Posted online: Jun 24th, 2009

Councillor Gerry Murray was unanimously elected Cathaoirleach at Sligo County Council’s AGM on 19th June 2009. Councillor Veronica Cawley was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach.
In his address, the Cathaoirleach said it was a great honour and privilege to be elected Cathaoirleach of the newly elected Council.
“It is also a humbling experience, as I fully realise the responsibilities that go with this position. I can guarantee the elected members and the electorate to who we are responsible that I will do my utmost to ensure that decisions taken by this assembly will be, at all times, in the best interests of the people of County Sligo who have placed their trust in us.”
On hospital services, the Cathaoirleach said that it was important that Sligo General hospital was not downgraded, which would include the retention of its services.
“We owe this to the outstanding people who work there, and to our public to whom this hospital is so vital”, he said.
The Cathaoirleach also expressed his dissatisfaction that rural villages do not yet have access to national broadband technology and that he would like to see broadband technology available throughout rural County Sligo.
He also emphasised that proper access to broadband was mostly important jobs were to be created in rural areas.
The Cathaoirleach will also be concentrating his efforts to improving roads radiating Gurteen, as they are supporting a high traffic density and could be considered in a dangerous state of disrepair in certain sections
On the upgrading of the South Sligo Water Supply system is also on the Cathaoirleach’s agenda and he concluded his inaugural address by confirming it as a priority ‘to ensure the fair and equitable application of Local Government to all issues throughout County Sligo’.
“I know this will also be the aspiration of all Council members. I would like to thank the County Manager and staff for their courtesy and help at all times” he said.