Strategic Policy Committees

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are tasked with advising and assisting the Council in formulating, evaluating and reporting on policy. These committees were introduced within the context of local government reform aimed at enhancing the participation of community and sectoral interests. 

SPCs allow committee members an opportunity for full involvement in the policy-making process from the early stages. These committees can also benefit from the experience of external organisations in the formulation of policy.  

Membership of SPCs include county councillors, representatives of business, farming interests, environmental and conservation groups, trade unions and community and voluntary members. Sectoral representatives are relevant to the work of the specific SPCs to which they are a member. Membership of Committees contains more information about who are part of Longford County Council's SPCs. 

Each SPC must also have a minimum of one-third of the membership drawn from the sectoral interests. A SPC's Cathaoirleach (or 'Chairperson') is appointed from Longford's County Councillors. Councillors' membership of an SPC lasts for the lifetime of the Council, with their membership ending should they no longer be a County Councillor. Councillors may not be nominated to represent sectoral interests.

Longford County Council's SPCs

  1. Social Development SPC:Policy areas relate to building sustainable, integrated, and safe communities and delivering on housing commitments
  2. Physical Development SPC: Policy areas relate to investing in sustainable infrastructure and protecting our built and natural heritage
  3. Economic, Enterprise, and Rural Development SPC: Policy areas relate to economic development, enterprise and rural development, reimagining and reinventing public spaces and maximising the opportunities for sustainable economic, cultural and rural development
  4. Governance SPC: Policy areas relate to ensuring transparent and better public services

Strategic Policy Committee Scheme 

Our latest Adopted Strategic Policy Committee 2024-2029 provides more information on SPCs, including their structure and membership.