Sinn Féin responds to claims on grass cutting argument

Cllr Curran said it was incorrect to claim that talks about ‘maintaining sites of strategic importance were blocked by the DUP and Sinn Fein’.

He said, “At Council’s request, officials instigated discussions with Transport NI about their failure to maintain roadside verges.

“During debate on a report of those discussions Sinn Féin pointed out that the wording of a recommendation before us shifted responsibility from Transport NI and had the potential to permanently commit local ratepayers to paying for work that was an Assembly Department’s responsibility.”

Pointing out that Sinn Féin were opposed to selective grass cutting at ratepayers’ expense he said, “We also proposed that further meetings with Transport NI officials include elected members to ensure full representation of all views.

“Both Sinn Féin suggestions were included in the composite proposal accepted by Council.”

Cllr Curran noted that the Power of General Competence given to Council under current Legislation could well result in ratepayers becoming permanently responsible for central Government works.

He said, “It is disingenuous to imply some sort of conspiracy when the real issue is the proper use of ratepayers’ monies.

“Sinn Féin was elected to represent the interests of the people of the Borough and that is what we will do.”