Fianna Fáil Councillor John O’Leary has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) of the Comeragh District Council, following a vote at the Council’s AGM on Tuesday.

Cllr. O’Leary, a long-serving member of Waterford City and County Council, brings experience to the role, having previously served as Deputy Mayor in 2018/2019 and Mayor of Waterford City and County during the 2022/2023 term.

Speaking after his election, Cllr. O’Leary said his key priorities in the year ahead will include addressing ongoing housing needs within the Comeragh area, supporting local infrastructure upgrades, and tackling illegal dumping, a persistent issue across rural parts of the district. He also highlighted the need for increased investment in the rural roads programme, which he described as essential to maintaining connectivity and quality of life for residents in smaller communities.

The Comeragh District encompasses a wide geographic area including towns and villages such as Kilmacthomas, Portlaw, Rathgormack, and Bunmahon, as well as parts of the scenic Copper Coast and Comeragh Mountains.

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