Mayo councillor to wear the chains for fifth time
Fianna Fáil councillor unanimously elected as Cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District this afternoon.
The long-serving Fianna Fáil representative now begins his third term as chair of the municipal district, having previously held the role twice, in addition to twice serving as Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council.
McDonnell first joined Mayo County Council in 1987.
His nomination was proposed by Fine Gael’s councillor Cyril Burke and seconded by outgoing Cathaoirleach, Donna Sheridan, who both praised his deep knowledge of local government, expertise regarding planning and his longstanding commitment to public service.
Councillor McDonnell thanked his colleagues for the honour and expressed his intention to focus on key priorities both big and small.
McDonnell highlighted the ongoing tension in the Middle East, climate change and the increasing intolerable heats above 46 degrees across the world.
He said, "many may think this will not impact us in Castlebar, but you can today see the rise in fuel prices, there will also be much more people coming here from abroad due to rising temperatures in search of a more temperate climate."
He noted also success locally caring for the environment, praising the Lough Carra LIFE project which has helped to change human behaviour for the better in the municipal district.
"Lough Carra has only one stream into Lough Mask and every cup of water drank in this town comes from there, we need to protect it", he said.
Upon nominating him, Councillor Burke noted the upcoming local area plans and said that as Cathaoirleach McDonnell will need to champion Castlebar as he has done previously to ensure housing needs are met locally.
Fine Gael’s Councillor Ger Deere was unanimously elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach. His nomination was also proposed by colleague Cyril Burke and seconded by Donna Sheridan.
Councillor McDonnell welcomed Councillor Deere’s election, saying the two had always worked well together across party lines.