Publication of Guide to Local Economic Development Highlights Opportunities for Next Government to Support Economic Growth at Local Level

Chambers Ireland has today (12/02/16) published a guide highlighting initiatives to support local economic development. The guide contains best practice examples from twenty two Chambers of Commerce, Local Authorities and Local Enterprise Offices.

Speaking at the launch today, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said: “Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities have always played a key part in driving business growth and developing local economies. In advance of General Election 2016 we are calling on the next Government to prioritise strategic economic planning to provide for sustainable economic development in all regions. The publication of this guide is timely as it shows just how much hard work and great initiatives are being taken throughout the country to make our towns and cities more attractive places to work and live. The next Government must build on such initiatives by publishing and committing to a National Planning Framework that works for the economic development of the regions and for Ireland as a whole.”

“The Local Economic Development guide highlights initiatives being adopted at local level to support economic growth by attracting new business, supporting existing business, developing town centres and increasing competitiveness. These are all key issues for the Irish Chamber Network during this election campaign and are outlined in our manifesto, A Vision for 2021. With the publication of this guide, Chambers and their local partners will have a ready resource to assist them in driving local growth and transforming local areas by learning from each other.”

Conor Brennan, CEO of Zurich Insurance Ireland, sponsors of this publication and corporate partners of Chambers Ireland, concluded: “Zurich Insurance is delighted to support this important publication by Chambers Ireland. As one of Ireland’s leading insurers, Zurich recognises the crucial role businesses play in driving sustainable economic growth. The many outstanding examples of cooperation show how local government in cooperation with enterprises have a significant positive impact on our country by developing and growing local economies. When working together, anything is possible”.

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For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie. 

 Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.

Notes for Editors:

  • The guide to local economic development has been developed based on feedback from 22 of Chambers Ireland’s affiliated Chambers.
  • The guide outlines initiatives taken under the four headings of:
  1. Attracting new business
  2. Supporting existing business
  3. Town centre development
  4. Increasing competitiveness
  • The guide additionally describes innovative international ideas to drive economic growth.
  • Chambers Ireland annually recognises best practice in local government through our Excellence in Local Government (ELG) Awards which was recently held in Dublin on November 12th 2015.
  • One of the ELG Award categories specifically commends promotion of economic development. In 2015 this award was won by Cork City Council for their project ‘IWISH’ which seeks to inspire young women to investigate opportunities in STEM.
  • The last winning projects of the ELG Award in economic development are profiled in the guide
  • This publication has been sponsored by Zurich Insurance, Ireland
  • The guide to local economic development can be accessed here
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