No internet debut for Louth County Council as live streaming of public meetings blocked

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

There will be no live streaming of Louth County Council meetings in 2026, after a review identified concerns about “unauthorised” recording, staff confidentiality and data protection.

Calls emerged earlier in the year for Louth to join other local authorities around the country in allowing the general public to access meetings online.

But, Louth council meetings will remain “in-person only” for members of the public who wish to attend, it was decided at the recent monthly meeting.

The council’s Director of Service, Joanna Kelly, explained that a review had been carried out by the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) following a motion submitted by Cllr. Marianne Butler in relation to live broadcasting of council meetings.

"The assessment acknowledges the potential benefits, the enhanced transparency, accessibility and public engagement, but it also identifies significant operational, legal and data protection concerns.”

She said the review also highlighted concerns around “unauthorised recording” of council meetings, and staff being identified during online broadcasts.

The decision reached was that “the risks currently outweigh the potential benefits,” said Ms. Kelly.

The CPG recommended not to proceed with a pilot programme of live streaming meetings, and there will be “no change” to the current public access to council meetings, where anyone can attend the council chamber in person.

Ms. Kelly said it was agreed to follow national developments in terms of digital transparency, and the issue could be revisited should matters change.

Cllr. Marianne Butler said she was “very disappointed” but added that this was a recommendation only, and councillors would likely have to vote on whether to accept or reject it.

"I am disappointed. For us to maintain the status quo in what we do in this chamber, not to even take a small step, a pilot so that we could try it.”

She said councillors were accommodated by being able to attend meetings online, but if a member of the public wanted to attend they could only do so in person.

Cllr. Butler said the area in the chamber designated for the public was filled with staff on the morning of the council meeting.

"So we would be limited in facilitating the public here today.”

She said it was understood the concerns staff would have, but added that any staff who speak at council meetings would already be “very publicly associated with the council” having been photographed or spoken at events.

"I don’t see how any staff member is more or less safe by broadcasting meetings.”

She explained the reason for putting forward the motion was to increase the public’s understanding “of what we do here in this chamber, and what we don’t do in this chamber.”

"That is not going to improve with the recommendation we have today. I’m not supporting it.”

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Sean Kelly, said members of the public are a priority when they wish to attend meetings.

Cllr. Kevin Meenan said a motion had been put forward a number of years ago by a former councillor, calling for online public access to meetings.

"But that was before AI. It is going to be a challenge.”

He said the Sinn Fein delegation would support Cllr. Butler’s calls, and suggested that the council look at how other local authorities have responded.

"There are misgivings around it, especially for staff, and that’s only natural. We are elected members, we put ourselves forward for public life, but staff don’t.”

Cllr. Kevin Callan supported the recommendations made, saying the council chamber was “a workplace” and that recording any other workspace in Ireland for the public domain “would not be feasible” unless it was agreed by every member of staff.”

He added that several councillors have had to report concerns to the gardai “In terms of the level of intimidation they received with regards to their work.”

"I would have concerns for staff, because I know what elected representatives have had to deal with for putting something simple up on social media, that the response can be disproportionate, unfair and cruel, and bullying.”

He said he wouldn’t support any change unless there is collective agreement around it.

Cllr. Maeve Yore asked if the council engaged with other local authorities on this proposal.

She supported the calls by Cllr. Butler, adding that young people, in particular, don’t feel engaged with local government or politics.

Cllr. AnneMarie Ford supported the council’s recommendations, saying any member of the public could attend a council meeting, so the transparency is already there.

"This is a workplace for people, and we have to protect the rights and wellbeing of people who work here too.”

Cllr. Ciaran Fisher said he would have concerns about the use of AI, and issues which are raised at council meetings being “taken out of context.”

He feared online public access to meetings would become “a vehicle for soundbites” to be posted by anyone watching.

Cllr. Michelle Hall supported the recommendations, saying the press were reporting from council meetings.

"I think we have to appreciate that people do want to read what is happening, it creates transparency.”

She added that council meetings had benefitted from additional press coverage following the funding of Local Democracy reporters by Coimisiún na Meán.

Cllr. Robbie Nash agreed that meetings should remain in-person only, and was backed up by Cllr. Dolores Minogue.

Following a roll call vote, councillors decided by 17 to 9 votes to accept the recommendations of the review. Three councillors were absent.