·         Presentation by KPMG Future Analytics

Mr. James Chilton, Associate Director with KPMG Analytics gave a presentation to the Members on the Strategy:

·        The overall objective was to unlock the economic growth potential of Lanesborough-Ballyleague and provide sustainable employment opportunities in the context of Just Transition.

·        The approach to the strategy included baseline analysis, vision definition and Project Proposals, consultation and engagement and preparation of an Action Plan and Validation.

·        A SWOT Analysis was carried out - strengths included location, collaboration group, food reputation, strong local community; weaknesses included lack of local economic opportunity, competition between villages for funding and lack of overnight accommodation: opportunities include Bord na Mona peatlands restoration project, rise in demand for remote working and availability of capital funding and finally threats include lack of alternative employment opportunities and Brexit impact.

·        A key issue that arose during consultation is the need for coordination of development, phasing and implementation, with a multi-faceted multi-agency collaborative approach to implementation considered to be essential.

·        The vision is that by 2040 Lanesborough-Ballyleague will be a better place to live, visit, work and study; a place with a high quality of life and range of employment opportunities where people choose to locate and visit. A thriving, integrated, attractive town with sustainability at the heart of the economy; a hub for the Mid Shannon area. The core focus is the identification of economically and environmentally sustainable projects that have the potential to transform the economic landscape of Lanesborough-Ballyleague.

·        The Pillars and Themes –

o   A better place to work and learn – creating new opportunities

o   A better place to live – enhancing sense of place and vitality

o   A better place to visit – maximise tourism opportunities

o   Increase the visibility of Lanesborough –Ballyleague

·        Regional Catalytic Projects include collaboration to

o   Establish the Lough Ree UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve

o   Encourage sustainable villages cluster

o   Establish the potential of Bord na Mona’s brown to green synergy

o   Maximise funding opportunities under just transition and other schemes

·        13 projects under the four pillars have been identified:

o   Maximise food and drink opportunities

o   Support Lough Ree Technology Cluster development

o   Support anaerobic digester development

o   Support Lanesborough-Ballyleague Enterprise centre development

o   Enhance and link recreation infrastructure

o   Increase destination legibility

o   Maximise tourism opportunity – Surf n Turf Wave Centre

o   Maximise Tourism opportunity – Cloontuskert Ballyleague Visitor Centre and Organic Farm

o   Increase availability of visitor accommodation

o   Build local capacity

o   Market and promote Lanesborough-Ballyleague to maximise opportunities

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the strategy for an area with great volunteers who have had to come to terms with the closure of Bord na Mona and the ESB power station and to counteract this with more than tourism as an alternative economy.

The members welcomed the strategy and discussed as follows:

·        The 13 projects proposed include a wide range of investments.

·        The Cloondra, Rooskey, Tarmonbarry and Strokestown areas are not included and it is only fair that this should be spread to include these areas as they are affected by the circumstances. KPMG should be given the opportunity to look at these areas also.

·        Where is the funding for this plan? There is no point in having a strategy if there is no funding in place to fulfil the strategy. Roscommon and Longford will have to work together and there has not been a meeting of the collaboration group in some time.

·        The presentation should be made to the collaboration group – what is the next step?

·        Has any response been received with regard to the proposed demolition of the power station?

The Chief Executive responded that the Council were asked to collaborate with Longford to formulate this Strategy for the Ballyleague-Lanesborough area. This is a first step and it does not set out to encapsulate everything.

Majella Hunt, Director of Services said that the strategy was first mooted with the closure of Bord na Mona and commissioned by Longford County Council. It does extend to other areas outside of Lanesborough/Ballyleague i.e greenways and blueways. With regard to the Shannon Masterplan, contact has been made with Waterways Ireland to develop connections with other local towns. Roscommon is in partnership with Longford on the strategy and while the focus is on Ballyleague/Lanesborough other connections are being looked at. The funding for many of the projects identified is predominantly from the Just Transitions Fund.