No plans to change hybrid Council meetings as Committee Chair says she's 'lonely'

Hopes for a physical return of all councillors to chambers in Newry Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) post Covid-19 have been dashed.

The online operation of the council was brought in during the pandemic to protect members and officials.

Slieve Croob councillor Roisin Howell has expressed her frustration with the current system and made known her hope to have full attendance in chambers, as she chaired the Enterprise, Regeneration and Tourism committee this week.

“I suggest we should all be back next month (in chambers),” said Cllr Howell.

The comment was met with a resounding “here, here” from fellow councillors.

“It’s very lonely here,” said the chair sitting in an almost empty council chambers.

“I think it’s (to be present in chambers) the only way forward,” she added.

However, a spokesperson for NMDDC responding to a media query has outlined the low possibility of a prompt return of all members to either council headquarters in Newry or Downpatrick.

“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is currently operating meetings on a hybrid basis with some members coming into the chamber while others are accessing meetings from home,” said the spokesperson.

“Access to meetings for the press and public are currently online.

“There are no plans at the moment for changes to these arrangements,” added the spokesperson.