19.01.2013 Views

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

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

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

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!