Monday 31 August 2009

Press Release - Looney Calls for Live Webcasting of Council Meetings

Cllr Dermot Looney, a Labour Party representative on South Dublin County Council (SDCC), has called for meetings of the Council to be broadcast live on the Internet.


Looney has submitted a question to September’s Council meeting requesting the County Manager to provide the facility “in the interests of democracy and transparency.” The written question also notes the “free and easy-to-use options available online” to webcast the meetings.


“Our neighbouring Councils of Fingal, Dublin City and DĂșn Laoghaire-Rathdown all broadcast Council meetings live on their respective websites, and archive the meetings so that interested constituents can view the meetings,” noted Looney.


“Council meetings are already open to the public but are poorly-attended. Opening up Council business through the internet will further serve that democratic function as well as making it easier for interested members of the public, the media and others to view meetings. Archiving the meetings online will make sure that Councillors and officials are held to account.”


“With free to use software now available for streaming online events and archiving, I am confident that the County Manager will respond positively to my call, and that streaming may begin later in the year.”