A LIMERICK City councillor has criticised the local authority over having to get her information about the council’s plans from the local media.
Speaking at a special meeting in County Hall last Thursday, Fine Gael councillor Sarah Kiely was very critical of the council executive for not first notifying local representatives regarding plans to assemble a team to transform the Arthur’s Quay area of the city.
“Ye are like the Avengers assembling a team. I had to hear it on Live 95. Not from an area briefing, but a media outfit,” she said.
“I have to go and ask Joe Nash, Alan Jacques, or Nick Rabbitts if I want to know what’s going on. This isn’t democracy to me.”
Cllr Kiely pointed out that when councillors are asked about something, they are often unaware until they hear it themselves second-hand from the local media. Councillors are last to know, she claimed.
Cllr Dan McSweeney was equally critical of communication within the local authority.
“I was disappointed we were not notified. If that is the respect and value you put on elected members, then I question where we are going.
“Keep in contact,” he suggested.
Director of Planning Nuala Gallagher reassured councillors that there was no disrespect intended.
“I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. I apologise for that,” she said.
