Agenda and minutes

Proposed by: Cllr. Enda McGloin; Seconded by: Cllr. Ita Flynn

Proposed by: Cllr. Brendan Barry Seconded by: Cllr. Finola Armstrong-McGuire

·         Policy Development:

o   Review of the Development Contribution Scheme

o   Review of Leitrim Local Economic and Community Plan

o   Updates on Review of Leitrim County Development Plan - Draft County Development Plan 2022 – 2028 and related strategies

·         Economic and Enterprise Development:

o   Carrick on Shannon Town Economic Plan

o    Brexit Supports to SMEs  

o   Regional Enterprise Plan 2021-2023– North West

o   Presentation of Dromahaire Development Plan

o    National Broadband Plan – Leitrim Rollout Updates

o   Update on Atlantic Economic Corridor

·         Infrastructure Development:

o   Preparation of new Active Travel Network/Cycling Policy

o   National Roads Updates

·         Operation Management:

o   Review of Hedge Cutting Scheme

o   Rural Transport Update

o   Interface with Irish Water

Proposed by : Cllr. Ita Flynn

Seconded by: Cllr. Finola Armstrong- McGuire

Proposed Meeting Dates:

21^st April

September

December

John O’Neill from Venturei gave a presentation to the members on the Draft Carrick on Shannon Economic Development Plan 2020-2030 with Actions. It was agreed that the plan is now concluded and can be brought forward.

Proposed by:  Cllr. Finola Armstrong-McGuire

Seconded by : Cllr. Frank Dolan (Chair)

Cllr. Frank Dolan thanked John for his presentation the plan highlights what Carrick on Shannon, as the County Town, has to offer with Tourism being an exceptional product

Anne McTernan, NW Regional Enterprise Programme Manager gave a presentation on developing a North Western Regional Enterprise Plan 2021-2024.  One of the main objectives is to increase enterprise and employment in the region. The plan will have 6 strategic objectives based on skills, entrepreneurship, blue economy, tourism, develop a regional network of landing space and support the digitalisation of SMEs.  Funding is from the REDF and BEDF with Leitrim receiving 5.3million. the process of the plan will start in March where ‘themes’ will be developed.  May will see larger plenary sessions and September will be formal publication.

One of the main challenges with this plan is that it will be carried out virtually and also funding is smaller this time around and the need to look for additional funding streams.

Cllr. Frank Dolan thanked Anne for her presentation and pointed out that the key word in the pan is ‘Regional’.

Seán Ó Conláinasked if the plan looked to border counties.  Anne replied that the makeup of the plan is very much geography dictated by the Department of Enterprise.  They ensure through the different action in the plant that there are equal opportunities to all counties.

Seán also queried the urging needs of forestry and if there could be pilots developed around the use of hardwoods or the setting up of small co-ops.

Anne informed the group that she hoped to work with the outreach officer in Sligo and if there is potential to identify micro industry and a regional benefit, they can try to develop it.

Joe Lowe stated they are looking at elements of circular economy and cross border involved with ICBAN and Peace Plus synergies so not working in isolation.

Cllr. Brendan Barry stated that there are three counties in this economic area is this similar across the country? Cllr. Barry also asked if Anne could invite companies to this area to set up business or make the IDA aware of building availability. 

Anne stated that 3 counties is typical depends on size.  The power to invite companies to the region still remains with the IDA.  Her role is to facilitate actions within the plan to invite companies here.  The IDA are on the steering committee and also network with Atlantic Economic Corridor Officer down the west coast who work with the IDA on commercial property.

Cllr. Finola Armstrong-McGuire asked Anne if she had a link into growremote.ie which is strong possibility for this area.  Anne stated that the WDC are on the steering group and they are working on the online booking system for Hubs so that is her link to this area.

Cllr. Ita Flynn asked for communities that don’t have much enterprise how does this plan represent them and also Ballinamore has a very good Development Company is there a way of getting people on board.

Anne replied that the IDA and Enterprise Ireland are assisting with ‘champions’ and hoping to get a spread of small to large companies.  She requested that if the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Joe Lowe, Head of Local Enterprise, gave a presentation to the committee on Brexit.  Joe pointed out that Brexit hasn’t hit our sector yet because of the Covid Pandemic. He outlined 6 important initiatives that are available and to make people aware of;

1.      Financial Capability Programme

2.      Scaling Programme

3.      Exporting Programme

4.      Green for Micro Programme

5.      Retail Programme

6.      Innovation Programme

Cllr. Frank Dolan the importance of making people aware of these.  Cllr. Finola Armstrong-McGuire complemented Joe and his team for reaching out to people, but it is vital to work more at promoting these 6 initiatives to the wider county through our own meetings.

Cathaoirleach Frank Dolan and the Committee Members offered their condolences to Johanna Daly and Carmel Doherty (Finance Department) on the passing of their mother at this difficult time.

Seán Ó Conláin enquired if any response was received back on forestry from the Department of Agriculture.  Bernard Greene, Senior Planner has sent a reminder and we await reply.

Next meeting of the SPC will take place on Wednesday 21^st April at 2.30pm