Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

303. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the re-alignment process of local development programmes under the Putting People First programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38893/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides, inter alia, a statutory framework for the closer alignment of the local government and local development sectors. A key element of the framework is the establishment of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in local authorities for the purpose of achieving a more joined-up approach to local and community development programming. LCDCs have now been established in all local authority areas. Their primary role w ill involve the development of the community elements of Local Economic Community Plans. Work on the Plans has commenced in most local authority areas and it is anticipated that the Plans will be approved in all areas by Autumn 2015.

LCDCs will also oversee and manage a range of local and community development programmes, including my Department’s Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the LEADER Programme. The SICAP procurement process is currently underway. Stage one (Expression of Interest) has been completed and stage two (Invitation to Tender), which will be managed by the LCDCs, will commence before the end of October. It is expected that LCDCs will award contracts to successful tenderers in early 2015, with the programme commencing under LCDC management and oversight in April 2015.

Consideration of the new LEADER implementation arrangements is continuing and discussions are progressing at local level between the key stake holders to agree a single, integrated approach to LEADER strategy development and implementation. At national level, an Inter-Departmental Group on Local and Community Development (IDG) has been established to bring a cross-government approach to the planning, management and delivery of local and community development programmes. The IDG has met five times since its establishment in mid - 2013. It is overseeing the development of a national Framework Policy for Local and Community Development, as well as a common impact measurement and assessment framework for local and community programmes. The IDG has also commenced work on identifying a more cost effective approach to the allocation of administration funding to local and community development programmes and actions.