Tensions rise over voting of Tramore Town Centre Management Group members

Recently, local councillors voted for two council members to join the Tramore Town Centre Management Group, namely Cllrs Lola O'Sullivan and Blaise Hannigan.

During this vote, Cllr Jim Griffin also attempted to join the group, prompting members of the council to ask if it was possible to allow a third member to join.

The answer to this question was provided at last week’s Plenary meeting, with executives saying that it was possible for a third spot to be created.

'Blocked'

Cllr Lola O’Sullivan said she was opposed to allowing a third member.

Cllr Joeanne Bailey then suggested that her Sinn Féin colleague Cllr Griffin was being "blocked" by the council from entering the group.

Cllr Adam Wyse criticised Cllr Bailey for suggesting such, saying, “There was a democratic vote taken by this council, in which the majority of the members decided Cllr O’Sullivan and Cllr Hannigan would be on it. I think what Cllr Bailey said about being 'blocked' was unfair. That language is unacceptable."

'A problem'

There are multiple Town Centre Management Groups operating across the city and county. Their purpose, as outlined in last week's meeting, is to serve merely as advisory committees to the Council.

Cllr Eamon Quinlan said, however, that over the years certain groups have grown in power, with some having significant budgets and control over property.

“We are a democracy and the fact that you have a small number of people in de facto control over large amounts of public financing and public property without getting a democratic mandate is a problem."

Cllr Damien Geoghegan suggested similar, saying that councillors in Dungarvan recently voted to abolish the Dungarvan Town Centre Management Group entirely.

Council CEO Sean McKeown said that in advance of further discussion, information should be sought regarding all the local "ad hoc" committees that have been established in the past by Waterford Council.