The purpose of the network is to build member capacity on economic, investment and EU issues. Disseminating knowledge and a menu of investment throughout the Councils. Supporting elected members and officers to influence policy, plan and deliver investment in specific sectors and in respective councils and communicating the role of elected members on key European bodies.
Alderman Stephen Moutray - Chair
Network Members - Ald Stephen Moutray (ABC) Chair, Cllr Billy Webb (A&N) Vice-Chair, Cllr Michael Goodman (A&N), Cllr Colin Kennedy (A&ND), Cllr Eric Hanvey (BCC), Cllr Padraig McShane (CCG), Cllr Martin Reilly (DCSDC), Cllr Paul Robinson (F&O), Ald Audrey Wales (MEA) and Cllr Sean McGuigan (MU).
ROLE OF THE NETWORK
Democratic Scrutiny of: NI Economic Strategy (and related strategies), national & international funding policies & programmes and Councils input into same.
Regional council input into economic, tourism and rural development issues.
Regional council input into the delivery of local skills, growth and jobs.
Monitoring: Local Government representation in and benefit from Europe and international organisation, and oversight of member representation on relevant outside bodies.
Brexit as it impacts on councils.
Oversight of opportunities presented by Sister Cities, Commonwealth, North -South /East- West and international partners.
PRIORITY ISSUES'
Economy
• Post-Brexit funding (UK Shared Prosperity Fund / Peace Plus programme / Rural Development funding)
• Supporting business growth
• Education, Employment & Skills – determining councils’ role
• Future proofing the economy (Addressing economic inactivity, skills, Innovation, Knowledge Economy & Artificial Intelligence)
• City & Growth Deals
• EU Exit implications
• Rural & Urban Regeneration –vibrant villages, towns & cities
• Digital connectivity (Broadband, 5G, Full Fibre NI)
• Sustaining Tourism Growth
• Entrepreneurship – culture, workspace challenges, social enterprise, access to finance
International Affairs
• Trade Opportunities further afield – Commonwealth / USA / China
• Collaboration with government departments, Invest NI and InterTradeIreland
• North – South – East – West relations
• Maintaining European links
Outline Programme
|
2020 |
July – December |
• Prioritising infrastructure projects • Planning to reinvigorate town centres • Igniting the circular economy (jointly with Health, Social & Environmental Wellbeing network) |
Strategic Partners: Colleges NI, EER, Dept for Economy / INVEST NI, Enterprise NI, FSB, Ulster Farmers’ Union and Fisheries Bodies.
Key Ministers: Economy, Infrastructure, Education and International Relations.
Linked Bodies: The Executive Office, SOLACE, CoR, Congress, Invest NI, DfE, DEd, SEUPB, Whitehall / Westminster, UK Forum (LGA, COSLA and WLGA), AILG, US Consul and Strategic Investment Board.
Please fill in the following form to get in touch with the NILGA support officer for this Network.
