Alma Gallagher makes history in Claremorris-Swinford district
Cllr Alma Gallagher
The Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District’s first woman councillor has made further history by becoming its first woman Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Fine Gael Cllr Alma Gallagher was proposed and seconded by party colleagues Cllr Neil Cruise and Cllr Michael Burke at last week’s AGM.
“It is a great honour for me and for my two daughters and for the Ballyhaunis community,” she said.
“Women’s political participation hasn’t improved by as much as we would have hoped and there is an onus on me to keep banging this drum as the area’s first female elected representative to Mayo County Council to make things a bit easier for the next female wanting to come on this journey.”
Cllr Gallagher said she is hoping to work hard for her native Ballyhaunis.
“Ballyhaunis has been identified for a Town First initiative. This is one all the community groups have come together to identify and prioritise.
“The €5.3 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a huge plus. For the most diverse town in Ireland, we are at a crossroads and there is a lot of change and transition.
“Housing will be a big priority. We have a transient population keeping the factories running who need accommodation.”
