The community of Cromane, Co.Kerry celebrated the launch of a ground-breaking five-year Strategic Socio-Economic Development Plan, backed by BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara) and FLAG SW (Fisheries Local Action Group South-West). The launch took place on Friday May 11th , with Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin TD, officiating. The venue was the stunning location of Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant, Cromane.
The launch was attended by several supporting bodies in addition to BIM and FLAG SW, and included representatives from Kerry County Council and South Kerry Development Partnership. Deputies Michael and Danny Healy-Rae TD and Councillor Michael Cahill were also in attendance.
This new plan focuses on breathing new life into this rural community by investing in local infrastructure, including a badly-needed pier.
The plan, the first of its kind in Ireland, is scoping and ambitious, and includes specific, targeted and realistic project proposals in respect of the marine, rural tourism, community amenities, physical infrastructure and environmental conservation.
Minister Griffin acknowledging the tremendous work done by Cromane Community Council over many years. He also complimented O’Raw Consultancy for guiding and facilitating the planning process. The Minister also paid specific tribute to BIM and its FLAG SW for providing the necessary funding and support for the plan.
Minister Griffin said, “this fantastic Cromane Plan is all about providing choices for future generations and not only here; the same could be said for my own kids across the water… choices to stay in rural coastal communities that have so much to offer.” He went on to note the importance of community-led local initiatives like FLAG SW, in encouraging local communities to become drivers of sustainable development.
The Cromane Plan involved several months of careful preparations, with Cromane Community Council leading the planning process and tremendous involvement by the local people. Liam Hayes, of Chair of the Plan Sub-Committee, paid warm tribute to the people of Cromane for their hard work in compiling the plan, and for the enthusiasm, creativity and innovation they had consistently displayed.
Speaking at the launch Mr Hayes said, “this plan represents a new chapter in Cromane’s history, and it sets out a clear roadmap for development – with specific targets and time frames. This plan creates an opportunity for local agencies and government bodies to work together with the community to improve the outcome for people living in Cromane.” He also called on all agencies and government bodies to row in behind the plan, which he described as ‘vital’ to the promotion of balanced and sustainable development. Chairperson of Cromane Community Council, Bridie Little welcomed the plan and thanked all those involved. Addressing the launch, she spoke eloquently of the history and achievements of the Community Council.
Paul O’Raw, who in his capacity as an independent consultant, facilitated the entire planning process, stated “the plan has been genuinely driven from the bottom-up by the local community. I look forward to seeing the plan coming to fruition over the next few years, as it delivers jobs and an enhanced quality of life for the people of Cromane.”
Dr Vera O’Donovan the FLAG Coordinator stated, “the Cromane plan offers a ground breaking template for other coastal communities, and she encouraged others to adopt the Cromane approach to strategic planning.” She went on to say, that communities are best placed to set out the optimum vision for themselves and BIM is available to support further community development and entrepreneurship in coastal communities throughout Kerry and beyond.
