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

Councillor Connaughton welcomed everybody to the Annual General Meeting of the Athlone Municipal District.  He thanked the Executives and Staff and said he hoped he was fair during his term and wished the incoming Cathaoirleach the best of luck. 

The Cathaoirleach invited proposals for the election of Cathaoirleach.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Kilduff

           SECONDED by Councillor Keogh

that Councillor Tony Ward would be elected Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District.

The incoming Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tony Ward congratulated Cllr. Connaughton on his term as Cathaoirleach and said he was very fair and that the Councillors in the South always work together for the betterment of the MD Area.

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

The Cathaoirleach invited proposals for the election of Leas-Cathaoirleach.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Connaughton

          SECONDED by Councillor Keogh

That Councillor Paddy Kilduff be elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District.

To fix dates on which the Municipal District Meetings will be held within the period to 31^st

May, 2018 (Provisional list of dates attached).

PROVISIONAL DATES FOR MUNICIPAL DISTRICT MEETINGS 2017 / 2018

25^th July, 2017 (Municipal)

19^th September, 2017 (Municipal)

21^st November, 2017 (Municipal)

16^th January, 2018 (Municipal)

20^th March, 2018 (Municipal)

22^nd May, 2018 (Municipal & Annual Meeting)

On the PROPOSAL of Councillor Ward

                SECONDED by Councillor Fallon

It was AGREED that dates for the Athlone Municipal District Meetings during the coming year be as follows:-

25^th July, 2017

19^th September, 2017

23^rd November, 2017

16^th January, 2018

20^th March, 2018

22^nd May, 2018

On behalf of all the Staff, Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services complimented Cllr. Connaughton and said it had been a good two years, in which a lot happened such as the Athlone Boundary issue and the flooding in 2015, but we worked well together and made a great team. 

All members congratulated Cllr. Connaughton on his two year term as Cathaoirleach and noted he was impartial, fair and kept everyone informed.  Best wishes were extended to Cllr. Tony Ward in his new role as Cathaoirleach for the coming year.

Ms. Majella Hunt, Director of Services, advised the members that at the Athlone MD Funding Meeting held on 24^th May 2017, it was agreed to allocate Tisrara Community Centre €8,500 for the refurbishment and upgrade of the Community Centre.  She advised of potential double funding occurring as this project has also been allocated Clár funding.  It was agreed by all members that a letter be sent to the committee requesting an itemised list of the elements of the refurbishment and upgrade works of Tisrara Community Centre that are eligible under the Clár Funding Scheme 2017.