Locals' views sought for new Ballynacargy economic strategy

Questions aimed at profiling aspects of life in Ballynacargy as well as soliciting ideas on what the area needs to grow and develop form a large part of a community survey and an economic survey currently being carried out on behalf of Westmeath County Council.

The council has appointed KPMG Future Analytics to assist in preparing an Economic Development Strategy for Ballynacargy, and one of the aims of the survey is to investigate the potential for a co-working hub in the village.

"Such a hub has the potential to provide outbound commuters and start-ups/entrepreneurs with the opportunity to relocate to a workspace close to where they live while also contributing to a carbon footprint reduction," the council has said.

The council intends that the information gathered in the survey will give it an understanding of specific community and business needs (particularly around commuting) and that the survey can be used to gather community ideas and views on how economic growth in the village can be supported.

The council’s hope is to see further job opportunities created in Ballynacargy; to further enhance the village; to provide opportunities to reduce travel time for commuters; to contribute to carbon footprint reduction; and to facilitate a better work/ life balance. Responses to the survey are being accepted up to Monday next, June 13 and KPMG Future Analytics intends to complete its report this month.

Says the firm: "It is anticipated that this Strategy will be utilised by WCC in tailoring and advancing specific actions which will facilitate enterprise and development in a plan-led manner, with a focus on supporting the economic growth of the village."

The community survey can be completed here.

The enterprise survey can be completed here.