Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for the future of the Dodder Valley Partnership and CPLN Area Partnership; if he will also note that any new plans must ensure provision for strong community representation at board level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53556/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Following Government approval I published the local government reform programme, Putting People First , which includes the alignment of local and community development with local government. This involves, inter alia, an enhanced role for local government in local and community development and seeks to create greater efficiencies in structural arrangements and service delivery to the citizen, at local level.

In June 2012 my Department requested that CPLN Local Development Company, Dodder Valley Local Development Company and South Dublin County Council (SDCC) develop a plan to establish a single structure for Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) delivery in the two areas in question. The new structure will operate within the SDCC boundary and will facilitate the generation of efficiencies; in the longer term it will allow a more effective sharing of resources, reducing overall administration and operating costs, while at the same time preserving the core, front-line element of the LCDP.

Following consultations between my Department, the Chairpersons, CEOs and Boards of Management of both companies and SDCC, an agreement was reached. This involves the establishment of a single Company to promote and deliver Local and Community Development Programmes in the South County Dublin Area. In advancing this work and the broader alignment initiative, I am concerned that the integrity of the local development model is protected as outlined in the Alignment Report, while bearing in mind our fiscal constraints.

Guidelines for the governance of all Local Development Companies were drawn up in 2007 and these include a structure for the Board of each Company. The Board structure of the new company will allow for a strong community presence commensurate with the catchment area for the merged entities.