Tag Archives: Clare County Council chairman

    Motor rallying enthusiast, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, powered his way to the top of Clare County Council following his election as the new chairman at its annual general meeting on Friday afternoon. After spending ten years on the council, Councillor O’Callaghan increased his first preference share from 1,117 votes in 2019 to 1,475 paving the way for his election in the third count when he exceeded the quota, unlike his previous two elections when he was elected without reaching the quota. The former Fianna Fáil publican, who was elected unanimously without a vote as part of the power-sharing agreement, was proposed by Councillor Pat Hayes (FF) and was seconded by Councillor Pat Burke (FG).   In his acceptance speech at the council chamber, Councillor O’Callaghan recalled he wasn’t sure whether he would be re-elected as a councillor, never mind being afforded the honour of representing Clare as cathaoirleach. The father-of-two paid tribute to his predecessor, Councillor Joe Cooney and …

Councillor Cathal Crowe will fly to the top table in Clare County Council tomorrow afternoon when he is elected as the its next first citizen after councillors hammered out a new power-sharing deal. There were fears that the 15-year power-sharing pact, which was in operation since 2004 was coming to an end after Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Independent Technical Alliance failed to agree on a new deal earlier this week. However, intensive talks late on Wednesday night broke the logjam and ensured power-sharing will continue for another five years. Councillor Cathal Crowe is delighted to get the opportunity to succeed Councillor Michael Begley as Clare County Council chairman at the local authority’s annual general meeting on Friday afternoon. “I feel hugely honoured and excited to be at the cusp of taking on this important leadership role and I promise to give it 110%,” he said. Councillor Crowe’s elevation as the next council chairman is a timely boost for …

MORE public transport options that are connected to Shannon Airport are needed to make it more attractive for passengers, according to the first citizen. Clare County Council chairman, Councillor Michael Begley has cited his recent experience on a flight from Shannon Airport to Birmingham in England to highlight the difference between what transport opportunities are available for passengers in these two locations. Speaking at a recent Killaloe Municipal District meeting, Councillor Begley told his council colleagues he left Shannon Airport for Birmingham the previous Monday evening. “To my surprise the flight was almost full. Within two hours of leaving Shannon, I had used the plane, shuttle bus, light rail, monorail and a train to be in Birmingham City Centre in two hours. “That is what real access means to me. We are nowhere related to that. I am using Birmingham because it was a commuter short flight. “We have to think how we can make Shannon more attractive to the …