The new Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council took his chair for the very first time at this week’s meeting of the councillors.
An Cathaoirleach, Pashal McEvoy’s first act was to declare a 15-mimute adjournment to proceedings as a mark of respect for their fallen colleague, the late John Moran.
After the pause, Cllr McEvoy spoke about the great success that was the recent visit from Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys.
“It was an excellent day,” he said. “And the feedback on the new Portlaoise library was absolutely phenomenal.
“I know the Minister was very impressed with everywhere she saw, particularly Mountmellick, who have a theatre that’s second to none.
“It really is worth showcasing around the country because it is a very, very valuable building; to have that on our doorstep is unbelievable.
“And the library – I have to say, I was gob-smacked at the size of it and the extent of what’s going on in it. It is going to be a massive asset to the county.”
The new Cathaoirleach also heaped praise upon Camross, Stradbally, Vicarstown, and Timahoe, who hosted the Pride of Place competition last week.
There was several pieces of business of the new chair to oversee:
It was confirmed that Laois County Council will be taking charge of Meadows Way, Graiguecullen; Marian Grove, Mountmellick; and Featherbed Lane, Borris-in-Ossory.
Ms Rosemary Kunene representing Youth Work Ireland, was nominated to the Laois Local Community Development Committee.
And finally, Ms Yvonne McKeon was nominated to replace Mr Bobby Fitzpatrick on the Housing, Regeneration and Planning Strategic Policy Committee.
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