By Dan Walsh at The Tholsol, New Ross
Fianna Fail’s Cllr John Fleming from Palace West, Clonroche, this afternoon became Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District for the third time at the annual meeting in The Tholsol, New Ross.
Proposed by Cllr Pat Barden and seconded by Cllr Bridín Murphy, Cllr Fleming assumed the Chair he previously held in 2018/’19 and 2019/2020 and said he was “delighted and honoured”, is looking forward to working with members and staff, “and I’ll carry out my demands. No problem”
Well-known in handball and GAA Cllr Fleming was first elected at the Local Elections in 2014, has retained his seat in all election’s since, and was Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council during the 2023-’24 season.
Tributes followed. Cllr Bridín Murphy said she was delighted for Cllr Fleming; “We come from the same parish. We are a team here. I wish you well and is always here to support you,” added Cllr Murphy.
In his praise, Cllr Michael Sheehan predicted that “the year ahead will be very exciting.” Cllr Pat Barden said projects in the town are moving in the right direction but offered his backing support for projects outside the town and in the districts.
Cllr John Dwyer called on the Cathaoirleach saying; “We need affordable housing in New Ross. Can you make that a priority? I believe you have the passion to do it.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy proposed Cllr Michael Sheehan for the position of Leas-Cathaoirleach; Cllr John Dwyer seconded the nomination. It was pointed out that Cllrs Sheehan and Dwyer are the longest serving members having been elected to the defunct New Ross Town Council.
“I would like to thank the officials for what was a great year in terms of activity,” commenced outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr John Dwyer.
In a light-hearted remark Cllr Dwyer said he would also like to thank the members “for behaving themselves” (laughter) and said he tried to be fair when members came in multiple times on the same issue! That said, “I thank all the members for their co-operation during the year and, indeed, the officials,” said Cllr Dwyer.
Cllr Michael Sheehan congratulated Cllr Dwyer saying, “you were immensely fair, treated all with dignity and respect and you were passionate about the town and district.”
“Extremely fair” were the words of Cllr Marty Murphy, while Cllr Pat Barden said Cllr Dwyer was “very fair, very genuine, 100%, and you did a brilliant job.”
Cllr Bridín Murphy mentioned “the legend that is John Dwyer. You are incredibly passionate about what you do. An absolute gentleman that cares for everything.”
Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr John Fleming said; “it was a great positive year for the Council and we worked well together.”
There were also tributes from District Manager Alan Fitzhenry and Director of Services Eamonn Hore. Mr Fitzhenry gave a resumé of projects undertaken during the year, while Mr. Hore pointed out that “it is the little things that matter and a lot of good things have started for the year ahead.”
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