Applying strategic planning to local economic development: the case of the Connemara Gaeltacht, Ireland

Local communities are generally given little opportunity to influence the broad thrust of the economic development of their areas. This often leads to tension between developers and local residents. Adopting a strategic approach to local economic development planning can redress this situation as it affords an opportunity to all key local actors to collaborate in the formulation of an acceptable development plan. The ensuing development is also likely to be more sustainable than the set of uncoordinated projects which characterise traditional attempts at local economic development. This is so because strategically planned development is likely to be based primarily on local strengths and focused on emerging market opportunities. -Authors