SDLP Councillor Garbhan McPhillips was absent from the chamber in Omagh on Tuesday night but not far from the thoughts of the councillors and council staff as he recovers from meningitis.

Council Chairman Thomas O’Reilly began proceedings by acknowledging his absence as he said: “He has been suffering quite a lot recently, he hopes to be able to return to the chamber.

“I hope you all will join with me in wishing him a speedy recovery.

Thanking fellow councillors for their well wishes, SDLP Councillor Adam Gannon told the chamber: “Garbhan is on the mend, he will be on the path to recovery. Thank you from the SDLP grouping.

"One thing that came across from his father Richie when he was talking out about it is that everyone keeps themselves aware of the signs of meningitis to be able to catch that early as that is so key.

“Hopefully he will be back in the chamber in the not-so-distant future.”