Full transparency is said to be the only way trust can be restored between members of Clare County Council and its executive.
Following the revelation last month that two sites at the Cliffs of Moher were acquired by the local authority in 2023 for €8 million, councillors are calling for “timely engagement” on similar matters going forward.
At the May meeting of Clare County Council which has taken place this week, 12 councillors have tabled a motion in relation to the €8 million land acquisition at the Cliffs of Moher, which came to light in April.
The motion contains three key asks, including that the statutory basis, governance procedure and rationale underpinning the purchase be explained, and that engagement take place with councillors on future strategic purchases.
A breakdown of lands and property purchased by the local authority in the last year has also been requested.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it’s difficult to explain to constituents why €8 million is available for one purpose, but not another.
The response issued to councillors states that the purchase was “necessary to address constraint on the site carrying capacity, and requirement to distribute visitors”.
It also says “the purchase of land can be commercially sensitive” and “it would not be commercially prudent” for the council to declare its intention to purchase land or property in advance.
Doonbeg Fianna Fáil Councillor Rita McInerney believes, however, there’s a way of liaising with councillors without jeopardising an acquisition.
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