By Chris Ashmore
THE new Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council has spoken of the importance of having “mutual respect” and working as a team to advance projects during his term of office.
Cllr. Ciaran Brogan was elected as the new mayor at the council’s annual general meeting which was held in Milford on Tuesday.
He was proposed by his Fianna Fáil party colleague Cllr. Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly who noted that Cllr. Brogan has “a wealth of experience” having been first elected to the old town council in 1999, and having also been a previous mayor of the old Letterkenny Urban District Council and also a previous Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council.
Cllr. Kelly added that Cllr. Brogan – the Fianna Fáil party whip in the county – was “very well respected and highly regarded” and he expressed confidence that the new mayor will “represent the municipal district council to a very high standard.”
Cllr. Donal Coyle (FF) seconded the election of Cllr. Brogan, and said that the latter – whom he described as being “the ideal choice for mayor” – was first elected in 1999 and has “carried the mantle of leadership for this council and many other organisations.”
There were no other nominations.
In relation to the position of Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Liam Blaney (FF) proposed Cllr. Pauric McGarvey (Ind) and was seconded by Cllr. Kelly.
In his acceptance address to the agm, the newly elected Mayor, Cllr. Brogan said it was “a huge honour” for him and his family and although he is the HSE Regional Health Forum West chair, he said that “the local council is where your heart is.”
He looked forward to working with his fellow councillors – and officials – and said that while they may not agree all the time, “that is fine as it is good to have a democracy where people can express their opinion” and where there is mutual respect.
On a poignant note, he said it was a moment to “think of ones no longer with us” and former members of the council.
Members of his family were in attendance at the Milford Public Services Office for the occasion.
Meanwhile, councillors paid tribute to Cllr. Gerry McMonagle (SF) for his work during his year as mayor.
In his final address to councillors as Mayor, Cllr McMonagle said it was important to attend and support events in his role.
He said that the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council was “very progressive” and had “very good vision, ambition and strategy which we intend to roll out over the term of the council”.
He added that the council was “moving in the right direction” and he had no doubt that the incoming mayor and deputy mayor will continue to progress projects under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund, the Active Travel scheme and the Ten-T (roads) proposals.
He also stressed how the councils and officials had worked well for the betterment of the district council area.
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)