COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, January 25, 2016

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

That this Tallaght Area Committee calls on the Chief Executive to prioritise attention to the job creation needs of Tallaght given that the Region still has a serious unemployment problem; will he outline actions and contacts he is taking in respect of this important issue and will he also report on any in-house initiatives being pursued in that regard.

REPORT:

The recently adopted South Dublin Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 – 2021 includes a series of economic objectives each of which identifies target actions and the key stakeholders involved.  These actions are aimed at putting the appropriate infrastructure, enterprise and employment supports in place to improve the level and quality of economic activity in the County.

At the forefront of these supports, the Local Enterprise Office provides financial grants, mentoring, training and other supports to assist new and developing micro-enterprises with job creation and sustainment in the Tallaght area and throughout the County.  LEO is also working with the South Dublin County Partnership, Partas, ITT, Synergy, South Dublin Chamber amongst others to ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach to the actions which can impact on job creation in Tallaght and beyond.

In addition, the Council's 2016 Budget provides for a number of measures through the Business Support Fund which are aimed at generating economic activity and this will include a specific focus on the regeneration of Cookstown Industrial Estate aimed at increasing occupancy and activity which should result in additional employment locally. The Council is also preparing to lead on the development of an Enterprise Strategy on behalf of the four Dublin Local Authorities. This will examine current and future skills needs as well as opportunities for developing an enterprise culture and focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Dublin Regional Action Plan for Jobs is due to be launched today. The Council has played a key role in the development of this plan in conjunction with various regional partners. It aims to realise the full jobs potential of the Dublin region by stimultaing enterprise and growth using the collabrative strengths of the region and the Council will play its part in ensuring that this impacts locally where possible.