Poll topper Cllr Ger Carthy from Our Lady’s Island is the first Cathaoirleach of the new five-seater Rosslare Municipal District Council following the inaugural annual general meeting held in County Hall, Wexford.
Proposed by Cllr Lisa McDonald and seconded by Cllr Jim Moore, Cllr Carthy was elected unopposed.
Cllr Carthy said; “It was an honour to be given an opportunity to representative the District of Rosslare.”
“We all know the re-drawing of the boundaries in Wexford has been the source of considerable discussion and even disquiet in recent months.
“But regardless of our personal views about the boundary changes, we must all put that aside and agree to work together as a municipal district and pledge to put all our efforts into improving the lives of families, communities and businesses across the district.
“We all have an obligation to do everything in our power as councillors to help the villages, townlands and communities in this district to grow, become stronger and more prosperous.
“And we must do that while recognising the various challenges that our electorate face: From Brexit to Broadband; From Farm to Coast.”

Following in the footsteps of his late father, Leo Carthy, who was 49 years a member of Wexford County Council, Cllr Carthy said; “It’s a particularly proud moment for me and my family, particularly given that I am following in the footsteps of my late father Leo. I hope to be able to continue the same sort of work and public service that my father is known for in many parts across Wexford.”
Cllr Carthy promised to be “a fair and impartial chairman.”
He pointed out that Rosslare Municipal District is the only district that does not have an urban base.
It instead has a group of villages with a rural hinterland but no urban heartland.
“It is therefore so important that we help communities become closer and more-interlinked.
Firstly, I propose that we spread out our monthly meetings so that we reach every corner of this district. Bring the Council to the people in their own environment!”
Whether it’s Ballymitty or Baldwinstown, Kilmore, Killinick or Kilrane, Taghmon, Tagoat, or Tomhaggard, Our Lady’s Island, Rosslare, Murrintown or Piercestown.
“Let’s show the 17,000 electorate of this district that we are here to listen and to show leadership. We need to be working to promote this district as the ideal festival hub, given its scenery and tourism potential.
“I want to see funding go to the likes of the Bannow-Rathangan Show, the Kilmore Seafood Festival, Phil Murphy Weekend, Kathleen Browne Festival, Kilrane/Rosslare Harbour Tops Group Community Weekend to name but a few.
“We must keep up the pressure and work together to ensure that substantial investment is put into Rosslare Europort.”
In conclusion, Cathaoirleach Carthy wished his colleagues and their families well over the next five years and he thanked District Manager Nóirín Cummins and the council officials for their “courtesy, hard work and support.”

Members of Rosslare Municipal District are Cllr Ger Carthy, Cathaoirleach,  and Cllrs Frank Staples, Lisa McDonald, Jim Moore and Jim Codd.