Traditionally Wexford has been economically successful and prosperous. Wexford has many strengths, and can look forward to a successful economic future. The recent decision by PFPC International
Ltd. to establish in Wexford is evidence of our continuing attractiveness as a business location and complements the existing industrial base located throughout the county. For many people Wexford is
synonymous with prosperity and economic well-being and is seen as a wealthy County with a robust
economy. While acknowledging that the County has a bright and exciting economic future, Wexford CDB recognises that there a number of underlying issues which must be addressed in this strategy.

A basic economic analyses of the County highlights the following issues which must be addressed:

• unemployment has fallen dramatically in the last ten years, but is still above the national average
• incomes per capita are amongst the lowest in Ireland
• 14 of the country's 1,000 largest firms are located in County Wexford
• heavy reliance on businesses located in traditional "old economy" areas.

Farming in Wexford meanwhile is relatively strong with large farms producing milk, crops and meat.
However, farm incomes are relatively small and stagnant, and increasingly have to be supplemented with income from elsewhere. International agreements both constrain the potential for increased
production and are likely to cap and in some cases actually reduce
market prices. Above all, farming is struggling to attract and/or retain young people, which is the lifeblood of any industry.

In tourism terms, County Wexford attracts less than 5% of Ireland's overseas visitors and generates under 2% of the country's overseas tourism revenue.

Looking to the future, Wexford's performance in terms of obtaining third level qualifications has traditionally been below the national average, however, more recent developments are encouraging. While the numbers of Wexford students enrolling in third level institutions is below the national average, the number of actual graduates for County Wexford is above the national average (Source: Higher Education Authority, 1995-99). This displays a strong determination to succeed.

The fact that "new economy" disciplines such as commerce & finance; ICT; and engineering attract
increasing numbers of Wexford students is extremely positive. However, the fact that only about half
of the County's graduates seem to come back to work locally is an issue which needs to be reversed, and it highlights the need for the successful transition of traditionally based industries in County Wexford into modern `new economy' industries.

WHAT WE PROPOSE TO DO IN RESPONSE

To effectively remodel the economy of the Model County, Five Themes,
in turn underpinned by twenty-four Goals, are put forward as a means of "Putting People First" in Wexford:

       
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