‘Days like this, we don’t take for granted’ - Cllr Micheál Naughton

Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) said it is with a great sense of pride that he takes over as Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal. 

He was proposed for the role by Cllr Michael McMahon (SF) and seconded by Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind). 

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“Today is a huge honour for me personally, and on days like today you remember the people who have been before you,” said Cllr Naughton. 

Having grown up in a family of 12 in rural Sligo, Cllr Naughton added: “I am particularly remembering my Mum and Dad today. They are not here to see days like this but I know they are looking down today.”

The councillor also thanked those who had started him on the path to politics, and those who supported him along the way.   

“Days like this, we don’t take for granted,” he said. “It is not something that is handed out too easily. I feel a sense of achievement and a sense of pride.”

Cllr Naughton praised his fellow councillors for their cohesive and pro-active approach.

“This MD is a special MD, a very good working MD,” he said. “It is a big area from  Bundoran to Glencolmcille. In my time we have worked well as councilors. I want to continue to work with my fellow councillors and represent the people of the MD.” 

The new Cathaoirleach also praised council staff.

“No one stands alone, it takes a team,” he said. “I look forward to working with each and everyone of you for the betterment of people of the Municipal District of Donegal.”

The role of Leas Cathaoirleach goes to Cllr Jimmy Brogan (Ind) who was proposed by Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind) and seconded by Cllr Michael Boyle (FG). 

“Thank you; I am delighted to be elected Leas Cathaoirleach,” said Cllr Brogan. “Congratulations to Cllr Naughton, I am looking forward to working with you and the rest of the councillors for the next year.”

Outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Noel Jordan (SF) came in for much praise from his fellow councillors.

Reflecting on his tenure, he said: “Looking back, it was a very successful year. “Donegal MD always punches above its weight. We have seen a number of housing developments in the 12 months, and a lot of turnkey developments. We do know there is a need for housing but we are out there in front, and would like to see many more of course.

“A big highlight after all the years I lobbied for the wastewater term in Mountcharles is to see that progressing, and we are nearly closed out on it now. We couldn’t get any additional planning in the village because of that so it is great to see Mountcharles open to development. 

“And I was delighted to host Katie-George Dunlevy last week for a civic reception. That was very important.”

Cllr Jordan said there were still a lot of things that he would like to see happen.

“Road safety at Dunkineenly is a big one,” he said. “We need to see that carried out.”

His party colleague Cllr McMahon thanked the outgoing Cathaoirleach.

“He was very successful and I have no doubt that Cllr Naughton will be successful too,” he said. 

Cllr Kennedy added her best wishes to the incoming and outgoing Cathaoirligh, describing Cllr Jordan as ‘very fair, a good organiser and a great help.’

Cllr Boyle who was co-opted to Donegal Council following the appointment of his brother Manus to the Seanad said: “I want to thank Noel for making me feel more than welcome since I came here.”

Cllr Brogan who was elected to the council last June said it had been good to have Cllr Jordan’s support during his first year. 

“It was good to have someone that you could chat to, just pick up the phone to. Thank you for all you have done over the last year, and we will continue working together.”

Director Designate of Donegal MD Pauric Sheerin spoke on behalf of the staff. 

“I want to congratulate Cllr Naughton on becoming Cathaoirleach,” he said. “We have worked together before when he was in the Chair and I know it will work well.

“And I thank Cllr Jordan for his time in the Chair. It is a tough role to carry out on top of everything else. He had great patience and it was a pleasure.”

Tributes were also paid to Cllr Kennedy whose term as Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council comes to an end later this month.

“The Cathaoirleach of the county being from this MD has been a double sense of pride for us,” said Mr Sheerin.