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.

Liam Bergin opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. He then sought nominations for the position of Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District for the forthcoming year.

Cllr. Naughten proposed Cllr. John Keogh for the position of Cathaoirleach and Cllr. Fallon seconded this proposal.

Cllr. Connaughton proposed Cllr. Tony Ward for the position of Cathaoirleach and Cllr. Kilduff seconded this proposal.

Liam Bergin called for a vote on the position of Cathaoirleach and the Councillors voted in the following manner:

Due to a tie break situation both names were put in a box and Cllr. Ward’s name was pulled out. It was AGREED that Councillor Ward be elected Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District to hold office until his successor is appointed in accordance with the law.

Cllr. Ward thanked everyone and is looking forward to serving the community of South Roscommon and working with everyone in the coming year.

The members congratulated Cllr. Ward and wished him well as Cathaoirleach for the forthcoming year.

Members also welcomed Liam Bergin with his new role as Director of Services for Roscommon County Council and Athlone Municipal District Manager and also thanked and appreciated Majella Hunt for all the work that she completed in her term as Athlone Municipal District Manager.

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.

Cllr. Ward sought nominations for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach of Athlone Municipal District for the forthcoming year.

Cllr. Keogh proposed Cllr. Naughten for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach and Cllr. Fallon seconded the proposal.

Cllr. Connaughton proposed Cllr. Kilduff for the positon of Leas-Cathaoirleach and Cllr. Ward seconded the proposal.

In the event of a tie for the positon of Leas-Cathaoirleach Liam Bergin informed the meeting that as per the Standing Orders its states the Cathaoirleach can exercise a vote in the case of a tie and cast a second vote as Cathaoirleach.

It was AGREED that Councillor Kilduff be elected Leas-Cathaoirleach of the Athlone Municipal District to hold office until his successor is appointed in accordance with the law.

Cllr. Kilduff thanked his proposer and seconder and is looking forward to working with everyone in the coming year.

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

May, 2020 (Provisional list of dates attached).

The proposed list of dates for meetings for the forthcoming year was noted.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that Athlone Municipal District Meetings for 2019/2020 take place on the following Dates:

·         9^th July, 2019 at 10.00 am (Municipal)

·         10^th September, 2019 at 10.00 am (Municipal)

·         12^th November, 2019 at 10.00 am (Municipal)

·         21^st January, 2020 at 10.00 am (Municipal)

·         24^th March, 2020 at 10.00 am (Municipal)

·         19^th May, 2020 at 10.00 am (Municipal & AGM)

It was proposed by Cllr. Keogh that a number of the Athlone MD meetings be held in the Municipal District itself perhaps in the Community Centre in Monksland.

It was UNAIMOUSLY AGREED that three meetings of Athlone Municipal District will be held in the Community Centre. These dates will be confirmed at the next meeting of Athlone Municipal District which will take place in Áras on Chontae.