A unique cross department launch took place on Tuesday April 23rd in Boyle’s Lough Key Forest Park with the launch of the county’s new Local Development Strategy (LDS), Local Economic Community Plan and Climate Action Plans (CAP).
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Councillor John Keogh, formally launched the three plans which set out ambitious actions to achieve integrated community and economic development, underpinned by strong climate action over coming years.
Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Keogh remarked: “These reports are like the cogs of a wheel, interlinking with each other to best serve the citizens of Roscommon. They will inform our collective decision making as a county over the next six years and beyond”.
“Each report identifies the potential of our county to grow and develop. They identify the opportunities for our county and will serve as a catalyst to untap Roscommon’s undoubted economic, social and environmental potential”.
“These reports however, are nothing without being actioned and delivered upon. The reports are the culmination of hours of consultation and active engagement and listening” said Cllr. Keogh before a large attendance of community representatives and stakeholders”.
The new LECP is built on the foundations of the first LECP from 2016-2021. The Roscommon LECP 2023 – 2029 is a high-level overarching plan and includes an ambition for the County for the six year period. Local Authorities, nationally, have been assigned the enhanced role of community and economic development in their counties as set out in the Local Government reform Act 2014.
This plan encompasses six high-level goals that provide direction for the objectives and actions in the plan. This plan focuses on the overall sustainable development of the County from community activity to enterprise development to climate action improvements.
Roscommon County Council’s Climate Action Unit, supported by the Climate Action Team was established last year acting to build capacity and empower the relevant sectors of society to act, resulting in the launch of the Climate Action Plan.
In 2023 the Climate Action Roscommon campaign produced a series of innovative videos, showcasing climate action and adaptation measures, which, it is hoped, will inspire other groups to follow suit. Local communities have been supported through the Climate Action Fund to adopt climate action measures in their local communities.
The county’s new Local Development Strategy (LDS) is led by Roscommon LEADER Partnership, supported by Roscommon County Council and is a collaborative strategy setting out how LEADER funding will be utilised to support innovative local community development across the county.
The Local Development Strategy 2023-2027 aims to engage and utilise the energy, knowledge and resources of people and organisations within County Roscommon as development actors rather than beneficiaries, empowering them to contribute to the future development of their areas.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan remarked: “Mobilising action is a central component of these plans. In this regard, the parallel frameworks of the LECP and the LDS further embed climate action along with environmental integrity, just transition, social justice and a strong, resilient and vibrant economy”.
“Each plan identifies the potential of our county to grow and develop. They identify the opportunities for our county and will serve as a catalyst to untap Roscommon’s undoubted economic, social and environmental potential”, said the Chief Executive.
Main photogrpah shows Secretariat Members of Roscommon Public Participation Network (PPN) alongside Roscommon County Council Staff who attended the launches of the Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP), Local Developmet Strategy (LDS) and the Climate Action Plan (CAP) in Lough Key Forest Park. Back row (l. to r.): Margaret Mulligan (PPN), Marion Parker (PPN), Ger Fallon (PPN), Cathriona McCarthy Administrative Officer, Roscommon County Council; Mark Keaveney, Director of Services, Roscommon County Council; Jody Moylan, Roscommon County Council/PPN Staff. Front row (l. to r.): Paul Clabby, Roscommon County Council/PPN Officer; Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. John Keogh and Niall Croghan (PPN) (Image: Ger O’Loughlin)
