Strategic Policy Committees

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are tasked with advising and assisting the Council in the formulate, evaluate and report on policy. These committees were introduced within a context of local government reform aimed at enhancing 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 organisation 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 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 a 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

Policy areas:
Social Development SPCFocusing on policies relating to building sustainable, integrated, and safe communities and delivering on housing commitments
Physical Development SPCFocusing on policies relating to investing in sustainable infrastructure and protecting our built and natural heritage
Economic, Enterprise, and Rural Development SPCFocusing on policies relating to economic development, enterprise and rural development, reimagining and reinventing public spaces and maximising the opportunities for sustainable economic, cultural and rural development
Governance SPCFocusing on policies to ensure 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.