Independent Ballinrobe County Councillor Harry Walsh, who is contesting next June’s Local Elections and has declared his intention to contest the next General Election, slammed Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring for asking “silly questions” in Dáil Éireann at a cost to the tax payer.
Cllr Walsh was referring to Dep Ring’s question in relation to flood relief works in south Mayo. Dep Ring had been told that the OPW, together with Mayo County Council, is in discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to try to address the concerns. “It is not possible to indicate a timescale for the proposed works pending the outcome of these discussions,” the TD was informed.
Dep Ring also asked Minister Martin Mansergh what the outcome of an aerial survey of The Neale was, which was also subject to flooding. Minister Martin Mansergh stated: “The aerial survey has provided additional topographical information of The Neale area to assist engineering staff at the OPW to identify a feasible and cost effective solution to the flooding problem. However, no such solution has been identified so far. Mayo County Council are awaiting a report from a hydrogeologist, which may also provide valuable data.”
In reply to Minister Mansergh, Dep Ring said there was nothing more than “stalling tactics going on by the Government”.
But closer to home Cllr Walsh claimed that Dep Ring’s question was a waste of time because he said the TD already knew the answers.
Fine Gael Cllr Patsy O’Brien was quick to defend his party colleague by outlining that it was important that elected representatives outlined what they were doing for the people of Hollymount and the Neale. “We have to put down Dáil questions when a commitment is given by a department and they fail to deliver. We have to use the industrial machinery available to us and that’s Dáil questions.”
Cllr Walsh asked: “When are the people of this county going to stop electing silly people?”
