COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPC

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

HEADED ITEM NO. 4

HEADED ITEM: P. Department

IEZ Update

REPLY:

A comprehensive  reply to  Council meetings outlined that intellectual enterprise zones are envisaged as spaces (virtual and physical) where individuals can use the space on a ‘time share basis’ to run and operate their business and where persons on the live register can develop added value skills.  In tandem with the physical space it is proposed to develop a virtual business campus or intellectual enterprise zones with a view to creating new business opportunities.  This space will also afford participants to engage in a community of practice and network with like minded individuals.  The web presence is an interactive space where participants in the programme can feedback their observations, ask questions, register for various training programmes, interact with colleagues and book time/space in the Intellectual Enterprise Zone work space.

The steering committee guiding the initiative meets in County Hall and includes representativse from the Dept of Social Welfare, CEB, FAS, ACE, Tallaght IT the Partnerships etc. The meetings are convened by the IEZ co-ordinator. Based on feedback from our partners and the participants we are currently developing a "communities of practice " model as the next stage of the project. Updates on the project  are given to the County Development Board and the Economic Development sub group of the Board. The first "community of practice" was launched in St Aidans School on 21st April.

The Dublin Regional Authority has now agreed that the IEZ project should be developed on a Regional basis based on the South Dublin experience to date.A short presentation is attached in this regard should members require further details.