Kildare 2012 - An Economic, Social and Cultural Strategy
A Vision for a Sense of Place in 2012
By 2012 Kildare will be a county where all traditions
are celebrated and happily co-exist. All residents will feel
a sense of identity with, and belonging to, their community
and county where sporting, arts and cultural activities flourish.
Building a Sense of Identity and Belonging
Sense
of identity and place in Kildare has been undergoing great
change over the past 10 years. As the fastest growing county
in Ireland, Kildare experienced huge population growth in
the 1990s and an influx of new residents from outside the
county moving in. This change in population has created new
dynamics in communities throughout the county and points to
the need to redefine the county identity to take account of
the culture and traditions of all residents.
The new traditions in Kildare need to co-exist with the existing rich cultural heritage of the county. The association of St. Brigid with Kildare, Moone High Cross, the Curragh and our military history, the Fitzgerald and Guinness families, great estates and horseracing are among the features of Kildare's past that form its identity. Throughout the county over 1,100 structures of significance are protected by the Office of Public Works, Duchas and the local authorities, preserving our built heritage. We need to further develop this county identity to embrace new influences in the county.
Goal 1 - To build a sense of identity and belonging
In achieving this goal we will have to:
- further develop the county identity
- build community spirit throughout the county, at local level
- promote the co-existence of local identities and county identity
Building a Positive County Image
The external image of Kildare is a positive one. Kildare is seen as an affluent county, with a strong attachment to the bloodstock industry, large farms and home to the Irish military. The all embracing Thoroughbred Branding programme for the county should, as originally ntended, be expanded to promote all the county has to offer. In line with promoting Kildare's image locally, nationally and internationally, services offered in the county need to be of a quality that reflect the positive image projected.
Goal 2 - To create and promote a positive image for the county
In order to create this positive image, we will:
- market the image of the county locally, nationally and internationally
- provide improved services in order to promote the image of the county and encourage tourism
Celebrating our Traditions & Culture
In 1996 it was estimated that 53.3% of the county population had been born outside the county. As population growth has been continuing apace since 1996, it is likely that these proportions have grown even more over the past five years. This means that the number of cultural influences within the county is growing. People moving to Kildare bring with them and retain parts of their own culture. In recognising that we are a multi-cultural society we need to celebrate all traditions and cultures in Kildare, without losing the historical aspects of the county’s own traditions. The fact that throughout its history Kildare has been a melting pot of different cultures bodes well for its present and future as the home to a diverse mix of people.
Goal 3 - To celebrate all traditions in the county
In order to achieve this goal, we need to:
- recognise and spread awareness of the heritage and emerging cultures within County Kildare
Fostering Sports, Arts & Culture
While
not particularly well known for arts and cultural activities,
Kildare has a growing arts community with a new focal point
in the recently opened Riverbank facility at Newbridge. Riverbank,
the new County Library Headquarters and Arts Centre was opened
in September 2001and provides a gallery, performance space
and the county library.
There are 11 other arts and cultural centres in Kildare, the majority of these are clustered around the central and northeastern parts of the county with few centres in rural areas.
In terms of sports and recreation provision, Kildare has two public swimming pools and 22 green areas maintained by Kildare County Council. A range of sporting organisations are active in the county and Kildare was recently awarded one of eight Local Sports Partnerships by the Irish Sports Council, to develop participation, social inclusion, facilities and the involvement of young people in competitive and community-based sports activities.
Goal 4 - To create a climate that fosters participation in sporting, arts and cultural activities
In creating this climate, we will have to:
- harness and develop creativity in the county to promote arts and culture
- develop a wide range of sporting activities that cater for, and are accessible to all
- support the work of the Kildare Sports Partnership
