County Councillors hit out at government approach to Community Development Committees

Galway Bay fm newsroom – County Councillors have hit out at government over its guidelines on the setting-up of Local Community Development Committees.
The council was provided with the guidelines at last evening’s meeting, but these were met with widespread disapproval.
Galway’s LCDC will comprise of 17 members from the local government sector, state agencies, local and community development, and social, economic and community interests.
Councillor Tim Broderick proposed that the HSE be removed from the committee in light of the recent decisions made in relation to the 22-bed acute unit in Ballinasloe and the maternity services review.
However, Director of Services Kevin Kelly informed councillors that they could not choose the agencies that would be represented.
If the councillors fail to approve the nominated state and voluntary nominees, they will become members by default after 60 days.
The council decided to approve the setting up of the committee, but asked for more information on the appointment of non-council nominees to be provided at the July meeting.
Speaking at last evening’s meeting, Councillor Jim Cuddy said government is taking the power away from local people.