COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 09, 2015

HEADED ITEM NO. 4c) (iii)

HEADED ITEM: C. Services Department

c) Economic Development, Enterprise & Tourism SPC

REPLY:

REPORT on Economic Enterprise & Tourism Development SPC Working group

Meeting 26th February 2015- 8.00am

Attended

Cllr   J.Lahart(Chair) Cllr   P.Foley
Cllr R.McMahon Mr D.   Roche
Cllr A.   Dermody  
Mr Garrett   Robinson  
Mr S. Reid  
Ms T.de   Buitlear  

Officials present:

Mr F Nevin, Director of Services

Mr C Ryan – Senior Planner

Ms E. O Gorman- A/Senior Executive officer

Mr S. Deegan- Senior Executive Engineer

Ms A. Carroll – Sustainable Business Executive

Apologies: Cllr B. Ferron, Cllr F.N. Duffy. Cllr E. Higgins, Cllr. G. O’Connell

The meeting was Chaired by Cllr   John Lahart.
Item 1 :   Update on County Tourism Strategy Frank Nevin delivered an update on the ongoing preparation of the Tourism Strategy. Final draft of same will be available in Mid March and following a further meeting of the working group is to be brought for adoption to the April Council meeting. The item was NOTED
Item 2   -   Local Economic   & Community Plan - Advisory Steering Group nominations Colin Ryan presented an   updated report on the preparation of the economic element of the LECP. He outlinedthe development of the socio-economic statement and the plans’ high level economic goals. The immediate timelines for the plan preparation were discussed with public and stakeholder consultation to take place during April 2015. It was AGREED to proceed with the plan adoption process including bringing the high level economic goals and socio economic report to the LECP advisory co-ordination meeting on the 3rd March 2015.    
 
 
 
Item -   Regeneration of Industrial Areas/Use of Business Support Grant  Stephen Deegan presented a report on   a structured approach to spending of the surplus monies arising from the Business support grant, particularly relating to assisting in the regeneration of underutilised/ obsolete industrial areas. The rationale for the Business Support Grant was reiterated, that 1% of rates paid would be ringfenced to directly support business, subject to the budgetary approval by the Elected Members; To target industrial vacancy/ underutilisation and obsolescence and; to promote innovation and enterprise. The linking of these goals to the feedback from the survey of businesses for the County Economic Profile was made.   A percentage breakdown was suggested-
  •   60%- infrastructural upgrading works to be of a capital nature.
  •   30%- innovation, startup advice and supports including incubation space
  •   10%- targeted training, to be identified by targeted surveys and delivered through LEO.
Following detailed discussion of the above the general approach was AGREED. However, it was NOTED that
  •   Infrastructural upgrading works to be particularly, but not exclusively, in areas taken in charge.
  •   That all expenditure will be subject to engagement with local business as part of a follow up to the Economic Survey.
  •   The primary function of the scheme is the grant to individual businesses. The conditions of same to be kept under review, including the upper limit of €10,000 valuation.
It was AGREED that the working group will keep this programme under on-going review  
Item 5   - AOB It was AGREED that Cllr John Laharte and Mr Frank Nevin would identify an SPC working group meeting date later in March.   Meeting concluded at 9.40am