Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
98. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the review of the Local Economic and Community Plans to ensure that they are fit for purpose for climate action, as laid out in Appendix 1 of policy measures in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28136/23]
View answerThe purpose of the Local Economic and Community Plans (LECP), as provided for in the Local Government Reform Act 2014, is to set out, for a six-year period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic development and the local and community development of the relevant local authority area, both by the Local Authority directly and in partnership with other economic and community development stakeholders.
The LECPs are one of the primary mechanisms at local level to bring forward relevant actions from national and regional strategies and policies that have a local remit, such as the Climate Action Plan. Focused LECPs will ensure that local authorities can play a key leadership role in effectively delivering on climate actions and relevant actions should be aligned with the objectives of Our Rural Future, the whole-of-Government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025.
All Local Authorities are expected to have their new LECP in place by the end of 2023. To support this process, my department published revised LECP Guidelines in November 2021. Full consideration of climate action is a cross cutting theme throughout the Guidelines, with feedback incorporated from the Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO). My department hosted a series of Information webinars for LCDCs in 2022 to equip them with the required knowledge and skills for the preparation of the LECPs. Environment and Climate featured as a theme for one training event and input was sought from across relevant Departments. Last week I was delighted to launch the Sligo LECP, the first of the new round of LECPs, which has a strong emphasis on climate action.
Under the 2023 work programme for Our Rural Future my department will seek updates later this year from local authorities to establish what climate action interventions are included in their High-Level Goals and Sustainable Community Objectives in their forthcoming LECPs.
Based on updates provided, my department will consult with officials from the four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) and, if required, provide further written guidance to LCDCs.
