Some staff members within the “inner sanctums” of Galway City Council treated the elected councillors “like a bit of dirt on your shoe”, it was claimed at a meeting of the local authority.
In a barrage of criticism about unnamed local authority officials, councillors united to air their grievances. They complained about the requirement in some departments to make appointments for quick queries, the lack of access to the offices located in the adjacent Grammar School and the lack of transparency over ‘Manager’s Orders’ – decisions made by the Chief Executive Brendan McGrath.
Labour Cllr Billy Cameron said “in the bowels of the housing department” he was told to make an appointment before talking with an official.
“In 14 years here, and never having had an issue with anyone because I treat everyone with dignity, the treatment I get from two officials in this establishment, you wouldn’t do it to an elected official. I was told: ‘Before you sit on that chair again you make an appointment’. It was two minutes of that official’s time,” he fumed.
Fianna Fáil’s Ollie Crowe said he is often left standing outside in the rain for long spells while trying to get access to the Grammar School, which he likened to Fort Knox. He demanded to have the access code.
“We’re being treated like a bit of dirt on your shoe,” he exclaimed to Director of Service for Transportation, Recreation, Amenity and Corporate Services, Tom Connell, who was standing in for Mr McGrath.
Cllr Padraig Conneely (FG) said under the Local Government Act councillors were entitled to see Manager’s Orders, which should be available for inspection at every council meeting.
“This Council is the only council in Ireland – every other one has Manager’s Orders available except this one. Why are we being denied seeing Manager’s Orders? Are there any sweetheart rules going on? Are there any underhand deals?”
He withdrew the latter claim after an objection by Cllr Declan McDonnell.
Mr Connell apologised to Cllr Cameron, saying he should not have been treated liked that and he would take it up with the relevant staffer. He said the entry code would be circulated to all councillors.
The Manager’s Orders had been withdrawn pending clarification about the new data protection regulations. But Head of IT Alfie Jones reported it had been confirmed that councillors were entitled to see them. They would be made available shortly, Mr Connell said.
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