Goldmine to the fore as tensions rise at meeting

THE latest meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Regeneration and Development Committee descended into chaos when the chairman clashed with an independent member over procedure.

With tensions obvious, chairman Tommy Maguire, of Sinn Féin, told Mid Tyrone representative Emmet McAleer, “You’ve not read your Code of Conduct, son.”

Cllr McAleer had referred to correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure stating, “I know you are talking down others, but I am entitled (to speak) under Standing Orders.”

The chair replied, “I am also entitled to respect. You accused me of speaking down to councillors. I don’t believe I spoke down to any councillor.

“If you wish to speak, go ahead, but be careful and remember that I have the final say about whether you speak or don’t.”

Cllr McAleer welcomed the requirement of an Environmental Impact Assessment in respect of the installation of heavy-duty powerlines to serve the proposed Dalradian gold mine at Curraghinalt, outside Greencastle.

Mr McAleer, who was elected after a vigorous campaign opposed to the gold mine plans, proposed contacting the department as planning permission must be refused if this is not complied with.

He was seconded by another Mid Tyrone councillor, Sinn Féin’s Padraigin Kelly.

But when Cllr McAleer pointed to safety concerns, the chair advised, “If you wish further information, contact the Planning Department.”

On attempting to speak, the independent councillor was told, “You’re not reading your Code of Conduct, son. I will make the final decision which could mean you will be excluded.”

Tempers flared again after it emerged a meeting is to take place with representatives of Dalradian. Cllr McAleer was critical the decision on this was taken confidentially.

Calling for the invitation to be withdrawn, he noted, “I’m not aware of any other informal meeting pushed through so quickly.”

The chair said, “We know you personally have an issue with this but it has gone through procedures.”

Cllr McAleer requested clarification on the procedures as it was signed off during confidential business.