Craft Council's strategic plan seeks to raise sector turnover
The Craft Council has launched its strategic plan 2004-2006 which indicates that turnover is beginning to climb again, despite tough economic conditions over the last couple of years.
The industry contributes €84m annually to the economy and employs 4,000 people, with 53% of craft companies owned by women.
An Tánaiste, Mary Harney TD said: “The craft industry is now a significant sector and makes an important contribution to regional development, tourism and social policy. Strong government support is provided for the industry through the funding of the Craft Council’s new strategic plan."
“The industry’s competitive position depends on design and quality. Better provision of education and accreditation will be key to achieving this, together with strengthening of collaboration and partnerships with other agencies and institutions in the creative industries sector,” said Ms. Harney
The sector is particularly important for rural areas and is estimated to contribute over €60m annually to non-urban areas in Ireland.
The Strategic Plan 2004 – 2006, identifies development needs within the sector and sets out a number of goals. Underpinning them all is the conviction that in a challenging business environment there is a need for the sector to "raise the game" in Irish and international markets.
The council said the sector has recently experienced a tough economic and competitive environment, with greater international competition from countries with lower cost bases and the right conditions need to be created to compete internationally.
"The resilience of the craft sector to adapt to change is now being tested. In future, the industry’s competitive position will depend even more on design, quality and market intelligence," it said.
Raising the turnover of the sector and the income of craftspeople remain the main focus of the Crafts Council. The council is funded through the state and European funding channeled to the organisation by Enterprise Ireland.
