Burke is new Cathaoirleach in Claremorris-Swinford MD
Councillors and council officials are pictured at the annual general meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District last week following election of the new Cathaoirleach Cllr Michael Burke.
Fine Gael’s Michael Burke is the new Cathoirleach of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.
The Ballinrobe councillor takes over the role from Cllr Damien Ryan having been elected by fellow councillors at the annual general meeting last Wednesday.
Fianna Fáil’s John Caulfield will act as Leas-Cathaoirleach for the next 12 months.
Cllr Burke was proposed by Cllr Alma Gallagher and seconded by Cllr Damien Ryan.
Cllr Gallagher said that Cllr Burke has “proven himself to be a very fine politician" over his long political career, "one of resilience who has always put the municipal district first". She said he is dedicated to the development of Ballinrobe and South Mayo.
“He is a massive advocate for South Mayo and the Ballinrobe area,” added Cllr Ryan.
Cllr Burke thanked his fellow councillors for choosing him for the position. He said the provision of housing will be a priority during his term as Cathaoirleach.
“Housing is the biggest problem we have. I feel personally that there is enough land for people to build on but in times gone by we had a lot of co-operation from small builders that were building 10,12, 14 houses a year. There were four or five of them in every area. If we can get those people financed again, that makes a big difference of maybe 40 houses being built in Claremorris, Ballinrobe or Ballyhaunis.
"They are just gone away. They are not building the houses, They’re all gone and the only reason they are not in business is that they can’t get the finance,” he stated.
The outgoing Cathaoirleach thanked his fellow councillors and council staff for the courtesy shown to him during his term.
His colleagues praised Cllr Ryan's efforts during his term in the chair.
“I want to thank you for a very successful year. You were very fair in the chair,” said Cllr Burke, adding that Cllr Ryan played a “very big part” in ensuring togetherness and co-operation in the municipal district.
“You have been a safe pair of hands over the past year,” said Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien.
“You were a great ambassador this county,” commented Sinn Féin Cllr Gerry Murray.
Outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Alma Gallagher, thanked Cllr Ryan for the support he has shown to her during her time in the chamber.
