Council praised for its leading role in crisis
THE historic first meeting of Sligo County Council since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis was another example of the county leading the way in the response to pandemic.
Cllr Tom MacSharry, Cathaoirleach of the council, addressed members at the start of last Monday’s meeting and said the efforts of frontline and essential workers has been ‘ humbling and indeed inspirational.’
In thanking everyone who made the meeting of the council happen in new surroundings at IT Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena, the Cathaoirleach commended Chief Executive Ciaran Hayes and his team for their work in recent weeks.
As an example of the council’s responsiveness to the crisis, Cllr MacSharry said that the Sligo Covid-19 Community Response Forum was one of the first established in the country, and one of the first to meet.
At the end of his address, Cllr MacSharry asked those present to stand for a minute’s applause in recognition of the work of those on the frontline.
The decision and effort that went in to holding the meeting was widely commended by all councillors.
Cllr Michael Clarke said it was important that the public sees the council continuing to conduct its business, while Cllr Thomas Healy acknowledged the importance of the Covid-19 telephone helpline which was ‘greatly needed’.
The response of the council drew praise from Cllr Declan Bree who said it was ‘speedy and positive’, while Cllr Gino O’Boyle complimented everyone involved in organising the meeting. Councillors also offered words of support and praise to the various community groups across the county for their work in their areas over recent weeks.
THE effort and response of those working on the frontline and the staff of Sligo County Council came in for widespread praise at last Monday’s meeting.
The first full meeting the council since the onset of Covid-19 was attended by three local TDs, deputies Frank Feighan, Marian Harkin and Marc MacSharry, with former councillor and now MEP Chris MacManus also at IT Sligo’s Knocknarea Arena.
Speaking about the efforts of council staff during the course of the pandemic, Chief Executive Ciaran Hayes said it was ‘difficult to find words’ to show appreciation for the employees of the council, many of whom are working from home at this time.
He also said that the response of communities across the county and country has been ‘extraordinary’.
Mr Hayes said he was ‘ humbled by the nature, quality and speed of the response’ of the council staff and was very proud of it.
Cllr Paul Taylor said he could not compliment staff enough for their work during this time, while Cllr Declan Bree, Cllr Joe Queenan and Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady were among those who also thanked the council staff for their efforts.
Praising the staff, Cllr Thomas Walsh outlined the hard work of the Public Participation Network (PPN) during the course of the crisis.
It was a time, he said, which highlighted to invaluable work the PPN does.
Cllr Marie Casserly expressed her thanks to the council staff and those on the frontline, particularly at Sligo University Hospital, while Cllr Sinead Maguire thanked everyone saying the amount of work being done was ‘phenomenal’.