This
report represents the outcome of a one-year research
project on local sustainable development and the
implementation of Local Agenda 21 on the island
of Ireland. The project was commissioned by the
Centre for Cross Border Studies from a cross-border
team of researchers: Geraint
Ellis, Dr
Bill Neill and Una Hand of the School
of Environmental Planning at Queen's University Belfast, and Brian Motherway
from the Dublin-based environmental consultants
Motherway Begley Ltd. The report contains the first-ever
analysis of the state of local sustainable development
across the island, together with a set of recommendations
that aim to reinvigorate local sustainability practice
in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The aims of the project were to:
- Ascertain and compare the currrent state of Local Agenda 21 (LA21) programmes and projects in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland;
- Explore and compare the degree to which LA21 processes can contribute to civic identity-building in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and explore approaches to civic participation;
- Explore the potential for collaboration between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in establishing and implementing local sustainability strategies.
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The project used a number of methodologies, including
extensive postal surveys of local authorities and
social partners all over the island; case studies
illustrating how sustainability can be promoted
on the ground; and focus and discussion groups
of representative stakeholders.
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and appendices