·        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 be set at 14 days from public notice.

•           Nominees must provide written consent of the nomination to accompany the nomination.

•           Nominees must submit a form of photographic identification.

•           Nominees must meet the same criteria as required for candidates in local elections.

•           All valid Expressions of Interest will be brought forward for a vote by way of simple majority of the elected members, in line with sections A129-A133 of the Standing Orders of the Council.

Notices seeking Expressions of Interest were published in the Roscommon Herald, Roscommon People, and across social media platforms from 29th April 2025, with a closing date of 15th May 2025.

The following Expressions of Interest were received and deemed eligible for co-option to Roscommon County Council.  These are listed alphabetically by surname:

•           Ernest Draper, Athlone, Roscommon. Organisational Group or Political Party - Independent. Occupation - Security Officer.

•           Michael Holland, Ballintubber, Roscommon.  Organisational Group or Political Party - Independent.  Occupation - Retired Businessman.

•           Mairead Kenny, Donamon, Roscommon.  Organisational Group or Political Party - Independent.  Occupation - Self-Employed Consultant, Project Manager.  Now withdrawn.  Ms Kenny withdrew her Expression of Interest on 21st May 2025.

•           Gail Murray, Ballintubber, Roscommon.  Organisational Group or Political Party - Ballintubber Development Association.  Occupation - Project Co-ordinator.

The filling of the casual vacancy arising from the resignation of Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP) is now formally before the members for consideration. The procedure will be carried out in accordance with relevant legislation and Standing Orders.

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The Meetings Administrator, Director of Services and another staff member will each record the vote and reconcile the count before the result is read out by the Meetings Administrator.

I will now conduct a roll-call vote by member in alphabetical order by surname. Each member was instructed to clearly state the name of the candidate they were voting for to fill the seat previously held by Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP).”

Each member was instructed to turn on their microphone to ensure their vote is clearly recorded.

Each member was instructed to state their preference for one of the following candidates, or if they wished to abstain:

•           Ernest Draper

•           Michael Hollan

•           Gail Murray

The Meetings Administrator, Director of Services and one Corporate Staff member recorded the vote and reconciled the count before the result was read out by the Meetings Administrator.

The Meetings Administrator read the result of the vote:

Ernest Draper             0 votes

Michael Holland          13 votes

Gail Murray                 3 votes

Abstentions                 1?

The Cathaoirleach announced that Michael Holland had received the majority of votes and was duly co-opted to Roscommon County Council. He invited Cllr. Holland to formally take his seat and welcomed him to the Council.

Cllr. Holland spoke on his co-option.  He thanked the members for their trust and support and stated it was an honour to join Roscommon County Council. He thanked his family, friends, his campaign team, and the Waldron family, as well as the unsuccessful candidates. He wished them the best and stated that it was great to see such interest in the role. He stated that he has been actively involved in local groups and would use that experience in various roles to represent the people of Roscommon to the best of his ability. He remembered Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP), whom he stated he was a close friend of since childhood and committed to see the completion of the many local projects he had been involved in. He proposed that the new jetty in Ballymoe be named the “Tony Waldron Jetty and Park’’ in honour of the late councillor. He concluded by noting he was looking forward to working with his fellow councillors, the Chief Executive, and Roscommon County Council staff.

Members welcomed Cllr. Holland:

• His long-standing involvement within the local community was acknowledged and welcomes were extended to his family and supporters in the public gallery.
• Members acknowledged former Cllr. Anthony Waldron and the work he carried out during his role, particularly the Bully’s Acre project.
• Commiserations were expressed to the three unsuccessful candidates. It was noted that the interest in the role was positive to see.
• It was noted that the voting process was difficult, however the legislation was clear in this situation, and it was noted that there was no provision for a by election in this situation, despite commentary on social media.
• It was outlined that an alliance group of councillors met on Tuesday 20^th May to discuss the upcoming vote.
• Members encouraged all independent councillors to ensure that they have submitted evidence of their organisational structure/group to the Council, to avoid this situation in the future.
• Cllr. Crosby seconded the proposal to name the jetty in Ballymoe after Anthony Waldron.

Chief Executive Shane Tiernan welcomed Cllr. Holland on behalf of the management and staff of Roscommon County Council.  He noted that it was a great honour to represent the people of County Roscommon and that he looked forward to working with him.  He also acknowledged the Waldron family and Cllr. Anthony Waldron (RIP).

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Fitzmaurice congratulated Cllr. Holland on his appointment, welcomed his family and supporters. He noted the remembrance table in the Chamber for Anthony Waldron (RIP) and John Naughten (RIP).  He then held a moment of silence in remembrance of both.