The first report on an ambitious 10-year plan to develop Co Offaly has highlighted nine projects for 2005, including the provision of third-level outreach education courses.
The report, presented by Mr Frank Heslin of the Co Offaly Development Board to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, says Offaly has a 13 per cent participation rate in third-level education compared to the national average of 20 per cent.
A centre offering third-level courses will be located in Tullamore, with possible satellite centres later in Birr, Banagher and Edenderry.
The courses available will include business, engineering, rural development, social care and the health services, according to the group.
The board is also encouraging the take-up of broadband internet services in the county.
Daingean recently became the first town with fewer than 1,500 residents to join the Government's group broadband scheme.
The board said rural bus services in the county had been improved over the last couple of years, following an audit.
A €6 million grant was secured from the ESB to promote industry development following the closure of the peat-fired power station in the county.
A local sports partnership run by Mr Emmet Scully has helped clubs, groups and schools with advice on funding, public liability insurance and a code of ethics.
Set up in 2000, the Co Offaly Development Board published a strategy in 2002 called "Bringing the Future into Focus".
The board includes representatives of local bodies such as Offaly County Council, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Tullamore and District Chamber of Commerce.
The local offices of State and official bodies, such as the IDA, Shannon Development, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Congress of Trades Unions, are also involved.
