Local election candidate for Balbriggan Electoral Area, Cathal Boland (NP) is urging the County Council to be more circumspect when spending public money.
Speaking in Lusk last week, Boland told the County Leader, “Council management must think before they spend our money. In recent weeks, we have seen irresponsible spending occurring, which was not challenged by any of our public representatives.”
Boland went on to cite two examples of irresponsible spending in Lusk. He said, “I raise two instances, both here in Lusk, the first is the positioning of the outdoor exercise equipment along the relief road. This equipment is positioned on the opposite side to the community, with no provision for pedestrian crossing facilities at this point to access it. By their nature, these items of equipment are attractions to children who may, without thinking, run across the road to it. Surely this great idea deserved a little more thought to ensure that the equipment was safely positioned,” he said.
The second is the work at Devine’s Cottage, wonderful concept if the only available building was Devine’s. The two cottages on either side of Devine’s are for sale. Surely the Council should have looked at the bigger picture and decided to acquire the two. I know the response would be, “We have no money.” However, that is exactly what the Council management said when Ardgillan came on the market. But courageous councillors insisted on the purchase, and look what a trophy the county has as a result. If the Council were to acquire these cottages, a purpose built community facility, properly sited could follow, with the added benefit of opening the Church and Tower view fully on to the square,” he concluded.