“Places Matter”- New Reference Guide Illustrates Chamber-Led Best Practice in Supporting Local Economies

Chambers Ireland has today (11 November 2020) published its ‘Places Matter’ – Chamber Guide to Best Practice in Collaboration and Local Economic Development. Supported by An Post, the ‘Places Matter’ Guide contains best practice examples of collaboration from across the Chamber Network, Local Authorities and their agencies, and showcases the diverse initiatives to support economic growth and development that are driven by Chambers in the community.

Speaking this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot, said:

“Pride of place is at the heart of this work as Chambers commit to making our towns, cities and regions better places to live, work and do business. This guide is evidence of the wide range of work that Chambers are involved in and leading on throughout the country. From campaigns on infrastructure and promoting inward investment, to encouraging communities to shop and spend locally, Chambers of Commerce are driving economic development in their local economies.

There are challenges on the horizon, with the impact of Covid-19 likely to have a lasting impact on our urban centres and high streets. As we look to the recovery, we will need new, innovative solutions to support job creation, reduce commercial vacancies and tackle climate change, as well as improving infrastructure and our quality of life.

Chambers, working in collaboration with Local Government and State agencies, will continue to play a role in addressing these problems and supporting the needs of the local economies they represent. As we navigate the challenging times ahead, this new Guide is a timely resource to support local economies to learn from each other, replicate successful programs and work together in driving economic growth.

We look forward to working with Government to respond to the challenges ahead and ensure sufficient investment is available to support the places where we live and work towards the goal of a more balanced regional recovery. No region can afford to be left behind.”

Also speaking at the launch, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O Brien, welcomed the initiative and highlighted the important work of chamber in their local economies.

“Local Chambers throughout the country play an important role in stimulating and promoting business and employment and have a strong track record of working with Local Government in this regard. This is mirrored at national level by Chambers Ireland, which has consistently taken a keen interest in Local Government, helping to foster productive collaboration between local authorities and the business sector to promote quality and good practice in local government. A prime example is their annual Excellence in Local Government Awards, which Chambers Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have jointly sponsored for more than ten years.

I look forward to future editions of this Guide, highlighting good practice and providing practical advice both for local authorities and Chambers nationwide on ways to maximise the benefits of mutual collaboration.”

• The full Chambers Ireland ‘Places Matter’ – Chamber guides to Best Practice in Collaboration and Local Economic Development can be accessed here