Drogheda needs Town Manager

DROGHEDA Councillors have called on the Minister for Local Government to appoint a Town Manager for Drogheda.

The issue was raised in a notice of motion by Councillor Frank Godfrey who also called for the reinstatement of Drogheda Borough Council.

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Godfrey said: ‘ The power lies in Dundalk and the running of Drogheda is in Dundalk.

‘I am calling on the council and the mayor to support this request and write to the Minister immediately,’ he said.

Mayor of Drogheda Pio Smith said he has contacted the Minister and has stated that the reform of local government hasn’t worked the way they thought it would.

‘ There is a review underway but that won’t be published until next year,’ he said. ‘Certainly the way things are being run at the moment are not adequate.’ He said the council is understaffed and the staff are very stressed.

‘We need to do something before the Fleadh next year,’ he said, adding the Minister should be commended for being open minded and looking at the situation.

Councillor Tommy Byrne said he believes Drogheda has been forgotten in relation to local government.

Councillor Kevin Callan said the reform of local government had cut money, cut budgets and cut local representation.

‘It is time for a borough council to be back in Drogheda. The way we do business and the way we get things done will hopefully hold us in place until we see a return to local government.’