Minutes - SPC 1

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 - Housing and Governance Meeting held on Wednesday 12th March 2025 at 11.30am in The Members Room, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo and Virtually via Microsoft Teams

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

• Councillor Declan Bree
• Councillor Barry Gallagher (Chairperson)
• Councillor Arthur Gibbons
• Councillor Gino O’Boyle

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

• Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
• Mr. Donal Tinney, Acting Director of Services Live Invest Visit
• Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, Housing
• Ms. Sinéad Branley, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services
• Ms. Tracy Scully, Procurement Officer

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

• Mr. Gene O’Carroll, PPN Community & Voluntary
• Ms. Cheryl McGinley, PPN Social Inclusion
• Mr. Pat Fallon, National Pillar Trade Union

 

ABSENT/APOLOGIES:

Councillor D. Mulvey, Councillor E. McSharry, Councillor J. Queenan

 

1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Councillor B. Gallagher, Chairperson, extended a warm welcome to all attendees and invited each member to introduce themselves and share their background for the benefit of those who may not be familiar with one another.

 

2. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

No conflict of interests were noted.

 

3.  MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 11^TH MARCH 2024

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Strategic Policy Group Committee 1 – Housing & Corporate - held on 11^th March 2024.”

 

4. NOAC PERFORMANCE INDICATOR REPORT

Ms. S. Branley presented an overview of the 2023 NOAC Performance Indicator Report that was distributed to members. She explained that the Performance Indicators serve as a measure of the organisation's performance over time. The report included comparisons with the previous year's figures and with other Level 5 Local Authorities. In response, Councillor O'Boyle inquired about the indicator on housing re-letting times. Mr. J. Murphy provided an explanation to address Councillor O'Boyle's query. Councillor Bree praised the Council for the improvements in re-letting times, and Councillor Gallagher commended the excellent work of the Council staff.

 

5.  CORPORATE PLAN 2024-2029

Ms. M. Whelan provided an overview of the corporate planning process, highlighting the involvement of staff, elected members, and the public. She informed the members that the new Corporate Plan, adopted at the February 2025 Council meeting, would serve as the foundation for all Council activities over the next five years. She then outlined the Council's vision, mission, and core values, emphasising the importance of the SPCs in achieving these goals. In response, Councillor Gallagher and Mr. G. O'Carroll agreed that the Corporate Plan was a practical and actionable plan for the five-year period.

 

6. PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES MANUAL

Ms. T. Scully provided an overview of the Procurement Procedures manual that was distributed to members. She emphasized that all purchases must adhere to the outlined procedures. She also gave an overview of the relevant purchasing thresholds and EU thresholds. Additionally, she detailed her role as Procurement Officer, stating that her responsibilities include advising staff and assisting sections in complying with relevant Directives.

 

7. TRAINING FOR SPC MEMBERS

Ms. S. Branley provided an overview of the training scheduled for all SPC members with Sean Ó’Riordáin Training Consultants, set for the end of March 2025. Councillor Gibbons emphasized the importance of members attending this training. Councillor Bree agreed with Councillor Gibbons' comments, stating that the training would contribute to the success of the SPCs throughout the Council's term.

 

8. DATE FOR NEXT MEETING

It was decided that there would be four meetings per year, with one meeting scheduled each quarter. A schedule of meeting dates will be circulated to members after the meeting. Meetings will be held on Wednesday mornings at 11:30 am, preferably during the second week of the month.

 

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

• Councillor Gibbons raised a query regarding an item listed in the minutes of the meeting dated 11th March 2024, titled “Sligo PPN Housing Thematic Network - Removing barriers to Housing”. It was agreed that this item would be included on the agenda for the June meeting.
• Mr. G. O'Carroll thanked the staff for their work to date and inquired if it was possible to get an update on the Sligo Housing Delivery Plan. It was agreed that this would be included as a headed item on the agenda for the June meeting.
• Mr. G. O'Carroll also queried the status of derelict grants in Sligo. It was agreed that this would be included as a headed item on the agenda for the June meeting.
• Councillor A. Gibbons raised a query regarding the current status of the Disability Consultative Committee. Councillor Bree concurred with Councillor Gibbons and stated that a meeting of the DCC needed to be convened. He further mentioned that Ms. M. McConnell was in the process of engaging with external representatives to sit on the committee. It was noted that nominations needed to come to the SPC first and then go to the full Council for consideration.  Members were reminded that the DCC will sit under the SPC for Live Invest Visit.
• Mr. G. O'Carroll raised a query regarding the defective block scheme and asked how many properties in Sligo were affected. Ms. Whelan advised that a team was being set up in Sligo and that an update would be provided at the next SPC meeting in June.
• Mr. G. O'Carroll raised a query regarding the allocation system for social housing. In response, Councillor Bree indicated that the details were on the Council's website. Ms. Whelan committed to circulating the link to Mr. O'Carroll.
• Mr. D. Tinney suggested that a Multi-Annual Housing Policy update be provided at the next SPC meeting in June. This suggestion was welcomed by all present.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 12.15pm

Meeting Date 12/03/2025