Suchergebnisse

The European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) (1999) and the Third Report on Economic and Social Cohesion A New Partnership for Cohesion (2004) have firmly established the central role of spatial planning and spatial development strategies in achieving the fundamental objectives of economic and social cohesion, conservation of natural resources and cultural heritage, and more balanced competitiveness of the EU territory. The concept of territorial cohesion features prominently in the draft Constitution and in the Cohesion report where it is recognised as a concept that goes beyond the notion of economic and social cohesion. In policy terms the objective of territorial cohesion is defined as helping to achieve a more balanced development by reducing existing disparities, preventing territorial imbalances and by promoting greater coherence between both sectoral policies that have spatial impacts and regional policy. Territorial cohesion also seeks to improve territorial integration and to encourage cooperation between regions. Promoting higher levels of interaction and cooperation between rural and urban areas is a major challenge for policies and strategies that seek to promote higher levels of territorial cohesion. This paper commences with an overview of the different types of interactions between urban and rural areas that have been identified in research on European spatial planning. It will be followed by a summary urban-rural typology map of the recently enlarged EU which will be complemented by some additional typologies that are relevant to future debates on territorial cohesion in the EU. The second part of the paper considers the changes that have occurred in rural-urban relations in Ireland since the early 1990s against a background of exceptionally high rates of economic growth and an economic context that is recognised as the most open in the world. This will be followed by an outline of the processes involved in preparing the National Spatial Strategy and an assessment of the key concepts that ...

This profile and analysis of County Kildare provides a picture of the current situation in the County in terms of its economic, social and cultural development. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the profile provides information on demography, the environment, employment, changes in rural life, community development, public services and education, to name but a few areas. In the first instance, the profile will be used by Kildare County Development Board (KCDB) in drawing up the 10-year County Strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development. KCDB also sees this profile as a resource to be used by many other interested bodies in the County - local government, statutory bodies, community groups, business people, students, learning institutions and the general public.

The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the current situation in County Wicklow in relation to economic, social and cultural development in order to assist the County Development Board in the preparation of its strategy for the next ten years. The content of the report takes account of the Department of the Environment and Local Government Guidelines document, A Shared Vision for County/City Development Boards. Comparative data for neighbouring counties are provided where appropriate and detailed mapping has been undertaken to illustrate patterns within the county wherever data are available. Much of the mapping is based on data from the 1996 Census of Population, which is undoubtedly a limitation. However, there are no more recent data available at sub-county level for most indicators. Where appropriate, county level data for more recent years have been used; otherwise comments have been inserted on the most likely direction of change since 1996.