2022 Minutes

Minutes of Meeting of Sligo Local Community Development Committee held on Thursday 26th May 2022 at 9.30 a.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)
  • Councillor Joseph Queenan, Local Government Member, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Mr. Martin Lydon, Local Government / CE, Sligo County Council - (by video)
  • Mr. John Kennedy, State Agency, Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection - (by video)
  • Mr. Peter Egan, State Agency, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim ETB - (by video)
  • Mr. John Feerick, Local Development Sector, Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG - (by video)
  • Mr. Aidan Doyle, Business Interests, Sligo Chamber of Commerce - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. Kathleen Henry, Farming / Agriculture Interests, Farming / Agriculture Pillar - (by video)
  • Mr. Pat Fallon, Trade Union Interests, Irish Congress of Trade Unions - (by video)
  • Mr. Brendan Lynch, Social Inclusion, PPN - (by video)
  • Dr. Connie Nell, Environmental Interests, Environment Pillar (PPN) - (by video)
  • Ms. Noelle O’Gara, Social Inclusion, PPN - (by video)

 

Apologies /Absent

  • Mr. John Reilly, Local Government / LEO, Sligo County Council
  • Ms. Patricia Garland, State Agency, Sligo/Leitrim/West Cavan HSE
  • Mr. Pat Benson, Community & Voluntary, PPN
  • Ms. Jean Finnerty, Community & Voluntary, PPN 

 

In Attendance

  • Ms. Dorothy Clarke, Chief Officer, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. Niamh Harkin, Senior Staff Officer, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. Fiona Gilligan, Staff Officer, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. Emer McGrath, Clerical Officer, Sligo County Council - (in Chamber)
  • Ms. 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 7th April 2022

Minutes of the meeting held on the 7th April 2022 were proposed by Mr. John Kennedy, seconded by Mr. John Feerick and agreed.

 

3.  Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

 

4.  To approve Sligo LCDC Annual Report 2021

2021 Annual Report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.  Ms. Margaret McConnell advised Members that a statutory role of the LCDC under Section 128B of the Local Government Act 2001 is to prepare an annual report on the performance of its functions.  The report sets out the functions of Members, attendance at LCDC meetings, LCDC Membership and updates on Programmes under the remit of the LCDC - the Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP)/Sligo 2030, SICAP, Peace and the Rural Development Programme (LAG function).  The Annual report outlines the structure of the PPN and its activities, the Healthy Ireland Fund and the Community Enhancement Programme.

The report also includes an update on the Economic agenda which shows the collaborative aspect of the LCDC and the economic elements in the LECP and gives an update on the work of Economic Forum, Tourism development, Branding and Diaspora.

Ms. McConnell acknowledged the work of LCDC support staff in drafting the Annual report.

LCDC adoption of the 2021 LCDC Annual Report was proposed by Ms. Kathleen Henry, seconded by Mr. Aidan Doyle and agreed.

The Annual report will be on the agenda for the June meeting of the County Council for approval.

 

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

Ms. Dorothy Clarke gave a verbal update on progress with the Local Economic & Community Plan/Sligo 2030 Plan and acknowledged and thanked Members for their feedback at the Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on the 23rd March.  All feedback/contributions have since been forwarded to KPMG-FA for consideration.

Ms. Clarke advised of meetings and ongoing correspondences with KPMG.  The next step is to have the final draft for consideration of the Advisory Steering Group, the LCDC and SPC 3 with meetings of these committees to be convened in due course.

The Plan will then have to go before Sligo County Council for subsequent adoption.

 

6.  SICAP

  1. Update on SICAP 2022
  2. Site visits/ Verifications – Q2

Report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.

Ms. Margaret McConnell advised of the 2022 mid-year review which is to take place in June.  Sligo LEADER Partnership are to submit required reports on the Integrated Reporting & Information System (IRIS) by the 15th June for review by LCDC Support staff.  Ms. McConnell advised that Pobal also carry out a parallel review and the LCDC must formally approve the mid-year review by the 29th July 2022.  It was noted that the DRCD have advised of a level of flexibility being allowed due to the Ukrainian crisis and targets may be revisited.

Ms. June Murphy outlined the Update report which informed Members of budget spend of 26% with good progress under SICAP goals (KPI 1 Groups – 37% Annual target achieved; KPI 2 Individuals – 49% achieved) at 30th April.  Since then, achievement of targets under both KPIs have increased to 53% for Goal 1 and 56% for Goal 2.  The report also outlined sample activities being undertaken.  Ms. Murphy advised of a woodturning training course for Men’s sheds and mentioned a new men’s shed being established in Ballymote.  Members were informed that the Social Enterprise mentoring programme in collaboration with Donegal and Leitrim local development companies is ongoing.

With regards supports to Ukrainian refugees, Ms. Murphy advised of work with MSLETB on English conversation classes; co-ordination of youth activities and the development of community support circles around each accommodation centre in collaboration with the Volunteer Centre and Sligo PPN.

It was noted that the SICAP Grants scheme for 2022 will be launched shortly with a focus on social inclusion activities and integration events.

In response to a query on availability of budget, Ms. Murphy advised that additional funds are being sought by the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) to provide supports in response to the Ukrainian crisis.

 

7.  Update on PPN

Report circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.  Mr. Brendan Lynch briefed Members on the update with regards the PPN and advised of a very successful event on the 19th May in the Clayton Hotel.  The Sligo Community Celebration Event was held in collaboration with the Volunteer Centre, Sligo PPN and Sligo County Council to acknowledge the valued contribution made by the community and voluntary sector in County Sligo during the pandemic.

Members were informed of Sligo Community Energy workshops, delivered in partnership with the Sustainable Energy Community Mentors which commenced on 24th May with sessions in Sligo town, Mullaghmore and Enniscrone

It was noted that the PPN is also involved in the Ukrainian Community Response and are currently processing a payment to Sligo FRC who will act as lead in coordinating the FRC response and programme development to support the integration of Ukrainian people into the Sligo community.  The PPN also supported SLPC and the Volunteer Centre to host an information session for community groups who may be interested in getting involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees.

Councillor Dara Mulvey acknowledged the work carried out by the PPN.

 

8.  Update on the Ukrainian Community Response Forum

Ms. Dorothy Clarke gave a verbal update on the Ukrainian Community Response Forum which was established in late March and continues to meet regularly.

The Forum is chaired by Mr. Martin Lydon, CE and Membership includes the Cathaoirleach and Staff of Sligo County Council, Túsla, HSE, MSLETB, An Garda Síochána, Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG, Sligo PPN, DEASP, CYPSC, Sligo Volunteer Centre, Citizens Information Centre, Sligo County Childcare Committee.

The role of the Forum is to ensure that issues and needs arising can be addressed and resolved in a co-ordinated manner.  It was noted that provision of accommodation is a major challenge.

Ms. Clarke advised that IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) place refugees in centres nationwide.  To date in Sligo there are accommodation centres in Cregg House, Riverstown and Ballinafad with refugees also accommodated in hotels.

Members were informed of pledged accommodation units; however, these units need to be inspected before allocation to ensure compliance with PRTB standards.

It was noted that English conversation classes are in high demand and the work of the ETB was acknowledged.

With regards rural transport, Ms. Clarke advised that Local link is working with the agencies to ensure transport is provided where needed.

The work of the DEASP was acknowledged in providing necessary PPS Numbers.

Ms. Clarke also acknowledged Sligo LEADER Partnership and the Volunteer Centre who have been calling to the accommodation centres to provide supports and the HSE who are involved in health assessments.  Túsla and Sligo County Childcare Committee are dealing with any child protection/ child safety issues

Ms. June Murphy advised that generally support services can be met however the lack of accommodation remains an issue.  Other priorities for people are English conversation classes, schools and employment.

It was noted that some schools in rural areas are benefitting from new pupils.

Ms. Murphy advised of additional funds being sought by the ILDN which may be used to appoint an Intercultural/Integration Officer.

Mr. Martin Lydon confirmed that numbers of refugees arriving in Ireland have reduced from 275 to 217 per day, however this may change.  Mr. Lydon advised that local authorities are sometimes requested to have emergency beds available and confirmed that pledged accommodation is being inspected.

Councillor Tom Fox acknowledged the work being carried out by all agencies in response to the Ukrainian crisis.  In relation to transport, Councillor Fox added that people should be encouraged to use public transport in place if possible.

Mr. John Feerick commented on the quick turnaround of accommodation units in Sligo and acknowledged the work of the local community and volunteers in relation to providing transport.  Mr. Feerick advised of the use of community centres for accommodation in other counties however these centres will be wound down at the end of May.  It was noted that Community centres were not needed for accommodation in Sligo. 

 

9.  Update on the PEACE Plus

Ms. Margaret McConnell gave a verbal update and reminded Members that PEACE plus is a €1bn, cross-border, EU funded programme for the period 2021-2027 and will be a hybrid of PEACE and INTERREG Programmes.

Ms. McConnell advised that proposed allocations have not been advised to local authorities but are expected to be announced shortly.  Under the broad PEACE Plus Programme it was noted that there are six themes which actions will be delivered under calls for funding which will be managed by SEUPB.  Local Authorities are responsible for Theme 1 - Building Peaceful and thriving communities LA.

Members were advised that the SEUPB, have put in place a consortium of consultants to act as advisors on their behalf to work with local authorities in the preparation of PEACE Plus.  These consultants will provide guidance on the setting up of governance structures and advice in the development of Action Plans.  Sligo has been assigned Mr John O’Neill of Venturei.

Ms. McConnell advised that as part of this process, it will be necessary to establish a PEACE Plus Sub Committee or Partnership (as for the PEACE IV Programme) with appointments to the Partnership subject to LCDC approval.  Ms. McConnell advised of 4 pillars on the Partnership with 13 – 16 members.  It is hoped to have the proposed Partnership framework presented to an early meeting of the LCDC.

Mr. Peter Egan also advised of the MSLETB’s application (under PEACE) in respect of a Youth Scapes project to support young people aged between 14 – 24 years old who are experiencing geographical disadvantage.  Focus will be on cross border exchange, and it is hoped to recruit a Youth Officer.

A second project being delivered by the ETB will focus on the green economy and upskilling of construction staff in retrofitting homes.

 

10.  Correspondence

  1. OECD Local Development Forum 15th – 17th June 2022 – Pobal’s email 13.5.22
  2. We're Breastfeeding Friendly Sligo Invitation (Lifestart) - Monday 13th June - Sligo Park Hotel
  3. FAO Sligo Joint Policing Committee Members - Community Safety Innovation Fund 2022 – Dept of Justice email 20.5.22
  4. REMINDER: New Communities Partnership (NCP) - Migrant National Forum 26.5.22, 6pm-8pm – NCP email 24.5.22
  5. Invitation for Healthy Ireland! Cultural Companions 2022 Launch- 1pm on Thursday 9th of June – email 24.5.22

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

 

11.  Date for next LCDC/LAG meeting – Thursday 28th july 2022

Members agreed to hold the next meetings of the LCDC/LAG on the 28th July 2022.

 

12.  AOB

Mr. Peter Egan advised that the MSLETB were successful in seeking funding for two projects recently.  Mr. Egan advised of a signed lease for a building in Collooney which is to be used as a Future Skills Training Centre.  This centre will provide upskilling opportunities for the existing built environment workforce and reskilling opportunities for others seeking careers in the retrofitting sector e.g. airtightness programmes, insulation techniques etc.  The ETB are in the process of staffing the centre.

The second project supporting youth in south Sligo will be delivered by Foróige on behalf of the MSLETB.

Mr. Egan is to forward information on both projects for circulation to the LCDC.

Ms. Dorothy Clarke acknowledged Riverstown’s success in the Pride of Place awards for 2022.

 

Meeting concluded at 10.30 a.m.

 

LCDC Minutes - 26th May 2022 (PDF) - 90 kbs

 


Meeting Date 26/05/2022