This article is from page 9 of the 2012-07-03 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
CLARE’S newly elected mayor wants “Michael O’Leary to come to Shannon and negotiate a deal”.
At his inaugural speech as mayor of County Clare, Ennisman Pat Daly (FF) said he would like to see Ryanair back in Shannon International Airport as “a positive customer”.
“Some years back the airline brought in hundreds of thousands of visitors from England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy to County Clare, and it created a financial bonanza for businesses in the county,” he said.
The mayor added that Clare County Council should be included in the marketing of the airport that must be undertaken by its new management company.
He said the airport must also play a central role during ‘The Gathering’ next year.
He made the remarks in front of a crowded gallery, which included family and supporters who had gathered to see him named first citizen of Clare – the fifth man from “the town” to hold the honour.
There was no doubt as to who would be elected when outgoing mayor Pat Hayes (FF) handed back the chain on Friday.
As alluded to in his nomination of Cllr Daly to the post, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) paid tribute to a unique selection formation brokered by then mayor Tommy Brennan (Ind) as far back as 2004.
Under this agreement, currently supported by all of the members with the exception of Independent councillor James Breen, Cllr Daly was to be selected for the 2012-2013 period, with Cllr Joe Arkins (FG) to take over the reigns when he steps down.
For now, however, all eyes are on the former tailor from Ennis, who spent 18 years working for former TD and Minister Tony Killeen (FF), a position he believes has given him the experience and expertise to carry out his new role.
The new mayor is optimistic about the future despite the harsh econom- ic times.
“It is clear to me that in these challenging times, opportunities will arise to move this county forward both in social and economic terms,” he said.
The Eire Óg chairman is also keen to see Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann come to what he described as “the home of traditional music”.
“Council management, Clare Comhaltas and councillors have been working very hard to deliver the fleadh to Ennis. And I hope, before I leave office, a date would be confirmed. An injection of € 30 million to the local economy would be a great positive boost, particularly at a time when businesses are under serious financial pressure,” he said.
Mayor Daly was also upbeat about the future of the hospital.
“At Ennis General Hospital in recent times, there has been a big increase in day care procedures, while huge numbers are using the outpatient facilities. I welcome the new state of the art 50-bed unit, which will open shortly.”
The new mayor and chairman of the council also has plans to make changes to the councillors’ monthly meetings – the details which have yet to be announced.
“It is important that we continue to deliver an efficient and quality service to the people whom we represent, that is the people of Clare,” he said.
The new mayor will be supported during his year in office by his wife Tikki and his three children Ciarán, Niall and Elen.