Agenda and minutes

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 9^th February 2022 be adopted.”

Mr. Justin Fannon provided the members with an update on the latest Housing & Building information for Leitrim as follows:

·       There are 63 social housing units in the construction programme for 2022 and 2023 with the number of units and locations as follows: Carrick-on-Shannon (17), Manorhamilton (17), Ballinamore (14), Drumshanbo (5), Dromahair (4), Drumsna (4), Kiltyclogher (2).

·       Through the Housing For All programme, Leitrim County Council has a delivery target of 139 social housing units up to the end of 2026, of which there are approximately 100 in the pipeline.

·       Following a recent decision by the Dept. of Housing, Local Authorities can purchase properties again where there is a specific need or circumstances.

·       Private House Grants: funding of €542,000 has been obtained from the Dept of Housing, with a matched element of 20%, resulting in a total available budget of €677,000.

·       Disability Grants on Leitrim County Council Housing Stock: funding of €357,000 has been obtained from the Dept. of Housing. There are 4 substantial projects out to tender and there are a further 18 minor works projects planned on existing housing stock.

·       A Disability Strategy is currently being prepared and a draft will be presented to the SPC members at the next meeting.

·       There has been an increase in homeless presentations, with approximately 1 presentation per week being logged.

·       The development of a Regional Homeless Strategy is being led by Sligo County Council on behalf of Sligo, Leitrim, and Donegal County Councils. The Housing Unit of Leitrim County Council are engaging with Sligo County Council on the development of the strategy.

·       Delivery of Traveller Accommodation Units is on target with 20 units delivered out of a target of 25 for the period 2019-2024.

·       The Housing Unit is engaging with Approved Housing Bodies active in the county to assist them in meeting their element of housing delivery targets as outlined in the Housing for All plan.

Cllr Sean McDermott queried if 4 bed housing units are being constructed in Manorhamilton and also queried progress with the Special Needs Housing unit.

Mr Justin Fannon advised that the houses being constructed in Manorhamilton are 1 and 2 bed properties. Leitrim County Council are aware of the need for a 4 bed property in Manorhamilton and are in the market to purchase a 4 bed property if a suitable property becomes available.

Mr Justin Fannon advised that the HSE have committed to provide funding for the Special Needs Housing Unit. The housing unit will be a purpose built unit. Newgrove Housing are examining the potential of a site that has been identified in Manorhamilton.

Cllr Paddy O’Rourke queried when three 3 housing units in Newtowngore will become available for tenants.

Mr Justin Fannon advised that these three units will be become available for renting in the next few weeks.

Ms Mary Quinn informed the members that following their recommendation at the February meeting of the SPC, further internal consultation took place with the Arts Office, the Heritage Office and the Planning Department, on the Draft Plaques and Memorials Policy.

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Sean McDermott

              SECONDED by Councillor Enda Stenson

It was AGREED the Draft Plaques and Memorials Policyis approved for adoption. 

Ms Mary Quinn advised the members that Leitrim County Council are currently in the process of establishing Leitrim’s PEACEPLUS Partnership Committee which will consist of 16 members across 4 pillars.

Leitrim PEACEPLUS Partnership will oversee the design and implementation of a co-designed process in County Leitrim to inform the development of a County Leitrim PEACEPLUS Action Plan.

The Partnership Committee will consist of 4 pillars:

Pillar 1:           Elected Representatives x 3 - Nominations for the elected member representation on the new PEACEPLUS Partnership will be sought. Geographical balance required.

LCC Officials x 2 - LCC Official will be the Chief Executive/Director of Service & a Senior Executive Officer

Pillar 2:           Public Bodies x 4 - Nominations will be sought from Statutory Bodies such as HSE/ ETB / CYPSC / An Garda Siochana – Community Policing Unit / Foróige/ North Connaught Youth and Community Services / Department of Social Protection

Pillar 3:           Social Partners – Geography x 3 - Community representation will be sought through a PPN nomination and election process.

Pillar 4:           Social Partners Equality & PPP Target Groups x 4 -. Community representation will be sought through a PPN nomination and election process

Following approval of Social Partners by PPN Plenary (June) results will be brought to a Leitrim County Council / MD Meeting for noting and the LCDC for noting

Where the PPN Process does not result in sufficient nominations, an open call process will commence.

It is hoped the first Meeting of the Leitrim PEACEPLUS Partnership will take place by in June/July 2022.

Ms Mary Quinn updated the members on a proposal for the Love Where You Live Awards 2022. Love Where You Live Leitrim is a competition that recognises the contribution made by community groups, businesses, schools and individuals to communities across Leitrim, making them a better place to live, work and visit.Since 2017, the awards have been jointly sponsored by Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN. 

It has evolved from Floral Pride, where the focus was on floral presentation in towns and villages, and on shop fronts.  Now the focus has shifted to sustainable communities, promoting biodiversity and environment rather than just flowers, and recognising the role of volunteers.

A review of the categories took place in 2020, however, the event did not proceed due to COVID-19. It was agreed that The Business category would be discontinued, mainly due the quality of entrants and relevance; It will be replaced by a Heritage Champion category, encompassing Natural, Built & Cultural Heritage.  This new award will be organised and funded under the Heritage Programme.

The events agreed to be sponsored by Leitrim County Council in 2020 were:

·        Cleaner and Greener for Tidy Towns Groups

·        Primary and Secondary Schools

·        Best Kept Estates

·        Heritage Champion

As Love Where You Live has not yet commenced for 2022, it will not be possible to include secondary schools this year.  It will also be a tight timeframe for National Schools to be included.

The PPN categories for 2022 have not yet been finalised, in 2020 the following categories were agreed:

·        Social Inclusion

·        Community Resilience

·        Unsung Hero

Leitrim Volunteer Centre have now been established and run their own annual Volunteer Awards, the Unsung Hero award will be removed from Love Where You Live.  The PPN categories may be reduced further due to budgetary constraints.  In order to apply for a category sponsored by the PPN, a group will need to be registered with the PPN.

It is also proposed that rather than having applications submitted separately this year, that all applications will be submitted to one central point.

Councillor Enda Stenson proposed that Award Presentations should be consolidated to one Awards event.

Ms Mary Quinn outlined that Leitrim Volunteer Centre has only recently been established and their Awards Presentation event is aimed at retaining and building their profile.

 On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Enda Stenson

              SECONDED by Councillor Sean McDermott

It was AGREED the Love Where You Live Awards 2022 scheme is approved for adoption.

Ms Mary Quinn summarised the items from this meeting and outlined that in keeping with normal procedures a report from this committee will be prepared for presentation to the Corporate Policy Group and plenary Council Meeting.

Mr Kieran Brett advised the members that the next meeting of the Housing Community and Culture SPC will take place on Wednesday 28^th September 2022.