No online access to Louth council meetings as AI threat ‘the new reality’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A decision on public access to online council meetings in Louth was pushed back by councillors after fears around security, intimidation and content being manipulated by AI were aired at Louth County Council’s monthly meeting.

Councillors highlighted how commentary around contentious issues had become “venomous” in the last year, and raised their own fears about personal security and that of council staff.

The debate emerged following a motion tabled by Green Party Councillor, Marianne Butler, who called on the local authority to allow the broadcast of public council meetings live on the internet and allow members of the public to watch the meetings via MS Teams.

She told the meeting that this had been raised before, and the reasons for not allowing access was cost. But she argued that there had been significant investment in I.T infrastructure in the chambers, which would make it easier.

"This is something we have to address, as other councils are doing this.”

Cllr. Butler argued the move would enable greater transparency, and could help improve local democracy, highlighting that voter turnout in Louth at the last local elections was low.

"Opening up our chamber to the public could help that issue. I hope that this can be considered as we have excellent AV equipment now which could enable it.”

The motion was seconded by Cllr. Maeve Yore, saying that it is a “no-brainer”. She responded to concerns about potential “bullying” as a result of meetings being online, saying: “We get bullied every time we walk down the street. I do think the public needs to see what is happening, and who raises the issues, and who stays in the chamber for majority of meetings.”

Drogheda Councillor, Paddy McQuillan, said that, while he respected the calls, he had grave concerns about online content being manipulated.

“I do have reservations, we are at the stage now where anything we say, or anything we do can be manipulated. It can be dangerous.”

He pointed to the “horrific experience” that he and his wife had endured earlier in the year. [Councillor McQuillan had made a formal complaint to Gardai about a campaign of threatening and abusive behaviour by one individual.]

Cllr. Kevin Callan said that the media do report from the council chamber and at District and Borough meetings.

“I have very serious concerns about this, and how things can be manipulated. I know as a public rep it is impossible to push back and fight against public misinformation once it is out. I am concerned about staff as well, as this is a workplace, where they and we do our work.”

He said if there were “more robust measures” which came into effect he would have no issue looking at it again.

Cllr. Emma Coffey said she would agree in principle “But I think with the lack of legislation it is open to abuse.”

She added that as elected members the public had placed their trust in councillors, to represent them to the best of their ability.

Cllr. Declan Power said he “couldn’t support this motion at this time,” saying that he had concerns about “comments being taken out of context, and recordings being misused.”

He said that he also had security issues as well, and meetings being available online had the possibility of increasing security risks.

Cllr. Kevin Meenan pointed out that his party, Sinn Fein, had supported these calls in the past, but added that there would be some concerns about staff.

"We put ourselves forward, but our family and friends don’t. Council staff don’t either.”

He pointed to some of the more contentious issues which the council had dealt with, including recent plans for the Dundalk- Carlingford Greenway, commentary around which, he said became “venomous” last year.

"Other issues like that can come up, and we will have to deal with them. While I fully agree with the sentiment of the motion I think the devil will be in the detail on some of the issues.”

Cllr. Pio Smith said he “definitely saw the value” in allowing public access to council meetings.

"But my main concern Is AI. Unfortunately this is the world we live in today. There are people who will manipulate information, it is a worrying time to be in politics.”

He added that until there are protocols enacted, he would have reservations. He proposed that the issue be referred to Louth County Council’s Corporate Policy Group (CPG).

Cllr. Butler said she accepted the comments in relation to her motion but argued that there are many people who are interested in politics or media who benefit from joining meetings online.

A written response to the motion Director of Human Resources, Corporate and Community Delivery Joanna Kelly said there is no provision in legislation governing the broadcast of council meetings live on the internet and standing orders also do not provide for it.

She highlighted concerns that this might give rise to the meetings being recorded and the possibility of comments at meetings being taken out of context.

The Director of Services added that members of the public were welcome and encouraged to attend council meetings in person. The issue could be reviewed should legislation governing the broadcast of meetings be provided.

Deputy Chief Executive, Thomas McEvoy, told the meeting that the council had a duty of care to its staff, and more consideration should be given to the matter.

Councillors agreed to an amended proposal from Cllr. Pio Smith, postponing any decision for six months to enable the CPG or Protocol Committee to assess the issue and establish what, if any, guidelines should be put in place.