DUP councillors failed to block a €50 plus mileage trip to a history conference in the Republic, with one citing the spending of ratepayers money. The council received an invitation from Wicklow County Council to attend the 36th La Touche Legacy Seminar and 11th Festival of History. Alliance Alderman Martin McRandal nominated party colleague, Alderman Alan McDowell, to attend, and this was seconded by SDLP Councillor Joe Boyle. But DUP Alderman Stephen McIlveen told the chamber: “I don’t think there is anything on that agenda that relates at all to the work of this council if you look at it.” With the vote tied, the Lord Mayor, UUP Councillor Craig Blaney, voted in favour of sending Alderman McDowell to attend.