Local Economic and Community Plans LECP | Guidelines 2021
New developments should provide open access connectivity arrangements directly to individual premises to enable service provider competition and consumer choice in line with the requirements of the European Electronic Communications Code (2018). Council capital projects, including public realm improvements (where appropriate), should require the provision of telecoms / digital connectivity infrastructure to future-proof capital investment in digital connectivity infrastructure in line with the EU Broadband Cost Reduction Directive Regulation (2020). Finally, while our Cities, towns and villages have shown remarkable resilience through recent crises, they require specific policy supports to ensure that they continue to function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live and work, to raise families, to act as the service, cultural and recreational hub for the surrounding areas, and to facilitate social and community interaction. In this context, the Programme for Government (PFG) committed to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy, which when developed on a National Framework basis, will be central and compliment the objectives of the LECPs. Local Authority Economic Development Role in a Regional and Inter-Agency Context Local Authorities cannot effectively perform their economic development function in isolation from each other and it is important that Local Authorities take into account regional factors in preparing the LECP, especially in relation to Economic Action Area 6. In particular, regional co-ordination is essential to avoid wasteful duplication, negative competition or unrealistic “wish lists”. It is also important, particularly in pursuing Economic Action Areas 2 and 6, to replicate, adapt, or extend existing good practice and measures which have proved beneficial to economic development in other areas. Collaboration with other Local Authorities, Regional Assemblies and agencies including co- operation with local authorities on a north/south cross border basis, where appropriate is important in these Economic Action Areas. It is likely also that the necessary commitment of relevant agencies to economic development objectives will require engagement at regional level, including in relation to any proposed targets.
The economic elements of LECPs must be formulated in accordance with a regional framework set out in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) and the ambitions and priorities of Enterprise Ireland’s Strategic Framework. Local Authorities should liaise with their Regional Assemblies and Enterprise Ireland, in order to agree the broad features of their economic strategy and objectives at NUTS3 level. The Director of Services for Economic Development will provide leadership in promoting economic development, ensuring that economic development objectives are considered in all Local Authority services and policies, and, critically, engage with all stakeholders, especially in the private sector, to inform Local Authority plans and strategies for economic development. Other staff assigned to the economic development function should have relevant knowledge/skills, with provision for continuing professional development in this dynamic area. Local Authorities can also avail of some economic expertise through the regional assemblies. A review of the corporate plan should provide a suitable opportunity to address any organisational or other measures needed to perform effectively economic development functions. Other Economic Actors While the Local Authority has a key role in promoting economic development within its area and in coordinating the economic elements of the LECP, it is important to note that there are many other key actors who have roles in contributing to local economic development and whose own strategies and plans should include actions addressing the key economic priorities of the LECP. These economic actors should, therefore, be involved in the preparation of the economic elements of the LECP and should be actively involved in the preparation of the Implementation Plans. Amongst the principal bodies which will have a role in local economic development are the following, though this list is not necessarily exhaustive and different bodies will have different levels of impact in the various Local Authority areas. Enterprise Ireland IDA Ireland Údarás na Gaeltachta
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