Waterford City representative, Joe Kelly, has been elected as the new Mayor of Waterford.
He narrowly defeated Councillor Mary Roche in the vote this afternoon, with 17 councillors voting for him and 15 for her.
Speaking after his election, he said Waterford has lots to look forward to...
"I think the future for Waterford City and county is very promising. Here in the city, the development of the Michael Street and North Quays sites will proceed over the next few years and the work to bring the greenway into the city centre continues at pace.
"The preparation work for the sustainable transport bridge from the Clock Tower to the North Quays is well underway and our hotels, restaurants, shops and bars are prepared to bounce back... providing vital jobs and services to our people.
"Our county has a bright future."
Mayor Kelly takes over the mayoral chain now from Councillor Damien Geoghegan.
And in his outgoing speech, Deputy Geoghegan stressed the importance of public participation:
"If I have one message for the people of Waterford it would be to get involved.
"Becoming Mayor allows you to see the big picture in the great place that is Waterford. We have a thriving arts sector that needs real support.
"We have many organisations, societies and clubs that do an enormous amount for the betterment of Waterford.
"It is often too easy to sit back and let others do this work... but we would all benefit and get much more from life if we too all decided to assist in whatever way we can."
The role of Deputy Mayor has also now gone to Fine Gael Councillor and Rathgormack representative, Seánie Power. He takes over from out-going Deputy Mayor, Eddie Mulligan.
