Task force to review objectives

MONDAY’S Kilrush Electoral Area meeting heard that the West Clare Economic Task Force, established in July 2010, is to review its initial targets and come up with fresh objectives. However, a schedule has yet to be devised with regard to establishing new task force aims.

In 2010, the task force produced a six-point plan with a view to stimulating the West Clare economy up until 2015.

 

However, the report, which was launched by the then Minister for Defence Tony Killeen, made no reference to the specific number of jobs it was to create. It did indicate, though, that if the six ideas were implemented, employment would be created as a result.

One of the proposals was to establish a Kilrush-based West Clare Tourism Centre, which would act as a one-stop shop for tourism in the region. Kilrush Town Council was described in the report as the “lead agency” with regard to the establishment of the tourism centre.

Kilrush Town Council was also given responsibility for the provision of tourism information boards in West Clare, the provision of a telescope at Loop Head and the marketing of historical sites.

Clare County Council undertook to head up a two to five-year plan to develop Loop Head Lighthouse in Kilbaha as a major tourist attraction. Areas of potential, which were to be worked on, included the provision of parking and road maintenance at the Bridges of Ross, shore-based dolphin watching at Loop Head, along with designated walking, cycling and hiking options. Among the other proposals was to carry out an evaluation of existing business accommodation in West Clare and to market the premises to prospective entrepreneurs.

The committee chairman at the time was Councillor Christy Curtin, who asked at this week’s meeting that the task force committee evaluate potential markets for agriculture, horticulture and marine activities, while also “reactivating” the Doonbeg pier project as a key objective.

“Members will be aware of the discussion, which took place at the meeting of the West Clare Task Forcethatwas held on March 21, 2012,” Cyril Feeney, Clare County Council replied.

“It was agreed that the initial six-point action plan that was adopted in 2009 needed to be reviewed to reflect progress or barriers that had been identified on the various actions. It was also agreed that the task force should review its brief and re-focus its activity, taking into consideration the changed environment. As part of such a review, it was expected that a revised set of actions would be formulated,” Mr Feeney predicted.

“Shannon Development’s representative on the task force has agreed to co-ordinate a review workshop and the date for such workshop is awaited,” he concluded.

In February 2011, Kilrush town councillor Tom Prendeville requested an update report from the West Clare Task Force. He expressed a fear that the initial report “may finish up gathering dust on some council shelf unless a fair and adequate attempt is made to implement its recommendations”.
He also suggested that the town council seek a meeting with the West Clare Task Force committee and pool some of the town council’s job creation ideas with the task force.

“This council came up with a number of ideas on job creation, including the proposal to harvest seaweed from the shore and convert this unlimited natural resource into gainful employment. Our ‘Shop Local’ campaign has been an outstanding success and is continuing to protect employment in the retail sector,” he added.

The West Clare Economic Task Force incorporated several agencies in Clare, including Clare County Council, Kilrush Town Council, Kilkee Town Council, Shannon Development, Kilrush Chamber of Commerce, Kilkee Chamber of Commerce, Clare Local Development Company, FÁS, Clare County Enterprise Board, Clare Vocational Education Committee and Enterprise Ireland.