Minutes - SPC 4

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 4 - Placemaking Directorate Meeting held on Tuesday 17th June 2025 at 11am in The Council Chamber, City Hall, Sligo and Virtually via Microsoft Teams


IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Paul Taylor (Chair)
  • Councillor Liam Brennan
  • Councillor Ann Higgins
  • Councillor Barry Gallagher

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Joan Swift, Environmental/Conservation Sector
  • Conor McCarthy, Development/Construction Sector 
  • Sheila Scanlon, Community/Voluntary Sector (MS Teams)

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Joe Queenan

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Emer Concannon, Director of Services
  • Siobhán Gillen, Administrative Officer (SPC4 Meetings Administrator)
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Ian Bailey, Senior Executive Planner
  • Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer
  • Kealan Donagher, A/Senior Executive Planner

 

1. Introduction

Cathaoirleach Councillor P. Taylor welcomed all in attendance and noted apologies from Cllr. J. Queenan.

 

2. Minutes of Q1 Meeting held on 26th March 2025

Proposed by:  Councillor L. Brennan
Seconded by:  J. Swift.

 

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

4. Review of the Sligo County Council Development Contribution Scheme (DCS)

A verbal update was provided by I. Bailey on the previously circulated report.

A Draft Development Contribution Scheme will be put before the Council for their consideration at the July/September monthly meeting (To be confirmed in due course). Subject to the approval of the Council, the Draft Scheme will be placed on public display for a period of not less than 6 weeks. The Chief Executive will, within a further 4 weeks, prepare a report on any submissions/observations received and submit the report to the Members for their consideration. The making of the Scheme is a reserved function of the Council.

A general discussion ensued – summary as follows:

  • General queries raised regarding clarity on the scheme, how many years it will be in place, what the contribution funds go towards, approximate income, special contributions, possibility of having a tiered approach and proposed index link of 2% per year in line with inflation costs. It was also suggested to review what other local authorities are doing.
  • It was outlined that all contributions received go into “a central fund” and are spent county wide on various infrastructural projects, as opposed to individual areas where dwellings were constructed.
  • It was noted that it is best practice for the Scheme to be reviewed every 6 years, however, there is nothing specified in legislation to provide otherwise.
  • It was agreed that all comments would be taken into consideration prior to the Draft Scheme being considered by the Members at the Plenary Meeting in July/September.

 

5. Draft County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030

A power point presentation was provided by R. Hanniffy including discussion on the previously circulated report and Draft Action Plan.

The Draft Plan was noted by the SPC Members, in advance of going before the July Plenary meeting. It is intended to run a public consultation period thereafter, from mid-July for a period of 5 weeks. Submissions/observations can be made during this time via online survey, in writing or by attending a public information session (Libraries:  Enniscrone, Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Sligo Town). A Chief Executive report will be prepared on submissions/observations received following the consultation period. It is hoped to have the Final Plan adopted by Q4 2025.

Comments:

  • All of the work completed to date was acknowledged and commended. It was suggested that extra public spaces could be considered in addition to libraries for public information sessions.
  • It is intended to have an appendices document to indicate all actions/objectives which will be reviewed and measured throughout the lifetime of the plan.
  • Biodiversity issues associated with specific projects was queried. It was noted that Biodiversity issues are taken into consideration as part of each Project’s development, and does not form part of the Biodiversity Action Plan.

 

6. Urban Capital Projects Update

A power point presentation was provided by K. Donagher on the URDF projects recently completed, currently in progress and the plans for future projects up to 2030.

The Sligo City Public Realm Enhancement Project (i.e. ‘Sligo Streets’) is currently at tender stage, and subject to URDF approval, it is expected that the contract will be awarded in September 2025, with works due to commence in January 2026.

The Sligo City Campus Project Masterplan tender for Consultancy Services is currently at tender evaluation stage. Subject to URDF approval, it is expected to award contract this summer, with a  timeframe for completion of the masterplan of 9 months.

Comments:

  • It was suggested, when investing so much into these projects that consideration is given to the serious issue of derelict and vacant properties in Sligo Town.
  • Car parking concerns was raised by some Members, and it was requested that consideration be given to this issue in current and future plans. It was noted that there is currently car parking availability in Connaughton Road carpark, which is not at capacity and this issue is being monitored by the Council on an ongoing basis. It was noted that other options could also be considered i.e. late commuter trains which may enhance the nighttime economy. It was noted that this item is being dealt with via the Active Travel team.
  • It was suggested that current seating in Rockwood parade be reviewed and also consideration for benches on O’Connell Street to consider all members of the public.

 

7. Any Other Business:

A 63-unit social housing scheme planned for Finisklin, Sligo has been put on hold after the Minister for Housing did not approve the contract due to concerns about the project’s costs. The project, which was part of a larger Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme was due to deliver homes across several sites in various counties across the country. On foot of this announcement, it was noted that the Housing Capital Team are now looking at alternative options in order to progress the scheme. Details to be confirmed in due course.

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

 

The meeting concluded at 12.20pm.


Meeting Date 17/06/2025