New Local Economic and Community Plan for Kilkenny launched

A new framework document setting out ten ‘high level goals’ for Kilkenny was launched this week at the Butler Gallery.

The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2023 to 2028 is a joint initiative by Kilkenny County Council and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). 

The new framework document sets out a vision for Kilkenny which is ‘by 2028 Kilkenny will be a future-ready, citizen-centric and welcoming county that is climate resilient, provides jobs, attracts highly productive businesses, delivers inclusive services and celebrates creativity’  going forward. 

The ten high level goals which form the framework reflect the depth of its remit and ambition. The goals  are structured around the pillars of economic and community,   as well as the overarching commitment towards climate action.

“The process of the development of the 2023 to 2028 LECP has allowed us to refresh and refocus our vision and provides us with a robust framework to keep supporting the sustainable growth of our local economy and communities,” said  Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council  Pat Fitzpatrick. 

“The LECP embraces an inclusive approach towards growth and the benefits this can bring. It also acknowledges the urgency to act now to implement positive climate and biodiversity actions, so that the benefits of success will be felt by all of our communities, now and long into the future.”

Welcoming the launch of the plan, Declan Gibbons, Chair of the LCDC, acknowledged the extent of engagement in developing the framework and offered thanks to the LCDC members, members of Strategic Policy Committee 1 of Kilkenny County Council and the extensive range of stakeholders who participated in the consultation process and agreed to lead actions for delivery in the implementation plan. 

“The development of this framework document and Implementation Plan is a testament to the strength of the partnership approach in Kilkenny,” he said.

The purpose of the LECP, as provided for in the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is to set out, for a six-year period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic and community development of Kilkenny.