Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
73. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has read the Independent Report to Advance Community Wealth Building in Northern Ireland published in October 2022 by the Department for Communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19282/23]
View answerAs the deputy is aware, the concept of Community Wealth Building refers to a range of approaches to local economic development, including community-led local development.
The report has been considered by officials in my department and I am pleased to confirm that my department has in place a wide range of policies and programmes which support local economic development and community-led local development.
The creation of an environment in which social enterprises can thrive is a key element of Community Wealth Building. My Department is leading on the implementation of a Social Enterprise Policy, and work is underway to develop a new social enterprise policy.
The LEADER Programme, which supports investment in rural resources that create employment and generate wealth in rural areas, is a prime example of community led local development. The SICAP programme supports integrated approaches to addressing disadvantage at local level, and supports community-led initiatives in urban and rural areas.
The Community Services Programme supports 420 community organisations to deliver services and provide community owned facilities in mostly disadvantaged areas. The Western Development Commission under the aegis of my department provides social financing to support community initiatives in its operational area.
The Guidelines for the development of Local Economic and Community Plans by local authorities, which I published in November 2021, contain a clear framework for local economic development, to be adapted to the needs of each local authority area.
Both the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme have invested in the regeneration of rural towns and villages, including measures for the acquisition of buildings for community use, which aligns with the concept of Community Wealth Building.
My department also participates on the cross-government Strategic Procurement Advisory Group which promotes and facilitates the inclusion of social considerations in public procurement projects, for the benefit of local communities.
My department is committed to working with other departments and with the community and voluntary sector to review the processes by which state bodies commission or procure the provision of social and community services, largely delivered through the community and voluntary sector, in order to maximise societal value.
