Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
250. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that local development companies will continue to have a significant role in local development; if he will outline the way in which alignment of local government and local development may develop a positive partnership approach to bring more effective delivery of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7789/13]
View answerIt is my intention that the expertise and experience of local development companies will be retained in the new structures outlined in Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government, based on a stronger partnership with local government and other key stakeholders.
In its report, the recommendations of which are incorporated in the Action Programme, the Alignment Steering Group recognised the key strengths of local development companies, in areas such as service planning and delivery. Programme funding will continue to be available to local development companies in respect of their involvement in such work.
The Alignment Steering Group identified the need for a more joined-up approach to service delivery at local level, focused on the targeting of resources at locally identified priorities. The Group recommended inter alia the establishment of Socio-Economic Committees – partnerships of public-private, socio-economic interests – within each local authority area with responsibility for planning, oversight and management of all local and community development programming locally.
I believe these Socio-Economic Committees will bring greater strategic coherence to the broad range of local and community development supports at local level, for the benefit of our citizens and communities.
