Reopening of a Tipperary hospital is a top priority for newly elected council leader

Being elected to the most senior public representative role in the Carrick-on-Suir municipal area was a huge privilege for local man Cllr David Dunne.

He was unanimously elected as cathaoirleach for Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District last Thursday.
In a smooth transition the outgoing deputy cathaoirleach Cllr Dunne took over from Cllr Mark Fitzgerald.

READ MORE: The teamwork of volunteers is behind the success of the South Tipperary Hospice Shop

While Cllr Dunne served as the deputy to the Cloneen man last year the Cloneen man will serve as Cllr Dunne’s deputy this year as he was elected to the deputy cathaoirleach position.

Both men were congratulated by their political colleagues on the council and by officials who attended the meeting. Tributes were paid to both and they were wished well on in the year ahead.

Cllr Dunne was elected as a result of an inclusive agreement between the five members of the body that will see all five take on the top role in the lifetime of the council following the last Local Election.

Cllr Dunne said he was honoured and humbled to be receiving the chain of office.
“This will be my second time to have this honour and if my first term is anything to go by, I am in for another wonderful year in office,” he said.

He thanked his family Caroline, Leah, Oisin and his two grandsons Carter and Livi.

He listed out some of his priorities for the year ahead that included the reopening of St Brigids Hospital in Carrick, the joining of the Waterford Greenway to the Clonmel/Carrick Blueway,which he said will be a game changer for the district, and he intended to keep pressure on to get that project off the ground.
He also said he was determined to work hard to promote the district as the best place for tourism in Tipperary and he wanted to support all the towns and villages who were involved in the amazing Tidy Towns programme and he wished all of the best to the new Tidy Towns group in Carrick.

TEAMWORK
Cllr Dunne told the meeting that exciting times lie ahead as the town moved on to phase two of the Regeneration Plan for Carrick and work continues on other projects across the districts.

READ NEXT: Legacy of the late Vincent Hanley will be honoured at Clonmel Junction Arts Festival

“We are the smallest district and because we all work together for the betterment of our community, we in my opinion punch way above our weight. I really feel working closely with our district officals and staff is a team effort.” he said.