View the adopted SPC Scheme 2024-2029

Kilkenny County Council has approved the 2024-2029 Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) Scheme, aiming to bring fresh perspectives into local government and involve a broad range of community voices in policy-making. This scheme will see the council working alongside representatives from local economic, voluntary, social, and environmental sectors, providing a collaborative approach to shaping the policies that impact daily life in Kilkenny.

SPCs were established under Irish law to help local councils develop, review, and improve policies by including not only elected members but also people from key community and industry sectors. Kilkenny’s new SPC Scheme includes updated guidelines that will make climate action a focus of all policy discussions. Each SPC will create a multi-annual work plan tied to the council’s main strategic goals, with committees generally meeting about four times per year.

There will be five SPCs in Kilkenny, covering areas such as economic development, transportation policy, housing, environmental protection, and culture. Each SPC will bring together a diverse group of sectoral representatives and elected council members to ensure local policies are well-rounded and forward-thinking. With at least a third of each SPC’s membership coming from external community and industry groups, this scheme aims to make sure that council decisions are informed by a wide range of local voices and expertise.

The SPC Scheme provides a way for Kilkenny County Council to engage more effectively with the community in policy development. By involving more people in the policy-making process from the start, Kilkenny can create policies that better address community needs and priorities.

The Remit of Each SPC

The following section sets out the details of the remit of each of the 5 SPC’s.

Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Tourism, Planning & Development Policy

  • Tourism Strategy and Twinning
  • Economic Development
  • Enterprise Support Functions.
  • Implementation and Review of the Economic Elements of the LECP
  • Planning and Development
  • Conservation of Built Environment
  • Urban & Village Renewal
  • Town & Rural Regeneration
  • Land Activation/Vacant Site Levy/Derelict Sites

Transportation Policy / Mobility Management & Infrastructure

  • Roads
  • Road Safety Issues and Traffic Management
  • Mobility Management
  • Active Travel
  • Pedestrian Facilities
  • Parking
  • Public Transport
  • Water Services Investment Programme
  • Rural Water Programme

Housing

  • Housing Construction / Refurbishment Programme
  • Homeless Strategy
  • Housing Strategy
  • Housing Maintenance & Estate Management
  • Allocations / Transfers
  • Accommodation Programme for Travelling People

Climate Action, Energy & Environment Protection

  • Climate Action
  • Waste Management
  • Flood Risk & Water Quality Management Plan
  • Burial Grounds
  • Building Control
  • Energy Strategy/Standards
  • Control of Animals
  • Litter Management Plan
  • Parks, Playgrounds & Open Spaces

Community, Integration, Cultural, Gaeilge, Heritage & Fire Services

  • Community Development
  • Placemaking
  • Arts & Culture
  • Libraries
  • Heritage
  • Fire & Emergency Services
  • Integration
  • Social Inclusion