·        Co-option of the casual vacancy in the membership of Roscommon County Council in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 and the Standing Orders of Roscommon County Council, caused by the resignation of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP).

The Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice addressed the meeting and introduced the following Agenda Item:

Co-option of the casual vacancy in the membership of Roscommon County Council in accordance with Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 and the Standing Orders of Roscommon County Council, caused by the resignation of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP).

Prior to the vote, the Cathaoirleach advised that four worthy candidates had put their names forward for the vacancy and commended them for their interest in the role.

The Cathaoirleach stated the following:

“The Meetings Administrator will now introduce the item and outline the process for the co-option.”

The Meetings Administrator stated the following:

“I refer to the letter dated 28th February 2025, which notified members of the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP) on 9th February 2025. This vacancy must be filled in accordance with relevant legislation.

The co-option process is governed by Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), along with Roscommon County Council’s Standing Orders No. E1 and No. E2, as circulated in the letter dated 28th February.

I will now read out Standing Orders No. E1 and No. E2.

The Standing Orders No. E1 and No. E2 are as follows:

E1.       Where a casual vacancy occurs and where the person giving rise to the casual vacancy was a non-party candidate at their election or co-option to this council, the vacancy shall be filled by the co-option by this council, of a person to fill the vacancy  (except where Section 19(1) paragraph (c) or (d) or (e) of the 2001 Act apply) subject to such a person being nominated by the non-party candidate’s organisational structure/group who caused the casual vacancy. The non-party candidate shall submit evidence of their organisational structure/group to the Meetings Administrator on their election or co-option.

E2.       In the event of the failure of the non-party candidate’s organisational structure/group to nominate a person to fill the vacancy, following the issue of the prescribed notice to the non-party candidate’s organisational structure/group, the casual vacancy shall be filled by way of a simple majority of the elected members voting in favour of the filling of the casual vacancy.

The Standing Orders Committee met on 7th April 2025 to address the vacancy caused by the resignation of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP). No evidence of an organisational structure or group was submitted by Cllr. Waldron.  The ‘organisational structure/group’ as referenced in the standing orders refers to the non-party candidate’s own ‘seed or support organisation’.  The committee agreed that, in the absence of evidence of an organisational structure or group, the vacancy will be filled through a vote by the full Council, as outlined in Standing Orders.

A letter was issued dated 10th April notifying members of the process determined by the Standing Orders Committee as follows:

•           Public notice seeking Expressions of Interest to be published in local print media and Roscommon County Council social media channels.

•           A period for submission of Expressions of Interest will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.25

·        Appointment of co-opted member to Economic Development, Enterprise, Regeneration SPC.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

            SECONDED by Cllr. Connolly

It was AGREED that Cllr. Holland is nominated to the Economic Development, Enterprise and Regeneration SPC.

·        Appointment of co-opted member to the Climate Action, Environment, Rural Water SPC.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. McDermott

            SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED that Cllr. Holland is nominated to the Climate Action, Environment and Rural Water SPC.