Poll topper Roscrea Councillor elected District Cathaoirleach

Roscrea Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Smith has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Thurles-Templemore Municipal District Council.

Cllr Smith, who topped the poll in his area in the recent local elections, said it was a “huge honour” to be elected to chair the district he is “proud to represent”.

He said the Thurles-Templemore district is a strong one with welcoming communities, and he would like to see that recognised.

“I want this to be a year of integration, not segregation,” said Cllr Smith.

In his first address as Cathaoirelach, Cllr Smith welcomed funding announced for Roscrea and Littleton and highlighted the refurbishment of the Templemore Town Hall.

He said it is a “real show-piece” and called on his colleagues to help him establish a tourism hub there. Cllr Smith also welcomed the council’s newcomers and congratulated those returning.

“Everyone knows about me and this district, we get down, do the work, and we do the work together,” said Cllr Smith.

Cllr Smith was nominated by fellow Fianna Fáil councillor Sean Ryan.

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH

Independent councillor Micheál Lowry was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach and was nominated by Team Lowry colleague Shane Lee, who described him as a “steady councillor”, whom he looked up to. Cllr Eddie Moran seconded his proposal.

Cllr Lowry said he is looking forward to continuing the work they started last term.

“I would say this district is in a strong position with a lot of work done last term. If we work as consistently this term, we will be in a strong position going forward,” said Cllr Lowry.