Questions raised over Council offices raid
MEMBERS AWAIT OUTCOME OF INVESTIGATION
Uniformed and Detective Units of Bray Gardaí remove file boxes and computers from the offices of Wicklow County Council in Wicklow.
A PROPOSAL TO suspend standing orders at Wicklow County Council in order to discuss last week's garda raid at County Buildings was outvoted by members, who said they were loathe to get into the matter before an outcome of official investigations has been reached.
Sinn Féin's Cllr. John Brady proposed the suspension and said that 'serious questions need to be asked'.
'The raid on County Buildings in relation to the investigation into the deaths of the two Bray firemen merits some discussion,' he said.
Cathaoirleach Pat Vance was clear in his opposition, however,
'I am opposed to this while an investigation is ongoing. Every co-operation has been given from the County Council to the Gardaí.'
Cllr. Nicky Kelly was quick off the mark in responding to this.
'Are you aware that this council more than any other has had the unprecedented focus of the courts. What are you trying to cover up?'
'Don't you accuse me – you deal with what is before you,' retorted Cllr. Vance.
While Cllrs. Pat Fitzgerald and George Jones were also not in favour of such a discussion, Cllr. Sylvester Bourke called on County Manager Eddie Sheehy to make a statement on the matter.
'I feel the manager should make a statement. The media impression is that the council has not been co-operative. Why did the items have to be seized? We are hearing words like seizure and raid which would indicate there was not full cooperation. This coverage has been very negative for the council,' he said.
Cllr. Conal Kavanagh asked whether or not the Cathaoirleach would be agreeable to such a discussion when a conclusion has been reached.
'I can't speak for my successor but as long as I am here I will facilitate a full discussion on the outcome,' said Cllr. Vance.
- Deborah COLEMAN
