Agenda and minutes

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Webb.

In respect of item 4c. viz., ‘Events Update - St. Patrick’s Day’, Councillor Ó Donnghaile indicated that he was employed by Feile an Phobail, who had been referred to within the report, and indicated that, should the recommendations therein be adopted, that organisation would be working with the Council in the delivery of certain aspects of the St. Patrick’s Day programme.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that officers from within the Department would continue to engage with representatives of Belfast Folk Town to explore areas of mutual benefit.

The Committee considered a quarterly update report on the Departmental Plan for the period ending 30th September, 2012.  The Director clarified a number of issues in respect of the report and undertook to update individual Members in respect of various aspects therein. 

            The Director undertook to submit a report to a future meeting which would outline the Council’s role in the promotion and management of the scheme in its second and third years. In addition, he undertook to provide information on the awards made, thus far, on the Council’s behalf under the scheme.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and authorised expenditure in the sum of £25,000 towards the engagement of consultants to carry out a feasibility study and prepare a business case for the project.

The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 4th September, he had undertaken to submit a report which would outline the measures which the Council could take to raise awareness amongst local companies on the procurement opportunities which would arise as part of the Investment Programme.  Accordingly, the Committee considered the contents of a report, together with a programme of initiatives, which outlined the range of workshops, training and capacity-building events which would be delivered in this regard.  He indicated that the programme would provide an insight into the Council’s procurement processes and enhance the ability of local companies to compete for contracts. In addition, awareness would be raised on the range of contracts offered by the Council.  The Director indicated that the costs associated with delivering the programme would be met from within existing budgets and that staff from across a range of Council departments would oversee its implementation.

            The Committee endorsed the contents of the programme.

            Moved by Councillor Kelly,

            Seconded by Councillor Hendron,

      That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendations contained within the report and authorises the additional expenditure as outlined for the enhancement of the Council’s St. Patrick’s Day programme in 2013 only and notes that any further decision on the extent of the programme in future years would be made after the submission and consideration of a report which would assess the impact of the revised programme in 2013. 

            On a vote by show of hands nine Members voted for the proposal and seven against and it was declared carried.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a range of Council-led events be registered with the organisers as part of ‘The Gathering’ initiative.  In addition, it was agreed that Council officials would continue to work with key partners to promote the Belfast-related family research opportunities which would be presented by ‘The Gathering’ initiative in 2013.

            After discussion, during which the Director undertook to explore the feasibility of enhancing the programme to provide further outreach activities to local schools, the Committee endorsed the series of events and agreed that officers would continue to engage with outside bodies and agencies to secure additional funding to enhance the outward scope of the programme. 

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that an ad-hoc Member/stakeholder working group be established to progress the matter.

The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the range of initiatives which had been introduced to attract additional shoppers to St. George’s Market in the run-up to the Christmas period. 

            The Committee endorsed the response to the above-mentioned consultation:

The Committee endorsed the undernoted response to the above-mentioned consultation and agreed that an invitation being extended to representatives of the Arts Council to attend a future meeting to discuss a range of issues in respect of the Council’s Culture and Arts Strategy for 2012/2015.

The Committee endorsed the response to the consultation.

The Committee adopted the recommendations.