Economic Development

Economic Development

County Waterford provides an excellent environment in which to live, work and invest.   For the past number of years, Waterford County Council has prioritised economic development of the county, with the ultimate goal of creating and sustaining jobs for local communities.

Under the Invest in Waterford Initiative Waterford County Council has delivered enhancements to the County’s economic infrastructure.  There has been an increase in land zoned for economic use in the key towns, the network of Community Enterprise Centres is expanding, access to the County has improved, with completion of the Waterford City Bypass and new access road to Waterford Regional Airport.  In addition, the Council has delivered on an ambitious Water and Waste Water Programme.

For the period 2010 – 2014 Waterford County Council will continue to prioritise the economic development of County Waterford.  The economic objective of creating an excellent environment for business’ will be achieved by implementing the following strategies:

• Strategy 1: Waterford County Council will play a key role in delivering the potential of Waterford Gateway and the strategic corridors as the economic hub of the region.
  
  
• Strategy 2: Create economic opportunities in the County’s towns and rural areas, building on the strengths of the County.
  
  
• Strategy 3: Ensure that all areas of the local authority provide an excellent service to business
  
  
• Strategy 4: Co-ordinate the work of the agencies to harness the economic potential of the County.
  
  
  
  

Strategy 1 - Delivering the Potential of Waterford Gateway & Strategic Corridors

Waterford Gateway is identified as the key driver of the regional economy.  Waterford County Council will work to harness and deliver the full potential of the Gateway and the Strategic Corridors of the N24 and N25.  This will be achieved by:

• Working with the private sector, Waterford Institute of Technology and the agencies to develop key strategic zones, specifically Waterford Knowledge Campus, Waterford Airport, regionally important tourism facilities at Mount Congreve and Whitfield Estates, the Woodstown Viking Site and employment zones in Kilmeaden, Carrick-on-Suir, Tramore and Dungarvan. 
  
  
• Co-ordinating with Waterford City Council and Kilkenny County Council to deliver the Gateway infrastructure.

Strategy 2 - Create Economic Opportunities in the County's Towns and Rural Areas

Waterford’s towns and rural areas are characterised by strong communities with a commitment to sustained development.  Waterford County Council will work with communities to create employment opportunities by:

• Harnessing local employment solutions particularly in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, food production, renewable energy, business services, local services, pharmaceuticals and life sciences.
  
  
• Improving the quality of life of citizens by leading the organisation of health improving and sustainable public events, building on the success of the Immrama Festival, the Festival of Food, the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, the John Tracy Classic and Féile na nDéise. 
  
  
• Developing the potential of the County’s natural resources, specifically the woodlands, agricultural lands, mountains and coastline.
  
  
• Developing regionally important tourism facilities at Mount Congreve and Whitfield estates, the Woodstown Viking Site, the Comeragh Mountains and the Copper Coast.
  
  
• Ensuring that there is sufficient land zoned, serviced and promoted to host employment opportunities.

Strategy 3 - Waterford County Council Serving Business

Waterford County Council will endeavour to improve delivery of services to businesses by:

• Responding expeditiously to queries.
  
  
• Providing clarity of advice on services and policy.
  
  
• Providing a one-stop-shop for all local authority services through a dedicated Business Support Unit. 
  
  
• Implementing Economic Strategy for period of Plan

Strategy 4 - Coordination

Coordinating the supports to business, that are available from a range of agencies, will improve services provided to business.  Waterford County Council will facilitate co-ordination of the work of the economic development agencies by:

• Building the supports for entrepreneurship throughout the County.
  
  
• Developing a network of enterprise centres in County Waterford.
  
  
• Improving the attractiveness of the County as a viable location for foreign direct investment.
  
  
• Harnessing investment in local services. 
  
  
• Focussing on actions that will build the tourism potential of the County.
  
  
• Ensuring the knowledge economy is enhanced in County Waterford by improving industry-academic links.
  
  
• Supporting businesses and communities engaging in innovation, research and development.