Roscommon councillor describes social media as a “cesspool for misinformation and disinformation”

A local Fianna Fáil councillor has described social media as a “cesspool for misinformation and disinformation” during a council discussion on controversial plans for an IPAS centre in Roscommon Town.

At Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr John Keogh said that social media was frequently used for “bad actors and agitators to spread fear and misinformation with people”.

“Social media has become a cesspool for misinformation and disinformation and what was once a social enterprise connecting people is now being used in the most nefarious of ways - and it’s very disappointing,” he said.

Cllr Keogh said the reality was that the council chamber was the correct forum to raise the issue about the IPAS centre proposal and he thanked his party colleague Cllr McDermott for raising it in the chamber.

Earlier in the discussion, newly co-opted councillor, Michael Holland, said that social media reports linking him with a company behind plans for the controversial centre in the county town were “hurtful”.

The Independent councillor from Ballintubber categorically dismissed reports on social media linking him as a director of the company behind the plans.

Cllr Holland said he wanted to provide clarity and outlined that he had no “hand, act or part" in the proposals.

Cllr Keogh told the meeting that the matter was with An Bord Pleanála for its consideration.

“Roscommon County Council has set out its position in relation to the decision - it wasn’t an exempted development. I stand over that view and there may be others who disagree with that. So be it, An Bord Pleanála will make that decision ultimately,” he said.

Several other councillors raised concerns at the meeting about some of the online commentary on the issue.