IT fact finding mission to Cork

A delegation from Powys County Council has visited West Cork, in Ireland, to learn how the area has been successful in bringing superfast connectivity to a rural setting.

Businesses, communities and public services have come together to help existing local businesses transform how they work while also developing an ambitious programme to create sustainable, well paying, high-tech digital economy jobs.

Delegates learnt how a joint focus on the digital economy is encouraging experienced people to migrate or return to the area, as well as creating opportunities for young people who want to stay.

Executive Leader, Rosemarie Harris, said: “I am very grateful to Dr Kay Swinburne MEP who invited us on the visit. With significant financial challenges facing the council, it would not have been possible to undertake the visit and learn from these leading edge, nationally recognised initiatives, without this EU support.

“I am also very grateful to everyone we met over the two-day visit in West Cork for sharing how they are harnessing the digital economy for the benefit of all in their area.  The learning visit has given us a unique insight that will help us in how we develop our approach in Powys.

“We want to provide excellent digital services and superfast connectivity is fundamental to the economic development of the county, that is why it’s a key objective of Vision 2025 (the council’s corporate improvement plan).”

PICTURE: Powys County Council’s Executive Leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris, met with the Mayor of County Cork, Patrick Gerard Murphy, during a visit to West Cork to learn how the area was successful in bringing superfast connectivity to a rural setting.