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G5 Rural Economy Development
Closed6 Nov, 2015, 9:01am - 30 Nov, 2015, 5:00pm
G5: Rural Economy Development – Actions
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 Economy
The development of resilient local economies will be the point of focus. 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.
G5: Actions Summary
A31: Prepare and implement a Local Development Strategy for the next LEADER Rural Development Programme.
A32: Work with local businesses and representative organisations to support the regeneration/development of rural towns and areas by developing a strategic development plan for each key town centre (incorporating social and community development aspects and hinterland associations). These will include proposals to enhance the consumer experience and attractiveness of town centres and villages for shopping and visiting.
A33: Support the development of rural enterprise and diversification initiatives.
A34: Support the development of an agri-food-science network and identify and support employment creation potential.
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