Donegal MD councillors among first to return to in-person meetings

The Municipal District (MD) of Donegal made a return to in-person meetings in chambers this month.

Councillors and staff gathered for the February MD meeting in the Peter Kennedy Chamber at the Donegal Town Public Services Centre. 

The chamber was extended last year to allow for social distancing. However, the pre-Christmas rise in cases led to meetings over the last few months taking place online.

Mr Sheerin told those gathered for the February meeting: “It is good to be back here in person.

“We are in a fairly tricky spot in terms of still having high rates of infection in the community.

“We will try and facilitate the in-person meetings while retaining the fallback position to revert to online in case of short notice changes or persons not being able to attend.”

He said that the latest good practice guidelines were being followed.

Mr Sheerin added: “It is a fairly fluid situation and as new guidance comes in, we will update members. 

“For the moment, we will continue to try and have the MD meetings in person with the fallback and with the additional precautions that we have in place.”

A number of Municipal Districts in Donegal are continuing to have their meetings online for the time being.