Minutes - SPC 4

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 4 - Placemaking Directorate Meeting held on Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 11am in The Council Chamber, City Hall, Sligo and Virtually via Microsoft Teams


IN ATTENDANCE:

Councillor Paul Taylor (Chair)
Councillor Fergal Nealon
Councillor Liam Brennan
Councillor Barry Gallagher (Teams)
Councillor Ann Higgins (Teams)
Councillor Joseph Queenan

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

Joan Swift, Environmental, Conservation Sector

 

APOLOGIES:

Conor McCarthy, Development, Construction Sector

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Emer Concannon, Director of Services
Marian O’Callaghan, Senior Architect
Miceal McGinty, Town Regeneration Officer
Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
Leonora McConville, Executive Planner
Aisling Smyth, Administrative Officer (SPC4 Meetings Administrator)

 

1. Introduction

Councillor Taylor, Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance.

 

2. To confirm the minutes of Meeting held on Wednesday, 24th September, 2025

Proposed:  Councillor Liam Brennan
Seconded:  Councillor Fergal Nealon

 

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

4. Town Centre First:

Miceal McGinty, Town Regeneration Officer provided a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation on Town Centre First and Capital Delivery.  Summary as follows:

  • Overview of the Capital Delivery Programme
  • Implementation of Town Centre First initiative
  • Partnering with Local stakeholders
  • Key Roles of the Town Team
  • The stages of developing a Town Plan and the opportunities for our towns.
  • The Role of the Town Regeneration Officer
  • An outline was given of the formation of 4 new Town Teams in Ballymote, Ballisodare, Collooney and Enniscrone
  • An overview was given of the Ballymote Courthouse, Library and Museum Project, the Enniscrone Pavillion and Cliff Bath Project, and the Outdoor Watersports Centres in Rosses Point and Enniscrone

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • Town Teams are representative of the needs and capacity of the community and are not intended to replace any existing Town Groups or committees.
  • Town Teams are not set up solely to pursue funding itself but are consultative forums to identify issues and develop projects that reflect the communities needs .
  • Acknowledged that not all towns can become Town Centre First towns but public funding e.g. TVR and RRDF can be applied for towns that are not Town Centre First Towns.
  • Independent organisations are not precluded from looking at own funding streams
  • Focus on public realm and addressing dereliction.
  • Good participation and engagement by the community at launches held in all 4 areas i.e. Ballymote, Ballisodare, Collooney and Enniscrone.
  • Tubbercurry is working well with an active Team and Plan in place.

It was agreed to circulate a copy of the presentation to Members following the meeting.

 

5. Update on Housing Delivery Action Plan (HDAP) Targets

Marian O’Callaghan, A/Senior Architect delivered a comprehensive presentation on HDAP Targets.

Key points included:

  • Overview of HDAP delivery for 2022-2026
  • An overview of 2025 delivery
  • Projects on site 2025-2027
  • Projects at contract award and tender return stage
  • Projects in development

A discussion followed and the following points were noted:

  • Members commended the Team on the work progressed to date and the county wide projects referenced in the presentation.
  • The progress of pipeline projects was cited and the need to get good news stories communicated.
  • Clarity was given in relation to the tenure of houses proposed.
  • Skills shortages was discussed which impacts on delivery.

It was agreed to circulate a copy of the PowerPoint presentation to Members following the meeting.

 

6. Update on Sligo Urban Area Plan:

Report on item was delivered by Leonora McConville, Executive Planner. Copy of report was circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Key elements of the report included. 

  • Preliminary work undertaken
  • The purpose of the Draft Urban Area Plan (UAP) was outlined which is to guide the future development of Sligo Town as a Regional Growth Centre.
  • The UAP will complement the County Development Plan 2024-2030 and will provide detailed and specific objectives tailored to the distinctive characteristics of Sligo Town in relation to urban regeneration, sustainable mobility, design, community facilities, open space, heritage etc.
  • All zoning objectives for Sligo Town and Environs are set out in the Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030 (CDP).
  • Pre-draft public consultation was undertaken from 9 July 2025 to 22 August, 2025.
  • 49 submissions received on topics such as: Transport and Parking, Heritage and Environmental Issues, Housing and Regeneration, Community Infrastructure needs, Economic and Tourism and infrastructure and utility upgrades.
  • Next Steps: The Plan will be made according to the statutory procedure set out in Part 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2024 (as amended).
  • It is envisaged that the UAP will be published for consultation in 2026, under the new legislation with another round of public consultation on specific, concrete proposals – policies, objectives, other types of measures – contained in the Draft UAP.
  • A detailed calendar of the entire Plan process will be published alongside the Draft UAP and accompanying consultation documents and legally required environmental reports (e.g. Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment Reports).

Members commended the work undertaken to date and looked forward to engaging with the process as it progresses in 2026.

 

7. Any Other Business:

The next meeting of the SPC is scheduled for 25th March, 2026.  

The Chair thanked all members for their time and contribution to the meeting.

 

The meeting concluded at 12.45pm.


Meeting Date 03/12/2025