Susan Lovatt, Senior Executive Librarian provided a report for the work undertaken in the Library Department in 2024 and provided an update for the Workplan for 2024-2029 under the following headings:

• Library programming and events.
• Coordination the implementation of Creative Ireland programme
• Magical story times
• Festival of history
• Right time festival
  
  

She advised the meeting that there is €321,751.87funding available for the various projects under the following headings:

• Community Grants
• Cruinniúna nÓg
• Shared Island

Questions from committee:

Cllr Donnelly enquired about the implementation of the Blanchardstown Library Open Library and its proposed date. Susan Lovatt, Senior Executive Librarian confirmed that the tenders for the Open Library project have been signed, with the expected opening date set for March 2025. Cllr. Donnelly commended library staff for their efforts in keeping the public updated on library programs and for effectively sharing information.

Community Development Strategy 

Linda Ennis, Principal Community Officer provided an update from the Community Development Office including projects that are run by the Community Development teams.

• Summer Projects
• Safer Halloween
• International Women’s Day
• Positive Ageing Week.
• Review of Community Grant Scheme
• Fingal Inclusion Week
• Remedial Funding for non-Fingal owned facilities 
• Review of Community Grant Scheme.

Questions from the committee

Cllr. Walsh expressed appreciation for the report and was pleased to see that non-Council owned community centres had received funding through the remedial grant scheme. He stated that he found the staff managing the scheme to be very helpful. He enquired about the volume of queries the scheme had received, noting that not all non-Fingal community centres were aware of it and asked whether there were many additional centres applying for funding beyond the six that had already been awarded.

In response, it was noted that the scheme was well advertised, but the relatively low uptake was believed to be due to the requirement for centres to have 50% matched funding.

Cllr Donnelly asked if there were many community centres not owned by Fingal County Council, stating that most community centres in the Dublin 15 area are FCC-owned. Cllr Donnelly also mentioned the instatement of care and repair service in D15 and highlighted the new corporate plan, which is people-focused, and commended the community department are great for supporting communities, particularly Leah. She inquired if there was anything that could be done to get the service up and running again.

Linda Ennis, Principal Community Officer, clarified that FCC owns 15 community centres, but there are potentially hundreds more that could benefit from the grant. Regarding the care and repair service, it was mentioned that while the remit is not fully clear, the team is happy to discuss it further offline.

Age Friendly

Naomi Weir, Senior Executive Officer, provided an overview of the Age Friendly Strategy 2024-2028 along with the Community Development Strategy.

There were no questions from the committee.

Community Integration

Kate Hagen, Integration, Support Worker, provided Integration Office Updates and briefed the meeting on the following areas:

• Fingal Migrant Integration Strategy
• LAIT
• Integration
• Ukraine

There were no questions from the committee.

Review of 2003 Arts Act funding scheme 

Sile Stewart, Arts Officer provided a report on the various funding schemes supporting Artists in Fingal County Council LEA.

Question from the Committee

Cllr Humphreys asked for more detail regarding the schemes. The meeting was informed that there are two funding schemes available under the Arts Act. The criteria for these schemes have not been set yet. One scheme is designed to support groups that promote the arts within the Fingal County Council area, while the other scheme is aimed at supporting individual artists who were born, reside, or study in the FCC area (whether in primary or secondary school).

Youth & Education Policy 

Julie Clarke, Youth and Education Officer presented the Youth and Education Policy update.

Questions from the Committee

Cllr Humphreys asked if the review would be internal or wider. The meeting was informed that a consultant would be hired, and it is anticipated the review will commence in February. There will be a wider consultation as the area has expanded and evolved this will be reflected in the evaluation process. The Youth and Education Policy will be reviewed and updated by the end of 2025.

Public Art Policy 

Caroline Cowley, the Public Arts Co-Ordinator, presented an overview of the policy for 2025-2027, she informed the committee that the draft policy will be shared after the meeting and encouraged any input, comments, or observations from them. The presentation and content were praised by the committee members. It was also acknowledged that even with small budgets, arts initiatives can have a significant positive impact within the community.

Questions from the Committee

Cllr Donnelly emphasised the significant impact of public art in the area, stating that it should not be underestimated. She further expressed that public art brings a great deal of joy and enhances communities by adding beauty to the surroundings.

Cllr Humphreys inquired about the maintenance of public art within Fingal County Council. Caroline Crowley, the Public Arts Co-Ordinator highlighted by assuring that this aspect will be addressed in the upcoming policy. In the new year, all public art will undergo inspection to assess any necessary repairs or cleaning that may be required.