Present: Philip O’Connor (Chair), Patrick Daly, Jacqueline Feeley, Mary Tubridy, Helen Gilmore, Killian O’Sullivan, Andrew Flemming, Sorcha King, Lisa Doyle, Eoin Quinlan, Hans Visser, Mary O’Connor, Guy Molyneux, Representatives from Fuzion.

Apologies: Cllr. Joan Hopkins, Cllr. Cathal Haughey, Cllr. David Healy, Caroline Core Grimes, Fearghal McSweeney, Renee Malone, Mairéad Stack, Nessa O’Brien,

Item 1: Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th June were Proposed (by Dougal Cousins) and Seconded (by Jacquline Feeley) and approved.

Item 2: There were no matters arising from the last meeting.

Item 3: Therese Casey gave an update on Operations works in the SAAO. The clearance of paths was going well, there are no further works planned for this year. Path works are done in close consultation with Howth Pathways.

Item 4: Hans Visser gave an update on Fingal Biodiversity. 10-year SAC plan being completed. To implement all measures would require €650,000 p.a. Examining options through Dublin Bay Biosphere, conservation group volunteers etc. There were mixed results with the heather replanting trial on East Mountain, with an full evaluation next year. The plants need to be more established before planting to give the best results. There will be further works at the fire breaks on the upper cliff path (near Heather Cottage). The post/rope solution to contain heathland erosion to be extended to sites on upper cliff path before December.

Item 5: Mary Tubridy reported for the Conservation and Recreation Subcommittee. Mary is stepping down as chair and is being replaced by Dougal Cousins. Philip thanked Mary of behalf of the SAAO Cttee. for her years of work and her great contribution since joining the SAAO.

Mary’s report (full report attached) noted that Declan Doogue’s ‘Survey of Locally Important Plant Sites on Howth’ will proceed with FCC support in the autumn. Hans reported on preparations for fencing at the Nose of Howth and Whitewater Beach for safety reasons and bird and habitat protection; removal of Rhododendron ponticum in Howth Demesne and other invasives elsewhere; and FCC examination of drainage system at Redrock. Sub-Cttee also discussed MKO’s Draft SAC Management Plan, implementation of Howth Golf Club Biodiversity Action Plan and presentation of a Heritage Council study of community involvement in heritage management at the Uplands Forum (SAAO is referenced in this as a “good practice”).

Item 6. Jackie Feeley reported for the Planning and Communications Subcommittee (Report attached).  Press/social media PR output is of an excellent standard regarding both content and visuals. Unfortunately it rarely highlights the SAAO itself, which was the main reason for the project, describing all work done as FCC work. It was agreed that after the minutes are circulated, the Sub-Cttee meet (online mtg.) with Fuzion to discuss a strategy on this.

The SAAO community information meeting is taking place this evening in Howth Yacht Club. It will be inroduced by Philip and presentations will be made by Lorraine Bull (on Irelands Eye works) and Lisa Doyle (other works in Howth). Hans Visser will lead a consultation session on Whitewaterbrook beach.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.