DEJA VU AS FREE PARKING MOTION OUT OF ORDER
There was a familiar feeling at the Fermoy Town Council meeting this week as a motion to give free parking in Fermoy on Saturdays was struck out of order on two counts. Cllr Seamus Coleman said that he was in full support of Cllr John Murphy’s motion – just as he was in February when Cllr Michael Hanley put it forward.
Cllr Coleman highlighted that Cllr Hanley’s motion was then opposed by the council on the grounds that if passed the plan would have financial implications for the local authority’s budget, an issue which was still the case.
The matter was referred to town clerk Ray Owens and town manager Tom Stritch who reiterated that such motions are only accepted at end-of-year meetings when the council formulates its budget for the 12 months ahead and as such Cllr Murphy’s motion was out of order.
Cllr Hanley added that standing orders dictate that a motion cannot be heard twice within six months, and said that the motion should not have been allowed on the agenda in the first place.
Speaking to The Avondhu Cllr Coleman said that he did not want to give the impression that he was against the idea, but wanted to ensure that the council acted consistently in how it discussed items on the agenda regardless of who tables the motion.
Published:
Thursday 23rd April 7:27pm
