Forrester’s Hall sale approved to Credit Union

THE disposal of council owned land at Forrester’s Hall in Market Street to Dundalk Credit Union was agreed at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council yesterday (Monday).

The agreement was reached only after a number of councillors and a Director of Service recused themselves from any discussion on the matter to avoid any ‘conflict of interest.’

The meeting heard that the council had sought legal advice on the matter, in the event of councillors being members, and therefore shareholders, of Dundalk Credit Union.

Chief Executive Joan Martin said that she was a member of the Credit Union ‘ like many people in Dundalk are.’

But after receiving legal advice on the matter felt that the potential for any conflict in her case was so remote that it did not impact on her role in the debate over the disposal of land.

She added that it was a choice for each individual councillor to make.

Cllr. Marianne Butler confirmed that she was not a member, and never was, so had no interest in the matter.

But, she argued that ‘it seems this is not a black and white issue, there are many grey areas.’ She added that it might have been better to postpone the vote until the council’s January or February meeting.

Cllr. Butler said she had ‘nothing against Dundalk Credit Union. Indeed I wish them well.’

But she argued that there were a lot of potential uses for a town centre property such as this, adding that she would not be supporting the disposal of land to the credit union.

The vote went to a roll call in the council chamber. All councillors present voted in favour of the disposal, with just three voting against.