Agenda and minutes

At the outset of the meeting the Cathaoirleach Cllr Caillan Ellis welcome to the meeting the new representatives from Leitrim PPN, Ms OluwakemiAina Fawehinmi and Ms Pauline Moran.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke, seconded by Councillor Sean McDermott, and UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

‘That the Minutes of the Housing Policy, Social and Cultural Development Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on 10^th February 2021 be adopted.’

Ms Mary Quinn presented an overview of the Draft Housing Strategy which will form a part of the Leitrim County Development Plan 2022-2028. The Core Strategy indicates, based on the Housing Supply Target Methodology for Development Plans provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, a total of 1,208 additional housing units will be required between Q2 2022 and Q2 2028, inclusive. There will be an average of 201 units required per annum over the plan period 2022- 2028. The projected social housing need over the lifetime of the County Development Plan 2022 -2028 is 227 additional units or 18.8% of the overall projected need. The overview of the Draft Housing Strategy as presented to the members appears Appendix item 1 in the minute book.

Ms Samantha Healy presented the members with an update on Housing which outlined there had been 12 allocations in Q1 and to date in Q2 there have been 59 allocations. There has been an increase in the number of available properties in Carrick-on-Shannon and these are currently being offered. The Choice Based Letting (CBL) Scheme is proving to be very successful with a large number of expressions of interest in the properties being offered. 17 properties have been offered year to date with 100% acceptance.  The CBL Scheme has also resulted in a number of hard to let properties been allocated. Overall, the CBL Scheme has been a success with positive feedback from both North West Simon and housing list clients.  The scheme will be extended in the coming months to facilitate expression of interest through an online form as well as email.

The COVID-19 public health restrictions have resulted in a slowdown in Grants Works on properties. As restrictions ease it is expected this work will increase in the weeks ahead. Where necessary, time extensions will be offered to grant applicants who experienced delays to works due to the public health restrictions imposed on the building sector. Applicants are advised to contact the Council’s Housing Department if they have been impacted in this way.

Grant spending is progressing in line with targets. The Housing Grants Scheme remains open to new applicants.

Housing inspections have recommenced with the easing of the COVID-19 public health restrictions.

Councillor Caillan Ellis welcomed the fact that the Housing Grant scheme remains open to new applicants. Councillor Mary Bohan welcomed the extension of time being offered for grant works.

The presentation as delivered by Ms Samantha Healy appears as Appendix item 2 in the minutes.

Mr Justin Fannon updated the members on the Age Friendly Housing Specialist Role which he currently undertakes and how age friendly initiatives are now being incorporated into building designs to future proof buildings for ease of refurbishment as the occupants grow older. The presentation as delivered appears as Appendix item 3 in the minutes.

Following his presentation, the following items were raised by the members:

·         Councillor Caillan Ellis queried is the age friendly design initiatives would be included in the new development in Lahard.

·         Councillor Paddy O’Rourke welcomed the initiative of future proofing of buildings.

·         Councillor Mary Bohn proposed that purpose built Local Authority 2 bed dwellings should not be offered for tenant purchase. These should be retained by the Local Authority as part of its permanent housing stock as there is demand for this type of dwelling.

·         Mr. Aodh Flynn queried if upgrade works would be carried out on existing housing stock such as estates like Hillside Crescent.

Ms Mary Quinn informed the members that some older estates may require an estate wide remedial works scheme, however all housing stock has to comply with energy efficiency targets by 2030. IN relation to tenant purchase, she advised that further policy consideration in relation to this matter is required.

Mr.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Mr. Philip Delamere informed the members that the mid point in the Arts Plan 2019-2022 has now been reached and he updated members with progress to date on the plan. The presentation delivered to the members appears as Appendix item 4 in the minutes.

Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to the staff in the Arts Office and the Library for the efforts made to engage with people and to maintain and provide new ways of delivering service throughout the pandemic.

Ms Mary Quinn summarised the items for presentation to the Corporate Policy Group and Council. 

Councillor Caillan Ellis informed the members that he was stepping down as Cathaoirleach of the Housing, Community & Culture SPC. He thanked the members and staff for their co-operation and support during his tenure as Cathaoilreach.

Mr. Kieran Brett informed the members that the next meeting of the Housing, Cultural & Community SPC is scheduled for Wednesday 29^th September 2021.