Agenda item

_{Copy of Progress Report was provided in advance of the meeting in the ModGov pack.}

_{Anthony Flynn presented to Members. The Chair thanked the Presenter and opened the floor to questions and answers.}

_{Cllr. Freehill thanked the Presenter and commented on positive news of DCC opening up relations with Barcelona and updating contacts with Eurocities.  She expressed concern over the length of time for recruitment and commented on programmes mentioned in the Presenters progress report and queried what programmes are coming up for next tranche of funding.  She also put questions around making contact with Belfast and looking at possible partnerships for co funded projects.}

_{Aidan Sweeney thanked the Presenter and reiterated the concerns of Cllr. Freehill around the length of time for recruitment.  He requested a briefing by email on the OECD project, and advised that since last SPC he has been appointed vice chair of the Business Pillar at OECD.}

_{Cllr. Cooney advised she was not aware of all projects which were included in the progress report and requested if work could be undertaken on the communication and showcasing of such projects to get the message into the public domain.}

_{The Chair commented on 2 points – procedure and personnel.  She advised that the DCC strategy was signed off on the 18th Dec 2020 and commended work done to date to this end.  She congratulated Aidan Sweeney on appointment as Vice Chair and suggested that he present on this at a future SPC.  She also welcomed Ciara O hAodha as interim Head of the European Programme Support Office and thanked the Lord Mayor for her attendance and input into this SPC.}

_{The Presenter replied as follows:}

_{DCC are very optimistic that the Department will look favourably on the business case for recruitment for the office. It is clear that this is critical to the successful establishment of the EPSO.  In the interim, Ciara O hAodha has been transferred to the EPSO as Interim Head of the newly established office with the Steering Committee progressing matters in the interim.  DCC are pushing to progress the departmental approval, but it can take time before the departmental sanction is given.}

_{In relation to potential DCC projects & upcoming funding programmes; it was noted a number of potential projects were submitted for consideration in the development of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, but to date no correspondence has been received from the Department.  DCC will continue to work with the Regional Assemblies with regard to future funding opportunities. The Presenter advised that the team were continuously monitoring avenues for potential funding from EU programmes and also referred members to “Housing for All” – there are significant opportunities within that platform for retrofitting, upgrading of social houses to achieve higher BER ratings and strong opportunities for DCC for potential funding.}

_{The Presenter understood that it was agreed at previous SPC meetings that contacts with Belfast would be dealt with through the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.}

_{The Presenter agreed details on the OECD Project would be shared with Aidan Sweeney & offered a separate meeting is required.} 

_{The Presenter reiterated that the DCC EU Strategy report went before the CPG held Dec 2020 and went to City Council Jan 2021 and introduced the Interim Head of the EPSO.}

_{Ciara O hAodha reiterated that DCC are very much focused on EU funding programmes and are closely monitoring any upcoming open calls and highlighted a suite of open calls listed in the Appendix in the Progress Report submitted to the Members. She advised on upcoming EU funding workshops; a DCC Project brochure which was being developed as part of the EPSO Communications Plan and thanked the Members for their support to date.}