THERE were bitter exchanges at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, with accusations of grandstanding and seeking to muzzle debate thrown around.
The row began after a proposal from Councillor Gerry Flynn to suspend standing orders in order to discuss the taking over by Clare County Council of Shannon Heritage sites.
His proposal also requested that CEO Pat Dowling take out a loan to fund the transfer, if such was required.
The proposal was seconded by his fellow independent, PJ Ryan.
However Councillor PJ Kelly said that the proposal could seriously damage the Council’s prospects of getting the funding it requires for the takeover.
“We’re in a most difficult and sensitive situation in the negotiations here. Either the Government will give us €15 million or they won’t. We, here, are at risk of causing some self harm and defeating our objective of getting the maximum assistance from the Government.”
He said the proposal amounted to “a classic example of foot shooting”.
Councillor Shane Talty pointed out that for standing orders to be suspended two thirds of the members have to be in agreement, something that was very unlikely to be the case.
Retorting, Councillor Flynn said, “I think it’s a bit disingenuous by some of the councillors here to try and muzzle the debate on what is one of the most important issues affecting our area (the Shannon Municipal District) and the funding of our area.
“I think it’s very important and councillors should think long and hard before denying the people that work there any bit of support from the elected members.”
Mr Dowling also warned against public debate saying, “I’ve assured the public, I’ve assured the staff and I’m now assuring the members yet again that we are making every effort to achieve that outcome, to expedite the transfer to Clare County Council.
“But I would urge caution around ongoing public debate which can fuel and give oxygen to the ongoing concerns of the staff. We should do nothing that would seek to demoralise them any more than they may be already given the uncertainty that exists.”
He also warned that the proposal that the Council take a loan could weaken its negotiating position, saying that if agreed it “would serve to remove any Government responsibility or duty to help us and to respond positively to our request.”
However Councillor Flynn wasn’t letting it go. “This debate has opened up whether you like it or not, Chief Executive, and I’m not a member of your staff. I’m a public representative. We’ve often debated a lot of critical issues in this chamber and there is none more critical than the one we’re after bringing up here today. I think it’s disgraceful of some of my colleagues with the outbursts they’re making to deny those people their jobs going forward,” he responded.
Mr Dowling then said that there was no question of jobs being lost. “The security of the employment of the staff at Shannon Heritage is not at stake and the public need to know that. This is not about losing jobs. They are secure in the employment of Shannon Heritage and they may be secure in the future in the employment of Clare County Council. Just a factual correction.”
Councillor Ryan asked him if there was still a chance of funding being received by the Council and on hearing that there was, he said that it was time to reflect upon that.
However, Councillor Flynn was not letting the matter rest at that and he went on to criticise what he called a lack of engagement by Mr Dowling on the matter.
There was mounting frustration from other councillors, and Fianna Fáil’s Cillian Murphy was sharply critical of what Councillor Flynn had proposed.
“To tell a Government department that we would take on a loan and they don’t have to give us any money would be the height of stupidity, if you’ll pardon my bluntness.”
Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy attacked Councillor Flynn’s conduct, saying he was not respecting the standing orders that are in place for council meetings.
“We have Councillor Gerry Flynn who is chair of the Standing Orders committee not honouring his own standing orders here. It should not be accepted. It cannot be condoned.”
However, he still wouldn’t let it go. He described her comments as “a disgraceful outburst”. He claimed that he had no issue with spending in other parts of the county, but that he was being prevented from raising a significant issue for his own area.
“I have an issue when I’ve been denied the opportunity to ask the Chief Executive to raise funds. It’s out there now Chief Executive (Mr Dowling) whether you like it or not.
“Your meetings behind closed doors, which totally contravene standing orders, I didn’t hear Councillor Colleran Molloy jumping up and down when you were holding those meetings. The primary place for those meetings is here in the Aras. It’s not the first time you have contravened standing orders.”
However Mr Dowling was not accepting the charge and his reply implied that Councillor Flynn was chasing publicity for his own benefit.
“My colleagues and myself have worked very hard for the last two years to prepare the due diligence. Not all meetings are held in public for that purpose and I will not accept any criticism from any councillor that I have acted inappropriately. I think today the people who sought publicity have already got it, so I propose we get on with the business of the meeting.”
Councillors Pat Hayes and Mary Howard both criticised Councillor Flynn as the discussion began to move towards a conclusion.
In a parting shot, Councillor Flynn said he would continue to raise the matter with Mr Dowling.
“It is what it is, it’s out there now, the can of worms is open. I will be continuing to debate this subject and to put pressure on you to secure the finances.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.