GARDAÍ had to be called to a meeting of Donegal County Council on Wednesday following a complaint made against Cllr Frank McBrearty.
Elected members gathered in Lifford for what was supposed to be a workshop followed by a meeting of Lifford and Stranorlar Municipal District.
Municipal chairman, Councillor Patsy McGowan, said he had no option but to abandon the meeting due to concerns for staff welfare.
Councillor McGowan made the decision following a several-minute long outburst by Councillor McBrearty during which he made a number of allegations against Donegal County Council’s Director of Services Michael McGarvey.
Calling a halt to the meeting Councillor McGowan said, “I think it is not appropriate that we continue and I am proposing that we cancel the meeting today because of staff welfare.
“It is not an ideal atmosphere for working and this is a place of work.”
Cllr McBrearty replied that no member of staff had anything to fear from him. He then engaged in a heated exchange with Councillor Gary Doherty. Cllr Doherty said he wanted to put on record his “disgust” at what had happened, adding that all councillors were entitled to do the job they were elected to do.
A Garda spokesperson said, “Gardaí responded to a report of an incident at Donegal County Council buildings in Lifford this morning.
“No arrests were made and enquiries are ongoing.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)