Minutes:
The outgoing Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke expressed his sincere thanks to the members, Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive, the Management Team, and staff of Leitrim County Council, his wife Rita and family for all their support and co-operation during the last year. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke paid tribute to Councillor Paddy Farrell, Leas Cathaoirleach for all his help and support during the year.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke said it was a reasonably successful year in getting back on track after the covid pandemic. He referred to a visit by Minister Darragh O’Brien earlier in the day for the official opening of 27 houses in Carrick-on-Shannon, and he said as Cathaoirleach, it was a great privilege and honour for an elected member or Cathaoirleach to officiate at the opening of such housing estates where people had obtained their family home.
The members paid tribute to Councillor Paddy O’Rourke for his efficiency, fairness, cordial manner, generosity, and as an excellent ambassador for the County and for the wonderful way he carried out his duties as Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council.
Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive, extended his gratitude to Councillor Paddy O’Rourke on behalf of the management and staff of Leitrim County Council and said he showed great respect for the job.
On behalf of the members and staff, Mr. Lar Power presented a pictorial memoir to Councillor Paddy O’Rourke of his year as Cathaoirleach.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke 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 Enda McGloin proposed that Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn be elected Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council for the term 2022/2023. This was seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis.
Councillor Paddy O’Rourke invited any other proposal for the Election of Chairperson, and as no counterproposal was received. Councillor Paddy O’Rourke deemed Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn elected as Chairperson of Leitrim County Council for the term 2022/2023.
Proposed by Councillor Enda McGloin, seconded by Councillor Caillian Ellis AND RESOLVED;
“That Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn be elected Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council for the year 2022/2023”.
Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn accepted the nomination as Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council. In her opening address, she extended her gratitude to her proposer and seconder. Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn said preliminary figures released by the Census show that the population of Leitrim is recorded at 35,087, an increase of 3,043 since 2016, which presents a number of challenges. Cathaoirleach Reynolds Flynn said she wants to see more affordable housing to accommodate people who want to work remotely and live in their own native county. As Chairperson of the Leitrim Association of People with Disabilities, Cllr Reynolds Flynn expressed her desire to see progress for a high dependency unit for the South of the County. She concluded by saying she is looking forward to working with Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive, the staff of Leitrim County Council and the members.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn thanked Minister Frank Feighan and MEP Maria Walsh for their attendance at today’s meeting. Cathaoirleach, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn thanked her husband Frank and her family for their support since she was elected to Leitrim County Council in 2019.
The Chief Executive and the Members congratulated Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn on her election as Chairperson of Leitrim County Council and said this was a great honour for her and wished her well in the role, and assured her of their help, co-operation and support.