Against regulations say officials.
Turning your backs on gay community says Joanna Byrne
By Andy Spearman
It’s becoming increasingly evident that Drogheda needs city status so that it can have its own local authority based locally that cares about the population and its future development and prosperity.
As it stands councillors seeking to get anything done in the town must approach cap in hand, on bended knee almost, to the non-elected officials who will decide the issue in their palatial offices in county Hall in Dundalk.
An example of this took place yesterday at the March meeting of Drogheda Municipal Borough when Councillor Joanna Byrne got a very brusque response from a council official to a motion suggesting that a temporary rainbow crossing be installed alongside the zebra crossing at the Tholsel junction to brighten up the streetscape for Drogheda Pride which takes place from 5th-7th August.
The one line written response from Director of Services for Operations Catherine Duff was: “The Council will not be providing the markings as requested as all crossings are installed using solely the standards set out in the Roads Traffic (Signs) Regulations.”
Councillor Byrne, who is a fervent supporter of the LGBT community in Drogheda and the wider county, was visibly shocked and angry by the response and pointed out to the officials present that many other local authorities around the country had found a way to circumvent these regulations
“This reluctance to embrace positive ideas that will promote Drogheda and build community spirit is tiresome” she said.
“July 2019 the streets of Drogheda were flooded with vibrant rainbow colours with hundreds in attendance at our first Pride Parade. This will inevitably continue to grow this year and in years to come.
“Refusing to even explore ideas like this is turning a back on this community and I want the Council to reconsider and review again” Councillor Byrne said.
Director of Services Paddy Donnelly told the meeting that the Council do support Pride and are happy to fly the Pride flag every year on civic buildings but suggested that if Councillor Byrne was not happy the issue could potentially be referred to the Infrastructure SPC (Strategic Policy Committee) for discussion.
Councillor Byrne said she will review the matter with the Director who issued the response but who was not present at yesterday’s meeting.
“Who would have thought that bringing a bit of colour to the town centre in support of our LGBTQ Community would be such a battle!?” she asked.
