DISCONNECT has been visible in some key strategies compiled in North and West Clare, county councillors have stated.
Input and contributions from elected representatives on the terms of reference and strategic objectives of key planning processes in North and West Clare is needed, county councillors flagged at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.
Director of Service, Leonard Cleary outlined that briefing sessions were the mechanism by elected members of Clare County Council give their input to key strategic projects. “Sometimes, the terms of reference are proposed by National Government funded offices. On other occasions, specialist or technical or administration staff in Clare County Council develop the terms of reference,” he clarified.
Elected members have ‘reserve’ functions such as policy, budget and statutory functions for interacting with a terms of reference whereas the ‘executive’ functions for Council management include regulatory, administration and implementation of the project.
Cleary added, “It is important to acknowledge that there are a finite number of staff in Clare County Council and that whatever resources are available are assigned to a process or project. This assignment seeks to achieve a balance between facilitating input, analysis and project delivery within budgets and time frames. In summary, there is an openness to receiving input. Consequently, communication of a need for information or input sought is key. The Briefing Session provides this mechanism”.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) detailed that he didn’t seek to have an intensive involvement in areas of the MD that he doesn’t serve such as Loop Head. “I think there is disconnect, it’s coming out in a number of areas. It does seem to me, the message is coming that people are removed from the area and the impact of the decisions on these communities. There is a space where that needs to be worked on and improved. More resources are required, I’m not banging down the door I’m offering support”.
“One of the reasons I got involved as a councillor was to make the community feel connected, we need to be involved a lot more, use us as best you can to make that representation,” Cllr Liam Grant (GP) stated. Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) commented, “As elected members we have a far idea of what is happening on the ground, we can influence a view for the betterment of our own constituency and area”.
An involvement from councillors is needed when trying to secure grant aid, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) maintained, “small information might be missed which could be a game-changer”.
Earlier as opposed to greater engagement is required, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) affirmed. “As a country as a whole, we’re extremely poor at engaging with community at an early stage”.
