Constitution of the Dún Laoghaire Community Association

Cumann Phobal Dhún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire Community Association

Constitution

(Adopted 2001)

1. Name
The organisation shall be called the Dún Laoghaire Community Association or in the Irish language, Cumann Phobal Dhún Laoghaire, and hereinafter, “the Association”

2. Status & Area
i. The Association shall be a non-sectarian, non-party political, community representative organisation.
i. For the avoidance of any doubt as to the status of the Association, Ministers of Religion, Town, Urban District, City and County Councillors, Seanadóirí, Teachtaí Dála and Members of the European Parliament shall be deemed ineligible for election to the positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, Hon. Secretary or Public Relations Officer of this Association.

ii. The community shall be defined as residing in the area of Dún Laoghaire bounded by the sea, Glenageary Road Lower, Glenageary Road Upper, York Road, Cumberland Street and Old Dunleary.

iii. The area covered by the Association may be amended to include adjoining areas wishing to participate in the Association.

3. Aims
The aims and objectives of the Association shall include:-

i. To represent the community of Dún Laoghaire and to raise issues of behalf of the people residing in the Town with the local authority, An Gárda Síochána and other state or semi-state agencies as may be required.

ii. To advise and liaise with the elected County Councillors and Teachtaí Dála on matters of concern to the community in Dún Laoghaire.

iii. To provide a forum for public discussion on matters of concern to the community in Dún Laoghaire.

iv. To seek the establishment of a Community Council to further co-operation between the business community and the residents of Dún Laoghaire.

v. To support the establishment of Community Resource Centres in Dún Laoghaire.

vi. To support the community tourism initiative in Dún Laoghaire as represented by Dún Laoghaire-Dublin’s Riviera Ltd. and, tourism throughout the county as represented by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Tourism Company Ltd.

vii. To support and liaise with the Dún Laoghaire Tidy Towns committee.

viii. To support initiatives to encourage the use of the Irish language in Dún Laoghaire in co-operation with Foras na Gaeilge.

ix. To formulate policies in relation to crime, litter, drugs, parking and other such matters of concern to the community and to seek membership of such national or local organisations or bodies as may further the aims of the Association.

x. To publish a newsletter on matters concerning the community.

4. Community Representation
The Association seeks the participation of the widest possible representation of the community of Dún Laoghaire, therefore, the following categories of Community Representative (CR) shall be established:

i. Representatives of existing Residents’ or Tenants’ Associations nominated to represent their organisation and their area. One CR per organisation.

ii. Representatives of areas not covered by Residents’ or Tenants’ Associations. These areas shall be defined by the Association to facilitate the election of Community Representatives by the residents in these areas.

iii. Two Community Representatives to be nominated by the Dún Laoghaire Active Retirement Association.

iv. One Community Representative to be nominated by the management company of the Dún Laoghaire Community Resource Centre on Library Road.

v. The Association may from time to time consider applications for representation by community organisations dealing with young people, immigrants, travellers or persons with disabilities.

5. Observer Status
The Association may offer observer status to representatives of An Gárda Síochána and the Dún Laoghaire Business Association in order to foster co-operation in areas of mutual concern.

6. Governance of the Association
The governing body of the Association shall be an Executive Committee consisting of Community Representatives, from and by which, the following officers shall be elected, Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and Public Relations Officer.

7. Terms of Office

i. The Community Representatives shall be nominated and/or elected to serve a term of not more than two years, following which, they may seek re-election or re-nomination for further terms of not more than two years.

ii. The officers of the Executive Committee shall retire annually but be eligible for re-election at the first meeting of the Executive Committee following the Annual General Meeting.

8. Meetings

i. The Executive Committee of Community Representatives shall meet at least four times in each calendar year to receive officer reports and to oversee the business of the Association.

ii. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in the month of March each year on a date to be determined by the Executive Committee.

iii. Special General Meetings or Public Meetings may be held at any time at the discretion of the Executive Committee.

iv. The Association may organise special area or sector meetings to facilitate the election of Community Representatives or to address a special issue of concern.

v. As a general guideline the Association shall adhere to Roberts’ Rules for Meetings and shall conduct its business accordingly.

9. Funding
The Association may make such provisions as are required to secure adequate funding for the operation of the Association, however, donations from all corporate bodies shall be declared and made public. Donations from individuals over Ir£500 (€635) shall be declared and made public.

10. Amendment of the Constitution & Winding Up

i. This Constitution may be amended by a ballot of Dún Laoghaire residents present at the Annual General Meeting of the Association or at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.

ii. The Association shall be wound-up by a vote of the Community Representatives and any funds remaining following the settlement of all and any liabilities shall be donated to a recognised charitable organisation or organisations determined by the Executive Committee.