Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan has been elected as the new Metropolitan Mayor of Waterford following a vote of councillors at Waterford City and County Council.

The Fine Gael councillor defeated Cllr Mary Roche by 11 votes to six to secure the position for the coming year.

In her acceptance speech, Cllr O’Sullivan described Waterford as an “up and coming” city and said she was looking forward to serving as Metropolitan Mayor. She also stressed the importance of teamwork and bringing the city together.

Cllr O’Sullivan was first elected to local government in 1999 and is the longest-serving member of Waterford City and County Council’s Metropolitan district. During her career, she has served on Tramore Town Council, Waterford County Council and Waterford City and County Council. She has previously served as Mayor on three occasions.

She currently chairs the Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee and is Chair of the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board. She is also involved with two housing organisations in Waterford, the Holy Ghost Housing Association and the Catherine Walsh Trust.

Outside of local politics, Cllr O’Sullivan has a strong involvement in community and voluntary groups. She is Chair of her local Water Safety Ireland area committee, a member of the Order of Malta and is active in her local Community First Responder group. She is also the sister of former MEP Grace O’Sullivan.

The new Mayor was nominated by Cllr Frank Quinlan of Fine Gael and seconded by Fianna Fáil councillor Jason Murphy.

Outgoing Metropolitan Mayor Adam Wyse congratulated Cllr O’Sullivan and said he has looked up to her since joining the council 13 years ago.

Speaking on behalf of Sinn Féin, Cllr Pat Fitzgerald wished her well in the role and said that despite political differences, he hoped she would have a successful term in office.

Meanwhile, Cllr Declan Barry was elected Deputy Metropolitan Mayor. His election was agreed without a vote following two nominations. Addressing councillors, Cllr Barry said he was looking forward to the role and would be happy to assist Mayor O’Sullivan during her term.

Cllr Mary Roche, who was nominated by Independent councillor David Daniels and seconded by Sinn Féin councillor Joeanne Bailey, also congratulated Cllr O’Sullivan and wished her well following the result.