The minutes were proposed by Councillor Boland and seconded by Councillor Hopkins

Aoife Sheridan, Executive Officer gave the Committee a presentation on the Local Economic and Community Plan which outlined the following main points:

•           Grant Thornton Consultants Appointed

•           Steering Committee & 3 sub-groups

•           Socio-economic profile & review LECP

•           Vision & High-level objectives

•           Consultations with Elected Members x 3

•           Public Consultations x 3 – 27th June (Balbriggan); 28th June (Blanchardstown); 29th June (Swords)

•           Online via Consultation Portal

•           Webinar on 22nd July

•           Draft LECP in September & feedback

Councillor Ryan enquired how successful the consultations were in Balbriggan on 27th June. Aoife explained that it didn’t go as well as expected as there wasn’t enough engagement. This may be down to the time of year and the fact that there are several other Consultations on-going at the moment.

Councillor Boland enquired how much notice was given. Aoife advised two weeks’ notice was given and noted that a webinar would be held in July along with an online portal later in the year.

John Quinlivan, Director of Services advised the Committee that due to the number of consultations recently, he feels there is consultation fatigue amongst the County. He advised that the Dept would be reviewing what was submitted in Sept and if necessary, can go back out for further consultation.

Councillor Maguire agreed that there is consultation fatigue and that maybe the use of language could be looked at and advised that aligning the consultation with an event might be the best way forward to ensure full engagement.

Councillor Hopkins echoed Councillor Maguire’s comments and felt for example Flavours of Fingal might be a good event to start.

Christine Baker, Heritage Officer gave the Committee a presentation on the Pre-Draft Consultation of the Heritage Plan, the main points were as follows:

•           Hosted on www.fingal.ie accessed by link and QR code (Promoted to public, community groups and other organisations via social media)

•           Public ‘Drop-in’ Sessions & Stakeholder meetings

•           Pre-Draft Analysis (266 Respondents)

•           Awareness & Importance (56% not aware of 3 previous heritage plans but one third were aware of the most recent plan, 2018-2023)

•           Challenges to Heritage

•           Priorities & Themes for Heritage

•           Emerging areas of Focus

•           Timeline of Heritage Plan (Now at Stage 3 – Draft)

Councillor Boland enquired on the date of Heritage Week. Christine confirmed it was the week of 12th – 20th August 2023.

Lilian Whelan gave the committee a presentation on the Draft Libraries Development Plan 2024 – 2029, the main points to note were:

•           Local Government Act 2001 provides a statutory basis for the provision of Library Development Plans

•           Each development plan should:

•           Outline existing services

•           Outline opportunities and priorities

•           Outline measures to secure these priorities

•           Adoption of the strategy is a reserved function

•           National library strategy due for publication

•           Previous Fingal Strategy (2018 – 2023)

•           Policy Mapping (2024 – 2029)

•           Methodology

•           Timeline

Councillor Ryan enquired how non-users were being surveyed. He also enquired how the Mobile Library was preforming at the Traveller Accommodation site. Lilian confirmed that surveys of non-users was being carried out at events and via Mobile Library Tours. She also advised that the stop at the traveller accommodation site was successful and has been for several years.

Councillor Wash commended the Mobile Library for travelling to many more areas within Dublin 15 and enquired on the timeline of the Plan. Lilian advised that the Plan should be adopted by December 2023.

“That the Chief Executive consider introducing water fountains and segregated recycling facilities in our Libraries to encourage the use of reusable water bottles and discourage the use of disposable water and sugary/caffeinated drinks specifically for students using our libraries.”

A written report was provided as follows:

At the moment we don’t have public water fountains in Fingal libraries. Students are encouraged to bring water as required when studying or using our services. If someone requires water, staff are always happy to help. 

It is noted that some outdoor public water fountains have been installed by operations across the county. There may be an opportunity for libraries and operations to work together in the future in considering locations adjacent to our public libraries.

In relation to the segregation of waste, while this is something we do on the staff side of libraries, it isn’t always possible due to space or service constraints. It is something that will be considered as we go forward.

Councillor Hopkins advised that she would like to see the same policies regarding waste currently in Community Centres adopted into Libraries. Linda Ennis advised Lilian that she would share the ‘Keen to be Green’ policy with Libraries.

The Motion was proposed by Councillor Hopkins and seconded by Councillor Walsh. The Motion was agreed by all.

“That this Committee calls on the Chief Executive, having account of Minister Humphrey’s roll out of Community Funding supports grants of serious scale, to recommend that action be taken to bring the proposed new purpose-built Community Centres provided for in the County Development Plan 2023 – 2029 to ready stage as a matter of urgency in anticipation of a similar scheme in 2024.”

A written report was provided as follows:

The proposed new purpose-built community centres provided for in the County Development Plan 2023-2029 will be considered for inclusion in the Community Departments Capital programme 2024 to 2026. The Capital Plan will be brought to the members for approval. 

The Motion was proposed by Councillor Boland and Seconded by Councillor Maguire.

Councillor Boland referred to a number of new Community Centres included in the County Development Plan for the North County and suggested that the council should progress plans in order to in a position to avail of the Community Centres Investment Fund – New Build Scheme advertised earlier this year.

All Councillors present gave their full support to the Motion.

Robert Burns, Director of Services explained that the Motion will have to go for discussion at Full Council and then onto the Capital Planning Meeting in September.

Naomi Weir, Senior Executive Officer gave an update to the Committee that the Community and Sport Office is currently working on an application under the Community Centres Investment Fund – New Build 2023.

The closing date is Monday 3rd July 2023. The criteria is very specific and allows for one application per local authority.  The Community Department have been working closely with the Department on presenting the best-case application for the Council. 

It is hoped that the Department of Rural and Community Development would offer the scheme again in 2024.   Should this be readvertised in 2024, the Community Department would envisage they will be in a position to make a further application in line with the scheme requirements. 

Councillor Ryan enquired what happens the two motions that have been passed and agreed and how to they become policy.  Naomi explained that the Motions will be brought to the CPG for discussion and then on to the Full Council for ratification.

Councillor Hopkins enquired on the Childcare Sub Committee membership. Councillors Walsh, Hopkins & Maguire will hold an initial meeting in 6-8 weeks to get things started but will require assistance to run the subcommittee.

Councillor Ryan agreed to be a member of the LECP subcommittee.

The meeting concluded at 5.30pm