Menu
15/01/2010
Castlereagh Inquiry Monitoring Call: SDLP
SDLP members have asked the Stormont Assembly's Environment Committee to monitor inquiries into events at Castlereagh Council, including the role politicians play in planning decisions.
The call comes after the investigation into Iris Robinson and Castlereagh Council's decision to award a contract to her teenage lover.
"There is a huge issue of public confidence here, especially as we head into a wide-ranging reform of local councils," said East Derry MLA John Dallat.
"The Committee agreed that we should have the Local Government Auditor look at the role councillors should have in individual planning decisions and their code of conduct.
"There are many small businesses that are dependent on local government procurement and they must be able to have confidence that business opportunities are handled absolutely fairly."
Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly, who chairs the Committee, said she would raise the issues discussed at Committee when she meets NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots later today.
"The Committee is seeking the terms of reference and time frames of the various bodies investigating affairs in Castlereagh Council," she said.
"We want to know what oversight the Minister and his Department will have of these inquiries. The money which was used for the Lock keeper development came from a variety of sources including the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the EU Special Programmes Body, so there are issues for local government as a whole."
Mrs Robinson was given £50,000 from two property developers, Fred Fraser and Ken Campbell, to help Kirk McCambley open the Lock Keeper's Inn cafe in south Belfast.
(NS/GK)
The call comes after the investigation into Iris Robinson and Castlereagh Council's decision to award a contract to her teenage lover.
"There is a huge issue of public confidence here, especially as we head into a wide-ranging reform of local councils," said East Derry MLA John Dallat.
"The Committee agreed that we should have the Local Government Auditor look at the role councillors should have in individual planning decisions and their code of conduct.
"There are many small businesses that are dependent on local government procurement and they must be able to have confidence that business opportunities are handled absolutely fairly."
Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly, who chairs the Committee, said she would raise the issues discussed at Committee when she meets NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots later today.
"The Committee is seeking the terms of reference and time frames of the various bodies investigating affairs in Castlereagh Council," she said.
"We want to know what oversight the Minister and his Department will have of these inquiries. The money which was used for the Lock keeper development came from a variety of sources including the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the EU Special Programmes Body, so there are issues for local government as a whole."
Mrs Robinson was given £50,000 from two property developers, Fred Fraser and Ken Campbell, to help Kirk McCambley open the Lock Keeper's Inn cafe in south Belfast.
(NS/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
29 August 2013
Calls To Resolve Reform Committee Issues
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has called for councils to resolve any Reform Committee issues as soon as possible.
Calls To Resolve Reform Committee Issues
Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has called for councils to resolve any Reform Committee issues as soon as possible.
25 August 2010
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
NAMA Applauded At Stormont
There has been high-level support expressed for the work of the Irish Republic's National Asset Management Agency, (NAMA) and its impact on NI finances.
22 November 2024
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
