LCC under fire as no vote noted

Councillor Kevin Callan has hit out at Louth County Council officials for failing to record a unanimous vote last month in support of his motion to abolish the annual €12.70 charges for resident parking permits.

The issue arose at Monday’s meeting of Drogheda Municipal District when Councillor Callan questioned why the vote had not been recorded in the minutes of the previous meeting.

Officials from the council said a vote had not been taken and there was no record of this in the notes from the previous meeting.

When Councillor Callan asked that the minutes be amended to reflect the vote the officials said this could not be done as there was no record of the vote if it had taken place.

However, they said the unanimous support of members for the motion could be recorded.

Speaking to the Drogheda Independent following the meeting, Cllr Callan said he was very surprised to see the vote not recorded as he had specifically proposed a roll call vote and was seconded by Cllr Richie Culhane.

‘ The vote was taken and it was important that it was because it recorded everyone’s support and intention in doing away with an unfair and unequal charge on Drogheda which is applied nowhere else in the County. It was a bit like a Donald Trump press conference with alternative facts. I have communicated with the Council again to say I am not in agreement with their response and to tell them to correct the record. Elected members voted, the press and public present all observed the vote so why not record it?,’ he said.

Cllr Callan is now bringing a further motion to remove the charge on Drogheda residents.