Local Authority Times Local Authority Times Vol 21 No.1 & 2 Summer 2017 ISSN No

Local Authority Times Local Authority Times Vol 21 No.1 & 2 Summer 2017 ISSN No. 0791-8267

Ireland 2040 Plan: What it is and Contents

1. Ireland 2040 Plan: What what it hopes to achieve it is and what it hopes to achieve

By Sheema Lughmani and David Eaton, 5. The Potential Impact of IPA Publications Division Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement

Introduction: Ireland’s National Planning 9. The role of the Data Protection Officer The implementation of the Ireland 2040 Challenges: plan stems from fundamental questions In recent decades, Ireland has developed 12. Commission presents regarding the future and trajectory of tremendously, particularly during White Paper on the future of Europe the nation and as such will encompass the early 1990s which exhibited national strategies to respond to the extraordinary growth despite the 15. NUI GALWAY TEAM receives EPA funding growing changes anticipated in the Irish economic recession. The overall population has increased by over 1 to tackle EPIIC economy, society, and environment. environmental challenges million currently reaching nearly 4.75 The 2040 Plan, led by the Department million. Additionally, the housing stock 16. Freedom of Donegal of Housing, Planning, Community and has increased to over 2 million homes, for footballer Seamus Local Government, is intended to serve Coleman rising tremendously from the previous as a framework for the progression and 750,000. Increases in employment 22. What future for Europe? realization of future development and evince even further improvement, From a Council of investment in Ireland. Also called the European Municipalities rising from 660,000 to over 2 million National Planning Framework (NPF), the and Regions (CEMR) in 2017. These trends exhibit that position 2040 Plan will provide the foundational Ireland will continue to expand, and 25. “Our common values efforts from which future plans will as the population grows, additional should direct Europe’s develop, including strategies for city and demands for housing and jobs will be future” claim Europe’s county development. This paper will necessitated. Thus, the 2040 Plan will towns and regions detail the primary areas of the 2040 Plan seek to address the increasing demands and its overall objectives regarding the in infrastructure, services, and facilities, News items next two decades of Ireland’s economic, as within the next two decades Ireland Pages 26-48 social, and environmental growth. will: Donegal named ‘Media’s Favourite Place in Ireland’ at TravelMedia.ie Awards

Need for a reduction in energy consumption underlined by 2016 growth

What sort of place New consultations detail major savings proposals in should ireland be in Bristol neighbourhoods

2040 and what do Ireland elected to the Governing Body of the we need to do to International Labour achieve this? Organisation (ILO) and more...

Source: Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (2017)

Printed on Recycled Paper

1 • increase in population to a projected figure of 5.6 million

• double the population of people over 65

• require over 500,000 new homes to respond to growing demands

• peak at demand for third-level education by mid-late 2020s

• place an increasing emphasis on active lifestyles as the population grows, with a particular focus on mental health

• require an increase in environmental protection towards water and air quality, soils, along with the protection of natural habitats

• need to adapt to climate change and set forth plans to reduce carbon emissions, increase efforts for renewable energy, with a target goal for a sustainable Ireland by 2050.

Source: Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (2017)

The 2040 Plan will design frameworks to an economy that will establish habits. The 2040 Plan therefore devises address these changes in Irish economic, national benefits, the 2040 Plan to incorporate activities to encourage societal, and environmental factors will offer developments to improve active and healthier lifestyles, such as in a method that serves the nation as a environmental factors to create a safe walking facilities and improved whole. While growth in these areas will healthier quality of life for future cycling paths. occur regardless of an established and generations. The NPF will be involved in effective NPF, the primary goal however improving direct environmental factors A secondary focus of the NPF regarding is to ensure economic growth outside including air pollution, road traffic, health concentrates on reducing steadily the Dublin region. Current trends floods, and climate change in efforts to rising car dependency rate. For example, exhibit that while economic growth in create a positive impact regarding Irish over 60% of commuters use cars for the East will rise, rural areas are likely health and safety within the next two work, with 10% of these commuters to experience a decline in growth decades. spending over an hour on their and experience continuous falls in journeys. Increasing car dependency population. The 2040 Plan seeks to move Additionally, current modern lifestyles rates add further pressure on town- away from the ‘Business as Usual’ model that revolve around indoor work present based businesses to provide car parking as this method does not focus on growth rising trends of increased obesity rates, facilities to meet the rapidly rising for the nation as a whole. Therefore, the diabetes, and heart disease, along demands. This rising car dependence NPF seeks alternate strategies to provide with higher rates of depression that has resulted in increasing tendencies economic growth to regions beyond the are associated with reduced levels of towards the usage of out of town East that will simultaneously ease the exercise. Recent studies report that shopping, business, or other activities, housing burden of the Dublin region. nearly 60% of adults and 25% of resulting in a decline in the utilization children are either overweight or obese. of historic town centres. As such, the People’s Health and Well-Being While diet contributes to these rising deterioration of the town centre as a trends, spatial planning plays an equally place to live, work, or conduct business In addition to efforts to cultivate important role in the rise of unhealthy has negatively impacted the viability of the significance of urban town centres.

2 Source: Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government (2017)

A secondary focus of the NPF regarding aspects of society as the population of (European Commission, 2016, p. 4). The health concentrates on reducing steadily those over 65 has doubled. Additionally, report recognised key deficits in the Irish rising car dependency rate. For example, the population of those aged over 85 has planning system and associated problems over 60% of commuters use cars for effectively quadrupled during the last for Irish infrastructural development. In work, with 10% of these commuters 50 years. As these trends are expected particular, the report notes that due to the financial crisis of 2008, funding for spending over an hour on their to continue, the NPF will attempt to infrastructure in the period between journeys. Increasing car dependency implement strategies to ensure that the 2010 – 2013 period has seen a reduction rates add further pressure on town- elderly population will have the ability in capital expenditure by a margin of based businesses to provide car parking to commute via public transportation, as nearly 50%. This underinvestment facilities to meet the rapidly rising well as retain access to services they will has reduced the quality of the Irish demands. This rising car dependence need. infrastructure, while also creating an has resulted in increasing tendencies undersupply of key public goods such towards the usage of out of town Why do we need a new Planning as housing, roads, and broadband. This shopping, business, or other activities, Framework? damages the competitiveness of the Irish resulting in a decline in the utilization economy and has created problems for of historic town centres. As such, the The NPF has identified key aspects of the Irish transport system, along with infrastructure development in Ireland. raising levels of homelessness. As such deterioration of the town centre as a The framework was developed in the NPF has been developed to both place to live, work, or conduct business response to the European Commissions’ respond to and better prepare Ireland to Furthermore, population aging, cited recommendation that Ireland should plan policy in order to alleviate many of as the most prominent trend of the past “develop in order to promote durable the concerns the nation currently faces. century, will continue to impact all and balanced” growth in the future

3 The National Planning the hope that long term strategic key cities, a more balanced development Framework and Infrastructure investments will allow for a balanced would occur, thereby reducing Dublin’s spatial development. It can be seen in housing demand, while simultaneously The NPF will attempt to address the plans such as Rebuilding Ireland and The assisting regional cities to shift towards failings of the 2002-2020 National National Broadband Plan, in that both becoming international centres for Development Plan by instead utilizing are targeted strategic investment plans. trade and development. Therefore, the a greater degree of inter-departmental To ensure that such plans are successful, 2040 Plan will foster the development and spatial coordination initiatives. the government aims to regularly of these cities, furthering their growth This will allow for the NPF to identify monitor the impact of its policies and and prominence as key regions within key issues and problems across Ireland, use an evidenced informed approach to Ireland, allowing for a more sustainable facilitating a process of decision making influence future investments and plans. cross regional development. regarding strategic investment. These investments would be prioritised, The need for balanced The Implementation the National bringing with them a targeted approach development Planning Framework to regional development. Developing social infrastructure in this method The NPF is designed to better develop Equally crucial to the success of the 2040 will lead to better and more integrated urban centres, with the aim of reducing Plan remains in the ability to transform communities, while ensuring a the disparity between Dublin and other theoretical planning into prosperous balanced regional distribution of regions. At present Dublin is central to implementation. To ensure this success, services. Additionally, it would provide the Irish economy and houses 40% of it remains critical that the NPF explicitly an opportunity for the government to the Irish population. Due to the city’s transcribes how its goals will morph respond to population growth in the size there are high demands placed into successful reality, along with education sector, particularly targeting on Dublin’s housing and transport dictation of the organizing body that demands for primary and secondary infrastructure. Dublin’s population will implement the strategies of the NPF. schools within regions. As third level in particular has led to unsustainable Therefore, by accounting for previous student populations are also growing, demands on the housing market, with errors with the National Spatial Strategy, the framework recommends that sharp increases in housing costs and a along with coordinating with legislative these rising trends should further be growing homeless population. Not only bodies and political institutions, the considered in the development of a new does this represent an immediate social NPF can better improve and implement spatial strategy for Ireland. cost to the disproportionate growth of polices across national, regional, and the region, but it further presents a risk local bodies. As such, the successful The purpose of this planning framework to Ireland’s long term competiveness. implementation of the 2040 Plan will is to address problems that have As growth is concentrated in Dublin, ensure the continued success of Ireland arisen since the last spatial strategy housing prices will continue to rise by accounting for the growing changes commenced. In particular, the uneven unless other regions are enabled to in economic, social, and environmental growth between regions has meant that attract FDI led development. factors through the implementation in some areas there is an oversupply of strategies to establish a better quality of infrastructure, while in others it remains The regional cities of Cork, Galway, and life for future generations. inadequate. This lack of balance meant Limerick offer the best opportunities that as the economy expanded, areas to alleviate Dublin’s housing burden. in which the population grew, there Each has a university, decent References: Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local remained a continuous undersupply transport links, along with a credible Government (2017). Ireland 2040: for infrastructure needs. As a result, opportunity to develop housing and Our Plan: Executives Summary Issues and Choices. Dublin: Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local planning for spatial development and broadband infrastructure. Attracting Government. Available at: http://npf.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/NPF-Executive-Summary.pdf [Accessed 12 service delivery has become increasingly FDI companies to these regions will June 2017].

difficult. Consequently, this has meant reduce the demographic pressures on Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local that in some regions, particularly cities the greater Dublin area, as there would Government (2017). Ireland 2040: Our Plan: Issues and Choices. Dublin: Department of Hous- and large towns, large scale capital be opportunities to develop and expand ing, Planning, Community, and Local Government. Available at: http://npf.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2017/02/NPF-Execu- projects are economically unviable by business opportunities outside of Dublin. tive-Summary.pdf [Accessed 12 June 2017].

international standards, due in part, to For instance, this can be achieved by Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local the smaller population density in these facilitating the formation of closer links Government (2017). Shaping Ireland towards 2040: What will Ireland be like in 20 areas. between firms and universities within years’ time? Dublin: Department of Housing, Planning, Community, and Local Government. Available at: http:// the regional cities, while concurrently npf.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Shaping-Ireland-to- Through planning and developing encouraging the state to invest in the wards-2040.pdf [Accessed 12 June 2017]. a spatial strategy, a more coherent infrastructure of such cites as well as The European Commission (2016). Recommendation for a COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on and balanced approach to regional their neighbouring regions. Through the 2016 national reform programme of Ireland and delivering a Council opinion on the 2016 stability programme of development can occur. The government a strategic investment strategy focused Ireland. Brussels: The European Commission. Available at: on improving the capacities of these http://ec.europa.eu/europe2020/pdf/csr2016/csr2016_ire- has committed to this approach, with land_en.pdf [Accessed 12 June 2017]

4 The Potential Impact of Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement

By David Eaton and Sheema Lughmani, IPA Publications Division

Introduction: Ireland are members of the European Republic. However, with the UK’s Union. As they both currently retain withdrawal from the EU this situation On June 23rd, 2016, over half of the membership, they are able to develop remains vulnerable to a potential United Kingdom (UK) historically mutual agreements with one another negative change. voted to leave the European Union without soliciting EU approval. This (EU), with a leave vote of 51% to a has allowed both states to maintain The Border: remain vote of 48%. On March 29th, their informal border agreement, 2017, Theresa May invoked Article 50 the Common Travel Area (CTA), The Common Travel Area affords a of the European Union to begin the by supporting the agreement with special status for citizens of both the UK two-year process of withdrawing from existing legislation in both countries. and the Republic, allowing citizens of the EU. However, many post-Brexit In principle this has also allowed a either state to be recognized as citizens conditions remain unclear as defined causal relationship in the policing and of both states. In practice this means terms have yet to be negotiated. This maintenance of their shared common that there are no legal border controls article will focus on the potential border. In exchange this has lessened between the UK and Ireland, which has impact as well as implications of Brexit the prominence of the symbolic enhanced cooperation between the two on the Good Friday Agreement and border between Northern Ireland and states in policing and border control. As relations between Northern Ireland the Republic. Since the Good Friday both states share separate, yet mutually and the Republic. Agreement, the physical representation dependant external borders, they of a border between Ireland and the UK practice the principle of free movement Scoping Brexit Problems for via Northern Ireland has ended. The of people between both states. As both Ireland: Customs Union and the Single Market Irish and British citizens are recognised of the EU now makes hard border as having special status in both states, Brexit creates difficulties for the status instruments, such as customs posts, there remains limited border controls of Northern Ireland and the North- illegal for trade between two member between both the two states (Ryan 2001). South Border. There remain substantive states. The situation that has emerged legal and political challenges to the from both states being party to these However due to the expectation that maintenance of the free movement of agreements has resulted in a constant Ireland will continue to remain an EU goods, services, and people arising due and fluid movement of people, along member state, and that the UK will not, to the UK’s exit from the EU. Under with the trading of goods and services this situation will change. As Ireland will existing legislation, both the UK and between Northern Ireland and the retain EU membership, it is still required

5 to maintain the four freedoms of the reintroduction of passport Ireland in particular exports heavily capital, goods, services and people. Due controls, along with the symbolism to the Republic and both states share to the principle of a shared external of the border, will establish a sense an island wide energy grid. How border for Ireland and the UK, this of isolation among the nationalist such systems will be maintained in a would essentially allow for EU and EEA community in Northern Ireland, which post-Brexit scenario is unknown. As members to circumvent UK border would increase regional tensions. Ireland remains an EU member, its controls, but only under the existing Ireland’s FDI growth model requires it associated organisations will legally arrangements of the CTA. to retain a flexible open border policy be required to enforce any agreements to support its highly profitable IT and its membership determines. In theory, pharmaceutical sectors, while the the UK could choose not to reciprocate Problems for the Common Travel retention of free movement with other customs posts and traffic on Irish Area: EU states is important for its tourism goods, but just an arrangement would sector. Northern Ireland would suffer be difficult to justify politically. However, the maintenance of such from the same consequences. To Unlike the UK, the rules for Ireland a situation, may be more difficult resolve these issues, there remains a are predetermined by its membership in the future, as the UK might seek potential option for the UK to sign status to the EU, and thus lacks the to amend the rules of the CTA and a temporary arrangement with the same flexibility as the UK. thereby ending the current practice EU to allow for the free movement of of the free movement people. This people for a limited time frame, but The Search for Pragmatic and manoeuvre would face serious the terms of such an arrangement Creative Solutions: scrutiny and resistance from the along with the political consequences Irish government. The CTA’s status at are still unknown. Additionally, it As mentioned previously, there are present is an agreement between an also remains plausible that Ireland various mechanisms around this EU member state and an external state and the UK could also pursue a causal principle of enforcement, such as regarding a community level issue, approach to the Northern Irish border, relaxed Ireland-UK customs relations. in principle implying that any free ignoring border controls between the Additionally, the UK could seek a deal movement of people between Ireland shared land borders. Such an approach on a customs union between itself and the UK would further require might however prove to be a legally and the EU, which would avoid this legal approval from the EU as a whole. questionable approach due to Ireland’s issue. However, it seems unlikely the Yet, soliciting this approval would be obligations as an EU member state. EU would be willing to negotiate a both a political and legal challenge deal on such an arrangement unless in addition to breaking the rules of Trade Relations and Options: the UK attempts to compromise on Ireland’s membership of the Single some of its prerogatives to establish Market. Theoretically, this implies that As with the free movement of people, trade arrangements between it any agreement given the EU stamp of the free movement of goods and and third parties (Rampen, 2017). approval would require Ireland to reach services would also be altered by Brexit, Likewise, the EU has signalled it a compromise. Such compromises as the UK’s exit from the EU defines might also be unwilling to design an reveal the vulnerability of the current it as an external state. According to arrangement with the UK unless the unrestricted access as Ireland would Ireland’s obligation as both a member principle of free movement of people likely decide if its citizens should of the Customs Union and the Single is retained (Nicolaides and Roy, 2017). retain unrestricted access to either the Market, the UK’s position as an external Another option is that the UK could UK or the EU, as it would be legally state requires the imposition of an temporarily retain its membership of complicated to retain both. external tariff on goods and services the European Customs union until imported from the UK, potentially a more comprehensive trade deal is The Consequences to Be resulting in the formation of customs developed between it and the EU, such Considered: checks between Northern Ireland as the agreement made between the EU and the Republic. In doing so Brexit and Canada in 2015. Either option would have damaging would have significant negative effects consequences for both the Republic for both intra-island trade as well as While not ideal, such situations could and Northern Ireland as the free trade between Ireland and Britain. reduce the burden for Northern Irish movement agreement affords both The first of these impacts would be firms trading with the Republic and states numerous economic and social the increased costs of administration avoid the issue of customs posts being benefits. For example, it allows both due to the customs border regulation. erected by the Republic. The legality states to attract highly skilled workers Consequently, this will raise the costs of such an arrangement and how the from other European states due to of doing business between both states politics of negotiation might shape it provisions allowing for the commuting as well as increasing commuting are still unclear at this moment in time. of workers across borders. Therefore, times between the borders. Northern

6 However, as stated several times by parliamentary elections. Additionally, unification debate. UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May, the the May 2016 elections demonstrated UK will not retain its membership of that 41% of Northern Ireland, with a However, contradictory to the single market, while the situation slight fall to 39.8% in May 2017, support assertions maintained by Sinn Fein of the UK’s membership of the customs the second and third largest Northern and the SDLP, Conservative Party union is unclear. This limits the UK’s Irish parties: Sinn Fein and the Social politician Theresa Villiers argued options to retaining access to the Democrat and Labour Party (SDLP), in June 2016 that there remains Customs Union and using existing both who favour the unification inadequate evidence signifying a WTO agreements. Essentially, this of Ireland and maintenance of EU prominent Northern Irish desire to implies that the future of trade as well membership. Smaller parties, such as shift towards a united Ireland. Others, as the North-South border is an issue the Ulster Unionist Party, Alliance, such as Kevin Meaghar, former special that is to be decided by the EU27 and and Green party, also maintain anti- adviser on Northern Ireland to the UK, the UK. Brexit/ pro-EU membership positions. indicated in a March 2017 interview Sinn Fein and the SDLP have argued that ““There’s probably more serious that maintaining EU membership for discourse about Irish reunification Post-Brexit Potential Northern Ireland can only be achieved now than at any time since partition,” Reunification Debates: through unification of the Republic and (Duncan, 2017). its northern neighbours. Responding A more contested option regarding the to Theresa May’s invocation of Article Meaghar argues that while current avoidance of the direct impact of Brexit 50, Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance, opinions of unification imply on Northern Ireland is the potential and Green party brought forth legal “lukewarm” sentiment (Meaghar, 2016, reunification of Northern Ireland action against May’s intentions, p.18), the prospect of “losing the vast with the Republic, particularly given arguing that such events could only amounts of money Northern Ireland that 56% of Northern Ireland voted to take place after a parliamentary vote. receives from the European Union will remain part of the EU. In 2015, a BBC However, in October 2016, a ruling be a high price to pay for leaving” (2016, conducted poll evinced only 30% of by Mr. Justice Maguire of the High p. 18). Northern Ireland’s “precarious” Northern Ireland favoured leaving Court in Belfast determined that the economy (Meaghar, 2016, p. 18) is the UK, but these opinions have since UK did not require a parliamentary determined to receive €600 million per changed post-Brexit. For example, vote to invoke Article 50, nor would year up until 2010 from the EU, with while Northern Ireland’s largest party, the Brexit process undermine the this funding not guaranteed by the UK, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Good Friday Agreement. The ruling creating a potential deteriorating effect have favoured Brexit, they lost 10 seats derailed hopes of legally undermining on Northern Ireland’s public finances. in the May 2017 Assembly elections, the decision to withdraw from the EU While Northern Ireland currently and gaining 2 seats in the June 2017 and has intensified the Brexit/ Ireland receives £10 billion from the UK, the loss of EU funding, particularly farming subsidies, will considerably impact the majority of Northern Irish farmers.

Border arrangements further complicate the situation, as Northern Ireland “sits on the frontline between the UK and European Union” (Meaghar, 2016, p. 18). Neither the Republic nor Northern Ireland want to see the return of a hard border, as the reintroduction of a closed border with customs checks would derail much of the North’s cross-border retail (Duncan, 2017). Additionally, Professor Jennifer Todd of University College Dublin asserts that UK and Irish membership within Source: The New York Times (2016) the EU allows for “[o]penness of cross-

7 Source: Economic Social Research Council (2017)

border crossing, employment, and If Northern Ireland votes to ed-brexit-referendum.html?_r=0 [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. trade” (Todd, 2015, p. 8) and Brexit unify with the Republic, Brexit Secretary ARK. Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, 2015 [computer file]. ARK http://www.ark.ac.uk/nilt [distributor], June threatens this by undermining the David Davis confirmed that unlike 2016 [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. Good Friday Agreement. However, this Scotland, Northern Ireland would Bell, J. (2017). David Davis united Ireland letter shows Northern Ireland has automatic route remains contradictory to the October retain EU membership via the Republic’s back to EU: SDLP chief Eastwood. Belfast Telegraph. [online] Available at: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/north- 2016 ruling by the High Court of Belfast current status as a member. In April ern-ireland/david-davis-united-ireland-letter-shows-northern-ireland-has-automatic-route-back-to-eu-sdlp-chief-east- which maintained the Brexit would not 2017, the European Council reaffirmed wood-35572252.html [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. derail the Good Friday Agreement. this position, that a united Ireland Cowburn, A. (2017). Northern Ireland ‘can rejoin EU after would confer EU membership to the Brexit if it votes for The potential impact of a second 2018 reunification. The Independent. [online] Available at: http:// North, potentially using, as Enda Kenny www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-north- Scottish independent movement, ern-ireland-can-rejoin-eu-reunification-david-davis-stor- asserted, the precedent of the East-West mont-a7653346.html [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. advocated by the Scottish National Germany reunification. However, these Duncan, D. (2017). A reunited Ireland? That could be one of Party (SNP) could hypothetically result Brexit’s side-effects. CBC News. remain potential post-Brexit scenarios, [online] Available at: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/brex- in a similar referendum in Northern it-northern-ireland-don-duncan-1.4045368 [Accessed 13 as it remains unclear if a majority of Jun. 2017]. Ireland. However, Scottish First Minister voters seek to unify with the Republic, Economist.com. (2017). The difference between Europe’s Nicola Sturgeon has maintained that an “customs union” and “single along with the uncertainty regarding market”. [online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/ independence movement rests on the blogs/economist-explains/2016/10/economist-explains-6 what post-Brexit conditions will mean [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. question of a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ Brexit in 2019. for Northern Ireland. Meagher, K. (2017). Could Brexit Break up the UK?. Political The previous referendum movement Insight, [online] 8(1), pp.16-19. As of now, the only clear in September 2016 exhibited that 55% Available at: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/ decision regarding Brexit remains abs/10.1177/2041905817702732 [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. of Scotland voted to remain within the the decision to leave the EU, as many Nicolaides, P. and Roy, T. (2017). Brexit and Trade: Between UK, yet the SNP argues that Brexit cites Facts and conditions are still open to negotiation, Irrelevance. Intereconomics, 52(2), pp.100-106. a necessity for revaluation as Brexit Rampen, J. (2017). What is the EU customs union and will leaving ambiguity regarding the direct Brexit make us leave?. New has changed conditions. Ultimately, it Statesman. [online] Available at: http://www.newstatesman. impact of post-Brexit on the Good Friday com/politics/staggers/2017/01/what-eu-customs-union- remains an open question if Scotland and-will-brexit-make-us-leave [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. Agreement as well as relations between will seek a second referendum in 2018 Rankin, J. (2017). Europe could allow a united Ireland to join the Republic, the UK, and Northern EU after Brexit. The Guardian. and what impact this will produce on [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk- Ireland. news/2017/apr/27/eu-to-debate-recognising-united-ireland- the Northern Ireland reunification to-allow-swift-return-for-north [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017]. Ryan, B. (2001). The Common Travel Area between Britain movement. These questions will remain and Ireland. Modern Law Review, 64(6), pp.831-854. open to debate until the UK begins References: dictating the terms of a ‘hard’ or ‘soft’ Aisch, G., Pearce, A. and Russell, K. (2016). How Britain Todd, J. (2015). The Vulnerability of the Northern Ireland Voted in the E.U. Referendum. The Settlement: British Irish Relations, Brexit within the next two years. New York Times. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes. Political Crisis and Brexit. Études irlandaises, [online] 40(2), com/interactive/2016/06/24/world/europe/how-britain-vot- pp.61-73. Available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10197/7792 [Accessed 13 Jun. 2017].

8 The role of the Data Protection officer under the General Data Protection Regulation

By Fintan Swanton

Under Article 37 of the General regional and local authorities, but assign data protection related tasks to Data Protection Regulation the concept, under the applicable their staff or external consultants, it (GDPR), all public authorities national laws, typically also includes should be made clear internally and and bodies will be required to a range of other bodies governed by externally that such staff or consultants designate a Data Protection public law. are not DPOs. Officer (DPO). Organisations that on a large scale, as part of • ‘Core activities’ can be considered their core activities, regularly as the key operations to achieve the The GDPR provides that DPOs “shall be and systematically monitor controller’s or processor’s objectives. designated on the basis of professional data subjects or process sensitive • Regular and systematic monitoring qualities and, in particular, expert personal data will also have to of data subjects … clearly includes knowledge of data protection law and appoint a DPO. On April 5th, the all forms of tracking and profiling practices and the ability to fulfil the Article 29 Working Party (WP29) on the internet, including for tasks [set out in the Regulation]”. There is published its guidelines on the role of the DPO, clarifying its the purposes of behavioural no specific qualification or certification interpretation of the GDPR as it advertising. However, the notion of specified in the Regulation, but the relates to the DPO. monitoring is not restricted to the WP29 considers the necessary skills and online environment. expertise to include: One of the most significant changes • Factors to be considered when in the GDPR is the requirement for deciding whether processing is • Expertise in national and controllers and processors to be able “large scale” include the number of European data protection laws and to demonstrate compliance with the data subjects, the volume and range practices including an in-depth Regulation. As the WP29 puts it, the of data, duration of data processing understanding of the GDPR; DPO is “a cornerstone” of this principle and geographical extent of data • Understanding of the processing of “accountability”. That said, the WP29 processing. A simple example given operations carried out; emphasises that compliance is the is the processing of healthcare • Understanding of information controller’s or processor’s responsibility related data by an individual doctor technologies and data security; and DPOs are not personally responsible (not large scale), or by a hospital • Knowledge of the business sector for compliance with the GDPR. (large scale). and the organisation; • Ability to promote a data protection The terms “public authority or body”, The WP29 goes on to recommend that, culture within the organisation. “core activities”, “large scale” and unless a DPO is obviously not required, “regular and systematic monitoring” controllers and processors should The role of the DPO may be contracted aren’t defined in the GDPR, so the WP29 document the analysis and process out to an external service provider and, offers its interpretation and guidance on leading to their decisions whether or not where it is, the DPO may be a natural their meaning. to appoint a DPO. person or a legal person (e.g., a limited company). In the latter case, the WP29 In summary: DPOs may be appointed on a voluntary recommends that for reasons of legal basis, but where they are, the same clarity and good organisation, the • The WP29 considers that such a GDPR requirements regarding their contractor should designate a named notion [“public authority or body”] designation, role and tasks will apply person as the lead contact for the client. is to be determined under national as to mandatory DPO appointments. The DPO does not necessarily have to be law. Accordingly, public authorities Therefore, where organisations don’t a full time role, but as the WP29 put it, and bodies include national, appoint a DPO but do, as they may, “the DPO’s primary concern should be

9 enabling compliance with the GDPR” IT Managers. Where an organisation he has collaborated with the Institute and “having sufficient time to devote to appoints a DPO, this will no longer be of Public Administration and the Irish DPO tasks is paramount”. an option. The WP29 draft guidelines Computer Society to present their data protection training programmes, as well are very extensive and provide welcome as updating and developing the content Where DPOs have other duties, these clarity as to its expectations regarding of these courses. He consults with, cannot be incompatible with their DPO the appointment and duties of DPOs. advises and provides training to a range functions. Examples given by the WP29 of organisations, public and private, on of roles which would conflict with the Author bio: data protection compliance. DPO include: Fintan Swanton, Senior Consultant and Managing Director with Cygnus Consulting, has been a data protection • Chief Executive Officer; and management consultant since 2006. • Chief Operating Officer; Fintan was the founding Chairman • Chief Financial Officer; of the Association of Data Protection • Chief Medical Officer; Officers and past President of the Irish • Head of Marketing; Computer Society. Previous employers • Head of Human Resources; include The Sunday Business Post, AIB, and Prudential Europe. He has more • Head of IT. than 25 years experience in ICT. Fintan is a Chartered Engineer, a Chartered IT The latter, while well flagged, will be Professional, a Certified Data Protection problematic for many of our clients. Practitioner, a Certified Information Historically, data protection compliance Systems Auditor and holds a Masters has by default landed on the desks of Degree in Computing. In recent years

10 11 Commission presents White Paper on the future of Europe: Avenues for unity for the EU at 27

As announced in President Juncker’s 2016 State of the Union speech, the European Commission today presented a White Paper on the Future of Europe, which forms the Commission’s contribution to the Rome Summit of 25 March 2017. As we prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of the EU, we look back on a peace spanning seven decades and on an enlarged Union of 500 million citizens living in freedom in one of the world’s most prosperous economies. At the same time, the EU has to look forward at how it will carve a vision for its own future at 27. The White Paper sets out the main challenges and opportunities for Europe in the coming decade. It presents five scenarios for how the Union could evolve by 2025 depending on how it chooses to respond.

European Commission President Jean- Claude Juncker said: “60 years ago, Europe’s founding fathers chose to unite populism. It spells out the choice we will continue to depend on its openness the continent with the force of the law face: being swept along by those trends, and strong links with its partners. rather than with armed forces. We can or embracing them and seizing the be proud of what we have achieved since new opportunities they bring. Europe’s The White Paper sets out five scenarios, then. Our darkest day in 2017 will still population and economic weight is each offering a glimpse into the be far brighter than any spent by our falling as other parts of the world grow. potential state of the Union by 2025 forefathers on the battlefield. As we mark By 2060, none of our Member States depending on the choices Europe will the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of will account for even 1% of the world’s make (see Annex). The scenarios cover a Rome, it is time for a united Europe of population – a compelling reason for range of possibilities and are illustrative 27 to shape a vision for its future. It’s sticking together to achieve more. A in nature. They are neither mutually time for leadership, unity and common positive global force, Europe’s prosperity exclusive, nor exhaustive. resolve. The Commission’s White Paper presents a series of different paths this united EU at 27 could choose to follow. It is the start of the process, not the end, Contacts : and I hope that now an honest and wide- ranging debate will take place. The form Margaritis Schinas (+32 2 296 05 24) will then follow the function. We have Europe’s future in our own hands.” Mina Andreeva (+32 2 299 13 82)

The White Paper looks at how Europe Natasha Bertaud (+32 2 296 74 56) will change in the next decade, from the impact of new technologies on society For the public: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 or by email and jobs, to doubts about globalisation, security concerns and the rise of

12 • Scenario 1: Carrying On - The EU27 rules and technical standards. The European Commission will focuses on delivering its positive - Scenario 4: Doing Less More contribute to the debate in the months reform agenda in the spirit of the Efficiently - The EU27 focuses to come with a series of reflection papers Commission’s New Start for Europe on delivering more and faster in on: developing the social dimension of from 2014 and of the Bratislava selected policy areas, while doing Europe; Declaration agreed by all 27 less where it is perceived not to • Developing the social dimension of Member States in 2016. By 2025 this have an added value. Attention Europe; could mean: and limited resources are focused • Deepening the Economic and - Europeans can drive automated on selected policy areas. By 2025 Monetary Union, on the basis of the and connected cars but can this could mean Five Presidents’ Report of June 2015; encounter problems when - A European Telecoms Authority crossing borders as some legal and will have the power to free up • Harnessing globalisation; technical obstacles persist. frequencies for cross-border • The future of Europe’s defence; - Europeans mostly travel across communication services, such • The future of EU finances. borders without having to stop as the ones used by connected for checks. Reinforced security cars. It will also protect the rights Like the White Paper, the reflection controls mean having to arrive at of mobile and Internet users papers will offer different ideas, airports and train stations well in wherever they are in the EU. proposals, options or scenarios for advance of departure. - A new European Counter- Europe in 2025 without presenting terrorism Agency helps to deter definitive decisions at this stage. • Scenario 2: Nothing but the Single and prevent serious attacks President Juncker’s State of the Union Market – The EU27 is gradually re- through a systematic tracking speech in September 2017 will take these centred on the single market as the and flagging of suspects... ideas forward before first conclusions 27 Member States are not able to find could be drawn at the December 2017 common ground on an increasing • Scenario 5: Doing Much More European Council. This will help to number of policy areas. By 2025 this Together – Member States decide decide on a course of action to be rolled could mean: to share more power, resources out in time for the European Parliament - Crossing borders for business or and decision-making across the elections in June 2019. tourism becomes difficult due board. Decisions are agreed faster to regular checks. Finding a job at European level and rapidly abroad is harder and the transfer enforced. By 2025 this could mean: Background of pension rights to another - Europeans who want to complain Sixty years ago, inspired by a dream country not guaranteed. Those about a proposed EU-funded wind of a peaceful, common future, the falling ill abroad face expensive turbine project in their local area EU’s founding members embarked medical bills. cannot reach the responsible on an ambitious journey of European - Europeans are reluctant to use authority as they are told to integration, with the signing of the connected cars due to the absence contact the competent European Treaties of Rome. They agreed to settle of EU-wide rules and technical authorities. their conflicts around a table rather standards. - Connected cars drive seamlessly than in battlefields. As a result, the across Europe as clear EU-wide painful experience of Europe’s troubled • Scenario 3: Those Who Want More rules exist. Drivers can rely on an past has given way to a peace spanning Do More – The EU27 proceeds as EU agency to enforce the rules. seven decades and to a Union of 500 today but allows willing Member million citizens living in freedom and States to do more together in specific Next Steps opportunity in one of the world’s most areas such as defence, internal The White Paper is the European’s prosperous economies. security or social matters. One or Commission contribution to the Rome several “coalitions of the willing” Summit, the moment when the EU will The 60th anniversary of the Treaties emerge. By 2025 this could mean discuss its achievements of the past 60 that: of Rome on 25 March 2017 will be an years but also its future at 27. The White important occasion for EU27 leaders - 15 Member States set up a Paper marks the beginning of a process police and magistrates corps to reflect on the state of play of our for the EU27 to decide on the to tackle cross-border criminal European project, to consider its 3 activities. Security information achievements and strengths as well is immediately exchanged as future of their Union. To encourage as areas for further improvement, and national databases are fully this debate, the European Commission, to show common resolve to shape a interconnected. together with the European Parliament stronger future together at 27. - Connected cars are used widely and interested Member States, will host in 12 Member States which have a series of ‘Future of Europe Debates’ As announced by President Juncker agreed to harmonise their liability across Europe’s cities and regions. in his State of the Union speech of 14

13 September 2016, which was welcomed by the EU-27 leaders at the Bratislava Summit of 16 September 2016, the Commission has today For More Information presented a White Paper on the future of Europe in order to launch the debate ahead European Commission White Paper on the future of Europe of the Rome Summit. https://europa.eu/european-union/eu60_en The White Paper will serve to steer the debate among the 27 Heads of State or Government and help structure the discussion at the The European Story: 60 years of shared progress Rome Summit and well beyond. It will also be http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-16-3043_en.htm used by the Commission as the starting point for a wider public debate on the future of our continent.

ANNEX: Five scenarios offering a glimpse into the potential state of the Union by 2025

14 NUI GALWAY TEAM RECEIVES EPA FUNDING TO TACKLE EPIIC ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

By NUI Galway

In December, 2016, a team from NUI more potentially interesting angles at how it could position Ireland to avail Galway’s Ryan Institute secured of the research will be to uncover of opportunities in areas such as the EU’s funding from the Environmental lessons drawn from Northern Ireland Circular Economy Package, for example. Protection Agency (EPA) to gather and Scottish institutions, especially The challenges are multi-dimensional new empirical research on the in the post-Brexit situation. Dr such as climate action and energy de- quality of Irish environmental policy Flynn highlighted that: “We are very carbonisation and require a number integration. The research project keen to hear from public officials of government departments and state will identify how to achieve a more who are interested in participating agencies to work together with a common cohesive environmental policy in this study, naturally in the key purpose. An integrated approach to governance. Dr Brendan Flynn of government departments, but sustainability, through applying EPI the School of Political Science & also local authority directors could possibly generate more positive Sociology and Pádraic Ó hUiginn of services for environment, outcomes, much greater than the sum from the BioÉire project were awarded waste, transport and serving and of the individual parts.” “EPIIC aims to funding under the EPA’s Research current or retired city and county give voice to those directly engaged in Sustainability Pillar. managers.” Dr Brendan Flynn added: implementing environmental policies “Environmental policy integration in key government departments, state EPIIC (Environmental Policy can be defined as the systematic agencies and local authorities. By Integration – Innovation and Change) inclusion of environmental concerns making use of interview-based research is a one-year desk-study which will into traditional environmental with the policy experts dealing with identify urgent pressures on integrated and planning laws or policies. It is these complex global challenges we environmental policy across Ireland’s about achieving a cohesive, greener aim to identify urgent pressures and public administration system. Key governance, or conversely, about also examples of best practice of policy cross-sectoral areas included are uncovering how environmental implementation in Ireland,” added Mr Ó energy, emissions and climate change, policies can be undermined through hUiginn. waste, transport, agriculture, marine a lack of good co-ordination. This resources, public expenditure and the study will focus on a few key policy For more information visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/ryaninstitute/ project will examine the possibilities areas where there are cross-cutting research/specialinterestgroups/epi for environmental policy integration issues and demands.” Research icenvironmentalpolicyintegration- to assist in addressing these challenges. Fellow Pádraic Ó hUiginn outlined innovationandchange/ how: “EPIIC will take a focused look The study will engage with national at reviewing the possibilities for EPI Source: departments of state, the local and to provide mechanisms for low-cost http://www.nuigalway.ie/about-us/news-and-events/news- regional governance levels, and also practical application to overcome archive/2016/december2016/nui-galway-team-receives-epa- funding-to-tackle-epiic-environmental-challenges.html specialist states agencies with an barriers to environmental policy interest in sustainability. One of the implementation. We are also looking

15 Sporting hero, footballer Seamus Coleman honoured with Freedom of Donegal

There was great excitement in the County House Lifford on Friday June 2nd, 2017 when local Donegal man and sporting hero Seamus Coleman was honoured with the freedom of the county at a civic reception hosted by the Cathaoirleach Cllr. Terence Slowey and elected members of Donegal County Council.

Seamus started his football career with St. Catherine’s in Killybegs. He joined League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in 2006 and then moved to England to sign for Everton in January 2009.He has made over 200 appearances for Everton and is regarded as one of the league’s top full-backs. Seamus Coleman has been a senior international for the Republic of Ireland since 2011, acquiring over always lie here. Wales in March this year and said 40 caps. He won the 2011 Nations Cup that while it was a set back, he is fully and was awarded the FAI Under-21 He thanked his mother and father for committed to making a full recovery International Player of the Year in both all their support and told the audience and left his guests in no doubt that he is 2009 and 2010. He was selected for that he was taught from a very early age still hungry to succeed at Premier League the Ireland squad at UEFA Euro 2016, to always say thank you and that this is level. He concluded by paying tribute to captaining Ireland against both Italy something that he has carried with him his wife Rachel and thanked her for her and France and in September 2016 throughout his life. He also spoke about endless support and commitment. he was named as Irelands permanent his recent injury which he received Captain following the retirement from during the World Cup Qualifier against Chief Executive of Donegal County international football of Robbie Keane.

Seamus Coleman was joined by his wife Rachel, his daughter Lily, his mother Maire, his father Henry and his brothers Stevie and Francis at Friday’s ceremony where he received the honour of the freedom of the county in recognition of his footballing achievements including the captaincy of the Republic of Ireland football team.

Speaking at the ceremony an emotional Seamus Coleman said that he was shocked to receive this honour and that this award would take pride of place in his home. He also talked about how proud he is to be from Killybegs and Donegal and said that his heart would

16 Council Seamus Neely also spoke at week out for the children and young each political party and grouping the ceremony and said that while this people in his area. This is replicated in within Donegal County Council is a very special day for Seamus and his towns and villages across the county also congratulated Seamus Coleman family it is also a very special day for the and indeed across the country. These on receiving this award and the soccer community in Donegal. “Seamus volunteers are the people who to turn up Cathaoirleach Cllr. Terence Slowey like so many other young boys and night after night, in all types of weather summed up the feeling of all those girls in Donegal started his footballing to give our children and young people present when he said “while you have career in his local club, in this case St. the opportunity to participate, to learn, achieved great things on the field, I Catherine’s in Killybegs. And Seamus’s to grow and in Seamus’s case to become can’t help but be most impressed by ongoing support and commitment of his one of the most highly regarded players your achievements off the field. You are home club demonstrates the esteem with in the Premier League”. a modest and humble person. A person which he holds this club, the people of who always has time to talk to his the club and what they do week in and An elected member representing supporters and especially the children and young people that look up to you as their hero and role model. You are also a person who remains hugely committed to your hometown and you are a wonderful ambassador for Donegal”.

Seamus is the eighth recipient of a badge and pin specially commissioned by the Council and which is reserved exclusively for those on whom the Freedom of the County is conferred. The badge, crafted by Ms Geraldine Hannigan, Designer Goldsmith, Letterkenny, and mounted on a background designed by Mr Fionntan Gogarty, Artworks, is a silver replication of the County Badge granted to the Council County by the Chief Herald of Ireland as part of a Grant of Arms to the County. The badge comprises the O’Donnell Cross enfiled by an Iunula. The Iunula on which it is based was discovered at Trentagh, Co. Donegal, and dates to the period 1500 -2,000 B.C. It is on display in the National Museum.

Now Enrolling for October Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies

2017-2018 Is this Programme for You? The Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies is designed to complement the Cerficate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies, which has been running successfully since 2004. The Diploma provides a more in-depth explanaon and analysis of the system of government, ‘governance’ and public administraon in Ireland. Both programmes are intended to be an important step in the career development path of civil and public service staff and to provide material of relevance to enhance the competence of individuals in their career path. The programme is aimed at civil and public servants who have successfully undertaken and completed the Cerficate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies. Both programmes are relevant to: All staff working within the civil service, state agency and local authority sectors, parcularly staff at junior and middle level grades (the content is appropriate to those in technical and professional as well as administrave grades); Staff in other organisaons that significantly interact with government and the system of public administration.

Applicaon Process Applicaon Deadline: mid-October 2017. Completed applicaons should be submied in hardcopy and will be acknowledged by email upon receipt. Course conﬁrmaons will issue by email to conﬁrmed students in mid-October.

Entry Requirements Cerﬁcate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies (UCD/NUI).

Aendance Students aend six tutorials, as indicated in the provisional metable below. Tutorials are full-day, dayme sessions and students are expected to aend all tutorials unless they can produce a medical cerﬁcate or a leer from their training oﬃcer excusi ng them.

Tutorial Dates Please note that tutorial/examinaon dates may be subject to change.

Module 1: Friday 27 October 2017 Venue Dublin: IPA, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62 Module 2: Friday 24 November 2017 Accreditaon Module 3: Monday 18 December 2017 UCD

Module 4: Friday 19 January 2018 Level on Naonal Framework of Qualiﬁcaons Level 6 (Special Purpose Award, 15 credits) Module 5: Friday 16 February 2018

Course Fee Module 6: Friday 9 March 2018 €990 (includes all matriculaon and examinaon fees). Examinaons April 2018 (date to be advised) Tutorial Times Tutorials typically start at 9.30am and ﬁnish at 5.00pm.

AN FORAS RIARACHÁIN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

UndergraduateOﬃce, Whitaker School of Government andManagement Instute of Public Administraon, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62

Now Enrolling for October

Course Content The programme covers the following key topics over six modules.

The Changing State and Public Service Policy Formulaon and Analysis Public Service Modernisaon Ireland and the EU Government Financing and Economics Issues in Modern Governance

Tutors Modules are delivered by the Course Director, Ms Orla O’Donnell, a variety of IPA specialists and experienced praconers. Speakers are drawn from the Civil and Public Service and from State Sponsored organisaons.

Course Materials Students will receive a learning pack comprising a specially developed distance learning text and recommended readings. Further resources are provided online through our learning portal, Moodle.

Assessment Assessment is a mix of connuous assessment (assignments handed in over the academic year) and end of year examinaon.

Progression Students who successfully complete the Diploma can, a er a short course of Bridging Studies, enter Year 2 of the BA (Hons). The Bridging Studies programme is normally delivered during the summer months through distance educaon and aendance at three weekend seminars.

Payment Arrangements Students who are paying the fee themselves may pay in two equal instalments, the ﬁrst instalment payable with applicaon and the second before end of January 2018. Fees may be paid by cheque, money order, electronic bank transfer, debit or credit card. Students who wish to pay in more than two instalments should enclose an inial payment of €300 with applicaon and then contact the Undergraduate Oﬃce to arrange a payment schedule. Fees must be paid in full by exam me.

If an employer is paying a student’s course fee the IPA must be given a leer or email and Purchase Order number (where relevant) conﬁrming that the employer wishes to be invoiced for the student’s fees and specifying to whom the invoice should be addressed. Leers should be addressed to the Undergraduate Oﬃce, IPA, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62. Emails should be addressed to [email protected]

Tax Relief Students who progress to the Diploma and who pay their fees themselves, with no possibilityof reimbursement from their organisaons, may claim tax relief at 20% once they have paid all or part of the course fee. Tax relief is calculated per student per course per year and is subject to a maximum of €7,000. The ﬁrst €1,000 of the fee is not included in calculaons for tax relief.

AN FORAS RIARACHÁIN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

UndergraduateOﬃce, Whitaker School of Government andManagement Instute of Public Administraon, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62

Now Enrolling for November Cerﬁcate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies

Is this Programme for You? 2017-2018 This programme is designed to provide students with a praccal and comprehensive understanding of government in Ireland. In this new era of integrang and transforming public services, students will receive an important ‘system-wide inducon’ to the roles and funcons of the various sectors of government and the key processes such as legislaon, budgeng, modernisaon and government decision making. Students will consequently beer appreciate the role and interacons of their organisaons within this complex system and be beer equipped to deal with the myriad of tasks and responsibilies in their public service careers. This Cerficate is relevant to all staff working within the civil service or state agency sectors, but will be parcularly useful to staff at junior and middle level grades. The content is appropriate to those in administrave, technical, professional and managerial roles. It will also be relevant to staff in other organisaons that have significant interacons with government and the system of public administraon.

Entry Requirements Leaving Cerﬁcate. Applicants who are 21 years of age or over may qualify for entry as a mature student. Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements may apply for a Special Case Applicaon Form.

Aendance Students aend five tutorials, as indicated in the provisional metable below. Tutorials are full-day, dayme sessions and students are expected to aend all tutorials unless they can produce a medical cerficate or a leer from their training officer excusing them.

Tutorial Dates Please note that tutorial/examinaon dates may be subject to change.

Module 1: Friday 3 November 2017 Venue Dublin: IPA, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62 Module 2: Friday 1 December 2017 Accreditaon Module 3: Friday 5 January 2018 UCD

Module 4: Friday 2 February 2018 Level on Naonal Framework of Qualiﬁcaons Level 6 (Special Purpose Award, 15 credits) Module 5: Friday 2 March 2018

Course Fee Examinaons April 2018 (date to be advised) €950 (includes all matriculaon and examinaon fees).

Tutorial Times Tutorials typically start at 9.30am and ﬁnish at 5.00pm.

AN FORAS RIARACHÁIN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

UndergraduateOﬃce, Whitaker School of Government andManagement Instute of Public Administraon, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62

Now Enrolling for November

Course Content The programme covers the following key topics over ﬁve modules.

Central Polical Agencies Sub-Naonal Government, the Health Sector and Legal Agencies Government Departments and Civil Service Issues in Governance and Public Management State Agencies and non-Elected Oversight Agencies

Assessment Assessment is a mix of connuous assessment (assignments handed in over the academic year) and end of year examinaon.

Progression Students who successfully complete the Cerﬁcate in Civil Service and State Agency Studies may progress to the Diploma in Civil Service and State Agency Studies or Stage 1 of the Diploma in Public Management/BA (Hons) with an exempon from the Polics, Government and Public Administraon module.

AN FORAS RIARACHÁIN INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

UndergraduateOﬃce, Whitaker School of Government andManagement Instute of Public Administraon, 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62

21 What future for Europe?

By The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

The European Commission’s White communication and interaction must community. Reclaiming the value of Paper draws up five scenarios for Europe then be adapted to these new trends. that feeling and fostering that European by 2025 and launches a broad debate; 12.3 In the European Union consistently identity is a responsibility of all levels of local and regional authorities are key high levels of youth unemployment government but, particularly, that of the stakeholders and have an active role to in some Member States, limited public local level. play. CEMR and its members will provide investment in infrastructure and basic valuable input to the upcoming debates, public services and the focus on the highlighting the specific local and Single Market have led many Europeans A Europe that treasures its regional aspects of every relevant issue. to believe that the Union’s sole purpose diversity Noting the forthcoming publication is economic integration. of several reflection papers, we call on Europe’s strength lies in its the European Commission to include a 12.4 As the level of government closest diversity in culture, history, specific chapter addressing the local and to the citizens, cities, municipalities identity, traditions, political regional dimension of the issues to be and regions and their representative systems, etc. which should be considered. organisations, seek to find ways to valued and respected where involve citizens beyond electoral possible. A Europe that is closer to its processes. Up to 75 per cent of municipal citizens statutory functions are impacted by 13.1 Europe’s differences are its treasure EU legislation; thus, local and regional and we are proud of our cultural heritage Efforts are needed to establish governments play an important role in and history. Open borders, free exchange better links between the the implementation of European rules of goods and services, free movement of challenges that people experience and in explaining the rationale and people are great achievements that allow in their daily lives and the the benefits of European cooperation Europeans to travel, work and live in solutions that Europe and the to citizens. This is a challenging task many European countries. European Union should provide; as they have to demonstrate that there therefore, an active role must be are no simple solutions to complex 13.2 European continental ensured for local and regional problems. partnerships, such as the Council of governments in the development Europe and its Congress for local and and implementation of these 12.5 Good quality public services at the regional authorities and the OSCE, and solutions. local and regional level and decent living enlargements of the European Union conditions strengthen confidence in foster the sharing of common values, 12.1 Worldwide, people are experiencing public authorities and institutions. Such contribute to a better understanding a crisis of confidence in political leaders’ confidence is based on the continued, our diversity and strengthens unity, ability to adequately respond to their reliable and affordable performance solidarity and tolerance, and have concerns and needs. This is a worrying of local and regional authorities, and opened new markets and given trend and in Europe, the economic and is jeopardised if local and regional opportunities for labour forces. financial crisis, migration, globalisation authorities do not have the freedom and geopolitical developments have to organise and finance their public 13.3 Programmes like ‘Europe for raised questions as to whether our services in a stable legal framework. citizens’ and ‘Erasmus+’ that support leaders are able to provide the right This fact needs to be accommodated by exchanges between people are extremely solutions. European rules . valuable as they contribute to the common understanding of our diversity. 12.2 Forms of citizens’ participation 12.6 It is important to recall that by Consequently they should be expanded have evolved over the years due to new promoting exchanges between citizens both in scope, and in terms of eligible communication tools. Citizens now via twinning arrangements, it is cities countries that have signed Association want to intervene in specific policies that helped cultivate the feeling of Agreements with the EU. and no longer on general matters, belonging to a common European

22 An effective Europe that adequate and efficient mechanisms 15.4 Particular attention should be given concentrates on major issues of coordination and collaboration to a solidary relocation of refugees in the between all levels of government. EU countries based on regional, national Major global challenges, such Where necessary, local and regional and historical conditions, and local and as security, migration, climate, governments’ capacities should regional authorities be allocated with energy and trade; and for the states be strengthened and in that way the necessary support and resources to sharing the Euro also economic contribute to the successful design and successfully manage integration in the and fiscal policies, are issues that implementation of common policies. mid and long-term. are best addressed collectively. 15.5 The European Union social and 14.1 Tackling major global challenges A Europe that is inclusive, economic model must foster innovation requires a more effective European innovative, and sustainable and be driven by environmental Union; the political and legal framework concerns, the digital revolution and should focus on what really needs to be A more politically and global competitiveness, and should regulated at EU level and the leadership economically integrated European develop models for well-functioning should have the courage to refrain from Union must progress beyond the social dialogue cooperation. Europe overly prescriptive and bureaucratic Single Market and provide genuine has the ambition and potential to approaches. instruments of solidarity. become the world´s most competitive knowledgebased economy. 14.2 EU rules and regulations should 15.1. We must strive for a social, citizens- not be too detailed and better take into based Europe on freedom, equality of 15.6 In order to reach the Sustainable account differences that exist, allowing opportunities and solidarity, in order to Development Goals and the objectives flexibility and room for manoeuvre, in achieve a welfare state in the European of the Paris Agreement on climate pursuit of commonly agreed objectives. Union. Governing in partnership will and Agenda 2030, seeking to build Member States, in close cooperation ensure success in the establishment of a decarbonised and resilient communities, with all relevant actors concerned, social Europe. Europe should continue taking bold should define the appropriate way to actions at all levels of governance. achieve the desired outcomes. 15.2 Policies on territorial, social The favoured approach should be the and economic cohesion must be promotion of integrated and sustainable 14.3 Several scenarios are currently strengthened to meet new challenges and urban policies, including mobility, under discussion to define the potential the citizens’ expectations. Youth issues, renewable energy, a circular economy, future concept of the EU. CEMR gender equality, anti-discrimination, etc.; we call for sufficient financial acknowledges and welcomes the current social inclusion, integration policy, support from the European Union and discussions on the different options for digitalisation, active ageing and national states. the future of Europe – without already quality healthcare, together with fight now pin-pointing a preferred option. against climate change, environmental A Europe that plays its role in Members of CEMR have yet to have a protection, employment, education, the world thorough discussion on the different competitiveness, should be placed at the scenarios proposed by the European heart of efforts to close the economic, Europe is a major contributor Commission, in particular in relation social and territorial divide in Europe, to peace, prosperity and to their meaning for local and regional and implemented with a certain degree sustainability in the world, as it governments. This may also concern of flexibility to allow local governments is other European organisations the areas of competence and the to best respond according to the needs of such as the Council of Europe or the Community institutions. This paper their context. OSCE. It should keep a particular does not precede these discussions. focus on local democracy and the 15.3 We call for an intra-European development of the neighbouring 14.4 More trust should be placed territorial and social cohesion, based countries. We support a Europe in local and regional governments on principles of partnership, solidarity, which voices local and regional and the principles of subsidiarity, freedom and dignity for all. Together governments’ interests when proportionality and financial autonomy with social and territorial cohesion, the negotiating international should be strictly applied. The concept balance between rural, urban and peri- agreements and development of ‘governance in partnership’ should urban regions, must be guaranteed. programmes. be implemented according to a fair Particular attention shall be brought to distribution of competences and areas at risk of depopulation. 16.1 The local and regional level can boost the implementation of Agenda

23 2030, the Sustainable Development economic practices. CEMR secretary general reacts to White Goals (SDGs), the Agreement on climate Paper on Future of Europe: “Europe and the New Urban Agenda. As members Our scenario: a local and cannot work through the only prism of of the UN, all European states have regional agenda for bolstering nation states any longer.” agreed to take actions to reach the goals. Europe and the EU The localisation process of the Agenda The debate launched by the European 2030 should therefore come with a real Europe’s leaders should seize the Commission on the future of Europe is commitment to strengthening multi- occasion to rethink the European a crucial initiative if we are to reconnect level and multi-sectorial alliances. project and reshape the policies with the fundamentals of the European and institutions according to the project and make it appealing to young 16.2 As stable and respected partners, outcome of the current reflection generations. The challenges Europe is European states as member of the on Europe’s common future. facing – economic crisis, unemployment, European Union but also of other deepened inequalities, migrant European organisations such as the 17.1 Any discussion about the future inclusion, increase of nationalism and Council of Europe, the UN Economic of Europe should be based on the populism, among others – call for new Commission for Europe, the OECD, recognition of the principles of local answers and everybody’s involvement. etc. significantly influence relevant self-government, subsidiarity and For this reason, we see with great interest international negotiations and decisions proportionality and of the important the different options that strengthen at the global level. As globalisation and role local and regional governments play multi-level cooperation as well as migration flows clearly affect the local as backbones of our states and societies. European integration. and regional level, local and regional authorities should be consulted on these 17.2 The future European Union The secretary general of the Council of issues. They can provide vital support institutional set-up should have European Municipalities and Regions, and complement the actions of central appropriate and efficient tools and Frédéric Vallier, states: “We see with governments in response to global governance structures, building on the great interest the different options that challenges. CEMR and its members existing system, where local and regional strengthen multi-level cooperation in cooperation with theirs partners governments and their representative as well as European integration. gathered in the world organisation organisations are instrumental in Nevertheless, we expect this process to ‘United Cities and Local Governments’ the development, implementation, put citizens at the heart of the debate and (UCLG) have demonstrated influence monitoring and evaluation of policies decisions on the future of the European on global issues, most recently in the and legislation. project.” Climate Agreement, the SDGs and the New Urban Agenda discussion. 17.3 Only in this way will Europe and the Europe cannot work through the only European Union succeed in developing prism of nation states any longer. It 16.3 Our experience of subsidiarity meaningful policies for citizens, and will only thrive on the basis on strong and the strengthening of local self- optimise chances for regaining their relationships between the European government in Europe is relevant trust and support. Union, its territories and its citizens. when engaging with the rest of the To enable everyone’s participation, world: we call on Europe to highlight CEMR and its member associations we call for the debate on the future the advantages of strong decentralised consider themselves committed partners of Europe to take place in European democratic structures; international of the European institutions and central towns and regions, as close as can be to development programmes should place governments. Therefore, we stand ready European citizens. In 2016, the Council stronger emphasis on projects involving to contribute in a constructive way to of European Municipalities and Regions, local governments and local actors, the debates on the future of Europe and representing mayors and local and including civil society the European Union. Working together regional elected representatives from will provide the best foundations for an more than 130.000 towns and regions, 16.4 International cooperation must effective way forward. started to reflect on a vision of Europe in remain a tool of solidarity and respect 2030. This important piece of work will endogenous processes of development. allow us to efficiently contribute to the Key development factors must be Source: thought process on the future of Europe. embraced– local governments and civil Council of European Municipalities and Regions, What future In our view, today and tomorrow, when society - while also compensating for the for Europe? A vision from a local and regional perspective, CEMR Europe is closer to its territories, Europe inequalities caused by wars, industry- position, June, 13th, 2017 is closer to its citizens.” induced climate change or unfair

24 “Our common values should direct Europe’s future” claim Europe’s towns and regions

By The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR)

Mayors, local and regional leaders placed to transport these concerns to the To mark Europe Day, CEMR are adopted their position to lay out the national and European level. They are presenting the views* of Christiane local and regional vision for the Europe core contributors to tackle challenges Overmans, Bonn city councillor and we want to shape in the years to come. such as security, migration, climate, etc. vice-president of CEMR, to know what This position, adopted by the members Therefore, an active role must be ensured expectations a local leader has for of the CEMR Policy Committee in Chios for local and regional governments in Europe by 2030. on 13 June, gives food for thought at an the development and implementation of early stage of the on-going reflection relevant policies. Promoting exchanges Christiane Overmans: “We process on Europe’s future. Seen from between citizens via the Europe for need to take Europe beyond a local and regional perspective, our Citizens and Erasmus programmes the town halls and into the core position could be placed under contribute to the awareness of belonging streets of our cities” the motto “Governing together on to a European community with rich the basis of shared, common values”. cultural heritage, history, traditions “Our debate in the next 15 years should be It expresses how urgent it is to reassert and political systems. Recognising our headlined: How can we [Europeans] master our commitment to a strong and united diversity as a treasure and respecting the our challenges and which role should local Europe based on common values such as differences can help restore the faith of and regional governments have to this end?” democracy, decentralisation, solidarity citizens in our European project. she told CEMR. and tolerance. Europe cannot work through the “Local and regional governments have a Listen to citizens, treasure our only prism of nation states any legitimate voice in EU policy making and diversity longer, but rather on the basis of share a strong responsibility with all levels a strong relationship between the of government to work towards a Europe that As towns and regions, we are stretching EU, its territories and its citizens. out our hand to EU decision makers. can rise to the challenges we face. A strong, How can towns and regions be In this context, we will be focusing confident unified European voice, where involved in Europe’s future? our views on the future of Europe at all spheres of government play their part, the occasion of the European Week of can help set the bold political agenda that Local and regional politicians should Regions and Cities that will take place we so desperately need.” – President of the take the lead to form a new European in October. At this occasion, CEMR is Council of European Municipalities and political culture. This process should organising a workshop: “Getting Europe Regions (CEMR) and Emilia-Romagna, involve direct discussions, taking back on its feet”. This workshop will Stefano Bonaccini. He added: “As CEMR Europe beyond the town halls into the present a diverse snapshot of views and President, I call on EU institutions to streets of our cities. This is an immediate ideas on what is needed to build strong, necessity! engage in constructive dialogue with inclusive, diverse, sustainable and local governments, but I also call on local resilient communities. Our discussions On top of it all, by 2030 the EU governments to feed these discussions promise to be lively, engaging and should guarantee that the principle with ideas and suggestions on how to interactive. Come along and be part of of subsidiarity (similar to the Lisbon better align the EU with local needs.” the conversation! Treaty) for local self-government is implemented and financed with local Listen to citizens, treasure our The debate launched by the European governments’ own tax resources, in diversity Commission on the future of Europe is a all European countries. Furthermore, critical initiative to reconnect European the EU should ensure the possibility There is a crisis of confidence in political institutions and citizens. But this debate for local cooperation throughout leaders’ ability to adequately respond to must be conducted with towns and Europe, regardless of national views and the concerns and needs of the people. regions: they can play a fundamental role directives. As the level of government closest to the in demonstrating to citizens the day-to- citizens, towns and regions are the best day benefits of European cooperation. A number of key issues faced

25 by Europe’s towns and regions - creative, original European, joint light of this, we are calling for concerted unemployment or demographic solutions - beyond political and religious action that overcomes our traditional change - depend on economic and ideologies. Moreover, I expect local self- divides and interests. There is an urgent social policies. To reinforce the government and cooperation beyond need to revitalise European dialogue and EU’s social dimension, how could national borders to be strengthened. cooperation to ensure the development we reconnect the citizens with the of truly European proposals for solutions European project? What would be your message to to the challenges we face. Europeans for the next period? Many of the current problems could have In a time when Europe is divided been foreseen, or are the outcome of an Europe has a future if we succeed and split between different visions excessively economic view the European in modernizing the way we act and for our common future, we need to integration. Over the next 15 years, we think, no country in Europe will have engage Europe and its’ citizens in a should learn to see change as a chance a prosperous and peaceful future dialogue about the future of European without neglecting our traditions and when politicians stick to methods and cooperation and democracy. This diversity. solutions of the 19th century. Europe is a dialogue should encourage and mobilize family – we all have to compromise – and Europeans in all member states so In this regard, it is crucial to acknowledge whatever we decide to do will be relevant that trust in the European values and local and regional governments as a for everybody else. democracy is reinstalled. constituent element of the European Union, thereby respecting local self- Petros Fassoulas: “By government as mentioned in the collaborating with local Since the first European elections, European treaties. governments, we can reach turnout has consistently millions of citizens across decreased. How do you explain By 2030, the EU should have built a more Europe” this? inclusive and fairer Union and common sustainability standards. It should also The loss of trust in the European Union Since the first European elections have set a common migration policy and or a lower turnout at European elections in 1979, turnout has decreased from equal educational offers for all. are some of the challenges that the around 62% to 43% in 2014, with some EU is facing today. To contribute to a member states seeing voting rates as low Global challenges – security, strong and united Europe, CEMR joined as 13%. We think there are a number of migration or climate change – “ALL”, a new alliance that is to campaign reasons for this. Firstly, trust in the EU require a more integrated Union to in favour of European cooperation has also been steadily declining over act more efficiently. How do you and democracy in the run-up to the the past years. There are also those who see the role of the European Union European Parliament elections in 2019. have turned their backs on the European on the global stage? project because they do not believe In order to understand what is at stake for that the EU can offer solutions to the Among the strengths of Europe is its European democracy and to learn more problems they face, or they feel that the credibility in action and teaming up about this alliance, CEMR interviewed EU is an abstract entity in Brussels. with other parts of the world – through ALL’s founder and secretary general of climate, biodiversity or peaceful ways the European Movement International Another issue that we can address is out of conflicts and crises. (EMI), Petros Fassoulas. how campaigns around the European elections have been mostly centered We have learned to integrate stronger on national issues; results often reflect and weaker members within our Why does Europe need an alliance the political climate of the individual European team. This experience should for democracy? Is democracy in member state. The disinterest in now help us become a power of global crisis? European elections, the declining voter integration. No single goal can be turnout in many member states, and addressed by just one city, by one nation, Europe is facing a multitude of nationally-centered campaigns need to by one actor alone. Whenever we can challenges, the very values on which be countered through cooperation, no find a good solution, we should go for it Europe is built; democracy, human EU country can tackle these issues alone. without national vanities. rights, freedom of movement and the rule of law, are being challenged. This, How can ALL break this trend? By 2030, Europe will have developed partnered with recent political events its traditional capacities further, to be both within the EU and further afield, We want to foster real debate all over an innovative and resilient recognised and the rise of fake news puts European Europe, within and between countries, partner in the world and to find democracy in an uncertain place. In about the things that matter to our

26 fellow Europeans. We want to listen and of these values and we want Europeans candidate, neighbouring and partner understand their concerns and hope. to be reminded that in a fragmented countries. CoR President Markku We want to reach out and engage as world we have these values in common. Markkula expressed: “CEMR and the many as we can, in honest, participative We can only defend European values CoR play a strong role in the same place discussion beyond and above what and democracy if we do it together. towards Europe. Our collaboration to might divide us. build the future of Europe is crucial.” The A new era of cooperation agreement was signed during the debate In September, we will be organising between the CEMR and the on “Local and regional governments and a Democracy Marathon. It will be a CoR. the EU: partners to promote democracy two-day brainstorm event which will and global development”, organised gather a diverse mix of inspiring and By The Council of European alongside CEMR Executive Bureau creative Europeans to develop new and Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) meeting, which took place in Rome on innovative proposals as to how we can 24 March 2017. re-energise democratic dialogue. The CEMR and the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) signed We believe that if 100 bright and a Memorandum of Understanding. The Source: action-oriented believers of democracy two parties commit to join forces for The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), will dedicate two days of their lives to local democracy. April, May and June e-newsletters, 2017 European democracy, this will unleash a wave of new ideas and impetus for The agreement also includes a reference engaging the wider European public in to decentralised cooperation in the debate on the future of Europe.

How can local government and partners such as CEMR contribute to this effort?

Europe’s strength is its diversity, and ALL’s strengths are the depth and breadth of our network. By working with partners like CEMR and local governments, we can reach millions of citizens across all European countries and regions. The aim of ALL isn’t to We are pleased to let you know that the 2017 Public Service represent the European elite or the EU Reform and Innovation Conference will now take place on institutions here it Brussels, it is to work Monday 18 September in Printworks, Dublin Castle. directly with our fellow people; the EU- convinced, the unconvinced and the undecided. In order to do this, local We will be in touch with further details of attendance, including actions and events will be organised, how to register, in due course. where our partner CEMR, along with local governments will play a big role. In the meantime you may wish to save the date in your diaries. Let’s picture the day after the 2019 elections. What would you hope for? If you have queries please email:

Our ultimate goal is to engage Europeans. So we would be very happy to see an increase in voter turnout after the 2019 elections, 43% is not enough! Europe’s founding values, freedom of speech, rule of law and human rights, must be cherished and protected. We really want to highlight the importance

27 News items

Donegal named ‘Media’s Favourite Travel Media Awards are the only awards that he was thrilled Donegal has been Place in Ireland’ at TravelMedia.ie that call on members of the media to recognised by the travel media sector vote for their favourite companies in the and said that “we have been building Awards travel trade. To be voted as the ‘Media’s positive relationships with the travel Donegal has just been named ‘Media’s Favourite Place in Ireland’ is testament media in recent years through our work Favourite Place in Ireland’ at the recent to the increasing popularity of Donegal with Donegal Tourism and the Donegal prestigious Travel Media Awards as the perfect holiday destination on the County Council Communications ceremony which took place on Friday Wild Atlantic Way. Office in promoting the Govisitdonegal. June 9th, 2017 in the Shelbourne Hotel, com platform and our Donegal brand. Dublin. This is an excellent achievement TravelMedia.ie is a Dublin based This award is a welcome sign that our for Donegal and a wonderful addition specialist travel public relations, communications and PR activities are to our other recent accolades including marketing, representation, events, reaching the right audience and our being named ‘Coolest Place on the communications and social media recognition as ‘Media’s Favourite Place Planet 2017’ by National Geographic company. They are the company behind in Ireland’ is very much appreciated”. Traveller and ‘Ireland’s Hidden Gem’ by the Travel Media awards and Michael Donegal Tourism and Donegal County Independent Travel readers. Collins MD of TravelMedia.ie stated that Council have been working with “this was the first time we introduced businesses and representatives in the The Travel Media Awards were first this category. Instead of always asking tourism trade to deliver a very effective launched in 2011 and are sponsored the media about their favourite collaborative approach to promoting by Shannon Airport. They have grown international places we thought, let’s County Donegal; this strategy is proving to become one of the highlights of the bring it back home and ask them about to be very successful. Donegal County annual travel industry calendar. The Ireland. It was really interesting to see Council has recently developed a event calls on the media to vote and Donegal win, with the capital Dublin three-year Donegal Tourism Strategy give their say on who they think stands coming second.” 2017-2020, which includes more out from the travel industry crowd – Speaking following the announcement, media engagement including PR past winners include Aer Lingus, MSC Donegal County Council’s, Head of and communications action plan to Cruises and Crystal Ski Holidays. The Tourism, Barney McLaughlin stated target the travel writer/travel blogger opportunities that exist.

Failte Ireland’s Ellen Redmond accepting Donegal’s Media’s Favourite Place in Ireland award from travel writers Deirdre Mullen and Fionn Davenport and Isabel Harrison from Shannon Airport at the Travel Media Awards in Dublin

28 The Awards were hosted by travel writers Balance. It showed that Ireland’s energy for 9% of energy while peat use Fionn Davenport and Deirdre Mullins, use increased by 3% in 2016 while the fell by 2% and accounted for 5% of and there were 26 award categories in economy grew by over 5%. This growth energy use. 2017, including, best tour operator, shows that work remains to be done • Oil use increased by 3.4% in 2016 to best online booking agent, best city in decoupling energy demand from 48% of energy use. break destination and media’s favourite economic growth. • Import dependency fell from place in Ireland, which Donegal won. 88.5% in in 2015 to 69.7% in 2016 The event host Fionn Davenport was Mr. Jim Gannon, CEO of SEAI outlined primarily due to the effect of the a keynote speaker at the ‘Connecting that “it remains a concern that as our commencement of supply from the Wild Atlantic Way’ conference recovery continues we haven’t seen a the Corrib gas field. Other factors hosted by Donegal Tourism CLG and stronger decoupling of energy demand contributing to the fall in import Donegal County Council, which took from economic growth. This year’s, dependency include reduced place in Letterkenny in 2015. Pól Ó key findings also show the sensitivity imports of coal, oil and electricity Conghaile was awarded ‘Ireland’s Best of our relatively small energy system to and the drawdown of stocks of coal Travel Writer.’ Pól also recently visited external forces as we pursue competitive and peat. Donegal as a keynote speaker at the prices, improved security of supply • 58% of natural gas use in Ireland in Donegal Tourism Seminar in March and greater sustainability. The level of 2016 came from indigenous sources 2017. Ellen Redmond from Fáilte Ireland detail and analysis brought to this year’s compared with 3% in 2015. attended the event and accepted the figures is second to none, and is a critical award on behalf of Donegal. The recent dataset for those engaged in the broader Electricity Generation successes of County Donegal and the energy industry.” growing visitor numbers to the county • Coal, peat and oil use in electricity all indicate that we are moving in the There was a dramatic increase in generation are down slightly, 1.8%, right direction towards a very successful the carbon intensity of electricity 2.2% and 5.3% respectively or a tourism product in County Donegal. generation, from 470 gCO2/kWh to 492 total of 37 ktoe, between 2015 and gCO2/kWh. This is mostly due to an 2016. Also down was hydro (-15.6%) increase in natural gas used in electricity and wind (-6.4%), a combined fall of Source: generation to meet higher domestic 47 ktoe. demand, a low wind year by comparison • A significant change also was the Anne Marie Conlon, Communications Officer, Donegal County Council, [email protected] to the previous three-year average switch from net import of 58 ktoe (down 6%), and Ireland becoming a net of electricity in 2015 to a net export exporter of electricity for the first time. of 61 ktoe. To put this another way, However, in some good news, Ireland’s an additional 119 ktoe of electricity Need for a reduction in energy import dependency has fallen from was generated to compensate for consumption underlined by 2016 88% to 70%. This is mostly because the this. There was also an increase in growth Corrib gas field came on stream among demand of electricity of about 2.3% other factors. As a result, 58% of natural with added another 56 ktoe to be gas use in Ireland in 2016 came from generated. • Dramatic rise in carbon intensity of indigenous sources compared with 3% • These falls in generation, increased electricity generation in 2015. demand and switch to exports were • Ireland’s energy import compensated for by an increase dependency dropped significantly Key points on Provisional Energy in natural gas generation which due to Corrib gas Balance 2016 saw natural gas input to electricity • Renewable energy contribution to generation increase by 23.3% (442 generation is down • Overall primary energy use ktoe) between 2015 and 2016 with • Responsibility on all citizens to increased by 3.1% in 2016 while the a similar percentage increase in reduce consumption economy grew by 5.2%. electricity generated from gas. • Natural gas experienced the largest • These changes in 2016 have resulted On May 26th, 2017, the Sustainable increase in use growing by 12% in the CO2 intensity of electricity Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) compared with 2015 and accounted increasing from 470 gCO2/kWh in published an analysis of national energy for 30% of all energy used. 2015 to 492 gCO2/kWh in 2016. use in the 2016 Provisional Energy • Coal use fell by 8.9% and accounted

29 *Note that the energy balance data are • Natural gas experienced the largest • And making detailed changes to the provisional. Final 2016 energy balance increase in use growing by 12% and way a suite of services for adults with is expected to be published in August/ accounted for 30% of all energy learning disabilities and dementia September 2017. used. operate. • 58% of natural gas use in Ireland in • Together the savings amount to just 2016 came from indigenous sources over £4.7m. SEAI stress that we need to redouble compared with 3% in 2015. our efforts to increase energy efficiency • Renewables contribution to As mentioned above, libraries, public across business, the public sector and electricity generation were down toilets, school crossing patrols, in our day-to-day lives. Further, that hydro (-15.6%) and wind (-6.4%). Neighbourhood Partnerships and Bristol we need to maintain momentum in the Coal, peat and oil use in electricity Community Links are all covered in the development of policies that facilitate generation are down 2-5%. proposals. The ‘Your Neighbourhood’ low and zero carbon sources of energy. • There was a 2.3% increase in consultations ask people to comment on Mr Gannon notes that “in the coming domestic electricity demand. as many of these proposals as possible. years, Irish society will play a far • In 2016 Ireland, for the first time in It includes an interactive map to help more active role in the generation and our history, switched from being a people judge and comment on the management of our energy system. It is net importer of 58 ktoe of electricity combined effects of the different options critical that communities and citizens to a net exporter of 61 ktoe, requiring they can choose from. The consultations are at the centre of this transition and an additional 119 ktoe of electricity are open now at www.bristol.gov.uk/ become leaders in their own right. generation. yourneighbourhood and run until Renewable energy technology at small Tuesday 5 September, 2017. People who and large scale, alongside storage and can take part online are encouraged to smarter grid technologies will quickly Source: do so because it is quicker and easier for become the norm, and we need to make them and helps save the council money Johnny Fallon, Carr Communications, johnny@ sure that we have the correct policy and carrcommunications.ie in print and transcription costs. market frameworks in place to ensure that everyone shares in the benefits they The consultations follow the council’s can bring.” New consultations detail Corporate Strategy consultation last year major savings proposals in and the subsequent budget decisions SEAI is underlining the fact that Ireland Bristol neighbourhoods made by Full Council in February. Now still faces major challenges to reduce that the council knows how much must overall consumption and reduce carbon be saved, it is presenting details of how A raft of five consultations launched on intensity in energy generation. Citizens this can be achieved. It is also welcoming Tuesday, 13 June, 2017 reveal detailed play a key part in both reduce energy local ideas and is encouraging more proposals for how Bristol City Council consumption and in being more active people to step up and play an active role could deliver certain local services participants in the delivery of lower in city life, including the possibility of with a reduced budget. The ‘Your carbon energy sources. Increasing some services or facilities being taken Neighbourhood’ consultations propose awareness of this role is now a priority on by community groups or other smaller, more focused options which and SEAI is asking the public to organisations. encourage people to take part in civic remember to: life and reduce dependency on council- • Examine their energy use at home Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol outlined funded services. and in business and get in touch that “we have no choice but to make with SEAI for advice on how to save major savings following years of The proposed changes, include: yourself money government austerity and the rising • Reducing the number of city • Get your community group cost of providing vital services to more libraries to 10; to join our Sustainable Energy people. At the same time we want to • Closing street toilets and investing Communities network where we deliver on our priorities and make Bristol in a new community toilet scheme will provide you with mentors and a more equal city where no-one is left to expand availability; support to determine your own low behind and where there is less of a need • Removing around half of the city’s carbon future to rely on the council doing everything school crossing patrols (unless • Look to renewable energy it once did. To do that we will work more community, school or other options alternatives from providers closely with partners around the city to emerge); tackle Bristol’s biggest issues and enable • Changing the current Other significant trends in the 2016 more people to get involved in providing Neighbourhood Partnership model provisional energy balance include: services.” to a local grant system with less frequent community meetings;

30 Furthermore, Mr. Rees highlighted that Libraries structure. We have identified three he “will be asking the UK’s other major ways that the remaining money could cities to join me in taking an argument Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor be spent to help local people to come to the new government for a fairer, more and Cabinet Member for Communities, together, take action on local issues and sustainable deal for our cities. These noted that “our existing public library influence the council’s work. We’re also proposals reflect our current financial services were built decades ago and since prepared to make sure that resources position and how we can provide then there have been major changes in are focused on areas and communities adequate services without spreading population, transport, technology and that experience the most inequality. ourselves hopelessly thin. It’s a tough patterns of use. Our proposals are based “Your responses to the survey will be call, but we’re asking ourselves questions on robust evidence and an assessment used to inform our approach to finding like ‘Would we rather have 27 libraries of local needs. The proposals offer more efficient ways of working with which are hardly ever open, or 10 which the opportunity to explore a range of our communities and supporting have longer hours and better facilities?’ possibilities which will transform the community action.” We want your ideas and views across the service, including where and how it is board and we will be considering them provided. For example, we are open The ‘Your Neighbourhood’ consultations carefully before any decisions are made.” to suggestions such as integrating and are set against a challenging financial Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor possibly co-locating libraries with other backdrop shared by most local councils added: “There are some harsh prospects services or community facilities, as we’ve following years of cuts to government here but in many cases we’re supporting seen with Hillfields Library & Children’s funding, the costs of a growing, ageing outdated, expensive ways of doing Centre and The Old Library (formerly population and a rising demand for things which aren’t really suitable Eastville Library). Our options aim to services. In Bristol over £33m of savings anymore. So whilst there’s definitely a provide a library service that best meets were agreed for 2017/18, with work big challenge and many hard choices, the needs of the whole city based on need underway producing a new Medium there is also a chance to work together and suitability. We appreciate that local Term Financial Plan to fully assess on new ways of doing things. We are also people are understandably protective the longer term picture. Financial looking at whether there are ways that of their local libraries. However, with a projections change often and for many the council can support community smaller budget and many of our libraries reasons, but when the council’s budget groups, volunteers and partners to play needing investment, the proposals we was set in February it was anticipated bigger roles in the delivery of some are putting forward will offer sustainable that it needed to save a minimum of services. We want to help others to get library services into the future that £104m between April 2017 and March things done, rather than supplying all people across the city can access.” 2022. Councillor Craig Cheney, Deputy the same services ourselves. Getting Mayor underlined that “savings on this more involved in your community can Public Toilets scale are incredibly hard to make and help make you happier and healthier, we have to work together to make Bristol whilst reducing the impact of these Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor work for everyone. The ongoing removal savings, so I’d encourage people to keep and Cabinet Member for Communities, of council funding by the government that in mind as they take part.” said: “We think that a Business/ doesn’t have to mean the end of a service Community Toilet Scheme would be and we’re prepared to help other people Bristol Community Links a better way to provide cleaner, safer, or organisations step up. We’ll be taking and more accessible toilets in more account of all the feedback, as colleagues In relation to Bristol Community Links convenient locations for residents and firm-up their proposals and again when service, Councillor Helen Holland, visitors to the city at a fraction of the we make any final decisions on these Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, price of current provision. We aim, as services. However, this is very much stated “our proposals are based on a minimum, to double the amount of asking how we make savings, not about engagement with people who use the publicly available toilet sites and ensure if we should make savings.” service and aim to provide good quality that they are spread across the city.” services which cost less but meet their needs. We recognise the value of these Neighbourhood Partnerships Source: services to the people who use them and Tim Borrett, Head of Public Relations, Consultation and plan to work on an individual basis with Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor Engagement, Bristol City Council, [email protected] those who might be affected to make sure and Cabinet Member for Communities, their eligible needs continue to be met. stressed that “we recognise the value of This could either be through council engaging with communities on issues services or through other services in the that affect them but we believe there are city.” more efficient ways to do this than the current Neighbourhood Partnership

31 Ireland elected to the 56 Full members (28 Governments, Governing Body of the 14 Employers and 14 Workers) with Source: speaking and voting rights, and 66 International Labour https://www.djei.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department- Deputy members (28 Governments, News/2017/June/13062017.html Organisation (ILO) 19 Employers and 19 Workers) with speaking rights only. Ten of the Full On Tuesday, June 13th, 2017, Minister government seats are held by member Workplace Relations for Employment and Small Business states that are nations of “chief industrial announced that Ireland has been importance” (Brazil, China, France, Commission (WRC) officially elected to the Governing Body of the Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Russian opens the Sligo Regional International Labour Organisation (ILO) Federation, UK and USA). The remaining Services Office as a full member in Geneva for a three- 18 are allocated on a rotating regional year term. It is the first time Ireland has roster agreed every three years among WRC Regional Services to be rolled out been a full member of the Governing members across the country Body of the ILO, since joining the Organisation in 1923. Ireland and the ILO On Monday, June 19th, 2017, Minister Joe McHugh T.D., formally opened The ILO is a United Nations Agency and The ILO was the first international the Sligo Regional Services Office of the only tripartite UN agency. Founded organisation which the new State the Workplace Relations Commission. in 1919, it is based in Geneva. 187 of joined. Ireland’s links with the ILO Speaking at the event, the Minister stated the 193 UN countries are members of can be traced back to Edward Phelan, a that “it is a very significant moment, as it. Ireland became a member in 1923. It Waterford born UK civil servant who it represents the first step in the WRC brings together governments, employers became the ILO’s first official following extending its full range of services across and workers, representing 187 member his work on the British proposal for all of its regional offices to ensure that states across the globe. The ILO is a the establishment of the ILO in 1919. the same services provided in Dublin are United Nations agency which deals Ireland, through the Department of available across the country. This process with employment and labour market Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, pays an will be rolled out across the country– the issues. Its aim is to set labour standards, annual contribution to the budget of the next phase being in Shannon – and the develop policies and devise programmes ILO. Ireland’s contribution to the ILO in Cork and Carlow offices of the WRC promoting decent work for all. The 2016 was €1.5m. In addition, through will follow in due course.” The Minister ILO gives an equal voice to workers, Irish Aid, Ireland makes a considerable concluded by welcoming the decision employers and governments to ensure contribution to the ILO’s development by the WRC to expand the number of that the views of the social partners are function. Plans are underway to agree a its hearing venues through the addition closely reflected in labour standards and further four-year partnership 2017-2021 of locations in Donegal, Mayo, Kerry, in shaping policies and programmes. with an annual budget in the region of Monaghan and Kilkenny. “From a rural €2m. Ireland perspective, it is important that The ILO has a unique tripartite structure, complainants and respondents do not in which employers’ and workers’ Centenary initiatives have to travel punishing distances to representatives have an equal voice with have cases heard and this development those of governments. It delivers its Ireland’s term on the Governing Body is good news for everyone concerned.” objectives through the formulation of coincides with an active and ambitious international policies and programmes, period in the ILO as its l Centenary The Director General of the WRC, the creation of international labour year of 2019 approaches. To mark the Ms. Oonagh Buckley, noted that this standards, an extensive programme of occasion, the ILO is implementing the development was important as “the WRC international technical cooperation following seven Centenary Initiatives: is anxious to ensure that its full range and training, education, research, and Future of Work, End to Poverty, Women of services – conciliation, adjudication, publishing activities. at Work, Green Initiative, Standards mediation, and inspection are available Initiative, Enterprise Initiative and to clients in all our offices. This has not Governing Body Governance Initiative. Ireland’s three- been the case to date as the regional year term on the Governing Body will offices were essentially internal offices The Governing Body is the executive commence on 17 June, 2017. of the inspectorate staff of the National body of the ILO. It decides on ILO policy, Employment Rights Authority which is the International Labour Conference For further information please contact now part of the WRC.” She concluded by agenda, adopts the programme and Press Office, Department of Jobs, saying “such is our commitment to this budgets to submit to the ILC and elects Enterprise and Innovation, ph. 6312200 course of action that we appointed our the DG. The Governing Body comprises or [email protected] first regionally-based mediator here in Sligo earlier this month”.

32 At the launch, the WRC also indicated Key WRC Metrics from Annual its commitment to developing further Report 2016: Minister Coveney outlined that “under its Mediation Service and significantly • 63,000 calls dealt with by the the Government’s Social Housing increasing the number of mediated Information Unit, Strategy 2020, and reaffirmed under settlements of employment disputes. • 86% of collective disputes resolved, Pillar 2 of Rebuilding Ireland, http:// The Workplace Relations Commission • Almost 5,000 inspections rebuildingireland.ie my Department was established on 1 October 2015. The undertaken which covered 75,000 is committed to supporting local main functions of the WRC are to: employees – this equates to 1 in authorities in carrying out work that 6 employments in the low wage both improves the national housing • Promote the improvement of sectors, stock and ensures that existing social workplace relations, and the • €1.5 million in unpaid wages housing stock is used efficiently. This maintenance of good workplace recovered, announcement today will bring another relations, • 75% of adjudication complaints are 1,400 housing units back into use in a • Promote and encourage compliance now heard in five months - prior timely manner for homeless households with relevant employment to the establishment of the WRC, and families on housing waiting legislation, complainants could be waiting two lists. Feedback from local authorities • Provide guidance in relation to years for a hearing, in respect of this programme is very compliance with Codes of Practice, • Two-thirds of employment rights positive. Since the introduction of the • Conduct reviews of, and monitor disputes resolved at mediation programme in 2014 valuable assistance developments, in workplace and 85% of workplace disputes are has been provided to local authorities relations generally, resolved as well, in dealing with vacant units and • Conduct or commission relevant • 90 per cent of adjudication decisions significant progress has been made in research and provide advice, accepted and, of those appealed, the tackling the backlog. These measures information and the findings majority of those decisions were will also greatly assist local authorities of research to Joint Labour upheld by the Labour Court. in achieving quick turnaround and Committees and Joint Industrial re-letting times for such units. Going Councils, For further information contact Press forward funding will be linked to local • Advise the Minister for Enterprise Office, D/Enterprise and Innovation ph. authorities putting in place ongoing and Innovation in relation to the 6312200 or [email protected] maintenance programmes to address application of, and compliance the issue of vacant properties. These with, relevant legislation, and to measures will mean that there will not • Provide information to the public in Source: be a high number of vacant units, and relation to employment legislation local authorities will be continued to (other than the Employment https://www.djei.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department- be supported in the remediation of any Equality Act). News/2017/June/19072017.html such vacant units that do occur. I’m happy to be able to continue the vacant With a wide workforce of almost 200 property programme and to support staff with different specialisms and with Allocation of funding and the local authorities in the provision of offices in Dublin, Carlow, Shannon, targets for 2017 which will see funding for these very worthwhile and Cork and Sligo, and operational bases a minimum of 1,400 void and important schemes for local authority for hearing meetings in many other vacant social housing units tenants.” counties, the WRC mission is to: returned to productive use at a cost of €24m. Since its introduction in 2014 the • Deliver a quality customer service Department’s Vacant Properties (Voids) throughout Ireland, which is Programme has provided approximately The Minister for Housing, Planning, • Speedy, user-friendly, independent, €85million of funding which has result Community and Local Government effective, impartial and cost- in over 7,200 properties being return Simon Coveney, T.D., on Friday, May effective, to productive use. A key priority of 5th, 2017 announced the allocation • Provides variable means of dispute this scheme is to rehouse homeless of funding of over €24 million for resolution, redress and effective families to the fullest extent possible the return of over 1,400 vacant local enforcement, and improves in homes that have been restored to authority properties to productive use workplace relations generally, all of an energy efficient condition. The this year. The move is a continuation of which are delivered fee free. Vacant Properties programme applies to the Government’s commitment under both short and long term vacant units the Social Housing Strategy to deliver nationwide and is being allocated, as it 47,000 housing units by 2021 at a cost of was in 2014 and 2015, on an equitable €5.35 billion. and evidence-based system. The energy

33 efficiency works on the Vacant Property based system, adjudicated and weighted The average cost per unit has increased Programme has secured ERDF funding based on the priorities submitted by over time as the less complex and as part of the EU Operational Programme local authorities, the current numbers of lower cost units were largely addressed 2014-2020 and will see EU co-financing vacant units and the cost effectiveness in the 2014 programme. Efficiencies of 50% of eligible public investment of the proposal. Funding will be linked are also achieved in procurement of under these programmes. to local authorities putting in place on- contractors by working with the Local going maintenance programmes to Government Operation Procurement The Allocation Process for Vacant address the issue of vacant properties. Centre but additionally, local authorities Properties: The Department requested all local are also encouraged to use the services The programme applies to both short authorities to submit a prioritised list of Community Based Organisations and long term vacant units nationwide of Voids for remediating under this who recruit, train and engage long- and is being allocated, as in the previous programme. The maximum funding of term unemployed people to carry out 3 years, on an equitable and evidence- €30,000 per dwelling is being applied the necessary works within their local areas. Funding under the scheme is Proposed Allocations – Vacant Properties based on evidence of the work done and confirmation that no previous public County Approved Units Proposed Allocated Funding funding has been received in recent years for similar works for the property. It is Carlow 8 units €94,000 also be a requirement that photographic Cavan 12 units €221,950 evidence (before/after) be available and Clare 24 units €514,308 details of energy savings (post-works Cork City 43 units €871,000 BER at minimum) are provided by the Cork County 69 units €1,326,850 local authorities when submitting their Donegal 128 units €1,875,185 claims. Dublin City 377 units €8,313,500 DLR 11 units €188,621 EU Funding: Fingal 151 units €2,108,750 As part of the EU Operational Galway City 16 units €174,400 Programme 2014-2020, the energy Galway County 30 units €642,500 efficiency works on the Voids Kerry 56 units €778,865 programme will attract funding under Kildare 7 units €140,000 the ERDF. The Regional Assemblies Kilkenny 9 units €182,500 have created a ‘Social Housing Retrofit Laois 5 units €41,440 Programme’ within their Operational Leitrim 16 units €260,700 Programmes to accommodate support Limerick 32 units €554,000 for the social housing Voids and Energy Longford 37 units €225,000 Efficiency programmes. This will see EU Louth 7 units € 87,50 0 co-financing of 50% of eligible public Mayo 22 units €353,200 investment under these programmes. Meath 47 units €842,000 Monaghan 13 units €182,000 Homelessness: Offaly 7 units €135,500 Local authorities will be asked to give Roscommon 4 units €74,500 priority consideration to making the Sligo 44 units €738,697 refurbished homes available for letting South Dublin 92 units €1, 397,022 to homeless families. Tipperary 58 units €751,200 Waterford 52 units €853,820 Source: Westmeath 8 units €88,371 http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/ Wexford 11 units €231,500 funding/minister-coveney-announces-allocation-funding-over- Wicklow 9 units €174,300 eu24-million-void-and-vacant-social-housing-units

Total: 1,405 units €24,423,180 31 Local Culture Plans will in 2017 as was done in 2014 - 2016. In work to control costs. The result is that drive creativity in every remediating these units for re-letting, while an upper limit of €30,000 per community nationwide there is a particular focus on making Void unit applies, the average cost per them energy efficient. The Department unit was over €11,000 in 2014 and over On Thursday May 25th, 2017, An also applies cost thresholds for €12,000 in 2015 & 2016. Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, and the individual elements of the remediation Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional,

34 Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather see them getting involved. In this way, musicians or craft artists as part of Humphreys TD, announced the roll we can help to build happier, healthier new outreach initiative with local out of 31 Local Authority Culture and communities. The power of culture communities, based in some of Mayo’s Creativity Plans for 2017, as part of the cannot be overestimated; arts and rich cultural and heritage sites. Creative Ireland Programme, at a special culture can open our minds, enliven our event in Dublin Castle, which included communities and enrich our children’s a performance by Music Generation lives. The development of a Culture Source: Carlow, an accomplished collective of Plan is an important commitment in https://www.djei.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department- young traditional Irish musicians. the Action Plan for Rural Development, News/2017/June/19072017.html because we believe that culture should The development of Culture Plans be part of the development of every for every county is a cornerstone community, be it rural, urban, or of Pillar 2 of the Creative Ireland somewhere in between. I look forward to €1.65 million for Social Programme – Enabling Creativity in seeing these plans being implemented Enterprise projects across the Every Community. Since the launch in the coming months, to see Creative country of Creative Ireland in December 2016, Ireland in action.” every Local Authority has established On Tuesday, June 6th, 2017, Michael a Culture Team which includes arts New cultural highlights from Ring, T.D., Minister for State for Regional officers, heritage officers, librarians, the Local Authority Culture and Economic Development announced the museum and gallery curators, led by a Creativity Plans, include: allocation of €1.648 million in funding local Creative Ireland coordinator. Each from the Dormant Accounts Fund to Team has now put together a plan for Wainfest Arts and Book Festival for 42 social enterprise projects across their county to encourage communities Children, Donegal: A vibrant growing the country. The allocations follow and citizens to engage, participate and festival providing entertainment, a competitive call for proposals from enable their creative potential. enjoyment, fun, magic and laughter social enterprises that provide services to thousands of children. It provides to, or employment opportunities for, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, opportunities for 4-12 year olds to disadvantaged people, particularly in underlined that “these plans illustrate increase their involvement in reading, rural areas. Minister Ring outlined that the extraordinary range of creativity culture, language, arts, libraries and “social enterprises play an important in our communities and they get to the heritage by offering the very best in role in supporting local communities, very heart of what Creative Ireland is all performance each year. 7 – 15 October in promoting social inclusion, and in about: community, local empowerment, 2017 http://www.wainfest.ie helping those who are most distant participation, collaboration. These are from the labour market. I am pleased not abstract words or ideas – these are the Ancient and Wild: Cavan County to be able to announce today the building blocks for a better society, and Council Arts and Heritage office and allocation of €1.648 million from the a better quality of life for everyone. We the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark Dormant Accounts Fund to support are not all artists but we are all capable of have invited twelve artists to engage 42 social enterprises in their work in having our lives enhanced and enriched with the landscape, geology, and socio- helping communities, creating jobs and by the arts. Arts and culture make it political history of County Cavan and in providing enhanced services to those possible for us to be better people, living particular the area of the Geopark. Work most in need. There was a huge interest in a better society and a better country. arising from the project will be exhibited in the call for proposals which was At its very core, Creative Ireland is a in Cavan in December 2017. launched in February, and almost 200 wellbeing strategy and through these applications were received. I want to local Culture Plans, our Local Authority Windy Toons Traditional Arts Festival thank Pobal for assisting my Department network is helping us to spread the reach for Young Audiences in Monaghan: in assessing the applications and in and the impact of the programme into A traditional arts festival for young helping to identify those projects that every community nationwide.” audiences which will enhance can have the greatest impact with the traditional arts in the county through funding available under this scheme. I Minister Humphreys stated: “I would a diverse, innovative, and high quality believe that the projects being funded like to sincerely thank all of the Culture programme for school and family will play an important role in providing Teams in our Local Authorities who have audiences incorporating traditional much-needed supports and services to been working so hard in recent months to music, song, dance and storytelling local communities, particularly in rural help us realise some of the key ambitions across Co. Monaghan from 24 – 28 areas.” in the Creative Ireland programme. October 2017. Through Creative Ireland we want to Source: create an ecosystem of creativity in every New Artists in Residence Programme: county nationwide; we want to see more A series of new annual artist residencies http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/minister-michael-ring-allocates-e1- 65-million-for-social-enterprise-projects-across-the-country/ people not just attending the theatre will be offered to visual artists, dancers, or going to a cultural event, we want to photographers, writers, film makers,

35 Projects approved for Dormant Accounts Funding under the Social Enterprise Measure

Organisation County Amount of Funding approved:

Irish Seed Savers Association Company Limited by Guarantee, Clare, €25,654 IRD Duhallow Company Limited by Guarantee, Cork €20,531 Comhlacht Forbartha an Tearmainn Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiochta Donegal €68,400 Colgan Community & Resource Centre Company Limited by Guarantee Donegal €26,473 Foresters Community Hall Limited by Guarantee, Donegal €19,520 Lifford Association Tourism Commerce Heritage Company Limited by Guarantee Donegal €81,900 Drimarone Development Company Limited by Guarantee, Donegal €27,373 Malin Head Community Association Company Limited by Guarantee, Donegal €33,051 Association for the Development of Pettigo & Tullyhommon Company Limited by Guarantee, Donegal €21,000 Coolock Community & Enterprise Campus Company Limited by Guarantee, Dublin €29,591 Speedpak Company Limited by Guarantee, Dublin €21,138 Clondalkin Community Recycling Initiative Company Limited by Guarantee, Dublin €32,574 Masamba Samba School Social Economy Programme Company Limited by Guarantee, Dublin €22,820 Galway Traveller Movement Company Limited by Guarantee, Galway €66,039 Foodshare Kerry Company Limited by Guarantee, Kerry €32,416 Comhchoiste Ghaeltachtaí Chiarraí Theas Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta, Kerry €20,000 Sensational Kids Company Limited by Guarantee, Kildare €45,000 The Organic Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Leitrim €22,028 North Leitrim Glens Development Company Limited by Guarantee, Leitrim €29,537 Drumshanbo Enterprise Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Leitrim €54,184 Leitrim Warmer Homes Company Limited by Guarantee, Leitrim €47,252 Ionad Na nDaoine An tShlanaitheora Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta, Louth €26,822 Brickens Logboy Tulrahan Housing Association Limited by Guarantee, Mayo €19,876 Killala Community Council (Newstart) Company Limited by Guarantee, Mayo €16,270 Seirbihisi Curam Chill Chomain Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Ráthaíochta, Mayo €50,633 Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSeadhna Teoranta, Mayo €21,633 Clar Community Projects Limited, Mayo €66,739 Clár Regional Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Mayo €75,000 The Father Patrick Peyton C.S.C. Memorial Company Limited by Guarantee, Mayo €59,145 Csg Sports Club Company Limited by Guarantee, Meath €29,407 South Meath Social Economy Company Limited by Guarantee, Meath €39,104 Cormeen Community Development Company Limited by Guarantee, Meath €22,222 Sonairte the National Ecology Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Meath €48,600 Truagh Development Association Company Limited by Guarantee, Monaghan €32,790 Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited by Guarantee, Roscommon €54,373 Community of Lough Arrow Social Project Company Limited by Guarantee Sligo €27,200 GIY Ireland Limited Waterford €49,768 Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Company Limited by Guarantee, Waterford €44,415 Dungarvan Care of the Aged Company Limited by Guarantee, Waterford €50,342 Mullingar Recycling Resource Centre Company Limited by Guarantee, Westmeath €60,000 Mullingar Homecare Services Company Limited by Guarantee Westmeath €32,424 New Ross Community Hospital Company Limited by Guarantee, Wexford €75,000

36 €1.21M funding for Emergency The CLÁR programme is funded by the rural communities in providing support First Response initiatives in Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, to further enhance social inclusion and CLÁR areas Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and forms economic development in their areas.” part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development. The funding The CLÁR programme is funded by the On Friday May 26th, 2017, the Minister announced by Minister Ring is the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, of State for Regional Economic first phase of the allocation of the €5 Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and forms Development, Michael Ring TD, million available under CLÁR this year. part of the Government’s Action Plan approved €1.21 million to a range of The Minister will announce further for Rural Development. The funding organisations throughout the country allocations under other measures in the announced by Minister Ring comes under the Emergency First Response CLÁR programme shortly. from the allocation of €5 million measure of the CLÁR programme. made available under CLÁR this year. The Minister will announce further The funding will provide support for Source: allocations under the CLÁR programme organisations that are involved in shortly. a voluntary capacity in responding http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/minister-of-state-ring-approves-e1- to emergency situations in CLÁR 21m-in-funding-for-emergency-first-response-initiatives-in- areas. Funding will go to a range of clar-areas/ Source: organisations, from small Community € First Response groups, to Mountain 768K in funding for Targeted http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/minister-of-state-ring-approves- Rescue and Sub Aqua Rescue teams. Community Infrastructure e768k-in-funding-for-targeted-community-infrastructure- Minister Ring stated that he was Needs under CLÁR needs-under-clar/ “particularly pleased to announce this new initiative under the CLÁR On Tuesday, May 30th, 2017, Minister Tackling litter and graffiti with programme this year to support of State for Regional Economic voluntary first-response organisations Development, Michael Ring TD, increased funding who provide an excellent service in approved €768K, as an initial phase, On Thursday, June 1st, 2017, the Minister rural areas, often under very difficult to community projects in 12 Counties for Communications, Climate Action circumstances. The high level of interest under the Targeted Community and Environment Denis Naughten from applicants reinforces my belief in Infrastructure Needs measure of the announced an allocation of €884,000 the importance of the support provided CLÁR programme. The funding will to tackle graffiti and litter across the by first responders all over the country provide support for the renovation and country. This represents an increase of to complement the State emergency upgrade of community infrastructure €194,000 on last year’s allocation under services. Due to the number and quality in disadvantaged rural areas all over the 2017 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti of the applications received. I am very Ireland. Minister Ring outlined that “for Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS). happy to be able to provide funding of many rural communities upgrading and €1.21 million to these groups today. renovation of established community The Scheme provides funding to This is 60% more than the €750,000 infrastructure is an important part of local authorities to conduct public initially ear-marked for the measure. keeping the communities together. awareness and education campaigns at Funding will be provided to a large Community halls and other such a community level targeting litter, dog variety of organisations that provide buildings are places where a diverse fouling and graffiti. Each local authority critical and lifesaving support in rural range of groups meet and socialise on is responsible for selecting the suitable areas, and I am confident that this a regular basis, often in less than ideal awareness projects that receive funding. funding will allow those organisations surroundings. The funding provided Today’s allocation of €884,000 brings to save more lives in the years ahead. The through this measure will support the total grants provided under this services supported through this funding projects such as the renovation of Scheme over the last 10 years to almost will provide people in rural areas roofing, creation of partition walls to €15 million. and those who visit the countryside allow for further use of such centres for recreational purposes, with the and the upgrading of kitchen and toilet Announcing the allocation Minister confidence that specialist support of the facilities. The funding will also support Naughten said: “Year on year Ireland has highest quality will be available to them initiatives, such as, upgrading and the steadily improved with respect to litter should they ever find themselves in an provision of essential equipment to but complacency is not an option as a emergency situation. I have always had a support economic activity on a number of small increase was recorded last year in great respect for the volunteers that put piers. The initiatives under this measure levels nationwide on the previous year. themselves on the line in order to help have come from the communities Within the resources I have I am proud others, and I hope this funding goes themselves and are examples of projects to support community groups and local some way to supporting their efforts.” that are considered important to those

37 authorities with funding that will have awareness campaigns that will be funded tangible impact in our communities. at a community level under ALAGS will Source: Recently, I provided increased funding have a real impact. It’s hugely important http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/news-and-media/press-releases/ for the 2017 National Spring Clean for me to support and assist community Pages/Naughten-tackles-litter-and-graffiti-with-increased- campaign run by An Taisce. I have also effort with significant funding and funding.aspx doubled the funding available to tackle recognition. I want to pay tribute to the scourge of illegal dumping and today the passion, energy and dedication of I am pleased to announce a substantial thousands of local community and increase in funding to tackle graffiti voluntary groups, schoolchildren and Increased funding for local and littering of all types, including teachers who are taking their civic environmental projects gum, cigarette butts and dog fouling. responsibilities seriously every single day Littering is environmental sabotage but through the many anti-litter initiatives On Friday 16th May, 2017, Mr. money cannot solve our litter problems that they drive for the preservation of Denis Naughten, T.D., Minister for on its own. It takes a behavioural change our environment.” Interested groups Communications, Climate Action across the board and I am confident the should contact their local authority. and Environment, announced a large increase to the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund. This Local Authority Allocation fund, which has operated since 1997, supports local environmental initiatives Local Authority 2017 Anti-Litter and Anti- by communities, individuals and not-for- Graffiti Awareness Grant profit groups. The Minister has allocated Scheme (ALAGS) Allocations funding of €460,000 to this year’s Dublin City 72,000 scheme, an increase of 15% on funding Cork County 36,000 in 2016. Launching the scheme Minister Fingal 36,000 Naughten stated, “Funding provided South Dublin 36,000 under this scheme supports local projects Kildare 23,000 to improve the environment and make Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown 36,000 our communities more sustainable. Limerick City & County 51,000 The fund shows how local initiatives Meath 26,000 can make a real difference in our Galway County 26,000 communities, and showcases how small Donegal 26,000 changes can make lasting improvements Tipperary County 42,000 to our environment. Together with the Kerry 26,000 local authorities my Department has Wexford 28,000 supported over 700 projects under this Wicklow 23,000 scheme last year and I know that the Mayo 23,000 increase in funding I have announced Louth 23,000 today will enable even more work to be Cork City 36,000 done this year. The Fund supports small Clare 23,000 scale non-profit environmental projects Waterford City & County 49,000 such as allotments, community gardens, Kilkenny 23,000 compost schemes, rainwater harvesting Westmeath 19,000 schemes, educational initiatives and Laois 19,000 environmental exhibitions. Funding Offaly 19,000 provided by my Department is matched Galway City 36,000 by the local authorities, and projects also Cavan 19,000 attract funding from other sources.” Sligo 19,000 Roscommon 19,000 Eligible projects are those that will Monaghan 19,000 support and complement, at a local level, Carlow 19,000 national environmental policies such as Longford 16,000 those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Leitrim 16,000 Change, Air, Water and Sustainable Development. Groups seeking funding for eligible projects are invited to make Total: 884,000 an application to their local authority

38 (application forms are available directly applications. Successful applications Under Phase I of the 2017 Anti- from the local authorities). Completed have included projects that will equip Dumping Initiative, the Minister for application forms should be returned to authorities with the latest enforcement Communications, Climate Action and the relevant local authority at the latest technologies including overt and covert Environment made available €650,000 by 5pm, 23 June 2017. Application forms, surveillance equipment and drone for projects tackling illegal dumping, local authority contacts, and further technology to target dumpers. A range including the provision of support for information on the LA21 Environmental of clean-up and restorative projects monitoring and surveillance of dumping Partnership Fund can be obtained from led by community, environmental blackspots. The Waste Enforcement the Department’s website: www.dccae. and sporting groups have also been Regional Lead Authorities evaluated gov.ie approved. proposals and have allocated funding to local authorities set out below. Further information on the 2017 anti- Source: dumping initiative is available from Source: the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/news-and-media/press-releases/ http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/news-and-media/press-releases/ Pages/Increased-Funding-for-Local-Environmental-Projects. Authorities and from the Environment Pages/Increased-Funding-for-Local-Environmental-Projects. aspx Section of each local authority. aspx

List of Approved Funding under Additional funding allocated Phase I of the 2017 Anti-Dumping to crackdown on illegal Initiative. dumping Local Authority Allocation At the end of May, 2017, due to unprecedented demand the Minister Carlow €22,494.80 for Communications, Climate Action Cavan €22,750 and Environment Denis Naughten Clare €20,000 is providing extra funds to local Cork City €7,50 0 authorities to crackdown on illegal Cork County € 17,988.15 dumping. Minister Naughten launched a major anti-illegal dumping initiative Dublin City Council € 20,000 (ADI) in March 2017 and encouraged Donegal €22,750 all local authorities and communities Dun Laoghaire Rathdown €10,000 across the country to avail of a €650,000 Fingal €20,000 allocation for the Scheme. The use Galway €22,750 of covert surveillance and smart Galway City €20,889 technology including aerial imagery Kerry € 23,000 from drones and satellites as well as the Kildare €20,000 installation of CCTV cameras and better enforcement and prosecution actions Kilkenny €22,598 formed part of the new crackdown. Laois €20,000 Due to the phenomenal response from Leitrim €22,756 local authorities and communities Limerick City &Co €25,000 across the country to the initial call for Longford €20,000 applications, Minister Naughten is now Louth €24,739.50 providing extra funding to support a Mayo €20,390 second phase of the initiative this year with immediate effect: “I have doubled Meath €20,000 the initial allocation of €650,000 to Monaghan €22,750 support a new round of applications Offaly €20,000 with total funding now standing at €1.3 Roscommon €22,750 million to clean-up dumping black- Sligo €22,750 spots and to target those responsible South Dublin €20,000 using SMART technology including Tipperary County €25,000 drone surveillance.” 85 projects have been approved for funding, under Waterford County €20,000 the first phase of the ADI, from every Westmeath €20,000 county in the State, out of a total of 111 Wexford €24,886 Wicklow €20,000

39 Ireland ranked 11th of EU- These rankings go some way towards member of society and for societies as a 15 countries in Sustainable understanding why many Irish people whole. The Sustainable Progress Index Progress Index – New research don’t believe there has been sufficient is published by Social Justice Ireland real progress in recent years.” – Michelle to mark the UN World Social Justice on economy, society and Murphy, Research and Policy Analyst, Day (February 20th). This study was environment shows Ireland Social Justice Ireland. The researchers conducted for Social Justice Ireland lagging behind who conducted this study, Professor by Professor Charles Clark, St John’s Charles Clark, an economics professor University, New York, and Dr. Catherine “Ireland is making poor progress when from New York and Dr Catherine Kavanagh from UCC. ranked against the other 14 countries in Kavanagh from UCC argue that their the EU-15. The new Sustainable Progress results strongly suggest that focusing For further information and available for Index, published today by Social Justice exclusively on GDP as a measure of comment and debate contact: Ireland, shows the scale of the challenge progress is clearly misleading. facing Ireland under the headings of Seán Healy +353 (0)87 237 5328 (mobile) or +353 (0)1 213 0724 (office hours); economy, society and environment.” Report’s General Findings: – stated Dr Seán Healy, Director Social Michelle Murphy +353 (0)87 986 5957 (mobile) or +353 (0) 1 213 0724 (office hours) Justice Ireland at the launch of the • Looking at the economy component Sustainable Progress Index to mark the of the Index which is based on Declan Carty +353 (0)87 264 8689 UN World Social Justice Day. the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) shows the economic Dr Healy went on to state “This new performance of Ireland throughout International recognition study shows that of the EU-15 countries, the period. The SDG score slips from Ireland is ranked last on its performance 2006 to 2010, recovering in the for Fingal County Council’s on the environment; 10th on period to 2014. The country ranking Heritage Property Strategy performance on the economy and 9th sees Ireland’s performance fall from on its performance on society. Overall 6th to 10th over the period. At the end of June, 2017, Fingal County it is ranked 11th of the 15 countries Council’s Heritage Property Strategy studied. These results show that despite • ocusing on the environment Ireland has received international recognition huge austerity, rapidly growing GDP performs poorly throughout the full by being recently nominated for two and improving employment statistics, period. Despite some improvement prestigious international competitions, Ireland has a long way to go before it in absolute values, Ireland is ranked the Royal Town Planning Institute reaches the level of development and last in 2014; its position is worse Awards and Planning Magazine Awards. fairness to which most Irish people than in 2000. Overall, we can see The recently adopted strategic review of aspire.” that the Environment SDG Index Fingal’s portfolio of heritage properties, suggests Ireland is faced with which was completed in late 2016, was This index has been developed to show significant challenges in achieving the result of an in-depth financial and how Ireland is currently performing progress on some of the SDGs. on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These 17 goals • Looking at the society aspect of the were divided into three sub-groups – SDGs Ireland’s ranking falls from economy, society and environment. 7th in 2004 to 9th a decade later. The indicators were compared to the other 14 countries in the EU-15 to see “Despite the recovery of recent years and how the situation had changed over the dramatic rise in Ireland’s GDP when the past decade and to see how Ireland it comes to measuring real, sustainable is performing currently. Under all three progress, Ireland is not performing headings Ireland’s ranking is worse now anywhere close to what is required or is than it was in 2006. possible.” - Dr Seán Healy

“On the economy Ireland has slipped Social Justice Ireland is an independent from 6th in 2006 to 10th in 2014, the think tank and justice advocacy Mayor of Fingal Mary McCamley is latest year for which data is available, organisation that advances the lives pictured with Coilin O’Reilly of Fingal despite an excellent performance in GDP of people and communities through County Council’s Department of Economic growth. On the environment, Ireland providing independent social analysis Enterprise and Tourism and Paul McTiernan of SLR Consulting at the Planning Magazine fell from 14th to 15th over the decade. and effective policy development to Awards in London. Measuring its progress as a society create a sustainable future for every Ireland fell from 7th to 9th position.

40 community value of the properties and will further improve our tourism performance. As we developed the strategy it became apparent that the scale, variety and value of the portfolio of historic properties here in Fingal marks us out from all other regions and our shortlisting for these international awards is recognition of this.”

Mayor’s Seminar hears calls for Metro North to be fast-tracked

By Fingal County Council Press Office

At the beginning of May 2017, a major seminar on Metro North heard calls for the project to be fast-tracked as Fingal County Council has already taken the Deputy Mayor Eithne Loftus is pictured with Deirdre Sinclair, Coilin O’Reilly and Duncan Henderson from Fingal County Council’s Department of Economic, Enterprise and Tourism necessary steps to facilitate it and are Development at the Royal Town Planning Institute Awards in London. willing to work with Government and the relevant national agencies to deliver it as soon as possible. The seminar, which operational review of Fingal County Council’s heritage property portfolio in partnership with SLR Consulting. The Heritage Property Strategy was a finalist in the “Excellence in Planning for Built Heritage” category at the RTPI Awards held in the Milton Court Theatre, London, on June 15 and was nominated in “The Best Use of Publically Owned Land in Placemaking” category at the Planning Awards which took place at Savoy Place, London, on June 21.

The Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Mary McCamley, said: “Fingal’s heritage properties hold a special and important place in the hearts of Fingal’s citizens and it is of great significance that this piece of work to improve and protect the properties into the future is recognised.” Mr Paul Reid, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, stated: “The strategic review of heritage properties and the implementation of the outcomes of the review can greatly improve the tourism potential of the County and provide tangible economic benefit to the County as a whole.” Mr Ed Hearne, Those who participated in today’s Mayor’s Seminar Fingal on Track: Preparing for Metro Director of Economic Development in North were (from top, left to right): Bobby Kerr (Newstalk), Hugh Creegan (National Fingal County Council, said: “Our new Transport Authority), Mary Rose Burke (Dublin Chamber of Commerce), AnnMarie Farrelly strategy will support the creation of up (Fingal County Council), Cllr Darragh Butler (Mayor of Fingal), Alison Hardiman (McDowell to 700 jobs, safeguard the important Purcell), Paul Reid (Fingal County Council), Ed Hearne (Fingal County Council), Professor Brian MacCraith (Dublin City University), Kevin Toland (daa) and Guy Thompson (Fingal Dublin Chamber).

41 was hosted by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. the early delivery of Metro North can Clare County Council signs Darragh Butler in The Atrium at County bring the certainty and confidence to lease for 35 apartments in Hall, Swords, discussed the merits of unlock further investment and deliver accelerating the development of Metro a transformative economic impact for Ennis North, from Swords to Dublin Airport Fingal and the Dublin region.” and onto the City Centre. By Clare County Council Communications After each of the keynote speeches there Office Metro North was identified by the were panel discussions, moderated by Government in 2015 as a priority Newstalk presenter Bobby Kerr, which project in Building on Recovery, its included Hugh Creegan, Director Clare County Council has signed a infrastructure and capital investment of Transport Investment and Taxi 20-year lease for 35 apartments at the plan 2016-2021. However, work on the Regulation at the National Transport Pairc na Coille complex in Ennis to transport corridor is not expected to Authority; Alison Hardiman, Head accommodate people on the social begin for a number of years and is planned of Planning and Environmental Law, housing list in Clare. Signing on behalf of to be in operation by 2026/2027 at the at McDowell Purcell; Kevin Toland, Clare County Council were Councillor earliest. The Government is currently Chief Executive, daa; Professor Brian Bill Chambers, Cathaoirleach; Pat undertaking a mid-term review of its MacCraith, President, Dublin City Dowling, Chief Executive; and Liam investment plan and has additional University; Guy Thompson, President, Conneally, Director of Services, Social resources to commit to priority projects. Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce Development Directorate. Margaret Fingal County Council is advocating the and Mary Rose Burke, CEO, Dublin Irwin from Dermot G. O’Donovan sustainable development and business Chamber of Commerce. The seminar was Solicitors signed on behalf of the case for Metro North to be fast-tracked attended by key stakeholders from across owner’s consortium, which comprises so that future development can be the Dublin region, including elected individuals from Clare, Limerick and underpinned by a fast, dedicated and members of Fingal County Council and Cork. efficient metro line. both Houses of the Oireachtas as well as representatives from Government Clare County Council said the The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Darragh Departments and national agencies. acquisition of the 35 apartments Butler said: “I hope today’s conference complements the vibrant community has achieved its aim of showing how For further information, that now exists at the Pairc na Coille site. important it is for Metro North to be contact [email protected] The Local Authority has also confirmed fast-tracked because it is the gateway that the lease costs will be recouped from to a prosperous future for the people of the Department of Housing, Planning, Fingal, the residents of Swords and those with businesses along its Economic Corridor.” The Council’s Chief Executive, Paul Reid, supported the calls by the Mayor stating: “A decision to bring forward the implementation of this critical phase of national infrastructure will also create the certainty required to stimulate investment by public, commercial, semi-state and private sectors to ensure that complementary development occurs in the most suitable places and at the right time.” Fingal County Council’s Director of Strategic and Planning Infrastructure, AnnMarie Farrelly, outlined how the Council has used its recently approved 2017-2023 Development Plan to copper-fasten the Metro North Economic Corridor as far as Lissenhall where the Council envisages, in addition to a major park- and-ride facility, a new mixed use urban area with significant levels of residential and employment development. Ed Hearne, Fingal County Council’s Director of Economic, Enterprise and Liam Conneally (Director of Services, Social Development Directorate), Margaret Irwin Tourism, spoke about how Metro North (Dermot G. O’Donovan Solicitors, Clare County Council), Councillor Bill Chambers will underpin the economic growth of (Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council) and Pat Dowling (Chief Executive, Clare County the county and added: “A decision on Council) sign a 20-year lease for 35 apartments at the Pairc na Coille complex in Ennis.

42 Community and Local Government Cork and Limerick unite in through investment in infrastructure. under the Government’s ‘Rebuilding gearing up for the M20 In order to facilitate growth across Ireland’ Plan. The acquisition brings to Munster and the wider Atlantic 62 the number of properties leased by Corridor, the cities of Cork and Limerick the Local Authority at the Showgrounds By Eugene Hogan must be connected with a motorway Road location. In 2015, Clare County fit for purpose to meet increasing Council signed a lease for 27 detached traffic volumes from transport heavy properties, all of which are now At the end of March, 2017, a socio- industries along the M20 corridor and occupied. economic study on the impact of to enable new economic expansion. For the most important piece of road too long regions in Ireland have thought Draft Doolin Strategy to go on infrastructure yet to be developed in the about one another as competitors for public display regions - the M20 from Cork to Limerick growth. The time is right to take a was undertaken. Cork and Limerick collaborate approach to drive forward By Clare County Council Communications Chambers have jointly commissioned the potential of the Southern axis with Office Indecon Economic Consultants and benefits for all of Ireland, and we are RedC Research to undertake a study delighted to be working with Limerick into the benefits of the proposed 80km Chamber on this important project.” Clare County Council is inviting M20 Motorway. In advance of the Limerick Chamber CEO James Ring also members of the public to have their say autumn 2017 mid-term review of the outlined that “the M20 is probably the on a draft plan aimed at providing a Infrastructure and Capital Investment most significant piece of infrastructure Visitors Service Centre at Doolin Pier, Plan , the Chambers believe the M20 yet to be developed in the State. Current enhancing the public realm of Doolin, must take priority with additional severe capacity constraints on the N20 and improving the movement by all funding and a clear timeline allocated are holding back the development of transport modes between Doolin Pier, towards the project. the region. This motorway would have Fisher Street, Fitz Cross and Roadford. a hugely beneficial impact on our city The Doolin Strategic Master Plan and When complete, the M20 would create regions. With the right road network Enhancement Strategy has identified a seamless Atlantic motorway corridor linking them, they would effectively a number of enhancement strategies from Cork through Limerick and on to become one large labour and customer including the creation of a Doolin Galway, helping to create an economic marketplace. It’s a game changer for Greenway incorporating shared surfaces, complement to the east coast. The the corridor and all the more important the provision of additional off-street original need to upgrade the N20 was because of the looming uncertainty parking in Doolin village, the provision identified as far back as 1998 and, about Brexit. This would give us a real of designated bus stop locations, and the according to the chambers, the road edge, allowing for lower transport incorporating of the proposed Visitor is now at capacity and posing safety costs, increased competition in the Services Centre at Doolin Pier with concerns. Transport Infrastructure economy, tax benefits from increased improved public realm in the Pier area. Ireland, (formerly the National Roads labour supply and employment effects. Authority) had previously submitted The joint approach here by Limerick Bucholtz McEvoy Architects, on behalf the scheme to An Bord Pleanala in 2010, Chamber, together with Cork also of the Strategy Design Team, will which was subsequently withdrawn due signals a new and necessary approach present the draft strategy and engage to financial constraints. However, the to regional development. By coming with interested members of the public Minister for Transport has since put the together, our cities and towns, together at three public information sessions project back on the agenda and informed with Galway, are creating a dynamic and in Doolin Hotel at 5.00 p.m., 6.00 p.m. Transport Infrastructure Ireland that formidable Atlantic corridor that will be and 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 20 June 2017. they may proceed with early activities at not just a counter pole to Dublin that There will also be a period up to 6th July a cost of approximately €1million. The helps to rebalance the national economy when submissions on the draft strategy report finalised in May and was jointly but an economic channel that will turn may be made to Clare County Council presented to Government by the two heads on an international stage.” before a final strategy is prepared for Chambers with a view to see additional consideration by the Elected Members of funding allocated towards the M20 in Limerick and Cork Chambers are Clare County Council. The draft Doolin the Capital Plan. delighted to have the support of the Strategic Master Plan and Enhancement four chambers along the route: Mallow, Strategy will be available on Clare Commenting on the need for M20 Charleville, Shannon and Ennis. A County Council’s website, www. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, survey of 2000+ businesses located clarecoco.ie, from 21 June 2017. stated that “as we seek to plan for Ireland along the route and their views on in the future the need for a motorway the need for an upgrade has been Source: connection between Cork and Limerick undertaken by RedC Research. The cannot be ignored. It is in the national results of this survey will form inputs Mark Dunphy, Communications Officer, Clare County Council, interest that our regional economies to the final report. Indecon Economic [email protected] expand for Ireland to remain competitive Consultants co-hosted a Focus Group and to complement growth in the Capital Workshop on the M20 with Cork and Region which is can only be achieved Limerick Chambers at the Charleville

43 the agreement of a National Mapping public services to be targeted according Agreement with Ordnance Survey to location, population profiles, and Ireland (OSi). The Tánaiste stated that other variables. In matters of navigation she “very much welcomes the formal and route planning, GI reduces journey adoption of a National Mapping times, emissions and fuel costs. Other Agreement, which will enable all benefits include a common spatial Government bodies to deliver more reference framework for all policy- efficient and less costly public services making agencies; more consistent and by encouraging greater collaboration accurate geospatial data; more informed and data sharing.” Minister Donohoe decision-making, and more innovative outlined that “the National applications of the available data. Mapping Agreement aligns with the Colin Bray, Chief Executive and Chief Government’s Public Service Reform Survey Officer of OSi noted that “the Plan and the Public Service ICT Strategy. National Mapping Agreement, and This centralised license agreement will the geospatial information (GI) that make the same level of service available underpins it, will facilitate better

Park Hotel on Friday, 7th April, 2017. This targeted the participation of senior representatives from Local and Regional Authorities, State Agencies, higher education institutions, and ports and airports, in addition to multinational and indigenous firms from across the region, to discuss key aspects of the economic importance of completion of the M20 scheme.

For further information please contact Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, 087 947 1858 or Dr. James Ring, CEO of Limerick Chamber. Pictured Colin Bray, Chief Executive and Chief Survey Officer of Ordnance Survey Ireland, William Beausang, Assistant Secretary, Head of Central Expenditure Policy and Reporting Source: Division at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and Oonagh McPhillips, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Justice and Equality. Picture Conor McCabe Eugene Hogan, Bridge PR, email: [email protected] Photography. to a much wider public service customer decision making by all State agencies, base at no extra cost to the taxpayer”. and improve the planning and allocation Tánaiste Fitzgerald and of scarce resources, such as housing, Minister Donohoe welcome Delivered by Ordnance Survey Ireland transport and water services”. To find (OSi), this new service enables all out more about the National Mapping adoption of a National Government agencies (Departments Agreement, please visit: https://www. Mapping Agreement and public sector bodies) to access OSi osi.ie/services/national-mapping- geospatial data (usually referred to as agreement/ By John Reilly Geospatial Information or GI) to assist in mapping, data analytics, scenario modelling and decision making. OSi About Ordnance Survey Ireland At the end of April 2017, The Tánaiste digital data also underpins key State (OSi) and Minister for Justice and Equality, services, including planning, land Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), the Frances Fitzgerald T.D. and Minister ownership and national infrastructure national mapping agency of Ireland, for Public Expenditure and Reform, (such as roads, water, gas, electricity, creates and maintains the definitive Paschal Donohoe T.D. jointly welcomed and telecoms). For example, GI allows national mapping and related geographic records of the State. Our vision is,

44 through the efforts and expertise of our Hugh Mangan, Speaking on the first day of the NED, people, to be the acknowledged leader Ordnance Survey Ireland: Minister Donohoe underlined that ‘the in Ireland in the collection, integration, +353 1 824 7516 – [email protected] economy is doing well and, on the back management and dissemination of of many difficult years, we are seeing authoritative spatial information. real signs of progress, thanks to all of Ordnance Survey Ireland is responsible National Economic Dialogue the hard work. It’s is vital that as we for providing quality mapping and 2017 evaluate the best ways of meeting all spatial information services to meet the competing demands within society society’s needs. OSi products and A two-day event seeks views of range of that an open an inclusive discussion services are widely used in all sectors sectors on the key issues facing our country takes places so that all voices are heard’. of Irish society, supporting the social, The Minister emphasised that “this is economic, legislative and administrative the third year of the Dialogue, which functions of the State in Ireland. On Wednesday, June 28th, 2017, Minister has proved to be a valuable platform Ordnance Survey Ireland is a vital for Finance and Public Expenditure & through which discussions can take national asset, providing information Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD hosted place on a range of issues that impact which contributes to effective decision- the third National Economic Dialogue our future growth and seek to address making in government, better (NED), which is an integral part of the our citizens’ needs. As we look to commercial decisions and economic preparations for Budget 2018. NED manage expectations in terms of what growth. 2017 provides a valuable opportunity can be delivered in October’s Budget, to consider how to make best use of the we need to reflect not just on increased What is OSi data? available resources in the interests of funding in various departments but on OSi create and maintains a range of all citizens. The NED will see a range the totality of Government spending to digital mapping data and services. of policies across Government being ensure that all of the resources that are The data that is collected is of physical discussed in an open and inclusive format available are being used to maximum topographical features such as fields, with representative from community, effect. I am looking forward to an open roads, rivers, buildings, forests etc. The voluntary and environmental groups, and constructive process over the next precise location of every physical object business, unions, research institutes two days and to considered and thought- is recorded by its co-ordinates, it is and the academic community. Members provoking contributions from all sides.” uniquely identified and has additional of Cabinet and the Select Committee associated information attributed to it. on Budgetary Oversight will also Excerpts from the speech by participate. Taoiseach, Mr. Leo Varadkar TD Who is eligible to access OSi’s data at the Opening of the National under the NMA? The aim is to foster discussion on Economic Dialogue, Wednesday 28 The following bodies can apply for access how best to sustain and strengthen June 2017 to OSi’s data under the NMA: economic growth in a way that secures the economic progress we have made Benefits of Dialogue ahead and takes account of the needs of • Government departments The great American theoretical • Local Authorities all members of society. Consideration physicist, David Bohm, believed that • Non-commercial semi-State will be given to the many competing bodies economic and social priorities that exist the object of a dialogue was not to • Health Service Executive within the limited resources that are analyse things, or to win an argument, • Emergency services available. The Dialogue is not intended or even to exchange opinions. Instead he • Higher education bodies to produce specific budget proposals or suggested it was about suspending your • Schools recommendations. opinions, looking at everything with • Other public bodies (may be open eyes and seeing what works best. eligible via a joint agreement In order to stimulate debate on selected For Bohm, ‘dialogue was the collective between Government and OSi) key issues, a number of themes have way of opening up judgments and been identified, reflecting the priorities assumptions’. It is not always easy for a Geospatial data contributes almost within the Programme for a Partnership politician to suspend opinion, and open Government. These themes include €70 million in gross added value to the up judgments and assumptions. We are breakout sessions on: Budgeting; Irish economy every year, according to more used to the confrontational style a recent study on the “Economic value Productivity, Competitiveness of a debate, rather than something that of the geospatial industry in Ireland”, and Investment; Labour Market carried out by Indecon Economic Participation; Spatial Planning; lifts our discussion out of the polarised Consultants. Delivering Future Skills Needs; Climate positions of the past, and into a greater Change Policy; and Agri-Food. The common purpose. That is precisely For further Information, please contact: Dialogue will have an overarching why this Dialogue is so important, and Stephen O’Byrnes or John Reilly, theme of “Sustainable and inclusive why it has made such an important MKC Communications, growth in the context of national and contribution over the past three years. [email protected]/[email protected] global challenges.”

45 Time of Opportunity understanding about those choices, dependents and asylum seekers who At the outset, I want to strike a positive and to avoid a repeat of unsustainable could take up employment with a little note on Ireland’s economic future. Of economic policies. additional encouragement and support course, there are serious risks to our and changes in the law. future prosperity, not least due to Brexit. The Government will publish the And I will talk about that later. And there Summer Economic Statement in the We failed to do this effectively in mid- are many unhealed wounds from the coming weeks, once the new Cabinet 2000s, but need to do better this time. economic crisis in housing and public has the opportunity to consider it. It Of course, there are many people who services and infrastructure. is clear that the ‘fiscal space’ in 2018, will remain dependent on the State for in particular, will be limited. This their incomes, not least pensioners. So However, for the first time in a decade we reflects the carry-over or full year cost we need to consider how best to target have the opportunity to think about the of commitments from Budget 2017, and available resources. future with new hope and ambition. the impact of the recent public service pay agreement, if ratified. Nonetheless, And given demographic trends, we also • Ireland has been the fastest growing the Government wants to be ambitious need to introduce a new occupational economy in Europe for the last three within the constraints we face, especially pension system for private sector years. if we look over a multi-annual horizon employees with contributions from • GDP is forecast to grow by 4.3% this with multi-annual budgeting. themselves, their employer and year and 3.7% in 2018. This growth the Government. The Minister for is broadly-based and economic Long-Term Challenges Employment and Social Protection, Ms. fundamentals are strong. So, Minister Donohoe is reviewing our Regina Doherty T.D., will be taking that • Unemployment is down, incomes capital investment programme, and work forward in consultation with many are up and inequality is narrowing. working towards a new ten year capital of the groups represented here today. • And as the Budget approaches plan. This will be closely linked to the balance, we have some more scope new National Planning Framework Likewise, we need to perform better to make decisions about investment which will plan for an Ireland in which in skills and innovation across the in the future. a million extra people will live by 2040. economy. • In particular, we can plan for the future of a country: with a growing We also need to build on the economic This is the key to higher productivity, economy, growing population and strengths of each region, ensuring that which is the only basis for sustainable growing workforce. the benefits of recovery are felt across increases in living standards. • Over two million people are the country. That’s happening already working, and unemployment is now but it is uneven. I know there are ongoing discussions back to levels last seen in 2008. The with business and the higher education Action Plan for Jobs target of 45,000 The risk posed by Brexit to the agri-food sector about how to increase investment extra jobs this year is on course to sector only increases the need to get this in this area. be achieved. Similarly, more than right. 20,000 people will move from In my ideas paper, ‘Taking Ireland welfare to work. Just as importantly, we need to accelerate Forward’ I gave a commitment that • With unemployment close to 6%, the necessary transition to a modern we will make it a signature target of we can plan to increase participation low-carbon economy. The Government Government to reduce consistent in the workforce, and to increase yesterday approved in principle the first poverty levels to pre-crisis levels and skill levels and productivity across National Climate Change Mitigation then lower. I also pledged that we will the economy. In fact, we need to act Plan, and climate action will be a do the same for child poverty. This quickly. growing feature of all policy-making in will require a broad range of actions the year ahead. including providing more employment So while this Dialogue will rightly focus opportunities, more education on the difficult choices and trade-offs The Government has an ambitious plan opportunities, better wages, welfare and that arise in every Budgetary cycle, we to solve the housing crisis – Rebuilding more affordable access to public services. can have that discussion with ambition Ireland – which already absorbs a large for the Ireland we hope to see in five, ten share of available capital expenditure. Nobody should fear poverty in or twenty years’ time. I’ve asked Minister Murphy to review retirement. So, I want to index increases progress under the Plan and identify any in the state of pension to the cost of Dialogue further measures required. living as an automatic minimum Of course, that ambition will only increase every year so that the real value be realised if we avoid repeating the Also, as we approach full employment, and purchasing power is protected. economic mistakes of the past. Part of there is an opportunity to increase the reason for the National Economic participation in employment by people Of course, as we meet these challenges, Dialogue is to have open discussion most distant from the labour market: we cannot take continued economic about the choices faced by the not just jobseekers but also people growth for granted. We need to remain Government and Oireachtas, to build with disabilities, lone parents, adult competitive for foreign investment and

46 human talent, reform our tax and social Let me set out our five priorities: represent best use of resources? If 1% insurance system to ensure that we or 2% of that could be re-allocated we reward work and enterprise, and avoid Firstly, we will aim for sustainable fiscal would have another billion. This is the unsustainable increases in the cost of policies to ensure capacity to absorb and hidden ‘fiscal space’. It is something we doing business in Ireland.Many of these respond to economic shocks. need to examine. The opportunity cost themes are reflected in the breakout of not doing so is too great. sessions organised for this afternoon, Secondly, we will strive to make Irish and I look forward to learning the enterprise more diverse and resilient, So, to facilitate this, the Department of outcome of those discussions. diversify trade and investment patterns, Public Expenditure and Reform has been and strengthen competitiveness. leading a Spending Review during 2017. Brexit Negotiations This is reviewing specific expenditure Overhanging all of these issues is Brexit. Thirdly, we are prioritising policy programmes to assess their impact and measures and dedicating resources to effectiveness and the results will be One year on from the decision of the protect jobs and businesses in the sectors published before the Summer break. So British people to leave the EU, the and regions most affected. I would suggest that the dialogue over opening of the Brexit negotiations last This will build on measures announced the next couple of days should take this week was welcome. My hope is that in last year’s Budget. broader view of budgetary policy and positive momentum is maintained choices. so that progress is made as quickly Our fourth priority is to realise the as possible on the many challenging economic opportunities arising from Often resources are inadequate and issues facing the negotiators. We want Brexit, and to help businesses adjust more are needed. But often existing to see these negotiations take place in to any new logistical or trade barriers resources could be allocated better. a constructive, positive and ambitious arising. And when additional resources don’t frame of mind. There is an emphasis improve outcomes it’s often because the on the unique Irish issues, which are a Finally, we will make a strong case at EU underlying problem is not resources but priority for the negotiations. However, level that Ireland will require support poor performance. the Irish issues, including avoiding an that recognises where Brexit represents a economic border, will not be easy to serious disturbance to the Irish economy. Conclusion solve. Last week in Brussels I met with I believe, sustainable and inclusive President Tusk, President Juncker, Mr. Decisions in support of these objectives growth is vital to achieve the Republic of Barnier and Prime Ministers from all will be reflected in Budget 2018, in Opportunity I like to speak about. I want over Europe. I reminded them again of the forthcoming National Planning every person to have the opportunity the unique issues we face. We want to see Framework Ireland 2040, in the new ten- to succeed and have an equal chance the closest possible future relationship year national Capital Plan, in the review to share in the nation’s prosperity. And between the EU and the UK. And I want of Enterprise 2025 and in sectoral policies I want every part of the country to have to keep the door open to the Customs and investment decisions in areas such the opportunity to share our wealth. Union, Single Market and the EU itself. as agriculture, enterprise, transport, communications and energy. In taking The purpose of this Dialogue, and Economic Impact of Brexit this work forward, the Government will the debate which will continue in the The level of uncertainty as to the continue to engage with you and other Oireachtas and elsewhere between now outcome of those negotiations remains stakeholders both at a national level, and and the Budget, is to ensure we make the high. However, it is clear that Brexit is a in each sector. best choices informed by a wide range of fundamental economic risk for Ireland if views. it results in a permanent change to the Budget 2018 rules on trade. Having set out some broader ambitions The great Irish writer, George Bernard for Ireland’s medium-term direction, Shaw, believed that ‘Progress is The potential impacts on trade from I want to turn to the immediate topic impossible without change, and those tariff and non-tarriff barriers have been of Budget 2018. In the run up to each who cannot change their minds widely discussed at this stage. I know that Budget, a lot of emphasis is often placed cannot change anything.’ So let this many businesses are already feeling the on the ‘extra’ resources that are available, dialogue be about opening minds and impact of Brexit through the weakness the so-called fiscal space. changing minds, exchanging views and of Sterling. This will be exacerbated if persuading each other. the UK economy suffers in the period It is important to bear in mind that this ahead. And the underlying uncertainty represents only a small increment of the Source: about the outcome of the negotiations is total resources available. http://www.finance.gov.ie/news-centre/press-releases/ itself affecting investment decisions. minister-donohoe-launches-third-national-economic- What we should focus on is the totality of dialoguehttp://www.finance.gov.ie/news-centre/press- Now that the negotiations are underway, expenditure and taxation. For example, releases/minister-donohoe-launches-third-national- the Government is intensifying our gross voted current expenditure this economic-dialogue focus on the economic implications of year will be over €53 billion. Are we sure http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/News/Taoiseach’s_ Brexit. all existing spending programmes really Speeches/Speech_by_the_Taoiseach_Mr_Leo_Varadkar_ TD_at_the_Opening_of_the_National_Economic_ Dialogue_Wednesday_28_June_2017.html

47 ALONE & HSE launch New Support Coordination Services for Older People in North Dublin

On Wednesday, June 28th, 2017 a new coordinating home adaption’s or linking and are delivered 365 days a year. Support Coordination Service for older older people in with befriending services people in the Dublin North City and in their area.” Mary Walshe, Head of For those who have concerns about County area has been launched. ALONE, Social Care HSE, also commented that their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing the charity that supports older people to “support coordination services in the of a vulnerable older person in their age at home, has partnered with the HSE community are vitally important to community, ALONE can be contacted to expand its support services to all older empower and help older people to age on (01) 679 1032 or visit www.alone.ie people living in these communities. well at home. It is important that older people feel supported in receiving For more information contact: The ALONE Support Coordination the care they need and to live in a Service aims to respond to and address place of their own choosing. This new Lauren Freir, any issues facing older people, which partnership between ALONE and the Limelight Communications, are impacting on their ability to remain HSE will enhance the supports and [email protected], living independently in their own home. services offered to older people in the 01 668 0600, 0872380853 The charity’s Support Coordinators community and ensure that all older assist older people who live in a range of people in the area have access to these Maree Rigney, accommodation types; privately owned, services.” Limelight Communications, privately rented or social housing homes. [email protected], About ALONE 01 668 0600, 086 3587153 Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, speaking at the launch stated that 2017 marks 40 years since ALONE Kathryn Byrne, “repeated studies have demonstrated was founded by Willie Bermingham. Limelight Communications, that ageing at home is the first choice Since then the charity has supported [email protected], of older people and their families. thousands of older people to age at 01 668 0600, 085 233 6033 Our Support Coordination Service home. ALONE works with those who addresses issues faced by older people have issues with loneliness and social living in their own homes and works isolation, lack of services, poor health, with statutory bodies, community poverty, homelessness or housing. organisation and other service providers ALONE provides Support Coordination, to ensure that the older people get what Housing with Support, Befriending and they deserve. This can include anything Campaigning services to hundreds of from access to clothing allowances to older people nationwide every week. addressing unsafe living environments, ALONE’s services are quality approved

We are always interested in your views, so if you have any comments, suggestions or ideas for Orla O’Donnell, Editor topics that we should address in future issues, please do not hesitate to let us know. Local Authority Times is also published on the IPA website: www.ipa.ie Local Authority Times Institute of Public Administration 57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4 Tel: (01) 240 3600 Fax: (01) 668 9135 Email: [email protected]

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