Ballina councillors agree to in-person meetings
The Ballina Civic Offices at Arran Place, Ballina
The new Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District has asked that all of the MD’s future meetings be held in person despite new equipment to facilitate remote meetings being recently installed in the MD Chamber.
Cllr Michael Loftus was the only elected representative present in the Chamber last month when he was elected Cathaoirleach for the next 12 months. The remaining five councillors attended the AGM via Microsoft Teams.
At last Wednesday’s area meeting, the first of the new term, Cllr Loftus asked that in-person meetings become the norm going forward in Ballina. Councillors agreed unanimously to do this where possible. Meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, starting in September.
Cllr Annie May Reape, who attended the AGM remotely, remarked the reception, sound and picture quality in the Ballina Chamber was superior to any other meetings she attended remotely.
Head of the MD Declan Turnbull said speakers and mics were set up at both ends of the room and improved the quality.
Cllr Loftus added Ballina’s meetings were the envy of the other three MDs as they were the only MD to offer teas, coffees and scones at every meeting – a sentiment shared by the hardworking members of the press in attendance!
