Press Release: Minister Martin Heydon launches County Kildare LEADER Partnership Strategic Plan 2023-2028
PRESS RELEASE
“County KIldare LEADER Partnership launches 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan”
The County Kildare LEADER Partnership 2023 – 2028 Strategic Plan was launched this week by Martin Heydon T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The launch which took place at the new Kildare Community Development Centre in Kildare Town where County Kildare LEADER Partnership (CKLP) is now located. The launch coincided with an Open Day which CKLP held to welcome the local community and to offer an opportunity for local people to view the former Presentation Convent and the work that CKLP undertakes with individual and groups with the assistance of funding from various Government Department and other sources.
In welcoming the Minister, Chairperson Colm O’Gógáin described how the Board of the company had decided to embark on a review of its direction and focus, and in doing so set out a Strategic Plan that would take account of the very significant changes which have and are taking place in the environment in which it operates. “Some of these challenges have been Brexit, COVID, the war in Ukraine as well as the changing demographics in County Kildare” he stated.
The CKLP strategic plan was facilitated by 2 into 3, consultants with a substantial part of the planning process taking place during COVID 19.
CEO of CKLP Pat Leogue outlined the thrust of the new strategic plan which is committed to supporting individuals and communities in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders in the years ahead.
He stated that the plan “sets out a framework for the further development of our company and how it can respond to some of the challenges that face County Kildare. Many of these challenges relate to a lack of resources and services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population”. Mr. Leogue highlighted the need to support communities to lobby for better services particularly for those who are vulnerable. “It also emphasizes the need for all organisations to work together to ensure that the resources that are available are used to best effect”, he added.
Minister Martin Heydon officially launched the plan and commended the Board on their vision and foresight in developing the Strategic Plan. “The board have recognised the challenges around them and developed a plan to build on their strong contribution to date and to help them to address the needs of a growing Kildare population into the future.”
The Open Day in the former Presentation Convent provided an opportunity for local people to view their old school buildings and to meet the nuns who had lived in the convent, some of whom also taught in the school during their time in Kildare Town. Local historian, Mario Corrigan also provided a talk on the history of the Presentation Order in Kildare Town which was well received.
Apart from acting as offices and training rooms for CKLP the former convent is also used by a number of local groups on weekday evenings as well as weekends. Further development work is planned for early 2024 and CKLP plans to have office and meeting room accommodation available for hire by local organisations by March 2024
ENDS
For further information please contact Pat Leogue, CEO County Kildare LEADER Partnership at 045-895450.
