County manager denied 'conflict of interest' in Esat 'deal'
By Tom KellyMAYO COUNTY Manager, Mr. Des Mahon, has moved to allow fears of 'a conflict of interest' over the council's reported decision to strike a deal with Esat Digiphone over the erection of antennae at three locations in the county. Mr. Mahon said it was an executive function to rule on whether or not the mobile telephone company would be permitted to put masts on water towers owned by the council at Knockanillaun, Ballina; Brookhill, Claremorris; and at Shrule. He answers criticism by elected members that they should have been consulted before any decision was made in regard to the matter. Mr. Mahon stated that contact was made with the council on a daily basis in regard to contract works. He explained:"This council is involved in thousands of business contracts. It is not possible to bring all of them to the attention of the council members. "There is no conflict of interest when of our contractors have planning applications before us, and there is not a problem in this case. "I understand that masts are very emotive issues. But I cannot comment on the present applications. I assure the members of the council that I will get the best of available advice before any decision is made in this matter." A number of councillors raised objections to the erection of masts on water towers at Monday's meeting of the council. |
