POLITICS: A proposed motion regarding the grassy rooftop on the Letterkenny Public Services Centre sparked an angry exchange between two Donegal County Councillors yesterday afternoon.
At a meeting of the Municipal District of Letterkenny, Councillor Dessie Shiels proposed a motion to deal with what he called the ‘public eyesore’ which is the roof of the Letterkenny Public Services Centre.
Shiels called for work to be done to the roof to restore it, citing that the mossy look the roof had now adopted made it a ‘public eyesore’.
He raised concerns that the building could have a negative effect on the town’s efforts to retain their status of Ireland’s Tidiest town.
However, Sinn Féin councillor Gerry McMonagle opposed the motion and said that the building was unique and that Tidy Town officials had always spoken in a positive manner in relation to the building.
Shiels addressed the meeting, “I propose that this council either replace or find a remedy for the eyesore that is the discoloured and untidy grass/moss part of the roof of the Letterkenny Public Services Centre.
“With on-going efforts to retain the National Tidy Towns award, I think we need to sort it out.
“I’ve spoken to members of the public who are embarrassed when tourists ask them what is going on with the roof, they’re embarrassed to say its their main public services centre in the town.”
“I’d have serious concerns that it would effect those trying to retain our National Tidy Town status, there are far more important issues on the agenda today, it’s not the most important issue, but I feel it needed to be raised – and a solution to the roof be sought by this council.
However, Councillor McMonagle rejected those views, and said the feedback he had received in relation to the building had been a positive one.
“I oppose the motion, because I think this building is unique, and in an age when we’re trying to protect and promote the environment, I think it’s something to cherish.
“Those involved with the Tidy Towns committee have told me that judges have always spoken in a positive light in relation to the Public Services Centre, and have praised the innovation as unique, there is no other building of its kind in Donegal, and I’d be very much opposed to changing it.”
Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh seconded the motion by Dessie Shiels, but said he didn’t think it was very important, and said he didn’t think it would have an adverse effect on the potential retention of the Tidy Towns award.”
Kavanagh said, “I don’t think it’s that important of an issue to be honest, it didn’t stop us from winning last year, and won’t stop us this year.
“I think it’s ironic in a way, seeing as this is the home of ‘grass-roof’ politics here in the town.”
That quip drew laughter from those in attendance, although the mood soon turned blue, when McMonagle and Shiels became embroiled in an argument regarding the roof.
Councillor Liam Blaney intervened and suggested the motion be deferred so that members could discuss the roof with the Tidy Towns committee to see if the roof was a ‘public eyesore’ and to establish was it having a negative effect on the perception of the town by judges in the competition.
Tags: