Independents short of numbers requiredto call-in decisions

The independent bloc on the new Derry and Strabane District Council is just two members short of having the numbers to oblige call-ins or reconsiderations of the authority’s decisions.

By Kevin Mullan

Published 23rd Nov 2014, 09:25 BST

Local Government Minister Mark H. Durkan acknowledged at Stormont last week that just 15 per cent of Council members can request that any controversial decision be reconsidered.

The rules allow for a challenge if it’s considered decisions would have a disproportionate adverse effect on any one section of the community.

There are currently four independent members on the new ‘supercouncil.’

Gary Donnelly, Paul Gallagher, Darren O’Reilly and Dermot Quigley, make up just 10 per cent of the local authority.

A minimum of six members of the 40 member Council would have to come together to request a reconsideration.

Provision for a challenge exists under Section 41 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, which was introduced earlier this year.