Minutes of the Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on 10th December 2024 which had been circulated were considered. 

It was PROPOSED by Mr. A. Cooney and seconded by Councillor T. Murphy and RESOLVED:

“The minutes of the meetings of the 10^th of December 2024 be ADOPTED.”

John Quinlivan, Director of Services, presented a report on the 2024 policy programme, highlighting key developments and noting that many would be addressed later in the agenda. He also outlined the proposed 2025 programme.

It was agreed by the SPC Members that the report be circulated to all Councillors. Any suggestions or questions be emailed to the Chair, with Mr. Quinlivan copied in.

Oisín Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise, presented an overview of the Local Enterprise Offices' (LEO) 2024 activities, highlighting key ongoing and upcoming initiatives. The presentation included highlights of Local Enterprise Week 2025, 2024 targets and outputs, and an outline of the Local Enterprise Development Plan for 2025–2028.

Mr. Geoghegan to meet with the new members to provide an overview to the Local Enterprise Development Plan. 

The presentation was well received by the SPC Members.

Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer presented the Fingal Skills Strategy 2024–2029, highlighting development, key findings, and projected skills needs.  Also outlined the 2024 work of the Implementation Group, Fingal’s role in the Interreg SKYLA project, and the TY Xplore Your Future event.

The presentation was well received by the SPC Members.

Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer delivered a presentation on Fingal’s Economic Development Strategy, outlining six key opportunity areas and progress to date.

Ms. Sheridan also provided an update on the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).

The presentation included updates on key programmes such as Healthy Ireland, the Dublin Rural LEADER Programme 2023–2027, and SICAP.

The presentation was well received by SPC members.

Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer, presented an overview of Fingal’s Tourism Strategy and Policy Development from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025, highlighting its alignment with the Food and Drink Policy. He also outlined the 2025 deliverables and implementation projects, emphasising the Council’s role in their delivery.

The presentation was well received by SPC members.

Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer, gave an overview of the Fingal Food and Drink Policy and its alignment with the Tourism Strategy, noting areas of overlap where food and drink enhance the tourism offering.

The presentation was well received by SPC members.

The attached motion, in the name of Councillor J. Humphries was proposed by Councillor J. Humphreys and Seconded by Councillor J. Guerin.

“That this Committee recommends that the Council explore the development of an Outdoor Dining Strategy, in line with the objectives of the Fingal Food & Drink Policy 2024-2029 and the Fingal Tourism Strategy 2024-2029, to support the hospitality sector, enhance public spaces and promote food tourism.”

Report provided by Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer.

The report from Declan Power was accepted.

Chairperson Councillor K. Dennison thanked all the members of the SPC for attending.  It was noted that efforts would be made to have all information circulated to members one to two weeks in advance of the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday June 11^th.