Clare County Development Board today launched a blueprint for the future development of sport and recreation in County Clare.The ‘County Clare Recreation & Sport Strategy 2009-2011’ - the first of its kind to be developed in the County - is the result of an extensive consultation process with incorporating a wide range of local agencies and organisations involved in different aspects of sport development and recreation activities. One of the primary objectives of the strategy is to achieve universal access to recreation and sports activities through the promotion and development of new and existing multi-purpose community facilities.
Launching the new strategy, Mayor of Clare Cllr Madeleine Taylor Quinn said, “The partnership approach adopted by the key providers, stakeholders and local agencies will undoubtedly contribute to the strategy’s long term vision being achieved.” Cllr Taylor Quinn thanked all of the partner agencies for their commitment to the development and future implementation of the strategy. The Mayor continued, “The strategy is built on the development of a culture of wellbeing and a balanced healthy lifestyle for everyone who lives in or visits the County. Through lifelong involvement and participation in recreational, sporting and physical activities I look forward to the strong tradition of community and volunteerism in Clare being strengthened. This is a key outcome of the strategy.”
Commenting on the new strategy, John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council, stated, “It is particularly pleasing to see that Clare County Council and Clare Sports Partnership are working so closely together for the future development of sport and recreation in the County.” The former Irish athlete and Olympic medallist said that a strategic planning process is “an essential step” in the development of local sports partnerships. “This can bring many benefits such as matching the needs of the local communities to the priorities of the partnership. It is then possible to quantify the resources required effectively to achieve these priorities and answer local needs. This ensures that the plan can be a working document, which will show results over its lifetime”, added Mr Treacy.
Cllr. P.J. Kelly Cathaoirleach of the Clare County Development Board said he believed the strategy had the potential to contribute significantly to an improved quality of life for everyone who lives in and visits County Clare. “The potential benefits that this strategy will bring to everyone will be significant in terms of health, balanced lifestyle, community development and integration, social capital and the local economy,” he said.
The County Clare Recreation & Sport Strategy 2009-2011 is the most recent strategy developed in Clare using an interagency and collaborative approach. The strategy is supported by an agency-based Steering Committee comprising representatives of Clare County Council, Clare Sports Partnership, Ennis Town Council, Kilrush Town Council, Clare Youth Services, HSE West, Clare County Childcare Committee, Clare VEC and Shannon Development.
John Sweeney Co-ordinator of Clare Sports Partnership stated that the Steering Committee had identified three strategic areas through which the findings from the consultation process could be addressed in the Action Plan. “The strategic areas are (a) Participation and Social Inclusion, (b) Facilities and (c) Communication and Information. All three areas are of equal importance with strong linkages between each strategic area,” outlined Mr. Sweeney.
Clare County Manager Alec Fleming, meanwhile, noted that the commitments set out in the strategy are challenging, relevant and focused on addressing the needs identified through the consultation process. “The inter agency approach to the development and implementation of the strategy will ensure that existing resources are maximised where possible. The commitment of partner agencies to deliver their actions under the strategy are key to the success of the strategy,” concluded Mr. Fleming.
Copies of the complete strategy document, the executive summary and the action plan are available directly from Community & Enterprise Directorate, Clare Co Council and Clare Sports Partnership. Copies may also be accessed via www.clarecoco.ie or www.claresportspartnership.ie.
