Agenda and minutes

Order: Minutes agreed

Mr Swift gave a presentation on the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and advised on the oversight role of the SPC while also outlining the roles of the Economic Development and the Enterprise functions of the section. Mr Swift noted that the function of the LEO was delivered under a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Enterprise Ireland with funding coming from The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The LEO Evaluations and Approval Committee (EVAC) are used for assessing grant funding for projects. While this committee cannot direct decision on funding they do play a valuable oversight role in ensuring that the LEO adheres to the SLA. Cllr. Reilly asked that derelict, vacant premises could be looked at and maybe LEO could help with this problem, the chair noted this and advised that it would be looked into and will be addressed in future SPC’S.

Ms Mac Sweeney gave an overview of the LECP and how the Local Government reform programme has driven the document and key developments. Ms Mac Sweeney stated the key areas of responsibility and functions under which the SPC works; international relations, markets, causal trading, economic development, enterprise and tourism. This work is informed by the national policy positions for example Dublin Regional Action Plan for Jobs (DRAPJ) is a key national policy document. Ms Mac Sweeney advised that they have just been asked to prepare for the 4th report on Dublin action plan for jobs update which will be available at the next SPC. Ms Mac Sweeney spoke regarding the formulation of the work plan for 2018. Feedback whether individually or collectively, would be welcomed on the 65 actions circulated to this meeting.

The chair wanted to confirm that the 65 actions are from the economic side and if anyone would like to focus in on that it could be brought to the attention of the secretariat. Ms Mac Sweeney advised that the annual review will capture information and updates for the 300 actions in the 2017 plan. Cllr Bourke requested a comprehensive report on actions 113, 157 and 303. The Manager confirmed that an update on the 3 actions would be provided for the next SPC meeting.  A discussion followed regarding the best way to get updates on LECP actions outside of the annual review process and it was decided that a report would suffice from the particular department and if the report was not sufficient it could be followed with a motion. A general conversation followed regarding future reports and the mechanism for getting answers it was stated by the chair that motions if requested and were set out at the SPC could go forward and she felt they would be answered in the quickest manner.

Mr O’Gara gave an in depth briefing into the Economic Development Office’s (EDO) role and function and advised a strategic vision had now been prepared for the promotion of Economic Development in Dublin City. The strategy “Promoting Economic Development 2018-2021” provides a framework to how the office operates but also identifies the key public policy documents which influence the office, such as: Dublin City Development Plan, The Local Economic & Community Plan,  Dublin Regional Action Plan for jobs, Dublin City Corporate Plan – all of which contain high level goals, open to interpretation at local level. 

The chair agreed and recommended focusing in on one and to think about it for next the next SPC and focus in on it collectively then rather than individually. The chair stated that there is one particular area of interest and one she has been pressing at city council is the area of social/economic development in our towns and cities such as dementia inclusive enterprises, it’s an issue she feels very strongly about and it has definitely got economic development benefits in communities. The idea is to promote dementia inclusive businesses in areas. Cllr Sammon stated that the area she was interested in was sustainability in enterprises and how we can move forward with recycling etc, Cllr Sammon also requested that the presentations from the SPC be circulated.

Ms Mac Sweeney stated that the footfall figures info went out on modgov, the monthly figures are up from previous year. The report goes through each week taking in weather etc on footfall and key locations for example Grafton Street. This is a follow up document that was requested at the previous SPC meeting. A discussion followed on how the footfall was complied and if there was significant relevance or benefits to the report. It was stated that figures are also linked with retail spend and it was a general indicator of the activity combined.

The chair wished Declan Wallace, Assistant Chief Executive, well in his retirement from all the committee and thanked him for all his hard work and service to Dublin City Council over the years.