·         Filling of casual vacancy in the membership of Roscommon County Council by the co-option of Ms. Emer Kelly of  Creeher, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe,  Co Roscommon in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and Standing Order Nos. 180 & 181,  following the resignation of Cllr. Ivan Connaughton.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed the Members to this Special Plenary Meeting to fill a casual vacancy in the membership of Roscommon County Council.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fallon

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to accept the nomination of Ms. Emer Kelly of Creeher, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe,  Co Roscommon to fill a vacancy in the membership of Roscommon County Council in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act, 2001 and Standing Order Nos. 180 & 181,  following the resignation of Cllr. Ivan Connaughton.

The Cathaoirleach declared Ms. Emer Kelly co-opted as an elected member of Roscommon County Council.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Emer Kelly to the membership of the Roads Transportation and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee of Roscommon County Council.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to appoint Cllr. Emer Kelly to the membership of the Economic Development  and Enterprise Support (including Tourism, Culture and Libraries)  Strategic Policy Committee of Roscommon County Council.

In accordance with the grouping system of Councillors Ward, Shanagher, Waldron, Kilduff and Dineen.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Ward

           SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

And   RESOLVED that Cllr.  Anthony Waldron be the voting delegate at the Annual Conference and also be a permanent delegate to the Standing Policy Council of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) for the remainder of the five-year term.

The Cathaoirleach welcomed everyone who has joined this remote meeting for the opytion of Cllr. Kelly including her family and friends and y Ballyforan National School. He congratulated the principal Mr. Thomas Murray on his recent appointment to the position as Chairperson of the National Scor committee.

All of the Members spoke and congratulated Cllr. Kelly on her new role. They welcomed another female member to the chamber to help increase the gender balance on the Council she also represents youth and will be a great asset in the Council in helping to shape the future with new ideas.

The Chief Executive extended a special welcome to Mr. Murray and the pupils of Ballyforan National School. He congratulated Cllr. Kelly and is looking forward to working with her in developing policy on behalf of the people of Roscommon. He welcomed a young person to the Chamber to represent the views of the youth of the county. This is a special day for Cllr. Kelly and her family and the formal capture of her co-option can be captured at the next plenary meeting as it will be held in the Chamber.

Cllr. Kelly thanked the Members for confirming her position as a Councillor for the Athlone Municipal District on Roscommon County Council and looks forward to working with her fellow councillors. She is looking forward to working with the local community groups and advocating on behalf of all of her constituents. She has been working with local community groups over the past number of years and paid tribute to all of the volunteers who work with groups and clubs. She paid tribute to the outgoing councillor Ivan Connaughton and the work he has done for the community since 2014.