the South East Regional Planning Guidelines, Kilkenny City has a target
population of 28,200 to be reached by the year 2022. The acquisition of the former Smithwick's Brewery
site affords the opportunity to re-plan the city to enhance the role of Kilkenny City as an economic driver.
The Kilkenny City and Environs Development Plan and the Kilkenny City Centre Local Area Plan, also
establishes conservation, sustainability, public realm and urban design strategies for the site. These
will deliver a mix of uses to ensure that this new quarter will be a vibrant and successful addition to the
medieval core. It will see the delivery of the following: -
l A new linear park on the banks of the River Nore;
l A new landscaped walk along the City Walls and Bregagh River;
l Conservation of historic buildings on the site;
l New public, landscaped spaces including a public square at St Francis Abbey;
l Sustainable and energy efficient strategies for individual buildings and the overall site;
l A university quarter centred on the regenerated industrial buildings to be retained on site;
l A new residential /student residential district;
l Indigenous and international knowledge economy uses on key sites; and
l Cultural, retail and tourist related uses on defined sites.
72 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The Kilkenny LECP will facilitate the agreement of a phased development strategy for capitalising on the
Brewery Site potential – the development of which is provided for by the Kilkenny City Development Plan
and Abbey Quarter Masterplan – taking into account the Abbey Creative Quarter, and third and fourth
level educational provision. It will also facilitate the provision of enterprise incubation and advance office
space, and enterprise support mechanisms focusing on innovation and research.
design thinking initiativeThe brand name Kilkenny is synonymous with creativity and quality design. The Design Thinking initiative
will also focus on young people, and will deliver enterprise skills. The initiative will also be designed to
assist those who have a digital business concept to bring it to a pre-commercial or commercial stage.
It will also be suitable for those who have recently started a new digital-based business and wish to further
develop their skills in technical and business areas.
Social EnterpriseThe European Commission has placed the social economy and social innovation at the heart of the
Europe 2020 strategy, and the Programme for Government 2011-2016 recognises the important role of
social enterprise in the country and contains a commitment to promoting the development of a vibrant
and effective social enterprise sector. The Action Plan for Jobs 2014 identified social enterprise as a
growing enterprise sector that can bring further job gains and deliver economic potential. At national level
it was estimated that the social enterprise sector employed between 25,000 and 33,000 people in over
1,400 social enterprises, with a total income of around €1.4 billion.
Social enterprises tend to be set in the heart of rural and urban communities, and often employ those that
are most marginalised, and who find it most difficult to get jobs. Typically they provide local services, and
so jobs are created in local communities. As well as the multiplier effects from the direct jobs in the sector,
further indirect jobs are created either by enabling the development of other enterprises, for example by
social enterprises that assist economic and community development, or by providing services that bring
people to a community such as local festivals.
The consultation process for the Kilkenny LECP identified a number of significant social enterprises in the
county falling into four categories:
1. Economic and community development organisations;
2. Those creating employment opportunities for marginalised groups;
3. Those that deliver services that bring people to a community such as local festivals or events;
4. Those with commercial opportunities that are established to create a social return.
This action will aim to support the retention of local services, especially in rural areas (including rural
post offices). It will investigate further opportunities by developing a social enterprise strategy taking into
account specific needs of local communities. To achieve this, the action will build upon the experience
73Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
of successful local social enterprises, and will identify models of successful social enterprise that are
relevant to communities across County Kilkenny.
incubation WorkspaceAs a complementary measure to that of Goal 1, an audit of potential enterprise incubation workspace in
County Kilkenny will be undertaken. The audit will include vacant buildings, office and industrial space.
The emerging profile will provide an evidence-base to identify the need for additional space.
goal 2: actions SummaryAction 2.1: Provide a seamless information, advice and training support service for entrepreneurs
throughout the enterprise lifecycle from start-up through to up-scaling, expansion and growth. Particular
emphasis will be placed on accelerating the growth of high potential start-ups and businesses with job
creation potential.
Action 2.2: Develop partnerships with all frontline access points for business, including banks and
accountants, to ensure there is maximum awareness of the supports available to entrepreneurs, in
particular from the LEO.
Action 2.3: Develop support initiatives to target Back-to-Work Enterprise Allowance participants.
Action 2.4: Establish a panel of local business leaders, entrepreneurs and enterprise role models that will
champion entrepreneurship and enterprise in County Kilkenny.
Action 2.5: Promote enterprise and innovation opportunities among young farmers, in conjunction
with Kildalton College. This should include hosting of an annual Enterprise event specifically aimed at
young farmers and also examination of the potential of incorporating enterprise related elements into the
curriculum of mainstream courses.
Action 2.6: Agree a phased development strategy for capitalising on the potential of the Brewery Site
as a Creative Quarter, the development of which is provided for by the Kilkenny City Development Plan
and the Abbey Quarter Masterplan, with particular emphasis on 3rd and 4th level education provision,
incubation and advance office space, innovation and research. This action will include investigation of the
development of a “Fab Lab” facility, to assist business develop innovative and creative ideas.
Action 2.7: Develop a strategy to promote and further expand Digital Media, Animation and Design
activities in County Kilkenny, building on the past experience of the Kilkenny Design Workshops. The
strategy should include a ‘Design Thinking’ initiative to deliver enterprise skills to young people.
Action 2.8: Develop a social enterprise strategy facilitating access to a range of social enterprise supports
and services and learning through other models of success. This will include building on the experience
of the REDZ initiative; and designing support structures tailored to suit both urban and rurally based
social enterprise initiatives, creating jobs and providing potential services into local communities. This
should also include an examination of co-op type community shops selling local produce in rural villages.
Action 2.9: Undertake an audit of industrial and incubation workspace throughout the County and assess
gaps and/or need for additional space so as to better inform the market and highlight zoned and serviced
lands in the County. This action will also include an audit and assessment of vacant and underutilised
lands and structures, the development and use of which can be used for the promotion of economic
development in accordance with the provisions of the applicable development plan.
74 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 3: Enhance the visitor Experience Engaging with Economic Action Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, Goal 3 builds on a key infrastructural strength
of County Kilkenny and Kilkenny City. It considers both the tourist market and the business visitor
(conference offerings).
Tourism is currently a major revenue generator for the local economy. It is estimated to be worth
approximately €60 million, and Kilkenny City is a thriving tourist base, accommodating over 200,000
domestic and 204,000 overseas tourists in 2013.
In October 2014 Fáilte Ireland published a set of key statistics on the performance of tourism across the regions
in 2013. This placed Kilkenny third behind Wexford and Waterford, with some 207,000 overseas visitors.
Of the attractions in the county and city, Kilkenny Castle attracted a total of 241,302 visitors in 2013.
Kilkenny is marketed as a heritage destination with a large number of associated visitor attractions. There
is potential to build upon the contribution of heritage to the economic development of Kilkenny. Natural
heritage is a further significant asset for the county. The high quality, natural environment supports the
economy by attracting employers, visitors and inward investment.
Failte Ireland has developed the new umbrella brand Ireland’s Ancient East: To offer visitors a compelling
reason to visit the East of the country. This new brand will ensure that the area – from Cork to Carlingford
and Cavan to Carnsore Point, and including inland counties as well as coastal – is presented in a cohesive
and unified manner. The brand proposition is 5000 years of history, lush green landscapes and stories
told by the best storytellers in the world. The four big international markets for Ireland are USA, GB,
France and Germany and – despite the growth in emerging markets – these four are forecast to remain
our strongest markets for some years to come. The Ireland's Ancient East brand will offer opportunities
for Kilkenny.
There are almost 350 food and accommodation businesses in County Kilkenny, accounting for
approximately one in six (or 16.7%) of the total number employed by all businesses. The county has also
developed an international profile as a venue for festivals that enhance the visitor offering, including: -
• The ‘Rhythm and Roots’ Festival, which hosts international stars of the bluegrass and country music scenes;
• The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, now established as one of the top international comedy festivals;
• The Kilkenomics Festival, which brings together some of the world's leading economists and financial
commentators with stand-up comedians;
• The Source Festival - an outdoor music festival;
• The Kilkenny Arts Festival, which features the best of visual art, street performance and classical music;
• Subtitle, the world’s only festival of exclusively European subtitled films; and
• The Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, which showcases the produce of local food producers.
Given the proven capacity for the tourism industry to generate economic activity across a number of sub-
sectors, including accommodation, events, activities and transport, the goal is one of encouraging the
spread of the sectoral impact across the county beyond the established honey-pots and maximising the
opportunities that exist for Kilkenny to benefit from the Ireland’s Ancient Esat brand.
75Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The development of the goal is also seen as instrumental in attracting FDI and business start-ups in
the county by reinforcing a positive image encompassing history, culture and the natural and built
environment.
Any development arising shall be in conformance with the provisions of the Kilkenny County and City
Development Plans and Local Area Plans. It is normal practice in the Council to ensure that:
• Any increase in visitor numbers are managed to avoid significant negative effects including loss of
habitat and disturbance;
• Any projects are a suitable distance from the edge of sensitive habitats such as rivers and streams; and
• Legislation relating to habitats, species, connectivity and designated sites is complied with.
There are an array of provisions which have been integrated in the aforementioned plans in this regard.
In 2013, Kilkenny achieved recognition as the Best Tourist Town in Ireland, one of the Friendliest Cities
in Europe, the Cleanest Business Town and the best Gathering Festival. All of this reinforces the sector
as a major revenue generator for the local economy of very great regional significance within the sector.
In 2011 the South-East attracted approximately 14% of domestic tourism. Kilkenny has traditionally
benefited from the domestic tourism market, particularly for short visits and this market is likely to become
increasingly important.
The LECP will support the development – conforming to the provisions of the Kilkenny County and
City Development Plans and Local Area Plans as appropriate - of sustainable tourism as an essential
component of the local economy. This will be achieved through co-operation between Fáilte Ireland,
Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Tourism, the LEADER Implementer and neighbouring counties in the
South East Region.
The attributes for tourism in the county include our green infrastructure comprising biodiversity, parks,
public realm open spaces, rivers, wetlands, woodlands, farmland and the built environment of the villages,
towns and urban areas. In this context, the Kilkenny LECP is designed to ensure that sustainable tourism
development should not only increase revenue for the sector, but should also deliver on conservation,
environmental and social goals.
Subject to conformance with the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, the
LECP supports a sustainable increase in the volume of visitors, revenue per visitor, their average length
of stay and seasonal spread; whilst protecting the built heritage and green infrastructure that form the
resources on which the industry is based.
The LECP will support the implementation of the Strategic Marketing Plan for Kilkenny Tourism, the Fáilte
Ireland Destination South East, and the Destination Kilkenny Development Strategies.
76 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 3: actions SummaryAction 3.1: Undertake an analysis of business tourism potential in County Kilkenny with reference to
conferences, business and major tourism entry points (such as Rosslare Port and Waterford Regional
Airport), marketing and PR and Ireland’s Ancient East campaign. This action will closely link with other
regionally-focused actions.
Action 3.2: Improve the visitor experience and business capability of outdoor activity providers active in
tourism. Initiatives to include analysis of the potential for: linking activity hubs and amenities; protection
and management of the county’s Green Infrastructure and the development of the County’s river assets
for fishing, boating and blueway trails. This will include engaging with the Ireland’s Ancient East team to
identify opportunities with the highest potential.
Action 3.3: Undertake an Asset Mapping exercise across the county to develop: area based specific
tourism strategies. This will also include initiatives focused on delivering a quality international tourism
experience around the Ireland Ancient East Brand. In particular, the potential to develop international
“stand-out” products based on Kilkenny’s comparative advantage in built and cultural heritage. This
action will include the development of the Medieval Mile Museum as a potential ‘hero site’ within Ireland’s
Ancient East, and identifying the opportunities to leverage the themes and stories which will work best to
bring Kilkenny to an international audience.
Action 3.5: Continue development of the ‘Medieval Mile’ and develop an action plan that links complementary
visitor attractions across the county aimed at prolonging and enhancing the visitor experience. This
will be a critical element of Kilkenny’s offering within Ireland’s Ancient East. Cross promotion of nearby
attractions will be important in the success of encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region rather
than using it as a transit zone.
Action 3.6: Design a county marketing and communications strategy to include activities around the
design and distribution of marketing materials, cluster initiatives, historical, and heritage interpretation
signs and cultural information signs. This action is aimed at increasing visitor numbers, sustaining the
quality of the visitor experience and prolonging the visitor’s stay in the county. This action will also include
maximising the potential of digital marketing, and use of tourism apps, video promotion and social media.
Action 3.7: Develop a strategy for Festivals as an economic driver, building on the very successful range
of existing festivals programmed throughout the year in County Kilkenny.
77Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 4: Provide for Enhanced Levels of Educational attainment & Skills development Goal 4 responds to Economic Action Area 5: Action Plan for Jobs and Labour Market Activation, and
Economic Action Area 6: Specific Action to Promote Increased Economic Activity in line with Regional
Priorities. It builds upon the strength of the county in the context of the existing third-level institutions,
and further encourages the prospect of a fourth-level facility.
In line with the SOLAS Further Education and Training Strategy 2014-2019 the objective will be to support
economic development, increase social inclusion, and meet the needs of all learners, communities and
employers who engage with Further Education and Training. In terms of higher-level education and
training, this may be further reinforced in the future with the establishment of the South East Technological
University based on the integration of Waterford Institute of Technology and Carlow Institute of Technology.
The education and training system is seen as a core part of the local enterprise, development and
innovation infrastructure. The goal will help to address the unemployment challenge and provide
targeted skills programmes that support job seekers to re-skill and up-skill for sectors where sustainable
employment opportunities are emerging. This will be achieved through the delivery of higher quality,
flexible and responsive programmes. Working with SICAP and the Action Plan for Jobs, the goal will also
be to support initiatives designed to focus on unemployed people, in particular those who are long-term
unemployed, and the young unemployed.
The development of an integrated working relationship between employers, and the training and
educational providers will be achieved through innovative Enterprise Liaison Strategies, particularly
encouraging meaningful dialogue between the ETB and sectoral business networks. The encouragement
and acceleration of marketing skills using targeted sectoral networking will be facilitated to complement
the existing marketing interventions and supports provided by Kilkenny LEO. Additionally, the goal will
encourage increased research and development activity on the interface of 3rd and 4th Level academic
facilities and local enterprise.
FEt and Skills developmentGoal 4 will be to provide for enhanced local education and skilling access, including enhanced access
from currently excluded communities. In this regard, the delivery of SICAP in Kilkenny, aimed at tackling
poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through local engagement and partnership between
disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies, will be supported. It will
also be an objective of the LECP to support the Gold Star Project, which is aimed at encouraging business
to be more inclusive of people with disabilities.
Community and voluntary sector facilities, arts centres and libraries will be engaged to drive new ideas in
the area of training and education - specifically for those who wish to build a career in arts and culture.
The potential of e-learning to provide access to information for otherwise hard to engage communities
will be exploited.
78 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
third Level ProvisionThe Action Plan for Jobs 2015 cites the improvement in skills provision that have occurred over the
past years, including the launch of SOLAS, the establishment of the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and
Training Board, the Momentum Programme, and the raft of employment incentive schemes such as
JobsPlus and the doubling of high-end skills as part of the second ICT Skills Action Plan.
The Kilkenny LECP recognises the importance of pursuing the establishment of the proposed Technological
University of the South East. It also acknowledges the need to develop high-end skills, in particular in ICT,
analytics and engineering. This demand must be met by increasing domestic graduate supply from the
local higher education sector. The LECP also notes the local importance of the agri-foods, tourism, craft
and the digital arts sectors.
The LECP further notes the importance of ensuring that all have access to STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Maths) education, since these are increasingly central to the majority of employment
opportunities being created.
goal 4: actions SummaryAction 4.1: Identify key sectoral needs in terms of management and business development and co-
ordinate training activities in response to sectoral needs.
Action 4.2: Establish a local Enterprise Training and Education Forum to ensure co-ordinated delivery of
enterprise training and management development supports to small business owners and entrepreneurs
in the County. This will complement the work of the South East Regional Skills Forum, which has been
established to promote closer liaison between employers and the education sector in the region, including
strengthened industry liaison functions generally and developing structured programmes of awareness
raising of the capabilities and assets available to enterprises in the region.
Action 4.3: Promote greater awareness of the tourism product/offering across the County (through
initiatives such as “Know Your Own County” Campaign); develop tourism ambassadors for the County;
and highlight potential career opportunities within the tourism sector. This will also include delivery of Local
Tour Guide Training Programmes to upskill service providers, to increase knowledge and co-ordination of
existing and new visitor attractions, and to encourage cluster marketing and collective initiatives.
Action 4.4: Undertake to ascertain potential job opportunities in Kilkenny and assess skills requirements
and qualifications. Respond through education and training initiatives working closely with business
community, Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board and 3rd Level sectors. This action will
include the potential of training across a broad spectrum from traditional building skills to digital media/
film production and will also involve proactively engaging with third level institutes to further enhance and
develop 3rd and 4th level education provision, based on Kilkenny’s strengths and emerging opportunities.
Action 4.5: Continue to work in partnership with the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board
and County Childcare Committee to provide training and locally based materials to teachers and childcare
providers on aspects of Kilkenny’s built, natural and cultural heritage.
Action 4.6: Support the establishment of the proposed Technological University of the South East.
79Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 5: develop the rural Economy Goal 5 particularly references the framework of Economic Action Area 2: Promoting Economic Development
Through General Local Authority Powers and Functions, and Economic Action Area 6: Specific Action to
Promote Increased Economic Activity in line with Regional Priorities.
The Teagasc Rural Towns Index (2014) notes that at national level, poverty rates are higher (10%) in
small towns than cities (5%), and that one third of working age households have no one in work in small
towns compared with less than 20% in cities. It also notes that spending has fallen faster in smaller
towns than in urban areas as a consequence a vicious cycle is generated where higher unemployment
change results lower spending, which means more local shops close. In turn, this results in more vacant
properties.
Farming and farm related industries are of major importance to the economy of County Kilkenny, and
there is a strong tradition of progressive farming in the region. The average farm size of 44.7ha is the
largest of any region in the country and the standard output per farm as measured by the CSO is almost
double the national average.
The region has an ideal climate and soil type for growing grass and grazing enterprises predominate.
Dairying is the dominant enterprise in the region from an economic point of view although only one third
of farms have a dairy enterprise. There is a cattle-farming enterprise on almost all farms in the region.
There are also major food processing plants in the region, including Glanbia, Dawn Meats, ABP Foods,
and Flahavans (Waterford).
The National Field Vegetable Census 2009 confirmed that Kilkenny was a significant county for field
vegetable production. The major companies operating in the agri-food sector within County Kilkenny
include Connolly’s Redmills, complemented by an emerging artisan food producer base of approximately
40 micro- and medium-sized food producers. Glanbia plc has their Global Nutritionals Headquarters and
the Group's main innovation centre located in Kilkenny.
In order that the above growth targets are to be met, world-class environmental performance will be
required across all dimensions of the agri-food sector, from the farm to the factory and on to the customer
and consumer. International buyers in the agri-food sector also require evidence of good environmental
performance on the farm, as a contractual requirement. This will continue to drive the range of world-
class quality assurance schemes that the sector has been developing.
Notwithstanding the impact of the economic downturn, certain areas of County Kilkenny have been
shown to be more attractive for rural settlement, particularly around the major centres such as Kilkenny
and Waterford. The trends show that population increase in urban areas has been stronger than the
aggregate rural areas.
80 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The County Development Plan notes that County Kilkenny can be divided into three broad categories: -
1. Areas under Urban Influence;
2. Stronger Rural Areas; and
3. Peripheral Areas of Population decline
Goal 5 particularly focuses on rural areas that are in decline, and will use, in conformance with the
provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, a portfolio of actions
to increase the level of economic activity. The outcome of this will be to build sustainability into the local
rural economies, and enable them to contribute to the economic generation capacity of the county and
region. Kilkenny LECP aims to increase the resilience of the rural economy.
The impact of the economic recession has triggered many changes in rural town and village settings. It
has resulted in the creation of empty retail spaces, eroding the attractiveness of villages. This impact has
been further exacerbated by the changes that have occurred in the nature of retail activity, increasing the
perception of remoteness, and the impact of dormitory lifestyles.
rural EconomyThe development of resilient local economies is a continued point of focus for the Council. This approach
references the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) Report ‘Energising
Ireland’s Rural Economy’ noting that rural communities have experienced the most negative impacts of
the current economic crisis due to their heavy reliance on declining employment sectors.
Whilst Kilkenny generally benefits from its strategic location and relatively easy access to centres of
population, its rural settlements are placed under stress by the conflicting desirability of living in a rural
location, and the reducing local employment opportunity. This rural reality creates an environmentally
unsustainable situation, dimensions of which are addressed through the development of more resilient
and self-sufficient local communities.
goal 5: actions SummaryAction 5.1: Prepare and implement a Local Development Strategy for the next LEADER Rural Development Programme.24
Action 5.2: Work with local businesses and representative organisations to support the regeneration/
development of rural towns and areas by developing a strategic development plan for key towns in each
Municipal District (incorporating social and community development aspects, heritage led regeneration
and hinterland associations). These will include proposals to enhance the consumer experience and
attractiveness of town centres and villages for shopping and visiting. Rural towns and villages in particular
can contribute to the tourism offering, as they are home to many hidden gems, encouraging visitors to get
off the beaten track and discover these areas.
Action 5.3: Support the development of rural enterprise and diversification initiatives. This action will
include exploring rural development opportunities in particular renewable energy and green technology.
Action 5.4: Support the development of an agri-food-science network and identify and support employment
creation potential.
24 It should be noted that two competing bids will be submitted in respect of County Kilkenny for the delivery of the next LEADER Rural Development Programme. Depending on the outcome
of that competitive process, it may be necessary to review the actions contained in the LECP (i.e. the actions that will be resourced by the LEADER Programme and/or CKLP.)
81Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 6: improve access and Communications infrastructure Goal 6 relates specifically to Economic Action Area 4: Economic Components of the Community/Local
Development Role, and Economic Action Area 6: Specific Action to Promote Increased Economic Activity
in line with Regional Priorities. It builds upon the amenity and environmental value of the City and county.
It proposes that the County Council engages positively with the Societal Change Pillar of EU Horizon
2020, and key aspects will be delivered in close cooperation with Carlow-Kilkenny Energy Agency.
transportSmarter Travel: A Sustainable Transport Future 2009-2020 notes that delivering a sustainable transport
system is an important dimension of the climate change agenda. The strategy concludes that to achieve
a sustainable transport system, individual lifestyles will have to change and develop a range of solutions
which deal with conflicting goals, including economic growth, reduced emissions, less use of motorised
transport and better accessibility.
Kilkenny City and Environs Development Plan 2014-2020 introduced the ‘ten minute city’ concept, based
on the concept of access to all local facilities within a 10-minute cycle or walk from home. Kilkenny City is
approximately 3km wide and 4.5km long. Few journeys undertaken within the city are more than 2.5 km
in length; and assuming an average cycle speed of 15 km per hour, that equates to 10 minutes. Similarly,
the city’s commercial centre is approximately 0.5 km wide by 0.5 km long, it is therefore possible to walk
its extent, assuming a walk speed of 4km per hour, in approximately 10 minutes.
Achieving the goal of a more sustainable public transport system will lead to a better quality-of-life,
not just in terms of economic competitiveness, greater social inclusion and a healthier population, but
also through an improved urban landscape, which will be enhanced through traffic calming and other
measures.
The promotion of walking, cycling, public transport and other more sustainable forms of transport as an
alternative to the private car, together with the development of the necessary infrastructure and promotion
of the initiatives will be supported by Kilkenny County Council, in conformance with the provisions of the
County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans.
County Kilkenny has an opportunity to develop its ‘green’ credentials by encouraging the development and
implementation of innovative, integrated public transport modes, moving significantly beyond the existing
infrastructure. The continuation of this approach encourages the development of integrated models of
City Access, Parking, Park-and-Stride, and the use of Green Infrastructure for creating pedestrian links to
relieve congestion and improve the environment and attractiveness in particular of the compact Kilkenny
City core.
82 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
BroadbandHigh-quality reliable broadband is a prerequisite of business. Such a service is not widely available to the
rural consumer at recognised industry standard speeds and at an affordable price. Whilst a number of
initiatives are in place to improve coverage, it is likely that some areas, particularly in rural locations, will
still be unable to access commercial offerings.
The LECP will support the development and implementation of innovative solutions designed to improve
the quality of broadband services across the county, including those being offered in rural locations. In
so doing it will support the concept of the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) in providing for
sustainable enterprise opportunities. Any variation to the County Development Plan or to Local Areas Plans
to designate such zones shall be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate
Assessment (AA) Screening processes.
Strategic infrastructureBelview Port is the nearest deep-water Irish port to mainland Europe. Two thirds of the Irish domestic
market lies within a 160km radius of Belview, with direct access to the national rail network and the
motorway network. It is regionally very significant in terms of employment creation.
Kilkenny City represents the largest centre of employment for those residing, and also working in the
county. Kilkenny attracts employees from throughout the county, defining itself as a strong commuter
town, the majority of which travel by car. Inward commuting Kilkenny employees tend to be most
distributed in the centre and north of the county.
County Waterford is the largest employment centre for those who are resident in County Kilkenny but are
working outside of the county, comprising a majority of 50%; 45% of which are employed in Waterford
City alone, whilst the remaining 5% are employed elsewhere in County Waterford.
goal 6: actions SummaryAction 6.1: Maximise the potential of the Belview Port industrial zone in terms of infrastructure and job
creation opportunities.25
Action 6.2: Develop a walking, cycling and waterways trail strategy to include the potential of enterprise
related activities and job creation potential and linked to tourism actions.
Action 6.3: Support the development of a linked County and City integrated transport service. This will
include supporting the further development of rural transport initiatives such as Ringalink. This action will
also focus on specific actions for sustainable travel to address the high level of commuting from Kilkenny
to Waterford.
Action 6.4: Undertake a Broadband Needs Analysis and facilitate the rollout of high speed broadband
across the county, in particular in rural areas. This action will include supporting small-scale pilot projects
and local providers to enhance their networks and include more rural households and businesses in
accessing broadband.
25 Development within the Belview area is required to conform with the provisions of the Kilkenny County Development Plan and the Ferrybank-Belview Local Area Plan.
83Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 7: Foster Leadership and Local CapacityReferencing the enhanced role of Kilkenny County Council in leading economic and community
development in the future, Goal 7 responds to Economic Action Area 2: Promoting Economic Development
Through General Local Authority Powers and Functions, and Economic Action Area 4: Economic
Components of the Community/Local Development Role.
Kilkenny County Council has a significant influence on the local economy as provider, enabler, procurer
or regulator in a range of matters such as infrastructure, sustainable development, and local services, as
well as directly providing over 500 jobs.
The County Council works to promote local economic development in various ways, including co-
ordinating response to possible local economic setbacks.
In addition to this significant impact on economic activity, in the future, economic development will be
regarded as a core local authority function alongside these more traditional roles.
The guidelines for the LECP note that ‘while certain local authority functions have a very specific economic
character, the economic development role needs to be approached from the perspective that ALL local
government activity has the potential to contribute to this overarching goal, and it should be a lens
through which all relevant activities of the local authority are viewed. In addition, the impact of local
authority functions on local and regional competitiveness is significant, particularly in relation to local
housing markets, and also in terms of investment in and management of key infrastructure including
roads, and direct impact on the cost of doing business in an area’.
Optimisation of the role of the County Council will be necessary to embed and prioritise the objective
of economic development in all relevant County Council functions, including planning, infrastructure,
environment, and amenity.
It will be necessary to consider not only publically owned land-banks but also opportunities for private sector
development. The County Council role in housing and related planning and infrastructural functions, are
crucially relevant to the overall economy, both in supporting competitiveness and maintaining balance
and sustainable development in the housing market to avoid any repeat of cyclical economic instability.
A number of tools will be used to achieve the outcome, primarily focussing on the development of smarter
sectoral and local networking forums within the business community. In turn this will see the development
of new models of fostering local leadership that will innovatively link across the divide between existing
structures such as Chambers of Commerce and the Public Participation Network.
84 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
goal 7: actions SummaryAction 7.1: Work closely with the private sector in developing a county level approach to ensure that office
and industrial developments can come on stream quickly.
Action 7.2: Ensure that in the revision of the Core Strategy (and subsequent Development Plans)
that sufficient land for residential development, industrial development and infrastructure is provided
consistent with the regional population targets. The designation of zoned land is undertaken by land use
plans, and must comply with higher level planning objectives and is informed by SEA and AA processes
as appropriate.
Action 7.3: Establish an inter-agency working group to ensure strategic and efficient support of LECP
action implementation.
goal 8: Protect the natural, Cultural and Built Environment Goal 8 is linked to Goal 3 and Goal 5. It particularly references Economic Action Area 6: Specific Action to
Promote Increased Economic Activity in line with Regional Priorities. The goal recognises that the natural
environment performs a wide range of roles in enhancing Kilkenny City, the towns, rural villages and the
wider countryside. The environment encompasses natural amenity, biodiversity, education, social and
community benefits, and health and well-being benefits. Playing fields, parks, gardens and informal
open spaces are not only important as a recreational resource but also provide valuable green areas
for wildlife corridors and habitats, act as buffers between different land uses, enhance visual amenity,
especially in developed areas, and contribute to the quality-of-life of everyone.
The goal also recognises the importance of the built environment of the county to the creation of
sustainable communities as places where people will want to live and work, now and in the future. A
quality built environment is required to contribute to a high quality of life by providing safe, inclusive, and
well-planned spaces that offer equality of opportunity and good services for all.
The social and economic development of County Kilkenny is intrinsically linked to its heritage. The
county’s character and culture are vital assets that help the county compete as a tourism destination and
a location of choice for investment. It also provides the basis for leisure activity adding to an enhanced
quality-of-life and sense of well-being.
abbey Creative QuarterThe location of the Abbey Creative Quarter site adjoining the medieval heart of Kilkenny City provides not
only an opportunity to regenerate the area economically and socially but also provides an opportunity to
repair the fabric of the city, to reinstate traditional streets and slipways.
The Abbey Creative Quarter presents Kilkenny City with an opportunity to create a modern intervention
adjoining its medieval core that will enhances its cultural heritage, contribute to its sustainability through
its design and function, and allows it to compete in the knowledge economy of the twenty-first century.
85Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Development within the Abbey Creative Quarter area is required to conform with the provisions of the
Kilkenny City Development Plan and the Abbey Quarter Masterplan.
Belview Port developmentThe Belview site has excellent access to the Waterford City Gateway, a city with a population of 50,000
and there are three third level facilities within 50 minutes drive, producing 3,500 graduates per year.
Development within the Belview area is required to conform with the provisions of the Kilkenny County
Development Plan and the Ferrybank-Belview Local Area Plan.
Goal 8 is designed to encourage a deeper understanding of the natural, cultural and built assets of County
Kilkenny. This will result in more enlightened physical development, and will support the creation of a
strong culture and practice of environmental sustainability across the county. Within this overarching
outcome, the goal will support the greater appreciation of the heritage of the county. In turn this will help
to protect the environment and local heritage.
Local communities of place and interest will be encouraged to innovatively consider the implementation
of key aspects of the green economy and the adoption of appropriate alternative and smart energy
solutions. Kilkenny’s heritage (built, natural and cultural) is that which makes the county unique. It
provides significant economic benefits for the county as it underpins important economic sectors such
as agriculture, tourism and recreation. It contributes to our quality and enjoyment of life, and our sense
of place and local pride.
The National Heritage Plan and the National Biodiversity Plan 2011-2016 recognise the key role that local
authorities, and locally-led action, plays in heritage awareness and management. A key element of both
plans is an enhanced role for local authorities in heritage management, to be given effect through the
preparation and implementation of County Heritage Plans and Biodiversity Action Plans. Kilkenny County
Council, in partnership with the Kilkenny Heritage Forum, prepares and implements the County Kilkenny
Heritage Plan and Biodiversity Plan. The LECP will seek the protection and sustainable management of
our environment and heritage for future generations.
goal 8: actions SummaryAction 8.1: Undertake to identify, record and map the natural and cultural assets within the county to
facilitate their protection and sustainable management whilst identifying access to job creation and skills
development potential.
Action 8.2: Support community-led and farm based initiatives to raise awareness about and conserve
biodiversity and natural capital.
Action 8.3: Design and implement locally based heritage awareness and education initiatives within
industry, schools and communities.
Action 8.4: Support the development of the Abbey Creative Quarter, the Medieval Mile and the 5 medieval
walled towns (that are part of the Irish Walled Towns Network.)
86 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Action 8.5: Expand the Better Energy Communities Initiative in Kilkenny to promote energy efficiency
measures and promote cost savings through energy efficiency programmes and training for the local
business community. This will include working with the Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency to promote energy
efficiency best practice.
Action 8.6: Maximise the socio-economic and community benefits of the county’s built, natural and
cultural heritage by resourcing and implementing the County Kilkenny Heritage Plan and the County
Kilkenny Biodiversity Plan.
Action 8.7: Provide support for the commercial and retail sector on the retention and maintenance of
heritage premises and shopfronts.
Action 8.8: Ensure that the heritage of Kilkenny, which contributes to its USP, is conserved and sustainably
managed. This will include investigating opportunities for Kilkenny’s involvement in the national Historic
Towns Initiative (currently being piloted) and supporting the “Living Cities Initiative” and similar schemes.
goal 9: Contribute to regional growth and international Potential Goal 9 is the major crosscutting element of the Kilkenny LECP. It is designed to respond to, and enable
all of the Economic Action Areas.
Over the period 2010-2014 the IDA reports that it won 34 investments for the South East Region (Wexford,
Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and South Tipperary). There are currently 12,081 people employed by IDA
clients in the south east region in a range of companies, with particular strengths in medical technologies.
The Life Sciences and PharmaChem sector has a defined requirement for a skilled labour pool,
competitively priced property options, robust telecommunications infrastructure. The IDA's Belview site
is available for pharmaceutical, industry and technology use.
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) offers significant research expertise capability locally to the
sector through its Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre (PMBRC). This facility
focuses on areas such as polymeric materials, drug delivery, process technologies, separation science
and molecular biotechnology.
Between 30% and 40% uplift in investments for the South East Region delivered through IDA Ireland
would result in some 44 to 48 projects. This would capitalise on the regional activity, particularly where
this is focussed on realising new and emerging international opportunities. To further support this. Goal 9
will facilitate the development of international linkages resulting in potential export market access for local
business. It will also encourage FDI and visitors to the county. Development arising would be required to
conform with the provisions of the County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans.
This goal will enable the county to develop a more coherent and successful mechanism for pursuing
additional funding and resource opportunities. It will also facilitate 3rd Level international linkages and
networks that are designed to add value to the existing or emerging business community in County
Kilkenny and the region. County Kilkenny is already involved in a significant number of regional initiatives
87Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
that have a direct bearing on the economic development of the region. These will be reinforced through
this goal, which will seek to initialise and capitalise on regional activity, particularly where this is focussed
on realising new and emerging international opportunities.
From an economic perspective, the development of international linkages that result in access to
international markets in terms of tourism and export potential for local business will be facilitated.
SmartPly, a Coillte company, based in Belview is a company with significant regional potential. The
plant uses trees, harvested mainly in the Southern part of the country, to manufacture innovative and
sustainable wood products used by building companies in flooring, building frames, roofing, and many
other applications. Over 90% of the output produced is for export and Coillte recently announced plans
to expand the manufacturing facility. This new facility will provide other suppliers, including farmers and
private forestry growers, with a long-term destination for pulp wood, including from forest thinnings.
It is recognised that Local Authorities in Ireland have not been accessing and availing of EU funding
opportunities to the same extent as other European municipalities. This goal will be used to enable
the county to develop a more coherent and successful mechanism for pursuing additional funding and
resource opportunities, and in developing innovative engagement models that seek to scale-up local
actions to identify and secure funding opportunities. Focus will be given to INTERREG funding and
the new ERDF Urban Development Fund, and also enabling actions related to relevant initiatives of
investment programmes such as the SFI.
The South East BIC is actively involved in EU projects. Through its EBN connection and membership
of Special Interest Groups the BIC can assist suitable companies to be engaged / participate in suitable
Horizon 2020 projects. In particular, the South East BIC is involved in the BIO Economy Group which is
heavily orientated towards agriculture and ICT. LEO Kilkenny will work with South East BIC to ensure that
these opportunities can be maximised for businesses in County Kilkenny. It is expected that Goal 9 will
result in more local companies participating in EU projects and benefitting from greater transference of
ideas, processes and project funding opportunities.
goal 9: actions SummaryAction 9.1: Support industry-led fora and strategic collaborations at regional level, with a view to contributing
to the overall development of the South East Region. In particular, Kilkenny County Council will proactively
support the implementation of the South East Enterprise Action Plan for Jobs. This will include collating
baseline data to contribute to the actions in the South East Action Plan for Jobs.
Action 9.2: Support the participation of Kilkenny based enterprises in best practice events across the
South East Region, including participation in EU funded programmes and initiatives.
Action 9.3: Further advance the proposal for a European centre of excellence for ICT in Agriculture in Kilkenny.
Action 9.4: Participate in the eDIGIREGION Project and assist in the development of smart specialisation
strategies for the South East Region.
88 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Action 9.5: Proactively work with other local authorities to promote the region and advance regional
opportunities, including the implementation of the South East Region - Action Plan for Jobs. This will also
include collaborating to develop the South East as an agri-tech centre of excellence.
Action 9.6: Assist in the development of a showcase of the region’s manufacturing base with a dual focus
on: attracting young people to careers in manufacturing; and facilitating manufacturing companies to
promote more STEM participation in schools.
Action 9.7: Exploit the potential of convergence opportunities in the South East, linking life-sciences with
pharma/medical devices, engineering, ICT, and Telecoms.
Action 9.8: Contribute to a regional assessment of the economic value added potential of the forestry
sector.
Action 9.9: Establish a programme on a regional level for large employers to collaborate to brand the
region as a tourist destination.
89Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Community actionsThe Community Plan has 4 high-level goals, 12 strategic objectives and 120 actions to be delivered by
approximately 29 agencies (sections of agencies) and groups across the county from 2016 to 2021.
Goal 10: Addressing Area based Poverty and Disadvantage has 4 strategic objectives and 50 actions
• Improving deprivation of those living in small pockets of disadvantage
• Has 14 actions – across various agencies and groups in the county
• Increasing the level of education attainment for those living in disadvantaged areas
• Has 19 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• Reducing the level of unemployment in disadvantaged areas
• Has 11 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• Reducing the level of Youth unemployment in disadvantaged areas
• Has 6 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
Goal 11: Addressing Poverty and Social Exclusion has 2 strategic objectives and 25 actions
• Ensuring the inclusion and engagement of all citizens in the county
• Has 12 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• To put particular focus on Lone parents, Travellers, People from ethnic minority and cultural groups,
Older people, people with a disability and children and young people – ensuring these groupings are
prioritised in relation to poverty goals
• Has 13 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
Goal 12: Enhancing Community Facilities and Participation has 4 strategic objectives and 24 actions
• Ensure all citizens have access to appropriate community facilities
• Has 10 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• Ensure all facilities are used to their optimum capacity, open and available to all
• Has 5 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• Ensure community development coordination at MD level to support communities at local level
• Has 2 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• To increase community participation and civic engagement at MD and county level
• Has 7 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
Goal 13: Improving Health and Well-being has 2 strategic objectives and 21 actions
• Ensure the health & wellbeing of all Kilkenny’s citizens
• Has 2 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county
• To put particular focus on people with a disability, substance misuse, mental health and suicide,
Travellers, ethnic minority and cultural groups, homelessness and LGBTI
• Has 19 actions - across various agencies and groups in the county.
90 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
91Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
8. L
ECP
AC
TIO
N P
LAN
S EC
onoM
iC a
Ctio
n PL
an26
tabl
e 1
– go
al 1
: Sup
port
the
Ente
rpris
e Ec
onom
y
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r org
anis
atio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
g1: E
nter
pris
e Ec
onom
y Sup
port
o1
: To
stre
ngth
en th
e en
terp
rise
base
and
en
cour
age
job
crea
tion
activ
ities
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kilk
enny
Ch
ambe
r of C
omm
erce
; CK
LP; E
I
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Stru
ctur
e.
Supp
ort N
etwo
rks.
actio
n 1.
1: E
ngag
e wi
th lo
cal b
usin
ess
to a
ddre
ss s
ecto
ral n
eeds
, wh
ilst s
imul
tane
ousl
y fac
ilita
ting
stra
tegi
c co
llabo
ratio
ns, n
etwo
rkin
g an
d in
nova
tion.
Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e su
ppor
ting
and
faci
litat
ing
exis
ting
busi
ness
and
sec
tora
l net
work
s.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Oth
er L
EOs
in
the
regi
on; E
I; Lo
cal I
ndus
try20
16-2
021
Orga
nise
co
nfer
ence
.ac
tion
1.2:
Hos
t an
annu
al e
nter
pris
e co
nfer
ence
, mod
elle
d on
the
BizF
est e
vent
, to
prom
ote
cros
s-se
ctor
al n
etwo
rkin
g am
ong
smal
l bu
sine
ss in
the
regi
on.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P; Te
agas
c;
Farm
ing
Grou
ps; L
ocal
In
dust
ry
2016
-201
7Co
mpl
etio
n of
ne
eds
anal
ysis
.ac
tion
1.3:
Und
erta
ke a
nee
ds a
nalys
is o
f the
Agr
i-Foo
d se
ctor
in C
ount
y Ki
lken
ny to
incl
ude
artis
an fo
od p
rodu
cers
. Agr
ee a
Stra
tegi
c Ac
tion
Plan
taki
ng in
to a
ccou
nt F
ood
Wis
e 20
25 ta
rget
s, a
nd fa
cilit
ate
acce
ss
to m
arke
ts fo
r exa
mpl
e: th
roug
h lo
cal i
nitia
tives
, par
ticip
atio
n in
food
an
d to
uris
m re
late
d tra
de s
hows
, the
mat
ic fe
stiv
als
and
inte
rnat
iona
l lin
kage
s. T
here
will
be
a Fo
od S
tory
dev
elop
ed a
s pa
rt of
the
Irela
nd’s
Anci
ent E
ast b
rand
will
offe
r opp
ortu
nitie
s fo
r Kilk
enny
to le
vera
ge it
s fo
od o
fferin
g.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Oth
er L
EOs
in
the
regi
on; C
KLP
2016
-201
7Su
ppor
t Stru
ctur
e.ac
tion
1.4:
Sup
port
the
furth
er d
evel
opm
ent a
nd e
xpan
sion
of t
he Ir
ish
Food
Co-
op in
the
sout
h ea
st.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P; Te
agas
c;
Failt
e Ire
land
; Kilk
enny
To
uris
m; B
ord
Bia
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Stru
ctur
e.ac
tion
1.5:
Pro
mot
e gr
eate
r bus
ines
s lin
ks b
etwe
en th
e to
uris
m a
nd
food
sec
tors
, in
parti
cula
r pro
mot
ing
use
of lo
cal p
rodu
ce b
y the
loca
l ho
spita
lity s
ecto
r and
attr
actin
g vi
sito
rs to
Kilk
enny
for a
dditi
onal
fo
od a
nd b
ever
age
rela
ted
activ
ities
. Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e bu
ildin
g on
the
succ
ess
of th
e Sa
vour
Kilk
enny
Foo
d Fe
stiv
al.
Stre
ngth
ened
loca
l en
terp
rise
base
th
roug
h ta
rget
ing
sect
ors
with
em
ploy
men
t pot
entia
l.
This
will
pro
vide
for
incr
ease
d le
vels
of
job
crea
tion
requ
iring
a
rang
e of
ski
lls
deliv
ered
thro
ugh
a va
riety
of e
mpl
oym
ent
mod
els.
26
Impl
emen
tatio
n of
the
LEC
P is
req
uire
d to
con
form
to th
e fo
llow
ing:
Th
e R
egio
nal P
lann
ing
Gui
delin
es a
nd th
e R
egio
nal S
patia
l and
Eco
nom
ic S
trat
egy
(whe
neve
r th
at is
in p
lace
); a
nd
The
prov
isio
ns o
f the
Kilk
enny
Cou
nty
and
City
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
ns a
nd L
ocal
Are
a P
lans
, inc
ludi
ng th
ose
prov
isio
ns r
equi
ring
sust
aina
ble
deve
lopm
ent a
nd R
ural
and
Urb
an B
usin
ess
Dev
elop
men
t Zon
es. E
ncou
rage
inno
vativ
e So
cial
Eco
nom
y bu
sine
sses
with
in th
ese
zone
s.92
Kilk
enny
Loc
al E
cono
mic
and
Com
mun
ity P
lan
26
Impl
emen
tatio
n of
the
LEC
P is
req
uire
d to
con
form
to th
e fo
llow
ing:
Th
e R
egio
nal P
lann
ing
Gui
delin
es a
nd th
e R
egio
nal S
patia
l and
Eco
nom
ic S
trat
egy
(whe
neve
r th
at is
in p
lace
); a
nd
The
prov
isio
ns o
f the
Kilk
enny
Cou
nty
and
City
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
ns a
nd L
ocal
Are
a P
lans
, inc
ludi
ng th
ose
prov
isio
ns r
equi
ring
sust
aina
ble
deve
lopm
ent a
nd R
ural
and
Urb
an B
usin
ess
Dev
elop
men
t Zon
es. E
ncou
rage
inno
vativ
e So
cial
Eco
nom
y bu
sine
sses
with
in th
ese
zone
s.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P; D
CCOI
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Stru
ctur
e.Ac
tion
1.6:
Bui
ld o
n Ki
lken
ny’s
stre
ngth
as
a hu
b fo
r cra
ft bu
sine
sses
an
d de
velo
p ce
ntre
s of
exc
elle
nce
for c
eram
ics
and
jewe
llery.
Thi
s ac
tion
will
also
incl
ude
the
intro
duct
ion
of a
bur
sary
sch
eme
to s
uppo
rt st
art-
up c
raft
busi
ness
es.
Conn
ect I
rela
nd; I
DA;
EI; K
ilken
ny C
ham
ber o
f Co
mm
erce
; Iris
h Ho
tels
Fe
dera
tion;
IBEC
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Netw
orks
.Ac
tion
1.7:
Max
imis
e th
e po
tent
ial o
f Con
nect
Irel
and
with
in K
ilken
ny
to fu
rther
dev
elop
dia
spor
a ne
twor
ks a
nd in
tern
atio
nal l
inka
ges
in th
e ar
eas
of tr
ade
prom
otio
n, a
ttrac
ting
inve
stm
ent a
nd a
dvic
e an
d su
ppor
t to
ent
repr
eneu
rs.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kilk
enny
CoC
o;
EI; N
atio
nal A
ssoc
iatio
n of
Com
mun
ity E
nter
pris
e Ce
ntre
s
2016
-201
7Aw
aren
ess
even
ts.
Actio
n 1.
8: E
ngag
e wi
th C
omm
unity
Ent
erpr
ise
Cent
res
(CEC
s) in
th
e Co
unty
to in
vest
igat
e th
e po
tent
ial f
or fu
rther
dev
elop
men
t of
incu
batio
n sp
ace
and
supp
ort s
ervi
ces.
Exp
lore
the
pote
ntia
l of a
co
llect
ive
appr
oach
to p
lann
ing
and
prom
otio
n of
CEC
s in
the
Coun
ty.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kilk
enny
CoC
o;
EI; L
GMA
2016
-201
7Aw
aren
ess
Even
ts.
Actio
n 1.
9: P
rom
ote
grea
ter a
ware
ness
of a
nd e
ngag
emen
t in
publ
ic
proc
urem
ent o
ppor
tuni
ties
amon
g sm
all b
usin
esse
s, a
nd in
par
ticul
ar,
oppo
rtuni
ties
avai
labl
e wi
thin
loca
l aut
horit
ies
and
the
HSE.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; K
ilken
ny
Cham
ber o
f Com
mer
ce;
Reta
il Ex
celle
nce
Irela
nd;
Reta
il Ire
land
; RGD
ATA;
LEO
Ki
lken
ny
2016
-201
7Pu
blic
atio
n of
Re
port
Actio
n 1.
10: D
evel
op a
Ret
ail E
xcel
lenc
e St
rate
gy a
nd in
clud
e cr
oss-
sect
oral
col
labo
ratio
ns in
are
as s
uch
as s
hop
front
age
desi
gn, u
se
of te
chno
logy
in s
ales
and
mar
ketin
g (in
clud
ing
onlin
e tra
ding
), an
d th
e us
e of
loca
l her
itage
and
cul
ture
in m
arke
ting
desi
gn. T
his
actio
n wi
ll al
so in
clud
e pr
omot
ing
ecom
mer
ce o
ppor
tuni
ties
and
incr
easi
ng
the
num
ber o
f Tra
ding
On-
line
Vouc
hers
dra
wn d
own
in p
artic
ular
by
reta
ilers
in th
e Co
unty.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; ID
A20
16-2
017
IDA
mat
eria
l.Ac
tion
1.11
: Pro
activ
ely a
ssis
t IDA
Irel
and
to u
pdat
e its
onl
ine
mar
ketin
g an
d pr
omot
iona
l mat
eria
l for
Kilk
enny
City
and
Cou
nty.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o20
16-2
017
Laun
ch S
chem
eAc
tion
1.12
: Dev
elop
an
ince
ntiv
e sc
hem
e fo
r the
occ
upat
ion
of v
acan
t co
mm
erci
al u
nits
as
a m
eans
of s
uppo
rting
loca
l bus
ines
s st
art-
ups
and
job
crea
tion,
as
well
as th
e re
gene
ratio
n of
town
stre
etsc
apes
.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Cre
dit U
nion
s;
MFI
; Bus
ines
s Ne
twor
ks20
16-2
021
Awar
enes
s Ev
ents
an
d m
ediu
ms
Actio
n 1.
13: E
ncou
rage
gre
ater
use
of a
ltern
ativ
e fu
ndin
g so
urce
s,
espe
cial
ly fo
r sta
rtups
. Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e pr
omot
ing
the
Cred
it Un
ion
Smal
l Bus
ines
s Lo
an S
chem
e an
d M
icro
Fin
ance
Irel
and.
tabl
e 2
– go
al 2
: Fac
ilita
te in
nova
tion
and
Entr
epre
neur
ship
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r org
anis
atio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G2: F
acili
tate
In
nova
tion
and
trepr
eneu
rshi
p
O2: P
rovi
de a
n in
tegr
ated
sup
port
stru
ctur
e co
nduc
ive
to e
nter
pris
e st
art-
up
and
grow
th.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; EI
2016
-202
1En
hanc
ed
serv
ice
esta
blis
hed.
Actio
n 2.
1: P
rovi
de a
sea
mle
ss in
form
atio
n, a
dvic
e an
d tra
inin
g su
ppor
t ser
vice
for e
ntre
pren
eurs
thro
ugho
ut th
e en
terp
rise
lifec
ycle
fro
m s
tart-
up th
roug
h to
up-
scal
ing,
exp
ansi
on a
nd g
rowt
h.
Parti
cula
r em
phas
is w
ill b
e pl
aced
on
acce
lera
ting
the
grow
th o
f hig
h po
tent
ial s
tart-
ups
and
busi
ness
es w
ith jo
b cr
eatio
n po
tent
ial.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Ban
ks;
Acco
unta
nts
2016
-201
7Gr
eate
r Aw
aren
ess
and
Enha
nced
Se
rvic
e es
tabl
ishe
d.
Actio
n 2.
2: D
evel
op p
artn
ersh
ips
with
all
front
line
acce
ss p
oint
s fo
r bus
ines
s, in
clud
ing
bank
s an
d ac
coun
tant
s, to
ens
ure
ther
e is
m
axim
um a
ware
ness
of t
he s
uppo
rts a
vaila
ble
to e
ntre
pren
eurs
, in
parti
cula
r fro
m th
e LE
O.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P; D
SP20
16-2
017
Supp
ort
initi
ativ
es.
Actio
n 2.
3: D
evel
op s
uppo
rt in
itiat
ives
to ta
rget
Bac
k-to
-Wor
k En
terp
rise
Allo
wanc
e pa
rtici
pant
s.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kilk
enny
Ch
ambe
r of C
omm
erce
; Bu
sine
ss N
etwo
rks;
Loc
al
Indu
stry
2016
-201
7Pa
nel
esta
blis
hed.
Actio
n 2.
4: E
stab
lish
a pa
nel o
f loc
al b
usin
ess
lead
ers,
en
trepr
eneu
rs a
nd e
nter
pris
e ro
le m
odel
s th
at w
ill c
ham
pion
en
trepr
eneu
rshi
p an
d en
terp
rise
in C
ount
y Kilk
enny
.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kild
alto
n Co
llege
; Tea
gasc
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Even
t.Ac
tion
2.5:
Pro
mot
e en
terp
rise
and
inno
vatio
n op
portu
nitie
s am
ong
youn
g fa
rmer
s, in
con
junc
tion
with
Kild
alto
n Co
llege
. Thi
s sh
ould
in
clud
e ho
stin
g of
an
annu
al E
nter
pris
e ev
ent s
peci
fical
ly ai
med
at
youn
g fa
rmer
s an
d al
so e
xam
inat
ion
of th
e po
tent
ial o
f inc
orpo
ratin
g en
terp
rise
rela
ted
elem
ents
into
the
curri
culu
m o
f mai
nstre
am
cour
ses.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o Pl
anni
ng20
16-2
017
Agre
emen
t of
stra
tegy
.Ac
tion
2.6:
Agr
ee a
pha
sed
deve
lopm
ent s
trate
gy fo
r cap
italis
ing
on
the
pote
ntia
l of t
he B
rewe
ry S
ite a
s a
Crea
tive
Quar
ter,
the
deve
lopm
ent
of w
hich
is p
rovi
ded
for b
y the
Kilk
enny
City
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
n an
d th
e Ab
bey Q
uarte
r Mas
terp
lan,
with
par
ticul
ar e
mph
asis
on
3rd
and
4th
leve
l edu
catio
n pr
ovis
ion,
incu
batio
n an
d ad
vanc
e of
fice
spac
e,
inno
vatio
n an
d re
sear
ch. T
his
actio
n wi
ll in
clud
e in
vest
igat
ion
of
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f a “
Fab
Lab”
faci
lity,
to a
ssis
t bus
ines
s de
velo
p in
nova
tive
and
crea
tive
idea
s.
The
crea
tion
of a
n at
tract
ive
and
dyna
mic
bu
sine
ss e
nviro
nmen
t th
at c
ater
s fo
r the
ne
eds
of b
oth
exis
ting
and
new
empl
oyer
s an
d em
ploy
ees.
94
Kilk
enny
Loc
al E
cono
mic
and
Com
mun
ity P
lan
tabl
e 2
– go
al 2
: Fac
ilita
te in
nova
tion
and
Entr
epre
neur
ship
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r org
anis
atio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G2: F
acili
tate
In
nova
tion
and
trepr
eneu
rshi
p
O2: P
rovi
de a
n in
tegr
ated
sup
port
stru
ctur
e co
nduc
ive
to e
nter
pris
e st
art-
up
and
grow
th.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; EI
2016
-202
1En
hanc
ed
serv
ice
esta
blis
hed.
Actio
n 2.
1: P
rovi
de a
sea
mle
ss in
form
atio
n, a
dvic
e an
d tra
inin
g su
ppor
t ser
vice
for e
ntre
pren
eurs
thro
ugho
ut th
e en
terp
rise
lifec
ycle
fro
m s
tart-
up th
roug
h to
up-
scal
ing,
exp
ansi
on a
nd g
rowt
h.
Parti
cula
r em
phas
is w
ill b
e pl
aced
on
acce
lera
ting
the
grow
th o
f hig
h po
tent
ial s
tart-
ups
and
busi
ness
es w
ith jo
b cr
eatio
n po
tent
ial.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Ban
ks;
Acco
unta
nts
2016
-201
7Gr
eate
r Aw
aren
ess
and
Enha
nced
Se
rvic
e es
tabl
ishe
d.
Actio
n 2.
2: D
evel
op p
artn
ersh
ips
with
all
front
line
acce
ss p
oint
s fo
r bus
ines
s, in
clud
ing
bank
s an
d ac
coun
tant
s, to
ens
ure
ther
e is
m
axim
um a
ware
ness
of t
he s
uppo
rts a
vaila
ble
to e
ntre
pren
eurs
, in
parti
cula
r fro
m th
e LE
O.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P; D
SP20
16-2
017
Supp
ort
initi
ativ
es.
Actio
n 2.
3: D
evel
op s
uppo
rt in
itiat
ives
to ta
rget
Bac
k-to
-Wor
k En
terp
rise
Allo
wanc
e pa
rtici
pant
s.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kilk
enny
Ch
ambe
r of C
omm
erce
; Bu
sine
ss N
etwo
rks;
Loc
al
Indu
stry
2016
-201
7Pa
nel
esta
blis
hed.
Actio
n 2.
4: E
stab
lish
a pa
nel o
f loc
al b
usin
ess
lead
ers,
en
trepr
eneu
rs a
nd e
nter
pris
e ro
le m
odel
s th
at w
ill c
ham
pion
en
trepr
eneu
rshi
p an
d en
terp
rise
in C
ount
y Kilk
enny
.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; Kild
alto
n Co
llege
; Tea
gasc
2016
-202
1Es
tabl
ish
Even
t.Ac
tion
2.5:
Pro
mot
e en
terp
rise
and
inno
vatio
n op
portu
nitie
s am
ong
youn
g fa
rmer
s, in
con
junc
tion
with
Kild
alto
n Co
llege
. Thi
s sh
ould
in
clud
e ho
stin
g of
an
annu
al E
nter
pris
e ev
ent s
peci
fical
ly ai
med
at
youn
g fa
rmer
s an
d al
so e
xam
inat
ion
of th
e po
tent
ial o
f inc
orpo
ratin
g en
terp
rise
rela
ted
elem
ents
into
the
curri
culu
m o
f mai
nstre
am
cour
ses.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o Pl
anni
ng20
16-2
017
Agre
emen
t of
stra
tegy
.Ac
tion
2.6:
Agr
ee a
pha
sed
deve
lopm
ent s
trate
gy fo
r cap
italis
ing
on
the
pote
ntia
l of t
he B
rewe
ry S
ite a
s a
Crea
tive
Quar
ter,
the
deve
lopm
ent
of w
hich
is p
rovi
ded
for b
y the
Kilk
enny
City
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
n an
d th
e Ab
bey Q
uarte
r Mas
terp
lan,
with
par
ticul
ar e
mph
asis
on
3rd
and
4th
leve
l edu
catio
n pr
ovis
ion,
incu
batio
n an
d ad
vanc
e of
fice
spac
e,
inno
vatio
n an
d re
sear
ch. T
his
actio
n wi
ll in
clud
e in
vest
igat
ion
of
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f a “
Fab
Lab”
faci
lity,
to a
ssis
t bus
ines
s de
velo
p in
nova
tive
and
crea
tive
idea
s.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; 3
rd L
evel
In
stitu
tes
2016
-201
9Pu
blic
atio
n of
st
rate
gy.
Actio
n 2.
7: D
evel
op a
stra
tegy
to p
rom
ote
and
furth
er e
xpan
d Di
gita
l M
edia
, Ani
mat
ion
and
Desi
gn a
ctiv
ities
in C
ount
y Kilk
enny
, bui
ldin
g on
the
past
exp
erie
nce
of th
e Ki
lken
ny D
esig
n W
orks
hops
. The
stra
tegy
sh
ould
incl
ude
a ‘D
esig
n Th
inki
ng’ i
nitia
tive
to d
eliv
er e
nter
pris
e sk
ills
to yo
ung
peop
le
Kilk
enny
CoC
o Co
mm
unity
; CK
LP20
16-2
017
Publ
icat
ion
of
stra
tegy
.Ac
tion
2.8:
Dev
elop
a s
ocia
l ent
erpr
ise
stra
tegy
faci
litat
ing
acce
ss
to a
rang
e of
soc
ial e
nter
pris
e su
ppor
ts a
nd s
ervi
ces
and
lear
ning
th
roug
h ot
her m
odel
s of
suc
cess
. Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e bu
ildin
g on
the
expe
rienc
e of
the
REDZ
initi
ativ
e; a
nd d
esig
ning
sup
port
stru
ctur
es
tailo
red
to s
uit b
oth
urba
n an
d ru
rally
bas
ed s
ocia
l ent
erpr
ise
initi
ativ
es, c
reat
ing
jobs
and
pro
vidi
ng p
oten
tial s
ervi
ces
into
loca
l co
mm
uniti
es. T
his
shou
ld a
lso
incl
ude
an e
xam
inat
ion
of c
o-op
type
co
mm
unity
sho
ps s
ellin
g lo
cal p
rodu
ce in
rura
l vill
ages
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; E
I20
16-2
021
Phas
ed
publ
icat
ion
of
audi
t.
Actio
n 2.
9: U
nder
take
an
audi
t of i
ndus
trial
and
incu
batio
n wo
rksp
ace
thro
ugho
ut th
e Co
unty
and
ass
ess
gaps
and
/or n
eed
for
addi
tiona
l spa
ce s
o as
to b
ette
r inf
orm
the
mar
ket a
nd h
ighl
ight
zo
ned
and
serv
iced
land
s in
the
Coun
ty. T
his
actio
n wi
ll al
so in
clud
e an
aud
it an
d as
sess
men
t of v
acan
t and
und
erut
ilise
d la
nds
and
stru
ctur
es, t
he d
evel
opm
ent a
nd u
se o
f whi
ch c
an b
e us
ed f
or
the
prom
otio
n of
eco
nom
ic d
evel
opm
ent i
n ac
cord
ance
with
the
prov
isio
ns o
f the
app
licab
le d
evel
opm
ent p
lan.
tabl
e 3
– go
al 3
: Enh
ance
the
visi
tor E
xper
ienc
e
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r org
anis
atio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G3: V
isito
r Ex
perie
nce
Enha
ncem
ent
O3: S
uppo
rt, c
o-or
dina
te a
nd o
ptim
ise
the
visi
tor e
xper
ienc
e po
tent
ial.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; F
ailte
Ire
land
; CKL
P; K
ilken
ny
Tour
ism
2016
-201
7An
alys
is
Com
plet
ed a
nd
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed, l
ocal
ly an
d re
gion
ally
focu
sed.
Actio
n 3.
1: U
nder
take
an
anal
ysis
of b
usin
ess
tour
ism
pot
entia
l in
Coun
ty K
ilken
ny w
ith re
fere
nce
to c
onfe
renc
es, b
usin
ess
and
maj
or
tour
ism
ent
ry p
oint
s (s
uch
as R
ossl
are
Port
and
Wat
erfo
rd R
egio
nal
Airp
ort),
mar
ketin
g an
d PR
and
Irel
and’
s An
cien
t Eas
t cam
paig
n. T
his
actio
n wi
ll cl
osel
y lin
k wi
th o
ther
regi
onal
ly-fo
cuse
d ac
tions
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; F
ailte
Ire
land
; CKL
P; K
ilken
ny
Tour
ism
; Out
door
act
ivity
pr
ovid
ers
2016
-202
1Ac
tion
plan
ag
reed
.Ac
tion
3.2:
Impr
ove
the
visi
tor e
xper
ienc
e an
d bu
sine
ss c
apab
ility
of
out
door
act
ivity
pro
vide
rs a
ctiv
e in
tour
ism
. Ini
tiativ
es to
incl
ude
anal
ysis
of t
he p
oten
tial f
or: l
inki
ng a
ctiv
ity h
ubs
and
amen
ities
; pr
otec
tion
and
man
agem
ent o
f the
cou
nty’s
Gre
en In
frast
ruct
ure
and
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f the
Cou
nty’s
rive
r ass
ets
for fi
shin
g, b
oatin
g an
d bl
uewa
y tra
ils. T
his
will
incl
ude
enga
ging
with
the
Irela
nd's
Anc
ient
Ea
st te
am to
iden
tify o
ppor
tuni
ties
with
the
high
est p
oten
tial.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; K
ilken
ny To
uris
m20
16-2
017
Asse
t map
ping
co
mpl
ete.
Stra
tegy
es
tabl
ishe
d.
Actio
n 3.
3: U
nder
take
an
Asse
t Map
ping
exe
rcis
e ac
ross
the
coun
ty to
de
velo
p: a
rea
base
d sp
ecifi
c to
uris
m s
trate
gies
. Thi
s wi
ll al
so in
clud
e in
itiat
ives
focu
sed
on d
eliv
erin
g a
qual
ity in
tern
atio
nal t
ouris
m
expe
rienc
e ar
ound
the
Irela
nd A
ncie
nt E
ast B
rand
. In
parti
cula
r, th
e po
tent
ial t
o de
velo
p in
tern
atio
nal “
stan
d-ou
t” p
rodu
cts
base
d on
Ki
lken
ny’s
com
para
tive
adva
ntag
e in
bui
lt an
d cu
ltura
l her
itage
. Th
is
actio
n wi
ll in
clud
e th
e de
velo
pmen
t of t
he M
edie
val M
ile M
useu
m a
s a
pote
ntia
l ‘he
ro s
ite’ w
ithin
Irel
and’
s An
cien
t Eas
t, an
d id
entif
ying
the
oppo
rtuni
ties
to le
vera
ge th
e th
emes
and
sto
ries
whic
h wi
ll wo
rk b
est
to b
ring
Kilk
enny
to a
n in
tern
atio
nal a
udie
nce.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; K
ilken
ny To
uris
m;
Herit
age
Coun
cil
2016
-201
7Ph
ased
Act
ion
Plan
agr
eed.
Actio
n 3.
5: C
ontin
ue d
evel
opm
ent o
f the
‘Med
ieva
l Mile
' and
dev
elop
an
act
ion
plan
that
link
s co
mpl
emen
tary
vis
itor a
ttrac
tions
acr
oss
the
coun
ty a
imed
at p
rolo
ngin
g an
d en
hanc
ing
the
visi
tor e
xper
ienc
e. T
his
will
be a
crit
ical
ele
men
t of K
ilken
ny's
offe
ring
with
in Ir
elan
d's
Anci
ent
East
. Cro
ss p
rom
otio
n of
nea
rby a
ttrac
tions
will
be
impo
rtant
in th
e su
cces
s of
enc
oura
ging
vis
itors
to s
pend
mor
e tim
e in
the
regi
on
rath
er th
an u
sing
it a
s a
trans
it zo
ne.
The
goal
will
en
cour
age
the
spre
ad
of th
e se
ctor
al im
pact
ac
ross
the
coun
ty
beyo
nd th
e es
tabl
ishe
d ho
ney-
pots
.
It wi
ll al
so a
ttrac
t FDI
an
d bu
sine
ss s
tart-
ups
in th
e co
unty
by
rein
forc
ing
a po
sitiv
e im
age
enco
mpa
ssin
g hi
stor
y, cu
lture
and
th
e na
tura
l and
bui
lt en
viro
nmen
t.
96
Kilk
enny
Loc
al E
cono
mic
and
Com
mun
ity P
lan
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; K
ilken
ny To
uris
m;
Herit
age
Coun
cil;
Conn
ect
Irela
nd; I
DA
2016
-202
1St
rate
gic
Plan
ag
reed
.Ac
tion
3.6:
Des
ign
a co
unty
mar
ketin
g an
d co
mm
unic
atio
ns s
trate
gy
to in
clud
e ac
tiviti
es a
roun
d th
e de
sign
and
dis
tribu
tion
of m
arke
ting
mat
eria
ls, c
lust
er in
itiat
ives
, his
toric
al, a
nd h
erita
ge in
terp
reta
tion
sign
s an
d cu
ltura
l inf
orm
atio
n si
gns.
Thi
s ac
tion
is a
imed
at
incr
easi
ng v
isito
r num
bers
, sus
tain
ing
the
qual
ity o
f the
vis
itor
expe
rienc
e an
d pr
olon
ging
the
visi
tor's
sta
y in
the
coun
ty. T
his
actio
n wi
ll al
so in
clud
e m
axim
isin
g th
e po
tent
ial o
f dig
ital m
arke
ting,
and
us
e of
tour
ism
app
s, v
ideo
pro
mot
ion
and
soci
al m
edia
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; K
ilken
ny To
uris
m;
Loca
l Fes
tival
Org
anis
ers
Stra
tegi
c Pl
an
agre
edAc
tion
3.7:
Dev
elop
a s
trate
gy fo
r Fes
tival
s as
an
econ
omic
dr
iver
, bui
ldin
g on
the
very
suc
cess
ful r
ange
of e
xistin
g fe
stiv
als
prog
ram
med
thro
ugho
ut th
e ye
ar in
Cou
nty K
ilken
ny.
tabl
e 4
– go
al 4
: Enh
ance
d Ed
ucat
iona
l atta
inm
ent a
nd S
kills
dev
elop
men
t
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r or
gani
satio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G4: E
nhan
ced
Educ
atio
nal
Atta
inm
ent
and
Skill
s De
velo
pmen
t
O4: E
ncou
rage
and
su
ppor
t ups
killi
ng,
job
mob
ility
and
en
terp
rise
crea
tion
and
man
agem
ent
LEO
Kilk
enny
; EI;
Busi
ness
Ne
twor
ks; S
killn
ets;
3rd
le
vel i
nstit
utes
2016
-202
1Ke
y sec
tors
id
entifi
ed,
anal
ysis
of
nee
ds
unde
rtake
n an
d tra
inin
g st
rate
gy a
gree
d (o
ngoi
ng).
Actio
n 4.
1: Id
entif
y key
sec
tora
l nee
ds in
term
s of
man
agem
ent a
nd
busi
ness
dev
elop
men
t and
co-
ordi
nate
trai
ning
act
iviti
es in
resp
onse
to
sec
tora
l nee
ds.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; ETB
; Kilk
enny
Ch
ambe
r of c
omm
erce
; Sk
illne
ts; 3
rd le
vel
inst
itutio
ns; T
eaga
sc
2016
-202
1Fo
rum
es
tabl
ishe
d.
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed.
Actio
n 4.
2: E
stab
lish
a lo
cal E
nter
pris
e Tr
aini
ng a
nd E
duca
tion
Foru
m to
ens
ure
co-o
rdin
ated
del
iver
y of e
nter
pris
e tra
inin
g an
d m
anag
emen
t dev
elop
men
t sup
ports
to s
mal
l bus
ines
s ow
ners
and
en
trepr
eneu
rs in
the
Coun
ty. T
his
will
com
plem
ent t
he w
ork
of th
e So
uth
East
Reg
iona
l Ski
lls F
orum
, whi
ch h
as b
een
esta
blis
hed
to
prom
ote
clos
er li
aiso
n be
twee
n em
ploy
ers
and
the
educ
atio
n se
ctor
in
the
regi
on, i
nclu
ding
stre
ngth
ened
indu
stry
liai
son
func
tions
gen
eral
ly an
d de
velo
ping
stru
ctur
ed p
rogr
amm
es o
f awa
rene
ss ra
isin
g of
the
capa
bilit
ies
and
asse
ts a
vaila
ble
to e
nter
pris
es in
the
regi
on.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; K
ilken
ny To
uris
m;
Herit
age
Coun
cil
2016
-202
1Co
llect
ive
enga
gem
ent o
f ke
y pla
yers
.
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed.
No. o
f ini
tiativ
es
deliv
ered
.
Actio
n 4.
3: P
rom
ote
grea
ter a
ware
ness
of t
he to
uris
m p
rodu
ct/
offe
ring
acro
ss th
e Co
unty
(thr
ough
initi
ativ
es s
uch
as “
Know
You
r Ow
n Co
unty
” Ca
mpa
ign)
; dev
elop
tour
ism
am
bass
ador
s fo
r the
Co
unty
; and
hig
hlig
ht p
oten
tial c
aree
r opp
ortu
nitie
s wi
thin
the
tour
ism
sec
tor.
This
will
als
o in
clud
e de
liver
y of L
ocal
Tour
Gui
de
Trai
ning
Pro
gram
mes
to u
pski
ll se
rvic
e pr
ovid
ers,
to in
crea
se
know
ledg
e an
d co
-ord
inat
ion
of e
xistin
g an
d ne
w vi
sito
r attr
actio
ns,
and
to e
ncou
rage
clu
ster
mar
ketin
g an
d co
llect
ive
initi
ativ
es.
Inno
vativ
e En
terp
rise
Liai
son
Stra
tegi
es
betw
een
the
ETB
and
sect
oral
bus
ines
s ne
twor
ks w
ill b
e us
ed
to a
ccel
erat
e se
ctor
al
netw
orki
ng, a
nd th
e ex
istin
g m
arke
ting
inte
rven
tions
and
su
ppor
ts p
rovi
ded
by K
ilken
ny L
EO.
Addi
tiona
lly, i
t will
en
cour
age
incr
ease
d re
sear
ch a
nd
deve
lopm
ent a
ctiv
ity
on th
e in
terfa
ce o
f 3rd
and
4th L
evel
ac
adem
ic fa
cilit
ies
and
loca
l ent
erpr
ise.
98
Kilk
enny
Loc
al E
cono
mic
and
Com
mun
ity P
lan
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; 3
rd le
vel
Inst
itute
s; K
ilken
ny a
nd
Carlo
w ET
B; K
ilken
ny
Cham
ber o
f Com
mer
ce
2016
-202
1As
sess
men
t of
nee
ds/
oppo
rtuni
ties.
No. o
f ini
tiativ
es.
Enga
gem
ent o
f ke
y pla
yers
.
Actio
n 4.
4: U
nder
take
to a
scer
tain
pot
entia
l job
opp
ortu
nitie
s in
Ki
lken
ny a
nd a
sses
s sk
ills
requ
irem
ents
and
qua
lifica
tions
. Res
pond
th
roug
h ed
ucat
ion
and
train
ing
initi
ativ
es w
orki
ng c
lose
ly wi
th
busi
ness
com
mun
ity, K
ilken
ny a
nd C
arlo
w Ed
ucat
ion
and
Trai
ning
Bo
ard
and
3rd
Leve
l sec
tors
. Thi
s ac
tion
will
incl
ude
the
pote
ntia
l of
trai
ning
acr
oss
a br
oad
spec
trum
from
trad
ition
al b
uild
ing
skill
s to
dig
ital m
edia
/film
pro
duct
ion
and
will
also
invo
lve
proa
ctiv
ely
enga
ging
with
third
leve
l ins
titut
es to
furth
er e
nhan
ce a
nd d
evel
op
3rd
and
4th
leve
l edu
catio
n pr
ovis
ion,
bas
ed o
n Ki
lken
ny’s
stre
ngth
s an
d em
ergi
ng o
ppor
tuni
ties.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; K
ilken
ny
and
Carlo
w ET
B; K
ilken
ny
Child
care
Com
mitt
ee
2016
-202
1No
. of i
nitia
tives
id
entifi
edAc
tion
4.5:
Con
tinue
to w
ork
in p
artn
ersh
ip w
ith th
e Ki
lken
ny
and
Carlo
w Ed
ucat
ion
and
Trai
ning
Boa
rd a
nd C
ount
y Chi
ldca
re
Com
mitt
ee to
pro
vide
trai
ning
and
loca
lly b
ased
mat
eria
ls to
teac
hers
an
d ch
ildca
re p
rovi
ders
on
aspe
cts
of K
ilken
ny’s
built
, nat
ural
and
cu
ltura
l her
itage
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; 3
rd L
evel
In
stitu
tes
2016
-202
1Su
ppor
t St
ruct
ure
agre
ed.
Actio
n 4.
6: S
uppo
rt th
e es
tabl
ishm
ent o
f the
pro
pose
d Te
chno
logi
cal
Univ
ersi
ty o
f the
Sou
th E
ast.
tabl
e 5
– go
al 5
: dev
elop
the
rura
l Eco
nom
y
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r or
gani
satio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G5: R
ural
Ec
onom
y De
velo
pmen
t
Focu
s on
rura
l are
as
that
are
in d
eclin
e to
in
crea
se th
e le
vel o
f ec
onom
ic a
ctiv
ity a
nd
build
sus
tain
abili
ty.
O5: I
ncre
ase
econ
omic
ac
tivity
and
bui
ld
sust
aina
bilit
y int
o th
e ru
ral e
cono
my.
LCDC
2015
-201
6Pu
blic
atio
n of
LD
S St
rate
gy.27
Ac
tion
5.1:
Pre
pare
and
impl
emen
t a L
ocal
Dev
elop
men
t Stra
tegy
for
the
next
LEA
DER
Rura
l Dev
elop
men
t Pro
gram
me.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Ki
lken
ny C
ham
ber o
f Co
mm
erce
2016
-202
1No
. of a
rea
deve
lopm
ent
plan
s pr
oduc
ed.
Enga
gem
ent o
f cr
oss
sect
ion
of
com
mun
ities
.
Actio
n 5.
2: W
ork
with
loca
l bus
ines
ses
and
repr
esen
tativ
e or
gani
satio
ns to
sup
port
the
rege
nera
tion/
deve
lopm
ent o
f rur
al to
wns
and
area
s by
dev
elop
ing
a st
rate
gic
deve
lopm
ent p
lan
for k
ey to
wns
in e
ach
Mun
icip
al D
istri
ct (i
ncor
pora
ting
soci
al a
nd c
omm
unity
de
velo
pmen
t asp
ects
, her
itage
led
rege
nera
tion
and
hint
erla
nd
asso
ciat
ions
). Th
ese
will
incl
ude
prop
osal
s to
enh
ance
the
cons
umer
ex
perie
nce
and
attra
ctiv
enes
s of
town
cen
tres
and
villa
ges
for
shop
ping
and
vis
iting
. Rur
al to
wns
and
villa
ges
in p
artic
ular
can
co
ntrib
ute
to th
e to
uris
m o
fferin
g, a
s th
ey a
re h
ome
to m
any h
idde
n ge
ms,
enc
oura
ging
vis
itors
to g
et o
ff th
e be
aten
trac
k an
d di
scov
er
thes
e ar
eas.
LEO
Kilk
enny
; CKL
P;
Teag
asc;
EI
2016
-202
1No
. of i
nitia
tives
su
ppor
ted.
Actio
n 5.
3: S
uppo
rt th
e de
velo
pmen
t of r
ural
ent
erpr
ise
and
dive
rsifi
catio
n in
itiat
ives
. Thi
s ac
tion
will
incl
ude
expl
orin
g ru
ral
deve
lopm
ent o
ppor
tuni
ties
in p
artic
ular
rene
wabl
e en
ergy
and
gre
en
tech
nolo
gy.
CKLP
; Tea
gasc
; Kild
alto
n Co
llege
; Bor
d Bi
a20
16-2
021
Esta
blis
hmen
t of
netw
ork.
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed.
No o
f job
s cr
eate
d.
Actio
n 5.
4: S
uppo
rt th
e de
velo
pmen
t of a
n ag
ri-fo
od-s
cien
ce n
etwo
rk
and
iden
tify a
nd s
uppo
rt em
ploy
men
t cre
atio
n po
tent
ial.10
0K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
tabl
e 6
– go
al 6
: im
prov
e ac
cess
and
Com
mun
icat
ions
infr
astr
uctu
re
G6: A
cces
s an
d Co
mm
unic
atio
ns
Infra
stru
ctur
e
A m
ore
sust
aina
ble
publ
ic tr
ansp
ort
syst
em w
ill le
ad to
a
bette
r qua
lity-
of-li
fe, e
cono
mic
co
mpe
titiv
enes
s,
grea
ter s
ocia
l in
clus
ion
and
a he
alth
ier p
opul
atio
n.
The
impr
ovem
ent
of th
e qu
ality
of
broa
dban
d se
rvic
es
acro
ss th
e co
unty.
O6: E
ncou
rage
in
tegr
ated
tran
spor
t sy
stem
s th
roug
h th
e us
e of
exis
ting
and
new
infra
stru
ctur
e in
nova
tion.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; ID
A; P
ort o
f W
ater
ford
Com
pany
2016
-202
1Ag
reed
pha
sed
deve
lopm
ent
plan
.
Actio
n 6.
1: M
axim
ise
the
pote
ntia
l of t
he B
elvi
ew P
ort i
ndus
trial
zone
in
term
s of
infra
stru
ctur
e an
d jo
b cr
eatio
n op
portu
nitie
s.28
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
Fai
lte
Irela
nd; N
PWS
2016
-201
7Pu
blic
atio
n of
st
rate
gy.
Actio
n 6.
2: D
evel
op a
wal
king
, cyc
ling
and
wate
rway
s tra
il st
rate
gy to
in
clud
e th
e po
tent
ial o
f ent
erpr
ise
rela
ted
activ
ities
and
job
crea
tion
pote
ntia
l and
link
ed to
tour
ism
act
ions
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; K
ilken
ny
Tour
ism
; Rur
al Tr
ansp
ort
Netw
ork
2016
-202
1Id
entifi
catio
n an
d co
mpl
etio
n of
key
initi
ativ
es.
Actio
n 6.
3: S
uppo
rt th
e de
velo
pmen
t of a
link
ed C
ount
y and
City
in
tegr
ated
tran
spor
t ser
vice
. Th
is w
ill in
clud
e su
ppor
ting
the
furth
er
deve
lopm
ent o
f rur
al tr
ansp
ort i
nitia
tives
suc
h as
Rin
galin
k. T
his
actio
n wi
ll al
so fo
cus
on s
peci
fic a
ctio
ns fo
r sus
tain
able
trav
el to
ad
dres
s th
e hi
gh le
vel o
f com
mut
ing
from
Kilk
enny
to W
ater
ford
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP
2016
-201
7Ne
eds
anal
ysis
co
mpl
eted
.
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed a
nd
prog
ress
ed.
Actio
n 6.
4: U
nder
take
a B
road
band
Nee
ds A
nalys
is a
nd fa
cilit
ate
the
rollo
ut o
f hig
h sp
eed
broa
dban
d ac
ross
the
coun
ty, in
par
ticul
ar
in ru
ral a
reas
. Thi
s ac
tion
will
incl
ude
supp
ortin
g sm
all-s
cale
pilo
t pr
ojec
ts a
nd lo
cal p
rovi
ders
to e
nhan
ce th
eir n
etwo
rks
and
incl
ude
mor
e ru
ral h
ouse
hold
s an
d bu
sine
sses
in a
cces
sing
bro
adba
nd.
27
It sh
ould
be
note
d th
at tw
o co
mpe
ting
bids
will
be
subm
itted
in r
espe
ct o
f Cou
nty
Kilk
enny
for
the
deliv
ery
of th
e ne
xt L
EAD
ER R
ural
Dev
elop
men
t Pro
gram
me.
Dep
endi
ng o
n th
e ou
tcom
e of
that
com
petit
ive
proc
ess,
it m
ay b
e ne
cess
ary
to r
evie
w th
e ac
tions
con
tain
ed in
the
LEC
P (
i.e. t
he a
ctio
ns
that
will
be
reso
urce
d by
the
LEA
DER
Pro
gram
me
and/
or C
KLP
.)
28
Dev
elop
men
t with
in th
e B
elvi
ew a
rea
is r
equi
red
to c
onfo
rm w
ith th
e pr
ovis
ions
of t
he K
ilken
ny C
ount
y D
evel
opm
ent P
lan
and
the
Ferr
yban
k-B
elvi
ew L
ocal
Are
a P
lan.
tabl
e 7
– go
al 7
: Lea
ders
hip
and
Loca
l Cap
acity
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r or
gani
satio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G7: L
eade
rshi
p an
d Lo
cal
Capa
city
Optim
isat
ion
of
the
role
of t
he
Coun
ty C
ounc
il to
pr
iorit
ise
econ
omic
de
velo
pmen
t.
A nu
mbe
r of t
ools
will
be
use
d fo
cuss
ing
on th
e de
velo
pmen
t of
sm
arte
r sec
tora
l an
d lo
cal n
etwo
rkin
g fo
rum
s wi
thin
the
busi
ness
com
mun
ity.
O8: D
evel
op
lead
ersh
ip c
apac
ity in
pr
omot
ing
econ
omic
an
d in
tegr
ated
de
velo
pmen
t.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o 20
16-2
021
Annu
al
prio
ritis
atio
n of
key
act
ions
wi
thin
LEC
P.
Revi
ew o
f pr
ogre
ss.
Actio
n 7.
1: W
ork
clos
ely w
ith th
e pr
ivat
e se
ctor
in d
evel
opin
g a
coun
ty
leve
l app
roac
h to
ens
ure
that
offi
ce a
nd in
dust
rial d
evel
opm
ents
can
co
me
on s
tream
qui
ckly.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o20
16-2
021
Setti
ng a
nd
achi
evem
ent o
f ta
rget
s.
Cros
s-de
partm
enta
l co
llabo
ratio
n.
Actio
n 7.
2: E
nsur
e th
at is
the
revi
sion
of t
he C
ore
Stra
tegy
(and
su
bseq
uent
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
ns) t
hat s
uffic
ient
land
for r
esid
entia
l de
velo
pmen
t, in
dust
rial d
evel
opm
ent a
nd in
frast
ruct
ure
is p
rovi
ded
cons
iste
nt w
ith th
e re
gion
al p
opul
atio
n ta
rget
s. T
he d
esig
natio
n of
zo
ned
land
is u
nder
take
n by
land
use
pla
ns, a
nd m
ust c
ompl
y with
hi
gher
leve
l pla
nnin
g ob
ject
ives
and
is in
form
ed b
y SEA
and
AA
proc
esse
s as
app
ropr
iate
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; L
EO
Kilk
enny
; IDA
; EI
2015
-202
1En
gage
men
t of
agen
cies
.
No. o
f act
ions
pr
ogre
ssed
and
co
mpl
eted
.
No. o
f int
egra
ted
actio
ns
prog
ress
ed.
Actio
n 7.
3: E
stab
lish
an in
ter-a
genc
y wor
king
gro
up to
ens
ure
stra
tegi
c an
d ef
ficie
nt s
uppo
rt of
LEC
P ac
tion
impl
emen
tatio
n.
10
3K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
NEE
TS (
EU p
rogr
amm
e te
rm)
refe
rrin
g to
You
ng P
eopl
e be
twee
n ag
e 15
-24
who
are
NO
T in
EM
PLO
YMEN
T, E
DU
CAT
ION
or
TRA
ININ
G S
ERVI
CES
.
tabl
e 8
– go
al 8
: nat
ural
, Cul
tura
l and
Bui
lt En
viro
nmen
t
high
-Lev
el g
oal
high
-Lev
el o
utco
me
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r or
gani
satio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect
Mile
ston
esac
tions
G8: N
atur
al,
Cultu
ral a
nd B
uilt
Envi
ronm
ent
A de
eper
un
ders
tand
ing
of th
e na
tura
l, cu
ltura
l and
bu
ilt a
sset
s of
Cou
nty
Kilk
enny
. Th
is w
ill
help
to p
rote
ct th
e en
viro
nmen
t and
loca
l he
ritag
e.
O9: E
ncou
rage
and
su
ppor
t bio
dive
rsity
an
d th
e pr
otec
tion
and
enha
ncem
ent o
f loc
al
herit
age
and
cultu
re.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; H
erita
ge
Coun
cil;
Kilk
enny
Car
low
ETB;
Ski
llnet
s; F
ailte
Irel
and
2016
-201
9M
appi
ng
exer
cise
co
mpl
eted
.
Actio
n pl
an
agre
ed.
Enga
gem
ent o
f ag
enci
es.
No. o
f tra
inin
g In
itiat
ives
co
mpl
eted
.
No. o
f job
s cr
eate
d.
Actio
n 8.
1: U
nder
take
to id
entif
y, re
cord
and
map
the
natu
ral a
nd
cultu
ral a
sset
s wi
thin
the
coun
ty to
faci
litat
e th
eir p
rote
ctio
n an
d su
stai
nabl
e m
anag
emen
t whi
lst i
dent
ifyin
g ac
cess
to jo
b cr
eatio
n an
d sk
ills
deve
lopm
ent p
oten
tial.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; N
PWS;
IFA;
Tid
y Tow
ns; C
omm
unity
and
Re
side
nt’s
Grou
ps
2016
-201
9No
. of
biod
iver
sity
in
itiat
ives
co
mpl
eted
.
No. o
f in
divi
dual
s en
gage
d.
Actio
n 8.
2: S
uppo
rt co
mm
unity
-led
and
farm
bas
ed in
itiat
ives
to ra
ise
awar
enes
s ab
out a
nd c
onse
rve
biod
iver
sity
and
nat
ural
cap
ital.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; IB
EC;
EI; K
ilken
ny C
ham
ber
of C
omm
erce
; Sch
ools
; Co
mm
unity
and
Res
iden
t’s
Grou
ps
2016
-202
1No
. of
biod
iver
sity
in
itiat
ives
co
mpl
eted
.
No. o
f in
divi
dual
s en
gage
d.
Actio
n 8.
3: D
esig
n an
d im
plem
ent l
ocal
ly ba
sed
herit
age
awar
enes
s an
d ed
ucat
ion
initi
ativ
es w
ithin
indu
stry,
sch
ools
and
com
mun
ities
.
10
4K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; H
erita
ge
Coun
cil;
Failt
e Ire
land
; Ki
lken
ny To
uris
m; D
esig
n &
Craf
ts C
ounc
il of
Irel
and
2015
-202
1Ph
ased
de
velo
pmen
t pl
an a
gree
d an
d pr
ogre
ssed
.
Actio
n 8.
4: S
uppo
rt th
e de
velo
pmen
t of t
he A
bbey
Cre
ativ
e Qu
arte
r, th
e M
edie
val M
ile a
nd th
e 5
med
ieva
l wal
led
town
s (th
at a
re p
art o
f th
e Iri
sh W
alle
d To
wns
Netw
ork.
)
Loca
l com
mun
ities
of
pla
ce a
nd in
tere
st
will
be e
ncou
rage
d to
in
nova
tivel
y con
side
r th
e im
plem
enta
tion
of k
ey a
spec
ts o
f th
e gr
een
econ
omy
and
the
adop
tion
of
appr
opria
te a
ltern
ativ
e an
d sm
art e
nerg
y so
lutio
ns.
O10:
Sup
port
ener
gy
effic
ienc
y and
m
axim
ise
the
circ
ular
ec
onom
y pot
entia
l.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; K
ilken
ny
Cham
ber o
f Com
mer
ce;
CKLP
; LEO
Kilk
enny
; Car
low
Kilk
enny
Ene
rgy A
genc
y
2016
-202
1Ex
pans
ion
plan
ag
reed
.
No. o
f tra
inin
g in
itiat
ives
.
No. o
f bu
sine
sses
pa
rtici
patin
g.
No. o
f fol
low
on
actio
ns/c
hang
e in
pra
ctic
es.
Actio
n 8.
5: E
xpan
d th
e Be
tter E
nerg
y Com
mun
ities
Initi
ativ
e in
Ki
lken
ny to
pro
mot
e en
ergy
effi
cien
cy m
easu
res
and
prom
ote
cost
sa
ving
s th
roug
h en
ergy
effi
cien
cy p
rogr
amm
es a
nd tr
aini
ng fo
r the
lo
cal b
usin
ess
com
mun
ity. T
his
will
incl
ude
work
ing
with
the
Carlo
w Ki
lken
ny E
nerg
y Age
ncy t
o pr
omot
e en
ergy
effi
cien
cy b
est p
ract
ice.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; H
erita
ge
Coun
cil
2016
-202
1Ac
tion
Plan
ag
reed
.Ac
tion
8.6:
Max
imis
e th
e so
cio-
econ
omic
and
com
mun
ity b
enefi
ts o
f th
e co
unty
’s bu
ilt, n
atur
al a
nd c
ultu
ral h
erita
ge b
y res
ourc
ing
and
impl
emen
ting
the
Coun
ty K
ilken
ny H
erita
ge P
lan
and
the
Coun
ty
Kilk
enny
Bio
dive
rsity
Pla
n.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
KLP;
He
ritag
e Co
unci
l20
16-2
021
Ince
ntiv
e Sc
hem
e ag
reed
.Ac
tion
8.7:
Pro
vide
sup
port
for t
he c
omm
erci
al a
nd re
tail
sect
or o
n th
e re
tent
ion
and
mai
nten
ance
of h
erita
ge p
rem
ises
and
sho
pfro
nts.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; H
erita
ge
Coun
cil;
Failt
e Ire
land
; Ki
lken
ny To
uris
m; C
rafts
Co
unci
l of I
rela
nd
2016
-202
1Ac
tion
Plan
ag
reed
Actio
n 8.
8: E
nsur
e th
at th
e he
ritag
e of
Kilk
enny
, whi
ch c
ontri
bute
s to
its
USP,
is c
onse
rved
and
sus
tain
ably
man
aged
. Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e in
vest
igat
ing
oppo
rtuni
ties
for K
ilken
ny’s
invo
lvem
ent i
n th
e na
tiona
l Hi
stor
ic To
wns
Initi
ativ
e (c
urre
ntly
bein
g pi
lote
d) a
nd s
uppo
rting
the
“Liv
ing
Citie
s In
itiat
ive”
and
sim
ilar s
chem
es.
tabl
e 9
– go
al 9
: reg
iona
l gro
wth
and
inte
rnat
iona
l Pot
entia
l
high
-Lev
el
goal
high
-Lev
el
outc
ome
obje
ctiv
eke
y Pa
rtne
r or
gani
satio
nstim
efra
me
Proj
ect M
ilest
ones
actio
ns
G9: R
egio
nal
Grow
th a
nd
Inte
rnat
iona
l Po
tent
ial
O11:
Con
tribu
te to
th
e gr
owth
of t
he
regi
on a
nd e
xpan
d in
tern
atio
nal r
each
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; R
A;
Neig
hbou
ring
loca
l Au
thor
ities
2016
-202
1No
. of f
ora
esta
blis
hed.
St
rate
gy a
gree
d an
d pr
ogre
ssed
Actio
n 9.
1: S
uppo
rt in
dust
ry-le
d fo
ra a
nd s
trate
gic
colla
bora
tions
at
regi
onal
leve
l, wi
th a
vie
w to
con
tribu
ting
to th
e ov
eral
l de
velo
pmen
t of t
he S
outh
Eas
t Reg
ion.
In p
artic
ular
, Kilk
enny
Co
unty
Cou
ncil
will
proa
ctiv
ely s
uppo
rt th
e im
plem
enta
tion
of
the
Sout
h Ea
st E
nter
pris
e Ac
tion
Plan
for J
obs.
Thi
s wi
ll in
clud
e co
llatin
g ba
selin
e da
ta to
con
tribu
te to
the
actio
ns in
the
Sout
h Ea
st A
ctio
n Pl
an fo
r Job
s.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; R
A;
Neig
hbou
ring
loca
l Au
thor
ities
2016
-202
1No
. of e
nter
pris
es
parti
cipa
ting.
Tak
e up
of
EU fu
ndin
g
Actio
n 9.
2: S
uppo
rt th
e pa
rtici
patio
n of
Kilk
enny
bas
ed e
nter
pris
es
in b
est p
ract
ice
even
ts a
cros
s th
e So
uth
East
Reg
ion,
incl
udin
g pa
rtici
patio
n in
EU
fund
ed p
rogr
amm
es a
nd in
itiat
ives
.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; W
IT; R
A;
Teag
asc
2016
-202
0Ph
ased
dev
elop
men
t pla
n ag
reed
. En
gage
men
t of
key p
laye
rs.
Cent
re o
f Ex
celle
nce
esta
blis
hed.
Actio
n 9.
3: F
urth
er a
dvan
ce th
e pr
opos
al fo
r a E
urop
ean
cent
re o
f ex
celle
nce
for I
CT in
Agr
icul
ture
in K
ilken
ny.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; W
IT;
Neig
hbou
ring
loca
l Au
thor
ities
2016
-202
1Ag
reem
ent a
nd p
rogr
essi
on
of s
trate
gy.
Actio
n 9.
4: P
artic
ipat
e in
the
eDIG
IREG
ION
Proj
ect a
nd a
ssis
t in
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f sm
art s
peci
alis
atio
n st
rate
gies
for t
he S
outh
Ea
st R
egio
n.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; R
A;
Neig
hbou
ring
loca
l Au
thor
ities
; Tea
gasc
2016
-201
7Ce
ntre
of E
xcel
lenc
e st
rate
gy a
gree
d an
d pr
ogre
ssed
.
Actio
n 9.
5: P
roac
tivel
y wor
k wi
th o
ther
loca
l aut
horit
ies
to p
rom
ote
the
regi
on a
nd a
dvan
ce re
gion
al o
ppor
tuni
ties,
incl
udin
g th
e im
plem
enta
tion
of th
e So
uth
East
Reg
ion
- Act
ion
Plan
for J
obs.
Th
is w
ill a
lso
incl
ude
colla
bora
ting
to d
evel
op th
e So
uth
East
as
an a
gri-t
ech
cent
re o
f exc
elle
nce.
The
deve
lopm
ent
of in
tern
atio
nal
linka
ges
resu
lting
in
pot
entia
l exp
ort
mar
ket a
cces
s fo
r lo
cal b
usin
ess.
Enab
le th
e co
unty
to
dev
elop
a
mor
e co
here
nt
and
succ
essf
ul
mec
hani
sm
for p
ursu
ing
addi
tiona
l fun
ding
an
d re
sour
ce
oppo
rtuni
ties.
10
6K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; R
A;
Neig
hbou
ring
loca
l Au
thor
ities
; EI;
IBEC
2016
-202
1No
. of b
usin
esse
s en
gage
d.
No. o
f job
s cr
eate
d.
No. o
f par
ticip
atin
g sc
hool
s.
Actio
n 9.
6: A
ssis
t in
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f a s
howc
ase
of th
e re
gion
's m
anuf
actu
ring
base
with
a d
ual f
ocus
on:
attr
actin
g yo
ung
peop
le to
car
eers
in m
anuf
actu
ring;
and
faci
litat
ing
man
ufac
turin
g co
mpa
nies
to p
rom
ote
mor
e ST
EM p
artic
ipat
ion
in
scho
ols.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; IB
EC;
Loca
l Ind
ustry
; 3rd
Leve
l Ins
titut
ions
; RA;
Ne
ighb
ourin
g lo
cal
Auth
oriti
es
2016
-202
1En
gage
men
t of k
ey p
laye
rs.
Stra
tegy
agr
eed
and
prog
ress
ed.
Actio
n 9.
7: E
xplo
it th
e po
tent
ial o
f con
verg
ence
opp
ortu
nitie
s in
the
Sout
h Ea
st, l
inki
ng li
fe-s
cien
ces
with
pha
rma/
med
ical
de
vice
s, e
ngin
eerin
g, IC
T, an
d Te
leco
ms.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; C
oillt
e;
RA; N
eigh
bour
ing
loca
l Au
thor
ities
2016
-202
1Re
port
prod
uced
.
Actio
ns p
rogr
esse
d.
Actio
n 9.
8: C
ontri
bute
to a
regi
onal
ass
essm
ent o
f the
eco
nom
ic
valu
e ad
ded
pote
ntia
l of t
he fo
rest
ry s
ecto
r.
Kilk
enny
CoC
o; F
ailte
Ire
land
; Kilk
enny
Tour
ism
; He
ritag
e Co
unci
l; De
sign
&
Craf
ts C
ounc
il of
Irel
and;
IB
EC; C
onne
ct Ir
elan
d;
Loca
l Ind
ustry
; Kilk
enny
Ch
ambe
r of C
omm
erce
; RA
; Nei
ghbo
urin
g lo
cal
Auth
oriti
es
2016
-202
1En
gage
men
t of i
ndus
try.
Stra
tegy
agr
eed.
Enga
gem
ent o
f tou
rism
st
akeh
olde
rs.
Incr
ease
in v
isito
r num
bers
.
Actio
n 9.
9: E
stab
lish
a pr
ogra
mm
e on
a re
gion
al le
vel f
or
larg
e em
ploy
ers
to c
olla
bora
te to
bra
nd th
e re
gion
as
a to
uris
t de
stin
atio
n.
CoM
Mun
ity
aCti
on P
Lan29
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
10:
ddr
ESSi
ng a
rEa-
BaSE
d Po
vErt
y an
d di
Sadv
anta
gE
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 1:
iMPr
ovE
thE
dEPr
ivat
ion
indi
Cato
rS F
or t
hoSE
ELE
Ctor
aL d
iStr
iCtS
and
SM
aLL
arEa
S dE
Sign
atEd
‘diS
adva
ntag
Ed’ o
r ‘v
Ery
diSa
dvan
tagE
d’.
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
SICA
P Go
al 1
: Eng
agem
ent o
f com
mun
ity/ta
rget
gro
ups
in d
isad
vant
aged
are
as:
Proa
ctiv
ely w
ork
with
at l
east
2
elec
tora
l ar
eas
of id
entifi
ed d
isad
vant
age
each
year
. Pro
vide
LCD
C wi
th a
n ar
ea
com
mun
ity d
evel
opm
ent p
lan
in re
latio
n to
eac
h.
CKLP
*, C
omm
unity
Or
gs20
16- 2
018
10.1
.1Pr
ovid
e su
ppor
t to
key c
omm
unity
gro
ups
to c
arry
out
loca
l nee
ds a
nalys
is. D
evel
op C
omm
unity
Dev
elop
men
t /S
ocio
-Eco
nom
ic S
trate
gic
Plan
s fo
r hig
h pr
iorit
y dis
adva
ntag
ed a
reas
: Fer
ryba
nk, C
astle
com
er, U
rling
ford
, Fr
eshf
ord,
Gra
igue
nam
anag
h, C
logh
, Cal
lan,
Kilk
enny
Urb
an 1
and
2.
10.1
.2Su
ppor
t com
mun
ities
, tar
get g
roup
s to
bui
ld c
apac
ity to
add
ress
key
nee
ds lo
cally
.
10.1
.3Su
ppor
t com
mun
ities
, tar
get g
roup
s to
acc
ess
fund
ing
to m
eet i
dent
ified
nee
ds.
Supp
ort 3
com
mun
ities
per
year
to a
cces
s fu
ndin
g to
mee
t key
nee
dsCK
LP*
10.1
.4Su
ppor
t the
se c
omm
uniti
es, t
arge
t gro
ups
to e
ngag
e wi
th e
xistin
g co
unty
wid
e fo
rum
s.Pr
oact
ivel
y tar
get 3
gro
ups
per y
ear p
er
elec
tora
l dis
trict
to re
gist
er &
eng
age
with
the
PPN
PPN*
Esta
te M
anag
emen
t : C
ompl
ete
3 c
onsu
ltatio
ns p
er a
nnum
KKCC
* Ho
usin
g
Sect
ion
2016
- 20
2010
.1.5
Cont
ribut
e to
dev
elop
ing
sust
aina
bilit
y by c
onsu
lting
with
loca
lly b
ased
Com
mun
ity C
omm
ittee
s on
issu
es
whic
h m
ay a
ffect
thei
r phy
sica
l env
ironm
ent a
nd/o
r the
ir co
mm
unity
.
10.1
.6 P
rom
ote
esta
te m
anag
emen
t in
Kilk
enny
Loc
al A
utho
rity e
stat
es &
impr
ove
the
qual
ity o
f fun
ding
, pro
ject
s an
d tip
s-be
ing
diss
emin
ated
to c
omm
uniti
es th
roug
h va
rious
med
ium
s.Ap
prov
e ap
plic
atio
ns fo
r 2 e
stat
e
man
agem
ent g
roup
s pe
r yea
r KK
CC*
Hous
ing
Sect
ion
2016
-202
0
10
8K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
10.1
.7Su
ppor
t the
dev
elop
men
t of c
omm
unity
pro
ject
s an
d pr
ovid
e es
tate
enh
ance
men
t fun
ding
to re
side
nts
grou
ps, w
ith p
riorit
y giv
en to
thos
e in
dis
adva
ntag
ed a
reas
iden
tified
in th
is p
lan.
52 g
rant
s di
strib
uted
ann
ually
( ¾
of
thes
e to
di
sadv
anta
ged
area
s)KK
CC*
Hous
ing
Sect
ion
2016
-202
0
10.1
.8Su
ppor
t res
iden
ts in
thei
r res
pect
ive
resp
onsi
bilit
ies
to p
lay a
n ac
tive
part
in m
aint
aini
ng a
hig
h-qu
ality
lo
cal e
nviro
nmen
t. R
un 2
env
ironm
ent c
omm
unity
e
duca
tion
work
shop
s wi
th
resi
dent
s g
roup
s pe
r ann
um
KKCC
* Ho
usin
g Se
ctio
n20
16-2
020
10.1
.9Co
ntin
ue to
est
ablis
h an
d de
velo
p po
sitiv
e re
latio
nshi
ps th
roug
h se
rvic
e in
tegr
atio
n be
twee
n th
e m
embe
rs
of C
omm
unity
Com
mitt
ees,
Loc
al A
utho
ritie
s, a
nd o
ther
rele
vant
age
ncie
s.30
Host
2 in
tegr
ated
ser
vice
del
iver
y m
eetin
gs fo
r com
mun
ity c
omm
ittee
s pe
r ye
ar
KKCC
* Ho
usin
g Se
ctio
n20
16-2
020
10.1
.10
Pro
vide
trai
ning
sup
ports
to re
side
nt a
ssoc
iatio
ns in
the
form
of o
n- li
ne a
nd p
ublis
hed
mat
eria
ls, a
nd
info
rmat
ion
post
ed o
n th
e K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Aut
horit
ies
webs
ite.
Upda
te a
nd d
isse
min
ate
info
rmat
ion
ne
wssh
eets
onc
e pe
r qua
rter t
o lo
cal
re
side
nts
asso
ciat
ions
KKCC
Hou
sing
Se
ctio
n 20
16-2
020
Com
mun
ity B
ased
App
roac
hes
The
4 FR
C’s
in th
e co
unty
will
sup
port
up
to 8
gro
ups
per y
ear t
o ad
dres
s is
sues
of
depr
ivat
ion
in th
eir a
reas
.
Newp
ark
Clos
e FR
CFr
. McG
rath
FRC
Drio
chea
d FR
CTh
e M
ill F
RC
(4 F
RC’s
from
her
e on
out
)
2016
-202
0 10
.1.1
1 T
he fo
ur F
amily
Res
ourc
e Ce
ntre
s (F
RC’s)
in
Kilk
enny
will
sup
port
and
und
erta
ke d
irect
wor
k wi
th
resi
dent
s an
d co
mm
unity
act
ion
gro
ups
to a
ddre
ss is
sues
rela
tion
to d
epriv
atio
n wi
thin
the
com
mun
ities
th
ey o
pera
te in
.
10.1
.12
Dev
elop
a c
ompr
ehen
sive
stra
tegy
(Cal
lan
Incl
usio
n To
wn) t
o ad
dres
s so
cial
incl
usio
n in
all
aspe
cts
of lo
cal
life,
(with
a s
peci
al e
mph
asis
on
civi
c an
d cu
ltura
l eng
agem
ent),
thro
ugh
deve
lopi
ng p
artn
ersh
ips
with
in
the
coun
ty a
nd a
cros
s th
e EU
.
EU fu
ndin
g se
cure
d, lo
cal
stee
ring
gro
up in
pla
ce a
nd C
alla
n In
clus
ion
Town
Stra
tegy
dev
elop
ed
and
wid
ely
avai
labl
e
Calla
n Co
mm
unity
Ne
twor
k 20
16 (*
Poss
ible
4-5
ye
ar p
rogr
amm
e)
10.1
.13
Wor
k in
par
tner
ship
with
loca
l and
cou
ntyw
ide
com
mun
ity g
roup
s i
n ar
eas
of h
igh
disa
dvan
tage
, sp
ecifi
cally
targ
etin
g th
ose
who
expe
rienc
e th
e hi
ghes
t lev
els
of d
epriv
atio
n in
acc
essi
ng tr
aini
ng s
uppo
rts
unde
r the
Act
ivat
iona
l Fam
ily S
uppo
rts P
rogr
amm
e. (
AFSP
)
Wor
k in
par
tner
ship
with
2 lo
cal
or c
ount
y bas
ed g
roup
s pe
r yea
r,
spec
ifica
lly in
are
as o
f dis
adva
ntag
e, a
s lo
ng a
s th
e AF
SP is
ava
ilabl
e
DSP*
2016
- 20
20
10.1
.14
To c
ontin
ue th
e pr
ovis
ion
of
Com
mun
ity E
duca
tion
and
Lite
racy
Ser
vice
s th
at fa
cilit
ate
and
supp
ort
com
mun
ity b
ased
edu
catio
n cl
asse
s fo
r a ra
nge
of g
roup
s in
loca
l out
reac
h ce
ntre
s th
roug
hout
the
coun
ty.
150
0 pl
aces
offe
red
per a
nnum
*K
CETB
20
16-2
020
29
Impl
emen
tatio
n of
the
LEC
P is
req
uire
d to
con
form
to th
e fo
llow
ing:
Th
e R
egio
nal P
lann
ing
Gui
delin
es a
nd th
e R
egio
nal S
patia
l and
Eco
nom
ic S
trat
egy
(whe
neve
r th
at is
in p
lace
); a
nd
The
prov
isio
ns o
f the
Kilk
enny
Cou
nty
and
City
Dev
elop
men
t Pla
ns a
nd L
ocal
Are
a P
lans
, inc
ludi
ng th
ose
prov
isio
ns r
equi
ring
sust
aina
ble
deve
lopm
ent a
nd R
ural
and
Urb
an B
usin
ess
Dev
elop
men
t Zon
es. E
ncou
rage
inno
vativ
e So
cial
Eco
nom
y bu
sine
sses
with
in th
ese
zone
s.
30
The
term
‘com
mun
ity d
evel
opm
ent’
in it
s br
oade
r m
eani
ng r
efer
s to
the
proc
ess
thro
ugh
whi
ch th
e lif
e of
a c
omm
unity
is e
nhan
ced
thro
ugh
the
wor
k of
a r
ange
of c
omm
unity
-bas
ed/v
olun
tary
org
anis
atio
ns. I
t aim
s to
ena
ble
all c
omm
uniti
es to
be
fully
invo
lved
in, t
o in
fluen
ce a
nd to
sh
ape
loca
l dec
isio
ns.”
The
Kilk
enny
Loc
al A
utho
ritie
s H
ousi
ng D
epar
tmen
t thr
ough
the
supp
ort o
f act
ive
resi
dent
s an
d re
side
nts
asso
ciat
ions
will
link
with
the
nece
ssar
y or
gani
satio
ns to
sup
port
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f thi
s se
nse
of c
omm
unity
with
in o
ur e
stat
es.
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
4:
EduC
atio
n - r
EduC
E th
E ra
tES
oF E
arLy
SCh
ooL
LEav
ing
BELo
W 1
0% a
nd
EnSu
rE a
t LE
aSt
40%
oF
30-3
4–yE
ar-o
LdS
CoM
PLEt
ing
thir
d LE
vEL
EduC
atio
n
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
10:
add
rESS
ing
arEa
-BaS
Ed P
ovEr
ty a
nd d
iSad
vant
agE
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 2:
Pov
Erty
: Edu
Cati
on –
inCr
EaSE
thE
LEv
EL o
F Ed
uCat
iona
L at
tain
MEn
t Fo
r th
oSE
Livi
ng in
diS
adva
ntag
Ed a
rEaS
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
SiCa
P go
al 2
: Sup
port
ing
acce
ss to
edu
catio
n, tr
aini
ng a
nd d
evel
opm
ent:
Pres
ent o
verv
iew
of s
ignp
ostin
g se
rvic
e to
LCD
C at
year
end
. Dev
elop
stra
tegy
for w
ides
prea
d co
mm
unic
atio
n of
sam
e.
CKLP
* 20
16
10.2
.1De
velo
p a
sign
pos
ting
serv
ice
thro
ugh
the
deliv
ery o
f inf
orm
atio
n se
ssio
ns, o
utre
ach
and
a re
ferra
l sy
stem
into
CKL
P an
d m
ains
tream
edu
catio
n se
rvic
es.
10.2
.2Pr
ovid
e on
e to
one
sup
ports
to in
divi
dual
s wh
o wi
ll po
tent
ially
eng
age
in th
e lif
e-lo
ng le
arni
ng p
roce
sses
.19
00 o
ne to
one
sup
ports
com
plet
edCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.3 P
rovi
de g
roup
and
one
to o
ne s
uppo
rts to
une
mpl
oyed
adu
lts 2
5 ye
ars+
to e
nabl
e ac
cess
to L
ife L
ong
Lear
ning
opp
ortu
nitie
s.Se
rvic
es p
rovi
ded
to 7
5 un
empl
oyed
adu
lts a
ge
25+
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.2
.4To
offe
r ind
ivid
uals
spe
cial
ist k
nowl
edge
, tra
inin
g an
d wo
rk e
xper
ienc
e wh
ich
will
supp
ort t
hem
in s
eeki
ng
empl
oym
ent o
r gai
ning
a p
lace
at t
hird
leve
l th
roug
h th
e pr
ovis
ion
of P
ost L
eavi
ng C
ertifi
cate
Pro
gram
me
500
plac
es o
ffere
d pe
r ann
um*K
C ET
B 20
16-2
020
10.2
.5To
pro
vide
sec
ond
chan
ce e
duca
tion
and
train
ing
prog
ram
me
for a
dults
who
are
long
term
une
mpl
oyed
an
d wh
o wi
sh to
retu
rn to
edu
catio
n to
gai
n a
qual
ifica
tion
and
deve
lop
thei
r ski
lls.
120
plac
es o
ffere
d pe
r ann
um
KCET
B*20
16-2
020
10.2
.6To
pro
vide
indi
vidu
als
and
grou
ps w
ith a
n op
portu
nity
to id
entif
y, ex
plor
e an
d re
view
edu
catio
nal a
nd
care
er o
ptio
ns t
hrou
gh th
e Ki
lken
ny A
dult
Guid
ance
Ser
vice
80
0 pe
ople
sup
porte
d pe
r ann
um
KCET
B*20
16-2
020
10.2
.7 B
ack
to E
duca
tion
Initi
ativ
e -t
o pr
ovid
e FR
EE p
art-
time
furth
er e
duca
tion
prog
ram
mes
for y
oung
peo
ple
and
adul
ts g
ivin
g pa
rtici
pant
s an
opp
ortu
nity
to c
ombi
ne a
retu
rn to
lear
ning
with
fam
ily, w
ork
and
othe
r re
spon
sibi
litie
s.
500
pla
ces
offe
red
per a
nnum
KC
ETB*
2016
-202
0
15-2
4 NE
ETS31
Gro
up:
60 yo
ung
peop
le e
ngag
ed p
er a
nnum
in
prog
ram
mes
/ser
vice
sCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.8Ta
rget
the
15 –
24
NEET
’s gr
oup,
thro
ugh
the
deliv
ery o
f inf
orm
atio
n se
ssio
ns, o
utre
ach,
indi
vidu
al
supp
orts
and
refe
rral i
nto
CKLP
and
mai
nstre
am e
duca
tion,
trai
ning
and
em
ploy
men
t ser
vice
s
11
0K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
4:
EduC
atio
n - r
EduC
E th
E ra
tES
oF E
arLy
SCh
ooL
LEav
ing
BELo
W 1
0% a
nd
EnSu
rE a
t LE
aSt
40%
oF
30-3
4–yE
ar-o
LdS
CoM
PLEt
ing
thir
d LE
vEL
EduC
atio
n
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
10:
add
rESS
ing
arEa
-BaS
Ed P
ovEr
ty a
nd d
iSad
vant
agE
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 2:
Pov
Erty
: Edu
Cati
on –
inCr
EaSE
thE
LEv
EL o
F Ed
uCat
iona
L at
tain
MEn
t Fo
r th
oSE
Livi
ng in
diS
adva
ntag
Ed a
rEaS
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
SiCa
P go
al 2
: Sup
port
ing
acce
ss to
edu
catio
n, tr
aini
ng a
nd d
evel
opm
ent:
Pres
ent o
verv
iew
of s
ignp
ostin
g se
rvic
e to
LCD
C at
year
end
. Dev
elop
stra
tegy
for w
ides
prea
d co
mm
unic
atio
n of
sam
e.
CKLP
* 20
16
10.2
.1De
velo
p a
sign
pos
ting
serv
ice
thro
ugh
the
deliv
ery o
f inf
orm
atio
n se
ssio
ns, o
utre
ach
and
a re
ferra
l sy
stem
into
CKL
P an
d m
ains
tream
edu
catio
n se
rvic
es.
10.2
.2Pr
ovid
e on
e to
one
sup
ports
to in
divi
dual
s wh
o wi
ll po
tent
ially
eng
age
in th
e lif
e-lo
ng le
arni
ng p
roce
sses
.19
00 o
ne to
one
sup
ports
com
plet
edCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.3 P
rovi
de g
roup
and
one
to o
ne s
uppo
rts to
une
mpl
oyed
adu
lts 2
5 ye
ars+
to e
nabl
e ac
cess
to L
ife L
ong
Lear
ning
opp
ortu
nitie
s.Se
rvic
es p
rovi
ded
to 7
5 un
empl
oyed
adu
lts a
ge
25+
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.2
.4To
offe
r ind
ivid
uals
spe
cial
ist k
nowl
edge
, tra
inin
g an
d wo
rk e
xper
ienc
e wh
ich
will
supp
ort t
hem
in s
eeki
ng
empl
oym
ent o
r gai
ning
a p
lace
at t
hird
leve
l th
roug
h th
e pr
ovis
ion
of P
ost L
eavi
ng C
ertifi
cate
Pro
gram
me
500
plac
es o
ffere
d pe
r ann
um*K
C ET
B 20
16-2
020
10.2
.5To
pro
vide
sec
ond
chan
ce e
duca
tion
and
train
ing
prog
ram
me
for a
dults
who
are
long
term
une
mpl
oyed
an
d wh
o wi
sh to
retu
rn to
edu
catio
n to
gai
n a
qual
ifica
tion
and
deve
lop
thei
r ski
lls.
120
plac
es o
ffere
d pe
r ann
um
KCET
B*20
16-2
020
10.2
.6To
pro
vide
indi
vidu
als
and
grou
ps w
ith a
n op
portu
nity
to id
entif
y, ex
plor
e an
d re
view
edu
catio
nal a
nd
care
er o
ptio
ns t
hrou
gh th
e Ki
lken
ny A
dult
Guid
ance
Ser
vice
80
0 pe
ople
sup
porte
d pe
r ann
um
KCET
B*20
16-2
020
10.2
.7 B
ack
to E
duca
tion
Initi
ativ
e -t
o pr
ovid
e FR
EE p
art-
time
furth
er e
duca
tion
prog
ram
mes
for y
oung
peo
ple
and
adul
ts g
ivin
g pa
rtici
pant
s an
opp
ortu
nity
to c
ombi
ne a
retu
rn to
lear
ning
with
fam
ily, w
ork
and
othe
r re
spon
sibi
litie
s.
500
pla
ces
offe
red
per a
nnum
KC
ETB*
2016
-202
0
15-2
4 NE
ETS31
Gro
up:
60 yo
ung
peop
le e
ngag
ed p
er a
nnum
in
prog
ram
mes
/ser
vice
sCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.8Ta
rget
the
15 –
24
NEET
’s gr
oup,
thro
ugh
the
deliv
ery o
f inf
orm
atio
n se
ssio
ns, o
utre
ach,
indi
vidu
al
supp
orts
and
refe
rral i
nto
CKLP
and
mai
nstre
am e
duca
tion,
trai
ning
and
em
ploy
men
t ser
vice
s
10.2
.9 D
eliv
er n
iche
targ
eted
pro
ject
s su
ch a
s th
e Sa
vour
Kilk
enny
Foo
d Ch
alle
nge
and
targ
eted
afte
r-sch
ools
su
ppor
ts to
pot
entia
l ear
ly sc
hool
leav
ers.
70
0 NE
ETS
youn
g pe
ople
incl
uded
in n
iche
and
af
ter s
choo
l typ
e pr
ogra
mm
esCK
LP*,
sch
ools
in
the
coun
ty,
KTCM
, FRC
’s
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.10
Wor
k in
par
tner
ship
with
the
Scho
ol C
ompl
etio
n Pr
ogra
mm
e in
iden
tifyin
g ne
w in
itiat
ives
to s
uppo
rt yo
ung
peop
le ‘a
t ris
k’ o
f ear
ly sc
hool
leav
ing.
2 ne
w in
itiat
ives
iden
tified
CK
LP/ K
CETB
*20
16 -
2018
10.2
.11
To e
ngag
e th
e ap
prop
riate
bod
ies
to d
evel
op a
mon
itorin
g an
d in
form
atio
n pr
oces
s th
at id
entifi
es th
e sc
hool
atte
ndan
ce o
f Tra
velle
r chi
ldre
n at
bot
h pr
imar
y and
sec
ond
leve
l.Ap
prop
riate
age
ncie
s en
gage
d &
agre
ed
proc
ess/
mec
hani
sm f
or m
onito
ring
the
scho
ol
atte
ndan
ce o
f Tra
velle
r chi
ldre
n d
evel
oped
KTIG
2016
-202
0
10.2
.12
Deve
lop
an e
duca
tion,
trai
ning
and
em
ploy
men
t stra
tegy
for t
he 1
5 –
24 N
EET’s
targ
et g
roup
and
co
ntrib
ute
to a
mor
e co
ordi
nate
d ap
proa
ch to
resp
ondi
ng to
this
coh
ort o
f peo
ple.
NE
ETs
Stra
tegy
for C
ount
y Kilk
enny
Dev
elop
edCK
LP*
KCET
B20
16 -
2018
10.2
.13
Advo
cate
for t
he in
crea
sed
prov
isio
n of
edu
catio
n, tr
aini
ng a
nd d
evel
opm
ent o
ppor
tuni
ties
for t
hose
livi
ng
in d
isad
vant
aged
are
as in
Co
Kilk
enny
De
velo
p a
robu
st a
dvoc
acy p
rogr
amm
e, re
port
findi
ngs
and
prog
ress
ach
ieve
dCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.14
Prov
ide
Deve
lopm
ent O
ffice
r sup
port
to H
ome
Scho
ol L
iais
on C
omm
ittee
s an
d Yo
uth
agen
cy s
teer
ing
grou
ps in
Kilk
enny
.4
mee
tings
atte
nded
and
sup
porte
d ea
ch ye
arCK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.2
.15
To c
ontin
ue th
e pr
ovis
ion
of th
e Yo
uthr
each
pro
gram
me
in K
ilken
ny w
ith a
wid
e va
riety
of o
ptio
ns a
nd
anci
llary
sup
ports
for e
arly
scho
ol le
aver
s to
ena
ble
them
to im
prov
e th
eir s
kills
, gai
n a
qual
ifica
tion
and
beco
me
mor
e co
nfide
nt.
25 Y
oung
peo
ple
per y
ear c
ater
ed fo
r *
KCET
B20
16-2
020
10.2
.16
Prov
ide
indi
vidu
al s
uppo
rt to
youn
g pe
ople
who
atte
nd T
he D
rum
or a
re re
ferre
d to
The
Dru
m, t
o re
mai
n in
ed
ucat
ion
or e
xplo
re o
ther
edu
catio
n al
tern
ativ
es.
25 yo
ung
peop
le s
uppo
rted
on a
one
to o
ne
basi
sDR
UM*
2015
- 20
20
10.2
.17
Lib
rary
Ser
vice
s to
wor
k in
coo
pera
tion
with
rele
vant
age
ncie
s in
the
prov
isio
n of
lite
racy
sup
ports
to
adul
ts, c
hild
ren
and
youn
g pe
ople
in b
oth
tradi
tiona
l and
dig
ital f
orm
ats.
Lite
racy
sup
ports
pro
vide
d to
1,0
00 p
eopl
e pe
r an
num
KKCC
Lib
rary
Se
rvic
es*
2015
- 20
20
10.2
.18
Libr
ary S
ervi
ces
to p
rovi
de c
omm
unity
spa
ce fo
r cla
sses
and
oth
er o
ppor
tuni
ties
both
in-h
ouse
and
onl
ine
that
resp
ond
to e
duca
tiona
l nee
ds.
Prov
ide
educ
atio
nal o
ppor
tuni
ties/
clas
ses
to
1,00
0 pe
ople
per
ann
umKK
CC L
ibra
ry
Serv
ices
*20
15 -
2020
10.2
.19
The
4 FR
C’s
in th
e co
unty
will
run
rele
vant
edu
catio
n pr
ogra
mm
es to
impr
ove
the
educ
atio
n le
vels
of
indi
vidu
als
livin
g in
are
as o
f dis
adva
ntag
e.
Capa
city
bui
ldin
g an
d ed
ucat
ion
& tra
inin
g
su
ppor
t pro
gram
mes
will
be
run
to s
uppo
rt 25
0 in
divi
dual
s pe
r yea
r
4 FR
C’s
2016
-202
0
31 N
EETS
(EU
pro
gram
me
term
) re
ferr
ing
to Y
oung
Peo
ple
betw
een
age
15-2
4 w
ho a
re N
OT
in E
MP
LOYM
ENT,
ED
UC
ATIO
N o
r TR
AIN
ING
SER
VIC
ES.
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
1: E
MPL
oyM
Ent:
75%
oF
thE
20-6
4 yE
ar-o
LdS
to B
E EM
PLoy
Ed
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
10:
add
rESS
ing
arEa
-BaS
Ed P
ovEr
ty a
nd d
iSad
vant
agE
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 3:
Pov
Erty
: unE
MPL
oyM
Ent
– t
o rE
duCE
thE
LEv
EL o
F un
EMPL
oyM
Ent
in d
iSad
vant
agEd
arE
aS
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
SiCa
P go
al 3
: Sup
port
ing
acce
ss to
em
ploy
men
t ser
vice
s es
peci
ally
for t
hose
mos
t dis
tant
from
th
e la
bour
mar
ket:
1900
one
-to-
one
Supp
orts
Com
plet
ed to
un
empl
oyed
indi
vidu
als
from
dis
adva
ntag
ed a
reas
id
entifi
ed in
this
pla
n
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.3
.1Pr
ovid
e on
e to
one
sup
ports
to in
divi
dual
s wh
o wi
ll po
tent
ially
eng
age
in th
e Pr
e-Em
ploy
men
t Tr
aini
ng, e
duca
tion,
wor
k pl
acem
ent a
nd e
mpl
oym
ent p
rogr
amm
es.
10.3
.2Ac
t as
a si
gn p
ostin
g se
rvic
e th
roug
h th
e de
liver
y of i
nter
-age
ncy i
nfor
mat
ion
sess
ions
, out
reac
h an
d re
ferra
l int
o CK
LP a
nd m
ains
tream
ser
vice
s.
Pres
ent o
verv
iew
of s
ignp
ostin
g se
rvic
e to
LCD
C at
year
end
. Dev
elop
stra
tegy
for w
ides
prea
d co
mm
unic
atio
n of
sam
e.
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.3
.3De
liver
nic
he e
mpl
oym
ent p
rogr
amm
es s
uch
as K
ick-
Star
t, Pa
sspo
rt to
Em
ploy
men
t and
Driv
ing
Ambi
tions
.En
gage
10
une
mpl
oyed
peo
ple
from
DA
in th
ese
prog
ram
mes
per
ann
um
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.3
.4De
liver
the
Coun
ty K
ilken
ny E
mpl
oyab
ility
Stra
tegy
201
5 - 2
018
Deliv
er th
e Co
unty
Kilk
enny
Em
ploy
abili
ty S
trate
gy
2015
- 20
18CK
LP*
2016
- 20
18
10.3
.54
FRC’
s in
cou
nty c
ontin
ue to
dev
elop
em
ploy
men
t tra
inin
g an
d s
uppo
rt se
rvic
es fo
r lon
g te
rm
unem
ploy
ed i
n di
sadv
anta
ged
area
s a
nd th
ose
mos
t dis
tant
fro
m th
e la
bour
mar
ket
To s
uppo
rt 25
0 lo
ng te
rm u
nem
ploy
ed, y
outh
and
th
ose
mos
t dis
tant
from
the
labo
ur m
arke
t to
acce
ss a
var
iety
trai
ning
and
edu
catio
n in
itiat
ives
.
4 FR
C’s
2016
-202
0
Supp
ortin
g se
lf-em
ploy
ed:
1900
one
-to-
one
Supp
orts
Com
plet
ed to
un
empl
oyed
indi
vidu
als
from
dis
adva
ntag
ed a
reas
id
entifi
ed in
this
pla
n as
sta
ted
in 3
.1
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.3
.6De
liver
pre
-ent
erpr
ise
work
shop
s in
to ta
rget
ed c
omm
uniti
es a
nd p
rovi
de o
ne to
one
bus
ines
s de
velo
pmen
t sup
ports
to in
divi
dual
s se
ekin
g to
est
ablis
h ow
n en
terp
rise.
10.3
.7Li
nk e
nter
pris
es in
to b
road
er n
etwo
rks
and
oppo
rtuni
ties
in th
e re
gion
, e.g
. SE
Regi
onal
Foo
d Tr
ade
Desk
, Sav
our K
ilken
ny a
nd Tr
ail K
ilken
ny.
10 lo
cal b
usin
esse
s lin
ked
per a
nnum
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
11
2K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
Soci
al E
nter
pris
e:
Two
soci
al e
nter
pris
es a
ssis
ted
per a
nnum
CKLP
*20
16 -
2018
10.3
.8Su
ppor
t the
dev
elop
men
t of
loca
l ent
erpr
ises
10.3
.9Pa
rtner
with
rele
vant
age
ncie
s to
run
targ
eted
jobs
fairs
in id
entifi
ed a
reas
of d
isad
vant
age.
2 Jo
bsee
ker e
vent
s c
ompl
eted
per
ann
umDS
P*20
16 -
2020
10.3
.10
Wor
k in
coo
pera
tion
with
rele
vant
age
ncie
s to
targ
et in
form
atio
n in
rela
tion
to tr
aini
ng a
nd
empl
oym
ent o
ppor
tuni
ties
to s
peci
fic c
ohor
ts o
f peo
ple
regi
ster
ed w
ith IN
TREO
. Al
l est
ablis
hed
partn
ersh
ips
impr
oved
.DS
P*20
16 -
2020
10.3
.11
4 F
RC’s
cont
inue
to d
evel
op s
ocia
l ent
erpr
ise
proj
ects
with
in th
eir s
peci
fic a
reas
6 so
cial
ent
erpr
ises
per
year
ass
iste
d an
d m
aint
aine
d 4
FRC’
s 20
16-2
020
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
10:
add
rESS
ing
arEa
-BaS
Ed P
ovEr
ty &
diS
adva
ntag
E
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 4:
Pov
Erty
: you
th u
nEM
PLoy
MEn
t –
rEdu
CE t
hE L
EvEL
oF
yout
h un
EMPL
oyM
Ent
in d
iSad
vant
agEd
arE
aS
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
10.4
.1De
liver
the
‘Wor
k to
Lea
rn’ P
rogr
amm
e to
12-
15 yo
ung
peop
le a
nnua
lly, a
ged
15-1
8yrs
, who
oth
erwi
se
woul
d no
t hav
e th
e op
portu
nity,
sup
port
or k
nowl
edge
to g
ain
part-
time
work
. 15
new
peo
ple
from
DA
targ
eted
eac
h ye
arOs
sory
You
th*
2016
-201
8
10.4
.2 T
he D
RUM
yout
h ce
ntre
will
pro
vide
trai
ning
to a
ssis
t ide
ntifi
ed
youn
g pe
ople
to d
evel
op s
kills
ai
med
at e
nhan
cing
thei
r em
ploy
abili
ty b
y wor
king
col
labo
rativ
ely w
ith o
ther
You
th a
nd C
omm
unity
Or
gani
satio
ns
3 c
ours
es d
eliv
ered
per
ann
um to
20
youn
g pe
ople
DRUM
*20
16-2
020
10.4
.3Pr
ovid
e fa
cilit
ies
to o
ther
ser
vice
s de
liver
ing
educ
atio
nal p
rogr
amm
es fo
r you
ng
peop
le to
aid
futu
re e
mpl
oym
ent.
5 Se
rvic
es a
ssis
ted
to d
eliv
er 5
pro
gram
mes
to
50
youn
g pe
ople
DRUM
*20
16-2
020
10.4
.4Su
ppor
t the
dev
elop
men
t of a
sel
f-em
ploy
men
t pro
gram
me
for t
he 1
5 –
24 ye
ar
old
targ
et g
roup
(Lin
ked
to th
e st
rate
gy p
roce
ss o
utlin
ed in
Act
ion
2.7)
5 pr
ogra
mm
es p
er ye
ar
CKLP
*20
16
10.4
.5W
ork
with
rele
vant
age
ncie
s an
d gr
oups
to s
uppo
rt lo
cal B
usin
esse
s to
sig
n up
tth
e Em
ploy
men
t and
You
th A
ctiv
atio
n Ch
arte
r.As
man
y lo
cal
busi
ness
es a
s is
pos
sibl
e to
be
sign
ed u
p pe
r ann
umDS
P*20
16 –
202
0
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
11:
add
rESS
ing
PovE
rty
& So
CiaL
EXC
LuSi
on
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 5:
to
EnSu
rE t
hE in
CLuS
ion
and
aCti
vE E
ngag
EMEn
t oF
aLL
Cit
iZEn
S in
thE
SoC
iaL
and
ECon
oMiC
dEv
ELoP
MEn
t oF
Cou
nty
kiLk
Enny
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
11.5
.1PP
N so
cial
Incl
usio
n pi
llar a
nd th
e KF
SIP
to b
e dy
nam
ic s
truct
ure
for c
omm
unic
atio
n an
d en
gage
men
t of
com
mun
ity o
rgan
isat
ions
.En
hanc
ed r
epre
sent
atio
n on
loc
al C
omm
ittee
s,
Com
mun
icat
ion
Stra
tegy
dev
elop
ed, i
nfor
med
so
cial
incl
usio
n se
ctor
PPN
2016
-201
7
11.5
.2 P
rom
ote
initi
ativ
es th
at e
ncou
rage
inte
ract
ion
amon
g di
vers
e c
omm
uniti
es a
t nei
ghbo
urho
od le
vel,
thro
ugh
for e
xam
ple
resi
dent
s as
soci
atio
ns o
r Gar
da C
omm
unity
Saf
ety G
roup
s2
Initi
ativ
es d
eliv
ered
/sup
porte
d pe
r ann
umKI
F 20
16-2
020
11.5
.3Th
e 4
FRC’
s in
the
coun
ty w
ill c
ontin
ue to
pro
vide
thei
r fac
ilitie
s to
loca
l com
mun
ity g
roup
s as
a m
eans
of
enc
oura
ging
inte
ract
ion
betw
een
grou
ps o
pera
ting
at lo
cal l
evel
Pr
ovid
e ac
cess
to fa
cilit
ies
for
12 lo
cal g
roup
s pe
r yea
r 4
FRC’
s 2-
16-2
020
youn
g Pe
ople
:15
00 yo
ung
peop
le p
er a
nnum
eng
aged
Osso
ry Y
outh
2016
-201
811
.5.4
Prov
ide
acce
ss to
yout
h wo
rk o
ppor
tuni
ties
and
supp
ort,
targ
eted
and
uni
vers
al,
rura
l and
urb
an to
an
exce
ss o
f 150
0 yo
ung
peop
le a
nnua
lly.
11.5
.5Id
entif
y, tra
in a
nd s
uppo
rt in
exc
ess
of 1
50 v
olun
teer
s an
nual
ly to
pro
vide
co
mm
unity
-bas
ed yo
uth
wor
k op
portu
nitie
s fo
r you
ng p
eopl
e ag
ed 1
2-18
yrs.
150
volu
ntee
rs p
er a
nnum
recr
uite
dOs
sory
You
th20
16-2
018
11.5
.6Es
tabl
ish
the
Child
ren
and
Youn
g pe
ople
’s Se
rvic
es C
omm
ittee
(TUS
LA)
Deve
lopm
ent o
f a C
hild
ren
and
Youn
g Pe
ople
’s St
rate
gy
TUSL
A 20
16
11.5
.7De
velo
p a
soci
o-de
mog
raph
ic p
rofil
e an
d an
aud
it of
ser
vice
s fo
r chi
ldre
n an
d yo
ung
peop
le in
Cou
nty
Kilk
enny
.Au
dit c
ompl
eted
TUSL
A/
Child
ren’
s Se
rvic
es
Com
mitt
ee
2016
11
4K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
11.5
.8Ca
rry o
ut a
n an
alys
is o
f the
nee
ds o
f chi
ldre
n an
d yo
ung
peop
le li
ving
in th
e co
unty.
Need
s An
alys
is c
ompl
eted
TUSL
A/
Child
ren’
s Se
rvic
es
Com
mitt
ee
2016
11.5
.9 D
evel
op a
n ac
tion
plan
and
stra
tegy
to re
spon
d to
the
need
s of
chi
ldre
n an
d yo
ung
peop
le.
Stra
tegy
dev
elop
edTU
SLA/
Ch
ildre
n’s
Serv
ices
Co
mm
ittee
2017
11.5
.10
The
4 FR
C’s
will
, thr
ough
thei
r chi
ldre
n an
d yo
uth
prog
ram
mes
enc
oura
ge yo
ung
peop
le e
ngag
ed in
FR
C pr
ogra
mm
es to
par
ticip
ate
and
activ
ely e
ngag
e in
the
appr
opria
te d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
stru
ctur
es- i
.e.
the
Com
hairl
e na
nÓg
100
Youn
g pe
ople
Act
ivel
y par
ticip
atin
g pe
r yea
r 4
FRC’
s20
16-2
020
11.5
.11
Crea
te o
ppor
tuni
ties
to in
volv
e yo
uth,
act
ive
age,
mar
gina
lised
and
soc
ially
exc
lude
d gr
oups
in
herit
age
proj
ects
. Un
derta
ke 2
her
itage
pro
ject
s wh
ich
addr
ess
soci
al e
xclu
sion
Kilk
enny
He
ritag
e Fo
rum
, KK
CC H
erita
ge
Offic
e*, H
erita
ge
Coun
cil
2016
-201
8
olde
r Peo
ple
To m
aint
ain
the
3 re
leva
nt s
truct
ures
( Ol
der P
eopl
es F
orum
, Ser
vice
Pro
vide
rs
Foru
m, B
usin
ess
of a
ging
) an
d de
velo
p ne
w pr
ogra
mm
es: t
he
Log
on a
nd L
earn
Pro
gram
me,
Bu
sine
ss M
ento
r Pan
els,
the
over
65
Star
t-up
Su
ppor
t pro
gram
me,
the
Age
Frie
ndly
Busi
ness
Pr
ogra
mm
e as
par
t of t
he A
ge F
riend
ly Co
unty
In
itiat
ive
in K
ilken
ny
Age
Frie
ndly
Allia
nce
*KC
ETB
DCU
2016
-202
0
11.5
.12
To c
ontin
ue to
iden
tify a
nd e
stab
lish
rele
vant
pro
gram
mes
and
pro
ject
s th
at im
prov
e th
e liv
es o
f Old
er
peop
le li
ving
in K
ilken
ny
(See
Kilk
enny
Age
Frie
ndly
Stra
tegy
for f
urth
er d
etai
l)
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
11:
add
rESS
ing
PovE
rty
& So
CiaL
EXC
LuSi
on
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 6:
to
Put
Part
iCuL
ar F
oCuS
Ed a
ttEn
tion
on
LonE
Par
EntS
, tra
vELL
ErS,
PEo
PLE
FroM
Min
orit
y Et
hniC
& C
uLtu
raL
grou
PS, o
LdEr
PEo
PLE,
PEo
PLE
Wit
h a
diSa
BiLi
ty a
nd C
hiLd
rEn
& yo
ung
PEoP
LE. E
nSur
E Su
Ch g
rouP
ingS
arE
Pri
orit
iSEd
in r
ELat
ion
to P
ovEr
ty g
oaLS
.
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
Min
ority
, Eth
nic
and
Cultu
ral g
roup
s:
1-3
Trav
elle
rs to
be
supp
orte
d pe
r ann
um
KTCM
* KT
IG20
16 -2
020
11.6
.1Su
ppor
t Tra
velle
r dev
elop
men
t wor
kers
and
Trav
elle
r rep
rese
ntat
ives
to
unde
rtake
Cer
tifica
te/ D
iplo
ma
/Deg
ree
in C
omm
unity
Stu
dies
11.6
.2Ta
rget
Trav
elle
r you
th 1
8-25
year
s fo
r a p
re-e
mpl
oym
ent t
rain
ing
and
supp
ort p
rogr
amm
e, fo
r 10
Trav
elle
rs fr
om a
cros
s th
e co
unty
10 Tr
avel
lers
com
plet
e pr
e-em
ploy
men
t tra
inin
gKT
IG20
16
11.6
.3Ac
cess
fund
ing
stre
ams
to s
usta
in th
e KT
CM o
ver 3
year
per
iods
for c
ontin
uity
of
wor
k an
d to
dev
elop
as
an in
depe
nden
t Tra
velle
r Pro
ject
with
in th
e co
unty.
Fund
ing
secu
red
Dept
Just
ice
KTIG
/KKC
C –
Com
mun
ity &
cu
lture
Sec
tion/
CKLP
2016
11.6
.4Su
ppor
t the
Trav
elle
r Hor
se P
roje
ct in
dev
elop
ing
its fu
ll po
tent
ial
Deta
iled
plan
for h
orse
pro
ject
dev
elop
ed a
nd
proj
ect i
nitia
ted
KKCC
- Com
mun
ity
& Cu
lture
Sec
tion,
Ho
usin
g Se
ctio
n, /
CK
LP /K
TCM
/ DAF
M/
KKLA
G
2016
-202
0
11.6
.5Su
ppor
t exp
ansi
on o
f the
Yel
low
Flag
Sch
ools
Pro
gram
me
with
in th
e Co
unty
Incl
usio
n of
two
new
scho
ols
eac
h ye
arKT
IG20
16 -2
020
11.6
.6Co
ntin
ue to
sup
port
the
prov
isio
n of
Eng
lish
lang
uage
cla
sses
(for
mal
and
con
vers
atio
nal)
in
resp
onse
to a
nd o
n th
e ba
sis
of a
ctua
l nee
d.5
clas
ses
prov
ided
to 5
0 pa
rtici
pant
s ea
ch ye
arKI
F / F
RC’s
/ Im
mig
rant
Ser
vice
s20
16 -2
020
11
6K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
11.6
.7To
hig
hlig
ht d
iver
sity
and
enc
oura
ge in
tegr
atio
n am
ongs
t all
ethn
ic a
nd c
ultu
ral g
roup
s in
Kilk
enny
th
roug
h an
int
ercu
ltura
l eve
nts
pro
gram
me
this
is to
incl
ude
spor
ting
even
ts
2 In
terc
ultu
ral e
vent
s he
ld a
nnua
lly
at le
ast o
ne o
f the
se a
s a
spor
ting
even
t on
an
annu
al b
asis
KIF
/KRS
P20
16-2
018
11.6
.8Su
ppor
t the
del
iver
y of c
ultu
ral a
ware
ness
trai
ning
to s
choo
ls. I
n Ki
lken
ny
Cultu
ral a
ware
ness
trai
ning
del
iver
s to
2
scho
ols
per a
nnum
KI
F20
16-2
018
11.6
.9En
gage
with
relig
ious
lead
ers
to e
ncou
rage
peo
ple
to g
et in
volv
ed in
cro
ss c
ultu
ral c
omm
unity
in
itiat
ives
3 re
ligio
us le
ader
s en
gage
d wi
th a
nd 2
cro
ss
com
mun
ity in
itiat
ives
targ
eted
.KI
F20
16-2
018
11.6
.10
The
4 FR
C’s
to p
rovi
de th
e ap
prop
riate
sup
port
and
faci
litie
s fo
r the
inte
grat
ion
of m
igra
nts/
refu
gees
an
d as
ylum
see
ker f
amili
es/in
divi
dual
s in
the
coun
ty a
s pe
r the
Kilk
enny
Inte
grat
ion
Stra
tegy
10
fam
ilies
/indi
vidu
als
supp
orte
d ea
ch ye
ar
FRC’
s 20
16-2
020
11.6
.11
Lone
Par
ents
:Un
derta
ke a
com
preh
ensi
ve n
eeds
ana
lysis
of l
one
pare
nts
livin
g in
Kilk
enny
.Co
mpr
ehen
sive
Nee
ds A
nalys
is c
arrie
d ou
t and
re
porte
d up
on.
CKLP
, KKC
C-
Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion,
FR
Cs,
DSP,
TUSL
A
2016
11.6
.12
Osso
ry Y
outh
will
focu
s th
eir w
ork
prog
ram
me
on
youn
g pe
ople
exc
lude
d fro
m s
ocie
ty o
n th
e ba
sis
of
men
tal h
ealth
sta
tus,
eth
nici
ty, s
exua
lity,
disa
bilit
y, le
vel o
f ‘ris
k’ a
nd/o
r vul
nera
bilit
y to
parti
cipa
te
in O
ssor
y You
th32
.
30 Y
oung
peo
ple
per y
ear p
artic
ipat
ing
in
Osso
ry Y
outh
spe
cial
pro
gram
mes
/pro
ject
s Os
sory
You
th20
16 -2
017
11.6
.13
The
4 FR
C’s
will
cont
inue
prio
ritis
e th
eir s
ervi
ce to
ward
s vu
lner
able
fam
ilies
who
are
exc
lude
d fro
m
soci
ety o
n th
e ba
sis
on m
enta
l hea
lth s
tatu
s, e
thni
city,
sex
ualit
y, di
sabi
lity ,
relig
ion,
age
, mar
ital
stat
us a
nd s
ocia
l cla
ss.
40 fa
mili
es p
er ye
ar a
cces
sing
key
FRC
ser
vice
s 4
FRC’
s 20
16-2
020
32 O
ssor
y Yo
uth
Stra
tegi
c P
lan
2013
- 2
017
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
12:
En
hanC
ing
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
- Fa
CiLi
tiES
, inF
raSt
ruCt
urE,
arE
a Co
-ord
inat
ion,
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
aCti
viti
ES,
Prog
raM
MES
and
Par
tiCi
Pati
on
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 7:
to
EnSu
rE a
LL C
itiZ
EnS
oF k
iLkE
nny
(rur
aL a
nd u
rBan
BaS
Ed) h
avE
aCCE
SS t
o aP
ProP
riat
E Co
MM
unit
y Fa
CiLi
tiES
.
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
12.7
.1 U
nder
take
and
upd
ate
the
com
mun
ity, s
ports
and
arts
Fac
ilitie
s Au
dit
Com
mun
ity, S
ports
and
Arts
Fac
ilitie
s Au
dit
upda
ted
KKCC
–
Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion
2016
12.7
.2 D
evel
op a
cou
nty w
ide
plan
for C
omm
unity
faci
litie
s an
d in
frast
ruct
ure.
Plan
com
plet
edKK
CC- C
omm
unity
&
Cultu
re S
ectio
n an
d ot
her r
elev
ant
agen
cies
2016
12.7
.3Di
rect
cap
ital f
undi
ng to
sup
port
gaps
iden
tified
thro
ugh
the
faci
litie
s au
dit a
nd p
lan.
Appr
ove
4 ca
pita
l pro
ject
s ov
er th
e lif
etim
e of
this
pla
nKK
CC –
Co
mm
unity
&
Cultu
re S
ectio
n
2016
-202
0
12.7
.4Pr
oact
ivel
y wor
k wi
th c
omm
uniti
es th
at a
re ‘r
eady
’ to
deve
lop
a su
stai
nabl
e, c
omm
unity
-led
yout
h fa
cilit
y in
thei
r are
a.At
leas
t one
loca
tion
per a
nnum
Osso
ry Y
outh
2016
-202
0
12.7
.5Co
ntin
ue to
dev
elop
Des
art H
all a
s a
need
s-ba
sed,
incl
usiv
e an
d in
tegr
ated
yout
h ce
ntre
for a
ll yo
ung
peop
le in
Kilk
enny
.A
regi
ster
of g
roup
s an
d yo
ung
peop
le u
sing
De
sart
Hall
deve
lope
d. L
ift in
stal
led
for
impr
oved
firs
t floo
r acc
essi
bilit
y. Yo
uth
cafe
op
ens
at ‘y
outh
frie
ndly’
tim
es.
Osso
ry Y
outh
2016
12.7
.6Th
e Dr
um Y
outh
Pro
ject
will
pro
vide
mee
ting
faci
litie
s to
You
th a
nd C
omm
unity
gro
ups/
orga
nisa
tions
as
a m
eans
of s
uppo
rting
the
deliv
ery o
f ser
vice
s an
d su
ppor
ts th
at w
ill b
enefi
t the
m a
s ci
tizen
s of
Kilk
enny
.15
gro
ups
per y
ear a
cces
sing
The
Dru
m
mee
ting
faci
litie
s DR
UM
2016
-202
0
12.7
.7Th
e 4
FRC’
s wi
ll pr
ovid
e m
eetin
g fa
cilit
ies
to Y
outh
and
Com
mun
ity g
roup
s/or
gani
satio
ns a
s a
mea
ns o
f su
ppor
ting
the
deliv
ery o
f ser
vice
s an
d su
ppor
ts th
at w
ill b
enefi
t the
m a
s ci
tizen
s of
Kilk
enny
.40
gro
ups
per y
ear a
cces
sing
FRC
mee
ting
faci
litie
s4
FRC’
s 20
16-2
020
12.7
.8Su
ppor
t com
mun
ity p
artic
ipat
ion
in re
cord
ing,
pre
sent
ing
and
carin
g fo
r her
itage
.Un
derta
ke 2
com
mun
ity p
artic
ipat
ion
herit
age
proj
ects
Kilk
enny
Her
itage
Fo
rum
, KKC
C He
ritag
e Of
fice*
, He
ritag
e Co
unci
l
2016
-201
8
11
8K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
12.7
.9Su
ppor
t the
dev
elop
men
t of a
nd m
axim
ise
use
of s
ports
faci
litie
s an
d re
crea
tiona
l am
eniti
es b
y wor
king
co
llabo
rativ
ely w
ith s
ports
clu
bs, T
rail
Kilk
enny
and
oth
er lo
cal o
rgan
isat
ions
.Ki
lken
ny C
lubs
acc
essi
ng N
atio
nal L
otte
ry
fund
ing
thro
ugh
the
Spor
ts C
apita
l pr
ogra
mm
e.Th
e Co
unty
Cou
ncil
shal
l con
tinue
to
inve
stig
ate
the
feas
ibili
ty o
f dev
elop
ing
a Gr
eenw
ay in
Kilk
enny
and
a B
lue
way o
n th
e No
re w
ith a
cces
s po
ints
in K
ilken
ny C
ity.
KRSP
2016
-201
8
12.7
.10
Ensu
re a
ll ci
tizen
s of
Kilk
enny
(rur
al a
nd u
rban
bas
ed) h
ave
acce
ss to
app
ropr
iate
com
mun
ity fa
cilit
ies.
St
eps
take
n to
pro
vide
acc
essi
ble,
af
ford
able
, flex
ible
tran
spor
t sys
tem
s b
oth
rura
l& u
rban
Age
Frie
ndly
Allia
nce
and
Depa
rtmen
t of
Tran
spor
t
2016
-202
0
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
12:
Enh
anCi
ng C
oMM
unit
y dE
vELo
PMEn
t -
FaCi
Liti
ES, i
nFra
Stru
Ctur
E, a
rEa
Co-o
rdin
atio
n, C
oMM
unit
y dE
vELo
PMEn
t aC
tivi
tiES
, Pro
graM
MES
and
Par
tiCi
Pati
on
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 8:
to
EnSu
rE a
LL F
aCiL
itiE
S ar
E ut
iLiS
Ed t
o th
Eir
oPti
MuM
CaP
aCit
y, o
PEn
and
avai
LaBL
E to
aLL
Cit
iZEn
S.
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
12.8
.1Un
derta
ke a
pro
gram
me
audi
t to
be p
art o
f the
com
mun
ity, s
ports
and
arts
faci
litie
s au
dit.
Prog
ram
me
Audi
t com
plet
edKK
CC- C
omm
unity
&
Cultu
re S
ectio
n , K
RSP
2016
- 20
17
12.8
.2 In
corp
orat
e pr
ogra
mm
e au
dit fi
ndin
gs in
to e
xistin
g di
rect
orie
s an
d de
velo
p a
dist
ribut
ion/
mar
ketin
g st
rate
gy to
pro
mot
e aw
aren
ess
and
use.
Dire
ctor
ies
upda
ted
and
dist
ribut
ion
stra
tegy
impl
emen
ted
KKCC
- Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion,
KRS
P20
17 -
2018
12.8
.3As
sist
a m
inim
um o
f 12
loca
l com
mun
ities
ann
ually
in d
evel
opin
g vo
lunt
eer-l
ed p
rogr
amm
es fo
r you
ng
peop
le in
thei
r are
a, b
ased
prim
arily
but
not
exc
lusi
vely
on th
e ‘yo
uth
club
’ mod
el.
12 g
roup
s pe
r ann
um a
ssis
ted
Osso
ry Y
outh
2016
- 20
18
12.8
.4Pr
ovid
e di
rect
sup
port/
train
ing
to lo
cal g
roup
s to
em
bed
com
mun
ity d
evel
opm
ent p
rinci
ples
and
pra
ctic
es
in th
eir a
ppro
ach
to lo
cal c
omm
unity
wor
kTr
aini
ng p
rovi
ded
to 2
-5 g
roup
s pe
r an
num
Kilk
enny
LAG
2016
- 20
17
12.8
.5To
up-
skill
gro
ups
with
tech
nica
l sup
ports
to a
cces
s gr
ant a
id, m
anag
e fu
ndra
isin
g, a
dmin
istra
tion
and
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f pro
ject
s.Tr
aini
ng p
rovi
ded
to 3
-5 g
roup
s pe
r an
num
Ki
lken
ny L
AG20
16 -
2020
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
12:
Enh
anCi
ng C
oMM
unit
y dE
vELo
PMEn
t -
FaCi
Liti
ES, i
nFra
Stru
Ctur
E, a
rEa
Co-o
rdin
atio
n,
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
aCti
viti
ES a
nd P
rogr
aMM
ES a
nd P
arti
CiPa
tion
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 9
: EnS
urE
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
Coor
dina
tion
at
Mun
iCiP
aL d
iStr
iCt
LEvE
L to
SuP
Port
CoM
Mun
itiE
S at
LoC
aL L
EvEL
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
12.9
.1To
em
ploy
4 c
omm
unity
dev
elop
men
t coo
rdin
ator
s th
roug
h RD
S LE
ADER
for t
he 4
ele
ctor
al
area
s.4
CD c
o-or
dina
tors
em
ploy
edKi
lken
ny L
AG20
16
12.9
.2To
Sup
port
the
deve
lopm
ent o
f Ele
ctor
al (
Mun
icip
al )
Dis
trict
s ne
twor
ks th
roug
h th
e PP
NAp
prop
riate
Ele
ctor
al/ M
unic
ipal
Dis
trict
mee
tings
an
d co
mm
unic
atio
n m
etho
ds e
stab
lishe
d an
d op
erat
iona
l
PPN
2016
-202
0
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty &
SoC
iaL
EXCL
uSio
n
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
12:
En
hanC
ing
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
- Fa
CiLi
tiES
, inF
raSt
ruCt
urE,
arE
a Co
-ord
inat
ion,
CoM
Mun
ity
dEvE
LoPM
Ent
aCti
viti
ES a
nd P
rogr
aMM
ES a
nd P
arti
CiPa
tion
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 10
: to
inCr
EaSE
CoM
Mun
ity
Part
iCiP
atio
n an
d Ci
viC
Enga
gEM
Ent
at B
oth
Mun
iCiP
aL d
iStr
iCt
and
at C
ount
y LE
vEL.
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
12.1
0.1
Empl
oy a
dev
elop
men
t wor
ker f
or th
e PP
N PP
N Re
sour
ce W
orke
r in
plac
eKK
CC*
Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion
PP
N
2015
12.1
0.2
Deve
lop
publ
ic c
onsu
ltatio
n an
d en
gage
men
t pol
icy/
prot
ocol
s fo
r SPC
’s, P
PN, L
CDC,
and
KK
CC.
Polic
ies
deve
lope
d an
d ag
reed
PPN*
, KK
CC
all r
elev
ant
sect
ions
an
d El
ecte
d Re
pres
enta
tives
2016
12.1
0.3
Supp
ort t
he P
PN m
embe
rshi
p to
be
a dy
nam
ic s
truct
ure
for c
omm
unic
atio
n an
d en
gage
men
t.An
nual
wor
k pl
an d
evel
oped
for P
PN a
nd re
port
to L
CDC
each
ye
arPP
N*20
16 -
2020
12
0K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
12.1
0.4
Ensu
re th
at th
ose
mos
t dis
tant
from
dec
isio
n m
akin
g st
ruct
ures
are
sup
porte
d al
ong
with
loca
l com
mun
ities
and
gro
ups
to b
ecom
e m
embe
rs o
f the
PPN
and
oth
er re
leva
nt
coun
ty fo
ra to
ens
ure
acce
ss to
loca
l/cou
nty d
ecis
ion
mak
ing
stru
ctur
es.
A ta
rget
ed re
crui
tmen
t cam
paig
n ro
lled
out
ann
ually
PPN*
FRC
’s 20
15 -
2020
12.1
0.5
Supp
ort r
epre
sent
ativ
es a
t the
se fo
ra to
be
info
rmed
, hav
e a
clea
r age
nda
and
man
date
fro
m th
eir c
omm
uniti
es in
ord
er to
par
ticip
ate
effe
ctiv
ely.
Th
e nu
mbe
r of
mem
bers
sup
porte
d wi
ll m
atch
the
num
ber o
f st
ruct
ures
the
PPN
is re
pres
ente
d on
per
year
PPN*
2016
- 202
0
12.1
0.6
Deve
lop
a Vo
lunt
eer S
trate
gy a
cros
s a
num
ber o
f key
them
es, e
.g. y
outh
, old
er p
eopl
e,
arts
, car
ing,
info
rmat
ion
supp
ort,
com
mun
ity g
roup
s.Vo
lunt
eer R
ecru
itmen
t and
Mai
nten
ance
stra
tegy
dev
elop
edPP
N20
17
12.1
0.7
To in
crea
se c
omm
unity
par
ticip
atio
n an
d ci
vic
enga
gem
ent o
f old
er p
eopl
e at
bot
h M
unic
ipal
Dis
trict
and
at C
ount
y Lev
elPr
omot
ion
cam
paig
n de
velo
ped
out
linin
g o
ppor
tuni
ties
for
enga
gem
ent &
par
ticip
atio
n of
peo
ple
of a
ll ag
es in
arts
, cu
ltura
l, sp
iritu
al, l
eisu
re, l
earn
ing
and
phys
ical
act
iviti
es&
prog
ram
mes
Age
Frie
ndly
Allia
nce
2016
-202
0
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
13:
iM
Prov
ing
hEaL
th a
nd W
ELL-
BEi
ng
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 11
: En
SurE
thE
hEa
Lth
and
WEL
L-BE
ing
oF a
LL k
iLkE
nny’
S Ci
tiZE
nS iS
MaX
iMiS
Ed
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
13.1
1.1
To w
ork
with
oth
er s
tatu
tory,
non
sta
tuto
ry a
nd v
olun
tary
age
ncie
s in
the
roll
out o
f na
tiona
l prio
ritie
s as
iden
tified
in H
ealth
y Ire
land
- the
nat
iona
l fra
mew
ork
for a
ctio
n to
im
prov
e th
e he
alth
and
wel
lbei
ng o
f the
peo
ple
of Ir
elan
d
Prio
ritie
s an
d ag
enci
es id
entifi
ed o
n an
ann
ual b
asis
HS
E - H
ealth
Pr
omot
ion
& Im
prov
emen
t, He
alth
&
Wel
lbei
ng
Divi
sion
2015
- 20
18
13.1
1.2
Iden
tify a
nd c
olla
te e
vide
nce
base
d da
ta o
n th
e co
ntrib
utio
n of
her
itage
to h
ealth
and
we
ll-be
ing
Unde
rtake
an
evid
ence
bas
ed s
tudy
on
the
cont
ribut
ion
of
herit
age
to h
ealth
and
wel
l-bei
ngKi
lken
ny H
erita
ge
Foru
m, K
KCC
Herit
age
Offic
e*,
Herit
age
Coun
cil
2016
201
8
12
2K
ilken
ny L
ocal
Eco
nom
ic a
nd C
omm
unity
Pla
n
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
13.1
1.3
Deve
lop
and
deliv
er A
ctiv
e Tr
avel
pro
gram
mes
to p
rom
ote
beha
viou
ral c
hang
e in
sch
ools
, wo
rkpl
ace
and
com
mun
ity s
ettin
gsGr
eate
r num
bers
of p
eopl
e wa
lkin
g an
d cy
clin
g fo
r da
ily c
omm
utes
.KR
SP20
15 -
2018
13.1
1.4
Pr
ovid
e tra
inin
g an
d su
ppor
ts to
est
ablis
h sp
orts
and
act
ive
recr
eatio
n pr
ogra
mm
es
with
in c
omm
uniti
es.
6 –
8 Co
mm
uniti
es S
uppo
rted
KRSP
2015
-201
8
13.1
1.5
Supp
ort a
nd e
ncou
rage
pre
scho
ols
and
scho
ols
to p
repa
re a
nd im
plem
ent a
n ef
fect
ive
phys
ical
edu
catio
n an
d sp
orts
pro
gram
me
for c
hild
ren
and
youn
g pe
ople
.Pr
ovis
ion
of te
ache
r tra
inin
g op
portu
nitie
s, 4
wo
rksh
ops
annu
ally.
Enh
ance
d lin
ks b
etwe
en
scho
ols
and
club
s.
KRSP
2015
- 20
18
13.1
1.6
Supp
ort s
ports
clu
bs to
pro
vide
qua
lity o
ppor
tuni
ties
for e
ngag
emen
t in
spor
t and
act
ive
recr
eatio
n, in
par
ticul
ar m
inor
ity s
ports
and
spo
rts c
ater
ing
for m
inor
ity g
roup
s.Ro
ll ou
t of C
oach
Edu
catio
n Co
urse
s
Crea
te p
athw
ays
for l
ifelo
ng p
artic
ipat
ion
in c
lubs
and
cre
ate
new
oppo
rtuni
ties
for p
artic
ipat
ion
th
roug
h cl
ub d
evel
opm
ent g
rant
s.
10 C
lubs
sup
porte
d an
nual
ly.
13.1
1.7
Supp
ort s
port
and
activ
e re
crea
tion
prov
ider
s to
faci
litat
e pa
rtici
patio
n fo
r all
and
incr
ease
par
ticip
atio
n am
ong
spec
ific
grou
ps w
ho a
re le
ss a
ctiv
ely e
ngag
ed.
Oppo
rtuni
ties
for s
taff,
coa
ches
, lea
ders
and
vol
unte
ers
to p
artic
ipat
e in
trai
ning
, res
ultin
g in
in
crea
sed
capa
city
to e
ngag
e wi
th th
e wh
ole
com
mun
ity.
Prog
ram
mes
dev
elop
ed b
y KRS
P to
cat
er fo
r low
par
ticip
atio
n gr
oups
.
5 ne
w pr
ogra
mm
es a
nnua
lly.
123Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Eu 2
020
Prio
rity
5: F
ight
ing
PovE
rty
and
SoCi
aL E
XCLu
Sion
: at
LEaS
t 20
MiL
Lion
FEW
Er P
EoPL
E in
or
at r
iSk
oF P
ovEr
ty a
nd S
oCia
L EX
CLuS
ion
LECP
hig
h LE
vEL
goaL
13:
iMPr
ovin
g h
EaLt
h an
d W
ELL-
BEi
ng
SuSt
aina
BLE
CoM
Mun
ity
oBJE
Ctiv
E 12
: to
Put
Par
tiCu
Lar
FoCu
S at
tEnt
ion
on t
hE F
oLLo
Win
g ar
EaS:
PEo
PLE
Wit
h a
diSa
BiLi
ty, S
uBSt
anCE
MiS
uSE,
MEn
taL
hEaL
th &
Sui
CidE
, tr
avEL
LErS
, Eth
niC
Min
orit
iES,
hoM
ELES
SnES
S an
d Lg
Bti
actio
nsou
tput
sPa
rtne
rs/L
ead*
timef
ram
e
13.1
2.1
Ethn
icity
: De
liver
y of T
rain
ing
on a
Trai
n th
e Tr
aine
r ba
sis
of “
Inte
rcul
tura
l Awa
rene
ss
& Pr
actic
e in
Hea
lth &
Soc
ial C
are”
Trai
ning
pro
vide
d to
25
staf
f / p
erso
ns p
er a
nnum
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it 20
16 -
2020
13.1
2.2
To M
ap th
e Ro
ma
Com
mun
ity w
ithin
Kilk
enny
Ro
ma
Com
mun
ity m
appi
ng a
nd re
port
pro
duce
d an
d di
ssem
inat
edHS
E So
cial
In
clus
ion
Unit
2016
13.1
2.3
Drug
and
Alc
ohol
: To
ensu
re th
at K
ilken
ny o
pera
tes
an e
ffect
ive
Loca
l Dru
gs Ta
sk F
orce
th
at c
an re
spon
d to
iden
tified
prio
ritie
s in
Kilk
enny
und
er th
e th
emes
of:
l
Supp
ly Co
ntro
l, Co
mm
unity
Saf
ety,
Crim
e l
Trea
tmen
t, Ha
rm R
educ
tion
Serv
ices
l
Educ
atio
n, Tr
aini
ng a
nd E
mpl
oym
ent
A Lo
cal D
rug
Stra
tegy
and
Task
For
ce in
pla
ce to
add
ress
lo
cal n
eeds
KL
DTF*
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.4
Hom
eles
snes
s: To
con
tinue
to w
ork
as a
n in
tegr
ated
Hom
eles
s Ac
tion
Team
to m
eet t
he
need
s of
com
plex
cas
es th
at p
rese
nt in
Kilk
enny
as
vic
tims
of h
omel
essn
ess
To h
ave
deve
lope
d 5
succ
essf
ul in
tegr
ated
res
pons
es t
o ho
mel
ess
clie
nts
pre
sent
ing
to th
e Ho
mel
ess
Act
ion
Team
pe
r yea
r
HAT*
2016
-201
8
12.1
2.5
To e
nsur
e th
ose
pres
entin
g as
hom
eles
s ha
ve a
cces
s to
hea
lth s
ervi
ces
by e
nsur
ing
each
ser
vice
use
r has
a c
urre
nt v
alid
Med
ical
Car
d.To
ass
ess,
if n
eces
sary
then
ass
ist i
n ap
plic
atio
n of
med
ical
car
d an
d ac
tione
d on
Car
e Pl
an. A
ppro
x pe
rcen
tage
: 90%
. All
requ
ired
heal
th c
are
need
s ar
e fu
lfille
d fro
m c
are
plan
.
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it
13.1
2.6
To e
nsur
e th
ose
pres
entin
g as
hom
eles
s ha
ve a
Hea
lth N
eeds
ass
essm
ent c
arrie
d ou
t on
adm
ittan
ce to
Hom
eles
s Se
rvic
es.
Ever
y ser
vice
use
rs a
dmitt
ed to
Hom
eles
s Se
rvic
e ha
s a
Heal
th N
eeds
Ass
essm
ent c
arrie
d ou
t with
in tw
o we
eks
and
refle
cted
with
in c
are
plan
. App
rox p
erce
ntag
e: 8
5%
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it20
16-2
020
13.1
2.7
To e
nsur
e ea
ch s
ervi
ce u
ser h
as a
car
e pl
an w
hich
will
sup
port
them
to m
anag
e th
eir
phys
ical
, gen
eral
hea
lth a
nd a
ddic
tion
issu
esCa
re P
lan
revi
ew m
eetin
gs a
nd p
rogr
essi
on o
f sam
e.
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it20
16-2
020
13.1
2.8
To e
nsur
e th
at H
omel
ess
Serv
ices
are
wor
king
to Q
ualit
y Sta
ndar
ds.
Qual
ity s
tand
ards
che
cklis
t dev
elop
ed.
(As
part
of th
e Se
rvic
e Le
vel A
gree
men
t all
Hom
eles
s Se
rvic
es w
ill
com
men
ce im
plem
enta
tion
of Q
ualit
y Sta
ndar
ds u
nder
th
e re
vise
d Pu
tting
Peo
ple
Firs
t and
HSE
Bet
ter H
ealth
Ou
tcom
es).
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it20
16-2
020
124 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan1
24
13.1
2.9
Men
tal H
ealth
: Sup
port
the
impl
emen
tatio
n of
the
Life
line
Coun
ty S
trate
gy fo
r Sui
cide
Pr
even
tion.
12.4
Kilk
enny
Life
line
Grou
p to
pre
sent
impl
emen
tatio
n
outc
omes
to th
e LC
DC o
n an
ann
ual b
asis
Li
felin
e Ki
lken
ny20
15 -
2018
13.1
2.10
Men
tal H
ealth
: Con
tinue
to L
ink
in W
ith L
ifelin
e wh
en s
uppo
rting
you
ng p
eopl
e’s
posi
tive
men
tal h
ealth
thro
ugh
the
Arts
Offi
ce L
itera
ry p
rogr
amm
es
Prod
uctio
n of
1 R
hym
e Ra
g m
agaz
ine
per y
ear w
ith
asso
ciat
ed w
orks
hops
KKCC
Arts
Offi
ce
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.11
LGBT
I Con
tinue
to s
uppo
rt Ki
lken
ny P
ride
and
Out f
or th
e we
eken
d ev
ent o
n an
nual
ba
sis
One
eve
nt p
er a
nnum
sup
porte
dKK
CC*
Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion
2015
- 20
20
13.1
2.12
LGB
TI H
ost a
ser
ies
of ro
und-
tabl
e di
scus
sion
s to
iden
tify k
ey n
eeds
and
resp
onse
s to
th
e LG
BTI i
n Ki
lken
ny
Nee
ds A
nalys
is c
ompl
eted
.KK
CC*
Com
mun
ity &
Cu
lture
Sec
tion
2016
-201
7
13.1
2.13
Cont
inue
to d
evel
op n
eeds
bas
ed a
nd d
eman
d-le
d se
rvic
es fo
r all
youn
g pe
ople
wi
th a
par
ticul
ar fo
cus
on yo
ung
peop
le e
xper
ienc
ing
excl
usio
n an
d/or
diffi
culti
es in
ad
oles
cenc
e. T
his
will
incl
ude
acce
ssib
le yo
uth
cafe
s, th
e m
enta
l hea
lth re
silie
nce
prog
ram
me,
the
yout
h m
ento
ring
prog
ram
me,
‘Wor
k to
Lea
rn’ p
rogr
amm
es.
Serv
ices
exp
ande
d to
mee
t the
nee
ds o
f 10
new
youn
g
peop
le p
er ye
ar
Osso
ry Y
outh
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.14
To im
plem
ent t
he fi
ndin
gs c
onta
ined
in th
e LG
BTI R
esea
rch
“The
Rai
nbow
Rep
ort –
LG
BTI H
ealth
Nee
ds &
Exp
erie
nces
& H
ealth
Sec
tor R
espo
nses
.To
impr
ove
the
com
pete
nce
of s
taff
in th
eir s
ervi
ce
prov
isio
n to
and
with
the
LGBT
I Com
mun
ity.
HSE
Soci
al
Incl
usio
n Un
it in
pa
rtner
ship
with
ot
her r
elev
ant
loca
l age
ncie
s /
grou
p
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.15
To im
prov
e th
e he
alth
out
com
es o
f Tra
velle
rs li
ving
in K
ilken
ny th
roug
h th
e de
liver
y of
targ
eted
Trav
elle
r hea
lth m
essa
ges
and
prog
ram
mes
as
part
of th
e Ki
lken
ny Tr
avel
ler
Heal
th P
roje
ct.
20 Tr
avel
ler f
amili
es e
ngag
ed in
Trav
elle
r hea
lth
prog
ram
mes
Ki
lken
ny Tr
avel
ler
Heal
th P
roje
ct
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.16
FRC’
s to
con
tinue
to p
rovi
de fa
mily
sup
port
/ ind
ivid
ual s
uppo
rt to
youn
g pe
ople
refe
rred
to th
em th
roug
h TÚ
SLA
and
othe
r rel
evan
t age
ncie
s.16
refe
rred
Fam
ily/in
divi
dual
s re
ceiv
ing
fam
ily s
uppo
rt se
rvic
es th
roug
h th
e FR
CFR
C’s
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.17
The
Serv
ice
Prov
ider
s Fo
rum
of t
he K
ilken
ny A
ge F
riend
ly Co
unty
Initi
ativ
e to
pro
vide
su
ppor
ts to
per
sons
with
dem
entia
and
thei
r car
ers.
To
con
tinue
to im
plem
ent t
he M
emor
y Mat
ters
Pro
gram
me
acro
ss K
ilken
ny a
nd C
arlo
w fo
r tho
se m
ost i
n ne
ed o
f de
men
tia s
uppo
rts.
Serv
ice
prov
ider
s Fo
rum
, Age
Fr
iend
ly Al
lianc
e an
d De
partm
ent
of H
ealth
2016
-202
0
13.1
2.18
Incr
ease
the
num
ber o
f sup
porte
d op
portu
nitie
s av
aila
ble
for p
eopl
e wi
th d
isab
ilitie
s an
d m
enta
l hea
lth p
robl
ems
to p
artic
ipat
e in
spo
rt an
d ph
ysic
al a
ctiv
ity.
Prov
ide
oppo
rtuni
ties
and
crea
te p
athw
ays
for 2
00 c
hild
ren
and
50 a
dults
with
dis
abili
ties
to ta
ke p
art i
n sp
ort o
n an
an
nual
bas
is.
KRSP
, Dis
abili
ty
Orga
nisa
tions
’, Sp
orts
Clu
bs
2016
-201
8
13.1
2.19
Supp
ort t
he p
rovi
sion
of p
hysi
cal a
ctiv
ity o
ppor
tuni
ties
for p
eopl
e fro
m e
thni
c m
inor
ities
, tra
velle
r com
mun
ities
and
oth
er m
inor
ity g
roup
s.Co
ntin
ued
supp
ort o
f exis
ting
prog
ram
mes
and
one
new
pr
ogra
mm
e to
be
deliv
ered
ann
ually
.KR
SP a
nd o
ther
lo
cal a
genc
ies
2016
-201
8
126 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
9. IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING
The implementation period for the Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) is 2016 – 2021.
All stakeholders involved must ensure they collaborate and allocate the necessary resources for the
successful implementation of all of the actions contained in the LECP.
Agencies given a lead role will have primary responsibility for ensuring that the actions listed in the LECP
are implemented, and they will be asked to provide regular updates on their delivery.
Monitoring of the economic actions of the LECP will be the responsibility of Kilkenny County Council’s SPC
for Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Tourism (SPC1).
Monitoring of the community and social inclusion actions of the LECP will be the responsibility of the
County Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
An LECP Advisory Group will also be established to comprise representatives from the LCDC and SPC1
to oversee the overall monitoring and implementation of the LECP. The Chairs of the LCDC and SPC1 will
sit on the Advisory Group, along with nominated members from each Committee.
The Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly are to establish an ‘Economic Strategy Forum’ which will
also have a monitoring role in relation to the LECP. Kilkenny County Council (in conjunction with the
Regional Assembly) will develop the appropriate structures to enable regional co-operation, monitoring
and effective implementation of the LECP at regional level.
In the final quarter of each year, the LECP Advisory Group, support staff for SPC1 and the LCDC will
engage with all of the stakeholder organisations and agencies to prepare an annual action plan for the
following year.
The annual action plan will comprise a list of the prioritised actions from the LECP to be delivered in that
year. The annual plans will include details of the organisations and agencies to be engaged in the delivery
of each action, along with baseline figures (where available), key performance indicators, milestones and
outcomes/ targets to be delivered in that year. The annual action plans will be equality-proofed across
the nine grounds outlined in the Equal Status Acts 2000-2012 in conjunction with the lead agencies
responsible for the delivery of the actions as outlined in the proofing section of this plan.
127Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
The annual actions plans will be presented to SPC1 and the LCDC for approval at their first meeting each year.
It should be noted that the first annual action plan will be finalised by the end of Quarter 2 of 2016 and
will cover the period until the end of 2017.
SPC1 and the LCDC will monitor the implementation of the annual action plans at their subsequent
meetings throughout the year and address any issues arising.
The LECP will be flexible to allow additional actions and ideas to be added as they emerge over the period
of the plan.
The Chairs of the LCDC and SPC1 will provide a written report on the progress of the implementation of the
community and economic actions respectively, to Kilkenny County Council , and the three Municipal District
Councils bi-annually. These progress reports will be published and will identify areas for further action.
Planning, monitoring and evaluation are ongoing processes. There is constant feedback, learning and
improving. Actions outlined in the LECP will be regularly reviewed and modified based on the lessons
learned through monitoring and evaluation, and any future actions can be developed based on these
lessons. Such review and modification shall also be subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
and Appropriate Assessment (AA) Screening processes as appropriate. Implementation of the LECP will
also conform to:
l The Regional Planning Guidelines and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy when that is in
place, and
l The provisions of the Kilkenny County and City Development Plans and Local Area Plans, including those
provisions requiring sustainable development and protection and management of the environment.
The implementation of the LECP depends, in part, on the ability of both the LCDC and SPC1 and other
stakeholders to carry out evaluation of actions to help inform decision making. The focus will be on what
is working, why and in what context; how could it be done differently for better results; and how this
knowledge or approach can be applied to other contexts. Key decision makers involved in delivering the
LECP actions will use evaluations to make necessary improvements and adjustments to the implementation
approach or strategies, and to decide on alternatives. On-going evaluation will also help ensure the LECP
is aligned with and supports county, national, EU and other key strategies.
The results and outcomes outlined in the LECP high level goals and actions will be monitored to ensure:
l The outcomes agreed under each action are being achieved. This is a collective responsibility for the
LCDC, SPC1 and all stakeholders.
l The annual action plan produces the envisaged outcomes in an efficient manner. This will include
ensuring appropriate use of resources.
l Decisions and changes to actions, programmes and projects are based on sound evidence.
l Lessons learned are systematically captured to improve future actions and outcomes.
l Implementation of the LECP progresses towards achieving the EU2020 targets.
128 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
APPENDIX I: MEMBERSHIPS OF LCDC AND SPC1(as at end of December 2015)
Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee
Name Organisation
Sean McKeown Local Enterprise Office
Loretto O’Driscoll Teagasc
Eileen Curtis Education & Training Board
Mary Barron Department of Social Protection
Cllr David Fitzgerald Elected Representative
Cllr Andrew McGuinness Elected Representative
Cllr Eamon Aylward Elected Representative
Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh Elected Representative
Elizabeth Dermody Comm. & Voluntary - Ossory Youth (PPN Community Pillar)
Martin CarrollComm. & Voluntary - Castlecomer Enterprise Group (PPN Community Pillar))
Fergus KeaneChairperson as of December 2015 - Social Inclusion - Good Shepherd Centre (PPN Social Inclusion Pillar)
Mary O’Hanlon Social Inclusion - OPF (PPN Social Inclusion Pillar)
PJ Cleere Social Inclusion Disability - KFSIP (PPN Social Inclusion Pillar)
Sheila Donnelly Family Resource Centres
Niall McManus KK Cycling & Walking Campaign (PPN Environment Pillar)
John Bambrick IFA
Martin Costello Chamber of Commerce
Declan Rice CKLP
Colette Byrne CEO, Kilkenny County Council
Nickey Brennan Acting Independent Chairperson (until end October 2015)
LCDC Support Staff
Maria Melia Chief Officer
Bríd Hynes, Lindsey Butler, Lisa Bourke
129Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
SPC for Economic Development, Enterprise Support & Tourism
Cllr Pat Millea Chairman
Cllr Peter Cleere Elected Representative
Cllr Tomas Breathnach Elected Representative
Cllr Michael Doyle Elected Representative
Cllr Patrick O’Neill Elected Representative
Cllr Patrick McKee Elected Representative
Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick Elected Representative
Mr Phil Funchion Trade Union Rep
Mr Michael Kennedy CIF Rep
Mr John Bambrick IFA Rep
Ms Deirdre Shine Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce Rep
Ms Theresa Delahunty Social Inclusion Pillar Rep, PPN
Mr Charles Wani Social Inclusion Pillar Rep, PPN
SPC Support Staff
Martin Prendiville Head of Finance
Sean McKeown Head of Enterprise
Brian Tyrell Senior Executive Officer
Stephen O’Connor Administrative Officer
Aisling Hayes Administrative Officer
130 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
APPENDIX II: CONSULTATIONS AND DESK RESEARCH (i) Plans and Strategies reviewedThe following reports and strategies were reviewed and informed the development of this plan.
1. Ireland’s National Traveller / Roma Integration Strategy 2011 – 2016
2. Better Outcomes Brighter Futures: The national policy framework for children & young people
2014 - 2020
3. The South East Homelessness Action Plan 2013 – 2016
4. National Social Housing Strategy 2020)
5. National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan 2013-2015
6. National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016
7. Rural Social Inclusion: Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion on the Island of Ireland – Context, Policies
and Challenges by Dr. Kathy Walsh, KW Research and Associates Ltd. 2010
8. Building Strong and Inclusive Communities: A regional strategy for LGBT Inclusion and Support in
the South East 2013-2018
9. OECD Delivering Local Development: Ireland 2013
10. Guidance on Community-led Local Development in European Structural and Investment Funds
Version 2: May 2014
11. Healthy Ireland – A framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013 – 2018
12. A Draft Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland March 2015
13. Kilkenny Age Friendly Strategy 2011-2015
14. Uniting the Diverse- Kilkenny Integration Strategy 2013-2017
15. Kilkenny Traveller Interagency Group reports
16. Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM) 2020 Strategy
17. South East Traveller Health Unit Strategic Plan 2015-2020
18. Ferrybank Community Development Strategy 2015-2020
19. Kilkenny Recreation & Sports Partnership
20. Kilkenny County Council Estate Management Strategic Plan 2015-2020
21. Kilkenny Social Housing Strategy
22. Strategic Framework for Family Support within the Family and Community Services Resource
Centre Programme. Family Support Agency Revised Edition January 2013.
23. One Parent National Strategy
24. South East Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force DRAFT 2015 Priorities
25. Our Community, Our Conversation: Co Kilkenny Action Plan for Suicide Prevention 2014 – 2018
Lifeline Kilkenny
26. Action Programme for Effective Local Government – Putting People First
27. Action Plan for Jobs 2015
131Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
28. South East Region Action Plan for Jobs 2015-2017
29. Construction 2020 – A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector
30. Delivering our Green Potential – Government Policy Statement on Growth and Employment in the
Green Economy
31. Energising Ireland’s Rural Economy – Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas
(CEDRA).
32. Food Harvest 2020
33. Local Government Sectoral Strategy to Promote Employment and Support Local Enterprise -
Supporting Economic Recovery and Jobs – Locally
34. Making it Happen – Growing Enterprise for Ireland
35. Our Sustainable Future – A Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland
36. Regional Planning Guidelines for the South East 2010-2022
37. Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014 -2020
38. Kilkenny City Development Plan 2014-2020
39. National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020
40. A Strategy for Growth: Medium-Term Economic Strategy 2014 – 2020
41. Indecon Report on CDBs
42. National Policy Statement on Entrepreneurship 2014
43. Europe 2020 Strategy and National Reform Programme for Ireland
44. Local Roots Global Reach ‘Food Wise 2025 – A 10-Year Vision for the Irish agri-food industry.’
(Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).
45. Regional Indicators Report - 2014: Monitoring Framework for Implementation of the Regional
Planning Guidelines
46. People, Place and Policy – Growing Tourism to 2025 (Fáilte Ireland)
132 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Profile of Mainstream & voluntary Services
The following services were identified and considered in the development of this plan.
Kilkenny County Council is responsible for the provision of an extensive range of public services in Kilkenny.
In addition, local authorities promote the interests of the local community, including the social, economic,
environmental, recreational, cultural, community and general development of Kilkenny.
Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your
business. With 31 dedicated teams across the local authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices
offer you a wide range of experience, skills and services.
The Local Enterprise Office is for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business
including entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand.
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is the new social inclusion programme that
took over from its successor programme the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP).
It aims to tackle poverty, social exclusion and long-term unemployment through local engagement and
partnership between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.
Department of Social Protection plays a key role in supporting those most in need, including children and
their parents, people who are unemployed, ill, carers, people with disabilities and older people.
SOLAS Employment & Training Services has been established to develop and give strategic direction to the
Further Education and Training Sector in Ireland. It is responsible for funding, planning and co-ordinating
a wide range of training and further education programmes.
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership is a Local Development Company operating the Social Inclusion
Activation Programme and the Rural Development Programme in the county.
TUSLA Child & Family Agency is the dedicated State agency responsible for improving wellbeing and
outcomes for children.
Carlow/Kilkenny HSE services provide a wide range of health and personal social services to Carlow and
Kilkenny.
Carlow Kilkenny Educational and Training Board (ETB) - In the past, the Vocational Educational Committees
(VECs) were the main providers of further education in Ireland. ETBs are the new statutory education
authorities, formed from the aggregation of Ireland’s 33 VECs (abolished on 1 July) and the integration
of the 16 FÁS Training Centres (on-going in 2014), will be the vehicles for the delivery of coordinated
education and training programmes across Ireland.
133Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority - is the national body providing integrated
research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities
Kildalton College is the largest agricultural college in the county and is located in Piltown, County Kilkenny.
This college meets the agricultural needs of all students in the region who want full-time agricultural
training. The educational focus is on providing Level 6 agricultural distance training to non-agricultural
award holders. In addition there are also short courses on farm health and safety, financial management,
dairy new entrant, environmental and options courses.
Ring a Link is a non-profit making, charitable organisation funded by the Department of Transport, offering
affordable and convenient transport for rural dwellers of Counties Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary.
Ring a Link services are demand responsive and door-to-door.
Health Promotion & Improvement, Health & Wellbeing Division, HSE -the work of the Health and Wellbeing
Division is focused on helping people to stay healthy and well, reducing health inequalities and protecting
people from threats to their health and wellbeing. It was established based on two fundamental policy
shifts within the health service: Future Health, which describes the new structures currently being
established for the healthcare system and Healthy Ireland, the Government’s Framework to improve the
health and wellbeing of our population.
Social Inclusion and Substance Misuse Unit, HSE - Aims to improve access to mainstream services, target
services to marginalised groups, address inequalities in access to health services; and enhance the
participation and involvement of socially excluded groups and local communities in the planning, design,
delivery, monitoring and evaluation of health services.
Groups targeted specifically include marginalised groups identified (includes homeless people, minority
ethnic communities, Travellers, illicit drug users, those from the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/
transgender communities, people with problematic or dependent alcohol use and people with HIV/ AIDS).
Main youth service providers; Ossory Youth, Foróige, Macra na Feirme: Scouting Ireland, Family Resource
Centres (FRCs).
Kilkenny County Childcare Committee supports the development of a quality early childhood care and
education sector throughout Kilkenny City and County.
Kilkenny Citizens Information Centre provides a free and confidential information service on all aspects
of the social services including housing, health, social welfare, law, employment, pensions, and tax and
consumers affairs. It has three outreach offices: Kilkenny City, Graiguenamanagh and Mooncoin.
Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the State’s money advice service, guiding people through
dealing with problem debt.
134 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Family Resource Centres: There are four Family Resource Centres (FRCs) operating in Kilkenny: The
Fr. McGrath FRC services a section of western Kilkenny City; Droichead FRC services the Callan area;
Newpark Close FRC services a segment of the eastern part of the city based around that titular housing
estate, and The Mill FRC is located in Urlingford. Key services provided by FRCs include:
• The provision of family support, information and advice at local level;
• Practical assistance to community groups (such as training, information, advice and use of shared
facilities);
• Education courses and training opportunities;
• Childcare facilities for those attending courses provided by the programme;
• After-school clubs.
Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement (KTCM) is a Traveller-led organisation which supports Travellers
and Traveller community development throughout County Kilkenny. KTCM aims to provide a supportive
environment for all Travellers in County Kilkenny to work together and make progress. There are four
programmes attached to the KTCM – The Traveller Health Project, The Traveller Participation Project, the
Traveller Childcare and After School programmes and the Kilkenny Traveller Horse Project.
Kilkenny Traveller Interagency Group is an interagency group that looks at integrated service delivery priorities
for the Traveller Community, and includes Travellers as partners in the identification of these priorities.
Kilkenny Local Traveller Accommodation Committee has responsibility for developing an annual
accommodation plan for Travellers in the county.
Kilkenny Sports & Recreation Partnership (KRSP) is one of a series of county-based sports partnerships
established by the Irish Sports Council. It is comprised of a wide range of interest groups in the county,
from voluntary sports clubs, local development, health promotion and other relevant agencies.
Other specialised services: The Good Shepherd Centre provides short-term accommodation for homeless
men while the Amber Kilkenny Women’s Refuge Services provides a similar service to women. Immigrant
services and Fáilte Isteach projects provide information, integration and language supports to the
immigrant community. Kilkenny Integration Forum provides activities, projects, forums and events to
assist in the integration process at local level.
Kilkenny Forum for Social Inclusion and Participation is a federation of community-based organisations for
combating inequalities and promoting social justice.
Kilkenny Public Participation Network (PPN) is the framework for public engagement and participation.
The PPN will be the main link through which the local authority connects with the community, social
inclusion and environmental sectors. The aim of the PPN is to facilitate and enable public organisations
operating within the wider community to articulate and give voice to a diverse range of views, issues and
interests within the local government system.
135Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
136 Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
AA Appropriate Assessment
AFC Age Friendly County
AFA Age Friendly Alliance
AIP Annual Implementation Plan
APJ Action Plan for Jobs
CEDRA Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas
CKLP County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership
CLÁR Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais
CSB Community Support Budget
CSF Community Support Framework
CSP Community Services Programme
DAF Dormant Accounts Fund
DAFM Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
DAP Disability Activation Programme
DECLG Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government
DCCOI Design & Crafts Council of Ireland
DCU Dublin City University
DCYA Department of Children and Youth Affairs
DECLG Department of the Environment Community and Local Government
DED District Electoral Division
DEIS Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools
DES Department of Education and Skills
DSP Department of Social Protection
DTTAS Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
DRUM Foroige Youth Facility and Drop–in
EA Employment Activation
ED Electoral Division
EI Enterprise Ireland
ETB Education and Training Board (formerly VEC) Carlow and Kilkenny
FETAC Further Education and Training Awards Council
FRC Family Resource Centre
HAT Homeless Action Team
HSE Health Service Executive
IBEC Irish Business and Employers Confederation
IDA Industrial Development Authority
ITC Institute of technology, Carlow
KDW Kilkenny Design Workshops
KIF Kilkenny Integration Forum
KKCC Kilkenny County Council
KLDTF Kilkenny Local Drugs Task Force
KTCM Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement
KTIG Kilkenny Traveller Interagency Group
KRSP Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership
LAG Local Action Group
LDC Local Development Company
LEADER Liaison Entre Actions de Development d’Economie Rurale
LEO Local Enterprise Office
LGBTI Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersexual
MFI Micro-Finance Ireland
NDP National Development Plan
NEETS A young person who is “Not in Education, Employment, or Training”
NSS National Spatial Strategy
NUIM National University of Ireland, Maynooth
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OPC Older People’s Council (formerly Older People’s Forum)
PPN Public Participation Network
RSS Rural Social Scheme
RTP Rural Transport Programme
SAC Special Areas of Conservation
SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment
SEBIC South East Business Innovation Centre
SICAP Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
SLA Service Level Agreement
SOLAS Seirbhísí Oideachais Leanunaigh agus Scileanna
(Further Education and Training Authority)
SPAs Special Protection Areas
TUSLA The Child and Family Agency
WIT Waterford Institute of Technology
YEI Youth Employment Initiative
LECP ACRONYM INDEX 2015
Design & Print Modern Printers 056 7721739
137Kilkenny Local Economic and Community Plan
Education
Agriculture & Food Business Demography
Population
Health & Wellbeing
Homelessness
Economic Development
Community Development