Minutes - SPC 1

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 1 - Housing and Governance Meeting held on Wednesday 10th December 2025 at 11.30am in The Council Chamber, City Hall


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Cllr. Declan Bree
  • Cllr. Barry Gallagher (Chairperson)
  • Cllr. Arthur Gibbons
  • Cllr. E. McSharry
  • Cllr. D. Mulvey

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Ms. Marie Whelan, Director of Finance and Corporate Governance
  • Ms. Sinéad Branley, Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
  • Ms. Jane Golden, Staff Officer, Corporate Services

 

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

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

 

ABSENT/APOLOGIES:

  • Cllr J. Queenan
  • Ms. Cheryl McGinley.

Ms. Karen McHugh, Safe Home Ireland attended the meeting.

 

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 10TH SEPTEMBER 2025

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor E. McSharry

AND AGREED

“To confirm the minutes of the Meeting of the Strategic Policy Group Committee 1 – Housing & Corporate held on 10th September 2025.”

 

3. PRESENTATION FROM SAFE HOME IRELAND

Ms. Karen McHugh gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the work of Safe Home Ireland, a national charity with a global remit to support Irish people abroad, particularly those who are in crisis and challenging circumstances, to transition and settle in community life in Ireland. Assistance is provided for qualifying Irish born emigrants living abroad to explore secure social housing options in Ireland. This is done in partnership with Local Authorities. A key housing policy change in 2001 allows older Irish emigrants, still living overseas to be considered for social housing in Ireland. Since their inception in 2000, Safe Home Ireland has directly supported 2,363 older Irish born people to return home to live, others have been supported via information, outreach, and advisory services. Sligo County Council has approved three housing applicants since 2018 with three further applications in progress. A total of 271 housing applicants over twenty-six counties have been supported to date.

Ms. McHugh requested that Sligo County Council consider the allocation of one housing unit per year to a Safe Home Ireland housing applicant approved on the LA housing waiting list. Ms. McHugh referenced arrangements in place in Galway and South Dublin Local Authorities regarding their support of the work of Safe Home Ireland. Ms. McHugh reported that Cllr. D. Mulvey had a motion on the agenda of the Housing SPC in April 2024 proposing that Sligo County Council allocate one age friendly property per year in each of the council’s electoral areas to a returning Irish emigrant.

As proposed by Cllr. E. McSharry and seconded by Cllr. D. Mulvey, members agreed that this was to be followed up with an update to be given at the next meeting.

Other issues being experienced by returning emigrants were highlighted which included planning permission, car insurance, banking, and driver’s licences. Safe Home Ireland are currently working on a reciprocal arrangement between the USA/Ireland regarding driver’s licences.

Members recognised the contribution of returning emigrants and the need to support them in their decision to return home. Members thanked Ms McHugh for her presentation and complimented the work of Safe Home Ireland.

 

4. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2024

A report on the 2024 Local Authority Performance Indicators was circulated to members prior to the meeting. Ms. M. Whelan informed members that recent performance indicators reflect an upward trend with a substantial number demonstrating results that surpass the median performance of other Level 5 Local Authorities. Ms. M. Whelan to follow up with Mr. B. Flynn regarding the budget available for planned housing maintenance. It was agreed to put this on the agenda of the next meeting for an update. Ms. M. Whelan informed members that there is a specific budget available for dealing with voids and that staff resources remain limited.

 

5. SPC 1 MULTI ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME

Cllr. B. Gallagher encouraged members to review the workplan which will be in place for the next four years. The workplan is to be kept on the agenda. Ms. M. Whelan confirmed that energy retrofit allocations are used up each year and that this budget is ringfenced.

 

Cllr. D. Bree left the meeting at 12.25pm.

 

6. UPDATE ON INSPECTION OF QUARRIES

It was agreed to leave this item on the agenda for information purposes. Updates will be given when they are available. This issue falls under the remit of SPC 2.

 

7. SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS FOR 2026

The following schedule of meetings for 2026 was agreed:

  • 11th March
  • 10th June
  • 16th September
  • 9th December

Remote log in facilities will be available for members to attend meetings online when required.

 

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Business Innovation Grants were discussed briefly – however it was noted that these do not fall under the remit of this SPC.  It was confirmed that an anti-social behaviour strategy will be available by early 2026.

 

The business of the meeting ended at 12.40pm.

 


Meeting Date 10/12/2025