Development board sets out three-year strategy

LIMERICK County Development Board (CDB) yesterday launched a strategy which directs renewed focus on a variety of issues ranging from youth services to water quality.

The document setting out the strategy for economic, social and cultural development examines progress made by the board over the past three years and identifies priority areas for 2006-08.

Gerry Behan of the board said: “When the county and city development boards were first established in 2000 it was the first comprehensive attempt to bring together all the main organisations and agencies at a local level to develop an integrated strategic plan that would ultimately lead to better service delivery.”

Mr Behan said new priority actions have been agreed following a review process.

He said: “New emphasis is being placed on quality of life issues such as increased provision of childcare and youth facilities, the development of more integrated services for people with disabilities and supports for migrants to assist in their integration into our local communities throughout Co Limerick.”

He said there is also a need to continue to focus on areas such as the environment, with renewed efforts in improving water quality and the development of alternative fuel sources that can be developed and utilised locally.

Mr Behan said: “The CDB and its members will also continue to deal with new issues and challenges that will inevitably arise in the years ahead.”

Cllr Brigid Teefy, CDB chairperson, launching the review said: “The key to the work of the CDB is not just the publication of strategies and documents, but the positive working relationship between the board and other organisations and public agencies that operate in Co Limerick.

“Without this agreement and the necessary co-operation from the different sectors, the work of the CDB would not be as effective.”