Present: Mary O’Connor, David Healy, Nessa O’Brian, Edgar McLoughlin, Carol Hurley, Hans Visser, Daiga Ancikovska, Jacqueline Feeley, Joan Hopkins, Philip O’Connor (chair)

Apologies:Mary Tubridy,Conn Redmond, Dougal Cousins, Mairéad Stack, Declan Doogue, Ray Gilmore, Fearghal McSweeney, Jimmy Guerin, Deirdre O’Farrell

SAAO/2 Minutesof previousmeeting:Minutesof meetingof 23/06/23proposed (byEdgar), seconded (by Jacqui) and adopted. Matters arising dealt with elsewhere in agenda.

SAAO/3 Update on SAAO works being implemented by Fingal Co. Co.: Hans presented:

·         Hay removal at Red Rock has taken place (750 bales) at cost of €7,000.

·         New signage being fabricated to enhance existing signage on loop paths.

·         Eroded cliff path at Bellingham’s is to be replaced by inland diversion path. This now agreed with Bellingham’s and will proceed through tendering process: probable construction 2024. Old path will remain open until new one ready (see image of new route below).

·         Heathland restoration project underway in from Nose of Howth. Post-and-rope fence on steel anchor pins to protect restoration area and channel visitors along paths. Heathers (20,000 seedlings) currently being cultivated in compost base for out-planting. This will be a first in Ireland and will be tested here.

·         Draft SAAO Communications Strategy circulated and approved by the committee

·         Rhododendron control continues at Dunhill, Green Hollows, Bog of Frogs, Hilltop House.

·         Agreement reached with the  Gaisford St Lawrence family to divert stream from Green Hollows into adjoining low lying lands to  allow restoration of wetlands.

SAAO/4 Report from Conservation and Recreation Sub-Committee: As Sub-Committee reps could not attend, P. O’Connor read out M. Tubridy’s report (see attached) which Committee discussed. It was agreed that the Wildfire Group be discussed next meeting. Proposal to enhance SAAO stand at next Maritime Festival was agreed (physical heathland example for display and interpretation). On grazing East Mountain, this was proving impracticable.. Also, M. Jeuken, the goat herder, will be leaving in August next year. Talks underway for a replacement herder to train (apprentice) with Melissa and take over after her. Financing this under discussion. On trimming around saplings and sycamores at Red Rock, this is no longer done as trees established two years (best practice). Commercial enterprises from the goat project a matter for OIGS. Other items raised dealt with elsewhere in minutes.

SAAO/5 Report from Planning and Communications Sub Committee: Jackie read report (see attached), which was then discussed by Committee.  All agreed the Maritime Festival stand had been a great success, with much interest in all aspects. Logo, film, draft brochure, banner, info panel all premiered.  Mtg. agreed proposal that existing brochure will serve as basis for new SAAO brochure.

On Planning Enforcement Forms, chair to request 100 copies  from F.McSweeney. 

On Red Rock Management Plan, existing plan continues to be implemented.

On issues with trees and at Cowbooter  Lane (blocked stream, “illegal wall”, invasives), Operations to be contacted ([email protected] FAO K. Gallagher, Head of Ops.). 

Likewise for flooding/pooling on Upper  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.