Council impasse on hosting of conference

THERE was some animated debate about the possibility of Shannon hosting an Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI) conference in 2013, when the town council met on Tuesday night.
In response to a question from Independent Councillor Cathy McCafferty, town manager Bernadette Kinsella said a previous meeting of various interests had agreed that it be recommended to the council that a bid to host the conference be made.
However, Councillor McCafferty said she was dubious about it, given the level of expense that could accrue. “I don’t know. I’m very sceptical about putting in a bid because we have to have the money up front and we were already told we are looking at a figure of €15,000.”
She said if the council wasn’t able to raise the money through sponsorship and support, it would cause serious financial trouble to the council.
Ms Kinsella acknowledged that if a bid is made Shannon will have to go ahead with the conference, even if it is less successful at fundraising than expected. She said that by deciding to make a bid the council was taking on a level of responsibility.
Ms Kinsella said she understood two other towns are also interested in having the conference. She said that the figures of €15,000 was an estimate and was similar to what had been paid by Trim, when it hosted the last such conference.
She said that there would be a 15-month lead-in to the conference, that Shannon Development and local hotels had been supportive, while the Chamber of Commerce had also indicated it would be supportive.
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn said he hadn’t been at the original meeting but has concerns. “Giving an open cheque book would be dangerous and the query is valid,” he commented.
Councillor Flynn said the financial implications of the bid should be examined before any decision is made. He also said it is likely that financial support won’t be freely available given the economic climate.
Labour Party Councillor Tony McMahon said members would need to know where the money would come from. “There is the possibility of raising sponsorship but if it is not raised, it falls on the town council which has a very limited budget.”
He questioned if more money could be got from Clare County Council.
Councillor Sean McLoughlin said at the meeting held in advance of the council’s discussion of the matter, local stakeholders had been very positive. “No money was committed but it was felt that they were very inclined to buy into it.”
He favoured making a bid. “We should make a bid and go all out to raise the money.”
Councillor Patricia McCarthy also favoured making the bid. “It’s a very sad reflection if we can’t raise €15,000 from the businesses in the community and it would be very bad if Clare County Council let us fund it on our own.”
She said support had been given to Ennis’ bid for the fleadh.
Councillor Flynn proposed delaying a decision until the May meeting, which he said would give an opportunity to establish what support the county council would give. Councillor McLoughlin proposed making a decision on the night, saying that with a decision due by May 16, work should begin on a bid.
Following a vote it was decided to revisit the matter again in May.