Mr Michael Tunney, Head of Local Enterprise, Donegal County Council speaking at the launch
The launch of Donegal’s Creative Strategy is a great first step towards establishing the right conditions for creative entrepreneurship in Donegal, according to the Head of Enterprise at Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Michael Tunney.
Speaking at the launch of the strategy in the Regional Cultural Centre, Mr. Tunney said that the launch of the document marked the end of a consultation process that had begun last August.
“While the plan is not written in stone, it is a plan that we are formally launching today and the real process will begin now, the journey of implementing the plan.”
He suggested that while the document has a ten-year horizon, it is very much geared towards the first two years.
“I think the strategy, in particular the larger document, outlines the importance of the bigger ecosystem that creatives operate in and that is an ecosystem that needs to be supported on an ongoing basis.
I am delighted that the people within the various sections in Donegal County Council who do support and have supported the arts, the creatives and heritage, were all part of the process and engaged with us. The hope is that now, together with the businesses in the sector, we can make the plan happen.”
Mr. Seamus Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council addressing the audience at the launch
The Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely, told the large gathering in attendance for the launch, that the document presents an opportunity to create something of real value for the county.
“What we have here is a confluence of a great set of opportunities. A fabulous wealth of raw talent at local and regional level, very strong abilities in the whole creative industries side and then an infrastructure at state, semi-state and even the private sector as well, that helps people realise the potential from that.
This isn’t a strategy where we are starting from a standing stop. We have a lot of work done in terms of understanding where the areas of potential are. I believe we are only skimming the surface. It’s going to be an exciting time ahead.”
Eve Anne Cullinan of MCO Projects who facilitated the consultation process, outlined the key elements of the plan before it was formally launched by Minister Joe McHugh.
He reassured the audience on the government’s commitment to a massively improved broadband network and stressed the need for continued support for - not just newer creative industries like videography and gaming, but also the traditional creative industries as well.
Meanwhile Donegal’s Mayor, John Campbell, insisted that the plan demonstrated the common sense of purpose the council shares as a public body.
“I think we will play a key role in encouraging creative entrepreneurship and providing the right platforms. It does a great job of identifying and hopefully now providing the right supports to those involved in the creative sector.”
Minister for State Joe McHugh welcoming the Creative Donegal Strategy at its launch.
Mr. Seamus Neely, Mr. Michael Tunney and Cathaoirleach Cllr John Campbell at the launch of the Creative Donegal Strategy
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