Concerns raised as audio recording of Mayo council meetings is halted after 30 years

An elected member of Mayo County Council has called on the authority to reverse its decision to withdraw the service of audio recording of the monthly meetings.

Councillor Ger Deere said the decision was taken without any consultation with councillors.

The Castlebar-based representative elaborated: "Two years ago I was threatened with legal action over a comment that I allegedly made in the course of a debate.

"Only for the meeting was recorded and proved otherwise, I could have faced a legal claim .

"Having our meetings recorded not only protects us as councillors but also the general public, if members were to say anything defamatory.

"The monthly meetings have been recorded now for up on 30 years and I want this continued into the future."

A spokesperson for the council said the advancement of technology in the council chamber over recent times has negated the need for stand-alone audio recording of individual meetings.