Taoiseach Launches Economic Strategies in Irelands Fastest Expanding County
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern T.D., today launched two important framework documents of the Fingal Development Board at Fingal County Council Offices in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Connecting People, Places and Prosperity is an Economic Profile and Strategy for Fingal from 2006-2011 prepared by Fitzpatrick & Associates, Economic Consultants, on behalf of the Development Board. “Strategy into Action” 2006 -2008 is the outcome of the Boards’ review of its own ‘Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development 2002 - 2011’.
Fingal is the fourth largest county in Ireland in population terms and having the highest number of new housing completions is likely the fastest growing in population growth terms. It has the youngest population of any county and the highest rate of labour force participation. Fingals population has increased by up to 70,000 in the past 10 years and this growth is continuing. To date economic development in the county has not kept pace with its very rapid population growth, however Fingal is well positioned to adapt to a more knowledge based economy.
Fingal is adjacent to Irelands capital and has a unique opportunity in the availability of appropriately zoned land for it, and greater Dublin, to continue to develop in a managed way. Key infrastructure investment including Metro North and Metro West, the expansion of Dublin Airport and the development of a deep-water port in Balbriggan, will secure this growth.
Connecting People, Places and Prosperity focuses on six broad themes and forty-seven areas of delivery. The strategy calls for a coherent economic response to the opportunities and challenges arising from the changing face of Fingal.
“Certainly, opportunities abound”, outlined Cllr. Ciaran Byrne, Cathaoirleach of the Fingal Development Board. “Among these opportunities is Dublin Airport, by far Fingal’s most significant economic asset”, he said. “The Airport is not just the largest airport in the country but also the single largest economic entity in the state. How we manage and develop this vital asset will have profound repercussions for competitive advantage of the county Ireland as a whole”, he continued. “The planned Metro to Swords via Dublin Airport, is vital not just for improving surface access to the airport but for facilitating the development potential of the greater Swords area”, Cllr Byrne pointed out. “As the county town Swords is expected to grow to 100,000 people by 2020”, he added.
Strategy into Action 2006 - 2008 sets out 16 pivotal integrative actions that the Fingal Development Board has collectively agreed to deliver over the next three years. Rapid population growth over such a short period of time has put incredible stress on existing infrastructure, which it is acknowledged, now requires accelerated investment.
The establishment of a Fingal Integrated Transport Forum, a Health Stakeholders Forum and a Dublin Airport Transport Forum are key actions in the new Development Board Strategy. The setting up of an Economic Development Unit within Fingal County Council to promote investment in the county and the creation of a County Brand are also identified as key Actions. Equally, given Fingal’s significant Traveller population, the Board has included an action on revitalising the Traveller economy.
Cllr. Byrne reiterated the importance of joined-up thinking in developing a county like Fingal ” The review of the Development Boards Strategy highlighted the need for a continuing multi-agency response to the many challenges facing Fingal. The pivotal actions in the reviewed strategy, when fully implemented, will have a significant beneficial impact on the quality of life of the citizens of Fingal”.
“Fingal is experiencing immense social, economic and cultural change and there is a greater need than ever for the Development Board to pool its resources to service the needs of the people of the area”, outlined Senan Turnbull, Director of the Board. “Certainly a bigger County has appreciable social and economic benefits but it also poses new challenges in meeting the needs of new communities”. “In reality”, he added, “the Board is not about trying to do more but about trying to do things better. This new population is more complex in terms of outlook, ethnicity, family makeup and expectations and that justifies a major rethink on how we approach public service provision”.
The Cathaoirleach and Director expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Taoiseach and his office for showing great personal interest in the findings of both reports and for taking the time to officially launch the documents.
Online versions of both documents are available at www.fdb.ie.
Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Buildings, North Street, Swords, County Dublin, Ireland. T +353 1 890 0977 I F +353 1 890
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