Dearey calls for review of local government
COUNCILLOR Mark Dearey highlighted the need for review of the local government reforms as he stepped down from a ‘ busy year’ as chairman of the Dundalk Municipal District committee.
The Green party councillor appealed for a fresh look at how local government has been restructured since town councils were abolished under sweeping reforms of local government in 2014.
He thanked members and council officials for their support throughout his year as chairman, adding that the Municipal District Committee was a ‘curious beast.’
‘ This is the hand we have been dealt, but my own view is that committees need resources to make them work better. In Dundalk we are trying to serve two large electoral areas, and we will have an external border in this area also, so we as members need to make the very best use of all our resources.’
He added: ‘ The government needs to review its decision around local government reform. A large town like Dundalk needs a very specific focus and concentration, to manage the town in a more focused way.’
Cllr. Dearey also suggested that the idea of Dundalk having its own elected Mayor was something that we ought to be looking at.
Looking back at his own year as chairman, he added: ‘ There has been a lot of sadness, and the loss of councillors, including Sean Bellew and Jim Lennon, Brendan McGahon, and other people who were linked to the council, including Vanessa Ryan, Tom Savage and most recently Willie Duffy, it really has been a year punctuated with the loss of so many people.’
He also recalled the funeral of Captain Mark Duffy which was ‘a very poignant occasion.’
As chairman, he also had to write to the mayors of several cities which were affected by terrorist attacks, including Orlando, Nice and Manchester.
He also highlighted some ‘very positive’ events such as the settling up of a Brexit sub-committee with a specific Dundalk focus, and recalled the civic reception for Dundalk F.C and the civic awards which were held recently to honour local community groups, and individuals for their achievements.
And he recalled being asked to speak at an event featuring 1,100 school children in the Redeemer church, where he was struck by ‘ how children are so tuned into the future.’
Tributes were also paid to the outgoing chairman by members including Cllr. Maria Doyle, who congratulated him on what has been ‘a very busy year.’
Cllr. Marianne Butler added that she was ‘delighted to see the civic awards now becoming a annual date in the calendar.’
Cllr. Maeve Yore offered her praise for his ‘approachable’ manner and the pride he had in the county.
Cllr. Kevin Meenan agreed that the ‘diminishing’ powers of local government should be looked at again, and added tributes from the Sinn Fein members.
Nominations were then taken for the new Cathaoirleach, with Cllr. John McGahon and Cllr. Kevin Meenan being put forward. After a vote was taken, with seven votes against five in favour of Cllr. McGahon he was named as the chairman.
This was followed by nominations for the role of Leas Cathaoirleach, where Cllr. Emma Coffey was proposed, and Cllr. Edel Corrigan.
Cllr. Coffey was named after seven against five councillors voted in favour of her taking the vice chair.