Goal 1: Support the Enterprise Economy

An enabling goal 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.

Indicative Scope

Provide for an enhanced Business Support Unit within LEO Kilkenny, with a particular focus on building an integrated support service for business bridging the RDP (LEADER) Programme, (micro-enterprise), LEO Kilkenny, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, and other key enabling sectoral agencies, such as Teagasc, Fáilte Ireland and Bord Bía.

1. Support all agencies (particularly IDA Ireland) in attracting, growing and retaining FDI.  In line with the Government’s Medium Term Economic Strategy, focus will be placed on the following sectors:
   • Sectors within which Ireland is considered to have particular strengths, such as ICT, Agri-food and International Financial Services; Kilkenny already has a strong presence of the latter two;
   • Sectors with emerging opportunities, such as the Green Economy, Creative Industries and Healthcare Services; Kilkenny is already strong in the latter and has plans to further develop a creative quarter at the Smithwick’s site in Kilkenny City; and
   • Mature sectors upon which renewed focus should be placed such as Tourism, Retail and Wholesale, and Construction. Kilkenny has a strong presence in all three. With respect to the (currently highly stressed) retail sector, develop retail excellence measures, and encourage improved retail offerings.
      
2. Facilitate economic sectors that are exhibiting further development potential, such as Life Sciences;
    
3. Facilitate established economic sectors that offer the potential for diversification and consolidation, including visitor attractions and leisure sectors;
    
4. Develop the economic environment to encourage the SMART Economy by enabling the business community to generate innovative ideas and generate greater efficiencies across the local economy and encourage a high-productivity economy;
    
5. Optimise integrated offerings across FET, 3^rd and 4^th Level to create a smarter workforce. Attract both talent and investment through research and development access; and
    
6. Devise and implement sustainable Rural and Urban Business Development Zones. Encourage innovative Social Economy businesses within these zones.

Background Profile

Regional Planning Guidelines for the South-East Region 2010-2022 note that the regional strengths include its successful industrial base (particularly in areas such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, biotech 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, there was a widely recognised infrastructural deficit, which inhibited the region from reaching its full potential.

The regional economy is based primarily on agriculture, manufacturing and services, tourism, fishing and aquaculture.  The agriculture and food sector accounts for a significant proportion of output and employment, with the region having a higher than average reliance on this sector.