Councillors dismayed over latest RPA delay

First to speak out on the situation, at last Monday night’s July meeting of Council, Cllr Declan O’Loan said: “It is a terribly sad day and reflects very poorly on the quality of our government. - This could have brought real change.

“However, it is important that we, as a council, move ahead in a very determined way...that we become much more efficient and that we collaborate with our cluster partners.

“We need to do everything we can to deliver a better service to the public and far better value for money. That is the challenge that is now in front of us,” he said.

Mayor, Cllr Maurice Mills added: “A lot of time has been spent on this (RPA) but it is not wasted time for from this we can enhance structures that will serve local government very well in the years ahead.

“It is important for Ballymena that we seek to be at the forefront in the delivery of service for our constituents and be an example to other constituencies around the province,” he said.

Their comments came on receipt of a copy of correspondence on the issue from Environment Minister Edwin Poots to Assembly Speaker, William Hay.

In his letter Mr Poots confirmed that the 11 council plan for 2011 was off the agenda and that the Executive have not yet reached agreement on an alternative delivery timetable. Proposals for that would, he stated, be brought before the Executive over the summer.