SEA 2020 FINAL

S o u t h E a s t C h a m b e r s

Table of Contents

Foreward 3

Vision 2020 4

Executive Summary 5

1.0 National & Regional Framework 6

1.1 National Spatial Strategy 6

1.2 Regional Planning Guidelines – SERA 8

1.3 Ahead of the Curve – Ireland's Place in the Global Economy 10

1.4 Making Ireland’s Development Sustainable 11

2.0 Profile and Performance of the South East Region 12

2.1 Physical Region and its infrastructure 12

2.2 Demographics 13

2.3 Economic Statistics & Trends 14

2.4 Business Sectors 17

2.5 Education & Life Long Learning 18

2.6 Leisure Infrastructure 19

3.0 Six Key Economic Properties for the South East Agenda 2020 20

3.1 Improve Transportation Access within Ireland 20

3.2 Develop International Transportation Linkages 21

3.3 Create a University of the SouthEast 22

3.4 Invest in Life Long Learning 23

3.5 Develop a Sustainable Environment 23

3.6 Develop and Promote Leisure Opportunities 25

4.0 SEA 2020 – The South East Agenda Business Plan 26

APPENDIX I South East Chambers of Commerce 27

APPENDIX II South East Agenda Task Force 28

APPENDIX III Driving the South East Agenda Regional Conference 29

APPENDIX IV Bibilography 30

south easta g e n d a

3

Foreward

In January 2005, the South East1 Chambers launched the South East Agenda taskforce2 at theirregional conference ‘Driving the South East Agenda’3 with the objective of identifying the keyregional priorities that would underpin the growth of economic and enterprise development inthe region. The context for the taskforce was the relative under-performance of the SouthEast's economy relative to other regions in Ireland.

Many have outlined the urgency and need for change in

the South East Region:

“The South East Region has been left behind both

in terms of infrastructure and, consequently, in terms of

economy, enterprise and, as a result,

employment.”

It's time for Action – IBEC South East, January 2005

“The lack of a university in the South East is a

glaring deficit in the region's educational

infrastructure.”

Dr. Edward Walsh, President Emeritas, University of Limerick,

South East Chambers Regional Conference – Driving the South

East Agenda - January 2005

“The existing deficiencies in the region's

infrastructure, in particular, transport infrastructure, are

impacting negatively on the competitiveness of the

enterprise sector.”

Regional Planning Guidelines, SERA, May 2004

The terms of reference established for the taskforce

involved reviewing progress of the South East Region in

recent years, identifying key regional priorities in the areas

of infrastructure, enterprise, education and quality of life

using the framework of the National Spatial Strategy and

identifying implementation resources required in order to

progress these priorities.

The taskforce was set up with membership

representation from the chambers in the region. A smaller

working group was formed to write the report.

Submissions were invited from the chambers in the region

and the taskforce undertook a detailed review of national,

regional and county policy documents and guidelines. A

number of consultation and review meetings were held

with different parties in the region.

The South East Agenda taskforce was dedicated in

delivering their remit holding many meetings and working

on this report in their free time. I would like to

acknowledge the commitment of all eight members of the

task force drawn from various business sectors and also to

thank all the chambers in the South East for their support

and vision in endorsing this Agenda.

I look forward to all partners in the South East

implementing SEA 2020 in conjunction with the South

East Chambers.

Joe Kenny

Chairman, South East Chambers

May 2005

1 Membership of South East Chambers listed in Appendix I2 Membership of the South East Agenda taskforce listed in Appendix II3 Driving the South East Agenda Regional Conference Programme in Appendix III


4 SERA – Regional Planning Guidelines – Implementing the National Spatial Strategy (2004)

4


Vision 2020

“ By 2020 the South East will be recognised as a

distinct and cohesive region that is prosperous and competitive,

where the benefits of economic success are shared equitably

throughout the region and throughout society, and which offers

a good quality of life in an environment rich in heritage

and landscape value.”

Figure 1: The Strategic Vision for the South East4

5


Executive SummaryThe South East Region has failed to fully participate in the economic boom that has beenenjoyed by the country over the past decade. The economic performance points to a regionthat is over dependent on labour intensive industries such as traditional manufacturing andagriculture and is lacking fundamental building blocks necessary to stimulate economicgrowth and prosperity within the new knowledge economy.

This report examines the structure and performance of theSouth East against the backdrop of the National SpatialStrategy. Collectively, the South East Chambers ofCommerce joined forces to work on this report with thespecific aims of:

> Reviewing the progress of the South East Region inrecent years

> Identifying key regional priorities in the areas of infrastructure, enterprise, education & quality of life using the framework of the National SpatialStrategy

> Identifying implementation resources and highlighting areas not being progressed

The report is structured around four interrelated issues.Firstly, the national and regional level policy frameworksthat establish both the economic and social objectives forthe country as a whole and also the expectations of region-al areas in contributing to, and benefiting from, achievingthose objectives. Secondly, outlining the profile and per-formance of the South East and particularly its strengthsand future opportunities. Thirdly, the report identifies thekey economic priorities for the region and fourthly, sug-gests the implementation approach that could deliver thevision for SEA 2020. Figure 1 shows the interrelated natureof these areas and the need to build on both policy andperformance to create the priorities that will create theantecedents of the needed economic growth and develop-ment in the region.

The analysis of the regional profile and the national policyframework suggests that two critical areas exist and whichrequire prioritisation. Firstly, the region has failed to partici-pate effectively in the new knowledge economy and mustas a matter of urgency strengthen its educational andknowledge creation infrastructure. Secondly, the regionmust strengthen the connectivity of the region, both intra-regionally and to major trading areas nationally and inter-nationally. Based on these findings the report identifies sixkey economic priorities that are vital for enterprise growthin the region.

1 Improving transportation access within Ireland2 Developing international transport linkages3 Creating a University of the South East4 Investment in life long learning at all levels5 Developing a sustainable environment6 Developing and promoting leisure opportunities

Implementation of these priorities will involve the creationof a steering group to coordinate the translation of the priorities into specific plans at the level of the towns andcities in the region. A coordinated approach to implementation is both desirable and necessary and willprovide an integrated planning framework that is consistent across all regional areas.

SEA 2020 – the South East Business Plan will be commissioned to develop the business case for eachChamber town and city in the region outlining the keyactions over the next 15 years that will contribute to thekey economic priorities in this report being addressed.

National and Regional Policy Framework

Figure 2: Structure of the Report

Regional Profile andPerformance

The Six Priorities The South EastBusiness Plan

SEA 2020

6

1.0 National & Regional Framework

National policy provides the framework for the future development of the state and sets theguidelines in which regional development of a sustainable and relevant nature can take place.The National Spatial Strategy for Ireland (2002-2020) created a vision for how developmentshould take place over the period to 2020 in a manner that would allow all regional areas to flourish while simultaneously contributing to orderly national economic and social enhancement.

1.1 National Spatial Strategy

The National Spatial Strategy (NSS)5 determined that in theSouth East Region critical mass would be enhanced withWaterford performing as a Gateway, supported by Kilkennyand Wexford as hubs. These three together form a nationally strategic 'growth triangle'.

Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford will drive regional growthby providing a large and skilled population base,substantial capacity for residential and employment relatedfunctions and an improving transport network. Countytowns, other towns, villages and more rural areas should bepositioned to support the full realisation of the potential foreconomic development throughout the region, with a particular emphasis on complementing the Gateway andhub approach.

The NSS outlined the integrated network of populationzones throughout the South East. There are a significantnumber of major towns and cities with a population of over5000; these include not only the Gateway city of Waterfordand the hubs of Kilkenny and Wexford but also towns of

Carrick-on-Suir, Carlow, Clonmel, Dungarvan, Enniscorthy,New Ross, Gorey and Tramore. The positioning of thesecities and towns as a network provides substantial development potential of a balanced nature.Complementing the larger urban zones is a substantialnumber of smaller towns with populations of 1500 to 5000.Although these towns often rely on an agricultural basethey present quality of life attractions and a rich built heritage with high visual quality. The region has also a largenumber of village and rural settlements that are dependenton agricultural activities. Falling agricultural employmentand prosperity presents significant challenges to these villages. The NSS however, specifically comment on thetourism potential of the region given the number of naturalendowments that exist, including the attractive coastline,rivers, valleys and uplands.

In 2002, the Department of the Environment and LocalGovernment prepared briefing materials on what theNational Spatial Strategy means for each region in theCountry and the counties it contains.In the sections following what the NSS means for each county and city in the South East Region is outlined.6

5 National Spatial Strategy for Ireland 2002-20206 NSS Regional Briefing http://www.irishspatialstrategy.ie/RegionalBriefing.shtml


Figure 3: National SpatialStrategy Recommendationsfor the South East Region(Source: NSS)

7

Carlow> Carlow has a key role in the South East Region,

particularly in the strength of Carlow as a county town.

> The strong existing urban structure in the region ofwhich Carlow is a key part to be built on with the sup-port of Waterford as a Gateway.

> Carlow has a strategic pivotal role placed between theSouth East and Mid East region.

> The strengths of Tullow and Bagenalstown as maturetowns, relatively near to larger urban areas but with astrong link to the rural hinterland, to be maintainedthrough on-going urban renewal and improvement.Further improvement to water services would enhancecapacity for development.

> Traditional stability and prosperity of villages and ruralareas could be secured into the future through villageservicing programmes and settlement policies

Kilkenny City and County> Kilkenny is to be a hub with a strong relationship with

the existing Gateway of Waterford, with both helping tobuild up critical mass and attractiveness of regions for enterprise.

> The NSS will build on Kilkenny's success as a city with agood quality of life, through further support for tourismbased on built heritage.

> This can lead further development based on heritage and scenic attractiveness of other towns andrural parts of the county

> Further scope for strong enterprise development, takingaccount of improved accessibility to and from Dublin

> Build on the attraction of smaller towns such asThomastown by way of urban renewal and strengthen-ing initiatives to strengthen their future in partnershipwith larger towns.

> Traditionally stable and prosperous villages and ruralareas to be maintained through village servicing programmes and settlement policies.

South Tipperary> The towns in South

Tipperary like Clonmeland Carrick-on-Suir, Cahir,Cashel and Tipperarytown are strategicallyplaced in relation to the key Waterford/Limerick andDublin/Cork axes of the national transport framework.

> These towns, with their population base and range ofservices will continue to attract employment andinvestment and are therefore key resources workingwith the gateways and hubs to provide a strong platform for balanced regional development throughout the region.

> In relation to other towns in Tipperary, the NSS establishes the national spatial context, withinwhich it will be possible toamplify their specific developmental roles andcapabilities.

> More rural parts ofTipperary, including small-er towns and villages, areexperiencing a drop inrural populations due to a reduction in farm-basedemployment. The NSS outlines measures aimed at revitalising declining towns and villages whose services,such as schools etc are threatened. These measuresinclude encouraging new housing development in suchvillages through a variety of local authority driven planning and development mechanisms.

> The NSS national transportframework sees a clearrole for links betweenIreland's mainly radialroads and public transportnetworks. Several radialroutes for Dublin passthrough Tipperary. TheNSS also emphasises linksbetween the radial corridors, such as along theLimerick-Waterford road. This will benefit the towns and areas along the route.


8

Waterford City and County> Waterford's role as aGateway to be supported byKilkenny and Wexford as hubs.

> The city will provide a largeand skilled population base,substantial capacity for addi-tional residential and employ-ment related functions and animproving transport network.

> There are opportunities toconsolidate Waterford City with the River Suir at itsheart, supported by the possibilities for developing theNorth Docks precinct

> Other major urban centres such as Dungarvan andTramore to support the Gateway and form bases of population that will be attractive to investment andemployment activities.

> Capability of smaller urban centres needs to be devel-oped further through urban renewal and improvementinitiatives.

> Traditional stability and prosperity of villages and ruralareas to be assured through mechanisms to enhance theattractiveness of villages to residential and other functions.

Wexford> Wexford to be a hub at astrategic location

> Important to its own hinterland and its relationshipwith Rosslare Port

> Transport corridors to andfrom various parts of the

country converge at Wexford, suggesting the role of akey transport node with economic activities related to this.

> Hub to be complemented by development in surrounding and adjacent towns such as Enniscorthy,Gorey and New Ross.

> Local, regional and national packaging and promotional activities are needed to support tourismpotential of the coastline.

> Traditional stable and prosperous villages and rural areasneed to be enhanced through village servicing programmes and policies for residential development.

1.2 Regional Planning Guidelines –SERA

The South East Regional Authority (SERA) represents thefive counties of the South East and the six local authoritieswithin those counties. In 2004, SERA produced and adopted the Regional Planning Guidelines7 to give currencyto the NSS within a regional context by creating an integrated set of guidelines to govern the region’s futureeconomic and social development. A working group thatspanned public bodies, industry and commerce, educationand state agencies produced the guidelines. The RegionalPlanning Guidelines outline the vision for the region andestablished a number of high-level goals.

By 2020 the South East will be recognised as a distinct and cohesive region that is prosperous and competitive, where the benefits of economic success are shared equitably throughout the region and throughoutsociety, and which offers a good quality of lifein an environment rich in heritage and landscape value.

This vision will be realised through high-level goals:

> Combining the strengths of the cities and towns in theregion to achieve sufficient critical mass to competewith larger urban centres in other regions.

> Progress towards an accessible region with efficient and fully integrated transport systems.

> Broadening and strengthening the economic base ofthe region and seeking to achieve greater economiccompetitiveness and growth, with associated socialprogress.

> Maintenance of the character and vitality of rural areasand conservation of the region’s characteristic landscape and heritage assets.

7 SERA – Regional Planning Guidelines – Implementing the National Spatial Strategy, 2004south easta g e n d a

Figure 4: The Strategic Vision for the South East

9

The Regional Planning Guidelines also review the strengthsand opportunities that exist in the region and from whichfuture policy could be developed.

Among the major strengths of the region are:

> Well developed urban network

> Higher than average population growth

> A range of third-level educational establishmentsthroughout the region

> Access to seaports and deep-water berthage for freightand passenger transport to Britain and mainlandEurope

> Good agriculturalland, strong agricultural production base andprocessing capabilities

> A strong tradition inengineering and recent success to moving tohigher value-addedservices

> Well-developed tourism sector with wealth of visitor attractions, a high quality environment and awide range of activities (golf, equestrian, angling, walk-ing, cycling, quality natural and built heritage etc.)

> Recent improvements to regional infrastructure such aswastewater treatment, water supplies, roads, energytransmission, telecommunications etc.

Certain opportunities havealso been identified:

> In-migration has established a local workforce which wouldwelcome increasedemployment optionswithin the region

> Development of third-level facilities and courseswithin the region and the establishment of a Universityof the South East have the potential to significantlyincrease participation

> Improved linkages are being developed between industry and third-level educational institutions

> Strong indigenous industrial sector with opportunities for increased levels of Research and Development

> Improving road and rail infrastructure

> The Regional Airport has significant capacity for growth

> Innovative public transport systems are improving rural mobility

> A developing retail sector is reducing leakage of retailspending to urban centres outside the region


1.3 Ahead of the Curve – Ireland’sPlace in the Global Economy

“We must adapt and develop our strengths if we are tosucceed in tomorrow's knowledge economy”

Mary Harney, the Tánaiste and Minster for Enterprise, Tradeand Employment at the launch of the Report of theEnterprise Strategy Group “Ahead of the Curve – Ireland'sPlace in the Global Economy”, July 2004.

After a decade of sustained economic growth, Ireland nowenjoys levels of employment and living standards thatexceed the European average. During the same period,government debts has significantly reduced and in morerecent years the economy has proved resilient to the global downturn.

However, the nature of global trade is changing and withour increasing prosperity and cost base it is imperative thatwe must complement our existing strengths with newcapabilities.

In their report, the Enterprise Strategy Group identified fivesources of competitive advantage which when takentogether can deliver sustainable enterprises:

> Expertise in Marketing and Sales

> Expertise in focused areas of Technology/Product andService Development

> World Class Skills, Education and Training

> Attractive Taxation Regime

> Effective & Agile Government

The current profile of enterprise expertise in Ireland has significant expertise in manufacturing/operations but limited capability in Research & Development(R&D)/Technology and Sales and Marketing:

Ireland now needs to focus on the development of Salesand Marketing and also on Applied R&D and Technology tofacilitate the creation of new products and services. Wherepossible, developments in the South East Region in thecoming years should be prioritised to attract such areas of expertise.

The Group further identified four essential conditions that they considered to be prerequisites to thedevelopment of the competitive advantages outlinedabove and these are:

> Cost Competitiveness

> Infrastructure

> Innovation & Entrepreneurship

> Management Capability

The South East Region has serious and identifiable deficiencies in infrastructure. In addition, it is laggingbehind the other major regions of the country in terms ofits ability to train, educate and develop its own indigenouspopulation to deliver innovation and management development within a University context and through outreach linkages through regional enterprises.

In order for the South East Region to achieve its Vision2020 it is therefore necessary to adopt these prerequisitesas priority objectives.

10


R&D Technology Manufacturing | Operations

Salels &Marketing

Expe

rtis

e

Figure 5: Profile of Expertise in Enterprise in Ireland, 2004 (Source: Enterprise Strategy Group Report)

R&D Technology Manufacturing | Operations

Salels &Marketing

Expe

rtis

e

Profile of Expertise in Enterprise in Ireland, 2004

Figure 6: Required Profile of Expertise in Enterprise in Ireland,2015 (Source: Enterprise Strategy Group Report)

Profile of Expertise in Enterprise in Ireland, 2015

11

1.4 Making Ireland'sDevelopment Sustainable

In the Department of the Environment’s report, ‘MakingIreland’s Development Sustainable (2002)’8 the followingexplanation was set out

“sustainable development is about getting the balance right between the economy, social issues andthe environment so that we, as well as people in otherparts of the world, are able to enjoy economic prosperity, social progress and a high quality environment – both now and in the future. It's aboutgetting these three elements working together for a better overall quality of life, instead of gains in one areabeing offset by losses in another”

“Making Ireland's Development Sustainable” was producedfor the Johannesburg World Summit on SustainableDevelopment held in 2002. The report focused primarily onthe environment-economy link being the priority issue nowfor sustainable development policy in Ireland. It reflectedon a number of social issues including:

> Ireland is now challenged by the nature, location andpace of economic growth; changing population andsettlement patterns; underdeveloped environmentalinfrastructure; and unevenly applied environmentalcontrols, which are impacting on environmental qualityboth nationally and locally.

> The main issues are: eutrophication of inland waters;increases in the amounts of waste; the urban environ-ment; the impacts of settlement patterns; the need toreduce emissions of greenhouse gases; and depletion ofnatural resources and threats to biodiversity.

The broad policy objectives recommended to be followedin working towards sustainable development are:

> A broad emphasis on eco-efficiency as a means ofachieving both environmental and economic objectives

> The need to engage the internest and attention of individuals in this agenda

> Implementation of the National Climate ChangeStrategy (2000)

> Implementation of the National Biodiversity andNational Heritage Plans (2002)

> Implementation of the revised National Anti-Poverty Strategy

> Pressing ahead with the catchment-based approach towater quality, including through investment in wastewater infrastructure and additional regulations wherenecessary

> Development of a national strategy to meet the requirements of the Gothenburg Protocol and the related EU Directive concerning transboundary air emissions

> Implementing the policy approaches to waste management set out in Government policy statements

> Implementation fo a National Spatial Strategy,addressing among other things issues relating to settlement patterns


8 Making Ireland's Development Sustainable, Department of the Environment and Local Government 2002

12

2.0 Profile & Performance of the South East Region

2.1 Physical Region and its infrastructure

The South East Region of Ireland is a homogeneous geographical area of 9,406 sq kms (13.5% of the area of thestate) surrounding 4 major rivers, the Slaney, the Barrow, theNore and the Suir. The region crosses traditional provincialboundaries and comprises five counties, three fromLeinster, Carlow, Kilkenny and Wexford and two fromMunster, South Tipperary and Waterford. While the regionis predominantly rural in character there is a well-balancedurban structure with major urban centres in Carlow,Clonmel, Kilkenny City, Waterford City and Wexford.

A snapshot of the South East physical infrastructure is outlined below 9:

> There are eight primary and seven national secondaryroads in the South East linking major population centreswithin and outside the region. In addition there are anumber of regional roads linking centres within theregion.

> The Waterford-Dublin rail route serves three of theregion's population centres: Waterford, Kilkenny andCarlow with five trains each way every weekday (six onFridays and Saturdays). Other rail links to Dublin includetwo additional daily services on Carlow-Dublin (distinctfrom the Waterford-Dublin Service): an early morning andevening commuter sercvice. The Rosslare service operatesthree trains daily from Rosslare Europort to Dublin, servingWexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey. The Rosslare-Limerickrail route provides three trains daily connecting

Waterford and Clonmel to Limerick with other connections via Limerick Junction and two daily

trains connecting Waterford with Rosslare.

> Bus Éireann and a number of private companies operateservices connecting the South East Region with the restof the country.

> Commercial port activity in the South East is centred onRosslare Europort, Waterford/Belview and New Ross.

> The South East Regional Airport is located six milessouth of Waterford City and has daily services to the UK(London, Luton and Manchester) and to France (Lorienton three days a week, reducing to a less frequent schedule in the winter) operated by Aer Arann. The IrishCoast Guard operates an air/sea rescue service from the airport.

> The region has a secure supply of water for bothdomestic and commercial users. Boreholes and/orsprings and some abstraction from rivers supply urban areas.

> Wastewater collection, treatment and disposal are amajor concern to all local authorities in the region. TheJoint Waste Management Plan for the South Eastrequires the maximum realistic reduction, reuse andrecycling targets are achieved and that the balance ofmaterials are treated or disposed.

> The ESB foresees no problems in the provision of electricity capacity to the South East Region butrequires 4-5 years advance notice of major developmentshifts within the region.

> Carlow, Clonmel, Kilkenny and Waterford are all on thegas pipeline network.

> Broadband services are a key part of future telecommunications infrastructure in the region andwork is ongoing in delivering these services on time in a competitive manner.

9 SERA – Regional Planning Guidelines – Implementing the National Spatial Strategy (2004)south easta g e n d a

Figure 8:South East TransportInfrastructure (Source: IDA Ireland)

Figure 7:The South EastRegion ofIreland (Source: SERA)

13

2.2 Demographics

The South East Region has 18 cities and towns with a population exceeding 1,500.

10 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO)11 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO)12 CSO Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 4, 2004

City/Town County Population10

(2002)

Waterford City Waterford 46,736

Kilkenny City Kilkenny 20,735

Carlow Carlow 18,487

Wexford Wexford 17,235

Clonmel South Tipperary 16,910

Enniscorthy Wexford 8,964

Tramore Waterford 8,305

Dungarvan Waterford 7,452

New Ross Wexford 6,537

Carrick-on-Suir South Tipperary 5,586

Gorey Wexford 5,282

Tipperary South Tipperary 4,964

Cahir South Tipperary 2,794

Cashel South Tipperary 2,770

Bagenalstown Carlow 2,728

Tullow Carlow 2,417

Dunmore East Waterford 1,750

Thomastown Kilkenny 1,600

Figure 9: City & town populations in the South East (Source: CSO)


Population 2002 Census Figures11

State 3,917,203

South East Region 423,616

As a % of State Population 10.8%

Proportion Urban Population 41.4%

Proportion Rural Population 58.6%

Population Density 45p/p/sq.Km.

Population Change 1996 -2002 + 32,099

% Increase in Population 1996-2002 +8.2%

Figure 10: South East Population figures - Census 2002 (Source: CSO)

2.3 Economic Statistics & Trends

Region In Employment Unemployed In Labour Unemployment Participation ’000 ’000 Force ’000 Rate % Rate %

Border 196.6 11.1 207.7 5.4 58.5

Dublin 564 24.4 588.4 4.1 62.9

Mid-East 212 6.2 218.2 2.9 63.7

Midland 107.4 4.7 112.1 4.2 60.2

Mid-West 159.4 8.5 167.9 5.1 60.9

South East 195.2 11.6 206.8 5.6 59.1

South-West 272.8 11.4 284.2 4 59.1

West 186.8 7.5 194.3 3.9 60.6

State 1,894.1 85.6 1,979.7 4.3 61

Figure 11: Unemployment Figures for Quarter 4, 200412

14

13 CSO Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 4, 200414 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO)


GVA13

GVA Per Capita (State = 100)13 89.3 %

GVA Per Capita (EU = 100) 118.8 %

2.3 Economic Statistics & Trends – Continued

Region Agriculture, Forestry Manufacturing & Services Total& Fishing % Construction % % %

Border 6.3 38.6 55.1 100

Midland 5.5 32.6 61.9 100

West 5 36 59 100

Dublin 0.3 28.6 71.1 100

Mid East 3.1 53 43.9 100

Mid West 4.2 40.6 55.2 100

South East 4.7 50.5 44.7 100

South West 2.8 61.1 36.1 100

State 2.7 41.4 55.9 100

Figure 12: % GVA Produced by Sector 2002 (Source CSO)

Unemployment rate: number of unemployed expressed as a percentage of the total labour force.

Participation rate: number of persons in the labour force expressed as a percentage of the total population aged 15 or over.

GVA: Gross Value Add = difference between the value of goods and services produced and the cost of raw materials and otherinputs which are used up in production.

Region 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002

Border 92.4 92.7 92.6 90 89.4 88.9 90.9 89.8

Midland 90.3 89.7 91 89.4 88.2 88.4 89.3 92.1

West 91.6 91.2 92.6 92.3 92.7 92.5 93.7 93.9

Dublin 113.6 113.7 112.6 114.8 115.8 116 114.7 113.4

Mid East 98.1 99.1 99.5 98.7 100.3 99.8 100.3 100.7

Mid West 97.8 97.8 98.3 99.2 98.1 97.8 97.3 97.9

South East 91.3 91.1 91.2 89.9 89.2 90.8 90.9 92.2

South West 97.3 96.7 96.7 96 95 94.5 95.3 95.2

State 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Figure 13: Indices of Disposable Income Per Person (Source: CSO)

Income14

Disposable Household Income €6,491m

Total Household Income €7,757 m

Total Income per person €18,312

Disposable Income per person €15,322

15

15 Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2003 - Manufacturing/financial and other international services/other activities IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development & Údarás Na Gaeltachta



Region 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000 ’000

Dublin 29.0 32.0 35.5 39.7 44.7 51.0 57.4 55.0 53.7 51.6

Mid East 8.5 10.1 11.6 13.7 13.9 14.4 16.1 15.2 15.4 15.8

Mid West 14.8 15.6 16.5 17.4 19.1 20.6 22.3 21.3 19.1 17.8

South West 15.1 15.5 16.3 16.6 17.9 19.5 22.7 23.5 22.5 22.2

South East 9.9 10.1 11.0 11.4 11.2 11.4 11.3 11.7 12.1 12.1

West 9.3 10.2 11.0 12.2 13.3 13.3 15.2 15.1 13.6 13.8

Midland 5.9 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.0 5.6 5.6 5.4 5.3 4.6

Border 14.2 14.7 14.0 14.3 14.3 13.3 13.5 12.4 11.8 11.3

State Total 107.1 114.4 121.8 131.7 140.8 14.9 164.5 159.9 153.8 149.6

Figure 15: Regional Trends in Permanent Full-Time Employment in Foreign-Owned, Manufacturing, Internationally Traded and Financial Services and OtherActivities (1994-2003), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta (Source: Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2003

Industry15

Irish-owned firms - permanent full-time employment €17,087

Foreign-owned firms - permanent full-time employment €12,148

Figure 14: Regional Trends in Permanent Full-Time Employment in Foreign-Owned, Manufacturing, Internationally Traded andFinancial Services and Other Activities (1994-2003), IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta(Source: Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2003)

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

180,000

160,000140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

BMW S&E All Regions


16

16 Fáilte Ireland – South East Facts 2003 http://www.failteireland.ie/tourism_facts_2003south easta g e n d a

Socio-Economic Group South East % of State % of ’000 South East ’000 State

A - Employers & Managers

B - Higher Professional

C - Lower Professional 51.7 28% 602.6 33%

D - Non-manual

E - Manual skilled

F - Semi-skilled 85.5 46% 789.2 44%

G - Unskilled 11.2 6% 90.6 5%

H - Own account workers

I - Farmers

J - Agricultural workers

Z - all others gainfully occupied

and unknown 38.2 20% 318.3 18%

Total 186.7 100% 1,800.9 100%

Figure 16: 2002 Labour Force (Source: CSO)

Tourism16

Total # of Tourists 2003 1,958,000

Overseas Tourists 2003 907,000

Total Tourism Revenue 2003 €413m

Overseas Tourism Revenue 2003 €268m

17

17 Census 2002 – Occupations, Central Statistics Office (CSO)18 Forfás Annual Employment Survey 2003 - Manufacturing/financial and other international services/other activities IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development & Údarás Na Gaeltachta

19 Key multi-national companies in the South East Region, IDA Ireland, www.idaireland.com20 Enterprise Ireland Manufacturing Companies – South East Region – large companies over 201 employees

Broad Occupational Group South East % of State % ’000 South East ’000 State

Farming, fishing & forestry 16.6 9.0 96.2 5.4

Manufacturing 28.7 15.6 225.0 12.6

Building & construction 17.0 9.3 136.6 7.7

Clerical, managing & government 25.8 14.0 318.5 17.9

Communication & transport 9.4 5.1 102.4 5.8

Sales & commerce workers 23.5 12.8 239.9 13.5

Professional, technical & health 25.7 14.0 293.7 16.5

Services 17.7 9.6 170.5 9.6

Other 19.4 10.6 196.4 11.0

All Occupations 184.2 100 1,779.7 100

Figure 17: Persons males and females aged 15 years and over at work in the State and the SouthEast Region classified by broad industrial group.


2.4 Business Sectors

The South East Region has a higher reliance on workers inthe agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors and manufacturing industries than the overall state average.This practice represents low-level value chain activities.

The region has lower employment that the state average inthe following sectors: banking and financial services, realestate, renting and business activities and public administration and defence. The majority of service relatedjobs are low skilled and relate only to local industries.

Like Ireland as a whole, a high proportion of manufacturingindustry in the South East is foreign owned employing12,148 people in 2003.18 The key multinational companiesin the South East include Allied Signal, America on Line,Bausch & Lomb, Braun, Genzyme, Glaxosmithkline,Guidant, Ivax Pharmaceuticals, Lake RegionManufacturing and Merck Sharp & Dohme.19

The South East has a strong base of indigenous industriesspread throughout the region. Some of the larger employers in the region include Anglo Irish Group (AngloIrish Beef processors and Anglo Irish Meat Company),Burnside group of companies, Glanbia, PinewoodLaboratories, Queally Group, Richard Keenan & Co,Showerings ("Bulmers"), Slaney Meats International,Waterford Crystal, and Weyerhauser Europe.20 The SouthEast also has a strong equestrian industry that includes studfarms and horse training facilities.

18

Region Sub Degree Bachelors Grad PG Taught Research PhD

% % Dip % Masters % Masters % %

North-West & Donegal 6% 2% 3% 2% 0% 1%

West 8% 9% 13% 7% 16% 8%

Mid-West 9% 7% 7% 5% 6% 11%

South-West 17% 11% 16% 11% 14% 12%

South East 9% 6% 4% 3% 9% 3%

East 39% 56% 44% 65% 44% 61%

North-East 4% 2% 1% 2% 1% 0%

Midlands 5% 3% 4% 2% 6% 1%

Northern Ireland 0% 1% 1% 1% 0% 0%

Unknown (Ireland) 1% 3% 7% 2% 4% 3%

STATE 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Figure 18: Distribution of Graduates in Employment 2002 (Source: HEA 1st Destinations Report)

2.5 Education & Life Long Learning

Education is a key driver of economic activity and is a primary factor in the attraction of inward investment. Thevolume and type of inward investment and economic activity is a function of the education structures and attainment within the region. At third level the region isserviced by two high quality Institutes of Technology located in the Gateway City, Waterford, and in Carlow Town.The Tipperary Institute also provides higher-level educationin Clonmel. There is a wide range of educational facilitiesthroughout the counties in the region. A substantial education infrastructure deficit is the lack of a University in the region.

of the workforce is lower than in any other Gateway City(Waterford 26%, Cork, 26%, Dublin 30% and Galway 34%). 25

The region has no institution specifically tasked with thedevelopment of fourth level education (research development and innovation) and while the existing thirdlevel providers have endeavoured to fill this gap and havesuccessfully competed for research funding, nationally andinternationally, they are none the less constrained by governance demands of the sector to which they belong.The absence of base line funding in research and the mission restrictions on Institutes in the region severely limits the capacity of the region to engage inknowledge production and commercialisation necessary fora sustainable knowledge economy in the region.

Generally the region is under-performing other regions interms of educational attainment. Education level in theregion is lower than average and among the participation inhigher-level university education is low.

> Only 19.7% of workforce has 3rd level qualification compared to national average of 26%21

> Only 5% of graduates' first destination is the South East.Breakdown of qualifications are in figure 18. 22

> Less than 1% of research grants are awarded to theSouth East. 23

The low levels of educational participation translates intolower than national averages of employment in advancedsectors. Employment in advanced sectors in the SE is only

25% of the workforce compared to Dublin at 62%, MidWest at 54%, the West at 51% and the South West at

46%. 24 Similarly the numbers of managers andprofessionals in Waterford as a percentage

A key component of education strategy is developing thenecessary entrepreneurship skills to provide a continuousflow of innovation and development within the region. Anemphasis on continuing and profession development as akey component of a knowledge region exists in the SouthEast with strong centres of continuing education atWaterford Institute of Technology, Institute of TechnologyCarlow and Tipperary Institute. State agencies such as theIDA, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS, also play a significant role inproviding this key infrastructure.

The Enterprise Strategy Group's Report Ahead of the Curvesuggests that globalisation pressures require regions tocompete globally rather than nationally and in this respectmust prioritise the educational imperatives embedded within that report, specifically the need to produce moreSales and Marketing Graduates with InternationalExperience and to enhance Research and Development skills.


21 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO) 22 HEA First Destinations Report 200223 HEA 1999-2001 24 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO)

25 Census 2002, Central Statistics Office (CSO)

19

26 South East Annual Guidebook 2005

27 South East Tourism – Guide to Meeting & Conference Facilities in Ireland’s South East

2.6 Leisure Infrastructure

The South East is a region of unrivalled beauty, rich in historic and archaeological treasures and abounding inexcellent natural amenities, recreation and leisure facilities.It is not only a visitor's paradise, it also provides its residentswith a superb natural environment and rich quality of life.Because of the high average daily hours of sunshine thatthe region enjoys, it is universally known as “The SunnySouth East”.

The South East offers a wide range of activity and leisurepursuits for locals and visitors alike. The activities include avariety of water-based pursuits, such as fishing, wind surfing, water skiing, canoeing, river cruising and sailing.Other activities include golf, equestrian, bird watching,walking and cycling. Leisure pursuits include numeroussporting events, health and wellness centres, sightseeingand the availability of a huge variety of good food andcooking. It is important that these valuable amenities areidentified and continued to be nurtured.

The chief tourist attractions include Dunbrody Famine Shipin New Ross, Kilkenny Castle, the Irish National HeritagePark in Wexford, the Rock of Cashel, the Waterford CrystalVisitors Centre and Waterford Treasures Museum. Lesserknown attractions need to be merchandised in such a wayas to attract even more visitors and under-developed

attractions need to be identified and efforts made on alocal basis to improve their standing and to publicise theattraction in order to attract visitors.

Each county in the region promotes its own unique features for its residents, tourists and potential investors asshown in figure 19.26

The South East Region has an abundance of meeting andconference facilities that can cater for up to 1000 delegates.South East Tourism recommend over 30 hotels and facilitiesto “get away from it all” where business meetings can beconducted in a background of calm and creativity.27

Carlow – through the watersof time, features four superb

golf courses located

throughout County Carlow. Fishing and boating on the

Rivers Barrow and Slaney provide excellent, easily

accessible leisure time activities. Walking trails, gardens,

historical tours and stately homes and the annual Éigse

Carlow festival are among its highlights.

Kilkenny – the creative heart ofIreland, has a medieval city and

features good food & lively

restaurants, creative crafts and

popular bars & nightclubs. The Kilkenny Arts Festival is one

of Ireland's foremost annual arts events.

South Tipperary – thegolden vale county, with

high hills and verdant

valleys promotes horse riding, hunting and hill walking. It

has many heritage sites and monuments from the lofty

Rock of Cashel to the wonders of Cahir Castle.

Waterford – the crystal county, is

home to the Gateway

city of the region, has

many fishing villages, a panoramic upland west county and

a number of surfing beaches. There is a thriving Irish speak-

ing community centred at Ring Village. Waterford Spraoi is

the major annual cultural family festival.

Wexford – the model county, has

many cosy coastal villages and beaches,

rolling hills and scenic angling rivers

and has a number of bird watch

reserves. It boasts the driest weather in

the country. Wexford has a live

entertainment scene and hosts the internationally

renowned Wexford Opera Festival each October.

W AT E R F O R D


Figure 19: Features of the Counties in the South East

One County ~ Three Holidays

20

3.0 Six Key Economic Priorities for the SouthEast Agenda 2020

The National Spatial Strategy and Regional Planning Guidelines discussed in section 1 and theeconomic performance and regional profile discussed in section 2 demonstrate the importanceof creating a business climate in the South East that emphasises two critical factors,participation in the knowledge economy and creating effective interconnectivity. With thesetwo critical factors in mind there is a number of priorities that should form the pillars of futuredevelopment in the region. Connectivity involves creating effective intra-region links andinvolves opening access into and out from the region. The knowledge economy requires anadvanced educational and research infrastructure, a policy focus on sustainable value richactivities that attract inward flows of knowledge creators through the provision of a ‘quality oflife region’. Six priorities have been established that aim to enable economic activity growfaster in the region.

3.1 Improve TransportationAccess within Ireland

ROADSThe National Development Plan 2000-2006 (NDP) as currently envisaged will see the delivery of the much-neededinfrastructural improvements in the South East. The headline impacts will be the N9/N10 motorway, includingthe Carlow town bypass, Waterford City bypass, the completion of the N11 upgrade bypassing Gorey andEnniscorthy as well as the bridge bypass of New Ross andthe Mooncoin and Carrick-on-Suir bypasses.

These developments will underpin the National SpatialStrategy (NSS) for the South East with Waterford performing as a Gateway supported by Kilkenny andWexford as Hubs.

However the concept of these three major urban centresperforming as a 'Growth Triangle' as envisaged in the NSScan only be achieved by full delivery of the NDP coupledwith the provision of a 21st Century Inter Urban RoadNetwork. A Regional Development Plan to advance andfinance this objective is now a priority.

A 21st century inter-urban road network would includeimportant links such as Gorey to Carlow, New Ross toKilkenny as well as Dungarvan to Clonmel and onwards to Kilkenny.

The South East Region has more than its fair share of attractive coastlines, river valleys and uplands together with

an extensive built heritage. In order to develop this

significant tourist potential, an integrated approach to theupgrade and development of our coastal and scenic non-national roads and local routes must also be giveurgent priority.

Other recommendations:

> N24 Limerick to Waterford upgraded to DualCarriageway standard

> 3rd Bridge in Waterford City

> A Vision for 2020... A majestic high-level bridge by 2020from Wexford to Waterford linking the hinterlands of thelower South East currently separated by the Suir Estuary.

It is only through such essential linkages that the full potential for regional economic development can be achieved.


21

PUBL IC TRANSPORTIn tandem with the essential developments about to takeplace in the road network in the region, the public transport systems and their associated facilities require asimilar quantum shift in investment and network structureto provide a European Standard of service. This will only bedriven by an integrated regional body and communityawareness and demand for the necessary investment.

Specifically what is called for is as follows:

Rail> Frequent European class intercity express service

from the region's Gateway and Hubs (Waterford-Kilkenny-Dublin & Wexford-Dublin lines)

> Inter-urban rail service between Carlow / Kilkenny / Waterford and Clonmel / Waterford / Wexford

> Major expansion of Gateway and Hub railway stationswith full park & ride facilities

> Structural upgrade of rail routes to enable high speedand high freight capability.

Bus> High quality bus feeder service from smaller urban

centres to dovetail with intercity rail timetables

> Quality bus corridors in major urban centres to facilitateefficient 'short hop' inter-urban bus services in region

> Park & ride facilities to bus services.

3.2 Develop InternationalTransportation Linkages

The traditional route from Ireland to Europe using Britain asa Landbridge has offered many advantages to our commercial and tourist traffic in the past. However,congestion on both sides of the English Channel increasingly reduces the efficiency of this route. However,the Marco Polo II Programme28 proposes to fund projectsthat encourage a shift from landbridge to other modes oftransport such as ‘highways on the sea’ i.e. direct links fromIreland to the continent.

P O R T SWaterford and Rosslare are uniquely positioned to offer astrategic alternative of direct access to continental Europefor ferry and freight services. Coordinated development of our ports is therefore vital in order to deliver this opportunity:

> Amalgamate the ports of Rosslare, New Ross andWaterford into one Joint Port Authority in order to maximise the competitive strengths of each, to reduceoverall operating costs and to streamline future investment in port infrastructure including deepening of ports

> Regional commitment and advancement of the conceptof “Fast Continental Freight Link” through Rosslare toEurope Ro-Ro. Fastracking of the New Ross bridgebypass will be vital to the success of this

> Re-align rail line away from Bellview Port, connect newspur to port and develop major national lo-lo containerterminal

south easta g e n d a28 Marco Polo Programme (2003-2010)

http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/marcopolo/index_en.htm

29 (1) SERA – Regional Planning Guidelines – Implementing the National Spatial Strategy (2004)(2) IBEC South East - Its time for action (2005)

(3) Waterford Chamber of Commerce - USE - University for the South East(2002)

22

3.2 Develop InternationalTransportation Linkages – Continued

AV I AT I O NThe enormous growth in passenger air traffic over recentyears is likely to continue. Due to congestion and distance,Dublin Airport is no longer an attractive option for manySouth East travellers, equally Cork Airport is moving in thesame direction as Dublin.

The development of the South East Regional Airport istherefore essential for the future of our region if we wish toattract inward investment, develop our tourist industry andprovide our community with attractive travel options.

The South East Regional Airport can be a successful andthriving airport with:

> Dual Carriageway from Waterford Outer Ring Road tothe airport

> Exchequer funding to upgrade Runway, Terminal andNavigation Systems to handle Boeing 737 or Airbus 310class aircraft

> Airport subventions – the airport should be designateda Public Service Obligation (PSO) designation for theWaterford-Dublin route. Alternatively the airport itselfshould receive a subvention to address the major imbalance that currently exists between the South Eastand other regional airports.

3.3 Create a University of the South East

The region must prioritise education as a driver of knowledge creation and as a means of transition to aknowledge-based economy. The availability of fourth leveleducation structures is paramount to stimulating economicactivity and attracting sustainable inward investment. Thiscan best be achieved through the creation of a University ofthe South East. A number of reports on the region including the Regional Planning Guidelines have alreadycalled for the creation of a University of the South East.29

A University of the South East would provide a focus thatcould integrate all regional players and enhance specific competencies within each county.

In addition to creating economic development and attracting inward investment the creation of a Universitywould have the additional effects of:

> Attracting research funding and investment

> Stimulating participation in higher education

> Increasing the availability of researchers to the regionand attracting high quality international researchers intothe region

> Increase opportunity for life long learning

> Providing for greater cooperation between educationand industry in the field of research, development andinnovation

> Achieving the objectives set out in Ahead of the Curve byincreasing the knowledge base of the region

> Providing for an increase of students in the region andprovide an opportunity for students to remain in theregion to study.

The role of a University in creating a centre for social andcultural development is a critical factor in creating a qualityof life environment in the region. The University would provide a base to foster and develop a regional culturalidentity through physical and intellectual provision.The importance of universities as social infrastructure is evident throughout Europe.


23

3.4 Invest in Life Long Learning

A knowledge economy is characterised by an ongoingcommitment to life long learning through the continuousupdating of skills and knowledge. To achieve this objectivethe region needs both the availability of appropriate opportunities for life long learners and the culture andcommitment of engaging in life long learning activities.This requires that:

1 Up-skilling programmes are fostered through stateagencies, public enterprise, the proposed University, theInstitutes of Technology, VEC’s and other educationalproviders servicing the region. The importance of keeping management skills within the region at thehighest levels should be acknowledged through the fostering of ongoing professional development for allmanagers. The South East should build a reputation forits commitment to management development.

2 Promotion and further development of educationalretraining programmes available for unemployed, backto work, and those in employment.

3 An integrated approach to increasing numbers of people training in innovation and entrepreneurshipshould be fostered. There is an opportunity to harnessthe expertise of retired business executives to mentoremerging businesses in the region.

4 The Chambers of Commerce should consider creating a'learning network' for members that allow firms theopportunity of sharing skills and competencies. TheEnterprise Strategy Report recognised the importance ofbuilding competencies in sales and marketing andresearch and these areas should constitute the cornerstone of the Chamber's learning network.

3.5 Develop a SustainableEnvironment

The economic growth in the South East since the mid 1990shas placed growing pressures on the environment, similarto those being felt by the rest of the world. Today we are:

> using more energy than ever before

> producing more waste than ever before

> our water quality, biodiversity and natural resources arebeing threatened.

> we have ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions thatcause climate change

As recommended in the report ‘Making Ireland’sDevelopment Sustainable’ we

“can have both a dynamic economy and a high qualityenvironment. In fact we must have both. In the longrun, economic activity is undermined by inadequateenvironmental protection; in turn, a healthy economyprovides the resources with which to build and maintainhigh environmental quality. But to achieve both theseobjectives we have to do better in the coming decade.”

The Environmental Protection Agency and Teagasc havetheir headquarters situated in the region; therefore theSouth East should be leading the field in terms of protecting the environment. We should also build on theTeagasc agricultural and rural centres of excellence doingresearch & development at Johnstown Castle in Wexfordand Oak Park in Carlow. We should target our policy to protect three of our basic resources i.e. water, land andenergy. The following recommendations are identified inthe Regional Planning Guidelines:30

south easta g e n d a30 SERA - Regional Planning Guidelines - Implementing the National Spatial Strategy (2004)

31 Protocol to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone(http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/multi_h1.htm)

24

3.5 Develop a SustainableEnvironment – Continued

Water Aspects:

> Implement conservation projects on water supply systems

> Provide increased wastewater collection treatmentcapacity in the region

> Develop marine leisure facilities that are suitable to theenvironment

> Develop a regional integrated coastline zone management plan

Land Aspects:

> Increase landfill capacity in the region

> Implement reduction, reuse and recycling targets asidentified in the Joint Waste Management Plan

> Implement an integrated thermal and biological wastemanagement treatment facility by 2009

> Implement the National Biodiversity Plan (fertile soils,foods & clean water)

> Protect natural heritage sites designated in National andEuropean legislation

> Seek to preserve and protect built heritage (all featuresbuilt by man in the environment, including archaeological sites, buildings and other structures) andto encourage sympathetic re-use and/or development

> Sustainable development of coastland and upland areasin the region for recreational and amenity purposes.

> Provide quality public open spaces in built up areas forboth passive and active recreation.

Energy Aspects:

> Encourage the development of renewable energysources; e.g. hydro, solar, geothermal & energy crops

> Limit the emissions of greenhouse gases

> Develop wind energy in upland and coastal areas

> Extend the gas pipeline network to Wexford town andDungarvan

> Encourage energy conservation by all users

As recommended by the report 'Making Ireland'sDevelopment Sustainable' we should break the linkbetween economic growth and damage to the environment. The region's local businesses should beencouraged to join in this work. Business in the regionshould be aware of the EU directives on air emissions andthe Gothenburg Protocol. A special challenge presentsitself in relation to the coastline protection of Wexfordurban areas and the management of the inland flood plainsat Kilkenny City and Clonmel. The taskforce recommendsthat the South East lead the country in developing a sustainable environment for future generations.


25

3.6 Develop and PromoteLeisure Opportunities

Ireland recently came first out of 111 countries in the Worldquality-of-life index for 2005 as developed by theEconomist Intelligence Unit.32 The South East Region hasthe necessary resources to lead the way on many of the fac-tors used to set the index, such as health, freedom, unem-ployment, family life, climate, political stability and security,gender equality, and family and community life.

People and investors are attracted to cities and largertowns, where there is a vibrant social and cultural life,coupled with a wide range of entertainment and amenityfacilities. The South East Region has a wide range of leisureinfrastructure but many of these are not promoted outsideof the region. There is also an opportunity to further develop existing activities and create new ones in theregion such as:

> Develop a major heritage tourism product for the regioncapitalising on the archaeological and architectural richness from the Viking, Medieval and Georgian periodsof its past

> Promote the South East as a retirement friendly regionwith its warmer climate, healthcare infrastructure andquality of life amenities

> Capitalise on the beautiful landscape – develop and promote coastal and upland walkways, expand watersport activities

> Develop the food sector - organic centres, country foodmarkets and gourmet restaurants

> Build on the Irish linguistic heritage in the Ring area

> Develop world-class conference facilities.

south easta g e n d a32 The World in 2005, The Economist Newspaper Limited (www.economist.com/theworldin/)

26


4.0 SEA 2020 – The South East Business Plan

The South East Agenda taskforce identified six key economic priorities for the South EastRegion that will help realise Vision 2020.

1 Improve transportation access within Ireland

2 Develop International transportation linkages

3 Create a University of the South East

4 Invest in lifelong learning

5 Develop a sustainable environment

6 Develop and promote leisure opportunities

In order to deliver the South East Agenda 2020, the taskforce recommend that the South East Chambers commission an integrated South East Business Plan. Thebusiness case for each chamber city and town in the regionshould be developed that outlines the key actions andinvestments over the next 15 years that will contribute tothe key economic priorities identified in this report beingaddressed.

The South East Business Plan should include the following:

> Where each city/town can expect to be, in developmentterms by 2020

> The forecasts of future population, housing provisionand employment creation

> Key transport and land use proposals

> Investment priorities for National & local governmentand the private sector for each of the cities and towns

> Identification of the South East Brand

> Implementation of the South East Business Plan (marketing, partnerships, funding, monitoring)

The South East Agenda taskforce recommend that aSteering Group be put in place to oversee the development of the Business Plan. The steering groupshould comprise of representatives from the South EastChambers, the regional higher education providers, theregional development agencies (IDA, Enterprise Ireland andSouth East Tourism) and the City & County ManagersAssociation. An appropriate budget should be given todevelop the plan and it should be developed over a realistic timeframe.

The deliverables of the report should include an initiationreport agreed with the Steering Group to provide an overallorganisation framework and timetable for progressing andfinalising the Business Plan - to identify relevant datasources and data collection methods and to establish milestones for the preparation and delivery of the BusinessPlan. An interim report should be presented to the SteeringGroup on progress at the mid-point of the project and outlining the framework for the final Business Plan. Thefinal report should be presented to the Steering Group oncompletion of the South East Business Plan

27

Appendix I South East Chambers of Commerce

South East Chambers is an umbrella body within which theChambers of Commerce in the South East Region collaborate on regional issues. The members of South EastChambers are affiliated to the Chambers of Commerce ofIreland and they are the chambers of Carlow, Clonmel,Dungarvan & West Waterford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Kilkenny,New Ross, Waterford and Wexford.

Each Chamber of Commerce works to represent the interests of its members on a local level. The Chambers alsoprovide other services, such as business and local

information and events and networking opportunities forits members. South East Chambers was created when theChambers recognised that while priorities can vary in thedifferent localities, the region needs to speak louder and ina unified approach on key issues. South East Chambersworks together to lobby more effectively on certain issuesaffecting businesses in the region, such as regional infrastructure, higher education, tourism, waster management, SME development, arts & culture and theoverall economic prosperity of the region.


Chamber CEO/Admin President

Carlow Jacqui McNabb Mary O'Connellwww.carlowchamber.com

Clonmel Elaine McGowan Walter Heneghanwww.clonmel.ie

Dungarvan & West Waterford Vincent M. Quirke Ann Marie Rossiterwww.dungarvanchamber.com

Enniscorthy Eamon Buttlewww.enniscorthychamber.ie

Gorey Peter Nordstrumwww.goreychamber.com

Kilkenny Alison McGrath Mike Nolanwww.kilkennychamber.ie

New Ross Teresa Delaney Gerry Murtaghwww.newrosschamber.ie

Waterford Frank O'Donoghue Liam Fennellywww.waterfordchamber.ie

Wexford Emer Lovett Eamonn Murphywww.wexfordchamber.ie

The other nominees on the South East Chambers committee are:

Carlow Michael Moriarty (Secretary), Martin Meagher (member)

Gorey Pat Roche (member)

New Ross Ernest Levingstone (Treasurer)

Waterford Joe Kenny (Chairman), Joe Palmer (member)

Wexford Ursula Sinnott (member)

28

Appendix II South East Agenda Taskforce

ChairpersonÚna Parsons Industry Director, The Institution of Engineers of Ireland

Director, Waterford Chamber of Commerce

Chamber RepresentativesLeo Butler Electronics and Software Engineer, T.Butler Engineering Ltd

Director, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Declan Byrne Proprietor, Kavanagh SportsVice President, Clonmel Chamber of Commerce

Frank Keane Managing Director, Rosslare Ship Repairs LtdDirector, Wexford Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Ernest Levingstone E.W. Levingstone & Co. Accountants / Registered AuditorsPast President, New Ross Chamber of Commerce

Pat Roche Director, Arkman EngineeringCommittee Member, Gorey Chamber of Industry & Commerce

Specialist AdvisorsDerek O’Byrne Head of Strategic Planning, Waterford Institute of Technology

Derry O’Sullivan Regional Director, Roadstone South East

Names in italics are the report-writing working group

Taskforce Administration / Research Support

Karen Bunyan Independent research supportSiobhán MacAuliffe Executive Assistant, Waterford Chamber of CommerceFrank O’Donoghue CEO, Waterford Chamber of Commerce

16 South East Annual Guidebook17 Guide to Meeting & Conference Facilities in Ireland’s South East, South East Tourism,

2002


29

Appendix III Driving the South East Agenda Appendix III Regional Conference

PROGRAMME

8.30 WelcomeLiam FennellyConference Chairman

8.35 Keynote AddressMinister Martin Cullen TDMinister of Transport

9.00 Progress on implementation of the National Spatial StrategyNiall Cussen, Senior Planning Adviser, Departmentof Enterprise Trade & Employment

9.20 National road developments in the South EastMichael Egan Head of Corporate Affairs,National Roads Authority

9.40 Drivers of regional developmentDr. Edward M. WalshFounding President of UL

10.10 Panel discussion

10.30 Break

11.00 Progress on the South East Waste Management PlanEamon TimoneyEnvironmental Engineer and Scientific Consultant,Fehily Timoney & Co

11.20 Developing a business in the South EastLiam GriffinManaging Director, Griffin Hotel Group

11.40 Promoting and branding a regionAnthony FoleySenior Researcher, Waterford Institute ofTechnology

12.00 Developing a regional broadband strategyMike BuhagierHead of Marketing, BT Retail's GovernmentDirectorate in the UK


This important half-day RegionalConference will focus the attention ofeverybody in business and in positions of influence in the South Eastmoving forward together to achievegreater prosperity for all.The plans are in place that should create unprecedented business opportunities – we have got to bringthem to fruition, or be left behind.

Liam Fennelly Conference ChairmanPresident, Waterford Chamber of Commerce

30

Appendix IV Bibliography

National Publications:

A&L Goodbody Consulting (July 2004), Public Infrastructure in

Ireland - Projects and Prospects, Dublin

Bacon & Associates, Peter (July 2002), Strategic Review & Outlook for

Waste Management Capacity and the Impact on the Irish Economy

Central Statistics Office (2002), Census of Population

Central Statistics Office (2004), Quarterly National Household Survey

- Quarter 4 2004

Department of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources (2005),

Ports Policy Statement 2005, Government Publications Office, Dublin

Department of Education (2003), Statistics 2002/3

Department of Environment and Local Government (2002),

National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, - People, Places and Potential,

Government Publications Office, Dublin

Department of the Environment and Local Government (2002),

Making Ireland's Development Sustainable - Review, Assessment and

Future Action, Government Publications Office, Dublin

Enterprise Strategy Group (2004), Ahead of the Curve - Ireland's Place

in the Global Economy, Government Publications Office, Dublin

Forfás (2003), Employment Survey 2003

Higher Educations Authority (2002), First Destinations Report 2002

National Competitiveness Council (September 2004),

The Competitiveness Challenge 2004, Forfás, Dublin

National Development Plan (2000), Ireland: National Development

Plan 2000-2006, Government Publications Office, Dublin

The Irish Academy of Engineering (2004), A Vision of Transport in

Ireland in 2050, Dublin

Regional & County Publications:

Arkman (2003), Enterprise Centre Feasibility Study, Gorey Chamber of

Industry & Commerce, Gorey

Atkins (2001), Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) 2001-2020, Cork City

Council & Cork County Council, Cork

Atkins (2001), Waterford Planning Land Use & Transportation Study

(PLUTS), Waterford City Council, Waterford

Bacon & Associates, Peter (May 1999), County Wexford: A Strategy for

Economic Development, Wexford County Council

Buhagiar, Mike (January 2005), Presentation: Switching on the South

East - Developing a Regional Broadband Strategy, Driving the South

East Agenda Regional Conference, Waterford

Burke Consulting, Raymond and Gallagher, Mary (April 2005),

Traffic Study for the I-Sea.com Project, Irish Exporters Association

Business Insight (January 2000), Investing in Kilkenny - An Economic

Analysis, Kilkenny Industrial Development Company (KIDCo), Kilkenny

Carlow Development Plan (2000), Carlow 2000-2012 Strategy, Carlow

Carlow Local Authorities (2005), We have a Mission..., Carlow

Cussen, Niall (January 2005), Presentation: Implementation of the

National Spatial Strategy - Update on Progress Issues for the South

East, Driving the South East Agenda Regional Conference, Waterford

Egan, Mike (January 2005), Presentation: National Roads

Development in the South East, Driving the South East Agenda

Regional Conference, Waterford

Fáilte Ireland (2003), Tourism to South East - Fact Sheet

Foley, Anthony (January 2005), Presentation: Promoting and

Branding a Region, Driving the South East Agenda Regional

Conference, Waterford

Griffin, Liam (January 2005), Presentation: Developing a business

in the South East, Driving the South East Agenda Regional

Conference, Waterford


31

Appendix IV Bibliography [continued]

Galway Chamber of Commerce & Industry (2001), Galway 2010 @

the Leading Edge - Galway Chamber's Policy Document for the

development of Galway City and County to 2010, Galway

IBEC South East (2005), It's time for action - Infrastructure Strategy for

the South East Region, IBEC, Waterford

Kilkenny County Development Board (2002), Kilkenny 2002-2012 - A

Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development, Kilkenny

McDonald, Frank (11/11/2004), Waterford’s border issue still alive,

Irish Times Newspaper - Regional Capitals - Part 4, Dublin

MRPA Consultants Ltd (January 2003), The N9 Motorway - the key to

unlocking a regional gateway, Waterford Chamber of Commerce,

Waterford

O'Toole, Dr. Tom (29/10/2004), Regions need to work for themselves -

dependence on central government for resources stalls real

development, Irish Times Newspaper - Comment, Dublin

Roche, Barry (25/11/2004), Gateway plan 'no threat' to Dublin,

Irish Times Newspaper - Southern Correspondent, Dublin

South East Regional Authority (2004), Regional Planning Guidelines -

Implementing the National Spatial Strategy, Clonmel

South East Regional Authority (January 2005), Programme of work

in respect of year ending 31st December, 2005, Clonmel

South East Regional Authority (July 2001), South East Regional

Information Society Strategy and Action Plan, Clonmel

South East Regional Authority (2002), South East Regional Passenger

Transport Strategy, Clonmel

South East Regional Authority (2004), Draft South East Employment

Development Strategy, Clonmel

South East Regional Authority (2004), Joint Waste Management Plan

for the South East Region, Clonmel

South East Regional Tourism Authority (2005), Ireland South East

Annual Guidebook 2005, Waterford

South East Tourism (Summer 2002), Guide to Meeting & Conference

Facilities in Ireland's South East, Waterford

South East Tourism (2005), South East Ireland Activity & Leisure

Guidebook 2005, Waterford

South East Tourism (2005), Festivals & Events and What's On in

Ireland South East 2005 - Year of the Tall Ships, Waterford

South Tipperary County Development Board (2002), South

Tipperary County Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural

Development, Clonmel

Strategy Waterford Task Force (2002), Strategy Waterford - Vision

2011, linking Waterford and its Partners, Waterford

Timoney, Eamon (January 2005), Presentation: Progress on the Joint

Waste Management Plan of the South East, Driving the South East

Agenda Regional Conference, Waterford

Walsh, Edward M (January 2005), Presentation: Drivers of Regional

Development, Driving the South East Agenda Regional Conference,

Waterford

Waterford Chamber of Commerce (2002), USE - University of the

South-East - The Proposition - upgrading Waterford Institute of

Technology to the status of a University, Waterford

Waterford City Development Board (2002), Strategy for Economic,

Social and Cultural Development of Waterford City 2002-2012,

Waterford

Waterford County Development Board (2002), Waterford County - A

monument of the Future - Waterford County Strategy for the

Economic, Social and Cultural development 2002-2012, Waterford.

Waterford County Development Board, County Waterford Rural

Transport Audit, Waterford

Waterford Institute of Technology (2003), WIT Strategic Plan

2003-2006, Waterford

Wexford County Development Board (revised 2004),

Remodelling the Model County - Strategy for the Economic Social &

Cultural development of County Wexford 2002-2012, Wexford

Wexford Enterprise Initiative, Promoting Investment in County

Wexford - interactive CD-ROM, Wexford


Designed by TOTEMwww.totem.ie

South East Chambers» Carlow

» Clonmel

» Dungarvan & West Waterford

» Enniscorthy

» Gorey

» Kilkenny

» New Ross

» Waterford

» Wexford

www.southeastchambers.ie

SEA 2020 FINAL

Documents

Transcript of SEA 2020 FINAL