|
 |
You are > Home > Knowledge Campus at heart of new Council economic plan
|
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Knowledge Campus at heart of new Council economic plan
By Gillian O’Neill
A WORLD class Knowledge Campus on the outskirts of Waterford city is the core linchpin in a new multi-agency Economic Development Plan being spearheaded by the County Council.
The strategy for the period 2010 – 2014 was unveiled by the County Manager, Ray O’Dwyer at the monthly meeting of the Council in Dungarvan yesterday. The plan was devised in consultation with over 100 groups and individuals representing industry, tourism, communities and the public, and has identified seven key goals for economic growth. These include the promotion of innovation and enterprise, the attraction of foreign investment, the enhancement of towns and villages and embracing the green economy.
In conjunction with the adoption of the economic blueprint, the Council also approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Council, IDA Ireland, WIT and Enterprise Ireland for the development of Water-ford Knowledge Campus on 163 hectares of land between Butlerstown and Carriganore on the outskirts of the city.
The purpose of the campus will be to provide a globally recognised "green" environment, which will stimulate education, innovation, knowledge transfer, indigenous and foreign direct investment.
The Memorandum effectively signs up all the stake-holders to a united approach to bringing the ambitious project to fruition. A Steering Committee has already been established which will meet quarterly to monitor progress.
Other priorities contained in the Economic Development Plan include continued investment and promotion of tourism with initiatives such as the proposed Comeragh Mountain Park, the marine leisure sector and expanded versions of the Sean Kelly Cycle and Festival of Food.
New enterprise centres are proposed for An Rinn and Dungarvan with some existing sites to be expanded in order to support start-up businesses. Strategic sites are to be designated and marketed to attract foreign direct investment. There will also be support for farm diversification projects.
The County Mayor, Nora Flynn was one of several councillors to praise the initiative.
"This shows us the tremendous work being done by the team here in the Council who are taking these steps to ensure that we are ready when the upturn comes. I think if everybody comes together we can achieve more than if we were just all working by ourselves. I commend the County Manger and his team who are putting their shoulder to the wheel in promoting the county," she stated.
Main News Page |
Previous Page
|
|
|
|
