Live streaming of Mid and East Antrim Council meetings

The first to be held by this method was the council’s AGM which took place on Monday in the chamber at The Braid in Ballymena and remotely during which the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor took up their appointments.

The next full council meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, June 9.

The council says the meeting, which will be streamed on its website, “represents a new way of ensuring the operation of local government business remains open and transparent during the ongoing Covid-19 lockdown”.

Group party leaders, independents, Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be present in the council chamber with the remainder of members at home using video conferencing.

A council spokesperson said: “The coronavirus lockdown restrictions have changed the way we do business, but they have inspired more creative and innovative approaches to providing essential and frontline services throughout the crisis period.

“As we work towards the next stages of recovery from the Covid-19 emergency, council has continued to engage with our business community and residents through the use of digital and online technologies.

“By holding our first full monthly council meeting virtually, we will be able to inform our citizens about key decisions and ensure we continue to operate with accountability and transparency.

“Throughout the pandemic, group party leaders have had virtual meetings with the chief executive, usually twice a week, with recommendations and an agenda provided.

“The chief executive also provides full written updates, six days a week, to all councillors, MLAs and MPs.”

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has outlined provisions put in place to enable each district council to hold meetings remotely in order for business to safely proceed during the coronavirus emergency.

The regulations apply to all councils and all council meetings in Northern Ireland,  including committee or sub-committee meetings, executive meetings and joint committees of two or more councils. Provisions also include remote access to local authority meetings by the public.

The minister said: “These regulations that my department has put in place will be welcomed by councils as it will enable them to proceed with their democratic business while meeting social distancing requirements.

“This crisis has required new ways of working for many and these changes will enable councils to make the changes needed to ensure important business continues.”

Information which has to be provided at council offices must now be made available on council websites.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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