Disappointment over waterways committees wind-up

A BALLYMENA Councillor says the decision to wind up both the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Advisory Committees is "a big disappointment".

Alderman Sam Hanna made the comments at last Tuesday night’s monthly meeting of Council when it was revealed that both committees were on their way out due to lack of funding.

The news came in correspondence from Environment Minister Edwin Poots who pointed out that while Ballymena Borough Council had agreed to provide further support of 5,000 for the Lough Neagh and Lower Bann Advisory Committees for the next year, three others (Dungannon and South Tyrone, Cookstown and Magherafelt councils) would not be providing funding.

Mr Poots stated that the absence of full-support from co-funders meant that the two bodies were no longer sustainable and that they would have to be concluded on June 30.

He added that it was not just funding from councils but the participation of each council’s elected representatives that enables the committess to “provide such a valuable and all-inclusive service, particularly when it comes to making decisions that affect those who use these strategically important waterways”.

He also stated: “When I wrote to Councils on February 12, I made it clear that if each constituent council confirmed its funding for 2010-11 then my department would reinstate its funding for a further year”.

Councillor Sam Hanna, who pointed out that he had been involved with both committees over many years, responded: “I’m very disappointed because a lot of work has been done on the ground.

“It’s unbelievable. The councils that are named here are the ones that are right on the lough. I just can’t for the world understand them.

“It’s a big disappointment,” he said.

The Mayor, Cllr James Currie added: “It also shows that we were quite prepared to put our money down - nobody can call us mean”.

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