John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

Local authorities have a central role to play in supporting economic development and enterprise at local level. They do this in a number of ways including through their capital and current budgets, economic planning and development and the provision of goods and services, as well as community infrastructure.

More recently, local authorities have taken direct action to reduce the burden on business and promote employment, including by keeping the increase in commercial rates for 2009 to just over 1% on average and undertaking an examination of their costs to maximise efficiencies. In addition, local authorities have been working with my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on support for businesses and employment at local level. In this context, the Tánaiste and I recently met the County and City Managers' Association. Arising from this meeting, a number of steps were agreed including developing arrangements for engagement at national level between local authorities and the enterprise agencies. At local level, local authorities will focus on streamlining the way in which they respond to businesses in areas such as planning, water and roads. Local authorities also work closely with all relevant agencies at local level, including through their leadership of the multi-agency county and city development boards in respect of economic planning and the promotion of enterprise at local level.

I am satisfied that with the steps being taken, local government is well placed to play a key role in supporting local business and employment in these challenging economic times. I will, however, ensure that my Department, in consultation with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, continues to engage with local authorities to achieve the best ongoing support for enterprise at local level.

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