IDA Developement, affordable housing, roads and inclusivity are top priorities for the four incoming cathaoirligh in the midlands region. Let’s meet the four public representatives whose roles are to chair and lead council meetings, represents the council at local and national events and to bestow civic honors and awards to individuals and groups within the county. In some local authorities, the chairperson is known as the Mayor or ‘first citizen’ and they wear a chain at official events and civic ceremonies.
First female Cathaoirleach at Westmeath County Council
Aoife Davitt makes history on Westmeath County Council, becoming the first female cathaoirleach. Marking the occasion, Cllr Davitt described her election as “not just a personal achievement, but a symbol of the progress our county and country has made.” She also said, “barriers are broken, and voices are heard” and expressed hope that young girls across Westmeath might now look at the council chamber and see a place for themselves. As cathaoirleach, she spoke of her commitment to building on that legacy and ensuring Westmeath remains inclusive, equitable and united.
History repeats itself in Laois County Council
In Laois, Barry Walsh, a quantity surveyor from Ballyroan is the new Cathaoirleach (chairperson) of Laois County Council. It comes 105 years after his great great-grandfather held the same role.
The Fine Gael councillor follows in the footsteps of his ancestor James McMahon, who was chair from 1920-1921. Cllr Walsh said his key priorities over the next year will include active travel projects, school road safety, dereliction, affordable housing, jobs and more IDA investment.
Independent Cllr elected in Offaly County Council
Independent Councillor John Leahy is taking the council chair for the upcoming year. John Leahy is an Irish auctioneer and independent politician, who has served as an Offaly County Councillor for the Birr area since 2009. Leahy also served as leader of Renua from 2016 to 2019. He says his first priority is housing; “I think we are reaching our targets regarding social housing, therefore I don’t think there will be any need to talk about social housing. Secondly, there are hundreds of people waiting for Disabled Persons Grants. Thirdly, roads. Sometimes we are having to go back and repair them after just three or four years. We shouldn’t have to do that. I would be aiming for eight to ten years.”
Longford Cathaoirleach is all about community
The new Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh has vowed to work tirelessly for the betterment of County Longford and bring his valuable experience of community work to his new role. The Fine Gael man was elected to the role of Cathaoirleach. The new Fine Gael Cathaoirleach noted a number of top priorities for the year saying, “It is a huge honour for me to be elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council. I will work tirelessly to ensure that a number of projects are delivered during my tenure including turning the sod on the new IDA development for County Longford, the THRIVE application for the Connolly Barracks and the development of The Mall, as well as the development of active travel projects in North Longford and Ballymahon.”
The Cathaoirleach is the public face
The Cathaoirleach acts as the public face of the council, representing the local authority at local, national, and international events. Their job is to foster a connection with the general population. If you have a query they can be contacted here
