CITY Hall could see scenes similar to those on ‘Love Island’ with “grandstanding and showboating” aplenty if council meetings were live-streamed to the public.
That was the prediction from Sinn Féin councillor John Costelloe who was speaking in opposition to a motion from Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan at Monday’s Metropolitan District meeting of Limerick City and County Council.
Cllr O’Donovan proposed that the local authority delete Standing Order 99 to allow for live-streaming of council proceedings that are open to the public.
The City West representative felt this would allow for open meetings to be live-streamed, facilitating greater accessibility and inclusivity to all members of the public in line with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“This is not a theatre of dreams,” Cllr Costelloe replied.
“We would see scenes of grandstanding and showboating. We have to realise some people would use it to their advantage.”
However, Mayor Michael Sheahan said the proposal warranted “further examination”.
“Let the party leaders look at it,” the Fine Gael politician suggested.
Cathaoirleach of the Metropolitan District, Cllr James Collins believed that councillors needed to be open to using technology.
“I don’t have an issue with it. I think it would be a good thing,” the Fianna Fáil councillor commented.
“As long as it doesn’t lead to electronic voting,” Cllr Costelloe replied.
Cllr O’Donovan then pointed out that they already get “grandstanding and showboating” at the monthly public council meetings in City Hall.
In the interest of “transparency and accountability”, she maintained that live-streaming was a positive step into the 21st Century.
A response from Council’s Director of Service, Support Services Directorate, Sean Coughlan explained that Standing Order number 99 states that “no cameras of any kind or sound recordings or communication equipment may be used at meetings of the Metropolitan District without the prior approval of the Metropolitan District members”.
“In order to live-stream Council meetings, there are a number of factors that need to be considered such as the existing infrastructure within the council chamber, refurbishments costs required to accommodate this retrofitting works and the digital/technical maintenance of providing this service. If the motion is agreed an examination of the costs, options and available technologies will be conducted,” he added.
After being passed by a vote of 10 to 5, it was agreed that the motion be referred to party leaders for further discussion.
