Sligo County Council recorded a ‘first’ today (Monday 11th May) when it held its monthly meeting in the Knocknarea Arena in IT Sligo. While Local Authorities around the country held ‘virtual’ meetings or convened a quorum only in recent weeks, it is believed Sligo is the first Local Authority to meet in full session since the introduction of Covid emergency measures.
Council meeting held in Knocknarea Arena
Council meeting held in Knocknarea Arena.
Tribute
The Cathaoirleach Councillor Tom MacSharry commenced the meeting by paying tribute to the front line medical teams, doctors, nurses, care assistants, cleaning staff – ‘their courage and commitment in the face of enormous challenges has been humbling and inspirational. They are brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and friends. they are the unassuming heroes in every community.’ The Cathaoirleach asked Members and staff to ‘convey our heartfelt gratitude’ by joining him in a minute’s applause as a token of appreciation.
Prompt response
‘From a local perspective, I want to commend Ciarán Hayes and his team for their prompt and decisive response to this crisis. To give an example of this, one of the emergency measures announced by the Government on Friday 27th March was the establishment of Covid Community Support Forums throughout the country, led and coordinated by Local Authorities and involving key local agencies and community groups.
Sligo Community Forum
I think it reflects great credit on all concerned that the first meeting of Sligo Community Forum was convened the following Sunday afternoon. I am privileged to be a member of that Forum, and have seen at first hand the spirit and enthusiasm that drives its Members. They each bring their particular expertise and experience to the Forum, and this has ensured we can reach out and help in very practical ways the most vulnerable and isolated members of our community.’
The late Martin Keaveney
The meeting was adjourned for fifteen minutes as a mark of respect to the former Mayor of Sligo, the late Martin Keaveney. The Cathaoirleach recalled that ‘ ‘Martin was at the heart of the political and business community in Sligo for many years. He had the distinction of serving as Mayor, and he carried out his duties with great pride and professionalism. He was one of most successful and enterprising local businessman, devoting almost sixty years to the toolmaking and plastics business. He was elected to Sligo Corporation on his first attempt. He was highly regarded across the political spectrum as an honourable and decent gentleman, a man of his word who adhered to the highest standards in his public life.
The Cathaoirleach, Members and Chief Executive also extended their sympathies to Councillor Dara Mulvey on the sad passing of his brother John.