4 – Housing Policy Social and Cultural Development
Minutes of Strategic Policy Committee 4 – (Housing Policy/Social & Cultural Development) held on Tuesday, 1st June, 2010 at 11.00 am in The Training Room, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- G. Mullaney,
- M. Baker,
- D. Bree,
- M. Fleming,
- I.Henry,
- J. Leonard,
- J. Queenan
- T. McDaid,
- J. McDonagh,
- S. Boles,
- H. Rochford Brennan
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Ms D. Finnerty, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms S. Malone, Assistant Staff Officer
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:
The Chairman Councillor G. Mullaney welcomed everybody to the inaugural meeting of the SPC 4 Committee.
He appealed to members to treat one another in a respectful and courteous manner through the lifetime of the Committee. He further advised that if he observed behaviour towards staff or Committee members what was deemed to be inappropriate behaviour, he would have no option but to request the person concerned to leave the meeting, or adjourn the meeting.
Introductions by members of the new Committee were made.
ROLE OF SPC – OVERVIEW OF POLICY AREAS TO BE COVERED:
A Report was circulated to the members on this item. The Director of Services gave an overview of the role of the SPC to include:
- Areas of responsibility
- Framework for SPC’s
- Appointment of Sectoral Representation
- Factors influencing Work Programme
- Sample Policy Areas
PRESENTATION FROM NORTH WEST ALCOHOL FORUM:
Councillor Mullaney welcomed Mr Eamon O’Kane from the North West Alcohol Forum Ltd to the meeting.
Mr O’Kane gave a presentation to the members on the effects of drinking on society and the measures that can be taken to reduce alcohol consumption. His presentation to this Committee and to Sligo County Council was in a civic leadership capacity as well as to solicit support and encouragement for the work of the Alcohol Forum in theNorth West.
He advised members that a “Sligo Alcohol Seminar” was taking place on Friday 2nd July, in the Raddison Hotel with Marian Harkin, MEP, as Chair of the Committee.
The Members thanked Mr O’Kane for his presentation and for raising a very important issue. Members also expressed the view that children should be educated on the effects of alcohol at National School level.
It was recommended and agreed that the Council if possible should make a small contribution to the local Bill W Club located on John Street under the Community Grants Scheme.
CRANMORE REGENERATION:
A report was circulated at the meeting on this item.
It was agreed that regular updates would be given to Members at SPC 4 Meetings on the Cranmore Regeneration Project.
It was agreed that Members would review the report placed on agenda at future meeting.
PHS 09/2009 HOUSING (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 2009: IMPLICATIONS FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY INSPECTIONS OF RENTED ACCOMMODATION:
The Senior Executive Officer, Housing, advised that the new Act came into operation on 1st November, 2009. It allows Housing Authorities to issue Improvement Notices which states what work the landlord must carry out within a set timeframe to rectify breach of regulations, and also a Prohibition Notice may issue where an improvement notice is not complied with. This directs a landlord not to re-let a property until the breach of the regulations has been rectified.
Following queries from Members, the SEO Housing advised that members of the Housing Technical team would have to carry out inspections to properties, and only properties registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board would be inspected.
SLIGO CONSERVATION PLAN PROGRAMME – UPDATE RE SLIGO GAOL:
The Chairman welcomed the Heritage Officer and the Executive Architect, Sligo Borough Council to the meeting.
The Heritage Officer advised Members that funding had been secured through the Heritage Council to re-establish the Sligo Conservation Plan Programme. The three Conservation Plans for review or update are Sligo Gaol, Carrowkeel and Inishmurray. She further advised that the Steering Groups for the three plans had been re-established. The draft Conservation Plan for Sligo Gaol is currently being reviewed and will be presented to SPC 4 at its next meeting for consideration. At that stage a recommendation will be sought for the draft Conservation Plan to go forward to a full meeting of the Council for adoption prior to public Consultation.
The members thanked the Heritage Officer and Executive Architect for the update.
REPORT ON HOUSEBOUND LIBRARY SERVICE PILOT PROJECT:
The Director of Services advised Members that a Housebound and Community based Services was to be launched by the County Library on a pilot basis.
The Home Service is targeted at persons who are totally housebound, and are not in a position to visit the Library. To be eligible for this Service a person would have to be in receipt of a cert from their doctor stating they are unable to visit their library.
The Members warmly welcomed this new initiative.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Director of Services advised members that Community and Enterprise were seeking a nomination from SPC 4 to Chair the Disability Consultative Committee.
Following discussion it was
Proposed by Councillor Leonard
Seconded by Councillor Fleming
AND AGREED
“that Councillor Henry would be nominated as Chair of the Disability Consultative Committee”.
The Meeting concluded at 12.50 pm.
Meeting Date 01/06/2010