A meeting of Donegal County Council had to be halted today amidst chaotic scenes without a single motion being debated or passed.
Councillors reconvened in the Lifford chamber this afternoon for their September meeting, which was adjourned last week due to time constraints.
The controversy was sparked as councillors discussed a challenge by windfarm company Planree Ltd against Donegal County Council over wind energy provisions in the County Development Plan 2018-2024.
Council members discussed the case during private committee sessions with senior management.
Members of the press were asked to leave the chamber as discussions were in committee.
Sessions were adjourned several times as tensions threatened to boil over.
However, the fiery debate on the issue subsequently spilt into regular council proceedings.
A failed attempt was made later in the afternoon to resume the council meeting and discuss the first motion on the day’s agenda.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Michael Naughton raised a motion calling for the retention of the 9% VAT rate for the food, tourism and hospitality sector.
An enraged challenge from Fine Gael Cllr Barry O’Neill led to Cathaoirleach Seamus O Domhnaill declaring that today’s meeting could not continue.
A third meeting will be scheduled this month to deal with the unfinished business.
