The minutes of the?Community,?Sports?and Culture?SPC meeting held on the 25th March, 2026 which were circulated were considered.??

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

??“That the minutes of the Community, Sports and Culture SPC meeting of the 25th March, 2026 be ADOPTED.”

The report, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.

The report was NOTED without discussion

The report which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.

Cormac Healy, Senior Executive Officer, Community presented the report.

Following discussion, the presentation was NOTED.

A presentation was circulated in advance of the meeting. Christine Baker, Heritage Officer, presented an update on the Heritage Workplan.

Following discussion, the presentation was NOTED.

Cathal Kearney, Access Officer and Aoife Sheridan, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Services provided a presentation on the Access Strategy. The members were advised that it is anticipated the Access Strategy will be presented to the Full Council in September 2026.

Following discussion, the presentation was NOTED.

The motion in the name of Councillor A. Donnelly was PROPOSED by Councillor A. Donnelly and SECONDED by Councillor J. Walsh.

“That this Strategic Policy Committee prepares for the 2029 Local Elections by engaging with "Women for Election", "See Her Elected" or a similar organisation to design and deliver a tailored training programme for women who wish to run in the 2029 Elections. Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council ran a campaign for the 2024 local elections in collaboration with Women for Election. We could use this as a model if we wish.”

Report:??

The Council has secured funding to develop an appropriate programme under the category: ‘Increase Diversity & Participation of Women in Local Government’. Initial engagement has already taken place with Women for Election to explore potential approaches and what such an initiative might involve. This work is being progressed as a joint endeavour between the Corporate and Community directorates, and it is expected that it will get underway shortly in collaboration with Women for Election.

While it is anticipated that this initiative may evolve in the direction of a tailored training programme or campaign aimed at women who may wish to run in the 2029 Local Elections, it would be premature at this stage to define the precise scope or format of the programme. Further development work will be required before any final proposals are brought forward”

Following discussion, the report was ACCEPTED.

The motion in the name of Councillor J. Walsh was PROPOSED by Councillor J. Walsh and SECONDED by Councillor A. Donnelly.

“That the Chief Executive review the recent decision in relation to Community Activities funding Scheme to restrict payment to tutors to 50% of an overall grant allocation under Community Activities funding annually, as this is causing significant adverse implications for community groups.”

Report:

Following approval by Council in late 2025, the revised scheme has been in operation since January 2026. The Council recognises that community groups, require time to become familiar with the updated criteria and to adjust how activities are planned, costed, and delivered within the new parameters.

It is recognised also that any change of this nature can give rise to challenges for community groups, particularly where there is strong demand for programme-based activities that rely heavily on qualified tutors and facilitators.

As discussed with Members, demand for Community Activities remains exceptionally high across the county, with over 930 groups eligible to apply annually. In this context, it is necessary to apply consistent criteria countywide to ensure that limited funding resources can be distributed equitably and transparently, and that the greatest possible number of groups across Fingal can continue to be supported.

The cap on tutor payments was introduced to encourage a balanced use of funding, ensuring that grants also contribute towards essential non-pay costs such as equipment, materials, venue hire, insurance, accessibility supports and participation expenses. This approach is intended to support the sustainability and inclusiveness of community activities, while reducing the risk that funding disproportionately benefits a smaller number of tutor intensive projects at the expense of broader community participation.

The Community Development office is engaging with groups to provide practical guidance on budgeting, programme design, and alternative funding options, and will work with area-based staff to support groups in adapting to the revised scheme.

The impact of the changes to the operation of the CAF scheme is under review and feedback from community groups, elected members, SPC members will continue to inform this process.

With the scheme having been recommended by this SPC and agreed by Full Council, any changes arising from this process will need to be channelled through the same fora for consideration. It is envisaged that a presentation will be made to this SPC on the scheme review before year end”

The meeting was advised that as set out in the report that the scheme is under review in terms of some revisions and these revisions would be presented to this Strategic Policy Committee for discussion later in 2026.

Following discussion, the Motion was AGREED.