This is an ambitious and far-reaching plan that spans diverse domains of action. It is acknowledged here that the UN SDG Global Framework of Indicators are not entirely scalable to the GCDP as they contain indications that are the remit of National governance, and other indications which are more relevant to countries in the Global South. Nonetheless the SDG GFI can be used to demonstrate progress on the overall goals of the UN SDG if integrated into the plan going forward. This would enable the city to demonstrate compliance to SDG 16.6 effective, accountable and transparent decision-making within institutions, improve the CDP’s progression towards strategic goals while vindicating Human Rights.
In order to support the council to fulfill this objective we have sampled 6 Chapters (ranging from 2 to 7) to demonstrate how the Global Framework of Indicators can be of use in measuring goals, and included a chart with the indicators relevant to each chapter. However, the integration of indicators is of relevance to all chapters in this plan, and indicators should be identified for Chapters 8-11 in order to ensure the SDG's are attained through the lifetime of this goal.
• Monitoring plays a crucial role in understanding how effective the Development Plan objectives are in contributing to Ireland's commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. The Council will establish a methodology, based on a selection of appropriate indicators from the SDG Global Framework indicators. Therefore, each chapter should include actions and name the specific targets and indicators from the Global Indicator Framework which they relate to.
• These appropriate indicators will be included in Appendix 1 (p.327) and integrated into the methodology outlined in the Draft Strategic Environmental Assessment Report (p.60) and plan arising from a Public Sector Duty Assessment.
• GCC will undertake its required Public Sector Duty Assessment, across all aspects of the Councils responsibilities, within year 1 of the new plan. The plans and actions developed to address issues raised in the equality and human rights assessment will include the appropriate SDG indicators.
• The Chief Executive's two-year report will include a review of the progress achieved in relation to the SDGs and any recommendations necessary to ensure that Ireland's commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030 will be realised.
• GCCN, as the Public Participation Network for Galway City should be named as a key stakeholder as provided for in the Local Government Reform Act 2014.
• The actions of this plan should integrate ‘Target 16.7: ‘Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels’ within Appendix 1: Implementation and Monitoring to center meaningful engagement of communities and young people in the implementation and monitoring of the plan.
The attainment of the SDGs is of crucial importance towards mitigating crises in the future, and securing the human rights of citizens, so cannot be separated from Public Sector Duty.