'Violent threats' made to council staff

Mayo County Council has been forced to bar some people from its housing office due to threats made to staff and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Donna Sheridan told a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District that she has been threatened with physical violence by an individual seeking social housing. She said she is also aware that council staff have been subjected to similar threats and abuse.

"Nobody should have to go to work and deal with that," the Fine Gael councillor remarked.

Cllr Sheridan said this kind of behaviour is reprehensible and should not be tolerated.

Head of Castlebar Municipal District, David Mellett, said while most people attending the office are courteous and cordial, "from time to time" there have been instances where staff have been threatened or abused.

He said a council policy is in place in these circumstances and there have been people who have been barred from the housing section as a result of their behaviour and actions.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Al McDonnell heaped praise on the staff in the housing section of Mayo County Council for their efforts in tackling heavy volumes of inquiries and case loads in recent years.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.