Local suppliers lose out as council 'shovels' business outside Mayo

 

AN unsigned directive to all staff of Mayo County Council that “tools and small items” can no longer be purchased from local suppliers has angered members of the authority.

Under new procurement rules, when tools such as shovels, brushes, saws, sledgehammers and pickaxes are required by outdoor staff, they will have to be purchased from a firm which is based in Co. Roscommon.

Similarly, smaller items such as staples and nails will also be supplied by a firm operating otuside the county.

Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne told the council's monthly meeting today (Monday) the stipulation meant the authority is turning its back on the business people of the county who are providing employment and paying rates.

Councillor Blackie Gavin (Fianna Fáil) agreed, claiming the new arrangement is “scandalous” and “the worst ever.”

Another councillor, Frank Durcan (Independent) said he was “horrified” by the new arrangement and claimed that “whoever is responsible should be dismissed.”

Councillors Gerry Ginty (Independent), Michael Holmes (Independent) and Gerry Coyle (Fine Gael) added to the dissenting voices.

Councillor Coyle said it did not make sense that if a shovel was needed for council work in Belmullet it had to be brought all the way from Roscommon.

Replying, the chief executive of the council, Peter Hynes, said he didn't know who authorised the document.

Mr. Hynes added that he accepts there is an onus on the council to support local business but, on the flip side, the government had laid down strict procurement policies which the council had to abide by.

There is a free market environment, the chief executive continued, noting the fact that Mayo firms are free to compete for business outside the county.

Mr. Hynes said the matter would be placed on the agenda for the February meeting by which time, he promised, a full update on the arrangement would be available.