Public consultation on Kilkee economic development strategy

A PUBLIC consultation will be held this Thursday in relation to a draft 10-year improvement and economic development strategy for Kilkee.

Prepared by Clare County Council, in association with Kilkee Town Council and various community groups concerned with the promotion and development of the town, the Draft Town Improvement and Economic Development Strategy 2013-2023 will remain on public display until August 1, while a public consultation will be held in the Kilkee Bay Hotel on Thursday from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.

The draft blueprint, Towards a Better Kilkee, seeks to generate new employment opportunities in a town that has a 36% unemployment rate, promote local tourism and enhance the physical appearance of Kilkee.

“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 that can raise the numbers to 15,000 people or more, drawn by the attractions of the area. This seasonality is both an ­opportunity and challenge in Kilkee,” Gordon Daly, senior planner with Clare County Council, said.

He also said a sustainable business needs to earn enough during the peak season to cover annual costs. 

“Since successful towns are attractive places, Clare County Council wishes to assist in enhancing the physical appearance of Kilkee, as well as furthering the economic development of the town with this strategy.
“It is hoped that the strategy can form part of an integrated action plan for the re-branding and marketing of Kilkee for the benefit of all,” 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, promote 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,” he said.

The strategy may be downloaded from www.clarecoco.ie or www.kilkee.ie. ­Submissions on can be made in writing to the Planning and Enterprise Development ­Department, Clare County Council, headed Towards a Better Kilkee, by August 1 or email forwardplan@clarecoco.ie.