Principal Activity - Objectives - Strategies - Measurement:

1.  Providing Local Democratic Self Governance

The primary purposes of local authorities is to give expression to the right of local self-government. Local government provides opportunities for public participation and political activity within the democratic process to influence events and local decisions. It is closer and more accessible to the citizens. As a result local government is a vital element of a nation’s democratic system. 

Objectives:

• Provide leadership and vision to create confidence in the democratic process
• Deliver on local governments representative and influencing role
• Maintain effective policy implementation
• Promote stronger engagement of people and grass roots organisations in local democracy
• Reinforce a culture of consultation and dialogue
• Promote an inclusive approach when developing and implementing policy

Strategies:

• Invite external agencies to report on activities which impact on the citizens of Sligo
• Maximise all available promotional, educational and awareness opportunities to highlight the councils’ successes and achievements throughout Sligo
• Develop and maintain a strong internal corporate identity and culture of integrity throughout Sligo local authorities
• Support the Corporate Policy Group, Strategic Policy Committees and Area Committees to play an active and leading role in developing and implementing policies
• Continue to develop customer and citizen feedback processes to identify priorities and inform future service delivery and development
• Make effective use of our network of local offices and service contact points
• Provide continuing support and training for elected members and all representatives on SPC’s
• Continue to promote the understanding of local government among young people in Sligo as part of the implementation of the National Children’s Strategy
• Implement a programme of information and training on policy development and implementation for members, staff and external members of associated committees
• Implement Information and Communications Technology Strategy to ensure that appropriate information on the work of the local authorities is made available to as wide an audience as possible
• Prepare regular submissions to inform the work of external agencies.

Measurement:

• Satisfaction ratings of customers/citizens
• Number, quality and accessibility of public contact points for access to local authority information including electronic contacts
  Percentage electoral turnout
• Number of new initiatives focused on increasing the awareness and understanding of the role and purpose of local government by young people
• Level of participation in Comharile na nOg and other youth initiatives
• Level of training provided