Coughlan and Danny co-opted to Council

IT was a case of out with the old and in with the new, at last week’s meeting of Cork County Council. 

Several new faces from across the political divide were co-opted into the Council chamber, following the recent election of several councillors to Dáil Eireann.

Cllr Seamus McGrath (FF) proposed Gillian Coughlan to fill the seat in the Bandon Kinsale Municipal District, following the election of Margaret Murphy O’Mahony in the Cork South West constituency.

He also proposed Deirdre O’Brien to replace newly elected TD Kieran O’Keeffe for the Fermoy Municipal District.

Cllr Declan Hurley (Ind) nominated Danny Collins to replace his brother Michael Collins in the chamber, and this was seconded by Cllr Kevin Conway (Ind) who wished all his former colleagues all the best in their new positions.

It was a family affair for the Moynihans as Gobnait Moynihan, sister of newly elected TD Aindrias, was proposed to fill the vacancy in the Blarney Macroom Municipal District. 

Cllr Melissa Mullane (SF) nominated Danielle Twomey to replace newly-elected Sinn Fein TD Pat Buckley, and Eoin Jeffers to replace Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. 

Cllr Paul Hayes seconded the nomination and said it was fantastic to have young blood joining their team and he wished the two new Sinn Fein TDs the best of luck in Dail Eireann.

Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) also congratulated the new members to the Council and he wished the outgoing members the best of luck in their new positions.

The former Mayor of Bandon, Gillian Coughlan said she has been overwhelmed by the positive response to her co-option to Cork County Council.

‘Now that I again have the privilege of being a public representative I will work hard to ensure that our local authority serves the people of the area well. 

As a volunteer in a number of organisations in the community, I am well aware of the challenges and issues, both personal and public, that people face daily,’ said Cllr Coughlan.

‘The last seven years have taken a heavy toll on families and communities and if this recovery really exists, it is time that the fruits are seen in improved infrastructure such as roads, mobile phone and broadband networks and crucially, water and flood relief systems along with the full restoration of grants to the elderly and the appropriate provision of public housing.’

Cllr Coughlan also acknowledged the wonderful victory of Margaret Murphy O’Mahony, whose election triggered this co-option and wished Margaret the very best in her new role as TD for Cork South West.