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Shock has been expressed at the revelation that Tipperary County Council is attempting to sell the historic Workhouse in Tipperary Town. The plan was revealed by Councillor John Crosse (FG) following a meeting of resident about possible diversion of heavy vehicles along O'Connel Road and other matters.
Organisers of the March4Tipp campaign say that many people have been calling for a different kind of representation at Council level. Many of the concerns arise from Councillors supporting measures that are negative for the town, or failing to secure Council supports for the town in terms of employment and the local economy.
Some have commented that local democracy is “broken” when the Councillors seem to decide whatever they want, regardless of what people think. For example, some Davitt Street residents received written and oral assurances from Councillors that the loss of parking spaces would not go ahead, only for the same Councillors to vote in favour or the work three months later. People are complaining that there is a lack of accountability from Councillors and that party politics seem to be more important than the interests of the area and its communities.
Suggestions have been made that a number of candidates should be put forward in the Local Elections, which will take place on 24 May next. Whilst there is no clear proposal at this stage, the key suggestion appears to be that there should be a number of Councillors elected, who are not aligned with any political party and who would work together to represent the interests of the people in the area.
Read more: Call for ideas: Is there a better way for local democracy?
Joe McGrath, CEO of Tipperary County Council has received a detailed list of factors that need to be taken into account in forming the "locally-led" task force called for by the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD. The March4Tipp group has given until mid-January for the Council to outline its plans to give effect to the commitments made in the Dáil by the Taoiseach. If the Council does not produce such a plan, the March4Tipp group intends to carry out the disruption of N24 traffic that was deferred following the Taoiseach's intervention. The expected aspects of the plan are set out below in an email that was sent by March4Tipp to Mr McGrath.
Read more: Council Challenged to Produce Plan for Taoiseach's Intentions for the Town
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On Monday, the Cashel-Tipperary Municipal Council refused to approve 2-hour free parking in Tipperary Town. This was in the face of the thousands of people who have engaged in protest marches seeking, amongst other things, 2-hour free parking in the town. A picket took place at the Civic Offices on Monday, to remind Councillors of the need to provide 2-hour free parking to help out the retail sector in the town. Councillor Martin Browne proposed a motion that 2-hour free parking be introduced on all streets in the town. The Council did not decide on the motion, according to Councillor Browne, because of concerns by some businesses that it would "affect their trade.
Last night, Councillor Browne clarified on social media what occurred at the meeting, saying "My motion was for two hour free parking on the streets, a discussion took place and it was decided that it would be reviewed in the new year because we were told some businesses were of the view that if someone was to park in front of their premises for that duration it could affect their trade" (emphasis added).
Many social media users questioned that businesses would be against 2-hour free parking. Some businesses commented, saying that they had not been asked by anyone and that they supported 2-hour free parking.
#March4Tipp hit the streets today and asked 95 businesses if they were for or against 2-hour free parking. 94 businesses said they were in favour of it, with only one shop being against it due to the nature of the business concerned. The 94 businesses that support 2-hour free parking entered their business details in a petition to that effect. This is a massive contradiction of the "information" apparently relied upon by the Council in not passing the motion for 2-hour free parking.
This brings into question the quality of information that the Council is willing to accept, without any actual evidence of what businesses want to happen. It appears that anecdotal, informal opinion is accepted as sufficient evidence on which to base serious decisions. Thousands of people have demanded 2-hour free parking, 94 businesses have now stated that they want it too, and a handful of people in a room, based on incorrect information have decided otherwise.
Local democracy is well and truly broken.
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