‘Positive engagement’ on Tipp issues

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary Co Council meets Taoiseach to discuss priorities

The Fine Gael Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council has met Taoiseach Simon Harris to discuss the priority areas that councillors hope to deliver on over the next five years.

Cllr Declan Burgess was among eight Fine Gael councillors currently serving as chairpersons and mayors in local authorities nationwide that met the Taoiseach in Government buildings last week.

The meeting provided the opportunity for the Fine Gael representatives to discuss with the Taoiseach their priority areas and projected deliverables for the next local authority term, which is set to run up until 2029. The meeting was also attended by Fine Gael frontbench and junior Ministers.

Cllr Burgess, 29, who is Cashel-based and was elected Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council last month, said: “It is truly an honour and privilege to serve my county as chairman of our local authority. As a young and driven representative, I will be a voice of action, ambition and innovation.

“Growing up at the foot of the famous Rock of Cashel, I developed a deep appreciation and passion for Irish tourism. Tipperary is bursting with tourism potential. Our rich heritage, food, sport and landscapes can be showcased at the highest level and enjoyed by large amounts of visitors. I will work tirelessly to build on our strategic partnerships and investment in tourism infrastructure, aimed at enhancing Tipperary’s unique tourism offering, showcasing our natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences.

“Recognising the importance and pressing need for affordable and accessible housing is crucial I am committed to meeting housing targets within Tipperary.

“Schemes like the ready to build programme in Boherlahan must be replicated and delivered across the entire county. Tipperary County Council has championed that scheme nationally, and we must continue that. Local authorities must utilise the Government’s Housing for All programme to the best of their abilities but it needs to be backed by ambition and resources by the Government.

“Having the opportunity to sit down with An Taoiseach to outline my objectives for Tipperary but also express my views on the major challenges we face is hugely important and beneficial,” Cllr Burgess concluded.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: “I was delighted to meet with Cllr Burgess to discuss the work ahead in delivering for communities in Tipperary.

“We had positive engagement and our councillors intend to build on the progress made with a with a set of priorities that will guide our work over the next five years. These include more ambition on housing, backing small businesses and enterprise, better public services and infrastructure and healthy and sustainable communities.

“I look forward to the work of the Fine Gael team in delivering on the shared ambition we have to improve peoples’ lives,” the Taoiseach concluded.