Ms AnnMarie Farrelly:

On behalf of the CCMA, I thank the Chairman and the committee for the opportunity to present on the role of local government in the reactivation of enterprise, trade and employment following the pandemic restrictions. I am the chief executive of Fingal County Council and chair of the CCMA business, enterprise, innovation and urban-town economic renewal committee. I am accompanied by my colleagues, Dr. Pat Daly, Ms Anna Marie Delaney, Mr. Richard Shakespeare and Mr. Padraic McElwee.

Local authorities provided a range of social and economic supports throughout the pandemic appropriate to the level of restriction in place for the economic sectors and across our communities. The roll-out of supports was implemented with pace, agility and efficiency with the aim of maintaining as much business confidence as possible during this time of unprecedented economic and societal change.

The following supports are managed directly by local authorities: 107 urban regeneration and development projects approved to a value of €1.6 billion; 164 rural regeneration development projects approved to a value of €338 million; €633 million paid to 108,000 businesses through the restart and restart plus grants in 2020; €1.2 billion of rates waivers processed, with the waiver continuing for quarter 3; €85 million in direct funding to local businesses, including €38 million for online trading to 16,000 businesses; €60 million in funding provided for the small business assistance scheme; more than 22,000 businesses supported with one-to-one mentoring through the local enterprise offices: and the participation of almost 110,000 people in upskilling training events organised by the local enterprise offices. There are now 35,000 jobs in 7,500 LEO-supported client companies. In excess of 20,000 outdoor dining spaces have been facilitated for the hospitality sector on the public realm. This includes local authority provision of more than 1,000 parklets and café-style options for business. More than 1,000 hospitality businesses have also benefited from in excess of €4 million in outdoor dining grants so far. Almost 3,000 new benches and public seats have been provided. Greatly enhanced litter prevention and cleansing regimes are in place.

As has been demonstrated, local authorities play a key role in the democratic, social, economic and cultural development of local areas. City and county councils across Ireland provide infrastructure, amenities and services designed to improve local areas as places to live, visit and invest. From an economic perspective, local authorities play a critical role in putting in place initiatives to stimulate the local economy and to support business in creating employment. Never has this role been more critical than in the past 16 months. Local authorities work closely and in partnership with Departments and key State agencies, such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and the Arts Council, and on a local level with chambers of commerce and business representative bodies. This collaborative and partnership approach has been essential to navigating the challenges faced by business due to the impact of Covid-19.

The community call was one such action-led programme to provide services to vulnerable individuals during the Covid-19 lockdown. Co-ordination at local level by the local authorities was critical and the sector immediately responded to the call to mobilise community networks across the State over the space of a single weekend. At a local level, local authorities established a local authority response forum, which co-ordinated the work of the community call.

This involved frequent engagement through the national oversight group which included CCMA representation in its membership.

The local enterprise offices play a key role and are an integral part of each local authority, supporting start-up businesses, entrepreneurs and in general assisting businesses to scale up, innovate and develop their market potential. Local enterprise offices, LEOs, are recognised as a one-stop shop, providing enterprise advice, coaching, management development and expertise. The financial supports available through the LEO network have proven to be a critical contributory factor in the success story of many of Ireland’s high performing start-ups. It has been widely recognised that in the face of unprecedented challenge, the LEOs managed to pivot and adapt quickly to assist businesses to endure the crisis of the pandemic.

In addition, local authorities play a pivotal role in supporting tourism and the development of destinations and attractions throughout the country. Working in collaboration and partnership with the national tourism authority, Fáilte Ireland, tourism task forces have been established across the sector. The tourism industry has been one of the most affected industries by the pandemic. The impact on a national, regional and local level has decimated the industry. However, throughout this time, local authorities have been active and responsive in ensuring tourism on a local, regional and national level will survive and build back stronger.

Local authorities have also been instrumental in the provision of enterprise hubs. A national digital hub networkof 400digital hubs is now established, providing 15,000 workspaces and 270 broadband connection points. Wifi4EU schemes are also being rolled out nationally. All of these services are integral to future remote workings strategies. The Look for Local and staycation tourism campaigns had significant success in 2020. Further campaigns for summer 2021 are under way. More than 4,500 local companies have participated in the Look for Local campaign which covered every business sector throughout the country.

Local authorities continue to lead, deliver and finance city and town centre rejuvenation projects, economic activations and other direct business supports in line with the following Government initiatives: the urban regeneration and development fund; the rural regeneration development fund; the town and village renewal scheme 2021; the walking and cycling infrastructure programme; the rural active travel investment programme; the Creative Ireland programme; the reimagining outdoor spaces fund; the outdoor seating and accessories fund; the outdoor dining enhancement scheme; the local live performance scheme; the local authorities urban animation capital infrastructure scheme; the creative climate action fund; the enhanced litter prevention and cleaning programmes to support outdoor summer 2021; and the community enhancement programme.

The projects include large-scale urban regeneration investments and town centre public realm improvements and revitalisation projects. Town and city recovery task forces have been established to work in partnership with An Garda Síochána, the Licensed Vintners Association, Retail Excellence, chambers of commerce, local business improvement district, BID, companies and other relevant stakeholders. Dublin, Cork and Limerick city councils, along with most other local authorities, have been very active in this regard and further information is provided in our submission.

The restrictions on travel and the reduction in the capacity of public transport accentuated the necessity to accelerate active travel initiatives in cities, towns and local areas throughout Ireland. Local authorities implemented and continue to implement a series of measures to support walking and cycling. Active travel measures being delivered by local authorities primarily involve the improvement and expansion of cycling and walking infrastructure. These measures were supplemented by a suite of supports designed to enhance the safety, security and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians, such as the pedestrianisation of streets, installation of benches and parklets to accommodate rest, segregation of cycle lanes and roadways, provision of quiet spaces and installation of temporary and permanent toilets.

In addition to facilitating mobility, these active travel measures play an important role in supporting the physical and mental well-being of people through the pandemic. These measures also helped foster a greater appreciation of the natural and built heritage of local areas, while connecting local communities. The CCMA acknowledges the considerable support of the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority which have committed €393 million investment for multi-annual active travel plans, with more anticipated. The roll-out of this is supported by creation of 248 active travel posts. Local authorities will play a key role in achieving the Government’s objective of delivering 1,000 km of cycling and walking infrastructure by 2025.

Local government economic plans for the coming months will build on our efforts over the past 16 months. In November 2020, a framework for development of local economic sustainability initiatives was developed by the local government sector. The framework was centred on significant measures and activities that were under way across the sector to support businesses at this critical time. Over the coming weeks and months, a robust suite of initiatives will underpin economic growth at local level and provide confidence for communities, as we move forward into a period of rebuilding. Local authorities are committed to supporting and facilitating an agile and appropriate response to business and community needs, working collaboratively with business communities and representative groups throughout the country. New regional enterprise plans are now being developed to encourage development of new and existing businesses and to increase employment in every region. Local authorities are a key partner in this process.

The CCMA and the local government sector acknowledge the extensive and far-reaching support provided by Government during the pandemic crisis and on a continuing basis. Local authorities have and will continue to respond to the needs of their local areas, assist business recovery and help get people back to work.