Economic Action Plan for Dublin Region

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 28^TH JULY 2009

On Wednesday 29^th July 2009, the Economic Development Action Plan for the Dublin Region will be launched. The aim is to position the Dublin Region as a significant hub in the European knowledge economy through a network of thriving sectoral and spatial clusters providing a magnet for creative talent and investment. This ties in with Government policy on the Smart Economy, which is about building the innovation component of the economy through the utilisation of human capital - the knowledge, skills and creativity of people -and its ability and effectiveness in translating ideas into valuable processes, products and services.

South Dublin County Council plays an active role in the development of economic initiatives in the region through the following:

Participation in the Creative Dublin Alliance a collaboration between Local Government, Business/Industry and Third/Fourth Level sectors in the Dublin Region.

Developing key economic corridors

Develop appropriate policies in the Development Plans (currently in Draft Form)

Lobby on a Regional basis for the delivery of identified major infrastructural projects that are critical to the economic success of the Dublin Region:

INNOVATION DUBLIN a programme of public events, from 14th 20th October 2009, to showcase and promote innovation and creativity in Dublins businesses, universities, local authorities, cultural institutions

Support the delivery of local Cultural Strategies and Dublins Creative Industries essential to economic vitality

South Dublin County Council in partnership with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and FS is developing Intellectual Enterprise Zones targeting newly unemployed people who have the potential to become entrepreneurs with the right supports and networks. A network of intellectual enterprise zones will be set up throughout the county where individuals can use the space on a time share basis to run and operate their business and where persons on the live register can develop added value skills. In tandem with the physical space it is proposed to develop a virtual business campus or intellectual enterprise zones where research can be carried out into the cost of doing business and innovative new technologies will be pursued with a view to creating new business opportunities.

Councillor Mick Duff, Mayor of South Dublin County said The Economic Strategy for the Dublin Region including South Dublin County will promote the economic development of the area providing employment, continue to develop an excellent quality of life for the citizens and highlight the region on the international stage The development of the Intellectual Enterprise Zones here in South Dublin is a very exciting initiative. I welcome the interagency approach and I look forward to positive outcomes from the project.