Election of New Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach Dundalk Municipal District
Dundalk Municipal District Annual Meeting took place on Tuesday 7th June in the Chamber of Dundalk Town Hall. The order of business of the Annual Meeting saw a new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach elected by Dundalk Municipal District Elected Members as required under Section 36 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended.
The outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Maria Doyle welcomed everyone to the annual meeting remarking that it was good to be able to hold this annual meeting in person unlike last year.
Cllr. Doyle took the opportunity to thank her fellow members for the cooperation and support shown to her throughout what was a strange year, from hosting meetings online in County Hall, to going completely remote, and then recently fully in person at the Town Hall Chamber, noting that some of the Members had only set foot in the chamber for the first time recently. Cllr. Doyle thanked the Executive and the Meeting Administrator for their support throughout, and as one of the Directors had recently retired and had been replaced, she thanked both Frank Pentony and Thomas McEvoy, Directors of Service, along with all staff who attended meetings and assisted with queries. The media were thanked for their cooperation, as was the Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Meenan for his support.
Members complimented Cllr. Doyle on her work on what was described as a very strange year and it was remarked that she was a firm, fair and easily accessible chair to Members. On behalf of the Executive Thomas McEvoy thanked Cllr. Doyle for performing admirably during a difficult year.
Cllr. Doyle then called for nominations for her replacement and following election Cllr. Kevin Meenan was called to the chair of Dundalk Municipal District.
Cllr. Maria Doyle vacated the seat to make way for the next Cathaoirleach Kevin Meenan.
Cllr. Meenan whose daughter was in the public gallery, remarked that it was amazing for him to be elected, as he had last held the role in 2004 when his daughter was a baby. He said he was really proud to be there, and he hoped to be a fair Cathaoirleach with his door open to all Members; however due to a number of recent tragedies in the town he felt it would be remiss of him to celebrate too much.
Cllr. Meenan then called for nominations for Leas Cathaoirleach which saw Cllr. Seán Kelly elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District
Thanking Members for nominating and electing him to the role of Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Kelly looked forward to working with Cllr. Meenan who he thought would be an excellent ambassador for the Municipal District.
Members welcomed and wished both the new Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirleach well and offered their full support during the year ahead.
On behalf of the Chief Executive and Staff of Louth County Council, Thomas McEvoy Director of Services congratulated the Cathaoirleach and Leas Cathaoirlech, and welcomed them to the roles.
Cllr Maria Doyle hands over the chains of office to new Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Meenan.
Cathaoirleach Kevin Meenan congratulates Cllr Sean Kelly on being elected Leas Cathaoirleach Copy.
Cllr Sean Kelly elected Leas Cathaoirleach.
Newly Elected Cathaoirleach Kevin Meenan takes chair.
Outgoing Cathaoirleach Maria Doyle chairs Annual Meeting.
Photo credit to Arthur Kinahan.
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