Council focus to shift from Lifford
The eight men and one woman will have increased control of approximately €35 million in council funds as enhanced powers beef up the Inishowen and other municipal districts in the county.
The new Donegal County Council meets in Lifford tomorrow for the first AGM of its five-year term.
With 37 councillors returned at the polls two weeks ago, the new chairman (formerly known as mayor) will need to get at least 19 votes to be elected and discussions between parties and independents on a pact have been continuing all week.
The appointment of councillors to upwards of 40 sub-committees and external bodies is also on tomorrow’s agenda.
No agreement on a pact had been reached by last evening, and sources familiar with the negotiations say enhanced powers devolved to the new municipal districts may see the chamber in Lifford sidelined as the real business is conducted in local areas.
“We will still have county wide issues to deal with and discuss, but it looks like most work will be carried out at local level,” one source said.
“It’s a great opportunity for councillors to focus on delivering the best services for Inishowen.”
