In accordance with Section 22(c) and Part V of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014 to elect the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council to hold office until his/her successor shall have been appointed in accordance with law.

Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice opened the meeting by thanking his fellow members for their support during the year. He also thanked the Chief Executive Shane Tiernan, the Management Team and staff for their help and support. He expressed his thanks to outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Larry Brennan who deputised at events. He noted that the role was very important and prestigious, and that he was honoured to serve his county. He also thanked everyone who invited him to events during the year and acknowledged everyone working to help the county.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice outlined that his highlight from the year was representing Roscommon and the many proud Irish people at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York with Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Director of Finance Sean Mullarkey. He also noted the event that took place on the previous Friday in Castlerea where Minister Dara Callery opened the new toddler pool and splash area in Castlerea Swimming Pool, and visited Sommers Park, The Hub, An Chistín and the new building for the Castlerea Rose Festival.

Cllr. Fitzmaurice remembered the late former Cathaoirleach Tom Callaghan, father of Cllr. Liam Callaghan, who passed away recently and expressed his commiserations to Liam and the Callaghan family. He noted that he was a great representative and a proud Roscommon and Fine Gael man. A minute silence was observed in his memory. He also acknowledged the late Cllr. John Naughten and Cllr. Anthony Waldron who passed away during the year.

The Meetings Administrator invited proposals for the election of Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council for the term 2025-2026.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Conboy

            SECONDED by Cllr. Keogh

That Cllr. Liam Callaghan be elected as Cathaoirleach.

As there were no other proposals, Cllr. Liam Callaghan was duly elected as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

The new Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan took over the presiding of the meeting.

In accordance with Section 22(c) and Part V of the Local Government Reform Act, 2014 to elect the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council to hold office until his/her successor shall have been appointed in accordance with law.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Moylan

           SECONDED by Cllr. Connoly

That Cllr. John Keogh be elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

As there were no other proposals, Cllr. John Keogh was duly elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council.

To fix dates on which the County Council Meetings will be held within the period to 30^th June 2026 (Provisional list of dates attached).

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

           SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

It was AGREED to fix the dates of the next Plenary Meetings of Roscommon County Council as follows:

Monday 28^th July 2025

Monday 22^nd September 2025

Monday 20^th October 2025

Monday 24^th November 2025

Monday 15^th December 2025

Monday 26^th January 2026

Monday 23^rd February 2026

Monday 23^rd March 2026

Monday 27^th April 2026

Monday 25^th May 2026

Annual Meeting Monday 22^nd June 2026

Monday 22^nd June 2026

·         27^th June 2025            10.00am          Athlone Municipal District

·         27^th June 2025            2.30pm            Boyle Municipal District

·         30^th June 2025            9.30am            Roscommon Municipal District

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that the Annual Meeting of the Athlone Municipal District will take place on Friday 28^th June 2025 at 10am. The Annual Meeting of the Boyle Municipal District will take place on Friday 27^th June 2025 at 2.30pm in the Boyle MD Office. The Annual Meeting of the Roscommon Municipal District will take place on Monday 30^th June 2025 9.30am.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked everyone for their support, especially his proposer and seconder. He noted that it was a bittersweet occasion for the Callaghan family due to the recent passing of his late father, former Cllr. Tom Callaghan who served as Cathaoirleach 30 years ago. He noted that they were only the second father and son to both serve as Cathaoirleach in the Council’s history. He emphasised his commitment to be fair and objective during his tenure. He also acknowledged Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Cllr. Brennan for their contributions in their respective roles. He acknowledged that the year had been a difficult one following the passing of two great colleagues Cllr. John Naughten and Cllr. Anthony Waldron and paid tribute to the significant impact they had as councillors. 

He expressed his disappointment at social media attacks and public criticism, stating that it is no longer acceptable for councillors to be abused publicly or privately. He thanked the Chief Executive Shane Tiernan and Roscommon County Council staff for the investment in the county and noted that they could take pride in the work being done. He emphasised that the efforts are being carried out to the highest level, united by one common purpose: to represent Roscommon people. He discussed a number of areas that would be prominent over the next year including the N5 project, housing and tourism.

He acknowledged the Fine Gael party and noted the last Fine Gael Cathaoirleach was John Connor in 2009. He thanked those who have supported him since his first election in 2009 and acknowledged his wife, daughter, sons, brothers, sisters and wider family. He noted the importance of the role families play in supporting councillors.

He congratulated John Keogh on his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach and noted that he is a great asset representing South Roscommon and would be a great substitute should he need to fill the role.

New Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Keogh also thanked everyone for their support in his election, particularly his proposer and seconder and expressed how honoured he was to serve the role.

Members made the following comments in relation to Cathaoirleach Callaghan’s appointment:

• Praise for Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan’s political career to date and his deserved election as Cathaoirleach.
• They noted that he had a common-sense approach which would be valuable in the role.
• Acknowledgement for the late former Cathaoirleach Tom Callaghan and the work he carried out as a councillor.
• Acknowledgement and thanks to outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. Brennan.
• Congratulations to John Keogh on his election as Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan congratulated the new Cathaoirleach Cllr. Liam Callaghan and welcomed his family. He also congratulated the new Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Keogh. He noted the poignancy of Cllr. Callaghan’s election to Cathaoirleach so shortly after the passing of his late father Tom. He thanked Cllr. Fitzmaurice and Cllr. Brennan for their roles over the past year and acknowledged the visit of Minister Dara Callery that took place in Castlerea last Friday. He recognised that the year had been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.24