There are differing views on whether Clare County Councillors can continue to meet as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s despite the Council receiving legal advice, stating that elected representatives can’t hold any votes via teleconference, as they may be subject to legal challenges.
In line with national guidelines at present, Clare County Council has closed its public buildings to allow for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has impacted on a number of services but, where possible, work is continuing to ensure that people in this county can access the help they need.
A question mark remains over the council meetings however.
Area meetings among local representatives have been called off, for now, and there’s still no decision on whether May’s meeting of the full Council will proceed.
Council’s can’t simply meet online – local authorities have been told that any votes taken remotely could be subject to a legal challenge as it contravenes the Local Government Act 2001.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says that while they will heed advice, they need to be able to carry out their duties as elected members.
The Dáil is continuing to meet, with a reduced number of TDs and social distancing at play.
There has been a suggestion that the Council here could do likewise, or that meetings could be moved to the large venue of Glor.
However, Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Hayes thinks meetings should be avoided for now, in order to protect public health.
James Mulhall, Clare FM, first for local news.
