New Cathaoirleach elected for the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council
Councillors and officials after the election of the new Dungarvan-Lismore Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach
Councillor Niamh O’Donovan has been elected as Cathaoirleach of the Dungarvan Lismore District Council.
The Fine Gael councillor from Modeligo was elected with six votes to her competition Sinn Fein councillor Kate O’Mahoney’s three.
Cllr O’Donovan said on her election: “Being before you today as your newly elected chair is both a profound honour and a humbling responsibility.
"I am deeply grateful for the trust you placed in me, and I pledge to serve our community with integrity, dedication and unwavering commitment.
She thanked the councillors who proposed and seconded her nomination as well as her partner Mark, her parents and those who have supported her.
Cllr O’Donovan was proposed by Cllr Damien Geoghegan and seconded by Cllr John Pratt.
Congratulating the new chair, Cllr O’Mahoney said she agreed with comments made by Cllr Geoghegan that the contest is a sign of a healthy democracy.
“I also want to comment that it is great to see two young women, myself and yourself going forward for the position of Cathaoirleach.
"You know, I do think it sends a message to young women and girls in the Dungarvan Lismore district that they too, have a place in politics.
“I also would like to wish yourself Niamh the very best of luck in the year ahead. I have no doubt you will be great in your role, and I am looking forward to working with you in your role as Cathaoirleach.
Cllr Pratt congratulated both women for their parts in the election.
“As your seconder, I just want to congratulate you and your family because it is a very proud day for you and your family, and I am sure you will put your own slant on it as well on the position.
“I also want to congratulate Kate for being put forward as well. And I am sure in the future an opportunity will come up, and I have no doubt you will be more than capable of carrying out the role as well, said Cllr Pratt.
Each councillor of the district, in turn, wished the new chair the best in her role and offered any assistance they could provide.
Cllr Donnchadh Mulchay said: “This time last year, yourself and myself were in the trenches. We didn’t know if either one of us would be here.
"So it's good that both of us are here today. I wish you all the very best for the year ahead.”
Cllr O’Riordan described the new Cathaoirleach as “empathetic and kind.”
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Pat Nugent said: “As outgoing chairperson, I have no doubt you will be better than me in this position.
"But look, it's great to get a younger person into this position, and I know you will represent all of the Dungarvan-Lismore area.”
Cllr Geoghegan was elected Leas Cathaoirleach, beating independent councillor Joe O’Riordan.
He said on his election that he thanked those who supported him and Cllr O’Riordan, who contested the election.
“I do think it’s important that we have a contest. I look forward to working with you over the course of the next year, said Cllr Geoghegan.
Cllr Geoghegan was proposed by Cllr Tom Cronin and seconded by Cllr Pat Nugent.
Cllr Pat Nugent has served as Cathaoirleach for two years.
In his final speech in the chair, Cllr Nugent outlined his highlights and even some disappointments.
“It was a great honour for me to be chairperson of the council,” said Cllr Nugent.
He said in his time as Cathaoirleach, there were four new members of the council.
He reflected on some “very enjoyable receptions” including the event held for the Modeligo Camogie team and the 150th anniversary of the Dungarvan Brass Band.
That reception also marked the 50th anniversary of the band’s first female member.
Cllr Nugent said his “enjoyable duties” included opening the Blackwater Opera Festival this year, the Chamber offices in the Courthouse and the 100th anniversary of the Dungarvan Golf Club.
The councillor also outlined his disappointments during his term.
“What disappointed me most was the very slow progress on the public toilets in Dungarvan, the swimming pool and sports centre, and the O’Connell Street offices and hub,” said Cllr Nugent.
Cllr Nugent went on to thank the council for their work on the slipway at Ballinclamper Beach and the realignment of the road at Bushy Park.
He thanked the District manager Ivan Grimes and the directors, engineers and officials who work in the area, as well as his colleagues and the press.
“Thank you to the members for making my life easy. I would to thank the press and the media. This is the only way for the public to know what’s happening in the Dungarvan Lismore area,” said Cllr Nugent.
Finally, the Fine Gael councillor said his highlight of the year was his Christmas visit to the hospital.
“It was most rewarding,” said Cllr Nugent.
Each councillor congratulated Cllr Nugent on the end of his term and wished him the best in the future.
Cllr Mulcahy said: “You were tough but fair, and I was new in the role myself so I appreciate it.”
Cllr O’Riordan said he was a man of “real empathy” and “honest.” While he did not know him well at the start of his term, “you have grown on me over the year.”
Cllr O’Donovan said that Cllr Nugent, “showed her the ropes” in local politics and chaired with “such dignity and respect.”
On behalf of council management and staff, Mr Grimes thanked Cllr Nugent for his “excellent chairmanship” over the last two years.
“You obviously impressed the first time, getting the job again and to echo what your colleagues said, you were fair with both your fellow councillors and also the executive here at meetings and I’m sure your successor will have a difficult job filling your shoes but I’m sure she will be well able to do it,” said Mr Grimes.
