Minutes:
Congratulations:
The Lord Mayor opened the meeting by extending her congratulations to Cllr. Hazel De Nortúin and her husband Martin on their marriage on 8th September held in City Hall.
Cllr Mannix Flynn Motion:
The Lord Mayor formally apologised to Cllr. Mannix Flynn for stating that no Councillor was present at one of the two meetings she held with The Artane School of Music. She was mistaken in her recollection as Councillor Nial Ring was in attendance in his capacity as a Board member of the Artane School of Music. She acknowledged that she should have referenced his attendance, given his Councillor status as well as board member and apologised to Cllr. Flynn for this omission.
The Lord Mayor informed the Members that she had been unsuccessful in resolving the matter between Cllr. Flynn and the Artane School of Music. A meeting had been organised between the two parties but Cllr. Flynn indicated he did not wish to attend the meeting if the Lord Mayor was present. As the Motion is asking the Lord Mayor’s patronage to be rescinded, the Lord Mayor felt that she should be at the meeting therefore the meeting did not proceed. Given that a commitment was given to close the motion in the case of the issue not being resolved Cllr. Flynn’s motion will be taken tonight where it is the first Motion on notice.
Conferences:
Councillor attendance at the Irish Public Bodies Conference to be held in Athlone, on Friday 8th October, 2021 was approved by Council.
High Level Street Issues Group:
The Lord Mayor announced that following requests for additional Councillor representation on the High Level Street Issues Group it had been agreed by Group Leaders that the Chairperson of the Citywide JPC, Cllr. Daithi de Roiste and the Chairperson of the Special Committee on Homelessness, who will be elected at this Wednesday’s meeting, will join the Group. Consideration will be given to further members should the need arise.
Co-option:
The Lord Mayor informed Members that Group Leaders had recommended that the filling of the vacancy left by the passing of Cllr. Anthony Flynn be deferred. The deferral was agreed by Council.
Retirements:
The Lord Mayor informed Members that Deputy Chief Executive, Brendan Kenny was retiring on 15th October, 2021 after almost 46 years of dedicated public service. Brendan currently has responsibility for Housing and Community services within Dublin City Council and has also held previous leadership roles in the Culture, Recreation and Arts Department and the Limerick Renewal Project, where he excelled and left an enduring legacy.
The Lord Mayor said that she would miss his openness and approachability, his extensive knowledge of housing and community matters and his willingness to work with Councillors for the good of the City. He was a person who truly cared about the issues that faced the city and its citizens.
Representatives from all of the political groups extended their thanks to the great service that Brendan had given during his time with Dublin City Council. They commended his commitment to the role and his genuine concern for the people of the city. They acknowledged his appreciation and understanding of the importance of Councillors in Local Government and his willingness to seek compromise when faced with competing aspirations. They all wished him and his family a long, healthy and happy retirement.