The meeting heard an update from David Fallon in relation to the appointment of Brian McDowell as national organiser and that Mr McDowell had expressed a desire to meet with the branch to discuss the upcoming local elections in 2014. There was then a short discussion on the implications of property taxes and the state of the economy.
Cllr Keith Martin updated the branch on council business and his plans for the coming months.
Branch Secretary Michael Everson updated the branch on his proposals for a simplified, logical and inexpensive national postcode system. The meeting resolved to contact the Minister of Communications, Pat Rabbitte TD to request a formal meeting with him so that a presentation on the issue could be made to the Minister and his officials as soon as possible. Cllr Martin was delegated to assist in arranging the meeting.
Sean Sammon questioned the use of plastic signage on the town's stone bridges, stating that they looked out of place. The meeting resolved to query their status with the Town Council to see if it was permanent and if so, whether something more appropriate might be put in place.
John McDonnell gave a report on a public meeting he had recently attended in Kilmeena in relation to a series of break-ins in the area. He called for the full force of the law to brought to bare on those criminals responsible. He said a "zero-tolerance" approach should be adopted by the Gardai in relation to this type of crime.
Cllr Keith Martin updated the meeting on the progress of the Policing Committee and on trial text alert systems which will assist in catching criminals by alerting community areas to suspicions persons, activities and vehicles operating in rural areas. He added that the Superintendent had also announced a overall of the Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert schemes which should also prove invaluable in deterring criminals. John McDonnell called for rewards to be offered for information leading to the capture of criminals.
Cllr Martin updated the meeting about their upcoming Church Gate Collection and on a leafleting campaign for the Westport area, highlighting Labour's achievements in protecting low paid workers.
Cllr Martin also noted that the Winter Fuel Allowance Scheme was now in effect and he was placing the forms on his website where they could be downloaded as needed by constituents.
The Branch also passed a motion of support for Roisin Shortall, following her resignation as Minster of State at the Dept of Health.
Correspondence from the Party Leader Eamon Gilmore, the General Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Denis Landy, and Dominic Hannigan TD was read and noted by the members.
Anyone interested in joining the Labour Party in Westport can call 086 0691182.
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