COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, June 09, 2008
HEADED ITEM NO. 6 (e) (1)
HEADED ITEM:
Report of Meeting of 19th May 2008 Arts, Culture, Gaeilge, Education and Libraries Strategic Policy Committee
Attendance
Members Officials
Cllr J Hannon P. Smith, Director of Community Services.
Cllr G O’Connell I. Stobbart, County Librarian.
Cllr S O’Conchuir O. Scannell , Arts Officer.
Cllr C Keane H. Pierce, Admin. Officer.
Cllr J Neville R. McAree , Public Art Programme
Co-ordinator.
Cllr C Jones M. Kenny, Senior Planner.
Cllr M Ardagh Dr. R Dwyer, South Dublin Heritage Officer.
B. Bollard A. Nic Dhonnacha, Irish Officer
J. Fay
E. Smart
A. Fitzpatrick
Apologies.
Cllr T McDermott
An Cathaoirleach Cllr J Hannon presided.
1. Minutes of meeting of 18th February 2008.
- Proposed by Cllr M Ardagh, seconded by Cllr C Jones and agreed.
2. Matters Arising.
It was agreed following discussion and presentation by Aoileann Nic Dhonnacha on proposals put forward by Sub Committee of SPC that consideration be given to South Dublin County hosting a National Irish Language Conference in 2009.
Further proposals in connection with this conference will be brought to SPC meeting by the sub committee.
It was agreed to take item 5 next.
3. Item 5 - Heritage Plan for South Dublin County.
M Kenny, Senior Planner introduced Dr R O’Dwyer , South Dublin County Heritage Officer to the Committee and Dr Dwyer made a Presentation on the Heritage Plan for South Dublin County.
A first draft of the plan will be ready in November / December of this year, following which there will be a period of public and Council consultation. Final amendments are expected in spring 2009.
A public launch of the plan is projected for early / mid summer 2009
Following debate during which Dr Dwyer was welcomed to the Council by SPC members and congratulated on her presentation a number of points were raised by Cllrs Neville, Keane , Hannon, O’Connell, Ardagh , J Fay and B Bollard including the importance of the tourist potential of the plan and the need to recognise and include the two proposed County museums.
The plan was noted and approved.
It was agreed to take item 7 next.
4. Item 7 - Farmers Market.
P smith advised the Committee on the current position regarding the Farmers Market and following debate to which Cllrs Hannon, Keane . O’Conchuir ,O’Connell , Neville , Ardagh and J Fay contributed it was agreed that the original SPC sub committee which was involved in establishing the Farmers Market would be re-established to examine all issues surrounding a successful re-launch of the market in current or new location,
All options to be considered.
A report will be made to next meeting of SPC.
5. Item 2 - Library Update.
Ian Stobbart, County Librarian, presented a report on the successful opening and operation of new County Library. He detailed the various new technologies being used – very successfully - by both staff and customers and in particular noted the IT training facilities.
Ian Stobbart also outlined the various activities and programmes currently taking place and referred to the Right To Read Campaign and other programmes and activities aimed at children , young people and adults.
Following debate to which Cllrs Hannon, Ardagh , Keane , O’Conchuir and B. Bollard contributed various matters were raised and discussed in relation to adult literacy, disadvantaged communities and access to library facilities , and making provision for those whose first language is not English. Ian Stobbart responded to points raised in context of Library Development Programme and current activities.
The Committee congratulated Ian Stobbart and the Library staff for their hard work and commitment.
The Library will be officially opened on 9th June next by the Mayor in the presence of Minister John Gormley TD.
6. Item 3 County Arts update.
Orla Scannell, County Arts Officer made a Presentation on progress to date in relation to the registration of the County Arts Centre Company.
Following debate presentation was welcomed and Orla Scannell responded to various points raised by Cllrs Hannon , Keane , Neville , O’Connell, Ardagh, B Bollard and J Fay.
It was then agreed that nominations to Board would proceed as was agreed at last meeting.
It was noted that Cllr Hannon had already been confirmed as a member of the Board.
Cllr Keane proposed that B Bollard be nominated ( as a non elected member of SPC ) this was seconded by Cllr O ‘ Conchuir.
Following further debate to which all contributed it was agreed that Cllrs Keane and Neville be nominated to the Board , each to serve a half term of 18 months with Cllr Keane serving the first half term.
The above nominations were agreed and approved.
Orla Scannell reported next on Catania – Scicily – Cultural Exchange.
Following a general discussion it was agreed to further explore possible links and it was noted and approved that such a proposed cultural exchange would be a positive development for South Dublin County Council.
7. Item 4 In Context 3 update.
Rachel McAree, Public Art Programme Co-ordinator made a Presentation in which she outlined in detail progress to date in connection with the various public art programmes.
In particular activities associated with the In Context 3 Programme at the County Arts Centre were referred to :-
Exhibitions
‘Open Studios ‘
Displays
Seminars / Talks
Education
Performance.
Rachel McAree also gave details of the various artists involved together with information on their experience, activities and projects.
A full programme of activities and events to be held during the Summer / Autumn was outlined.
Following discussion to which Cllrs Hannon and Keane contributed Rachel McAree and Orla Scannell were congratulated on the scope and scale of the Public Art Programme.
Item 6 – Audit Of Arts Facilities was referred to and will also be included an agenda for next meeting.
Meeting concluded at 7.15 pm.