Strategy to attract inward investors

Making Cavan more attractive to inward investors with a specific focus on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), supporting the green and digital economics and assisting indigenous businesses to develop are among key goals outlined in a new draft plan for the county.

The objectives and actions contained in a draft Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) were first revealed to members elected to the Cavan-Belturbet Municipal District area last week.

The council had appointed KPMG Future Analytics to assist in preparing a new plan for the years 2023-2028 to map its vision for a progressive climate resilient county that is inclusive, promotes quality of life, health and wellbeing, economic activity and employment, and strives to build a better future for all.

John Donohoe, senior executive officer, Community, Enterprise, and Tourism with Cavan County Council, said the six-year plan is at a “critical stage” and “pretty close” to what would appear once finally published.

He stressed the importance of new plan reflecting priorities within the community to address the needs of all those who live, work and visit County Cavan.

In July 2014, a new Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was set up for the county and tasked with the formulation of the LECP each term, to include a public consultation process and feedback from various sectors and stakeholders.

While Cavan-Belturbet MD members were the first to see the draft plan, the contents were also set to be shared with representatives in the two other areas - Bailieborough-Cootehill and Ballyjamesduff.

Niall Conway, manager of Geospatial Data and Research at KPMG Future Analytics,addressed the Cavan-Belturbet MD meeting outlining the six “high level goals” supported by the draft plan - environment, economy, tourism, regeneration, lifelong learning, and finally well-being.

On the economic front the plans details an objective to improve Cavan’s attractiveness for inward investment, with specific focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment, supporting the green and digital economics, as well assisting indigenous business to develop.

The aim is to also “co-ordinate new pathways” to employment and lifelong learning, as well as develop the county brand as a place to live and work in, and encourage infrastructure projects that will support further economic development.

In reference to sustainable tourism, the plan looks to capitalise on opportunities.

Mr Conway noted that the nature of tourism has changed dramatically compared to 10 years ago, and suggested that more “joined-up thinking” is required to best position Cavan to take advantage.

Aside from developing those “opportunities”, either new or by enhancing what already exists, the plan places a focus on investing in Cavan Calling as a festival and building the ‘This is Cavan’ brand, as well as improving recreational infrastructure, including for example for anglers.

Independent Cllr Brendan Fay said that there was difficulty in accessing fishing sites across the county.

In response, Mr Donohoe said that, while the plan did not address “specifics”, the local authority is engaging with stakeholders on developing an “angling strategy” for the county.

“It is something we’re looking at,” he assured.

The objective of supporting lifelong learning incorporates developing “depth” in post secondary education, and promoting a range of learning options including apprenticeships.

Supporting the development of the Irish language locally is one of the goals highlighted in the plan, a point welcomed by Mr Conway, and something he said was not the case in every other county.

There would be a focus too on supporting integration and inclusivity through education, and the development of a third level institution within the county.

Mr Donohoe informed councillors that he would endeavour to share the draft plan with Cavan-Monaghan ETB with a view to getting their feedback on that particular point, and hone in on the wording where €40 million has been committed to build a FET College of the Future at Cathedral Road.

In the area of regenerating and revitalising towns and villages, the local authority will seek to develop active travel routes, and invest in social housing and public spaces. The council also aspires to support the well-being of people through education, arts and culture, accessibility, and mental health initiatives.

Through the plan, the council will promote positive climate action initiatives aimed at lowering carbon emissions, through energy efficiencies.

Fianna Fáil’s Patricia Walsh queried how the council can talk about climate action, having enacted bye-laws outlawing the sale of smokey coal, yet still have no way of imposing the ban.

She was supported in her line of questioning by party colleague John Paul Feeley who said the policing of the ban was a “sticking point” when first introduced.

Mr Donohoe said he did not have the answer, but that enforcement would be an “important objective” going forward.

Cllr Feeley proposed the adoption of the draft plan, second by Cllr Walsh.

Mr Donohoe explained the draft would be shared with Northern and Western Regional Assembly for feedback, before returning then to the Strategic Policy Committee and LCDC, and finally appear before the a full meeting of Cavan County Council for adoption.