Local Economic and Community Plans LECP | Guidelines 2021
Foreword Local Economic and Community Plans (LECP) support the sustainable development of our counties. First described in Putting People First: Action Plan for Effective Local Government and then formalised in the Local Government Reform Act 2014, they form the local element of the national development framework and support collaboration to increase the quality of life in our communities. This has never been more important as we look to support a sustainable recovery from the impact of the pandemic. The primary aim of the LECP is to set out, for a six-year period, the objectives and actions needed to promote and support the economic development and the local and community development of the relevant local authority area, both by the Local Authority directly and in partnership with other economic and community development stakeholders. The LECP is an important way to set out how Government and other stakeholders can work together to ensure that their initiatives, programmes and projects support an improved quality of life for people living and working in the county. These guidelines form part of the statutory responsibilities assigned to the Minister for Rural and Community Development (DRCD), under the Local Government Reform Act of 2014, to support the development and implementation of the LECP. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is charged with oversight of the Economic Elements of the LECP.
Both Departments have worked together to develop these guidelines in order to enable and support integrated planning for both community and economic elements as envisaged in the legislation. The development of these guidelines has also been supported by an advisory group that included representation from Local Authorities and Regional Assemblies, as well as the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE). The process also included a broader consultation with input from other Government Departments, Local Authorities, Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and other members of the relevant Local Authority Committees, the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and the Strategic Policy Committees (SPC). These guidelines are designed to support the development and implementation of effective LECPs for the next six years, enabling Local Authorities and local communities to improve the quality of life in their counties. We encourage all Local Authorities to use the guidelines to develop effective and inclusive LECPs for their areas, ensuring full participation by anyone who wishes to engage with the process. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to support the development, through the LECPs, of strong integrated local frameworks that will provide the foundation for economic and social recovery and support sustainable development across the country over the next six-year period.
Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development
Joe O Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities
Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Peter Burke, Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government
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