The first ever full meeting of Mayo County Council to be held in Swinford in the 110 years of elected local government in Ireland got off to a controversial start this week.
John Kennedy, chairperson of the Swinford and area chamber of commerce, had been asked to speak at the meeting and he hit out at Mayo County Council on a number of issues that he and his organisation felt needed to be addressed in the town.
Mr Kennedy told the meeting: “We feel like we are getting very little for our rates to the council.” He went on to criticise the approach roads into the town which have not been well maintained, and the non-completion of the Swinford industrial park. He also hit out at the council in relation to street cleaning in the town and said that “a litter warden is a rare sight in the town.”
Mr Kennedy also wanted clarification as to what was the current situation in relation to compulsory purchase orders for lands for a new car park in the town. He finished his address with a sombre warning to the elected members for the Swinford area saying: “And remember June 5 is only around the corner.”
While Cllr Joe Mellet who is from the town and was chairing his final meeting as Cathaoirleach of the council didn’t comment on Mr Kennedy’s speech, a Mayo County Council official did confirm to the meeting that in relation to the approach roads to the town a plan for improvements was about to be put in place and should commence shortly.
