Achievements and aims for Limavady

The new Corporate Plan outlines the council’s aims for the years leading up to the re-organisation of local government in 2015. It also summarises some of the “achievements” from the years 2009-2012.

In the document, which is approximately 1,500 words long excluding the introduction, the council outlines four ‘core themes’ to direct its work towards. These are ‘Leadership’, ‘Economic Development and Prosperity’, Quality of Life and ‘People and Communication’.

Concrete achievements listed under a section entitled “What We Delivered 2009-2012” include the construction of the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre “on time, and within budget” to replace the old town hall.

The document lists the £2.4 million worth of grants delivered to over 100 community groups in the area as one of its achievements, the development of the new 3G pitches at Scroggy Road with over £600,000 leveraged in grant aid as another, as well as the improved and expanded recycling centre at Ballyquinn Road.

The council listed the 100,000 visitors to the Limavady Borough over the period 2009-2012 as an achievement, as well as an “unbroken record of Blue Flag awards at Benone Strand”.

Mayor of Limavady, Sinn Féin Councillor Cathal McLaughlin commented on the plan for the period up to 2015. He said: “As Mayor, it gives me great pleasure to present Limavady Borough Council’s Corporate Plan for 2012-2015.

“This Plan is the vision and direction for Council over the next three years. It provides a strategic framework for operational decision-making service provision.

“The Plan’s themes and outcomes are based on what we have identified as the needs of the citizens of the Borough through an extensive consultation process with staff, elected members, ratepayers and key stakeholders.

“Council’s vision that ‘the Limavady Borough will be a place where people are proud to live, work and visit’ and mission to ‘provide leadership, deliver quality accessible services and promote the area for everyone’ will be achieved by the delivery of these priorities.”

The Chief Executive of the council Liam Flanigan added: “2012-2015 is destined to be the last Corporate Plan period of Limavady Borough Council. After this time, the new Causeway Coast and Glens Council will be established and in place. Council’s vision for this period recognises the harshening economic climate, the continuing reduction of central government finance and the loss of local major employers and businesses to the Borough.

“We have also been mindful of the tremendous resources and opportunities afforded to us by having a region rich in natural and cultural assets to the envy of many.

“Council’s challenge is to continue its investment in people and infrastructure, making the area attractive to visitors. We must create employment opportunities, as well as service the needs of our residents. We must maintain services at the highest levels of excellence while creating efficiencies from our delivery processes. We must continue to develop partnerships both with our neighbouring Councils, and with the community and private sector. This collaborative culture as it develops will become a key aspect of our future work.”

He added: “The new Corporate Plan sets out the themes and objectives around which we will build our annual business plans. We look forward to delivering a Corporate Plan that will meet our citizens’ needs and deliver on our mission which is to Provide leadership, deliver quality, accessible services and promote the area for everyone.”

Copies of the new Corporate Plan will be available at various Council facilities and also on the council website (www.limavady.gov.uk).