Gavel falls on final meeting of council

Gavel falls on final meeting of council

25 March 2015

DOWN Council has held its final meeting.

Politicians marked the end of an era last Thursday evening when they left the debating chamber for the last time, closing the door on 42 years’ of local government.

The local authority formally merges with Newry and Mourne Council next week to form one of 11 new super councils in the Province, and last week’s final council meeting at the Downshire Civic Centre was an emotional and nostalgic occasion.

After normal business was conducted, it was time for reflection, with eight of the 11 councillors who are not part of the new super council presented with gifts to mark their contributions.

Down Council’s last chairman, Billy Walker, described the final meeting as a “historic and momentous occasion” and said he was hugely privileged to be part of the organisation and proud to be the district’s last ever first citizen.

Reflecting on a particularly busy 10 months as council chairman, which resulted in his first ever attendance at last week’s St. Patrick’s festival parade in Downpatrick, he said he had the privilege of working with many schools, community groups, voluntary groups and public bodies and was 

honoured to have been involved in and part of many hugely successful events organised and celebrated by Down Council.

He said following the council’s creation in the wake of the last reorganisation of local government in 1973, local people were elected to serve the people of the district.

“For some, it was the beginning of a long career in politics and life at the helm of local government, while some others decided that one council term was more than long enough. Change over the past 42 years has been on a tremendous scale and marks not only the success of Down Council,

but the success of councillors who worked tirelessly to provide services for our district,” continued councillor Walker.

“Having been involved in local politics and a councillor for over a decade, I’m well aware of the efforts elected representatives have contributed to serving the people of the district. Whether it is setting out policy priorities for their area, challenging and scrutinising public services, or bringing together different delivery partners to meet citizens’ needs, councillors have played a vital leadership role at council level.”

The chairman said those who served Down Council for over four decades, represented local views and interests and were always at the heart of the local decision making process.

He continued: “I know they have always done what they thought right for their constituents and I am delighted to recognise and honour their hard work over the years. But there is sadness that two former councillors, Gerry Douglas and Peter Craig, are no longer with us and we remember the respective contributions they made to the life of this district and its people.”

Councillor Walker praised council directors, management and staff under the direction of chief executive John Dumigan and his predecessors John McGrillen, Owen O’Connor and Seamus Byrne, for all their efforts on behalf of the district and its people.

“Without the dedication, commitment and sterling work of council staff, Down District would not be the place it is today and councillors could not fulfil their roles to their full potential. We owe a great debt to the organisation’s staff, people in whom I have every confidence and know that given the opportunity, they will lead the new super council to places we can only dream of now,” said the outgoing chairman.

“Working for the people of this district has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience for me as it has been for all my colleagues, working to do the best for our communities. We have seen many changes to the environment in which we live and work and we have built strong relationships with our communities.

“It is humbling so many people put their trust in each and every one of us and during the coming years I will continue to carry out my civic and political duties in a way which meets the needs of our communities and staff. I am proud to be this organisation’s last ever chairman.”

Looking to the future, Councillor Walker believes “challenging times lie ahead” but recognises an opportunity also exists to change many things for the better. 

He added: “We have dedicated, committed officers and with our partners are ready to take on the task of delivering for Northern Ireland’s new third largest super council. We have talented, hard working councillors who have committed themselves to work for the new organisation and I am confident that together, we can all make our new district a great place to live, work and visit and an even better place for residents.”