Council meeting adjourned early following votes of sympathy

MEMBERS of Mayo County Council completed the business of their monthly (December) meeting in what must be a record seven minutes this afternoon (Monday).

At the 3 p.m. outset of the meeting, Fianna Fáil Whip on the authority, Councillor Damian Ryan, proposed that the meeting end at four o'clock as a mark of respect to a number of deceased individuals who have family connections within the authority.

Those mentioned as having passed away included Nora McHale, mother of Councillor Joe McHale (Sinn Féin), Joe Holmes, a brother of Independent Councillor Michael Holmes, and Ann Duggan, mother of the authority's director of finance, Peter Duggan.

There was still an hour to go on the deadline set for ending the meeting but the cathaoireach, Councillor Blackie Gavin, displayed great efficiency in dealing with the remaining issues on the agenda.

Members agreed unanimously and speedily to a number of proposals, including the approval of the disposal of a terraced dwellinghouse at Greenhills Estate, Ballina, to a named couple as well as the disposal of a tiny plot of land (0.1973 hectares) at Carras, Hollymount, to a local lady.

Item number 8 – the nomination of two members of the county council to the board of Oweninny Community Development Fund - was put back.

The payment of a total €38,500 to animal welfare groups, including North West SPCA, North Mayo Horse Sanctuary, Hungry Horse Outside and MADRA, was approved without debate or dissension.

Other matters on the agenda, including notices of motion, were put back until January.

After the serious business had been completed, both the cathaoirleach, Councillor Gavin, and the chief executive, Peter Hynes, joined in wishing the people of Mayo at home and abroad a happy Christmas.