Dr. Helen Sheil
This paper presents the view that it is timely to extend thinking beyond that of the market place recorded by the indicators of Gross National or Domestic Product as used in isolation this system contributes to regional decline. Currently these indicators dominate planning and resource allocation while the impact of these decisions on life beyond the market place is absent. If we are to move away from terminal decline towards sustainability it will be necessary to develop indicators that record not only the quantities of goods and services transacted but people’s quality of life. A positive move in this direction has been the concept of social capital, which pays attention to the quality of associations within society. A concept that has been welcomed by planners, policy makers and community members.