Welcome to Community and Enterprise
The purpose of the Community and Enterprise Directorate is to promote economic, social, and cultural development in County Offaly. Through a community development approach the section promotes social inclusion and works towards enhancing the quality of life of all who reside in the county. The Directorate also supports the economic development of the County through inter-agency initiatives and a dedicated Economic Development Officer.
The primary function of the Department is the facilitation of the County Development Board (CDB). The Board consists of representatives from Local Government, Local Development Bodies, Statutory Agencies and Social Partners. The role of the Board is to co-ordinate the activities of the agencies at local level and promotes the social, economic and cultural development of Offaly. The work of the Board is guided by the ten year County Strategy published in 2002 titled Bringing the Future into Focus.
The Directorate is also charged with enhancing local participation in policy decision making. Two key mechanisms supporting this is Offaly Community and Voluntary Forum and Offaly Comhairle na nÓg. Offaly Community and Voluntary Forum was established to provide representation and a voice to community bodies in the County. The purpose of Comhairle na nÓg is to allow young people in the County a voice and contribute to the future development of their County. Over time other such bodies have formed under the umbrella of Offaly CDB such as the Social Inclusion Measures Group and Offaly Sports Partnership.