COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER.. NI 060144 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER.. 104019 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements 31 July 2022 Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Flnanclal Statements Year ended 31 July 2022 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the direclorfs report) Independent auditor's report to the members 22 Statement of financial aGtivities (including income and expenditure account) 28 Statement of financial position 29 Note5 to the financlal statements 30 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) Year ended 31 July 2022 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2022. Reference and administrative details Registered charity name The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Charity reglstratlon number 104019 Comparty registratlon number Nl 060144 Principal office and registered Belfast School of Architecture & Built Envlronmenl office Ulster University Jordanstown Campus Newtownabbey BT37 OQB Antrim The trustees Ms J Pyper Mr D Mcsorley Prof G Knapp Ms M Maclntyre Prof L Maguirc Prof B Donnellan Mr P Maguire Ms F Mccandless (Resigned 15 July 2022) (Resigned 24 February 2023) (Appointed 7 March 2023} Company secretary Ms Caroline Creamer Audltor Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN Bankers Bank of Ireland 1 Donegall Square South Belfast BT1 5LR Solicltors Elliot Duffy Garrett Royslon House 34 Upper Queen Street Belfast BT16FD The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontlnued) Year ended 31 July 2022 structure. govemance and management Status and Administratlon The International Centre for Local and Regional Development {ICLRDI is an incorporated charity which was incorporated on the 11 July 2006. Details of the registered office, Executive Committee members and advisers and other relevant information are given on page 1. The Inlemational Centre for Local and Regional Development is a company limited by guarantee and is govemed by ils Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company officially registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ire5and in November 2017- Northern Ireland Charity Number NIC104019. Organisation The ICLRD is a North-Soulh-US partnership established in 2006 to explore and expand the contribution that planning and the development of physical, social and economic infrastructures can make lo improve the lives of people on the island of Ireland and elsewhere. The partner institutions include= the Maynooth University Social Sciences Institute {incorporaling the National InstitLJte for Regional and Spatial Analysis {NIRSAI} at Maynoolh University", the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment at Ulster University., and the Nats'onal Centre for Smart Growth Research and Education. University of Maryland. Each of the current partners brings together complementary expertise and neiworks on both a North- South and East-west basis- creating a unique, all-island and international centre. The ICLRD continues to expand its collaboration with other institutions and has established working relationships with individual faculty and researchers from universities and research inslilulions including.. Mary Immaculate College-university of Limerick. University College Dublin, and the University of Manchester. The ICLRD is very open to involving other academics and research institutions in its activities. The ICLRD continues to work closely with other organisalions involved in cross-border research and activities including the local authority-led cross-border ne￿OrkS. The current Executive Committee Members are fully briefed on the ICLRD'S mission and activities and, on joining the Committee were advised of their legal responsibilities as outlined in the current Articles and Memorandum of Association {induding requirements in regard to the code of conduct and confli¢t of interest). The Executive Committee Members have ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the affairs of the ICLRD, although the management of the organisation is generally delegated to the staff, through the Executive Officer. Since May 2014, this responsibility lies with the Director. Caroline Creamer. The Executive Committee meets on a quarterly basis - or more frequently as and when required. The Executive Committee Members are accountable for the acliv"rties of the ICLRD. They provide direction and leadership, oversee the ICLRD'S finances. and approve projects. The Executive Officer coordinates these activities. The number of Executive Committee Members currenuy on the Board of ICLRD is 7. but the Board may from time to lime Tegisler an increase or decrease in Executive Members. The current 7 Execub've Committee Members indude an independent chair, three independent Non- Executs've Directors. and representatives appoinledlnominaled by each of the institutions that are 'core partners, of the ICLRD and who are also subscribers to the Memorandum of Association.. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustses. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (continu8dJ Year endèd 31 July 2022 la) Maynooth University., Ib} Ulster University., and Icl University of Maryland. The post ofvice-chair is currenuy vacant. with the Board deciding in 2022 not to fill Ihls posllion. Rather, where the Chair is unable to attend a Board meeting. the Trustee from the host institute will stand in as 'Acting Chair,. Additional Non-Executive Committee Members from private and non-profit bodips. with an interest in the ICLRD'S activities, may be invited to join the Board in the future. The Executive Committee Members may, from time lo lime and al any resolution of the Board al their absolute discretion. make such regulations as they see fit relating lo the Executive Committee Membership of the ICLRD. Committee Members may also. from lime to time and al any lime by like resolution al their discretion, alter such regulations lo such an extent and in such manner as the Executive Cornmittee Members shall see fiL The Executive Board is supported in ils activities by an Independent Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will provide a link with institutions and individuals in the academic world, govemment. non- governmental organisations and the private sector on both sides of the Allanlic. In 2019. discussions commenced at Executive Board level on re-defining the function ofthe Advisory Board lo ensure il better met the needs of the Board and Director in guiding and inft)rming the Centre's future direction. New Terms of Reference were devised, and invitations were issued to potential new membership from the island of Ireland, U.K. and U.S. {idenlified because of their expertise in a range of spatial planning domains}. The inaugural meeting of the newly constituted Board, which will be co-chaired by Mr. padraig Maguire, Senior Plannar. Moath County Council Imernbèr of the Executive Board) and Prnf Pg.1g_r Roberts. Chairperson of Northern Ireland Housing Executive INIHEI. look place on 2nd September 2021. Further meetings have been held on 14th September 2022.. 4th May 2022- 1 st February 2022. In July 2017. thc inaugural meetin9 of the ICLRD Resgarch Ftsrum was hold in Bglf2St. This Forum was independently chaired by Prof. Deborah Peel. Emeritus Professor, University of Dundee until July 2020. The purpose of this Forum is lo provide the research ne￿Ork with a structure through which they can inform fvlure work programmes and funding applications, while also creating a space in which they can identify common interests and opportunities for organising shared events and joinlly penning research articles. In November 2022, Prof. Diana Fitzsimons was appointed as Independent Chair and the Research Forum met on-line, for the first lime since COWD pandemic. on 9th February 2023. To strengthen the relationship be￿een the three operational levels of the ICLRD - namely, Executive Board. Advisory Forum and Research Forum - the Executive Board has sanctioned thaL The Chair of the Research Forum will hold a seat on the Advisory Forum., A Co-chair of the Advisory Board (where not already an Executive Board member} will attend the Executive Board meetings in an 'observerf capacity. In support of the day-lo-day operations of the programme. the following protsdureslmanuals were put in place andlor updated during this financial yeai". ICLRD Financial Adminislralion and Management lupdaled Febfuary 20231.. ICLRD Fraud Policy (approved JanLJary 2019, and reviewed annually)", ICLRD GDPR and Privacy Statement (approved August 2019, and reviewed annualtyl., ICLRD Risk Register Islanding ileml," and ICLRD Register of Interests Istanding item - with annual review every August.. thus aligning with The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directo*s Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 July 2022 ICLRD'S financial yearl. During the course of this financial year, the ExeculNe Board mel on five occasions-. 22 June 2022., 13 April 2022 {also the AGMI.. 16 February 2022-, 10 November 2021; and 8 September 2021. Objectives and activities ObjeGtIVOS The ICLRD has a specific role to play in ¢onlributing to the social, economic and territorial cohesion of the island of Ireland through". Addressing information gaps and providing new insights through independent joined-up research and policy advice on cross-border and all-island spatial planning and local and regional development issues le.g. governance and cross-border collaborations, community development. economic development, tourism, renewables and the green economy. the environment. service provision, etc.)., Smproving the capacity of cornmunilies and local. region81 and national government representatives and officials lo engage in mutually beneficial cross-border cooperation through capacity buildinglanimation programmes.. Assisting local governments and ¢ommunilies in translating polw into 'on the ground, action", Acting as a catalyst and conduit to bring relevant public and private actors, North and South, togethèr to work on cornmtsn g021s'. and Promoting intemational cooperation and exchanges. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Reportl (continuodj Yoar ondgd 31 July 2022 Oble¢tives and actlvltles (conlinued) Mission Statement- Public benefit The public benefit of the ICLRD is in the adVan￿Ment of practical cooperation and mutual understanding betsveen both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland by bridging the policy-practitioner divide and pursuing increased cooperation and Capacity among regional and local authorities in spatial planning. economic development, regeneration and conflict resolution and rewnciliation on the Island of Ireland. This is achieved through the advan￿ment of education via action research, the provision of of training, capacity-building and animation programmes, and the holding of consultation events on emerging policies and directives. The ICLRD researches and promotes cooperabon in the areas of spatial planning. regional development, govemment and governan￿, sustainable development, community developmenL professional education. climate change, environmental management and prolecb'on. The ICLRD is focused on building the capacity of regional and local authorities lo manage spatial planning on the island of Ireland as a whole. The ICLRD provides independent, joined-up research and policy advice on cross-border and all-island spatial planning and local and reg￿nal development. The Centre plays a proacb've role in peace and reconciliation on the island by bringing together policy- makers, practitioners and academics, North and South, to work on common goals in the areas of coordinated spatial planning and social and economic development at local. regional and national levels. It does this through research, policy advice and publications., professional education and capacity building programmes that assist local governments and communities lo translate policy into 'on the oround, action-. and active outreach and neiworking that includes conferences. workshops and international cooperation and exchanges to identify best practices. Stimulating economic growth and improving the living conditions to alleviate and prevent social conflict is at the heart of the Cenlre's mission_ The ICLRD is focused on building the capacity of regional and local authorities, development agencies. cross-border ne￿OrkS and community and voluntary organisalions to id8ntify stratègie areas of cnopp.ratinn Through its research and professional education programmes. the ICLRD works with policy-makers and local loaders to improve the environmg.nls in whirh pRnplR in IrplAnd, Ntsrth and South. live and work. with particular emphasis on the needs of marginalised and divided communities. 11 combines the promotion of ￿gIOnal planning and development as a tool for competitiveness with local planning and development as a way to remedy the continuing problems of social disadvantage. The ICLRD brings together an interdisciplinary partnership of academics. praclilioners and senior policy- makers in the areas of regional and community planning. cross-border cooperation. governance, community and economic development and mapping analysis. It draws upon the expertise of Maynooth University, Ulster University. and the University of Maryland lo tackle the challenges facing Ireland, North and South. It provides a model for others to follow.. a prestigious cross-iurisdiclional research and development Centre that draws upon the intellectual capital of third-level inslilutions and research centres at home and abroad to deal with key social, economic and environmental issues facing the island of Ireland - and countries in Europe and further afield that want to learn from Ireland. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report Ilncorporating the Director's Report) (￿nI1￿￿e￿? Year ended 31 July 2022 Objectives and activities {￿nti#Lled) Target Each year the ICLRD seeks to undertake action research that contributes lo the advancement of education by fostering and building an understanding of the complex all-island and cross-border dynaTnics 2nd drEvers of change in cross-jurisdiction cities, towns and rural areas. Our COnferen￿S. technical workshops and participation in ne￿orkS provide policy and operational linkages be￿een Central and local policy-makers and among officials and practitioners. Finally, our executive training programmes help local officials acquire the skills and the cutting-edge tools for effective planning and management in a challenging context. Since its inception, the ICLRD has organised its work around three spatial scales.. EU and all-island., Sub-￿g10nal which includes cross-border, and local. Through ils activities the ICLRD is facilitating forums lo foster the exchange of experience and best practices. It is also supporting joint North-south cooperation in inler-regional, including cross-border, initiatives along the lines encouraged by the EU and its slruclural funds. Prlnclpal actlvlties The ICLRD uses a variety of strategies to undertake its work, including.. Engaging in action fesearch with local governments, communities and central agencies that contributes to the piactical understanding of the complex inler-jurisdiclional and cross-border dynamics and drivers of change., Undertaking case study research to evaluate and develop good practice models-, Publishing Identifi￿ good practices and strategic policy advice., Hosting wort(shops and tora on key themes, as well as the oevelopment and dellvery ortralnlng modules., Acting as a catalyst ènd facilitating community groups and local govemments in the identification and roll-out of local development initiatives,. and Providing sustained strategic cooperation. rather than 'one-off projects. among academic inslilutions, the private sector and public authorities. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continu Year ended 31 July 2022 Achievements and performance The ICLRD partners worked on the following major projects in the period of this audit.. Applied Research Activlties During this audit period, the vast majority of the Centre's work programme was dedicated to technical assistance projects {as outlined below). In terms of research activities, the ICLRD continued to actively promote the Centre's research findings al every available opportunity and source new funded programmes of activity. One such significant applied-research commission undertaken during this reporting period was as follows.. InPLACE.' The Changing Spatial Relationship between Home and Workplace In early January 2019, the ICLRD were contacted by 8 GP in Wicklow airing concerns around the impact of commuting on his patients, their families and the community at large. Following a number of follow- on conversations, a draft proposal was developed over 2019, and in eady 2020 was ftjrther amended and revised lo take account of the disruptions to commuting patterns resulting from COVID-19, and the potential longer-term irllpacts of thls for commuting trend5 and offiGe woiking. In February 2020, the ICLRD took the proposal to the Office of the Planning Regulator for review and invited them lo be a partner. In July 2020, the OPR confirmed that with further amendments to the proposal they would become a partner to this proposed 24-month research programme and commit financial resources to the delivery of the programme. Through the National Planning Knowledge Group. contact was made with a number ofother potential funders which In turn led lo the Local Government Management Agency {LGMAI, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Llare Lounty Council agreeing to be funding p8rtners. By end 2021. the Department for infraslruclure Nl also came on board as a partner, supporting case studies in Northern Ireland. With monies secured, Phase 1 of InPLACE launched in April 2021. Taking a case study approach. this initial phase will focus on three towns.. Ennistymon-Lahinch. Co. Clare las a low commutin9lcontrol town) Newlownmountkennedy. Co. Wicklow Dundrum, Co. Down. This Phase was lo be rolled out over 12 months (April 2021-March 20221", and was to inclucje Ihe selection of four further towns for investigation during Phase 2. However, due to COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on travel and numbers meeting. and also taking account of community wishes around when fieldwork takes place, the roll-out of Phase 1 was delayed. As a result, Phase 1 did not conclude until September 2022. This led to a delay in the start tsf Phase 2 - and will likely lead to a no-cost delay lo the conclusion of the project. While the Interim Report for Phase 1 was being developed over the Summer. the research team worked closely with the LGMA to identify case study areas for Phase 2. The study now includes a US dimension.. with the University of Maryland securing funding from the Maryland Department of Transportation to replicate the study in U.S. towns with less than 5,000 residents each and high levels of long distan¢e145+ minute) cgmmuling. These were= Middletown in Frederick County, and North Beaoh in Calvert County. The research team draws on ICLRO colleagues from Maynooth University, Ulster University. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report Ilncorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year onded 31 July 2022 University College Dublin. Mary Immaculate College. Limerick and University of Maryland. In temis of project governance, the work progratnrrie is overseen by.. Operational Partnership Group - involving the research team and funding agencies.. Research Advisory Group- involving representatives from Translink, QUB, Grow Remote. Rural Residents Ne￿Ork1R￿ral Community Ne￿ork, Wexford Development Partnership and Western Development Commission. It is the objective of thls research programme that it will provide policy and practs.ce recommendations to support the role of local government, among others, in pla¢e-shaping, place-making and promoting resilient places in a p05t-CQVID world. The Advancement of Education.. Presentlng Research Findings and Networking As opportunities arise. the ICLRD hosts ils own events and encourages the ICLRD partner5 and affsliales to present at conferences and contribute to articles. The ICLRD website also hosts a briefing paper series. The ICLRD sponsored Journal - Bord8rlands.- The Joumal for Spatial Planning in Ire18nd- offers an opportunity to publish articles on emerging topics In spatial planning and local and regional development that are relevant to cross-border cooperation. Conferences. Seminars & Workshops As well as organising and hosting conferences and seminars, the ICLRD was also invited to make presentations at a number of national events in 2021 and 2022. These in¢luded'. Keynote address by ICLRD Director at the CES Implementation Ne￿ork of Ireland and Northem Ireland - based on NESC research reporL Long-tem) Resilient and Sustainable Cities A SGoping Paper- on 11th November 2021. This webinar focusing on implementing resilient and sustainable places and the importance of adopting a place-based approach_ Presentation by If.LRD Director lo the 'Talking Towns, seminar series hosted by the UCD Centre for Irish Towns- focused on The Border and Irish Towns- on 3r¢ March 2022. Conference session ded￿ated lo the InPLACE project as part of the Conference for Irish Geographe￿ ICIGI held in University of Limerick from 18_20 May 2022. Session took plan.e on 20th May. with presentations from Dr. Karen Keaveney, Dr. Gavan Rafferty and Prof. Des Mccaffety. Presentation to 'ftural VoiGes' webinar Series on the InPLACE r¢￿¢arCh prograrnme. This was co-delivered by Ms. Caroline Creamer and Dr. Karen Keaveney on 25UI May 2022. Recording available at.. h s'.Ilwww. 0utube.comlwalch￿=vw8Fr0kQSW The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limitsd by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (InGorporating the Directorfs Report) fGoniinu¢dJ Year ended 31 July 2022 ICLRD Webinar Series 2022 As with 2021, and again in direct response to COVID-19, and on-going restrictions in gatherings, the annual conference was substituted with a series of webinars which look place in Qlr.2 and Qlr.3 2022. The overall theme of the series was 'Posl-Pandemic Planning, and included five events. The series ran from May - November 2022., with each event lasting 75minutes. The programme was as follows.. Date Theme Where tAnd Meets Sea= Planning Challenges and Opportunities at the Coast LEAD Dr. Comiac Walsh & Dr. Heather Ritchie (UU) Recording and copy of presentations at.. htt s'.//iclrd.or 20221051061where-land_meets-sea- -challen es-and-o rtunities-at-the-coastl Thriving Places Post-Pandemic= The Relationship between Spatial Planning, Health and Wellbeing 15 June Recording and copy of presentalions at: s..l/iclrd.or 2021108104Jthrivin laces- ost- andemic-the-relationshi -between-s atial_ lannin healih-and-wellbein Societal Resilicnce as a Strategic Local Capability Ms. Caroline Creamer. MUllCLRD 2 1st September Recording and copy of presentations at.. s-.Iliclrd .or 202210912 l/societal-resilien¢¢-as-a- strate ic-local-ca abili -how-do-we-build-itl Commuliti¥, Pwpl¢ aiid Plac¢. Ein¢iging P¢15P¢¢tives from the InPLACE Project Dr. Andrew Mcclelland, UIiiv¥iblty ol MaiiGIIc5t¢i 19" October Prof. Gerrit Knaap. University of Maryland Recording and copy of presentations at: h s'.Iliclrd.or 202Y101191commutin eo le-and- lace-emer in ers eclives-from-the-in lace- Commuting. People and Place.. Critical Reflections from Practice and Implications for Policy Dr. B¢rnie O'Donoghue- Hynes. Local Governm¢nt Management Agcncy (InPLACE Partnersliip Board) 16th November Recording and eopy of presentations at.. htt s:Iliclrd.or 202211 l/l71commutin ¢0 le-and- lace-critical-reflections-from- racÉice-and- lications-for- olic These events continue lo introduce ICLRD to a new audience of a¢ademics. policy-makers and practitioners. The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustee5' Annual Report (Incorporatiiig tlie DireGtor's Report) {¢oniinueuJ Year ended 31 July 2022 Briefing Papar Series No papers were added lo the ICLRD Briefing Paper Series during this financial year.. Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR).. National Planning Knowledge Group Established in early 2019, the Office of the Planning Regulator {OPRI in Ireland convened a meeting of all planning schools across Higher Education on the island of Ireland on 12th May 2019. As a cross- border research centre with a strong profile in spatial planning matters, the ICLRD were invited to this meeting. In late 2019. the OPR established the National Planning Knowledge Group INPKGI. The ICLRD remains involved.. with the Director attending meetings {with substitution provided by Board members where required). During this financial year, three meetings of the NPKG took place (all on-line in response lo COVID-19 and public health guidelines).. 8 October 2021-, 2 February 2022.. and 4 May 2022. The Office of the Planning Regulator is a funder of the InPLACE project. An update on projeot activity was provided at each of these meetings. Department ofRural and Community Dgvélopment- Hlgher Education Institutions and Research Network In October 2021, the ICLRD Director was nominated by Maynooth University to sil on the newly established Higher Education Institutions and Research Network as part of the role-out and policy support of the Irish Governrnenvs rural slralegy, Our Rural Future. During this financial year, the Ne￿Ork mel on the following dales.. 6 Ociober 2022 7 April 2022 S October 2021 Engagement wlth Government Since its launch in October 2020, representatives of ICLRD have been engaging with the Shared Island Dialogue series. Events attencled Include.. 1 October 2022.. The Future of Education on a Shared Island 20 January 2022.. Tourism on the Shared Island - Building on Past Sufftss to Create a Sustainable Future 20 May 2022.. Enabling Rural and Community Development on a ShaTed Island. 10 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors Report) {¢onllnued) Year ended 31 July 2022 Ad-Hoc Group for North-south and East-west Co-operation In June 2020, ICLRD was invited lo join a 'loose' grouping of North-south l all-island bodies who have begun to meet regularly on Brexit and its implications for ongoing cooperation. The Group is being chaired by the Centre for Cross Border Studies ICCBSI. The over-arching objective of the Ad-Hoc Group for North-soulh and East-wesl Cooperation is to secure the continued means to cooperate within and between these islands. Through engagementwith key Government Departments and Task forces, it aims to ensure that agreements, policies or legislation developed or enacted by relevant regionalldevolved and national governments andlor the European Union are conducive of the maintenance of the conditions necessary for cooperation - Northlsoulh and Eastlwest. An immediate priority for the Ad-Hoc Group has been to seek engagement with decision-makefs involved in the implementation of the Protocol on IrelandlNorthern Ireland. As an ad-hoc group, members are free to engage whenlwhere they feel it is relevant and lake a back seat on other occasions. There are approx. 20 organisations involved at present - from Rural Community Ne￿ork. Northern Ireland's Womens Network, ICTU, Northern Ireland Environmental Link, Creative Spark. Irish Rural Link, and Co-operation Ireland. Networks The ICLRD continues to expand its collaboration with other universities, research inslilulions and researchers from higher education bodies such as Mary Immaculate College-university of Limerick, University College Dublin. and University of Manchester. We also expanded our joint initiatives with other organisations involved in cross-border research and activities including Co-operation Ireland. The ICLRD also continues lo engage with the Europe-wide OLA IObseNatory on Local Autonomy) Ne￿Ork,. with both Ms. Caroline Creamer. Director, ICLRD land Maynoolh University) and Dr. Brendan O'KÈÈffe. Senior Research Associate. ICLRD acting as joint Irish contact points. In November 2015, Ms. Creamer was appointed Irish Contact Point for the EU-Funded ESPON 2020 Programme, and continues this role for the ESPON 2030 Programme. This programme relates quite closely lo the work programme of the ICLRD.. with a cor8 aim of ESPON 2030 being to promote and foster a European territorial dimension in regional and local development and cooperation by providing evidence, knowledge generation and transfer and policy learning lo public authorities and other policy actors at all levels. 11 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontinu8dJ Year ended 31 July 2022 External Engagement Over this financial year, the ICLRD has been holdin9 briefing sessions with a range of agenciesl Government Departments to outline the work of ICLRD and ils role in building policy-praxis divides across the island of IreSand. Engagements held include.. 17 May 2022 - Universile de Limoges on European Research Alliances 5 May 2022 - Shared Island Unil 8 November 2021- SEUPB on SmartTowns and Villages Iherne of PEACE PLUS. The ICLRD was also invited lo engage in a number of workshops on themes highly relevant to spatial planning and regional development policy across the island of Ireland. These included.. 23 June 2022.. Ulster University workshop on 'Transboundary Marine Spats'al Planning, 7 March 2022.. Urban Foresight workshop lon behalf of SEUPBI om Smart Towns and Villages 4 March 2022.. ESPON Workshop on International Relations in Europe- with focu5 On the impact of Brexit on the Irish border region 14 January 2022.. ESPON-Southern Regional Assembly - ESPON TOURISM on Demand Workshop in Inveragh Peninsula on Tourism Carrying Capacity 26 November 2021.. Maynooth University-Age Friendly Ireland - workshop on climate action and older adult5. Peer to Peer Leaming The ICLRD attends a number of conferences over the years based on relevant themes, contributions lo ICLRD'S knowledge-base, and role in building the ne￿ork. Conferences attended by represenlalives of the ICLRD over the current financial year included". 26 June 2022.. Density v. Nature in Cities? No More False Choices 21-22 June 2022.. MOT lon-linel - Borders Forum 2022 31 March 2022.. Smart Growth - Effective Conservatism 29 March 2022.. ESPON Seminar {on-linel- From ESPON 2020 to ESPON 2030 23 February 2022.. Rural Voices Seminar with DRCD and NUI Galway lonlinel - Regional Vacancy and Dereliction Analysis in the Northern and Western Region 16 F8bruary 2022. F.8PnN .8eminar lon-linel Challenges and Opportunities for Shrinking Areas 10 February 2022.. Nordic-lrish Partnership for Smart Cities lonlirsel Circular Economy.. How to do it Smart 1-2 December 2021.. ESPON Seminar lonlinel - Quality of Life for territorial and citizen-cenlric policie5 16 November 2021.. ESRI & NIESR Initiative lonlinel - Launch of the All Island Economy Research Project 19 October 2021.. Nordic-lrish Partnership for Smart Cities lonlinel Smart community care solutions for an aging population 7 October 2021-. Co-operation Ireland lonline} - All-lsland Local Authority Fomm Climate Summit 24 September 2021.. Centre for Cross Border Studies Annual Conference lonlinel - Testing the health of conditions for posl-8rexil cooperation.. The evolving political and social contexts. The ICLRD continues to explore opportunities to collaborate with other cross-borderlall-island networks. 12 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (InGorporating the Director's Report) fcontinuets) Year ended 31 July 2022 Interview Panels During this current financial year. the ICLRD Director was invited lo sit on the following interview pan81.. Maynooth University - Interviewer for MUIBusiness Schoolllvl Posl-Doctoral P051tion with focus on Pseudonymous Economy Interviews.. 25 and 28 March 2022. Academic Review In November 2021, the ICLRD Director was invited to be part of an external three-member panel for the Validation and Review of the Bsc (Honsl in Spatial Planning & Environmental Management ITU8351 within the TU Dublin School of Transport Engineering Environment & Planning. The review took place in May 2022., with follow-up reporting in June 2022. External Consultatlons During the past ￿e1ve months. the ICLRD supported the NWRDG {North West Regional Development Group) on making the following submission.. September 2021." DAERA - Public Consultation on Rural Policy Framework for Northem Ireland. Technical Assistance and Support North West Gatgway Initiativ• Building on support services that have been in place Sin￿ 2015, Donegal County Council and Derry City and Slrabane District Council - with Derry City and Slrabane District Council as the lead - awarded six-month contract to the ICLRD. Covering the period JUlY-De￿Mber 2021, this contract covered a package ot strategic support5 retlecting tne evolving processes and structures now domlnatlng the growth and development of the North West. and the key role of the Councils within this. The contract largely focused on supporting the North West Strategic Growth Partnership INWSGPI. and the wider community of stakeholders who are. over lime, becoming key players in the co-design, support and delivery of the diversity of actions under the three strategic growth pillars underpinning the North West City Region. Valued t £24,916 (excl. VATI, a particular emphasis was placed on building capacity lo promote regional priorities as detailed in the North Vvesl City Region IrelandlNorthern Ireland Statement of Regional Priorities (February 20211. the Green Transformation of the North Wesl City Region of IrelandlNorthern Ireland Statement of Intent (March 20211. and the emerging Issues Paper for the North Wesl City Region Spatial Strategy. associated strategic briefings, and to support the Councils and other key NWSGP stakeholders in their implementation. The value of this contract is £24,916 (excl. VATI.This contract, valued al Slg£33,247 (excl. VAT) centred on the ICLRD supporting the Councils in supporting the work programmes of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership Ilhe new structure established in 2016 centred on senior Government Department representatives working with the Councils to progress priority pmgrammes for the North Wesll. Key elements of the work programme under this contract include {nol exhaustivel. Provision of ongoing supports and facilitation to senior management incl. provision ofconlinued capacity building for the regional development process, with 3 strong emphasis being placed on developing the City Region., Convening and facilitating the NW Planners Forum.. Continued advocacy for key infrastructuial improvements across the North Wesl City Region.. On-going facilitation. advocacy and strategic liaison with key Governmental stakeholders relating lo the growth and development of the City Region through the NWSGP process.. Identification of, and strategic advice and mentoring to, project stakeholders {extemal to Council) in relation to the pla￿-ShapIng agenda and the p18ce-based leadership model.. Exploring opportunities for policy and project alignment with the principles of the EU Gieen Deal, Convening and facililalion of a Green Transformation Working Group and building on existing 13 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontlnu•d) Year ended 31 July 2022 green infrastructure investments 8S the region positions itself as 2 living lab for green Iransfomalionlgrowth., Continued strategic supporl relats'ng to the securing of funds lincluding NWRDFI associated with the regional growth process., Convening and facilitation of a Climate Change Working Group,. and Provision of capacity building and support in relation lo progression of the regional climate adaptation and regional energy secuity strategies. In December 2021, the Councils, extended the contract with ICLRD by nine months (December 2021 August 20221. Under this programme, the ICLRD will continue to support Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council together with other national and regional stakeholders in advancing the new structures and processes ft)r collaborative working around identified shared key priority areas in the North West City Region INWCRI. Under this programme. key activities will include.. On-going engagement and support to the Green Transfomialion Working Group and the NW Planners Forum. with a particular emphasis on progressing their identified priorities,. Continued strategic support on the issue of Higher Education, research and innovation and the Cross-8order FE HE Cluster for thg. North West City Region. noting the NDNA commitment to expansion of UU - Magee Campus, and the confirmation of Technological University status for LYIT and institutional partners in the West and North Wesl of Ireland., Working in the context of overall support to the NWSGP and its objectives. th8 identification of, and strategic advice and mentoring to, regional stakeholders in relation to connectivity of proposals and collaborative working approaches with Councils, relationship-building and development methodologies Con31￿tent wsth the piaee-shaping agenda and tho p12co-based leadership model- Exploring opportunitie5 for policy and project alignment with the principles of the EU Green Deal.. building on the Green Transforinatioii Statement of Intent as published by both Councils and existing green infrastructure inveslrnents as the region positions itself as a living lab for green transformalionlgrowth.. and Continued strategic support relating io the securing of funds Ilncludlng NVfftDF) a55UGi¢il¢d with the regional growth process., considering also opportunities under the new EU Cohesion programmes incl. PEACE PLUS,. with funding calls expected in early 2022. In July 2022, the Councils invited ICLRD to submit a further proposal of supports covering the period September 2022 to March 2023. 14 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development ompany Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (cctnlinvÉdJ Year ended 31 July 2022 PALS Irgland Discussions continue in explonng options to pilot a PALS Programm8 in Ireland. AILG- The 21st Century Councillorin Ireland As part of wider discussions being held with Maynooth University, the ICLRD is part of a research funding proposal being co-designed with the Association of Irish Lo￿1 Govemmenl IAILGI on the role of the councillor in the 21 sl Century. This is part of a two-year strategic allian￿ be￿een AILG and MU on the research, training and advocacy needs of the AILG members over the short to medium term. Valued at É34,987 (excl. VATI, this research considers a range of contextual issues that are reshaping local government, examines the roles that councillors are playing, or recognise that they will need to be playing, within their organisations, and localities, and it explores 8 number of challenges, as follows, all of which are pertinent lo conlempor8ry Ioc81 government in Ireland. The research will contribute lo a better understanding of the training needs and capacity building supports required by Ireland's 949 elected officials. This project commenced in May 2021,. and is scheduled lo conclude in Qtr. 1, 2023. Durir¢g this financial year, an emphasis was placed on the international literature review, the design of the on-line survey (circulated to all 949 elected members of local government} and commencement of one-to-one interviews. Southem Reglonal Assembly- SmartReglon Definitson and Framework to Facilitate Smart Cities Driving a Smart Region The ICLRD is part of a wider Maynooth University Team that has been commissioned by the Southern Regional Assembly in March 202110 assist them in the development of a Smart Region Framèwork that capitalises on the smart city and smart townlvillage initiatives already underway. Valued at é21,576 excl. VAT, this programme involves three work packages.. Work Package IWPI 1 - Smart Region Con8ultation Work Package IWP} 2- Smart Regions Good Practice Research Work Package IWPI 3- A Framework Report lo Assist Stakeholder Initiatives in Pursuit of a Smart Region. The work programme concluded in July 2022, with the development of three reports.. Report 1.. Towards a Smart Southern Region.. Smart Region Consultation Report 2.. Towards a Smart Southern Region.. International Approaches to, and Good Practice rri, the tjevelopment of Stnart Regions Report 3.. Towards a Smart Southern Region.. Smart Region Maturity Framework for the Southern Region It is expected that these reports will be formally launched in Qtr. 1, 2023- as part of a wider initiative on the 'Smart Region, by the Soulhem Regional Assembly. 15 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Reportl (¢ontlnuedJ Year ended 31 July 2022 Donegal County Council - Dgvèloping a Scoping Paper for A North West Metropolltan Spatial Strategy On behalf of both Councils in the NW, the ICLRD was commissioned by Donegal County Council in June 2021 to develop a North West Metropolitan Spatial Strategy Scoping Paper. This builds on the recognition of the North Wesl City Region INWCRI in both the National Planning Framework120181 and ils interpretation in the Regional Spatial and Economic Stralegy120201. This is seen as a precursor by both Councils to the development of a cross-border spatial strategy for the NWCR. The aim of this project is is lo scope out the strategic direction, objectives, project plan, status, government arrangements, resources, assets and appropriate funding mechanisms required lo carry out a Joint North Wesl Metropolitan Growth Strategy. This Initial Scoping document will provide a framework for project actions to pave the way for the first Cross Border Spatial Strategy and provide a planning context for the higher value city region in the North Wesl. A draft report was submilled to the Councils for consideration in December 2021,. with a final report submitted in March 2022. This work programme was valued al E17,688 (excl. VATI. Financial review For the year ended 31 July 2022. income is £133,82312021'. £145.9821 a decrease of £12,159 largely due to CommLJling Study reducing. Expenditure for the year ended 31 July 2022 is £117,840 {2021.' £75.3781 an increase of £42,462 largely due lo research expenditure. 16 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Director'5 Report) fconlinue¢iJ Year ended 31 July 2022 Flnancial revlew (continued) ReseThes Policy The charity's reserve policy is lo retain a level of free reserves which matches the needs of the. organisalion both at the current lime and in the foreseeable future. The charity has rninimal free reserves of £26,692 and the charity's reserves policy is reviewed annually. Its reserves FX)licy is that funds are to be expended within 18months, which the Executive Committee members consider appropriate to the charity's circumstances and the liming of funding and expenditure. The charity's free reserves are total funds. excluding reslricled funds. The charity monitors its income, expenditure and obligations on a quarterfy basis and requests sufficient funds from ils primary funders lo cover ils obligations. Activities are programmed to match expected funding leve15 Qn an annual basis. From 1 August 2020. the ICLRD moved its accounting pracb'ces online. using Xero accounts SO￿are. Risk Manogernent The Executivc Committee have assessed the major risks lo which tho charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the operations and finances of the charity. and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to those risks. Annual Monitorlng Retums of May 2020, the ICLRD is required to fil8 Annual Monitoiing Roturns to The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. The ICLRD filed ils third return in May relating lo the audit period 1 August 202041 July 2021. 17 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee TrustoÈs' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (eontinuwl) Year ended 31 July 2022 Plans for future periods Plans for Futuro Years The focus of activities for the next audit period (August 2022 to July 20231 is on the sourcing of funds for the year in question as well a5 the period 2023-2025. nurturing new partnership atrangemenls with the National Centre for Smart Growth Research and Education (University of Marylandl, building on the success of the webinar series held in place of an annual conference during 2021 and 2022 in light of COVID-19 and ongoing public health reslriclions as a staple of the ICLRD offering, and the continued support to the North Wesl City Region, with a key focus on facilitating the North West Strategic Growth Partnership INWSGPI and engaging with strategic regional and national stskeholders as appropriate in support of the three regional growth pillars. The Centre aims to undertake a number of events on lopi¢al issues in order to keep ICLRD ￿tiVe in the policy-praxis space of spatial planning and local and regional development. The ICLRD management, including both the Executive Committee and reconstituted Advisory Board, will continue lo review the Centre- in terms of its slruclures. operations and funding model. The review will cover such issues as how the ICLRD canlwill respond lo emerging trends, feed into policy across both jurisdictions, and strengthen the olganisab'onal slruclure. In funding terms. the objective is lo diversify the Cenlre's sources of funding with particular attention to be paid lo supporting local government programmes and change management processes. This includes exploring opportunities under the EU Cohesion Programme 2021-2017 and Ireland-us funds. The implications of Brexit on the Cenlre's ability- or not - to avail of opportunities under the former will be kept under constant review by the Board. ICLRD Event Serles 2023 The ICLRD will hold further events in 2023- focusing both on ICLRD research and topical policy issues. Whether thesè take place in-pergon or online has not y61 been decided. Initial discussions at Board level currently indicate a mixed approach being adopted. Netwnrking Supporting the North West. Under the current contract with Derry City and Slrabane District Council, the ICLRD will be working with the councils and a number of key Central Government Departments in devising naw oporalional structur88 for tha North Wast under thr88 key pillars of operation.. al Rogional Economic Growth and Investment.. bl Regional Physical & Environmental Development., and cl Regional Social and Community Cohesion and Well-Being. Supports will continue to be provided lo the NW Planners Forum and ongoing collaborations with the NSMC in supporting thematic workshop discussions which in tum will feed into fvlure work programmes. Ad-Hoc Group for North-south and East-west Co-operation.'The ICLRD will continue lo support the workings of the Ad-Hoc Group, engaging as relevant to ICLRD'S core interests. P8ac& and Reconciliation - Fostering Collaborative Action.. The ICLRD will continue to explore the linkages be￿een peace and reeoncilialion and local and regional development with a particular focus on identifying key stakeholders interested in looking at the contribution of local and regional development to the peace process. Publications Submissions are being sought for new briefing papers as part of the series. 18 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) f¢onlinued) Year ended 31 July 2022 Following completion of the InPLACE Phase 11Projecl Interim Report in September 2022. the iesearch tearn are currently identifying further articles lo be published durfng the timeframe of this programme - including potential peer-reviewed journal articles. Media The press release announcing the commencement of the InPLACE study in April 2021 was picked up by a number of national and regional publicalions - and radio media. This included an interview on Limerick's Live 95FM with Prof. Des Mccafferty (Project Pl) on 2 September 2021. As the project progresses, and findings emerge, it is hoped that further media interest in this project can be secured. Alaynooth University Buslness Plan and Ulster University Supports During the financial year 2017-2018, a proposal was developed by the ICLRD lo place the Centre on a Business Plan within Maynoolh University. Wth the support of the then Maynoolh University nominee on the Executive Board, Prof. Jim Walsh, a Business Plan was prepared for the next three years. In order to remove the uncertainty associated with funding based on small projects and to safeguard continuity in implementation. Maynoolh University was requested lo uncjerwrile the Business Plan with a commitment of 30k euro per annum for three years. The Business Plan was approved in March 2018., with agreement that il would be activated on 1 August 2018 to coincide with the ICLRD'S new financial year, Ulster University, as a core University Partner, agreed lo contribute 500A of the 30k pa required to underwrite the Business Plan. In return, the ICLRD Executive Board commit to securing external funding to underpin a sustainable business model. The Business Plan concluded in July 2021. Maynooth University. Ihrough its nominee on the Executive Board, Prof. Brian Donnellan. sought and secured approval from the Maynoolh University Executive for a second Ihree-year Business Plan, operating from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2024. Again, Ulster University as a core partner will contribute 500/0 of the 30k commitment per annum for the three-year timeframe of the renewed Business Plan. Responding to COWD-19 In May 2020, at the first ICLRD Executive Board meeting held since COVID-19 disrupted normal working practices in March, the Trustees deemed il necessary that Ihe potential impacts of the global panderni¢ should be added lo the Cenlre's Risk Register. This has been reviewed at every subsequent Board meeting. With ICLRD having no fixed assts, pensions assets or investments. the impact on the Centre's financial statements has been minirnal. In order lo protect members of the ICLRD research community, the Trustees moved quickly to reflect the home-working policies of the core University partners. and to move all meetings lincl. Executive Board meetingsl, events and fieldwork on-line. Researchers were encouraged to postpone foreign travel. As schools and childcare services entered phases of lockdown inlermittenlly, the Trustees supported flexible working hours,. recognising that a number of the researchers needed to balance work with childcare and home-schooling.The Chair scheduled bi-monthly meetings with the Director to review projects, tender opportunities, charity finanryals, etc. and check-in on the welfare of the research community. These meetings are now a permanent feature of ICLRD'S governance structures. 19 The International Centre for Local and Regional Development Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {InGorporating the DireGtor's Report) (contrnuettj Year ended 31 July 2022 Plans for future periods (continued) Through the core University partners, training was provided lo a number of the research community in use of online technologies and fieldwork tools. This includes Zoom and MS Teams. In addition. Maynoolh University s￿la1 Scien￿$ Institute {MUSSII committed to providing logistical supports to ICLRD for all online events. This Continued during the term of this audit petiod. number of research projects needed to be reviewed in terms of fieldwork methodologies and timeframe for delivery. These reviews took place in consultation with the relevant funders, and mutually beneficial arrangement put in place. These were reviewed regularly throughout each work stream. The ICLRD is a small. niche research centre whose operating model has always been agile, adaptable lo changing circumstances and accommodating ofclients changing needs. This operational model has assisted the ICLRD grealty in dealing with the disruptions- current and expected- resulting from COVID- 19. As restrictions have, and continue lo. ease, the ICLRD is shifting lo a hybrid model of both in-person and on-line activities - particularly in relation to meetings and fieldwork. Funding The ICLRD continues to Scope the potential for core funding from a range of agencies - ranging from nlral government departments, especially those involved in cross-border cooperation and the reform of public administration in Northern Ireland and Ireland, philanthropic bodies, and funding agencies. The ICLRD will also examine the opportunities lo develop proposa15 for the new round of EU funding programmes (2021-20271- PEACE PLUS, INTERREG. ESPON, etc -and explore funding opportunities ariiuiiy VdliUU¥ Governtnent Departrnents (Departtnent of Forelgn Affalr5 'Reconclllatlon Fun(J', Shared Island Funds} and other foundations. AppliGations submitted over the past three months l or in train indude.. Eumpean Parliament - Impact of Brexit. In September 2022, the ICLRD Director was invited to dèvèlop tg iebe