Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council - International Relations and Twinning Framework Presentation

International Relations and Twinning Framework Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee

Presentation to DLR Council Meeting 13th November, 2017

Economic Development and Enterprise SPC • Twinning Sub-Committee • Current Context • Why Twin?

• Policy Approach to Twinning

Twinning Sub Committee • Cllr Barry Ward (Chairperson) • Cllr. Kate Feeney, • Cllr. Lettie McCarthy, • Cllr. Denis O’Callaghan, • Cllr. John Kennedy, • Aileen Eglington (DLR PPN), • Josephine Browne (DLR Chamber) • Georgina Sweetnam ( DLRCC LEO).

• Dearbhla Lawson (DLRCC) • Dave Lawless (DLRCC)

The Subcommittee met on April 10th, June 12th and October 4th to inform the development of this report.

Report presented to the SPC on October 10th 2017.

Current context “Twinning” developed mainly after the Second World War to promote mutual understanding and friendship in Europe.

Twinning is a reserved function of the Council and legislative provision is set out in the Local Government Act 2001 Pt 9, S 75 Existing Twinning • County of Ynys Mon (Anglesey), Wales • Brest, Brittany (1984)

Existing Friendship Agreements/Memorandum of Understandings • Izumo, Japan (2008) • Chengdu, China (2017)

Key issues for consideration.  Why twin – what are the benefits or key objectives and policy approach for the County?  The term “twinning” and wider inclusion wider international relations / less formal arrangements  Consideration of existing twinning arrangements  Should DLRCC develop a new twinning / connection and if so on what basis?  Support and Resources for twinning and next steps

Policy Criteria It is proposed that any future International relations or twinning activity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown should support the progression of the relevant goals and objectives of the DLR Corporate Plan and the DLR Local Economic and Community Plan 2016 -2021 related to supporting the economic and community development of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.

• Shared similarities/characteristics • Mutual shared interest and support • Clear aim and focus • Supports the Goals and Objectives of the DLR Corporate Plan and the DLR Local Economic and Community Plan • Twinning is sustainable and viable

Policy Objectives • Objective 1 Support the development of Tourism, Sport, Recreation, Heritage and Culture Sectors, and Enhance Links with Diaspora.

• Objective 2 Support the aim to develop Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown as a “Learning County” promoting Education and Lifelong Learning.

• Objective 3 Support and encourage community spirit, public participation and community development for all within the county.

• Objective 4 Support and promote economic development and enterprise and improve the prosperity of the county by attracting new Investment and Enterprise Development.

Proposed actions • A proposed action plan has been developed which includes 6 proposals to be implemented over the next 12 to 18 months.

Conclusion • The Economic Development & Enterprise SPC discussed and approved the proposed framework approach at its meeting on October 10th and requests the Council to consider the outlined framework approach setting out the policy criteria and objectives for future actions and the suggested programme of work to be implemented.