AK47 ASSAULT ON CONSTITUTION
What has been branded as an unconstitutional attack on the status of Clonmel won’t be taken lying down.
A call for a referendum to be held received the full backing of the Clonmel Borough members at this week’s District Meeting.
Cllr Niall Dennehy tabled the motion requesting that a referendum/question be put to the people at the earliest possible opportunity to ascertain public support, or more importantly the lack of public support, for the 2014 Local Government (Reform) Act, which abolished Clonmel Borough Council (Corporation) and South Tipperary County Council, resulting in the catastrophic collateral damage to both authorities.
Speaking to the motion, Cllr Dennehy explained that councillors attending the October meeting 10 years ago, found themselves dealing with ‘Big Phil’ and AK 47’s as well as ‘Government policy of closing down St Michael’s Hospital in Clonmel and Kickham Barracks in Clonmel, both of which were transferred to Kilkenny, and on top of that they were dealing with the Authority’s own highly successful refuse service, which was ran into the ground.’
“What they did not know was that these politicians, with their cronies in North Tipperary, were plotting the abolition of that very Borough – Corporation along with South Tipperary County Council. €350 million euro later and the damage to Clonmel remains active,” said Cllr Dennehy.
“Those of us who contested the 1999 Local Elections know well that a constitutional Referendum took place on the same day, which overwhelmingly gave constitutional protection to local government and guaranteed citizens a vote every 5 years to Clonmel Borough Council and to South Tipperary County Council. The abolitions took place controrary to the constitution, contrary to Irish and European convention. The people were never asked as required. We should now at the earliest opportunity, put that question to the people.”
All members agreed that a letter will be issued to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister Darragh O’Brien for his consideration and reply.