Morning or afternoon? Councillors clash over start time for meetings

The Head of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District said it would be “most unfortunate” if councillors in the district became divided over the time of day their monthly meetings should be held.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy proposed at last week's meeting at Aras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet to amend the standing orders to change the starting time of the monthly gathering from 2pm to 10am as councillors were facing a busy few months with local elections taking place in June. The proposal was seconded by Cllr John O’Malley.

“The day is gone if the meeting starts at 2 o’clock. You can’t do anything with your morning or your evening,” said Cllr O’Malley. “If we start at 10 o'clock, at least we could do something with the rest of the day. I don’t mind coming to Belmullet for a meeting but I want to come at 2 o’clock."

Cllr Paul McNamara made a counter-proposal and called for the remaining four meetings of the current municipal council to start at 2pm.

“Anyone out of the bed on time will get a half day of work done before a meeting at 2 o’clock,” he said.

Chairperson Cllr Sean Carey proposed that councillors discuss this issue at their next monthly meeting. However, he did not facilitate a vote on the two proposals and instead asked that councillors find a compromise on the issue.

Cllr Brendan Mulroy told Cllr Carey he was "treading on dangerous ground" by refusing to hold a vote on the two proposals.

“I haven’t refused, we’re trying to find a compromise,” said Cllr Carey.

Head of the district Padraig Walsh said he feared the issue might divide councillors.

“It would be most unfortunate if this becomes divisive to this body carrying out their work,” the senior official said.

Mr Walsh suggested to hold the meeting at 10am next month and see how it goes. It was agreed that a review of the standing orders would be on the agenda of next month’s meeting.