Minutes - SPC 1

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 - Housing and Governance Meeting held on Wednesday 11th June 2025 at 11.30am in The Members Room, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Declan Bree
  • Councillor Barry Gallagher (Chairperson)
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons
  • Councillor Edel McSharry - attended remotely
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
  • Ms. Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Architect, Housing Capital
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer, Housing
  • Ms. Pamela Andison, Administrative Officer, Housing
  • Mr. Declan Noone, Senior Executive Engineer, Planning/Enforcement
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Acting Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services
  • Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer, Corporate Services

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr. Gene O’Carroll, PPN Community & Voluntary
  • Mr. Pat Fallon, National Pillar Trade Union

 

ABSENT/APOLOGIES:

Councillor J. Queenan
Ms. Cheryl McGinley, PPN Social Inclusion

 

Councillor B. Gallagher, Chairperson, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

 

1. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

No conflict of interests were noted.

 

2.  MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 12th MARCH 2025

Proposed by Councillor G. O’ Boyle
Seconded by Mr. Gene O’ Carroll

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Strategic Policy Group Committee 1 – Housing & Corporate - held on 12th March 2025.”

 

3. INFORMAL DISCUSSION REGARDING SLIGO PPN HOUSING THEMATIC NETWORK – “REMOVING BARRIERS TO HOUSING”

Members agreed to defer this item to the September SPC 1 Meeting.

 

4. UPDATE ON SLIGO HOUSING DELIVERY ACTION PLAN 2022-2026

Ms. M. O’Callaghan gave a comprehensive presentation to members on the Sligo Housing Delivery Plan 2022 – 2026.  This included updated figures on the delivery of SHIP and CAS, Turnkey, AHB CALF and Part V builds.  It is projected that delivery will be below targets set for 2025, with targets expected to be exceeded in 2026. Sligo County Council are awaiting direction from the Department on the Public Private Partnership Project in Rathellen which the Government have decided not to proceed with.  The Housing Capital Team is reviewing the options available for an alternative procurement and delivery strategy for the Rathellen site.

Ms. M. O’ Callaghan confirmed that the Maugheraboy Scheme is progressing well, and it is hoped to be completed by Q1/Q2 2026.  Storm Eowyn and the diversion of an overhead cable delayed works. There is an issue nationally with a lack of resources in Uisce Eireann and the ESB.  Ms. O’ Callaghan reported that Sligo was the lead County for the establishment of regional frameworks to serve the seven north-west counties.  This will provide panels of consultants and contractors to facilitate the use of design and build contracts and modern methods of construction for social housing delivery.  It was confirmed that the Framework includes contractors who use both steel frame and timber frame materials.  It was highlighted that there is currently a shortage of block layers.  Members commended the work being delivered by the Housing Department and thanked Ms. M. O’Callaghan for her presentation which is to be circulated to members after the meeting.

 

5. UPDATE ON STRATEGIC PLAN FOR HOUSING PERSONS WITH DISABILITY 2021-2025

Ms. P. Andison gave an update on progress on actions in the Strategic Plan for Housing Persons with Disability 2021-2025.  Ms. P. Andison stated that the plan ensures that the voices of Lived Experiences of disability are heard in the work of the Steering Group.  Ms. P Andison reported that difficulties with housing or care packages are discussed by the Steering Group to see how they can be resolved collectively.  A total of 51% of new Council and Approved Housing Body Tenancies in Quarter 1 2025 were for people with a disability.  This total exceeds the target of 15% required under the Allocation Scheme of the Council.  Work is ongoing to match people’s needs with Capital new builds.  Members commended the work of the team and thanked Ms. P. Andison for her update and presentation. 

 

6. UPDATE ON DERELICT GRANT SCHEME APPLICATIONS

Mr. D. Noone gave an update on the Derelict Grant Scheme.  Updates on this Scheme are also given to members at every Municipal District Meeting.  There is a significant update on the Scheme with 443 applications received to date. Procedures have been amended to streamline the process and improve turnaround times. Applicants are receiving between 50K to 70k per application.  Mr. D. Noone clarified that the reason for applications being rejected could include if the house had not been uninhabited for a minimum period of two years, if houses do not meet the criteria and where there were issues with ownership.  Vacancy can be determined by the recording of small usage of electricity being used.  Mr. D. Noone confirmed that there were no additional supports regarding the removal of asbestos, a policy would have to be developed to include this.  Mayo County Council’s Matchmaker Scheme was referred to and it was suggested that a similar scheme for Sligo could be explored.

 

7. UPDATE ON ENCHANCED DEFECTIVE CONCRETE BLOCKS SCHEME

 Mr. D. Noone gave an update on the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme.  Sligo County Council were added to the Scheme in October 2024.  The Scheme provides financial support to people to conduct remediation works on their properties that have been damaged due to defective blocks used in the construction of the house. The grant covers 100% of remediation work up to a maximum of 462K. The online application process went live on the Sligo County Council website on 1st April 2025.  Information clinics have been held in Enniscrone, Ballymote and Tubbercurry providing one to one assistance and advise on the application process.  A further clinic will be held in North Sligo in the coming weeks.  This meeting date to be circulated to members.  50-60 people have attended these clinics to date.  Affected house owners are required to engage a qualified professional to prepare a Building Condition Assessment Report which is required to be submitted with their initial application.  Three applications have been received to date; these are going through the validation process.  It is expected that there will be more applications submitted in the coming months, however, it is difficult to determine the full extent of those affected at this time.

 Mr. G. O’Carroll spoke on the effects of Mica in homes and public buildings.  The following proposal was then

Proposed by Mr. Gene O’ Carroll
Seconded by Mr. G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“The disastrous effect of defective building blocks has been well documents.  To watch the home that you built crumble before your eyes is harrowing.  It is estimated that up to 8,000 homes are affected including many public buildings.  The remedial cost is estimated to reach up to four billion euros.  It is important that everybody in the supply chain takes responsibility for the proper materials that are put into the construction of homes and buildings.  It is proposed that Sligo County Council put a regime in place for inspection of quarries in county Sligo.  A robust inspection system that is proactive, not a reactive one on foot of complaints.  This model could become the template for other local authorities in Ireland to follow”

Ms. M. Whelan to bring a report to the next SPC 1 Meeting regarding this proposal.

 

8. BRIEFING FROM HOUSING DEPARTMENT RE MULTI-ANNUAL POLICIES

Mr. J. Murphy gave a comprehensive update report from the Housing Section.  Mr. J. Murphy reported that Housing Capital has been moved to a different Directorate.  An Assertive Street Outreach Service to support and signpost those rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping is being developed.  This new service will start shortly.  A new tender for Housing First provision is currently being prepared and will be advertised shortly.  This initiative is working well. A review of the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy will commence this year with a draft to be considered by SPC 1 early 2026.  Mr. J. Murphy confirmed that the provision of security lighting/CCTV was not covered by the Housing Aid grants and that there are 60-70 households on the retrofitting list which are dealt with on a first come, first served basis.   Mr. J. Murphy confirmed that there were a small number of contractors working on retrofitting.  There are approximately one hundred households on the housing list who have received notices of termination. Ms. P. Andison advised that households can book an appointment with the homeless clinic for assessment and advice. 

Members thanked Mr. J. Murphy for the presentation which will be circulated to members after the meeting.

 

9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. D. Bree requested that the recommencement of the Disability Consultative Forum be actioned.  Ms. M. Whelan confirmed that this will be happening and that an update on this will be brought to the next meeting.

The date for the next meeting is Wednesday 10th September at 11.30am in the Council Chamber.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 13.10pm


Meeting Date 11/06/2025