b'External Operating EnvironmentThe role of the Council will be vital in planning With over 10% of the population comprisingenforcement and regulating design and non-Irish nationals we also need to continue our construction of new or altered buildings, to ensureextensive and positive work in social integration they are compliant with fire safety, accessibilityand community building. The Council will during and proper planning and building control require- the lifetime of this Plan, develop a framework to ments. In this regard overseeing the continued usemeet our obligations under the Irish Human Rights of the online National Building Control and Equality Commission Act 2014. Management System by developers, andconstruction and design professionals is While positive actions have already taken placeimperative.relating to disability access, our Traveller and Roma Strategy, a completed assessment of human Social Inclusion and evidence ledrights for Travellers, privacy rights and socialinvestment inclusion, a formalised assessment of the equality The Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP)and human rights issues relevant to our functions includes a range of measures aimed at tacklingis needed.disadvantage and social exclusion. CollaborationDespite an overall increase of 19.4% in ourof state agencies and the voluntary sector withpopulation (2006-2016), research from the the Council, LCDC and the PPN is reflected in theAll Ireland Research Observatory (AIRO) relating supporting strategies and appendices in this Plan.to the 2016 census identified vulnerabilities to the Continued delivery of projects aimed at future wellbeing of our citizens. In short it isaddressing exclusion in towns and more ruralapparent that certain social infrastructure andareas will be pursued through both through thesupports are behind population growth. Social Inclusion and Community ActivationProgramme (SICAP), Kildare Rural Leader ProjectsUsing the data resources available, this Council and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.through its executive and Elected Members, will The wide range of free events and services continue to take an evidence-led approach in delivered through our Arts, Culture and Librariesstrongly advocating for projects and resources in services also play a role in supporting life-longits collaboration and dialogue with Governmentlearning and the well-being of all citizens.Departments and other state agencies.32'