Cllr John O’Leary reflects on the growth of the Comeragh area of County Waterford

At last week's AGM, Cllr Seanie Power was elected new Cathaoirleach of the Comeragh Municipal District in county Waterford.

During the AGM, outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Leary reflected on the growth and challenges facing the area.

"A lot of development and progress has been made in the Comeragh district over the 12 months. We have faced many challenges, but we have also made remarkable progress," Cllr O'Leary said.

He identified tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the district.

"The Comeragh district is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and we should never relent on promoting it and making the best use of our natural beauty."

He added that the Greenway continues to be "the success story of the Comeragh area", bringing much-needed business to our small towns and villages, and that Mount Congreve House and Gardens is the “jewel in the crown” of the area.

“There is little doubt, that from a tourism perspective, the Comeragh area is so rich in what it has to offer," he said.

Cllr O'Leary said that ensuring the upkeep of roads and reducing littering remain two major challenges facing the district.

"We are duty bound to continue to make the strongest possible representation to the Department of Local Government to increase funding in this area so we can have the best possible standard of roads that we can possibly have.

"As one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland, it is hard to understand why some people continue to litter the countryside. The cleanup of such behaviour is costing our Council money which could be spent more advantageously on other needs."

 (Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)