Mulgrew: ‘Council secrecy has gone on for far too long’
Aontú Newry and Armagh representative Roisin Mulgrew has called for an end to what she describes as a longstanding culture of secrecy at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, warning that the latest revelations are part of a much deeper problem.
Ms Mulgrew said: “This is not about one meeting or one project. There is a deeper problem with how this Council operates, and it has been going on for years.
“In September 2024, an investigation found that 43 out of 63 committee decisions were taken behind closed doors. Last month, every decision-making item at the Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee was dealt with in private.
“Now we learn that the potential budget for Newry's Theatre and Conference Centre could reach almost £29.2 million, nearly £8 million above the publicly announced figure. Once again, ratepayers are relying on the press to discover what is happening with their money.
“These are not isolated incidents. They are the latest examples of a council culture that has become far too comfortable operating behind closed doors.
“Sinn Féin dominate the Council, holding 20 of its 41 seats. With that level of influence comes a particular responsibility to ensure greater openness and accountability.
“Of course, some matters must remain confidential. But secrecy should be the exception, not the normal way of doing business.
“Ratepayers pay the bills. They deserve to know what is being discussed, what is being decided and how much it will cost.
“The Council has been talking about improving transparency for years. People are entitled to ask why so little appears to have changed.
“The Council belongs to the people, not the parties running it. It's time to open the curtains, open the windows and let a breath of fresh air in.”