Tánaiste greets first citizen of Laois in Leinster House

NEWLY elected chairperson of Laois Co Council Barry Walsh (FG) met party leader and Tánaiste Simon Harris in Leinster House last week, as the party sets out its priorities for the year ahead.

The Ballyroan quantity surveyor was among 11 Fine Gael councillors from around the country, all recently elected ‘first citizen’ of their respective counties, to attend a meeting with the Tánaiste and all the party’s senior ministers. Housing, business and agriculture were just some of the issues discussed.

Cllr Walsh, who was elected chairperson (Cathaoirleach) on 30 June, outlined his main priorities for his term at the meeting in government buildings on 8 July.

In a statement following the event, he said: ‘Housing is an issue that impacts so many across Laois. I want to see easier access to cost rental and affordable housing for middle-income earners and continued investment in social housing.

‘There is a clear need to support SMEs and attract inward investment to Laois. The strategic potential of the county is huge and I stressed the importance of developing the region with Tánaiste Harris.’ 

He added: ‘I am committed to fighting for our farmers. We need to incentivise sustainable practices and target additional EU funding for rural enterprise and tourism.

‘People all across Laois give their time and expertise running our community groups and I want to ensure they have the support they deserve. I will continue to be a strong advocate for increased funding and supports for community related projects.

‘I look forward to working collaboratively with An Tánaiste, our Fine Gael ministers and all communities throughout Laois, to achieve our goals and enhance quality of life for all citizens of Laois.’ 

Tánaiste Harris also issued a statement the following day, saying that it was ‘a great pleasure’ to welcome the new Laois Co Council chairperson and party colleague to government buildings.

He said: ‘I had an opportunity to congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election but also to look towards the issues that he wants to progress during his term of office. Issues such as housing delivery, advancing infrastructure delivery, schools, the regional road network, how we improve our disability services and support small businesses.

‘We also had a very detailed conversation about farming, the farming community and some of Barry’s priorities in that area, which align with mine as well.

‘I look forward to working with Barry, with all our Fine Gael team in Laois and with Deputy Willie Aird in the time ahead. Last night was a really useful opportunity to get a sense of those priorities and how best I can help.’ 

Cllr Walsh took over the top role from Cllr Pádraig Fleming (FF), when he defeated Independent Cllr Tommy Mulligan from Portlaoise by 12 votes to seven, as part of an ongoing pact between the two main parties that shares out chairmanships, vice-chairmanships and other plum posts on the council.

The vice-chairperson (leas-cathaoirleach) for the next year is Stradbally councillor Paschal McEvoy (FF).