‘Eye opening’ year as County Cathaoirleach

HELPING deliver more affordable housing and attending the National Famine Commemoration were among the highlights for Councillor David Collins as he reflected on his time as Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council.

Cllr Collins chaired his final full meeting of the County Council last Monday morning and will officially hand over the chains at their AGM next month.

“It feels like I saw every corner of the county over the last 12 months, and it was great seeing the wonderful work done by so many volunteers around Galway. That was very eye opening,” he told The Tuam Herald.

The Turloughmore man found it difficult at first to switch up his thought process during meetings once taking up the role as Cathaoirleach.

He had to go from only thinking about himself, his views and that of his local constituents to worrying about wider issues and listening to the views of the 38 other councillors.

Cllr Collins enjoyed meeting with them, learning about the problems in other parts of the county and working hard with the council executives to deliver solutions. However, what he is most proud of is the progress made on affordable housing during his term in office.

“I was at the site where 106 affordable homes will be built in Athenry. There is another project ongoing in Claregalway, and we will soon see others popping up in the likes of Tuam, Ballinasloe and Loughrea too,” said Cllr Collins.

“Young people need the chance to get on the property ladder, that is why it is so vital we invest time in affordable housing schemes. It was great to see us working on delivering more of these homes over the past 12 months.”

PLENTY OF PINCH ME MOMENTS

Cllr Collins represented Galway County Council at hundreds of functions across the county, but he would describe a couple of events as a “pinch me moment,” such was his delight at being present.

Amongst them was the National Famine Commemoration Ceremony, which was held in Portumna earlier this month. This was the first time that the commemoration had taken place in Galway.

“The Minister for Defence gave me military honours, being up in front of the armed forces was a special moment for me. It was the culmination of a week worth of events which finished with traditional music and dancing. I was very proud to have played a part in it,” he recalled.

“Another moment that stands out was when Clarinbridge won the Pride of Place Awards. I was there when the judges were in the village and it was great seeing the work the volunteers did here. The Clarinbridge volunteers showcased the wonderful work done by similar groups around the country.”

Fine Gael look set to retain the Cathaoirleach chains. They will nominate Headford Cllr Andrew Reddington for the position at the AGM next month.

“It was an honour to get the opportunity to fulfil this role, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I would love to do it again in the future, just not two years in succession. Andrew is a great candidate, and I wish him the best,” added Cllr Collins.