Enhancing Alignment between Local Government

and Local Development

Government Policies driving Alignment

Programme for Government

Transforming Public Services (2008), Public Service Reform Plan (2011)

Local Government Reform Agenda

Restructuring of Departments – DEHLG & DCEGA

Minister Hogan / Department objective

Alignment Steering Group

Established September 2011 Interim Report (Dec 2011) - recommendations aim to deliver

maximum benefit for communities /citizens from local and community development programmes

a more coherent approach to local service provision an enhanced role for local government in planning and oversight stronger national oversight for a more integrated / targeted approach greater flexibility locally to customise programmes to local needs and

priorities retain ‘bottom-up’ approach as integral part of planning and decision-

making at local level

Alignment Steering Group

Mr. Jim Miley – Chairperson - former chairperson of Concern Worldwide and company director

Dr. Patricia O’Hara – regional policy expert and Adjunct Professor at the National Institute for Regional Spatial Analysis

Mr. Liam Keane - former HSE South Regional Co-ordinator   Ms. Martina Moloney - Galway County Manager Mr. Gerry Kearney - former Secretary General of the

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Ms. Geraldine Tallon - Secretary General of the Department

of the Environment, Community and Local Government

Consultation Process

97 Submissions received and reviewed

Meetings with key stakeholders – Representatives of elected local authority members– County and City Managers’ Association – Irish Local Development Network

Why align the sectors?

Increasing expectations from Citizens Increased focus on efficiency /

effectivenessReducing resourcesChanging role for local governmentExisting arrangements have deficienciesVariation in approach, skills and standards

of service delivery - by both sectors

What does Alignment of Local Government and Local Development mean?

Enhanced role for local government

Planning and oversight by LAs of local and community development

Unique strengths, skills and experiences of LDCs

Greater coherence in the delivery of services and more meaningful impacts for our communities

the Final Report

1. National Local and Community Development Policy

2. County/ City Level Community Plans

3. Funding and Accountability

4. Territorial Alignment

5. Improving Efficiency

6. Greater Effectiveness and Identification of Best Practice

7. Capacity Building and Change Management

8. LEADER

9. Phased Implementation

Enhancing Alignment between Local Government

and Local Development

Local government will lead economic, social and

community development locally, be the main vehicle

of governance and public service at local level, deliver

efficient and good value services, and represent

citizens and communities, as effectively and

accountably as possible

Vision for Local Government in Ireland