Draft Minutes of Meeting held Wednesday 18^th September 2024, in County Hall, Swords

Present: Philip O’Connor Chair, Jacqueline Feeley, Edgar McLoughlin, Dougal Cousins, Cllr David Healy, Cllr Cathal Haughey, Hans Visser, Sorcha King, Fearghal McSweeney, Eoin Quinlan, Zer Barokas, Mary O’Connor, Therese Casey, Caroline Core-Grimes,

Apologies: Conn Redmond, Mary Tubridy, Mairead Stack, Lisa Doyle

SAAO/2 Minutes of previous meeting: Minutes of meeting of 19/06/24 proposed (by Cllr. Cathal Haughey), seconded (by Mary O’Connor) and adopted.

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

·       Hans took members through a presentation (David will circulate this presentation separately)

·       Goat Grazing has been extended for 3 years, with new goatherd Katherine Abel. Rhododendron control ongoing at Green Hollows. Pedestrian counter implemented at Balscadden. Coastal Path at Bellingham’s completed. Closure of Right of Way at Redrock now on Public Consultation. It was agreed to send a submission to support this. A diversion has been implemented to avoid people walking on rare plants at Redrock.

·       The new SAAO brochure was finalised and 500 copies printed. Committee members approved the design. 201 people have attended the 8 events run to date with 2 further events to take place. The Maritime event was well attended. An Irish language version of the information board and panel to be printed. This will cost €500. This was approved by the members at the meeting.

·       2 tenders received for PR person with Fuzion providing the most competitive tender at €29,000. This was agreed. An initial meeting with Fuzion with the chair, FCC and sub-cttee to be arranged.

·       2 tenders also received for the Schools Programme, with OWLS providing the most competitive tender at €15,260 for 2 years (no VAT). This was agreed.

·       Expenditure Report displayed. Hans said the highland cattle were being sold by the farmer so FCC proposed SAAO purchase them as part of the grazing programme with all external costs i.e. vet bills  being covered externally by Newbridge Farm. Philip moved that this be agreed, and it was approved by the Cttee. on the proposal of Edgar, seconded by Dougal.

·       Landings at Irelands Eye was discussed. One boat is authorised to land visitors, and these generally keep to the pathways. The biggest issue is unauthorised landings causing damage to sensitive nesting areas. Eoin Quinlan and Hans to meet on this with Birdwatch Ireland to find a solution.

SAAO/4 Report from the Conservation and Recreation Sub-Committee

·       The Sub-Committee were unable to meet prior to the SAAO meeting.

·       Mary Tubridy read out her report (which is included below after the minutes).

SAAO/5 Report from the Tourism and Communications Subcommittee

·       Jacqueline read out the report, much of which concerned the communications strategy, as already described by Hans. (The report is included below after the minutes).

·       Fearghal McSweeney discussed enforcement matters. Details to be circulated.

SAAO/6 Howth Pathways

·       Dougal read out the report (which is included below after the minutes).

·       It was noted that FCC Heritage Officer Christine Baker is not joining the Cttee but is happy to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.