COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2025

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor D. Adelaide

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on planned or proposed use of AI technology by the council; including what work is proposed to be done by AI models, what stage of implementation the plan is at, and which department within the council the work relates to.

REPLY:

Currently, there isn't an overarching plan or specific roadmap with respect to AI technology within the Council. Consequently, detailed reports as requested on AI projects, stages of implementation, or specific departments involved aren't available.

The Council can confirm that it is open to appropriate use of AI, but that the general policy at present is not to permit the use of AI except under specific approved circumstances where the need arises. Individual AI projects may be considered by the Council but would be subject to stringent risk management processes.

Generative AI (chat/response functionality) is being explored on a proof-of-concept basis within the Microsoft CoPilot environment, however is strictly for a limited number of staff. The engagement with Microsoft's CoPilot for this purpose is due to its inference capabilities, data residency, defined data boundaries, and support for enterprise-grade safeguards, including ensuring the security and privacy of all information input or generated.

With many vendors advocating AI and incorporating it into their products, the Council are mindful of our data protection obligations, the establishment of the European AI Act and Interim Guidelines for Use of AI in the Public Service (February 2024).  The Council will continue to adopt a measured and careful approach as to how we will evaluate projects or proposals prior to implementation and being mindful of the AI Act and guideline provisions.