Minutes - SPC 4

Minutes of the Strategic Policy Committee 4 - Placemaking Directorate Meeting held on Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 11am in The Council Chamber, City Hall, Sligo and Virtually via Microsoft Teams


IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Liam Brennan (Deputy Chair)
  • Councillor Fergal Nealon

REPRESENTATIVES IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Joan Swift, Environmental/Conservation Sector
  • Conor McCarthy, Development/Construction Sector 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Paul Taylor
  • Councillor Barry Gallagher
  • Councillor Ann Higgins

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Emer Concannon, Director of Services
  • Bernard Scott, Senior Engineer
  • Michael Carty, Senior Engineer
  • Frank Moylan, Senior Planner
  • Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer
  • Aisling Smyth, Administrative Officer (SPC4 Meetings Administrator)

 

1. Introduction

In the absence of the Chair, Councillor Paul Taylor it was agreed that Councillor Liam Brennan would chair the meeting. Councillor Brennan welcomed all in attendance.

 

2. To confirm the minutes of the Q2 meeting held on 17thJune, 2025

Proposed:       Joan Swift
Seconded:       Conor McCarthy

 

3. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

4. Update on Strategic National Roads and Greenways

Mr Bernard Scott, Senior Engineer, provided a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation.  Summary as follows:

  • A detailed synopsis was provided on the N17 Knock to Collooney (Atlantic Economic Corridor) Project which is at Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation Stage. The objective is to develop the design of the Preferred Option to a stage where sufficient levels of detail exist to establish land requirements, identify and mitigate project impacts and to progress the project through the statutory processes.
  • An overview was given in respect of the Sligo Greenway and Sligo Leitrim Northern Counties Railway (SLNCR) Greenway which are funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The presentation included project overview, benefits of proposed projects, Policy Alignment, Project Phasing and timeline, Emerging Preferred Route Corridor, Update on Public Consultation and the status of both schemes particularly focusing on Sligo Greenway and issues surrounding use of the disused railway lands.

Comments:

  • In respect of funding for the N17 Knock to Collooney Project it was confirmed that funding is sought on an annual basis from TII and that it is the entire route that is progressing.
  • It was confirmed that a completion date is difficult to predict due to unforeseen circumstances which may arise, and challenges encountered with major projects in terms of achieving planning permission.
  • It was confirmed that approximately €1million has been spent on the Sligo Greenway project to date.

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation to be circulated to Members following the meeting.

 

5. Update on Harbour Masterplan

Michael Carty, Senior Engineer delivered a comprehensive presentation Key points included:

  • Plan commissioned by Sligo County Council in 2023
  • The 7 key areas of the Programme are: Baseline Study, Desktop Study, Outline Master Plan, Stakeholder Engagement, Development Options, Economic Impact Assessment and Report,
  • Constraints of the Programme were outlined e.g. flooding & site ecology
  • Areas outlined included: Residential density, landscaping strategy & lighting, open space strategy, civic infrastructure, educational and community spaces, connectivity
  • Draft phases were outlined
  • The Project Team also look at the demands that development will bring
  • When complete, the Masterplan will be put on public display as part of the Sligo Urban Area Plan in 2026.

Comments:

  • Members commended Mr Carty on a very informative presentation which was well received.
  • The development of the Urban Area Plan will commence in 2026 and support for inclusion of master plan in this statutory document welcomed.
  • The importance of sustainable travel was cited for the harbour area with Finisklin cited as a key route from Rosses Point /Strandhill. 
  • In respect of the provision of housing in the area, the density guidelines were cited.

A copy of the PowerPoint presentation to be circulated to Members following the meeting.

 

6. To note the Draft Biodiversity Action Plan:

Report on item was circulated to members in advance of the meeting. Ruth Hanniffy, Biodiversity Officer outlined key elements of the report. 

  • A pre-draft public consultation took place from 21st July until 25th August 2025. 11 submissions received. Strong support was shown for ambitious County Biodiversity Action Plan.
  • For 2026, the total budget for implementation is €140,000. (€97,500 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) and €20,000 from Heritage Council’s Local Biodiversity Action Plan Fund).
  • Implementation of the County Sligo Biodiversity Action Plan will be led by the County Sligo Biodiversity Officer, supported by the County Sligo Biodiversity Working Group. The delivery of this Plan will involve the following: Leadership and Coordination, Governance and Oversight, Delivery through collaboration and Monitoring and Reporting

Comments:

Members commended the work undertaken in putting the Plan together and the 52 actions which are included.

  • The Plan will be put before members of Sligo County Council for noting on 5 October, 2025.

 

7. Update on “NPF Implementation: Housing Growth Requirements - Guidelines for Planning Authorities issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended)”

A copy of the guidelines was circulated in advance of meeting to Members.

Frank Moylan, Senior Planner, advised that new Housing Growth Requirements (HGR) Guidelines issued on 29th July 2025. The Guidelines set out new annual housing growth requirements for each Local Authority and require that these new requirements are reflected in relevant Development Plans, along with additional provision of up to 50% over and above the new housing growth requirement for each Local Authority.

With regard to Sligo, the new annual housing growth requirements to 2034 is the same figure as the annual housing requirement in Sligo County Council’s adopted County Development Plan (CDP). This figure is 672 units per year. The adopted CDP also has the required additional provision of up to 50% over and above this figure. In this regard, an initial assessment of the implications of the new Guidelines would be that a variation is not required.

However, Sligo County Council is awaiting the contents of the Final Ministerial Direction regarding the CDP, which will ascertain the quantum and proportion of the additional provision required by the Guidelines.

Comments:

Members welcomed the comprehensive outline and explanation.

It was restated that the new Annual Housing Growth Requirement of 672 units per year is the same as the Housing Supply Target used in the adopted Sligo County Development Plan 2024 - 2034.

A workshop with the Elected Members will be arranged to discuss the implications of these new Guidelines.

 

8. Any Other Business:

The next meeting of the SPC is scheduled for Wednesday 3rd December, 2025.

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

 

The meeting concluded at 12.45pm.


Meeting Date 24/09/2025