‘Local democracy’ undermined, say coast councillors

THE FACT that a motion, agreed at Municipal District level, was then overturned at full council level left some local councillors pretty deflated at last week’s area meeting.

Cathaoirleach Paddy Meade explained that when a debate over Town and Village Renewal scheme money arose at the Laytown/Bettystown meeting, it was suggested that the Laytown/Bettystown/ Mornington/Donacarney areas could benefit if they were allowed to submit proposals individually.

However, it was felt by the majority of councillors that this was effectively splitting up the area and would mean other areas couldn’t benefit.

‘I felt it would deminish the town status of Laytown and Bettystown area ,’ Clllr Meade added.

It was agreed on a 5-1 vote to keep the status quo, but the motion then went to full council and was overturned. Even the FG Cathaoirleach voted against it, stating that it would be ‘undemocratic’ to go against the decision of the municipal area.

Cllr Tom Kelly tabled an emergency motion which stated that the local body do not allow a motion, already agreed at local level, to go before the full council meeting, as it negated the functions of the municipal district.

It was passed on a 5-1 vote, with Cllr Sharon Tolan voting against and Cllr Eimear Ferguson abstaining.

Cllr Sharon Keogan said the whole issue was ‘anti democracy’ and ‘against the people of this area’.

She said they do things with the best knowledge of the issues and that they must be ‘united’ for the area.

‘When five of us agree something it is wrong for an area and the council to go against that.’

Cllr Wayne Harding said since he came to the council when something is formulated, like a Local Area Plan’, then the full council usually agreed with the decision of the area council.

‘People from Trim, etc are deciding things for the people on the coast. This should have been thrashed out before the full council,’ he stated.