New cathaoirleach urges end to 'political infighting'

Cllr Neil Cruise has been elected unopposed as Cathaoirleach of the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District.

The Fine Gael representative was proposed for the role by his party colleague, Cllr Alma Gallagher, and seconded by Fianna Fáil's Damien Ryan when councillors held their annual general meeting today.

Proposing the new Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gallagher praised his knowledge of rural and community development, sport, business and culture, describing them as “important attributes for a dedicated public representative”.

Referring to his 2024 local election campaign, she recalled his commitment to being an "honest voice in local politics".

“That is a very real attribute to have in a serious politician,” she said. “He shoots from the hip and says it how it is. I think that is very important for a local representative.”

In his first address as Cathaoirleach, the Foxford-based councillor outlined his priorities for the year ahead, with a strong emphasis on securing equal investment for the district, progressing major infrastructure projects and working collaboratively across party lines.

Recognising the geographical size of the municipal area, Cllr Cruise said it stretches from "Sraheen to Shrule" and accounts for one-third of the representatives on Mayo County Council, with 10 of the local authority's 30 councillors sitting in the district.

“What I look forward to and what I will push for at all times is the necessity for this district to get an equal share of all outside funding schemes,” he said.

Noting that the Claremorris and Swinford district is represented by councillors from Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Aontú and independent groupings, he said he hoped the "diverse bunch" would continue to work together to deliver for their community “in the spirit of co-operation”.

“We are all elected now, I think we can leave the party badges outside the door,” he said, stressing that his focus would be on delivering for the area as a whole.

Among the key projects Cllr Cruise wants to advance during his 12-month term is the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport Knock. He called for a progress report to be brought before the September meeting of the municipal district, followed by quarterly updates for councillors.

Cllr Cruise said the same sense of urgency that Monsignor James Horan and contractor Frank Harrington showed in developing the airport was now needed to drive forward the SDZ project.

He also highlighted the ongoing development of the Western Rail Corridor, and said he wanted to see greater ambition for the project, particularly in extending the rail line into Ireland West Airport. Referring to the billions that will be spent on the Metro North project in Dublin, Cllr cruise said it would cost €500 million to link the Western Rail Corridor to Ireland West Airport, adding that the project was a "no-brainer".

Turning to local priorities, Cllr Cruise focused on his community in Foxford, where he said he would like to see the ongoing safety issue at the pedestrian crossing in the town centre "resolved once and for all". He also highlighted the "much-awaited" Foxford Blueway landing point and expressed hope that a development plan for the Pontoon area would be prepared and published during his term.

Cllr Cruise concluded by putting down a motion inviting Mayo’s two Government Ministers, three TDs and Senator to the council chamber in Castlebar to discuss a shortlist of priority projects for the county.

“It would be up to the 30 councillors to decide those projects,” he said and added the aim of the motion would be to stop political “infighting” and “point-scoring” on who is delivering what within the county.

Cllr Damien Ryan was elected unopposed as Leas-Cathaoirleach after being proposed by Cllr Gallagher and seconded by Cllr Cruise.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.