Fiona Bonfield says she will work hard for community
The new Cathaoirleach of the Nenagh Municipal District, Fiona Bonfield, said she and other members of the district authority would work hard to deliver for the people of the area. In her acceptance speech after being installed as the first Chairperson of the newly body at the agm in the Civic Offices in Nenagh on Thursday last, Ms Bonfield said she would like to thank her colleague and good friend Louise Morgan Walsh for the nomination and Cllr Phyll Bugler of Fine Gael for seconding the nomination.
“I am delighted to be taking up the opportunity to become Chairperson of the Nenagh Municipal District,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with all of you and our council officials over the next 12 months as we all aim to deliver for the people of this area.
“I would like to congratulate all councillors on their recent successful election campaign. In particular, my fellow Labour Party colleague Louise, and to Pamela Quirke O’ Meara and Ryan O’ Meara who are also new members around this table for this term of the council.”
WOMEN POWER
Noting the number of women elected to Tipperary County Council had increased from eight to 12, Cllr Bonfield said: “How great it is to see an increase in the female representation, which is testament to the success of the Women’s Caucus Group which was formed during the last council term.
“I want to put on record a thanks to all the people of the Newport Electoral Area who put their trust in me with their Number One vote. My campaign team who put in trojan work with me, and for this I will be forever grateful. Also, my family who were and always are a massive support to me.
“I would like to thank the council officials for their hard work and commitment over this period. Their dedication and commitment to their jobs cannot be underestimated.
“Finally, I want to pay tribute to our recent councillors who did not seek re-election - John Rocky McGrath, Ger Darcy and Hughie McGrath. I wish all the very best in their new endeavors.
AIMS
“In the last council term we have many projects and investments that we can be proud of delivering. These include a new town park for Newport; Ballina Access Promenade; New One Way System in Nenagh; and many infrastructural projects in many areas like Portroe Village, Nenagh Streets, Lighting up of N52, Borrisokane Streets, Old Road Silvermines , Knockmaroe Junction to name but a few.
“As we face into another five-year term I want to continue to support and invest in our local communities.
“We must priortise investment in housing that can be delivered in scale; provide supports for our local clubs and organisations; promote key infrastructure projects which can enhance our area both economically and socially; promote climate friendly projects, and more supports and amenities for all generations.
“This locality has seen significant investment in recent years and this has had a positive impact on the local economy. Our area is home to sporting icons such as Sharlene Mawdsley and we have top class amenities in Newport and Nenagh Town Park.
“We must all work together to continue delivering for the area in projects like the Shannon River Crossing and the Hydroelectric Plant in Silvermines. We must support our local clubs so we can have future Sharlene's and we must ensure Nenagh, Newport and surrounding areas is an enjoyable area to live for our youth right up to our elderly. That should be the aim for all of us here.
“I look forward to working closely with each of you, fostering an environment of open dialogue and constructive debate over the coming year. There is no limit to what we can achieve when we work in dynamic partnership, elected members, council executive, key local agencies and the communities we serve.
“We aim to oversee the continued enhancement of our towns and villages.
“Once again thank you colleagues for supporting my nomination as Chair and I look forward to working with you all over the coming 12 months,” Cllr Bonfield concluded.