The Chief Executive paid tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach describing them as exemplary in their respective roles. He wished the new Cathaoirleach well, who he described as a strong Councillor with a great knowledge of politics. He also welcomes the presence of his partner Cormac and his family at the meeting.

Members also paid tribute to the outgoing Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach while also paying tribute to the newly elected Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr. Keogh said he was honoured and privileged to be elected as Cathaoirleach and said he would perform his duties to the best of his ability:

·         He paid tribute to his family and friends who were present in the public gallery as well as paying tribute to his late parents. He also acknowledged the support of his constituents in the Athlone Municipal District.

·         He also paid tribute to the work carried out by the outgoing Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach and commiserated with Cllrs. Shanagher and Dineen who both put themselves forward for election and this is an important part of our democracy.

·         The provision of housing and the delivery of targets will be one of his key objectives during the year, particularly the provision of social and affordable housing.

·         He is also looking forward to the unveiling of the new Climate Action Plan, claiming progress had been made on the previous plan but more was required.

·         Cllr. Keogh said he wished to see the continued support of local communities as a key objective of his work as well as the creation of sustainable jobs.

·         The Cathaoirleach also cited the importance of the county’s waterways and hopes to see the creation of a plan for the Hodson Bay area.

·         He appealed to the Minister for Agriculture to bring forward specific schemes to support the local farming community.

·         Another priority during his term of office is the development and upgrade of the N61 route from a national secondary to a national primary route and he appealed for new safety measures to be adopted for the route.

·         The Cathaoirleach wished all his colleagues well ahead of next year’s local elections and paid tribute to members who will not be standing for election.

The new Cathaoirleach proposed a letter be sent to the Department of the Environment requesting the process for the appointment of a new Chief Executive be concluded without delay as it is unreasonable to expect an interim Chief Executive to make major decisions while in the role on a temporary basis.

Responding, the Chief Executive said competition for the role is underway and will be complete by end of July with a name emerging from the process for approval by the Members by August or September at the latest. The Cathaoirleach welcomed the update and withdrew his proposal.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Fallon

It was AGREED that a letter be sent to the Minister to call for an upgrade of the N61 from National Secondary to a National Primary route.

In conclusion the Cathaoirleach stated he was looking forward to working with the elected members, the Chief Executive and management of the Council in the year ahead.