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.
|