Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has commenced the legislative provisions to enable Business Improvement District Schemes (BIDS) to operate in Ireland.
Minister Roche stated - "BIDS represent a new and unique partnership arrangement between business and the local government sector, with the clear objective of delivering significant positive impacts on the economic vitality and viability of cities and towns. Both business and local government have benefited greatly from increasing levels of engagement and interaction in recent years. I firmly believe that BIDS have the potential to enhance current partnership arrangements."
A BID scheme is an organisational and financing mechanism, through which businesses can develop and implement initiatives in defined areas to improve those areas for the betterment of the trading environment.
A group of businesses come together and decide, firstly, that they want enhanced services or a wider range of services - or new facilities or activities in an area. Secondly, these businesses decide that they are willing to pay for such services, facilities or activities.
Originating in Toronto, Canada in 1971, business improvement district schemes are now in operation in many cities and towns throughout Canada, the US and the EU.
Minister Roche said - "When I first heard of BIDS, I recognised the opportunity to harness business innovation for the economic betterment of cities and towns. BIDS provide a vehicle for businesses to work collaboratively with local authorities and local residents towards the proactive management of an area, which will yield significant benefits for everyone."
The Minister indicated that the legislation fully embraces the voluntary aspects that are vital to the BIDS concept internationally. It will be a matter for the business community to develop a BID proposal, which will set out the type of works, services or projects proposed and the level of investment required to finance the scheme.
The local authority has the ultimate say in whether a BID scheme goes ahead - in particular, it must ensure that the interests of the local community are protected. Before a council takes a decision on a BID proposal, a plebiscite must be held among the business community in the BID area.
Commencement of the BIDS provisions coincides with the making of Regulations, which will govern the holding of a plebiscite. Once approved by the council - following a successful plebiscite - a specially established BID company will have responsibility for implementing the provisions of a BID scheme, with the local authority playing a key role in any such company.
Minister Roche emphasised that a key feature of BIDS is that all investment made through BIDS will be both additional and complementary to the current level of services provided by the local authority.
The Minister continued - "I am convinced that the investment delivered through BIDS will, in fact, leverage further investment in BID and surrounding areas, as a direct result of the goodwill and impetus that will be generated through BIDS.
"I know that commencement of the legislative provisions for BIDS is keenly anticipated. I want to thank local authorities and the business community - in particular, the Dublin City Business Association - for their assistance during the development of the BIDS legislation and I look forward to the establishment of BID schemes in cities and towns throughout the country."
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