SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
? Indigenous entrepreneurial spirit, small business base and work ethic
? Good industrial relations
? Strategic location of County
? Diverse tradition of Arts, Heritage and Culture
? Strong literary tradition
? Vibrant community and voluntary sectors involved in service provision and impacting on all aspects of life in the County
? Strong local social conscience and value systems
? Well developed enterprising range of agricultural businesses supported by high level of cooperative activity
? Largely unspoilt rural landscape
? Sustainable rural communities
? A willingness among organisations and agencies to foster co ordination and co operation.
? Increased culture of co-operation and partnership
? Growth in outreach services
? New County Council strategies on Waste, Water and Housing
WEAKNESSES
? No third level educational institution
? Underdeveloped ICT infrastructure and low uptake of IT in local industry
? Weak tourism base
? Over reliance on declining industries and sectors
? Loss of young people and a brain drain from the County
? Lack of choice in employment opportunities
? Low wage economy
? Low level of inward investment
? Peripherality
? National criteria too restrictive for local impact
? Lack of female participation in workforce
? Inadequate childcare
? Poor social infrastructure
? Poor transportation infrastructure
? Deficiencies in capacities of water and sewerage services
? Lack of serviceable development land
? Shortage of housing, especially social housing
? No alternative energy sources
? Weak infrastructure for arts, culture, heritage and sports
? Poor image of County and ...