Minutes of Meeting of Community, Sports and Culture Strategic Policy Committee held on 26^th March 2025 which had been circulated, were CONSIDERED.

It was proposed by Councillor M.  McCamley and seconded by Councillor A. Donnelly and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the Minutes of the Community, Sports and Culture Strategic Policy Committee 26^th March 2025, be ADOPTED and APPROVED.”

CouncillorA. Donnelly opened the discussion by outlining her understanding of Social and Active Inclusion, emphasising the need to support people entering the country, as well as individuals with disabilities, older adults, and youth. She expressed concern over the absence of a drop-in system to assist with form-filling for housing, grants, etc., particularly for those with limited English. It was agreed that form-filling challenges also affect older residents.She also proposed reviewing more accessible appointment options for those requiring assistance.  

Linda Ennis, Principal Community Officer, referenced the Integration Strategy which is currently under review. She confirmed that translation services are available under the scheme.  

Lillian Whelan, Senior Executive Librarian, suggested that libraries support written English and literacy needs through dedicated programmes. 

John Quinlivan advised that SICAP and Empower currently support vulnerable groups, including Roma, Travellers and jobless households in addressing concerns raised by Members regarding a perception that services are overly concentrated in Dublin 15 and the need for improved reporting and wider geographic coverage, gave an undertaking to raise the matter at the LCDC.  

Action 

·        Commitment to link in with Integration Section with regards to broadening the scope for inclusion in the new Integration Strategy.  

·        Follow up with LCDC, SICAP & Empower regarding the broadening of their inclusion focus.   

The presentation was NOTED. 

Cathrina Murphy, Age Friendly Programme Manager gave the committee a presentation on the Draft Age Friendly Strategy. The main points to note were:  

·                   Age Friendly Initiatives.  

·                   Development of the Strategy.  

·                   Fingal Age Friendly Road Map 

·                   Consultation Process and Findings 

·                   Fingal Age Friendly Themes and Objectives 

·                   4 Themes – Health & Wellbeing; Safe and Attractive Neighbourhoods; Mobility & Accessibility; Monitoring & Reviewing.  

Questions & Comments from the floor 

It was agreed loneliness and isolation was a growing issue. Activities like knitting and exercise often attract the same people. Hard-to-reach individuals rely on word of mouth, centre managers, and trusted companions for engagement. It was agreed that older people are more likely to attend when invited by someone they know. Informal events like movie mornings can encourage participation it was agreed that gender and cultural barriers may hinder wider involvement. 

Accessibility – transport was also highlighted as an issue;the meeting was advised that efforts are ongoing to improve accessibility.  

Funding was flagged as an issue; the meeting was advised National Age Friendly is seeking more funding for additional staff and coordinators. 

The presentation wasNOTED.

The Draft Age Friendly Strategy was APPROVED.

Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer gave the committee a presentation on the LECP 2023-2028. The main points to note were the six themes of the Plan:  

1.                Sustainability & Climate Action 

2.                Prosperous Economy 

3.                Skills for Life & Work

4.                Healthy, Inclusive, Connected Communities 

5.                Rich Arts, Culture & Heritage 

6.                Safe, Accessible, Vibrant Places.  

The SICAP Budget and Targets during the course of the LECP were outlined.  

The presentation included links for promotional videos on various initiatives in the LEA.   

·        Sensory Garden Trail/FloravillePark

·        Rush Multipurpose Youth Facility Development

·        The Pipers Garden Music Project

·        Ballyboughal Hedgerow Society – Environmental Awareness.   

Healthy Fingal initiatives were also highlighted in the presentation.  

·        Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator 

·        Focus on Alcohol and Smoking 

·        HSE, Drugs Taskforce and Empower and Mental Health Ireland.  

The presentation was NOTED.

Both Betty Boardman, County Librarian and Lilian Whelan providedverbal updates on the Library Capital programme and Library Programming and Development. The main points to note were:  

·                   Baldoyle Library refurbishment & re-opening

·                   Progress report on Skerries Library refurbishment and extension 

·                   Ballisk House Conversion. 

·                   Update on New County Library and Cultural House Swords.  

·                   Success of My Open Library in Baldoyle and the plan for Blanchardstown and Malahide.  

·                   Plans to upgrade junior areas and shelving replacement in Balbriggan, Blanchardstown and Malahide libraries

·                   Library programming and development and Creative Ireland updates on success of many events facilitated by library staff were presented to the meeting.  

? 

Attendees praised the valuable work being done in libraries. Concerns were raised about safety in My Open libraries, but these were addressed during the meeting. It was agreed that health and safety measures are in place, and any issues that arise in the future will be dealt with promptly and appropriately.  

The presentation was NOTED.  

Discussion  

CouncillorJ. Walsh raised the issue of the childcare crisis, noting a lack of affordable, non-profit childcare and insufficient spaces. While not the Council’s direct responsibility, he proposed exploring how the Local Authority (LA) could support or facilitate non-profit childcare—particularly through inclusion in housing developments and community buildings. 

Councillor M. McCamley advised that Blakestown childcare facility is closing, it was deemed another loss to the area. It was volunteer-led, and while childcare isn’t the Council’s responsibility, she stressed the importance of support to help parents return to work. Linda Ennis, Principal Community Officer outlined the reasons this volunteer lead group had to cease was due to regulatory demands.  

John Quinlivan, Director of Services stated this is an interagency issue. The Planning SPC might address childcare inclusion in development plans. He proposed taking the matter to the LCDC for further discussion. 

Those in attendance AGREED to defer the motion and revisit the matter in December 2025when an update from Economic Developmentand developments with the LCDC will be available.  

Action:  

·        The issue will be added to the Agenda for the Community, Sports & Culture SPC as a headed item in December 2025.