TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology
TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology
TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology
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B. DUNDALK<br />
MAIN DRIVING FORCES OF CHANGE<br />
1. Location in the <strong>Dublin</strong>-Belfast Corridor.<br />
2. Border location with Northern Ireland.<br />
3. Issues related to image and perception <strong>of</strong> Dundalk as a ‘small border town’.<br />
4. Access to excellent national transport infrastructure and international airports in <strong>Dublin</strong><br />
and Belfast.<br />
5. Low population growth in comparison to other towns in the region and nationally,<br />
especially Drogheda.<br />
6. Poor social partnership and lack <strong>of</strong> visionary leadership.<br />
7. Existing cluster <strong>of</strong> indigenous medium size companies.<br />
8. Creating a creative media cluster at Dundalk <strong>Institute</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Technology</strong>.<br />
9. Development <strong>of</strong> renewable energy sector by DkIT in alliance with local stakeholders.<br />
10. Excellent quality and attractiveness <strong>of</strong> the natural environment.<br />
KEY PIVOTAL UNCERTAINTIES<br />
1. Return <strong>of</strong> troubles in Northern Ireland.<br />
2. Ability to change the negative image <strong>of</strong> Dundalk.<br />
3. Levels <strong>of</strong> integration between the Republic <strong>of</strong> Ireland and Northern Ireland.<br />
4. Gaining its own identity rather than just being a commuter town in the <strong>Dublin</strong>-Belfast<br />
Corridor.<br />
5. Capability to retain and attract a well educated and highly qualified population.<br />
POTENTIAL IDEAS FOR PREFERRED VISION FOR DUNDALK<br />
Brand Vibrant and Modern City<br />
Assets Collaboration <strong>of</strong> local<br />
business in ‘Dundalk<br />
– feel the energy’<br />
initiative<br />
Existing cluster <strong>of</strong><br />
indigenous and<br />
foreign firms<br />
Potential Development <strong>of</strong> new<br />
identity for Dundalk<br />
around its existing<br />
strengths: natural<br />
environment,<br />
possible twinning<br />
with Newry, high<br />
quality <strong>of</strong> life & hard<br />
working people<br />
Clean and Green<br />
Technologies<br />
‘Concerto’<br />
programme -<br />
renewable energy<br />
cluster<br />
Research centres at<br />
DkIT in renewable<br />
energy & fresh water<br />
studies<br />
Development <strong>of</strong><br />
renewable energy<br />
and clean technology<br />
sectors<br />
161<br />
Recreation, Sport and<br />
Leisure<br />
Range <strong>of</strong> leisure,<br />
sport & recreational<br />
facilities<br />
High quality <strong>of</strong><br />
natural environment<br />
(sea and mountains)<br />
Recreational &<br />
leisure hub within<br />
the <strong>Dublin</strong>-Belfast<br />
Corridor based on the<br />
high quality <strong>of</strong><br />
natural resources &<br />
wide range <strong>of</strong><br />
facilities