Tipperary Councillor elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of Southern Regional Assembly

Cllr Peggy Ryan of Tipperary County Council was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly for the 2025-26 term at its annual meeting on Friday, July 11, which took place at Assembly House, O’Connell St, Waterford.

Cllr Ryan is a Fine Gael Councillor for the Thurles Municipal District.

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Cllr Andrew McGuinness of Kilkenny County Council, was elected as the Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly at the meeting.

Cllr McGuinness succeeds Cllr Ken Murnane, of Carlow County Council.

Cllr McGuinness is a Fianna Fáil Councillor for the Kilkenny City Municipal District of Kilkenny County Council, and has served as Mayor of Kilkenny three times: in 2014, 2021, and most recently in 2024.

Upon his election, Cllr McGuinness said: “I am deeply honoured to assume the Chain of Office as Cathaoirleach of the Southern Regional Assembly.

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"The role and responsibilities of the Regional Assemblies continue to grow in importance, serving as a vital regional tier of governance and a leading voice in promoting the regional dimension of economic and spatial development. I look forward to working in close collaboration with colleagues from across the political spectrum on the substantial programme ahead.

Key among our priorities is the drafting of a new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region.”

Congratulating the new Cathaoirleach, Director of the Assembly, David Kelly conveyed that he, together with all staff of the Assembly, eagerly anticipates working in partnership with Cllr McGuinness and all Assembly Members in the year ahead.