Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 74: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans whereby local authorities can make a major contribution to economic recovery; if consideration will be given to the identification of specific measures that could positively affect the current economic situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11594/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities play a central role 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.

A number of initiatives have been taken by local authorities to promote and support enterprise and economic development. These include reducing commercial rates, supporting work placement schemes, and establishing business support units or equivalent arrangements in each county and city council. In addition, local authorities are working closely with the relevant agencies at local level, including through their leadership of the multi-agency County/City Development Boards, in relation to economic development and the promotion of enterprise in their areas.

Looking ahead, the Programme for Government provides for an expanded role for local authorities in local enterprise and community development. This in turn will maximise the impact of investment to produce jobs at local level. In addition, I will be asking local authorities to do all that they can to reduce rates and other charges which affect businesses. Furthermore, I will be considering how best local authorities can play their part in supporting relevant elements of the Government's Jobs Initiative.