Kildare 2012 - An Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy
Foreword
County Kildare has experienced huge change in the course of the last 10 years. That change has seen growth in population and development, positive indicators of economic activity and a greater sense of confidence among its people. The county has faced and met many of the challenges arising from the overall changes that occurred in Irish society during that period. The next 10 years will be even more crucially important as we manage the various changes that will undoubtedly occur in our economic, social and cultural life. In addition, we must respond to the needs of those who have not benefited to the same extent as the wider population.
This Strategy, in addition to providing an overall common vision for the county to 2012, sets out clear and measurable actions that contribute to the realisation of that vision. With increasing emphasis on improved and co-ordinated public services, together with greater involvement of the key players within the county, this Strategy marks a historic initiative to bring together a wide range of agencies, organisations and interests to plan for the sustainable development of County Kildare in an integrated manner.
I wish to particularly thank each member of the Kildare County Development Board and their nominating organisations for their participation in, and commitment to, the work to date. At a wider level I wish to thank the wide range of organisations and interests not represented on the Board that have actively participated in the CDB process. The final outcome is considerably enriched by their participation. The support of Kildare County Council for the CDB process is also acknowledged, as is the contribution of the staff of the Community and Enterprise Section under the Director of Community and Enterprise, Mr. William Carroll.
The publication of this Strategy is but the first step in the overall CDB process. The real test will be the implementation of the various actions identified. I believe that if we maintain the momentum to date, the implementation of these actions will in large measure meet the vision, goals and objectives set out in our Kildare 2012 Strategy.
