From 2019 - 2024
The relevance and importance of corporate planning is self-evident from a brief analysis of the background and context of the most recent and current plan period. The socio-economic backdrop to the last plan was dominated by considerations related to our emergence from our worst ever recession. Five years on, the general economic outlook is greatly improved. Doubts remain around world events, including Brexit and international trade, but the general economic outlook is significantly brighter. The national policy context, in so far as it relates to local government, is dominated by the Housing and Climate Action imperatives. They are linked by the principle of sustainability, which will dominate this organisation’s policy thinking for the foreseeable future.
How we respond to current challenges will shape our future, and we are committed to responding accordingly. This includes the necessity to embrace change, promote innovation and take a leadership role in bringing communities with us. As a public body, South Dublin County Council has a responsibility to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of our members, employees and service users. Our approach will be fully inclusive and clearly mindful of our most vulnerable. Social and digital communications are redefining our public interactions and we must not just keep pace with these changes, but openly embrace and accommodate them, as they will define public service norms into the future.
This plan is fundamental to our commitment to improving quality of life and opportunities for everyone in this county, now and in the future. We will transparently and publicly review and report regularly on our progress over the five-year period.
Councillor Baby Preppedan, Colm Ward
Mayor of South Dublin County Council Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council