Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 June 2014
77. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the review on local development companies; when the review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25438/14]
View answerThere are no proposals to review the operation of local development companies. I am currently embarked on a programme of local government reform, which will see an enhanced role for local government in the co-ordination of local and community development programmes. The establishment of Local Community Development Committees, which will include various local partners including local development companies, will be important to implementing a more coherent and integrated approach to local and community development.
We have a responsibility to citizens to ensure that available resources are targeted effectively and maximise the benefit for local communities from publicly funded programmes. Accordingly, we must ensure that the level of funding that is directed towards administration and management costs is kept to a minimum.
In this regard, I have a strong focus on the local development programmes for which my Department contracts the local development companies. These companies form only part of a complex landscape that requires a more co-ordinated approach in order to increase efficiencies and ensure the maximum impact of all funding available at a local level. However, as deliverers of a range of programmes for various funders, they will retain an important role in the new architecture and I look forward to their co-operation so that publicly-funded services are delivered in a way that is more effective, efficient and, most importantly, centred on the needs of local communities.
