The Mayor, Councillor. A. Henchy, at the start of the meeting reminded Members that Standing Orders would apply to all aspects of the meeting.

The Mayor, Councillor. A. Henchy, advised the Members that four emergency motions had been received prior to the commencement of the meeting.

The Mayor informed the Members one of the emergency motions was ruled out of order and three of the emergency motions were ruled in order and would be considered before the end of the meeting.

Minutes of the County Council Meeting held on 9^th October 2023 which had been circulated were considered. 

It was PROPOSED by Councillor K. Dennison, seconded by Councillor H. Mahony and RESOLVED –

“That the minutes of the County Council Meeting held on 9^th October 2023 be ADOPTED.”

It was proposed by Councillor J. Humphreys, seconded by Councillor T. Kitt and RESOLVED:

“That in accordance with Standing Order No. 53, Questions numbered 2 to 15, be ADOPTED.”

The reports by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, were CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor T. Murphy, seconded by Councillor I. Carey and RESOLVED: 

“That the recommendations contained in the amended quarterly report of the Economic, Enterprise & Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee are hereby APPROVED.”

The report by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor A. Henchy, seconded by Councillor K. Dennison and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the report from Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on the 24^th October 2023, beAPPROVED.”

The report by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor H. Mahony, seconded by Councillor T. Kitt and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the report of Committee of Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart/Castleknock/Ongar Services B meeting held on 2^nd November 2023, are hereby ADOPTED.”

The report by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor A. Henchy, seconded by Councillor G. Maguire and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the report from Corporate Policy Group Meeting held on the 6^th November 2023, beAPPROVED.”

The report by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor T. Murphy, seconded by Councillor J. Humphreys and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the report of Committee of Balbriggan/Rush-Lusk/Swords Services (B) Meeting held on Thursday 9th November 2023, are hereby ADOPTED.”

The report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED. It was proposed by Councillor A. Henchy, seconded by Councillor G. Maguire and AGREED:

“That the Council approve, subject to the sanction of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the securing of overdraft accommodation on the Council’s revenue account to a limit of €25m for the period 1^st January 2024 to 31^st December 2024.”

The attached report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.   It was proposed by Councillor J. Newman and seconded by Councillor D. Healy and RESOLVED:

“That the wayleave at Balheary, Swords, Co. Dublin to Mainscourt Solar DAC, as referred to in the Notice under S183 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended and dated 26 October 2023, be granted in accordance with the terms specified therein.”

The attached report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.   It was proposed by Councillor H. Mahony and seconded by Councillor K. Dennison and RESOLVED:

“That lands and grant of a permanent wayleave at 169a Clonsilla Road, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 to ESB Networks as referred to in the Notice under S183 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended and dated 26 October 2023, be granted and disposed of to the ESB Networks in accordance with the terms specified therein.”

The attached report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.   It was proposed by Councillor P. Rane and seconded by Councillor K. Dennison and RESOLVED:

“That lands at Tyrellstown Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 to NABCO now known as Co-Operative Housing Ireland (CHI), as referred to in the Notice under S183 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended and dated 27 October 2023, be disposed of to the NABCO now known as Co-Operative Housing Ireland (CHI) in accordance with the terms specified therein.”

The attached report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.   It was proposed by Councillor K. Dennison and seconded by Councillor P. Rane and RESOLVED:

“That lands at Tyrellstown Road, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 to Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL), as referred to in the Notice under S183 of the Local Government Act 2001 as amended and dated 27 October 2023, be disposed of to the Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL), in accordance with the terms specified therein.”

The report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.   It was proposed by Councillor A. Henchy and seconded by Councillor P. Mulville and RESOLVED:

“That the Fee Simple Interest referred to in the attached report be disposed of in accordance with the terms specified therein.”

The report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.  It was proposed by Councillor B. Dennehy, seconded by Councillor A. Henchy, and RESOLVED:

 “That the roads referred to in the attached report be, and are hereby declared to be, public roads.”

It was AGREED to circulate the presentation to the Members and the notice of intention to undertake development at Holywell, Swords was NOTED.

The report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED. 

The Mayor Councillor A. Henchy advised that Councillor D. Healy had submitted five amendments as follows-

1. “Howth Special Amenity Area Management Committee and Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Management Cttee are involved in addressing a range of tourism-related challenges in the Special Amenity Areas including the maintenance of paths, the protection and improvement of accesses, and the protection and restoration of biodiversity from visitor impacts."

2. “Development of measures to protect the natural environment from visitor pressure.”

3. “Maintain, protect and improve accesses to beaches, to the coast and to Special Amenity Areas.”

4. “Continue to engage with the maintenance and cleaning challenges associated with visitors especially on beaches and in areas with takeaway businesses and look for innovative measures to address these challenges.”

5. “Address excessive traffic resulting from visitors including by promoting the use of public transport and cycling, supporting increases in the frequency of rail services on Sundays, and supporting the retention of direct rail links.”

A presentation was given to the Members by Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer. 

Following discussion, the  

Amendment 1 was proposed by Councillor D. Healy and seconded by Councillor K.Power

“Howth Special Amenity Area Management Committee and Liffey Valley Special Amenity Area Management Cttee are involved in addressing a range of tourism-related challenges in the Special Amenity Areas including the maintenance of paths, the protection and improvement of accesses, and the protection and restoration of biodiversity from visitor impacts."

FOR    :                       7          SEVEN

AGAINST:                 28       TWENTY EIGHT

ABSTAIN:                 0          ZERO

FOR:              Councillors Mulville, Paul; Burtchaell, John; Carey, Ian; Power, Karen; Walsh, John; Healy, David; McDonagh, Brian. 

AGAINST:    Councillors Henchy, Adrian; Mulligan, Dean; Donnelly, Angela; Hanaphy, Breda; Graves, Ann; Tracey, Natalie; Maguire, Grainne; Murphy, Tony; O’Brien, Eoghan; Kitt, Tom; Manton, Brigid; Ryan, Brendan; McCamley, Mary; O’Leary, Tom; Shovlin, Siobhan; Lavin, Anthony; Doyle, Tania; Guerin, Jimmy; Boland, Cathal; Mahony, Howard; Butler, Darragh; Onwumereh, JK; Dennehy, Brian; O’Donoghue, Robert; Humphreys, James; Dennison, Kieran; Leddy, Ted; Rane, Punam.

The DECLARED the Amendment LOST. 

Amendment 2 was proposed by Councillor D. Healy and seconded by Councillor K.Power

“Development of measures to protect the natural environment from visitor pressure.”

FOR    :                       12       TWELVE

AGAINST:                 22       TWENTY TWO

ABSTAIN:                 0          ZERO

FOR:              Councillors Mulville, Paul; Burtchaell, John; Mulligan, Dean; Donnelly, Angela; Carey, Ian; Power, Karen; O’Brien, Eoghan; Ryan, Brendan; Walsh, John; Boland, Cathal; Healy, David; McDonagh, Brian. 

AGAINST:    Councillors Henchy, Adrian; Hanaphy, Breda; Graves, Ann; Tracey, Natalie; Maguire, Grainne; Murphy, Tony;  Kitt, Tom; Manton, Brigid; McCamley, Mary; O’Leary, Tom; Shovlin, Siobhan; Lavin, Anthony; Doyle, Tania; Guerin, Jimmy; Mahony, Howard; Butler, Darragh; Onwumereh, JK; Dennehy, Brian; O’Donoghue, Robert; Humphreys, James; Dennison, Kieran; Rane, Punam.

The DECLARED the Amendment LOST. 

Amendment 3 was proposed by Councillor D. Healy and seconded by Councillor K.Power

“Maintain, protect and improve accesses to beaches,  ...  view the full minutes text for item F/439/23

The report by the Chief Executive which had been circulated was CONSIDERED.  A presentation was given to the Members by Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer. 

The Mayor Councillor A. Henchy advised the Members that Councillor K. Power submitted four amendments as follows-

1.    Implement a Council policy to follow the Greener by Default approach in all catering/procurement by/for Council and its franchises

2.    Develop and a council policy for Fair Trade in procurement

3.    Develop an ongoing consultation relationship with experts in the area of food sustainability as the policy is implemented at local level 

4.    Carry out a food poverty assessment in Fingal

During discussions Councillor K. Power withdrew amendment one and two.  Following further discussions Cllr K. Power accepted the commitment by Declan Power, Senior Executive Officer, to work with Community Groups and it was AGREED to put amendment four on the LCDC Agenda.

It was proposed by Councillor H. Mahony, seconded by Councillor K. Dennisonand RESOLVED:

“That the Fingal Food and Drink Policy is hereby ADOPTED.”

The report by the Chief Executive, which had been circulated, was CONSIDERED. 

Following discussion, the Chief Executive’s report was NOTED.

The notice which had been circulated was NOTED.

The notice which had been circulated was NOTED.

The notice which had been circulated was NOTED.

The motion, in the name of Councillor A. Henchy was proposed by Councillor A. Henchy and seconded by Councillor T. Kitt.

Following a discussion, the report was ACCEPTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The correspondence, which had been received, was NOTED.

The motion, in the name of Councillor B. Hanaphy was proposed by Councillor B. Hanaphy and seconded by Councillor A. Donnelly.

Following discussion, the report was ACCEPTED.

The report on the motion in the name of Councillor J. Newman was ACCEPTED.

The motion, in the name of Councillor C. Boland was proposed by Councillor C. Boland and seconded by Councillor D. Healy.

Following discussions, the report was NOTED.

The motion, in the name of Councillor A. Donnelly was proposed by Councillor A. Donnelly and seconded by Councillor B. Hanaphy.

Following discussions, the report was ACCEPTED.

The report on the motion in the name of Councillor P. Rane was ACCEPTED.

The report on the motion in the name of Councillor T. Leddy was ACCEPTED.

Councillor T. O’Leary withdrew the motion.

The Mayor, Councillor. A. Henchy, advised the Members that a fourth emergency motion had been received and was ruled in order.

The following emergency motion in the name of Sinn Féin was proposed by Councillor A. Graves and seconded by Councillor A. Donnelly:

“That this Council recognises the fact that the position of the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland is untenable and calls on the government to support calls for her expulsion.”

Following discussion, the Mayor Councillor. A. Henchy, instructed that a roll call vote be taken and on a division the voting resulted as follows: 

FOR    :                       11       ELEVEN

AGAINST:                 14       FOURTEEN

ABSTAIN:                 0          ZERO

FOR:              Councillors Mulville, Paul; Burtchaell, John; Mulligan, Dean; Donnelly, Angela; Hanaphy, Breda; Graves, Ann; Tracey, Natalie; Murphy, Tony; McCamley, Mary; Doyle, Tania; Humphreys, James.

AGAINST:    Councillors Henchy, Adrian; Carey, Ian; Power, Karen; O’Brien, Eoghan; Kitt, Tom; Manton, Brigid; Walsh, John; Mahony, Howard; Butler, Darragh; Dennehy, Brian; O’Donoghue, Robert; McDonagh, Brian Dennison, Kieran; Leddy, Ted.

The DECLARED the Motion LOST. 

The following emergency motion in the name of Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, The Green Party and Labour, was proposed by Councillor A. Graves and seconded by Councillor B. McDonagh:

“Political parties on Fingal County Council have come together to speak with one voice on Palestine. We are deeply concerned at the human catastrophe in Gaza. We are urging the Irish Government to use its place in the UN and EU to demand an immediate ceasefire, to lift the siege of Gaza and allow international aid to be allowed in to Gaza.”

Following discussion, the motion was AGREED.

The following emergency motion in the name of Councillor J. Burtchaell was proposed by Councillor J. Burtchaell and seconded by Councillor P. Mulville:

“ Noting the AlAgha family from Fingal are among those trapped in Gaza and noting the Palestinian people face a humanitarian disaster arising from the siege and bombardment from the Israeli state, this Council calls for an end to the genocidal assault on Gaza; and that the Israeli government ends its blockade and allows sufficient food, water, power and medical supplies to reach the besieged population in the strip, and also call for the release of kidnapped Irish citizen Emily Hand and all civilian hostages, as well as release of all Palestinian political prisoners detained without trial.” 

Following discussion, the Mayor Councillor. A. Henchy, instructed that a roll call vote be taken and on a division the voting resulted as follows: 

FOR    :                       8          EIGHT

AGAINST:                 14       FOURTEEN

ABSTAIN:                 0          ZERO

FOR:              Councillors Mulville, Paul; Burtchaell, John; Mulligan, Dean; Donnelly, Angela; Hanaphy, Breda; Graves, Ann; Tracey, Natalie; Humphreys, James.

AGAINST:    Councillors Henchy, Adrian; Carey, Ian; Power, Karen; O’Brien, Eoghan; Kitt, Tom; Manton, Brigid; Ryan, Brendan; Walsh, John; Mahony, Howard; Dennehy, Brian; O’Donoghue, Robert; McDonagh, Brian; Dennison, Kieran; Leddy, Ted.

The DECLARED the Motion LOST. 

It was AGREED to extend the meeting to 20.30 to consider the fourth emergency motion.

The following emergency motion in the name of Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item F/461/23