-
What is a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP)?
All local authorities must prepare a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) for their area by the end of December 2015.
The plan shall be for a six year period and will set out objectives and actions to a) promote and support economic development and b) promote and support local and community development in Galway City, both by Galway City Council itself and in partnership with other economic and community development stakeholders.
The LECP will influence the economic, social and community development of Galway City until 2021.
-
Who prepares the LECP?
The community element will be prepared by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
The economic element will be prepared by Galway City Council, through the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC). Both elements will be integrated into a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) and adopted by the City Council. An Advisory Steering Group will be established to assist in the preparation, drafting, adoption and monitoring of the LECP.
The plan must be consistent with the core strategies and objectives of the Galway City Development Plan, the Regional Planning Guidelines and regional spatial and economic strategies.
-
What is the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)?
The LCDC is a committee made up of representatives from the local government and local development sectors, including public bodies and representatives of social, economic, environmental and community interests.
The purpose of the LCDC is to develop, co-ordinate and implement a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. The Galway City LCDC has 17 members and was established in 2014. The chairperson of the Galway City LCDC is Cllr. Donal Lyons.
-
What is the Economic Development, Enterprise and Culture Strategic Policy Committee (SPC)?
The SPC is a committee made up of 8 representatives from the local government sector and 4 other sectoral representatives.
The purpose of the SPC is to assist in the Council’s decision making process and to advise on and formulate policy relating to Economic Development, Enterprise and Culture before being considered for adoption by the elected representatives of the full Council.
The Galway City Council Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Culture SPC was established in 2014 and met for the first time in February 2015. the chairperson is Cllr. Padraig Conneely.
-
What is involved in preparing the LECP?
There are five main phases involved in the preparation of the LECP:
- 1. Preparation: A socio economic statement for Galway City, describing the social and economic situation and outlining high level goals, is prepared using the best available evidence.
- 2. Public consultation: The public and interested organisations are invited to give their views on the Socio Economic Statement and the high level goals for Galway City.
- 3. Development of actions: Clear, measurable actions are developed to achieve the community, social and economic priorities identified for Galway City over the next six years.
- 4. Finalising the plan: The LCDC and SPC consider feedback from the public and interested organisations before finalising the plan by December 2015.
- 5. Monitoring and review of the implementation of the plan: There will be regular reviews of the implementation of the LECP by the SPC and LCDC until 2021.
-
Can I view the Socio-Economic Statement for Galway City?
The Socio-Economic Statement is available from www.galwaycity.ie or from the Community and Culture Department of Galway City Council.
Download: Socio-Economic Statement for Galway City - June 2015
-
What high level goals were identified in the Socio Economic Statement?
Four high level goals were identified for Galway city, based on what the stakeholders perceive to be the key priorities for the social, community and economic development of the county.
Goal 1. Develop and promote Galway as a world-class, creative City Region.
- Recognise and build upon the significance of Galway's designation as a UNESCO City of Film.
- Support and promote Galway's bid for European Capital of Culture 2020.
- Protect, enhance and maximise the value of Galway city's natural, cultural and heritage resources.
- Develop Galway's unique Irish image and promote Galway city as a bilingual city.
Goal 2. Develop and promote Galway as an Innovative City Region.
- Develop, encourage and create an environment for innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, including community/social enterprise.
- Create and support a series of innovation ecosystems, starting with a Galway City Innovation District.
- Work collaboratively to encourage foreign direct investment into Galway City.
- Foster the spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in schools.
- Create new models of engagement and interaction within and between sectors and actors, including third level institutes and research centres, to support learning, knowledge transfer and collaboration.
- Provide relevant and focused education and training opportunities to meet the needs of businesses, employers and the unemployed, in conjunction with members of the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
Goal 3. Encourage a self-sustaining urban eco-system in Galway as the regional capital of the West.
- Define and nurture the uniqueness of Galway City and the region and, from this, develop a strong and coherent marketing strategy, nationally and internationally, for Brand Galway.
- Create linkages between all sectors, including food, culture, ICT and education, to maximise the potential of each sector, individually and as a collective.
- Build and support vibrant communities and a strong sense of place.
- Provide, maintain and enhance strategic infrastructure that supports economic and community development.
- Support sustainable development through environmental principles, while maximising the potential of the city's natural environment.
Goal 4. Ensure Galway city is an equal and inclusive City Region
- Promote social inclusion by reducing poverty and alleviating disadvantage.
- Support and promote Galway's bid for European Youth Capital 2017.
- Ensure full integration and equality of all people within our community.
- Recognise and support the value that diversity brings to the City Region.
- Work in partnership to roll out local and national programmes, such as SICAP, through the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
-
Can I submit comment and feedback to the LECP?
Galway City Council is inviting you to have your say on the future economic, social and community development of Galway City. We are seeking your views on the key priorities and actions needed to promote and support economic and community development in Galway City.
You can make submissions by:
- Email to c&c@galwaycity.ie (please include LECP in the subject line)
- In writing to LECP Feedback, Community and Culture Department, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway
- Attendance at an LECP public consultation session in the Galway 2020 Offices, Cornstore, Middle Street, Galway on July 15th 2015 (1-2 pm and 7-8 pm)
- Online submission
-
When will the LECP for Galway City be published?
The LECP must be published by December 31st 2015.