McLoughlin is new cathaoirleach of Castlebar Municipal District

FIANNA Fáil Councillor Martin McLoughlin was installed as cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District this afternoon.

The Islandeady man was the unanimous choice for the position, taking over from his party colleague Councillor Blackie Gavin.

Long-serving Councillor Al McDonnell (FF) was elected leas-cathaoirleach and his appointment was also unanimous.

As with all appointments in the round of council AGMs this week, the chain of office itself could not be formally handed over by the outgoing chair due to Covid restrictions.

Setting out his vision for the year ahead, Councillor McLoughlin said they would be working together to build a shared future for generations to come.

Developing the Lough Lannagh masterplan is one of the top priorities in the district, as well as delivering on the urban renewal schemes for which major funding was announced in recent months.

Tribute was paid to Councillor Gavin for the way he led the municipal district over the past year in difficult circumstances due to the pandemic.