Posted online: Nov 22nd, 2007

By Laura Glenn
laura.glenn@inishtimes.com

A BUNCRANA councillor doesn’t “apologise in any shape or form” for raising the issue of alleged irregularities in the town’s council housing projects.
Councillor Joe Doherty raised concerns earlier this year and called for a public inquiry into the issue.
An investigation was subsequently launched and a statement outlining the issues under examination was released last Thursday.
Councillor Doherty said he feels “vindicated’ over the issue but also revealed how some of his fellow council members were unhappy he raised the issue publicly.
He said: “I’ve got answers and I’m fully satisfied with that.
“I make no apologies for raising this in the public domain.
“ I’m a public representative and this was a public issue. I felt the proper place to raise it was at a public meeting.
“I accept their views but the people elected me to work for them and if we can’t go to a public meeting and raise these issues then we might as well pack up and go home.”
The statement released by Assistant County Manager for Donegal County Council Liam Kelly outlined three specific cases and the measures taken to rectify them.
Case one revealed permission was given to a tenant to carry out extensive repairs to a newly allocated house which were not fully authorised.
According to the statement arrangements have been made to reinstate the house and to recover part of the cost from the tenant.
Case two outlined the purchase of a home needing extensive repairs.
The statement revealed work on renovation is almost complete and the house will soon be available for letting.
The final case revealed the council purchased a number of apartments “without the normal appraisal and contractual arrangements being met in accordance with the Council’s requirements.
The purchase is currently under review and “alternative arrangements have been made”.
Mr Kelly said council management is reviewing any “inappropriate actions” regarding the cases and “arrangements have been made to ensure that any shortcomings in the management of Council business either on housing or other council services does not recur.”