Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) council tonight voted to introduce a new, part-time Community Liaison Officer position.
The motion was brought by TCDSU President Kevin Keane. The introduction of the officer is part of a wider campaign, which Keane proposed during his campaign for president, to build networks between residents in key student areas.
The election, which took place after the vote to introduce the officership, saw Cal Hennessy, a first-year BESS class representative, elected.
The part-time officer will have responsibility for combatting loneliness and creating a sense of community between Trinity residents in various areas. The officer will have office hours and be trained in campaign strategy to ensure the position is effectively used.
Speaking at council this evening, Keane said it was a key part of his manifesto. No one voted against the motion. At council, Keane stated that one of the reasons for introducing the role is that “in terms in oversight of it, it is just too much for me to do”.
The introduction of the role follows on from the “Know Your Neighbour” campaign, run this year by TCDSU during the first few weeks of term. The campaign encouraged students in various suburbs throughout Dublin to meet up at a local spot so they could get to know other Trinity students in their area.
Speaking to The University Times last year, Keane said that he envisioned the scheme would have many practical benefits such as “sharing a taxi home or calling in for a glass of milk”.
In his manifesto, Keane said that introducing new part-time officers would make the union “more accountable and accessible”.
