*Cllr PJ Ryan. Photograph: Martin Connolly
Clare councillors have elected Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) as the county’s first citizen.
An elected member of the local authority since 2009, the Cratloe oil distributor succeeded Cllr Mary Howard (FG) in the position. Ryan’s first preference vote of 1,238 at the 2019 local elections was the highest he received since entering public office.
He is the first person from Cratloe to become Cathaoirleach since Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) was elected to it in 2003.
Speaking at Friday’s AGM, he identified a number of projects to progress over the next twelve months. This included trying to put Shannon Airport on a solid footing, addition of streetscapes and more retail outlets to Shannon Town. Potential to develop the Shannon Estuary via a deep water port was referenced.
Prioritisation of the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) in Clonlara which would become Europe’s 21st century university town is required, Ryan stated. The development of Holy Island “needs to be brought to fruition, I believe it can become a major tourism asset for the county”.
Paying tribute to his family and wife Mary, PJ noted that she came from North Clare and the one of the most contentious issues in that area needs to be resolved. “I would like to see a conclusion to Blake’s Corner by the time I finish as Mayor. Hopefully bulldozers will be in there by the time I leave office”. In the county town, derelict buildings require attention, he added. “If I get all that done in the next 12 months, I could be in line to become President”.
Taking on the role was “a great honour”, he admitted. He commended his predecessor, Cllr Howard for her tenure. “43 soon to be 44 Mayors have their pictures on the wall of the Council Chamber, it is my intention to follow in their footsteps not in their shadow”.
He was proposed for the chains by Cllr Michael Begley (IND) and seconded by Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr O’Gorman and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).
It was the first Council AGM to be held at the Reflective Garden on the grounds of Clare County Council’s headquarters in Ennis.
“PJ is a fantastic councillor, he is very committed to his role. He has given a fine shopping list to the CEO, I hope the CEO has the cheque book in his back pocket,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) was confident the county’s first citizen would “ably represent the county with distinction”.
Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling said he would work “very hard” on the lengthy list put to him by the new Cathaoirleach. “It is time to plan for the future with ambition and confidence”.
Two years on from his election to the Council, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) has stepped up to become Leas Cathaoirleach of the Council. “He comes from a family steeped in agriculture, education and politics. First and foremost Joe Killeen listens, he has a sense of calm and balanced reflection,” Cllr Talty said as he proposed his North Clare colleague, he was seconded in this by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).
Speaking on Friday, Cllr Killeen told the AGM he was “very proud” and admitted that it was surreal to receive the elevation. He appealed to Cllr Ryan’s wife Mary to keep him fed on a solid diet so that his instances of deputising are few and far between. “It is time for a big lift, this year could be revolutionary,” he concluded.
