This article is from page 78 of the 2008-07-01 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 78 JPG
CLARE’S new mayor has promised that the people’s voice would be heard.
In her mayoral address, Clare’s first citizen Councillor Madeleine Taylor- Quinn (FG) said, “Clare is a unique county full of character and history, its people are resourceful and spirit- ed. In electing us to this council they expect their voices to be heard, and their concerns represented.
“The people of Clare deserve and are entitled to openness and transpar- ency in the process. We, the elected members, are the policy makers for this county, and are accountable to the people,” she said.
The Fine Gael mayor said that the councillors and staff had the com- mon interest of serving the commu- nity and as such mutual respect and courtesy between councillors and employees was essential.
“Within this council there is no place, nor no space for an “us” and “them” mentality — we are all in it to- gether for the good of County Clare,” she told fellow councillors and staff.
The impending recession was also at the forefront of her mind, as the new mayor took office.
“Undoubtedly, challenges lay ahead due to the changing economic climate, and we will have to adjust to such changes, but also recognise that this county was well served in far more difficult times in the past. Those most in need must be first
assisted, and national funding will have to be secured to ensure that this becomes reality,” she said.
“Substantial discrepancies exist
within the county in relation to basic infrastructure such as waste water treatment systems, equipping villag- es throughout this county with prop-
er infrastructure 1s essential if there is to be balanced county develop- ment. Population changes within the county reflect financial investment
patterns, many which are directed from central government. People of Clare must be supported to live in their local villages, and not be forced into larger towns because of the lack of infrastructure.”
Mayor Taylor-Quinn outlined the critical role of tourism to the local economy, the need for a proper road infrastructure and hospital and the need to advance the needs of Shan- non Airport.
“We need to be innovative in our promotion strategy of the county — this could involve inviting promoters or high profile individuals into Clare to turn the international spotlight on the county, so that it can be seen as a truly desirable top class destination,” she said.
“The coming year will be chal- lenging for all of us. Recent bound- ary changes have affected all of us to a greater or lesser degree, but I’m Sure in time most will come to ac- cept these changes as a slight incon- venience. | am confident that we can all work well together for the people of Clare, and I look forward to your help and co-operation for the coming year,’ she told her fellow council- Kove