Acknowledgements

Since this strategic process commenced in 2000, the Board has called on many people and organisations to assist in the development of "Meitheal Chiarraí". In many cases, individuals gave freely of their own time to assist the Board through, for example, facilitation of workshops, strategy days and advice. A number of meetings were held with organisations and sectors which also made a valuable and encouraging input to the process. The time, input and dedication by all of these people, is deeply appreciated by the Board.

The Board acknowledges the work of its consultants,

  • The Kerry Local Development Consortium.
  • Development Solutions.
  • Strategic Project Partners.
  • Tourism Development International.
  • ERM Consultants.
  • NUI, Galway (Eurogise)
  • Mr. Gerry Gallagher, Business Consultant, Institute of Technology, Tralee
  • Dan Collins Communications

It would not have been possible to reach this point in the strategic process without the work and dedication of the Work Groups of the Board (see Appendix II). Particular thanks to the Chairs of the Work Groups, Mr. Brian O'Leary, MCC, Mr. Paddy O'Callaghan, Dr. Barney O'Reilly, Ms. Kathleen O'Regan-Sheppard and Mr. Declan Murphy.

The Kerry County Community & Voluntary Forum under the Chairmanship of
Mr. Seán Quinlan met on several occasions to consider earlier drafts. (See appendix III). The Kerry County Childcare Committee chaired by Ms. Ann Moynihan identified the Childcare priorities. The input, time and advice of both is appreciated.

We also thank the employer/business sector and the farming sector throughout the County for their views and consideration of earlier drafts of the Strategy and all those who attended public meetings and made submissions during the public consultation phase.

Finally, the Chairman and members of the Board wish to thank the Director of Community & Enterprise and his Staff for their guidance, technical and management assistance over the past two years - Joe MacGrath, Don Tuohy, Maria West, Sheila Cahill, Niamh Dennehy, Aoife McCormack, Noreen O'Mahony, Siobhán Griffin, Norma Connolly, Aoife O'Sullivan and Davina Casey.

An Economic, Social and Cultural Development Strategy for County Kerry 2002 - 2011