Galway airport and improved disability services among priorities of new county council cathaoirleach
The new cathaoirleach of Galway County Council has included Galway Airport, the safe routes to school programme and improving disability services among his priorities for the term ahead.
Fine Gael county councillor Daivd Collins made the comments as he assumed the role of Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council on Friday.
Coming from Turloughmore, Cllr Collins has represented the people of Athenry-Oranmore. Cllr Collins took the chains of office from Fianna Fáil councillor Martina Kinane last Friday, June 20.
Cllr Geraldine Donahue stated that it has been a “tremendous” six months since Cllr Kinane assumed the vacancy following her party colleague’s successful election to the Dáil. She also stated that Cllr Kinane’s leadership encourages and paves the way for greater female representation in the chair.
Kinane looked towards the future in her speech before the chains were passed, highlighting the “impact we can have when we come together with good will”.
After thanking her Fianna Fáil colleagues and council staff she wishes “every success and fulfilment in the year ahead” to the council members.
Kinane arrived at the meeting shortly after handing over nearly €20,000 to the Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit and Hand in Hand Children’s Cancer Charity – an example of the “aspiring” and “transparent” approach for which she has received accolades.
Cllr Collins accepted the appointment with a story of his time working in Boston and reflecting on being asked “Where will you be in 30 years?”.
“I am very proud and honoured to sit here as the Cathaoirleach.” He added: “It’s an overwhelming moment.”
Cllr Collins thanked his party and Cllr Kinane, saying: “Hopefully I’ll do as good a job as yourself,” and made sure to thank his family – especially his in-laws.
“Whatever you have to say about mother-in-laws… I have the best mother-in-law in the world.”
The new Cathaoirleach says that the council needs to “focus on the point at hand… to ensure we do business efficiently” in the coming term. Telling his fellow councillors that “anything I can do to help you achieve your goals, my ear is here.”
“There’s great work being achieved but can you imagine with more staff and more resources?”
Some of Cllr Collins’ aims include the development of Galway Airport in Carnmore in “whatever form that might take”, gaining momentum for the Safe Routes to School Programme, improving disability accessibility, and ensuring that “anyone wearing a Galway jersey” has support through the Galway Sports Partnership.
County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally closed final statements with accolades to the new Cathaoirleach saying “we will get a lot of work done for County Galway and the people of Galway during your year.”
Fianna Fáil councillor Mary Hoade, who represents the area of Tuam, was appointed as Leas Cathaoirleach taking the over the seat from Fine Gail Cllr Ollie Turner.