Members express regret at town council's final meeting

At the final meeting of Mullingar Town Council in Market House on Tuesday May 13, councillors praised cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Collins, town clerk Caroline Byrne and director of services Declan Leonard, but expressed regret over the demise of the body.

“For many years this town council, formerly the town commission, has served the people of this town with great distinction,” said Cllr Ken Glynn. “I do regret the minister taking the decision to remove this form of local democracy.”

Cllr Mick Dollard first joined in 1984 when it was still the town commission. “This new slogan by the government of ‘putting the people first’, it often angers me,” said Cllr Dollard. “In mainland Europe, where you have real local government, it’s the mayor’s decision, it’s not local administration.

“We’re really flying in the face of local democracy. It’s an absolute, total joke. There should be two tiers of local government, the regional and the town. Here in Westmeath you could get three councillors for a population of 29,000. It just doesn’t make sense.”

Cllr Detty Cornally was the first woman to be elected to the town council.

“I’m 20 years on the council, where did those 20 years go? I was the first lady that was elected, Betty Doran was the first but she was co-opted,” said Cllr Cornally.

Pointing out that it was just over 158 years since the first town commission elections took place, Cllr Ruth Illingworth said the body was an important element of democracy in the town.

“Yes we had very little power but we still had a voice,” said Cllr Illingworth. “I’ve been on this body for 10 years and I remember those years with fondness,” she said, adding that Mullingar Town Council built houses including Parnell Terrace, installed lighting and was the first to put proper paving in Mullingar.

“We can say that we did this town some service and we can be proud that we came to be the elected representatives of the people.”

Joining the other members, Cllr Peter Burke, first elected in 2009, said he regretted seeing the council come to an end.

“A number of issues in my time ended up becoming national policy,” said Cllr Burke, touching on the whistleblower controversy and the head shops, while Cllr Gerry Sheridan said Mullingar Town Council’s passing will be a loss.

“We’ve had good times... I enjoyed the last five years and I’d like to thank the people for their support in the last week. The attack over social media – I think in the end, the truth will win out,” said Cllr Sheridan.

Cllr Bill Collentine said he enjoyed the last five years and thanked his colleagues for their friendship during that time.

Mr Leonard (director of services) thanked Cllr Collins for his stewardship over the last year, while Ms Byrne, thanked all of the members for their respect and friendship over her 13 years as town clerk.

Cllr Collins had the final word, as cathaoirleach: he said he had always tried to be “fair and impartial to everybody”.

“I know many of you who’ve been around this table for the last 20 years have tried to improve the view of Mullingar and get involved in their communities. I’m always a great believer for being involved in your community .

“It’s sad that this town council is going to be no longer... People feel like they can talk to us. We’ve raised many issues over the years,” said Cllr Collins, adding his thanks to all the members he served with during his time.