Wexford CDB Economic Development Subcommittee Work Plan 2009 - 2012
Priority Actions:
Our changing economic circumstances demand that that all CDB’s have a strong economic focus over the next 3 years. This is affirmed by current Government policy. Unemployment has become the main issue facing local economies and improved inter agency collaboration must focus on job creation and providing a supportive environment for enterprise and economic development. Following one to one consultations with all CDB agencies the CDB strategy “Action for Change” has identified 17 key actions to support the three emerging cross cutting priority themes of:
Priority Theme 1: Action for Employment
Priority Theme 2: Action for People
Priority Theme 3: Action for Living
It should also be noted that the delivery of these actions will not compromise established work areas and actions developed under the previous Strategy.
Priority Theme 1: Action for Employment
The Irish economy is now operating within tough budgetary conditions and fiscal constraints with a significant decline in economic activity from 2008 to 2009. It is against this background that Wexford CDB have identified the need to develop an economic strategy on Action for Employment to respond to the growing unemployment crisis. The National unemployment rate was 11.0% March 2009. County Wexford’s unemployment rate stands at 15.4% at the end of March 2009 and the ESRI recently predicted the national unemployment rate would reach 16.8% in 2010.
Analysis of occupation illustrated that County Wexford has a significantly high number of people employed in the construction sector and this has contributed to the above average unemployment rate. The 10 actions within the economic theme aim to support Wexford’s economy to assist with job creation. Actions include upskilling, progression routes to education & training opportunities, maximizing the County’s Tourism potential and support to SME’s.
Action 1: Co-ordinated plan for services for the unemployed - Wexford County Council /Wexford Local Development
Action 2: Develop and expand Wexford Business Park as an attractive location for foreign direct investment - IDA
Action 3: Co-ordinate information support workshops to support SME’s and High Potential Start Up Businesses in County Wexford - Enterprise Ireland
Action 4: Maximise Tourism “Brand” identity of Wexford - Develop Wexford as the Natural Heritage and Culture Destination of Ireland - Wexford County Council/Wexford Local Development
Action 5: Develop improved signposting and progression routes within the Education Sector in the County with a primary focus on improving skills & employment opportunities - Wexford Campus
Action 6: Facilitate individuals to complete apprenticeship programme - FAS
Action 7:
a) Develop web based skills register - Wexford Chamber of Commerce
(b) promote e learning in County Wexford - Wexford County Council
Action 8: Develop a Broadband Strategy for Wexford - Wexford County Enterprise Board
Action 9: Develop a Research and Information web based resource to support the economic development of County Wexford and to facilitate business incl. tourism, start up, expansion and development - Wexford County Council
Action 10: Implement mentoring support programme for SME’s - Wexford Local Development
