Agenda and minutes

Order: Minutes Agreed

_{The chair welcomed Malachy Bradley (EMRA) and Eoin McCarthy Maynooth University. Mr Bradley apologised about the delay, he gave a presentation on the overview and outline of the EMRA and how it relates to this SPC committee. Eoin McCarthy presented on the socio economic baseline data and its contribution to the EMRA and the two strategies. The members of the SPC thanked the EMRA & AIRO teams for their work and asked a wide range of questions relating to the formulation, operation and implementation of the RSES the MAP and the work of AIRO. Mr. Bradley and Mr. McCarthy provided detailed responses to all questions and thanked the SPC members for their time and attention.} 

_{Ms MacSweeney advised on the support provided by DCC to the Dublin Flea Christmas Markets for 2017 and confirmed that the event saw a footfall over the four days of around 35000 people. The chair asked if the market would be in the same venue this year and if there was an area of training in particular for this type of enterprise. Martin Harte enquired what the subsidy is for flea market and what the stall holders are charged for the market. Ms MacSweeney advised that the location will have to be checked with promoters as there maybe a tenant moving in, but the public transport is very efficient in the area as there isn’t a huge amount of parking near the venue. Ms MacSweeney advised that there is training for market holders being sought and to look at specific programmes to bring the markets professionalism and to develop their businesses.  Ms MacSweeney advised that with regards to the contribution from DCC (events section and economic development office) it was €28,000 and this enabled 145 stallholder’s exhibit at the event for the four day at a subsidised cost. Cllr. Bourke congratulated those involved in running of the market and that it was very valuable for new and existing entrepreneurs to participate.}

_{Mr Swift gave a briefing on the draft work programme and Mr O’Gara advised that the next meeting will be based around tourism and the head of Dublin for Fáilte Ireland would present on the new branding strategy. The meeting in October is being built around social entrepreneurship and the circular economy. The chair asked for clarification on the circular economy and Mr O’Gara advised that the circular economy is where maximum value is extracted from existing resources by keeping them in circulation for as long as possible unlike traditional linear models like “make - use – dispose”.} 

_{Mr O’Gara spoke regarding the continuation of the “Dublin City Summit Series” the next of which will be based around promoting the role of apprenticeships in the City and would focus on the construction sector. There is also scope to hold an additional summit in November to focus on potential topics such as retail, promoting small businesses and city branding & investment. The SPC members will choose one of the three to work on. The chair was happy with the idea to work around apprenticeships. Cllr Feeney stated in terms of November summit if retail was chosen, to engage and focus on an age friendly city. The chair asked if all in attendance were happy to support summer summit and also the November summit. All members agreed. The chair spoke regarding the benefits of a dementia inclusive business sector working with the officials and secretariat –nothing concrete but will keep the SPC informed.}

_{Ms MacSweeney advised on the meeting of the LECP committee and those members from the SPC that are also in advisory group along with the LCDC met in April 2018 and the action plan was severely reduced. It will be issued early next week and there will be a week to come back to review it, no additional actions will be added. The advisory group will have a smaller number of high level actions to work on and together with stakeholders and Dublin City Council they will drive the collaborations and ensure they are working on the ground.}

_{Ms MacSweeney spoke regarding up and coming events happening in the coming months. Ms MacSweeney advised the goody bag that was distributed to the members, this was in collaboration with Dublin.ie which showcased some of the LEO clients and their business products. This is the sister site to DCC which promotes the city and what Dublin has to offer. Ms MacSweeney also advised on what exactly the site offers for both people at home and people abroad.}

_{Grainne Kelly briefed the committee on the trip to Belfast she advised that she would be organising a further meeting to explore further  aspects. The chair enquired if there is any input from SPC members into the discussions with Belfast council. Grainne Kelly said she would report back. Cllr Bourke advised that the chair and all members of the SPC should be notified in future and the chair agreed and would like invitations in future to be extended.}

_{Mr Swift gave a brief presentation regarding the activity and events happening in the LEO office. The upcoming awards also were stated and the chair specifically requested an invitation to the schools awards in Croke Park. All details can be found for upcoming courses being run by the LEO on the website.}

_{Cllr Bourke praised the meet the buyers’ event and stated how it was well attended by contractors etc and was one of the most successful events in city. Mr O’Gara advised the committee on the event and how it was the first of its kind, it turned out hugely successful.}

_{Ms MacSweeney advised that Failte Ireland have done work on the Dublin brand for tourism. A new tagline “surprising by nature” would be used as of the 1st of July. Keelin Fagan will lead out the review process.}