Agenda and minutes

Order: Minutes agreed

_{The Members thanked Mr. Bradley for a comprehensive presentation and proceeded to ask a series of question. Topics raised included the perceived confusion created by drafting the Development plans, the Local Area plans (LAP’s) and Corporate plans at the same time as the LECP and what effect this might have on the drafting of the LECP. Members also enquired about the ability of the Regional Assembly to access European Funding.}

_{Mr. Bradley described the national strategy framework including the hierarchy of spatial plans, LAP’s and Development Plans, while in contrast the LECP is an Action Plan. However, it was highlighted that there should be consistency between the various plans and that they should complement each other. In relation to EU funding Mr Bradley said the Assembly did access EU funding through the INTERREG Atlantic Area fund and that there are opportunities to apply for funding linked to LECP goals and actions. One of the main focuses at present is on the projects coming from those programmes through grant and matched funding. In relation to the Goals, the LECP’s are 6 year plans that are evidence based and you can set our over 6 years. I do advocate that the approach taken by DCC of a yearly action plan is preferable as you get a progress update on an annual basis for the life of the plan.}

_{The Members asked for clarification on the makeup of the Regional Assembly and what the SPC can do to encourage stakeholders to participate in the LECP. Mr. Bradley responded that there are 36 elected members of the Regional Assembly, which are nominated by their Local Authorities (DCC has 7 members; Cllr. Christy Burke, Cllr Paddy Bourke, Cllr Gaye Fagan, Cllr. Mary Freehill, Cllr Tom Brabazon, Cllr. Dermot Lacey, Cllr. Seamus McGrath) and that there was excellent engagement with the LECP through the consultation process. Mr. Bradley also said that there is an issue with some getting external agencies to commit to the LECP process and where there is dialogue it tends to be as a result of existing relationships.}

_{The Members expressed some concern at the geographical and demographic size of the Assembly and the issues that the region faced in developing and integrated LECP for each area. Mr. Bradley responded that there are challenges with the structure of the region but that it was established in the Local Government Reform Act.  The different challenges across the region will feed into the discussion on the regional spatial strategy.  It was also noted that there was inconsistency in the delivery of the LECP across the region.  The joint meeting approach taken by some of the Local Authorities worked well but that was down to local leadership and this issue does need guidance from the departments.} 

_{Ms. MacSweeney stated that the Economic Development & Enterprise Team have been working in conjunction with the Ms. Doherty and Ms O’Leary in the Community team in drafting the 2017 LECP Action Plan. The team have been engaging with the various internal departments following a significant period of public and stakeholder engagement and consultation.}

_{It is proposed that the Advisory Group will meet in Februray and finalise the 2017 action plan. After the draft action plan has been finalised the Team will then turn to reporting on the 2016 Action Plan. The key for the process going forward will be to embed the LECP in the work of the SPC’s and the Council.}

_{The Chair asked if this SPC was in agreement with the Advisory Group finalising the 2017 plan and the members agreed. The Chair than asked if any additional members would like to be included on the Advisory Group and Cllr Feeney confirmed that she would like to be included. Representatives of this SPC on the LECP Advisory Group will now consist of Cllr. McAuliffe, Mr. Harte, Ms. Brophy, and Cllr. Feeney.}

_{Mr. Swift updated the SPC on the work of the Economic Development & Enterprise Office.}

_{In relation to the Economic Monitor the Chair asked if the members of the SPC could be invited to the next launch and if a report could be prepared for the SPC on the cost and the process for publishing the Monitor}