Fiona Pender supporters leave council meeting disappointed

A new canal bridge in Tullamore will not be named after Fiona Pender. An amended motion that the council 'consult with the Pender family to put in place a suitable memorial to remember Fiona' was voted in with just two dissenting voices at a Tullamore Town Council meeting this evening (Thursday).

Independent councillor Sean O'Brien's motion, which looked for a review of and public consultation period for the council's policy for naming infrastructure, was not supported.

Following the controversial vote supporters of the Fiona Pender Bridge campaign including her mother Josephine Pender left the room. Councillors Sean O'Brien and Brendan Killeavy also left the room at that stage.

Before the vote Cllr Sinead Dooley said support for the Pender family has never waivered, but that it was unfortunate Fiona's name had been brought into what was a policy issue. She suggested putting in place a bursary or scholarship with Fiona's name would be a more fitting tribute than naming a bridge of concrete and steel after her.

Cllr Killeavy however said Josephine Pender has no grave to go to remember Fiona and naming a bridge after Fiona is what the Pender family want. 'Don't ignore the people of Tullamore. Allow this to go to public consultation,' he implored his colleagues.

For full details of this evening's meeting and reaction see next week's edition of the Offaly Independent.