b'In 2020, in consultation with key stakeholders Finally, where needed, we will continue our robust we will develop and begin implementing a enforcement, licensing, certification and regulation wide-ranging economic strategy. We will in the area of environmental protection, planning, continue through the Local Enterprise Office andbuilding control fire safety and public health in in partnership with enterprise agencies, to nurtureorder to protect the built and natural environment.a pro-business environment supporting enterpriseTo deliver this Plan we will continue to support and promoting Kildare nationally and globally, our Elected Members in exercising localas a location of choice for business, innovation anddemocracy. We will also continue to improve investment. Creating employment locally deliversservice delivery, engagement and communications economic, social and environmental benefits byby maximising the effectiveness of our people, reducing the effects of commuting and renewingbudgets, operations and ICT resources.our towns and villages. In this regard opportunities such as our development of a Mid-East Our Corporate Plan comprises a broad range of Regional Innovation Think Space (MERITS) willperformance goals that describe how we propose provide innovation space for entrepreneurs toto make our vision a reality and how we will base themselves in Kildare. In addition, the newlymeasure our progresscreated Strategic Development and Public Realm Projects team will drive delivery of strategic We are your Council working with you and on your projects across our County that aim to revitalisebehalf. towns and villages and sustain the local economy and rural hinterlands.Our Elected Members and staff are committed to delivering our Plan in collaboration with the many We will also focus on leveraging growth statutory, voluntary and community groups with opportunities in the agri-food sector and in thewhom the Council works. We share a common equine sector. On the tourism front we will renewinterest in working together towards an inclusive efforts to leverage economic benefits from ourand sustainable Kildare, for the present and future location as the first stop on Irelands Ancient East,generations of our great and growing County. on Dublins Doorstep, including the development of greenways and blueways in the County.Underpinning everything we do however is the urgent need to meet the challenge of climate change. This Council has a key role to play; as host of the Eastern & Midlands Climate Action Regional Office. We are the lead for coordinating the work of 17 local authorities in preparing adaptation strategies. Climate Resilient Kildare, our Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, outlines financialand environmental imperatives in mainstreamingclimate action into Council policies, buildings, infrastructure and operations, to tackle climate change.However, we will not only look to our own internal activities but will support climate change action and environmental protection through ourplanning and policies and by enhancingorganisational and community awareness,supports, incentives, research and facilities thatCouncillor Mr Peter Careysustain a better future for our County. Suzanne Doyle Chief Executive Cathaoirleach2'