The Kerry County Development Board was established as an initiative of Government in February 2000 and since its establishment, the primary objective has been to develop an Economic, Social and Cultural Development Strategy for the County covering a ten year period. This Strategy, in a national context, will inform the mid term review of the National Development Plan 2000 - 2006.
This is not just another Strategy, another plan, another programme. It is an entirely new way of doing business in the County in that it gives the people of Kerry a real say in the quality, quantity and effectiveness of services delivered to them. Essentially, this Strategy is about co-ordination and integration of services within the County. A common Strategy of this nature is needed to set the framework within which all organisations and agencies will work towards over the next ten years. The objective is to work towards agreed priorities and to co-ordinate the activities of these agencies in enhancing the quality of life of the people of Kerry. This is the first time that a Strategy of this nature has been developed in County Kerry.
But, there is also a valid external reason for this Strategy because County Kerry is operating in a competitive environment. The County competes nationally for resources, investment and jobs and internationally for tourists, for internationally traded business and for investment opportunities. If we are to be effective, we must develop a team approach and be consistent about the priorities which are identified and the issues which are addressed in the County.
This Strategy is inclusive in recognising that we must focus on people to enable them to avail of opportunities, to be respected, to be treated with equality and to be adequately resourced.
County Kerry is a strong County with a clear identity and a clear sense of purpose. The Kerry County Development Board, through this Strategy, aims to build on this team approach and place the county in a position that enables it to compete going into the future.
Joe MacGrath
Director of Services
This Strategy has been prepared under guidelines issued by
the Interdepartmental Task Force on the Integration of the Local Government
and Local Development Systems -
"A Shared Vision for County/City Development Boards"
(May 2000).
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The Strategy in Context
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