Decentralising for Resilience: Why Local Authorities Must Lead Preparedness Efforts

The recent spate of extreme weather events across Ireland has been a harsh wake-up call. From devastating floods to severe winter storms, these crises have laid bare critical gaps in our preparedness. Are our schools equipped to pivot seamlessly to online teaching, as they were forced to during the Covid-19 pandemic? Are electricity, water, and heating infrastructures robust enough to withstand future shocks? Unfortunately, the evidence suggests that we are woefully unprepared.

This is not just an Irish problem, but a systemic issue rooted in our governance model. A damning report from the Council of Europe(https://rm.coe.int/cg-2023-45-17prov-en-monitoring-of-the-application-of-the-european-cha/1680acd809%20e), brought into sharp focus by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) (https://ailg.ie/european-body-issues-damning-report-on-irish-local-government/), reveals that Irish local authorities are among the least empowered in Europe. Only 8% of public spending is managed locally, compared to a European average of 23%. This stark disparity underscores a critical weakness: an over-centralised approach to governance that limits our ability to respond effectively to crises.

As someone deeply engaged in public procurement and its role in building resilient systems, I believe the next Irish government must prioritise a decentralisation agenda. Empowering local authorities is no longer just a policy preference—it’s a necessity.

Why Local Authorities Hold the Key

At the heart of this issue is the fact that crises rarely affect every region in the same way. A coastal town facing rising sea levels has vastly different needs from an inland community grappling with heavy snowfall. National policies, while important, often aim for uniformity and overlook these local nuances. This is where local authorities come into their own.

Local governments are uniquely positioned to:

• Identify and mitigate region-specific risks: Local leaders have intimate knowledge of their communities' vulnerabilities and strengths.
• Implement tailored solutions: Infrastructure investments can be precisely aligned with local priorities.
• Foster community resilience: Local authorities are well-placed to mobilise grassroots initiatives that build adaptive capacity.

However, despite their potential, Irish local authorities lack the fiscal autonomy and decision-making power to act decisively. The Council of Europe’s report starkly highlights this imbalance, calling into question our readiness to meet future challenges head-on.

The Untapped Potential of Public Procurement

Public procurement is a critical lever in building preparedness and resilience, yet its potential remains underutilised in Ireland. Centralised procurement systems, while well-intentioned, often result in slow response times, misaligned priorities, and an over-reliance on a small pool of suppliers.

By decentralising procurement functions, we can unlock enormous value for local communities. Here’s how:

1. Speed and Agility: Local authorities can respond quickly to emergencies without waiting for national directives or navigating cumbersome centralised processes.
2. Localised Relevance: Procurement decisions can address immediate local needs, such as installing flood defences in vulnerable coastal areas or upgrading school infrastructure for remote learning.
3. Economic Stimulus: Engaging local suppliers not only builds resilience but also boosts regional economies, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
4. Encouraging Innovation: By partnering with SMEs and startups, local authorities can experiment with innovative solutions that might not fit within the rigid frameworks of national tenders.

Overcoming the Challenges

Of course, decentralising procurement and governance comes with its own set of challenges. These are not insurmountable but require deliberate planning and investment:

• Capacity Building: Local authorities will need training, tools, and resources to handle expanded responsibilities effectively. Capacity-building programs should be prioritised to ensure local officials are equipped to manage procurement efficiently.
• Oversight and Accountability: Robust mechanisms must be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability. This is crucial for maintaining public trust and avoiding inefficiencies.
• Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Local authorities should establish networks to share best practices, avoid duplication, and foster collective learning.

These challenges, while real, are dwarfed by the benefits of decentralisation. The key lies in balancing autonomy with oversight and investing in the capabilities of local governments.

A Call for Policy Change

Preparedness isn’t just about responding to disasters; it’s about building resilience before they happen. The next Irish government must recognise that empowering local authorities is the cornerstone of a robust preparedness strategy. This isn’t about diminishing national oversight but about embracing a smarter, more localised approach to governance.

As a procurement professional, I’ve seen firsthand how agility, innovation, and community-driven solutions can transform outcomes. Public procurement must be a central pillar of this effort. By enabling local governments to make procurement decisions aligned with their communities' unique needs, we can foster both resilience and sustainability.

The Council of Europe’s report should serve as a wake-up call. If we continue down the path of centralised control, we risk not only failing to prepare for future crises but also eroding public trust in our institutions. Local authorities, armed with greater fiscal autonomy and decision-making power, are our best hope for creating adaptable, thriving communities.

Conclusion: A Resilient Future Starts Locally

As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: are we willing to take the bold steps necessary to build a resilient Ireland? The answer lies in decentralisation. It’s time to move beyond outdated systems and give local authorities the tools they need to lead. Preparedness starts at the local level, and the future of our communities depends on it.

The next government has a golden opportunity to act. Let’s seize it and pave the way for a resilient, sustainable future—one that’s built from the ground up