'Disappointing': Limerick councillors fail to vote on livestreaming and recording of meetings
Councillors were told that sample hours from 2025 meetings were used during cost estimations, however, no exact figures or details were disclosed ahead of the vote
A SPECIAL meeting of Limerick City and County Council was adjourned after members failed to reach a consensus on the livestreaming and recording of future meetings. With some raising concerns over the rise of AI, it was heard that the project could potentially cost €65,000.
Councillors were told that sample hours from 2025 meetings were used during cost estimations, however, no exact figures or details were disclosed ahead of the vote.
Fine Gael Councillor John Sheahan noted that he is in favour of livestreaming the meetings but needs to know the full costs first. He said that in terms of price, there are “plenty of ways” around the funding but that it is most important to “get this right from the off” due to the “necessity” of the project.
This motion was originally put forward by Mayor John Moran, who called for the recording, storage and archiving of meetings to be made available. Councillors wanted the motion amended to cover the recording of every single meeting linked to Limerick council, including meetings of Limerick Twenty Thirty and the mayoral implementation committee.
Cllr Sheahan said the “public need to see what the problem is” and wants a full briefing of all details to “put the whole lot on the table.”
Fianna Fáil Councillor Bridie Collins stated that it may be best to remove the recording aspect as a whole so this and the livestreaming can be looked at separately.
Attending the special meeting online, Mayor Moran noted that he believes it is important to both livestream and record future meetings, saying he is more than happy to cover any extra costs that could arise.
Fearing that recording could lead to material being taken out of context, Independent Ireland Councillor Tommy Hartigan voiced some concerns but was in favour overall. Similarly, Priomh-chomhairleoir Catherine Slattery also said she is cautious of recording due to the rise of AI.
Cllr Sheahan said treating recording and livestreaming separately is not that simple and that he too is “not pushed” about the recording aspect. He said the full package needs to be viewed before a collective decision is made.
There were also discussions regarding the possibility of a ‘fail-safe’ button which can ensure a lag during livestreams. If this feature was to be implemented, it would cost in the region of six figures and be for the protection of councillors in terms of defamation.
It was heard that South Dublin County Council have a delay feature in place and that inquiries have been made regarding this.
Cllr Collins told members that she believed an adjournment was needed until the full information is given. She would be voting against this as she has a “major problem” with recording and is “disappointed” as a whole. This was seconded by Cllr Slattery.
Social Democrats’ Councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara said many people do want to engage with local government but that this is not always accessible timewise. In his view, recording would benefit the public massively and encouraged members to think before they speak. He said it “seems so ridiculous” that this was going in circles because some may be afraid of what they could say live.
Sheahan said this would be “lovely in the world of utopia” but not realistic as it is easier said than done.
Also on this, Fine Gael Councillor Dan McSweeney believed it was “very telling” that many councillors want openness and transparency until they have it. He agreed with the idea as a whole but that there is a “clear lack of clarity” on the protection given to councillors. There are “serious legal issues that need to be considered,” said Cllr McSweeney.
Mayor Moran agreed it was “very disappointing” to be in this position without all the answers.
There was “clear tension in the chamber,” according to Cllr Collins, as well as clear discrepancies among members. She urged an adjournment until further facts can be given.
Agreeing that there was far too much confusion in regards to the motion, the Priomh-chomhairleoir said the vote should be put back once again until a consensus can be reached.
The matter will now be brought forward at a future meeting of Limerick City and County Council. The date has not yet been confirmed.