Our Communities: National Framework Policy for Local and Community Development

Update June 2016

CWI has produced a brief document providing an update on the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development and the plans that the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government have in relation to developing an implementation plan. This brief is based on a number of meetings that CWI have had with the department over the past number of weeks. To download the brief please click here

Minister Ann Phelan announces the publication of a Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland

Download the Community Work Ireland response here and see what is says here

Download the original CWI (then the CWC) submission that was based on an extensive consultation process here

Download the English version of the Framework Policy here

Download the Irish version of the Framework Policy here

Download the Press release here

Press release

Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Rural Economic Development, Ms. Ann Phelan, T.D., today (Friday, 22 January 2016) announced the publication of a Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, which was approved recently by Government.

In making the announcement, the Minister said she was “delighted to be in a position to announce the publication of the Framework Policy, which underscores the Government’s commitment to supporting communities in Ireland”.  The Minister acknowledged the local and community development sectors’ strong contributions to Ireland’s social and economic development in recent decades and, in doing so, stressed the importance of a collaborative and inclusive partnership approach going forward.  The Minister said that “the meaningful participation of communities, in partnership with local government and other local development agencies, in identifying their own needs and agreeing actions to address those needs will be a crucial factor in the sustainability of our communities into the future.  While the Framework Policy contains a number of core objectives, I believe that meaningful engagement with communities, which goes beyond mere consultation, is the bedrock of the policy”.

Minister Phelan referenced the absence of an over-arching national policy heretofore and, accordingly, the absence of an impactful ‘whole of government’ approach to local and community development.  In this context, and in conclusion, the Minister said that “the policy affirms mine and the Government’s commitment to all our communities.  It reflects a shared commitment of national and local government to engage meaningfully with communities and to work in close partnership with them.  I believe it sends a message to communities, and their representative bodies, that government is committed to supporting local and community development and to putting in place mechanisms that will facilitate greater engagement by individuals and communities in the development of policies and strategies that seek to address their needs and will help them to flourish and reap the benefits of the recovery.”