Laois County Council this week assigned Chairs and Elected Members to the main Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) in the county.
SPCs are local authority committees consisting of elected councillors, business representatives, farming interests, environmental groups, trade unions and community groups.
The role of SPCs is to advise and assist the Council in the formulation, development and review of policy.
They have no remit in relation to routine operational matters regarding the delivery of services.
The system is intended to give councillors and relevant sectoral interests an opportunity for full involvement in the policy making process.
Following the Local Elections in June, the new term for Laois County Council is well underway, and the assignment of SPC positions will help mould the direction of County Laois over the coming five years.
The Housing, Regeneration and Planning SPC will be Chaired by Fianna Fáil Councillor Paddy Bracken
Its members will include Fianna Fáil Councillor Paschal McEvoy, Fine Gael Councillor Barry Walsh, Independent Councillor Aisling Moran, and Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy.
The Climate Action, Community and Integration SPC will be Chaired by Fianna Fáil Councillor John Joe Fennelly.
Its members will include Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus McDonald, Fine Gael Councillor Conor Bergin, and Independent Councillors Aidan Mullins and Tommy Mulligan.
The Transport, Environment and Emergency Services SPC will be Chaired by Fine Gael Councillor Willie Aird.
Its members will include Fianna Fáil Councillor Catherine Fitzgerald, Fine Gael Councillor John King, and Independent Councillors Ben Brennan and Olie Clooney.
The Enterprise, Economic Development and Tourism SPC will be Chaired by Independent Councillor James Kelly.
Its members will include Fianna Fáil Councillor Padraig Fleming, Fine Gael Councillor Vivienne Phelan, and Sinn Féin Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley.
SEE ALSO – Laois County Councillors support new proposal to increase Local Property Tax
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