New Cathaoirleach for one north Tipperary district will aim to build on last year's successes
"My focus will be on business and tourism, particularly in developing the Hidden Heartlands. We see how much tourism the Wild Atlantic Way is getting and we need to try and bring that tourism to the Hidden Heartlands,' Cllr Bugler said.
Cllr Bugler will hope to build on the successes of the last year outlined by Cllr Bonfield in her final speech as Cathaoirleach.
"I think its fair to say that we do work as a team here in the Nenagh Municipal Council,' Cllr Bonfield said.
"Some of the highlights in the district throughout the year included the unveiling of the beautiful Mural of Shane Mc Gowan at Emmet Place last September, which many people from near and far and visited since.
"We also resurrected our St Patricks Day Parade in Nenagh in March last, and what a very special community day it was in Nenagh,' she added.
The opening of the Shannon Crossing in Ballina and Killaloe was also highlighted in Cllr Bonfield's outgoing speech, saying that the 'transformative' project will change the lives of those living in the twin towns in Tipperary and Clare.
"This transformative road project will greatly improve the quality of life for residents of both towns by reducing congestion, protecting built heritage areas, whilst also providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and the regions tourism sector.
"Thanks to the people of both towns who endured three years of total inconvenience, but the project is one of the best infrastructural ones to have been delivered nationally over the last number of years,' Cllr Bonfield added.
Fine Gael councillor Phyll Bugler will now lead the district for the next year, with independent councillor Joe Hannigan being elected Leas-Cathaoirleach.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
16 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Harris says Govt 'not rowing back' on hospitality VAT cut
Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he is "not rowing back" on Programme for Government commitments to cut the hospitality VAT rate despite saying the timing of any measure will be decided on budget day. Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings, the Tánaiste said while the cut will be the "subject of budget negotiations", the Programme for Government has made "clear commitments" in relation to the matter. Last week, Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe indicated that while the hospitality VAT rate cut from 13.5% to 9.5% is still planned, introducing the measure in autumn's budget would take up almost two thirds of the available tax reduction space. In the immediate aftermath of the remark, a number of Government sources indicated that the hospitality VAT rate cut could now be delayed until next summer - a move understood to be supported by some in Fianna Fáil but opposed by Fine Gael. Asked about the possible delay to the tax cut, which business groups say is needed in order to protect jobs, Tánaiste Simon Harris said "the timing of any measure will be a matter for budget day". However, when asked if he is "rowing back" on his previous position in early summer that the tax cut commitment was a "solemn" promise, he added: "I'm not rowing back on anything, but I suppose I'm being respectful to the budgetary process. "The Programme for Government says what it says. I believe the Programme for Government is very important, it's a contract between two political parties and some Independent TDs, and therefore I believe the words in it matter. "It talks about reducing the cost base for small businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector around food. And we'll work our way through that." The Tánaiste repeated his position that he is "not going to get into specific budget measures or the timing, other than to say all of this can be discussed in the round". However, he said that "towards the end of the summer" Government intends "to take stock again" in relation to the potential impact of international trade and tariffs deals, "and then we'll reserve the right to finesse the summer economic statement as required".
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Irish Independent
Over €1.2 million awarded to water programme in Wexford
The recipient of the funding will be Blackstairs Group Water Scheme, who will use it to address leakage reduction and water conservation, with an estimated 1,114 households to benefit from the investment. Fine Gael Senator Cathal Byrne said funding of €73.9m has been allocated for 291 projects across the county, under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024–2026 'Today's announcement is great news for communities across the country but particularly those in County Wexford serviced by the Blackstairs Group Water Scheme. It's so important that we protect our water sources and ensure the highest standards in water treatment. We must ensure that communities across Wexford have the benefit of high quality infrastructure and water services,' he said. 'The allocation of €73.9m for 291 projects across the country will directly benefit 63,000 rural households and will address a wide range of needs such as water quality and infrastructure upgrades. Projects will range from minor works right up to major capital investments of over €2m for complex or bundled schemes,' he added. Minister James Browne also welcomed the news and highlighted the Government's commitment to improving water services around the country. "The Government is working hard to fund improvements to water services across the country, including services to rural areas that do not have access to Uisce Éireann services. This announcement today is very much part of that commitment and will support rural communities to thrive as places to live and work,' he said.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Cork county councillors vote to increase property tax – by another five per cent in adjustment rate
The revenue raised by the LPT goes to fund local government services. Local authorities are allowed to vary the basic rate of the property tax by applying a Local Adjustment Factor (LAF). Following the vote in Cork County Council, the LAF in the county will now go from the current 10% to 15% in 2026. Three-quarters of the county's houses are valued at under €420,001 and those householders will now face an increase in their annual property tax bill ranging between €4.75 and €16.65, depending on the valuation band that their property is in. The council's director of finance, Lorraine Lynch, told the councillors that an increase in the LAF to 15% would increase the council's funding next year by €1.9m. She said that due to inflation, maintaining council services at their current levels would require an additional €5.6m in 2026. Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy (Fianna Fail), supported by Cllr Michael Hegarty (Fine Gael), put forward an amendment to the executive's proposal, calling for all of the €7.6 million in extra revenue collected as a result of the increased LPT rate to be allocated directly to municipal districts to fund capital works. 'For the Fianna Fail party here to support the 5% increase, notwithstanding it being a small increase per household, we want to see it being used in a very tangible way that people can actually visualise and see on the ground,' Cllr Murphy said. A counter-proposal to leave the rate at the current 10% was put forward by Independent Ireland's Cllr Danny Collins and seconded by independent Cllr Peter O'Donoghue. 'Basically, we should be going back to our government if we need additional funding for our local authority, it is up to our government to do it. That's where the buck stops. It's not for us to be putting extra pressure on families out there,' Cllr Collins said. Forty-one councillors voted in favour of Cllr Murphy's proposal and nine voted against. Voting in favour were Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats. Voting against were Independent Ireland, Labour, Sinn Fein and independents.
