Sinn Féin Councillor, Cathal McLaughlin, has said that the first virtual meeting of CC&GC was a ‘success’ following Tuesday nights full Council meeting.
Cllr McLaughlin went on to say that Causeway Coast & Glens Council must ‘adapt to the new circumstances during the pandemic but it is vital that democratic accountability and protection for ratepayers continues’.
Council had previously cancelled all meetings for March & April, in an effort to comply with social distancing regulations and play their part in halting the spread of the virus.
Speaking about the importance of council business Mr McLaughlin said:
“Obviously, like all businesses and sections of society Council will have to change how it does its business. What is vital is that democratic accountability continues and that councillors can scrutinise decisions on behalf of the citizens, local businesses and ratepayers. This is a crucial period for our ratepayers, families,businesses, employees and they will be depending on council to continue to provide service delivery and assist our community to get through this crisis. Council meetings are a vital part of that and I would expect them and other meetings to be held online now for the foreseeable future.
“I would hope that future meetings will be even more transparent and allow for the public to follow in some way.
Cllr Mclaughlin concluded:
“Tuesday’s online meeting of council is proof that by working together we can adapt and find solutions to some of the problems presented by coronavirus.”
