Following the global financial meltdown in 2008, and the ensuing end of the Celtic Tiger years, the West Cork Region faced escalating unemployment and uncertainty about its future. The economy of this region had largely been dominated by agriculture and tourism and had to undergo major financial re-adjustment. As a result of the changing economic climate, there was elevated unemployment, out migration of skilled workers and a loss of optimism and direction. This long term regional planning project required considerable research and development. It is anticipated that this project will provide a model and template for how major regional engagement and visioning projects can be implemented in the context of Irish society and the broader European geographic zone.