The Government has approved enhanced alignment between Local Government and Local Development as part of Putting People First
– Action Programme for Effective Local Government, which was published in October 2012. The alignment proposals were developed by an expert steering group following consultation and inputs from the key stakeholders, including the Irish Local Development Network. The information gathered and the inputs received from all stakeholders were given full consideration by the Steering Group, and I am satisfied that the Group’s recommendations represent a balanced and sensible way forward. I intend that the implementation of the Group’s recommendations will be carried forward in a spirit of co-operation between the key stakeholders, including the Irish Local Development Network, and I look forward to their inputs to this process.