Local Authority Programme

About the programme

The All-Island Local Authority Programme is a strategic partnership comprising 10 Chief Executives, 5 from SOLACE NI (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives, NI (SOLACE, NI) and 5 from the CCMA (County and City Management Association). The work of the Forum is developed through practical joint projects and the sharing of knowledge, expertise and best practice.

The vision of the Forum: “is of strong, sustainable working relationships and shared understanding between Chief Executives and local authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, delivering positive outcomes for communities and places.

How it works

The Local Authority Programme supports the All-Island Local Authority Forum by providing opportunities for cross-border co-operation on a range of issues of mutual interest to both administrations and by facilitating collaboration of best practice, joint initiatives as well as a shared learning.

The Forum operates through a working group structure, with thematic sub-groups and the current priority areas of focus for the All-Island Local Authority Forum are:

Leadership 

Climate Action and Mitigation

Town Centre Regeneration

Sustainable Tourism

Relationship building is a cross-cutting theme of all activities undertaken by the Forum and typical activities delivered include conferences, study visits, training seminars, and learning exchange events.

The Impact

10 Chief Executives, five from SOLACE NI (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives), and five from the CCMA (County and City Management Association) take part.

New working group established to examine how data can be used to revitalise towns.

Programme to develop sustainable tourism underway.

Our Current Members

LAP-Members

Meet the Team

Paula Madigan

Paula Madigan
pmadigan@cooperationireland.org

Paula Madigan is a highly experienced Strategic Programme Manager at Co-operation Ireland, specialising in senior-level programme delivery.

Paula currently leads the All-Island Local Authority Forum, a chief executive-led strategic initiative bringing together senior local government leaders from both jurisdictions to collaborate across various policy areas including, climate action, sustainable tourism and leadership development. Known for her expertise in senior stakeholder engagement, Paula has a proven ability to build trust, align diverse interests, and convene high-level decision-makers in complex inter-jurisdictional environments.

Her work is characterised by diplomacy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to the values of cooperation and partnership that underpin Co-operation Ireland’s mission. Earlier in her career at Co-operation Ireland, Paula led an all-island education programme Artslink, which was a cross-border arts education initiative, and also the All-Island Schools Choir Competition, delivered in partnership with RTÉ bringing young people together through culture and creativity.

Outside work, Paula is a camogie coach and a keen dancer.