Local Economic and Community Plans LECP | Guidelines 2021
Duration of the LECP Most Local Authorities published their first LECPs in 2016/2017 and will see the end of that 6-year period in 2022/2023. The second iteration of the LECP should be completed by 2023 and in line with the requirements of the legislation, cover a six-year period. A review at least once during this six-year period is required as part of the legislative process. However many Local Authorities were unable to conduct formal reviews of the first LECPs for a variety of reasons.
In this context, the preparation phase of the development of the second LECP will include a review of current LECPs and this will be considered a formal review process for the purposes of the legislation. The review and development of the new LECP will provide an opportunity to ensure consistency between the LECP and their respective city and county development plans and the RSESs and will also provide an opportunity to review, amend and re-prioritise the High-Level Goals and specific objectives, where this is considered appropriate.
Part 2: Economic Elements of the LECP
Economic Development Role of Local Government Purpose and Nature of the Local Authority Economic Development Role
These include through their physical planning remit to make towns and counties more attractive places to live, work and invest, and their capacity to directly invest in roads, water, recreation, enterprise, tourism, heritage and cultural assets and to provide support to others wishing to make such investments. They also promote and support economic investment in their areas through engagement with those considering the establishment of enterprises and often co-ordinate the efforts of other agencies in this activity. They are also responsible for co- ordinating the response to economic setbacks, as was seen during the Covid-19 Pandemic, where they played a central role in supporting our economy through the pandemic. This role will increase as we continue to live with Covid-19 and indeed prepare for economic recovery post pandemic and is reflected in the National Economic Recovery Plan which sets out the priorities and objectives for Ireland’s medium- term economic recovery.
Formulation of the Economic Elements of the LECP is part of the wider economic role of local government. Local Government has a significant impact on the overall economy reflected in its €6.96 billion (between capital and current) expenditure in 2018. It exerts a major influence on the local economy as provider, enabler, procurer or regulator in a wide range of matters such as infrastructure, sustainable development, and local services. Local Authorities directly sustain approximately 30,000 jobs and promote local economic development in various ways.
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