Gorteens laneway near Castleblayney made a public road

A laneway at Gorteens near Castleblayney has been taken in charge by Monaghan Co Council this evening, (Tuesday) due to a vote taken by Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District.

Monaghan Co Council Executive strongly advised against the move, but it was put to a vote after members were given two weeks to make their decision on an issue that has been hotly debated over the last two years.

A show of hands was called for upon the proposal of Cllr Paul Gibbons to make the lane a public road, seconded by Cllr Colm Carthy. The show of hands was three for: Gibbons, Carthy and Keelan (all Sinn Féin) and three against: O’Hanlon (FF), Conlon and Campbell (both FG). However, since they were at an impasse, MD Cathaoirleach Noel Keelan used his casting vote, to ensure that the laneway was taken in charge.

All of the elected members gave their reasons for the way they voted at the meeting in Gate Lodge 1, Castleblayney and a full report on their decision-making process will appear in next week’s print edition of The Anglo-Celt newspaper.