frank durcanUNSUBSTANIANTED allegations of planning corruption, collision and perjury have led to statutory meetings of Mayo County Council being adjourned indefinitely.

The move was taken on foot of a Fine Gael motion tabled at yesterday’s (Monday) meeting of the authority by the party’s whip, Councillor Joe Mellett, and seconded by Councillor Peter Flynn.

It followed the refusal of Independent Councillor Frank Durcan’s refusal to withdraw charges he made in respect of wrongdoing within the organisation.

The Castlebar-based representative claimed he was in possession of information that would astound the public and warrant a judicial enquiry.

He said he has already challenged the council to report him to Standard in Public Office’s ethic committee so that he can outline his allegations under privilege.

Councillor Durcan said he could not name names at a meeting of the council because he did not have such privilege.

“I will not rest until an investigation is carried out in this authority. Information is still coming out of the woodwork that will prove my allegations beyond a shadow of doubt.”

John Condon, county secretary, said Councillor Durcan has been making allegations of corruption for 45 years and not one of them has been shown to be true.

“He deserved to be in the Guinness Books of Records for the amount of allegations he makes,” he argued.

Mr. Condon said one of his charges was brought before a judge in a public court and it was also shown to be unfounded.

“If he still believes that Mayo County Council is corrupt, he has a duty to give the details to the Garda Síochána.”

Councillor Mellett said when an elected member pointed the finger of corruption at Mayo County Council, it applied to everybody associated with the organisation.

“I will not accept such claims being made against me and my colleague and I want meetings adjourned indefinitely until Councillor Durcan’s allegations are withdrawn,”

Councillor Al McDonnell, the Fianna Fáil whip, disassociated himself from any suggestion that Mayo County Council is corrupt.

“I have not seen one monocle of corruption during my years as a member. There is nobody better than us as a local authority and I don’t make that claim lightly.”