2022 Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Local Community Development Committee Thursday 28th July 2022 at 9.30a.m. (Council Chamber, City Hall & MS Teams)


Present

  • Councillor Dara Mulvey, Local Government Member, Sligo County Council (in Chamber)
  • Councillor Tom Fox, Local Government Member, Sligo County Council (in Chamber)
  • Joseph Queenan, Local Government Member, Sligo County Council (in Chamber)
  • Martin Lydon, Local Government / CE, Sligo County Council (by video)
  • John Reilly, Local Government / LEO, Sligo County Council (by video)
  • John Kennedy, State Agency, Dept. Of Employment Affairs & Social Protection (by video)
  • Patricia Garland, State Agency, Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan HSE (by video)
  • John Feerick, Local Development Sector, Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG (by video)
  • Aidan Doyle, Business Interests, Sligo Chamber of Commerce (in Chamber)
  • Pat Benson, Community & Voluntary, PPN (In Chamber)
  • Brendan Lynch, Social Inclusion, PPN (by video)
  • Connie Nell, Environmental Interests, Environment Pillar (PPN) (by video)

 

Apologies /Absent

  • Peter Egan, State Agency, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB
  • Pat Fallon, Trade Union Interests, Irish Congress of Trade Unions
  • Kathleen Henry, Farming / Agriculture Interests, Farming / Agriculture Pillar
  • Noelle O’Gara, Social Inclusion, PPN
  • Jean Finnerty, Community & Voluntary, PPN

 

In Attendance

  • Dorothy Clarke, Chief Officer, Sligo County Council (In Chamber)
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, Sligo County Council (in Chamber)
  • Aisling Smyth, Administrative Officer, Sligo County Council(in Chamber)
  • Fiona Gilligan, Senior Staff Officer, Sligo County Council (by video)
  • June Murphy, Programme Manager (SICAP), County Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG (by video)

 

Councillor Dara Mulvey opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance.

 

1.Declarations of Interest

No conflict of interest was declared.

 

2.Minutes of meeting 26th May 2022

Minutes of the meeting held on the 26th May 2022 were proposed by Mr. Pat Benson, seconded by Councillor Tom Fox and agreed.

 

3.Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

4.Update on LECP process – ‘Sligo 2030 One Voice One Vision’

Ms. Margaret McConnell gave a verbal update on progress with the Local Economic & Community Plan/Sligo 2030 Plan and advised that Stages 1 and 2 of the LECP process in terms of the preparation and sign off of the Socio-economic statement, incorporating the vision and the 6 high level goals, public consultation, necessary revisions, and adoption by the LCDC, SPC and MDs is complete and the statement is published.

Members were advised that Stage 3 involves the development of the detailed objectives and outcomes linking the high-level goals to the economic and community elements and this stage is currently ongoing as it requires buy in from the agencies. Feedback from the agencies is being sought to agree the wording of the actions, KPIs set, appropriate timeframes and supporting agencies listed. Lead agencies are also being asked to make contact with support agencies in relation to proposed delivery of actions.

It was noted that Stage 3 is combined with stage 4 which is the development of the overall Framework LECP. Ms. McConnell advised that KPMG are at an advanced stage of the development of the overall draft Sligo 2030 plan which will take on board the key points of the Socio-economic profile, the consultation, be supported by a SCOT analysis, and set out the high-level goals and anticipated outcomes taking into account the smart and green modelling in accordance with the Sligo 2030 ambitions.

Members were advised that the draft implementation plan and the draft Framework plan will be presented to the Advisory Steering Group, the LCDC and the MDs for consideration, comment and adoption in Quarter 4.  Regional Assembly oversight is also required before final presentation to the full Council for consideration and adoption.

 

5.SICAP

a) SICAP 2022 Mid-year review - for approval by LCDC

(i)Action Progress report /Lot Summary Report (SLPC)

(ii)LCDC Checklist including feedback from Pobal’s review and financial reports

(iii)Recommendation of the Social Inclusion & SICAP Monitoring Committee

(iv)Approval to Change Control Notice (reflecting additional budget for Ukraine response)

 

b)Verifications/Site visits – Q3; 2022

Reports circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.

i )          Ms. Margaret McConnell advised that the Social Inclusion & SICAP Monitoring Committee at their meeting on the 25th July 2022, considered reports submitted by Sligo LEADER Partnership as part of the 2022 mid-year review which requires the approval of the LCDC.  

In addition to reports submitted by SLPC, the LCDC support team had completed their checklist report which incorporated Pobal’s feedback on the review, financial reports and a check on the quality of data recorded on IRIS.  Ms. McConnell advised that targets at mid-year have been achieved and a rationale was provided by SLPC where budget spend was low/high on some actions.  

Ms. June Murphy then outlined progress at mid-year under SICAP goals (KPI 1 Groups – 53% Annual target achieved; KPI 2 Individuals – 63% achieved) at 31st May. Since then, achievement of targets under both KPIs have increased to 69% for Goal 1 and 84% for Goal 2. Ms. Murphy advised of the third KPI ‘Percentage of KPI2 from Disadvantaged areas’ with the annual target set at 18%. It was noted that the SICAP team are actively targeting actions in areas of disadvantage with KPI 3 overachieved at mid-year – 25%.

Ms. Murphy confirmed that Sligo LEADER Partnership are on track to meet annual targets.

ii )         Ms. Margaret McConnell outlined the LCDC Checklist report and confirmed achievement of KPIs and adherence to Budget parameters as set out in the Programme Requirements for SICAP.  Sligo LEADER Partnership have provided a rationale for areas where low/high spend was recorded on some actions. Ms. McConnell also advised of positive feedback from Pobal.

iii )        The report of recommendation of the Social Inclusion & SICAP Committee outlined considerations at their meeting on 25th July.

Approval of the 2022 Mid-year review, was proposed by Councillor Tom Fox, seconded by Mr. Martin Lydon and agreed.

iv )           Members were advised of additional funding in the amount of €73,101 in respect of Ukrainian supports to be delivered under SICAP. The DRCD asked that LCDCs & Local Development Companies prepare a Change Control Notice outlining suggested actions and the budget breakdown as to how the additional funding will be ringfenced. Ms. June Murphy briefed Members on new actions under Goals 1 & 2. Launched.

LCDC approval to the Change Control template as outlined was proposed by Councillor Tom Fox, seconded by Mr. Martin Lydon and agreed.

 

6.Update on PPN

Report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting. Dr Connie Nell briefed Members on the update with regards the PPN and advised that Ms. Jean Finnerty has resigned as a PPN representative on the LCDC with arrangements being made to secure a replacement.

Members were informed that CMD will deliver training to the PPN secretariat HR subgroup.

In relation to local projects, Dr Nell advised the PPN team are in the process of contacting all member groups to ensure current information held is correct but also to check in with groups to assess their current situation and identify supports needed.

It was noted that the PPN continue to support the FRC network in the delivery of initiatives as part of the Ukrainian response.

Dr Nell advised of collaboration with the ATU in relation to the preparation of a handbook to support the community sector to become more sustainable and to adopt environmental practices into everyday life.

Members were also informed that the PPN are working with LAWPRO and Rivers Trust to explore the establishment of a Rivers Trust for Sligo as part of the PPN environmental college work. Mr. Pat Benson advised of a recent online call to gauge the level of interest in this proposal with 17 groups represented. Further consultation is to take place with a public meeting planned for 20th September in the Sligo Park Hotel.

Councillor Dara Mulvey thanked Dr Nell for the update and asked that Ms. Jean Finnerty confirm her resignation in writing to Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Chief Officer.

 

7.Update on the Ukrainian Community Response Forum 

Ms. Dorothy Clarke gave a verbal update on the Ukrainian Community Response Forum and advised that the Forum continues to meet fortnightly.

It was noted that there are currently 950 Ukrainian refugees in Sligo with student accommodation available since May/June. The availability of suitable accommodation remains a challenge for all counties especially as students return for the academic year.

Ms. Clarke advised of other issues locally including transportation with Local link increasing the scheduling of their services to alleviate this problem.

Agencies represented on the Forum are addressing issues around health concerns, English language classes, transport, schools and employment.

Members were informed that many Local Authorities have appointed Acting Directors of Services to deal with the Ukrainian response with Mr. John Moran appointed in Sligo County Council.

Ms. June Murphy advised of additional funding being provided under SICAP. Sligo LEADER Partnership are hoping to appoint an Intercultural Officer/ Interpreter with this funding.

In response to a query in relation to pledged properties, Ms. Clarke advised that property owners contact IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) and the Red Cross as the management of accommodation is dealt with centrally.

At a local level, Local Authorities carry out inspections of properties to ensure pledged units are compliant with Building regulations.

Mr. Martin Lydon confirmed a total of 159 pledged properties earlier this year, 59 of which are vacant with the remaining 100 to be shared. Inspections have commenced on the vacant properties. Of the 100 shared units, it was noted that the property owners were contacted by the Ukrainian response team and 44 owners have since withdrawn their offer. Inspections will also be carried out on the remaining units. Mr. Lydon advised of Garda vetting which will also be required.

To date there are 40,000 Ukrainian refugees in Ireland – 10,000 of these are currently living in student accommodation. It was noted that pledged properties will not resolve the accommodation issues due to a shortfall in units available.

Mr. Lydon acknowledged the work of all agencies on the Forum.

Councillor Queenan also thanked Sligo LEADER Partnership and other agencies for work being carried out on the ground.

Councillor Queenan mentioned the local community in Enniscrone where a number of refugees are currently being accommodated in the Castle Arms Hotel.

In response to Councillor Queenan’s query on additional funding for Local Authorities & other agencies to support this response, Ms. Clarke advised of an All of Government approach with claims being submitted to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Additional funding has also been awarded under SICAP for Ukrainian supports as advised under SICAP item.

 

8.To agree membership of the PEACE Plus Partnership subcommittee and Terms of Reference

Report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.

Ms. Dorothy Clarke reminded Members that PEACE plus is a €1bn, cross-border, EU funded programme for the period 2021-2027 period and will be a hybrid of PEACE and INTERREG Programmes. Ms. Clarke advised of an indicative allocation of €3.6 million announced for Sligo which is on a par with other border counties.

As for the previous PEACE Programme, the PEACE Plus Partnership will be a subcommittee of the LCDC and will have a similar structure to the previous Partnership committee.

Ms. Aisling Smyth then outlined the report and advised of Guidance prepared by the Blu Zebra consortium, on behalf of SEUPB to advise on board formation. The consortium is made up of Blu Zebra, Locus and Venture International consultants.

The following four membership pillars are recommended for inclusion in each PEACE Plus Partnership.

Pillar 1 – Elected Members

Pillar 2 – Relevant Statutory Bodies

Pillar 3 - Social Partners: Geographical Community Representatives/ Civic Society

Pillar 4 - Social Partners: PEACE Plus Target Groups; Equality/ under-represented groups

Community representation will be sought through the PPN election process and where this is not possible expressions of interest will be sought through an open call planned for September.

The report circulated outlined suggested criteria for the Social Partners and proposed breakdown of Members between the 4 pillars with 16 Members proposed in total.

LCDC approval to proceed commence work on the programme as outlined was proposed by Councillor Joe Queenan, seconded by Councillor Tom Fox and agreed.

 

9.Correspondence

a) Survey of LCDC needs for capacity building on community engagement and consultation (closes 2.8.22) – Pobal’s email 14.7.22

b) Social Economy Enterprise Development Programme – email 12.7.22 from Technological University, Dublin

c) SICAP Reports (2No) - 2021 SICAP Annual Report & Learning Brief: A comparison of Women & Men supported under SICAP – Pobal’s email 13.7.22

Correspondence as above was outlined Ms. Margaret McConnell and noted by Members.

Ms. McConnell also mentioned correspondence dated 26.7.22 in relation to the One Town One Voice - Community Initiative – further details to be circulated to Members through the PPN.

 

10.Date for next LCDC/LAG meeting – Thursday 22nd September 2022

Members agreed to hold the next meetings of the LCDC/LAG on the 22nd September 2022.

 

11.AOB

There were no items for discussion.

 

Meeting concluded at 10.45a.m.

 


Meeting Date 28/07/2022