Plan seeks to create a better Kilkee

A DRAFT 10-year improvement and economic development strategy for Kilkee will be put on public display this week. The blueprint seeks to boost tourism, reduce unemployment levels and enhance the appearance of the resort town.

 

Towards a Better Kilkee identifies a 36% unemployment rate in Kilkee, which has a year-round population of just over 1,000 people. However, the summer population is a multiple of that figure, with thousands holidaying in Kilkee during the peak summer months.
Prepared by Clare County Council, in association with Kilkee Town Council and various community groups concerned with the promotion and development of Kilkee, the Draft Town Improvement and Economic Development Strategy 2013-2023 will be on public display from this Friday until August 1, while a public consultation will be held on June 20.

“Successful towns, although diverse, have something in common. They are attractive places in which to live, work and visit. Kilkee is no different. This strategy sets out a series of steps towards creating a better Kilkee for everyone,” Mayor of Kilkee Claire Haugh said.

“In order to ensure progress in its delivery, it is important that the local community takes ownership and leads in its implementation, with support from Clare County Council and other key stakeholders. I would urge anyone with an interest in the future development of the town to participate in the public consultation process between now and August 1,” Councillor Haugh added.

Gordon Daly, senior planner with Clare County Council, feels there are two clear aspects to life in Kilkee.
“Firstly, the town is home to a resident population of 1,037 people, many of whom can trace their families back for generations in the locality, while others are more recent arrivals. Secondly, over the summer season the population of Kilkee expands and while the average may be in excess of 5,000 there can be significant spikes, which can raise the numbers to 15,000 people or more, drawn by the attractions of the area. The relationship between these two aspects is important to the economy and life of Kilkee,” Mr Daly said.

However, he maintains that the town can increase visitor numbers and that a sustainable business needs to earn enough during the peak season to cover annual costs.
“In light of shrinking visitor numbers and revenue of recent years, the town has to ask itself why the numbers are declining and how the town could position itself both to expand its visitor base and to capture the full economic benefit of the numbers who do visit?

“The latest census figures show that while 295 of the 464 Kilkee workforce is employed, a further 169 are unemployed (36%).
“While not all of those employed in Kilkee work in tourism, it is the case that the sector represents the chief option for economic development in Kilkee.

“It is likely also that a significant percentage of the rate-paying businesses in Kilkee are either entirely or partly dependent on the tourism sector. Population figures for Kilkee from Census 1996 (1,331) show a decline to 2011 (1,037) and continuation of this trend is not desirable for Kilkee or its hinterland,” Mr Daly warned.

“Economically, Kilkee needs to be considered in association with its neighbouring town of Kilrush. Development of links between the two towns, in particular, and the wider area from Loop Head to Doonbeg can create critical mass, which would be mutually beneficial to all communities in the area,” he added.
The short and medium-term priorities outlined in the draft strategy include carrying out a branding and marketing exercise for Kilkee, establishing contact with owners of all opportunity sites, promoting the existing coastal walks by upgrading signage and information, conducting a survey of derelict sites in the town, carrying out upgrading works to the bandstand, producing a comprehensive scheme of street and lane signage and establishing a database of accommodation linked to a comprehensive new website for the town.

The draft strategy will be on public display at Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee and on www.clarecoco.ie or www.kilkee.ie. A public consultation will take place on Thursday, June 20 in the Kilkee Bay Hotel from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.
Comments and submissions on the study can be made in writing to the Planning and Enterprise Development Department, Clare County Council, headed Towards a Better Kilkee, by August 1 or by email to forwardplan@clarecoco.ie.