The audacious and controversial character of Councillor Padraig Conneely was tempered at was supposed to be the second meeting of the City council to discuss amendments to the draft city development plan 2011 to 2017.
Monday evening’s meeting was one of two to discuss the plan; however the first was abandoned after Councillor Conneely continued to interrupt the meeting, describing actions taken against him to be “a farce”.
Services have been withdrawn at City Hall to Councillor Conneely following comments directed to the Director of Services for Transport and Infrastructure, Ciaran Hayes, and his behaviour towards staff.
Councillor Conneely demanded that services be reinstated to him with immediate effect shouting ”I will not apologise”. Mayor Michael Crowe said the city directors would not deal with him, and questions would not be answered.
It was feared that if relations between Councillor Conneely and the city directors did not improve over the weekend the council would not be able to address the amendments in the draft city plan.
Monday evening's meeting continued due to a subdued Councillor Conneely who remained tight-lipped and allowed the meeting to proceed, participating only to vote, and periodically reminding the directors that he was present.
As a result each amendment to the draft city plan was voted on
