Minutes - SPC 1

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 - Housing and Governance Meeting held on Wednesday 10th September 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 E. McSharry
  • Councillor D. Mulvey – attended remotely
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
  • Mr.  Brian Flynn, Director of Services, Live Invest Visit
  • Ms. Lorainne Fitzgerald, Administrative Officer, Housing
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
  • Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer, Corporate Services

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

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

 

ABSENT/APOLOGIES:

Councillor Joe Queenan

 

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

 

1. TO NOTE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There were no conflict of interests.

 

2. MINUTES OF SPC 1 HOUSING & GOVERNANCE MEETING HELD ON 11TH JUNE 2025

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Strategic Policy Group Committee 1 – Housing & Governance - held on 11th June 2025.”

 

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

On the recommendation of Councillor A. Gibbons, this item was noted.  Members acknowledged the work of Sligo PPN and Sligo County Council staff and their involvement in the development of this document. 

 

4. UPDATE ON INSPECTION OF QUARRIES

Ms. M. Whelan reported that there is no responsibility for Local Authorities regarding quarry inspections under the Defective Blocks Scheme. Dublin City Council are the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office (DCC-NBCMSO) that provide oversight, support and direction for the development, standardisation and implementation of Building Control and Market Surveillance of Construction Products.

As the proposal is outside the remit of this SPC, it has been forwarded to the Climate & Infrastructure SPC 2 - Building Control for consideration.

Members agreed that a proactive approach was required in relation to this issue. It was important for SPC 1 and SPC 2 to work closely together to bring this to the Council when required.  Councillor B. Gallagher to discuss this issue with Councillor M. Clarke, Chair of SPC 2.  Members agreed to leave this on the agenda for discussion as required.

 

5. REVIEW OF DIFFERENTIAL RENT SCHEME

Mr. B. Flynn reported that the current Sligo County Council Differential Rent Scheme came into effect on 1st January 2020.  As this scheme is in operation for more than five years, the Council is proposing to commence a review of this scheme later this year.  Once the process gets underway, all Sligo County Council Housing tenants will receive a letter requesting details on their current household and income.  The process will take approximately six months to complete. Any changes in the weekly rent payable by tenants, as a result of this review, will not take effect until early to mid-2026.  Mr. B. Flynn highlighted the importance of communication between all parties involved during this process.  Members stressed the need for this review to be carried out in a fair and empathetic manner, particularly when dealing with tenants who may be disadvantaged or vulnerable.  Mr. B. Flynn emphasised the importance of tenants returning their information in a timely manner.  The review will not involve HAP tenants; there may be some changes which might affect RAS Tenants.  Elected members have been informed that the review is taking place.

Councillor G. O’ Boyle requested the following information in relation to levies and charges on vacant and derelict properties in County Sligo:

1. The total amount of Vacant Site Levy billed and collected by Sligo County Council for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025
2. The total amount of Derelict Site Levy billed and collected by Sligo County Council for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and to date in 2025
3. The number of sites currently listed on the Vacant Sites Register and the Derelict Sites Register, as of the date of this request
4. Any internal reports or memos prepared by the Council in the period 2020–2025 relating to the collection or non-collection of the Vacant Site Levy or Derelict Site Levy

Ms. C. McGinley queried how different types of accommodation would be reviewed, and how the rent review might affect people living in halting sites.  Mr. B. Flynn assured members that all aspects of tenancy would be taken into consideration as part of the review and that there was no risk of anyone losing their home. 

Mr. B. Flynn stated that tenants had an opportunity to buy their homes through the Tenant Purchase Scheme.  Tenants had to be in situ for a minimum of ten years. Details of the scheme are to be circulated to all members, along with information on current rent thresholds.   

Ms. L. Fitzgerald confirmed that people on the housing list are contacted yearly by the Local Authority. 

 

6. RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL DISABILITY CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Mr. B. Flynn gave an update stating that the Sligo County Council Disability Inclusion and Access Strategy 2024-2027 (DIA) was adopted by the Council in 2024.  The Strategy outlines the Council’s commitment to making its services and infrastructure more accessible and inclusive for all, and inter alia contains a Plan comprising 29 No. actions, ranging from;

  • the promotion of accessibility & universal design principles in the implementation of the Local Government Digital and ICT Strategy; to
  • the provision of disability awareness training for all staff; to
  • supporting disabled people to enter and remain in employment

Over the coming months, the Council’s Community Team will move to re-establish the Disability Consultative Committee (DCC). 

Next steps will include the following:

  • To ensure the commitment of each Directorate towards implementation of the SCC Disability, Inclusion and Access Strategy (2024-2027) as a priority
  • To establish an interdepartmental Access Team within Sligo County Council and to be chaired by a member of the Senior Management Team
  • To review and expand, if necessary, the role of the SCC Access Officer
  • To re-establish the structures of the DCC
  • To agree a schedule of DCC meetings for the year
  • To agree a Terms of Reference for the DCC

The Council will also consider adding ‘Inclusion’ as a sixth organisational objective within its Internal Performance Management System, which would accord with the Council’s Corporate Plan vision, mission, and values.  

This item will appear as an Agenda item at the upcoming meeting of SPC 3 Live Invest Visit, scheduled for 17th September 2025.  An update from this meeting with go to the Corporate Policy Group and a Plenary Council Meeting.

A review of membership will also be conducted.  There will be nine elected members on the Committee.  Members will be given regular updates once the process begins which is hoped to be completed by year end.  Ms. M. McConnell, Sligo County Council was commended for her work on the Strategy, members were informed that she will be taking the lead on the Disability Consultative Committee.  Mr. B. Flynn highlighted the importance of ensuring lack of duplication of work given limited resources and time.

 

7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Date for the next meeting is Wednesday 10th December 2025 at 11.30am in Council Chamber, City Hall.  The change of location was noted.

 

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Councillor G. O’ Boyle complimented the work of the staff of Sligo County Council. 

Ms. M. Whelan referred to a work plan for the SPC and asked members to consider topics they may wish to consider.  Councillor G. O’ Boyle requested regular updates on works that were being planned and works in general.  Information on grass cutting and collection was also requested.  Councillor D. Mulvey requested updates on energy efficiency works and the criteria for getting on the list.  Councillor E. McSharry requested updates on new builds and decisions on predesigned structures.  Councillor McSharry requested an update on the construction of 66 houses in Rathellen. Ms. M. Whelan informed members that this query related to a different Directorate and that this would be followed up with Ms. E. Concannon, Director of Services.  Councillor B. Gallagher stated that topics could be forwarded to Ms. S. Branley for discussion with the Chairperson.

It was confirmed that an anti-social behaviour strategy will be available by early 2026.

Councillor D. Bree requested that the roles and responsibilities of each SPC and each Director of Services be circulated to the members.  Ms. M. Whelan agreed to circulate same.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 12.35pm.


Meeting Date 10/09/2025