Donegal County Development Board has launched its new County Strategy for the economic, social and cultural development of County Donegal over the period 2012-2014.
The Strategy has been developed following extensive consultation and will provide a platform for a range of new and additional collaborative actions across a range of relevant sectors.
There is an emphasis in the County Strategy on harnessing all of the County’s resources – it’s people, it’s landscape, it’s coastal waters. Sectors such as Tourism, the Green Economy, Culture and the Donegal Diaspora are focused on. It is recognised that the County has an abundance of such resources and that viable projects can be built around these.
Speaking at the event Cllr. Dessie Larkin said the strategy will be inclusive, and recognises that the inclusion of all sections of the community is vital to the well-being of the County and the building of a sustainable community in Donegal.
“The community of Donegal has seen changes in the past decade in terms of diversity, and in relation to the economic, employment circumstances of many members of the community. This strategy will focus on issues relating to this part of our community as a priority.”
Mr. Micheal O hEanaigh Director of Services also said the cross border context is recognised in the Strategy as being of key importance to County Donegal.
He emphasised that the Donegal County Strategy is formed in, and will seek to achieve aims relating to the North West Gateway Initiative and the Letterkenny-Derry joint Gateway. A range of actions to be carried out will be co-ordinated on a cross-border basis.
Mr O hEanaigh also noted that Donegal will continue to work on promoting creativity and building a creative economy. This will include an emphasis on the importance of the Donegal Gaeltacht as a key resource for the County. “
Mr. Seamus Neely, County Manager said the economy of Donegal will continue to rely on the creation of viable sustainable jobs arising from inward investment, indigenous enterprise and the development of natural resources.
The County Strategy will support inward investment, learning and skills development working with key agencies, including IDA, LYIT and others. Key areas will include tourism, culture, and renewable energies (onshore and offshore), including the development of Killybegs as a Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energies,” he said.
Speaking at the launch the Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Frank McBrearty stated that “while the County faces many challenges, this strategy recognises and maps out how to address these challenges by building on our own resources in an innovative, creative and collaborative way”.