*Cllr Joe Cooney. Photograph: Ruth Griffin
Further progress on two big projects in East Clare have been earmarked as key goals of the new Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District.
On Thursday afternoon, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) was elected as Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD for the second time in his political career, he previously held the role in 2013. He was proposed for the post by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and seconded by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF).
A poll-topper in the Killaloe MD for local elections in 2009, 2014 and 2019, the building contractor also secured the highest vote in the county of all Clare councillors for each of his three runs for public office.
As he backed the proposal of Cllr Burke, Cllr O’Brien wished his colleague well on securing “a well deserved honour”.
Newly elected Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) believed Cooney’s reputation as a hard-worker would come to the fore. “He works hard, he is an honest man who rolls up the sleeves”. He said, “We are the smallest Municipal District but I can definitely say we are the strongest because we do what we need to do to deliver for the people”.
Cooney’s predecessor, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “I know you will do an excellent job, we have known of your work ethic for years”.
Each day as a public representative is a challenging one, Cooney commented in his first address. “I am looking forward to the challenge and trying to achieve as much as we can until this time next year”.
He identified both Holy Island and the Killaloe Bridge and crossing as two of the major projects that will continue to progress in the next twelve months, “we all know it will take time and funding but we believe we’re on the right track and it will be achieved”. Improvements to infrastructure in local towns and villages must also see improvements over the next twelve months, the former Chairman of Clare GAA highlighted.
Preparation of the County Development Plan will be a key body of work for all councillors in the Killaloe MD, Cooney believed.
Director of Service, Anne Haugh informed Cooney he would have the full support of the Council Executive. “We welcome Joe into the Chair, I have experience of you in the Chair at SPC level but not at MD level, I know we will continue to get on very well”.
