A local councillor has called for mediation between retailers in Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon County Council. Cllr Micheal Frain was speaking following a protest at council headquarters this afternoon around ongoing public realm works in the west Roscommon town.
He said those living in Ballaghaderreen were not adverse to change but felt disenfranchised from the project. The Independent councillor was also critical of the current consultation process when it comes to part 8 projects and said lessons must be learned.
His comments were met by loud applause from protestors in the public gallery. Independent councillor Tom Crosby, who supports public realm works, was later heckled by protestors in the public gallery.
Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice threatened to adjourn the meeting if they continued. Cllr Liam Callaghan proposed that people from Ballaghaderreen, members of the executive and local councillors meet to discuss the controversial works.
Council Director of Services Mark Keaveney, however, said the local authority had very little scope to halt or amend works following the Part 8 process. Chief Executive Shane Tiernan pleaded with the people of Ballaghaderreen to give the public realm enhancement a chance.
He said he would be open to mediation talks, keeping in mind what was already said. Ballaghaderreen retailer Brian Mulligan attempted to address the meeting but was told only elected members could speak.
