All of the members spoke and thanked the people who had voted for them, their campaign teams, and families. They expressed they sympathy to Cllr. McDermott and Byrne on their recent losses of their parents. They wished the incoming Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach well in the coming term. They welcomed new faces on the Council and paid tribute to outgoing Councillor Connolly.

Other issues were raised as follows:

·         Disappointment of the Independent group that they were unable for lead the Council for the next five years, despite having ten non-party councillors elected by the people of Roscommon

·         66% of the vote in the county is represented by the Alliance

·         Need to listen to the issues that were raised on the doorsteps while canvassing

·         Concern about the conditions of the €100m Brexit beef bailout fund

·         Well done to the Returning Officer and staff of Roscommon County Council on how well the election process and count was managed.

·         Thanks to the local media for their coverage of the election.

·         Important that progress is made on the Fire Station and Rosalie Unit in Castlerea

·         Important for members to support the Cathaoirleach at events

·         Looking forward to the launch of the new tourism brand in King house in a couple of weeks

·         Welcome the inclusion of small towns and villages in a funding process

·         Of major concern is the decline of Rural Ireland.

·         The FF/FG alliance should be aware that there was a full government Department to come to Roscommon in decentralisation of government departments

·         Immediate areas to be addressed by the new council is job creation and innovation hubs

·         The Alliance programme does not include for increasing the numbers of outdoor staff in the Council

Cllrs. Marty McDermott and Valerie Byrne thanked everyone for their sympathies on their recent losses.

Cllr. Leyden stated that the Alliance, as part of their manifesto, will be bringing a motion to the June meeting to declare a climate and bio-diversity emergency and establish a committee to oversee the creation of a county climate and bio-diversity action. Cllr Kilduff stated that he has already submitted this motion for discussion.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Waldron

           SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

That a special meeting is convened to discuss bringing investment and jobs to county Roscommon and the decline of Rural Ireland.