Leader
Section 4: LDS Action Plan
Donegal LAG Vision for the Local Development Strategy under the LEADER / RDP 2014 – 2020
To stimulate and support sustainable and innovative rural development that builds a diverse and sustainable economy, creates greater ownership of the environment, heritage and culture, that contributes to the quality of life for the citizens of Donegal and a collective sense of purpose in achieving ‘Life in Balance.
To achieve this vision, this chapter presents the strategic action plan as developed by the Donegal LCDC led LAG. Table 1 below presents a summary of the action plan.
Table 1: Summary of LCDC Led LAG Action Plan
| Obj no | Objective | Action Ref | Strategic Action Title |
| Sub Theme: Rural Tourism | |||
| 1. | To harness the potential of Donegal’s world class authentic tourism offerings ( including the Wild Atlantic Way) for the benefit of rural communities by facilitating diversification and the creation of indigenous tourism enterprises , community based tourism initiatives and ancillary facilities | 1.1 | To develop & promote equestrian activities & facilities |
| 1.2 | Support the development of digital tourism | ||
| 1.3 | To capitalise on the Wild Atlantic Way | ||
| 1.4 | Religious Trails & Cultural/Language Tourism | ||
| 2. | To encourage initiatives that facilitate accessibility and access to engage and participate in the enjoyment in activity, adventure and recreational based activities | 2.1 | Support and develop green trails |
| 2.2 | To increase access and accessibility | ||
| Sub Theme: Enterprise Development | |||
| 3. | To collaboratively support and promote an enterprise ecosystem, which will improve competitiveness, investment and job creation; and nurture innovation and entrepreneurship throughout Donega | 3.1 | Rural Enterprises including Artisan Food Producers |
| 3.2 | Marketing Branding and Bundling | ||
| 4. | To support enterprises and initiatives which add value to local produce and which build on the core competencies and resources of the region | 4.1 | Stimulating Farm Diversification |
| 4.2 | To support the development of Culinary Academy’s | ||
| 5. | To stimulate job creation across all rural areas in County Donegal and address the distinctive training and support needs of operating businesses in rural areas | 5.1 | To assist in facilitating Business Planning |
| 5.2 | Training for Tourism Providers | ||
| 6. | To support social enterprises promoted by local community and voluntary groups which address local needs and services | 6.1 | Social Enterprise |
| 7. | To support and facilitate research and knowledge transfer on the potential of Donegal’s natural resources | 7.1 | Research and Development |
| 8. | To support initiatives that unlock the potential of Donegal’s built, natural and cultural heritage | 8.1 | Woodland Development |
| 9. | To facilitate the development of cultural facilities that support artistic endeavor and provide training and mentoring programmer to increase the capacity and skills base of arts organisations and artists within the county, whilst also recognising the opportunities presented by the Gaeltacht | 9.1 | Supporting and nurturing creative industries |
| Sub Theme: Rural Towns | |||
| 10. | To stimulate rural town and village cores, to enable them to act as the hubs to drive economic, social and cultural renewal for the surrounding hinterland | 10.1 | Build strong town cores |
| 10.2 | Harbour Development | ||
| Sub Theme: Broadband | |||
| 11. | To develop Donegal as a connected place physically and digitally, by enhancing accessibility to quality infrastructure and ICT in rural areas | 11.1 | Community Broadband Initiatives |
| Sub Theme: Basic Services Targeted at hard to reach communities | |||
| 12. | To build sustainable rural, coastal and island communities in County Donegal by focusing on local comparative advantage and nurturing existing expertise, skills and assets | 12.1 | Potential of Coastal Community Heritage |
| 13. | To build more inclusive communities throughout County Donegal through the provision of a number of capacity, animation and leadership training programmes that are based on local needs, complement existing programmes and maximise the uptake of funding | 13.1 | Training and Capacity Building |
| 13.2 | Social Prescription | ||
| 13.3 | Targeting Initiatives at Older People | ||
| 13.4 | Rural Youth Entrepreneurs | ||
| 14 | To develop community space and infrastructure within the county that will ensure better access for example to ICT, Training, Language, Business and Public Services for hard to reach communities | 14.1 | Supporting Community Organisations |
| 14.2 | Recreational Supports | ||
| 15 | To foster local community participation in the Digital Society by supporting projects and initiatives that facilitate the growth of sustainable and inclusive communities through the use of ICT & digital technologies | 15.1 | Digital Participation |
| 16 | To support activities that enhance the use of Irish as a living language through which communities can engage in social, cultural and economic activities | 16.1 | Digital Language |
| 17 | To support the establishment, growth and development of social enterprises | 17.1 | Consolidating and Reusing Community Facilities |
| 18 | To support environmentally sustainable initiatives that promote energy conservation and energy independence and do not impact negatively on the needs of future generations | 18.1 | ICT and the Green Economy |
| 19 | To support measures that strengthen island communities by improving access to basic services, increasing skill levels and empowering them to engage in all decisions regarding their future sustainability | 19.1 | Addressing Island/Coastal Challenges |
| Sub Theme: Rural Youth | |||
| 20 | To work in partnership with key stakeholders to widen social, cultural, economic and employment opportunities; and address the issue of isolation for young people in rural areas | 20.1 | Social and Recreational Facilities for Young People |
| 21 | To develop innovative solutions that address rural transport concerns and help to build sustainable eco communities and villages | 21.1 | Rural Transport |
| Sub Theme: Protection and Sustainable Use of Water Resources | |||
| 22 | To support programmes and projects that assist with sustainable coastal zone management | 22.1 | Coastal Protection |
| 23 | To explore local opportunities that utilise waste as a resource to reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst also creating new growth and job opportunities such as better eco-design, waste prevention and reuse | 23.1 | Reducing Waste |
| 24 | To complement and support the implementation of the North Western International River Basin Management Plan within which Donegal is located | 24.1 | Improve Water Quality |
| Sub Theme: Protection and Improvement of Local Biodiversity | |||
| 25 | To value the benefits provided by the environment and the potential they offer to develop activities based around spiritual enrichment, eco retreats, cognitive development, reflection, recreation and aesthetic enjoyment. | 25.1 | Promote Sustainable Development and Showcase the Environment |
| 26 | To support measures which will coordinate, promote, protect and enhance Donegal’s rich biosphere and facilitate opportunities for the development of sustainable tourism and enterprise and social development | 26.1 | Supporting Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development |
| 26.2 | Creating Awareness of Environment Amongst Communities | ||
| 26.3 | Efficient Harvesting | ||
| Sub Theme: Development of Renewable Energy | |||
| 27 | To support initiatives that will increase the use of renewable energy and promote sustainable energy use in the transport realm, and in homes, businesses and communities | 27.1 | Stimulate the Uptake of Renewable Technology |
| 27.2 | Promoting Energy Efficiency | ||
| 27.3 | Support for the Green Technology Sector | ||
| 27.4 | Eco Accreditation |