A report published by the CCMA identifies over 2000 separate actions/projects/activities undertaken by local authorities in 2011 which can be seen to contribute to local development, enterprise support and economic growth.

The County and City Managers’ Association (CCMA) findings are based on research assessing the extent of existing local authority
activities in support of enterprise, economic growth and employment. 

Hubert Kearns, Chair of the CCMA says that “Local authorities successfully deliver a host of projects each year to the benefit of local businesses and communities. This is generally achieved using an inter-agency approach where local authorities leverage more significant national resources to deliver on projects with a long-term benefit to local enterprise and employment. The supportive role of local government is fundamental to enterprise generation and economic development at a local level. Indeed, local authority input is essential across the full spectrum of actions outlined in the national “Action Plan for Jobs”.

Mr. Kearns emphasises that the research was undertaken in order to define current levels of activity by local authorities in support of enterprise and economic activity and to provide a baseline against which future levels of activity can be measured. “I believe the results show the range of experience and unique capability of local authorities and I am confident that the report will assist in sharing best practice and in the preparation of local action plans for jobs throughout the country”.

Local government activities on the ground to support enterprise span a broad range of activities which include:

• supporting enterprise agencies and business networking events; 
• provision of enterprise infrastructure such as serviced sites, incubation centre’s and planning support;
• establishing new arts /concert venues, sporting facilities and tourism products (over 320 separate projects relating to a broad range of recreation and amenities facilities were identified);
• driving a host of local festivals and events that support employment (415 were identified as being directly supported by local  authorities); 
• local government support is also critical to the success of initiatives ranging from FDI and micro-enterprises, to rural broadband or major investment in service infrastructure,  alternative energy and the green economy;
• the marketing, promotion and branding of counties/cities, or particular enterprises or tourist products within the local area. 200 (or almost 9%) of all actions relate to this category. This combined with the significant level of capital investment in arts, tourism, sports,
• recreation and community infrastructure, has a very positive impact on employment supports and economic recovery.

The report also confirms the growing importance of local authorities fostering local innovation and entrepreneurship through a range of networking events, workshops and schemes that are tailored to suit local opportunities and circumstance. Mr. Kearns states that “All
of this confirms that local authorities play a much broader role in enterprise support than is sometimes acknowledged, and the important responsibility placed on local authorities to continue to do so is reflected in the “Action Plan for Jobs”.

Local authorities are committed under Pathways to Work, to grow placements by mid-2013 to 2000, within the constraints on the number of places on schemes and funding availability.  The County and City Managers’ Association is exploring options with the
Department of Transport and the Department of Social Protection to make greater use of CE schemes.

The full report gives a useful overview for policy makers and helps to identify actions that can potentially be replicated or supported at national level. The research can also be used to guide local public representatives on how to implement the national Action Plan for Jobs at local level.

For more information contact olam@lgma.ie 01-6438400