Agenda and minutes

The outgoing Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn expressed her sincere thanks to her fellow members, Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive, the Management Team, and staff of Leitrim County Council, for all their support and co-operation during the last year. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn paid tribute to Councillor Sean McDermott, Leas Cathaoirleach for all his help and support during the year.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said it was a positive year just after coming out of the COVID pandemic. Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn thanked Minister Humphrey for the funding she has directed to County Leitrim over the past year. Councillor Reynolds Flynn said she looked forward to the restoration of the Courthouse and the completion of the Junction project in Ballinamore.

The members paid tribute to Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn for her positivity and how she represented Leitrim County Council with great diplomacy. The members complimented Cllr Reynolds Flynn for her fairness, and on being an excellent ambassador for the County and for the wonderful way she conducted her duties as Cathaoirleach both at home and abroad.

Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive, extended his gratitude to Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn on behalf of the management and staff of Leitrim County Council and said she was very positive, fair and impartial Cathaoirleach.

On behalf of the members and staff, Mr. Lar Power presented a pictorial memoir to Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn of her year as Cathaoirleach.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn proceeded to deal with the first item on the agenda of the Annual Meeting and invited nominations for the Election of Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council.

Councillor Mary Bohan proposed Councillor Justin Warnock for the position of Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council for the term 2023/2024. This was seconded by Councillor Sean McDermott.

Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn invited any other proposals for the Election of Chairperson, and as no counterproposal was received. Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn deemed Councillor Justin Warnock elected as Chairperson of Leitrim County Council for the term 2023/2024.

Proposed by Councillor Mary Bohan, seconded by Councillor Sean McDermott AND RESOLVED;

“That Councillor Justin Warnock be elected Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council for the year 2023/2024”.  

Councillor Des Guckian said he was opposed to the proposal which he considered to be an example of greed by the coalition members. In protest, Councillor Des Guckian left the meeting at this point.

Councillor Padraig Fallon wished Councillor Justin Warnock well in his role and he said he has worked with him in Manorhamilton Municipal District for the last 9 years and although they hold different viewpoints on some issues, he said he looked forward to working with Councillor Warnock at Municipal District and Council level in the coming year.

Councillor Mary Bohan expressed her disappointment with the comments passed by Councillor Guckian, and she said the reason a coalition was formed is to pass the budget and to draw down funding for this county and spend money as best we can to develop and improve Leitrim.

Councillor Justin Warnock accepted  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.85.23

Councillor Justin Warnock invited nominations for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach.

Councillor Caillian Ellis proposed the nomination of Councillor Paddy O’Rourke as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council. This was seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn. Councillor Justin Warnock invited any other proposals for the Election of Leas Cathaoirleach, and no counterproposal was proposed, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Justin Warnock deemed Councillor Paddy O’Rourke elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council.

Proposed by Councillor Caillian Ellis, seconded by Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn AND RESOLVED;

“That Councillor Paddy O’Rourke be elected Leas  Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council for the year 2023/2024”.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke accepted the nomination as Leas Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council. He thanked his proposer and seconder and his fellow Councillors for their support. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke extended his good wishes to Councillor Justin Warnock as Cathaoirleach and assured him of his full support as Leas Cathaoirleach over the next 12 months.

Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive congratulated Councillor Paddy O’Rourke on his election as Leas Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council and he also thanked outgoing Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor Sean McDermott.

Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that the existing plenary meeting arrangements be kept in place until the next Annual Meeting. Councillor Mary Bohan supported this.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire proposed that the timing of the November Plenary meeting be held at a later time to facilitate members wishing to attend the annual commemorative mass for the deceased members and staff of Leitrim County Council. Ms. Mary Quinn agreed that this will be listed as an Item on the Agenda for consideration at the September Council meeting.