Collins leaves role as chairman

BY JACKIE KEOGH

INDEPENDENT TD for West Cork, Michael Collins, has confirmed that he has not sought re-election as chairman of the Community Council in Goleen.

Deputy Collins, who was elected to the Dáil in February 2016, confirmed that he was first elected to represent the Lowertown area on the Goleen and District Community Council in 1999, and has served as a member ever since. He said he took over the role of chairman in 2008 and has served three terms, each of three years’ duration. 

In March, Deputy Collins said he, and 15 others, were re-elected to the Council. He said he decided not to put his name forward as chairman, but accepted the position of PRO.

Bernard O’Sullivan, who has served as vice-chair for the last six years, was elected chairman.

Deputy Collins said he was pleased with Mr O’Sullivan’s appointment and added: ‘I wanted to give new blood a chance.’

Over the last ten years, the West Cork TD said the organisation has carried out tremendous work including the building of a Community Centre and Community playing pitch.

He said these community schemes employ up to 16 workers on different work schemes, including a social centre that offers a Meals on Wheels service.

Other projects include the purchase of a community bus, a maintenance programme for nine local graveyards, and numerous Tidy Town projects.