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A former Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has called for an end to what she describes as a longstanding culture of secrecy at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Aontú’s Newry and Armagh representative Roisin Mulgrew, a former Sinn Féin councillor has warned that the latest revelations about the proposed Newry Theatre and Conference Centre are part of a much deeper problem. Mulgrew said ratepayers deserve to know what is being discussed and decided, and how much it will cost.
Mulgrew pointed to reports that the potential budget for the Newry Theatre and Conference Centre could reach almost £29.2 million, which she says is nearly £8 million above the publicly announced figure.
She said: “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.”
She went on to say the issue goes beyond a single project.
“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.”
Mulgrew referred to an investigation in September 2024 and to a more recent committee meeting.
“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.”
She added: “These are not isolated incidents. They are the latest examples of a council culture that has become far too comfortable operating behind closed doors.”
Mulgrew also commented on the make-up of the Council.
“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.”
She acknowledged that some matters need to stay confidential.
“Of course, some matters must remain confidential. But secrecy should be the exception, not the normal way of doing business.”
Mulgrew said the Council has spoken about transparency for some time.
“The Council has been talking about improving transparency for years. People are entitled to ask why so little appears to have changed.”
She concluded: “Ratepayers pay the bills. They deserve to know what is being discussed, what is being decided and how much it will cost.
“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.”
