“Celebrating 25 years” Local Development Strategy 2014 - 2020 February 2016 Abstract This Local Development Strategy (LDS) sets out a clear vision of community-led local development strategy for the Connemara region for the period 2016-2020. It takes into account local needs and potential as well as relevant socio-cultural characteristics and is focused on a clearly defined natural area. This Strategy contributes to the implementation of EU, national and local policy and is based on an integrated delivery model, designed, and to be implemented by FORUM Connemara Ltd., (The LAG). The organisational structure of FORUM is balanced and has the necessary public, private and voluntary representation with no sector being greater than 49%. FORUM has an exemplary track record of managing public funding and delivering national and EU programmes, the veracity of which has been, and will continue to be, exuded by the FORUM approach to development and organisational ethos. This organisational experience extends over the last 25 years and incorporates many of the features of what is currently termed community-led local development, it being multi sectoral, participative, territorially based and cooperative in nature. FORUM has also demonstrated robust and transparent governance arrangements that have been in place from the inception of the organisation, operating and distributing resources in a fair and equitable manner. FORUM has a dedicated and committed management, administrative and staffing structure in place with the relevant competencies, expertise and experience to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of this LDS. FORUM has clear decision making processes in place including robust financial controls and project selection procedures, historically proven to be of the utmost probity through various independent national and EU level audits and inspections. This LDS has provided a clear definition and description of the area and its population. It has identified priority target groups, communities and highlights three specific geographic areas. The robust area profile and extensive consultation process presents an accurate detailed analysis, including patterns and emerging changes, using up to date evidence including data from the CSO intercensal period 2006-2011. The outcomes of a comprehensive and in-depth local consultation process illustrate and present the extent of stakeholder engagement. This process informed needs, opportunities and the identification of priorities of the area, the culmination of which translates into a clear vision and a set of 9 clearly defined local objectives and 21 individual actions. Coherent, logical, realistic and time bound local objectives and strategic actions are clearly set out in the action plan section of the LDS with a clearly defined mechanism for delivery, including staffing resources. The targets identified are tailored to address the LEADER programme indicators and are commensurate with the level of funding and budget proposed in this plan. The LDS expressly identifies that it will monitor and evaluate progress dynamically and in real time, aligned with contractual programme requirements and will include internal self evaluation, external professional evaluation with both quantitative and qualitative components. This LDS clearly asserts that the priorities, objectives and actions are congruent with the LEADER programme priorities and particularly the themes and sub-themes and have been both proofed against, and seek to address, the cross cutting themes of innovation, climate change and environment. The LDS describes clear alignment with other development strategies and plans and complementarity and integration in practical terms. Furthermore the complimentarily with relevant local, regional, national and EU level polices is highlighted. The FORUM delivery model is ingrained in the fabric of the region, founded on a stakeholder based approach and including principles of the CLLD approach such as partnership, networking, co-operation. An area based emphasis ensures complementarity, synergy and added value with other local development strategies and plans. Finally the budget being pursued for this LDS is in line with the allocation for the sub-regional area; it is clear, logical and reflects the sub-themes and local objectives. This LDS is a document that captures the needs of the area and translates these into a set of concise, achievable and deliverable actions which are aligned with relevant policy. This is coupled with demonstrating FORUM’s capacity to implement LEADER and deliver added value and value for money. Contents Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................................................................1 Section 1: The Local Action Group (LAG) ..................................................................................................2 1.1 Organisation Details and Primary Contact for LEADER.........................................................................2 1.2 Legal Description of LAG........................................................................................................................2 1.2.1 Financial Status...................................................................................................................................2 1.2.2 Operational Ethos: Description of Main Activities................................................................................2 1.3 LAG Composition and Decision Making .................................................................................................4 1.3.1 Board of Directors January 2016.........................................................................................................4 1.3.2 Board Member’s Expertise ..................................................................................................................4 1.3.3 Board Procedures for Inviting Nominations on the Selection of Directors...........................................5 1.3.4 Rotation of Directors............................................................................................................................5 1.3.5 Board Training.....................................................................................................................................5 1.3.6 FORUM Decision Making Structures ..................................................................................................5 1.3.7 Frequency of LAG Committee Meetings .............................................................................................5 1.3.8 Quorum Compliance for LEADER Decisions ......................................................................................5 1.4 LAG Roles and Responsibilities .............................................................................................................5 1.4.1 Administration......................................................................................................................................6 1.4.2 Animation ............................................................................................................................................6 1.4.3 Management of staff............................................................................................................................6 1.4.4 Monitoring and Evaluation...................................................................................................................7 1.5 FORUM Financial Management .............................................................................................................7 1.5.1 Financial Controls and Management Procedures for the LEADER Programme (LEADER) ...............7 1.5.2 Procedures for financial management of LEADER .............................................................................7 1.5.3 Financial Partner for LEADER.............................................................................................................7 1.5.4 LEADER Staffing.................................................................................................................................7 1.5.5 Organisational Structure......................................................................................................................8 1.6 Project Selection Procedures for LEADER.............................................................................................8 1.6.1 Procedure for Handling Applications ...................................................................................................8 1.6.2 Evaluation Committee .........................................................................................................................8 1.6.3 Animation ..........................................................................................................................................10 1.6.4 Self Applications................................................................................................................................10 1.6.5 Conflicts of Interest............................................................................................................................10 1.6.6 Project Criteria and Scoring Framework. ..........................................................................................10 1.6.7 Statement of Compliance Calls for Projects and Time Limited Calls ................................................11 1.6.8 Serving the Gaeltacht Community.....................................................................................................11