Agenda and minutes

Proposed by: Cllr. Brendan Barry

Seconded by: Cllr Finola Armstrong Maguire

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.     

A presentation was made to all members of SPC by Deirdre Lewis, SLR Consulting on the new Leitrim Recreational Strategy 2022-2031. In the presentation, Ms. Lewis outlined that the new strategy builds upon the success of the existing regional strategy. The new strategy incorporates policy frameworks from International

to Local Level including the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Leitrim County Development Plan and Local Area Plans. In preparation for the New Recreational Strategy extensive consultation has been completed through online surveys, focus groups and through direct consultation.

The key recommendations from the consultation process have been identified.

Ø  Internal & external communications of the Leitrim Recreational forum require improvement, as citizens are not aware of existence of the forum or the work being completed.

Ø  Projects need planning to be at an advanced stage and need to be “shovel ready” in order to capitalise on funding and be delivered quickly and effectively.

Ø  Metrics are needed in order to measure progress & secure funding. Increase in visitor numbers, footfall and evidence of positive impact for local enterprise need to be identified.

Ø  Land access continues to be challenging. Local Authorities have the ability to use CPO to protect public investment.

Ø  There is a need to integrate recreation with tourism. The new Recreational Strategy should be aligned with the Leitrim Tourism Strategy which is currently under development.

Ms. Lewis outlined the “Big Six” Signature Projects to transform the landscape of Leitrim.

1. SLNCR Greenway strategic cross-border greenway

2. Cavan Leitrim Greenway, strategic priority for south Leitrim

3. Shannon Erne Blueway – 60km trail to Belturbet

4. Lough Allen Blueway –Carrick on Shannon to Battlebridge

5. Glenfarne Demesne - Coillte as strategic partner

6. Lough Rinn - potential as a National Watersports Hub

The Leitrim Recreational Strategy 2022-2031 is now in the final stages and will be completed following public meetings organised for the 24th and 25th October 2022 and consultation with the steering group.

Discussions followed in relation to the new Recreational Plan. Mr. Seán Ó Conláin thanked Ms. Lewis for her presentation and the highlighting of possibilities within Co. Leitrim in the area of recreation. He discussed his frustrations with the delays to the SLNCR project for last number of years. In other counties such as Kerry, greenways have been delivered without delay. Seán commented that in order for the projects outlined in the new Recreational Strategy to be successful, there needs to be accountability. He stated that the presentation contained no

project dates, stages or person/persons responsible for delivery of projects or deemed accountable, if deadlines are not met.

Seán stressed that Leitrim as a county need to hold Coillte more accountable to open woodland areas to recreation. Coillte has a National Framework in place that is committed to opening up forests and woodlands for recreation. The Glenfarne Forest Project has been successful and can be replicated around Co. Leitrim. In order for this to be successful, a coherent strategy with Coillte & Teagasc needs to be in place so  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Mr. Joe Lowe, Head of the Local Enterprise office provided an update to all SPC members on the continuing supports available to microbusinesses in Leitrim, to meet the challenges of Brexit.

These supports include:

·         Brexit Breakfast

·         Customs Training

·         Brexit Loan Scheme

·         Brexit One to One Mentoring

·         Border Regional Stimulus Package

·         Border Brexit Programmes supports

The Border Brexit Programme supports was a €3 million Border Region Stimulus Package to small microenterprises to ensure sustainability and resilience in the ongoing challenge of Brexit. The progamme is now complete.

The Local Enterprise Office provides ongoing supports to microbusinesses including:

·         One to One Mentoring

·         Customs trading

·         Brexit Loan Scheme

·         TAME – Grant funding of up to €2,500 to explore new markets

·         Trading online

·         Green for micro vouchers.

·         Digital Start

Cllr McDermott and Cllr Armstrong Maguire commended the work of the Local Enterprise Office. They acknowledged the efforts of the Local Enterprise Office has gone to, in reaching out and promoting their services to businesses acknowledged the importance of mentoring to companies in all fields.

Cllr McDermott stated the use of digital hubs are very important, to enable people to work from a digital hub within their local community.

Cllr Warnock thanked the Local Enterprise Office for their assistance in successfully getting the Kinlough Hub delivered. The hub is growing and utilised every day. It is a fantastic resource to enable people to live and work in Kinlough. The next step in capitalising on the success of the hub is the installation of fibre broadband to Kinlough.

Cllr Warnock commented that the current drop in sterling at moment against the euro, will endanger local businesses. He emphasised that there should be a campaign for people to promote shopping locally.

Mr. Lowe stated there was a retail programme in place to strengthen the retail sector. He acknowledged there is a real danger of people crossing the border to do their shopping if the pound sterling drops in the future. 

Mr. Lowe concluded the Q&A section by highlighting the two main sectors that will be focus of future Local Enterprise Funding – Green Environment and Digitisation. A range of supports are being offered from the Local Enterprise Office to businesses in these areas.

An overview of the North West Regional Enterprise Plan 2024 was presented by Mr. Joe Lowe. Mr. Lowe stated that the plan is part of the programme for Government and is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Under the plan each region has identified significant local opportunities to harness the potential of the region.

The Enterprise Plan has a steering Committee in place comprising of 21 members from Local Government sector, state agencies and the private Sector. Mr. Lowe outlined the 6 regional objectives to be delivered as part of the plan and briefly discussed their implementation.           

Strategic Objective 1: Harness the potential of micro, small and medium indigenous businesses in the North-West

Mr. Lowe explained that there has been promotion of Local Enterprise within secondary schools in order to encourage and celebrate entrepreneurship in the North West.

Strategic Objective 2: Ensure that the North-West capitalises on the enterprise opportunities posed by the advancement of the wind industry (onshore/offshore wind) and the continued growth of the ocean economy.

Mr Lowe outlined that there is huge potential for job creation in the wind industry in the North West both in the construction and ongoing servicing of wind energy infrastructure.

Strategic Objective 3: Support the offering of the North-West Region as a place to work and invest high value jobs in.

Mr. Lowe commented that the IDA are undertaking promotional events in Dublin to encourage and promote Ireland’s largest companies to relocate to the west of Ireland or set up regional offices.

Strategic Objective 4: Support the North-West’s enterprise to mainstream climate action and transition to a low carbon future in their business planning.

Mr. Lowe acknowledged how ATU Sligo have recently secured funding for the setting up of an Energy Agency for Sligo and Leitrim. This agency will be launched by the end of 2022 or early 2023.

Strategic Objective 5: Recognising the North-West’s strategic border location, encourage the ongoing development of cross-border relationships and Shared Island initiatives to further the enterprise agenda in the North-West.

Strategic Objective 6: By harnessing the partnerships available to the REP’s steering committee, assist the Regional Skills Forum and other agencies in addressing the skills issue encountered by enterprises in the North-West.

Following the conclusion of the presentation Cllr Sean McGowan questioned if there was a provision for solar panels within the North West Regional Enterprise Plan. Mr Lowe assured Cllr McGowan that solar panels would fall under Strategic Objective 4.

Cllr Warnock acknowledged that were was significant potential in offshore wind energy within the North West. He stated that the North West could be selling wind and wave energy. Cllr Warnock acknowledged the huge success and progress made in the promotion of Co. Leitrim, evident from the 10% population increase in the most recent census.

Mr. Lowe agreed with Councillor Warnock and reiterated that we should celebrate the great things that Leitrim has to offer including great places to work, high quality housing, abundance of recreational facilities and opportunities and an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Cllr McGloin raised the issue of Casual Trading Byelaws and sought and update on the byelaws. He stressed the importance of addressing the issue as there are a number of people within the county operating without licences and it has had a disruptive effect on other businesses.

Emer Connolly, SEO Economic Development stated that this issue will be on the agenda for the next SPC meeting.

Emer Connolly, also explained that there is currently a vacancy on this SPC and that Leitrim County Council are working with the PPN in order to fill it. She stated that the PPN are currently going through process of filling the position and it is likely to filled before next meeting.

The next  Planning, Economic Development and Infrastructure Strategic Policy Committee meeting will take place on 28^th November at 1.30 pm.