Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed two new sectoral members. Sarah Costigan, The Little Museum of Dublin who replaced Simon O’Connor. Conor McQuillan, Public Partnership Network replaced Sarah O’Neill.

Action:           Agreed.

Alison gave an overview of the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature’s office.

Dublin is one of 28 cities of literature whose mission is to support, animate and develop Dublin as a UNESCO City of Literature, reflecting a capital city where the literary ecosystem is creative, dynamic and sustainable – and positioning Dublin as a valued partner, actively contributing to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Action:            Presentation welcomed and noted. Cllr. Moynihan was thanked for her support and attendance at the annual UCCN Conference.

Action:            Presentation welcomed and noted. The Assistant Chief Executive

advised that additional funding was approved for capital works in the Gallery over the next 3 years.

The Strategic Plan sets out in detail the scale of the ambition and how to deliver it. By the end of the five years, this plan will deliver an outstanding and acclaimed Education and Outreach programme, impressive and enviable Acquisitions to the Collections, an outstanding Conservation Department that is expert in contemporary media and compelling and exciting Exhibitions which will attract record audiences.

Action:           Noted. Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane Draft Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023 to be submitted to the full City Council for approval.

Cllr. Clancy requested an update on the five year strategic plan in 18 months once approved by City Council.

Following discussion members proposed that two elected members from the Arts SPC should take up positions on the Board. Members requested that employment contracts of the new company should be in line with best practice

Action:            Report Noted. It was agreed to recommend to the City Council to have two elected members of the Arts SPC take up positions on the Board of the Company.

Regular reports on the new Company to be brought to this SPC.

Jim Beggan, Senior Executive Officer outlined the Proposals for the Passport for Leisure Scheme, Old Age Pensioners (Over 55’s) Review and Proposals for OAP Schemes to come into effect from 1^st January 2018.

Members raised concerns with regard to the price increase and the consultation with PPN.

Management stated that we needed some level of sustainability in the terms of the format we put forward and the increases proposed were reasonable.

 It was agreed to proceed with 2 proposals from the 1^st January 2018:

a.     The Passport for Leisure Scheme will only be available to individuals who can provide proof of address of living or working in the Dublin City administrative area.

b.     The age requirement for availing of the Passport for Leisure Scheme will be raised to 60 years from 1^st January 2018.

Action:      Report to be submitted to the January SPC following consultation with the PPN.

City Architect’s Division has carried out a feasibility   study, including a preliminary schedule of works, into the adaption of the house as a residence for writers.

The study concludes that the proposed interventions and the reinstated use are appropriate to, and will enhance the Heritage significance of the house as a Protected Structure.

The feasibility report sets the timetable for the programme of works which is estimated at 32 to 38 weeks.

A title search on the property was undertaken by the Law Department and a report was received late last week.

Action:            The Assistant Chief Executive advised we will proceed with plans to adapt the house as a residence for writers with immediate effect. The process is estimated at 38 weeks. Reports to be brought to the SPC.

Action:            Report Noted

The City Librarian informed the members that the project is proceeding well and the architects have been instructed to prepare a planning application for submission in the first half of 2018.

The Chair informed the members that the Assistant Chief Executive had resigned from the Board of Kennedy Wilson and was replaced by the Chair of this SPC.

Action:           Keep on Agenda for regular updates.

Action:            Report Noted

Action:            Agreed

Action:            Agreed

Action:            Agreed

Action:            Agreed

Action:            Agreed

Action:            Noted

Action:            Noted

Action:            Noted

Action:            Noted

Action:            Noted

There was no business under A.O.B.