Disappointing turn-out For Tidy Towns’ AGM

Thursday, February 25, 2010 Gorey Echo

THE COMMITTEE of Gorey Tidy Towns expressed disappointment this week at the poor turnout at its annual general meeting.

The chairman, Ger Walsh, expressed his disappointment at the lack of representation from local business, Gorey Chamber of Commerce and the general public at the meeting.

After a lengthy discussion in which members contemplated disbanding Tidy Towns altogether, it was eventually decided that renewed efforts would be employed to further progress the Gorey Tidy Towns objectives based on the current 3-year-plan Mr. Walsh said in a statement this week following the meeting in the Loch Garman Arms on Tuesday last, February 16 where less than 20 people turned up.

Speaking to the Echo on Monday, Mr. Walsh pointed out that only one public representative was present at the meeting.

“Robbie Ireton was the only public representative at the meeting and while Malcolm Byrne sent his apologies, none of the others were there even though I had written to all of them.”

Mr. Walsh had also written to the Gorey Chamber of Commerce ten days before the meeting, but received a phone call on the afternoon of the AGM to say Gorey Chamber wouldn’t be able to send someone to the meeting because it was too short notice.

“Gorey Chamber’s job is to promote businesses in the town and the cleaner the town the more business it will do.”

Mr. Walsh praised his committee for the work they carried out during the year and the meeting heard there were 1,200 bags of rubbish collected by the Tidy Towns in 2009.

At the meeting, appreciation was extended to Wexford County Council, Gorey Town Council, FÁS, committee members and all volunteers for their continued assistance and support.

The committee also pointed out it is seeking additional volunteers for Saturday work between 10a.m. and 1p.m. where refreshments will be provided. The officers voted in at the meeting were: Ger Walsh (Chairperson); Liz Kenny (Vice Chairperson); Cel Leacy (Treasurer); Mary Porter (Secretary) and committee members Carmel, Pat and Robbie.