Fears in Sligo that 30-strong Local Community Safety Partnership committee will be ‘a talking shop’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

At the October meeting of Sligo County Council, elected representatives were given a presentation on the Local Community Safety Partnership Programme (LCSP) from Mairead Clerkin, co-ordinator for the programme in Sligo.

Ms Clerkin spoke about the purpose, function and objectives of the LCSP

Cllr Arthur Gibbons praised the “fantastic” presentation given by Ms Clerkin but expressed reservations about the committee saying, “I don’t see a committee that is going anywhere,” adding, “The fact that there is 30 committee members, when you have that many members it becomes a talking shop.”

Cllr Declan Bree noted that despite Cllr Gibbons’ concerns he would be happy to nominate the Sinn Fein representative.

"I note Cllr Gibbons’ concerns. I am not sure if he is right or wrong. I would be delighted to nominate Cllr Gibbons even though he doesn’t seem to think it will work.”

Cllr Joe Queenan had similar reservations but congratulated Ms Clerkin on her presentation and also congratulated Cllr Marie Casserly on being appointed to the position of chairperson before adding, “I know 30 is high but let’s get on with it.”

Cllr Michael Clarke added a voice of cautious optimism when he said, “We have to try it and proceed with it.”

Cllr Thomas Walsh said he was looking forward to working with Ms Clerkin and wished her the best of luck.

The seven councillors who were nominated to the board of the Local Community Safety Partnership are: Cllr Arthur Gibbons, Cllr Gerard Mullaney, Cllr Thomas Walsh, Cllr Edel McSharry, Cllr Dara Mulvey, Cllr Liam Bennan and Cllr Donal Gilroy. Cllr Marie Casserly will serve as the committee’s chairperson.