Cross-Border Co-Operation in Local Government. Development, Management and Reconciliation

Author(s): Derek Birrell and Amanda Hayes
Document Type: Report
Year: 2001
Publisher: Centre for Cross Border Studies
Place of Publication: Armagh
Subject Area(s): Community

Abbreviations: EU - European Union

Background to the Research

  • Despite the fact that cross-border co-operation between local authorities has increased substantially in recent years, little has been published in this area. This report therefore documents specific information on a number of key themes which have a particular relevance for the practice of cross-border co-operation in local government.

Themes

  • The development process in cross-border co-operation.
  • The management in cross-border co-operation.
  • The relationship between cross-border co-operation and reconciliation.

Research Approach

  • An analysis of a number of evaluation and other reports was undertaken.
  • Structured interviews were carried out with representatives of councils in both jurisdictions involved in the linkage.
  • Structured interviews were also carried out with representatives of some relevant organisations outside local government with specific interests in cross-border co-operation and reconciliation.
  • A short questionnaire was administered to councilors from the Cross-Border Networks.

Main Findings

  • The report distinguishes five different types of linkages involving local authorities in cross-border co-operation, which represent different types of development.
  • A number of linkages between local authorities in Ireland take place in the context of a wider European partnership of councils.
  • One of the distinguishing features of more developed linkages was the existence of a clearly structured management committee for the linkage.
  • The majority of respondents indicated that although there was no specific reconciliation agenda, they would tend to endorse the hope that the processes and outcomes of the project would have a beneficial impact in that area.
  • Cross-border development is to a large extent funding driven, and the availability of EU funding, particularly through the INTERREG and PEACE programmes, has determined the nature and scope of cross-border collaboration.
  • It is noticeable that there is no strategy endorsed by governments or departments to promote cross-border local government co-operation.

Recommendations

  • Consideration should be given to the establishment of cross-border co-operation as a local government function.
  • Mainstreaming through council funding or a central government grant would be popular with councilors.
  • Protection of the role of councilors when social partnerships are required by the EU funders in cross-border networks.
  • More effective and specialist project management could enhance the potential for cross-border co-operation.
  • Guidance should be given to councils on how issues of reconciliation can be addressed in the context of cross-border co-operation.
 

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