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 Cliff Path at Rorke’s and near EIRE sign, and border planting along Tramway.

On gardens encroaching onto Tramway, Property Dept. to be contacted. 

On scout walks, G. Carr to be asked.

Committee was updated on several cases of Planning Enforcement.

On proposed  specification for a social media/PR consultant contract, suggestions were welcomed. The SAAO website page  should carry info on SAAO voluntary groups and seek new members for them. SAAO would liaise with the consultant (supply texts and photos etc.) through a designated person acting in unison with an FCC officer.  It was clarified that three quotes are required for the scope of work involved. The target audiences were defined as 1. Local community, 2. Public agencies, political bodies and authorities, and 3. Wider general public and visitors. Sub-Committee authorized to finalize the process.

It was agreed that a Public Information event be organized in the Yacht Club on Tuesday 14^th Nov. 7pm. Themes and topics to be agreed by Sub-Committee liaising with H. Visser.

SAAO/6    HowthPathways:Issuescovered inC&R Sub-Committeereport.

SAAO/7    Expenditure:No update.

SAAO/8    A.O.B:

·         Edgar expressed community frustrations in communications dealing with FCC.

·         Agreed that appointed reps. of groups and FCC officials should attend meetings or send a deputy. A policy on consistent non-attendance to be discussed next meeting.

·         J. Hopkins advised that groups can make presentations and/or meet the Fingal Council Howth/Malahide Area Cttee. before their scheduled meetings. To do this they must be registered with the PNN. Advised that HSCC, HTT etc. do so.

·         Cllrs agreed to pursue the issue of publication of what are public documents in the planning enforcement process, viz. Warning Letter, Decision on notices of enforcement and Enforcement directives, which should automatically be added to searchable planning files. It was clarified that outstanding enforcement processes not complied with do prohibit the transgressor from lodging additional planning applications for the same site.

·         Forest School: it was agreed to invite reps. to present to the next meeting.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 13^th December 2023

Minutes: D. Ancikovska, P. O’Connor

Minutes signed:

Philip O’Connor,Chair, SAAO