Labour Party Councillor Seamus Ryan has been elected as the new Mayor of Waterford City and County.

The Labour representative, who serves the Waterford City South ward of the Metropolitan District, was elected by colleagues at the Plenary AGM of the local authority held at City Hall this afternoon.

Cllr. Ryan takes up the role which was previously held by Fianna Fail Councillor Jason Murphy.

He was proposed by Labour Cllr. Thomas Phelan who described him as “steeped in local politics” and “a people person”.

Cllr. Ryan’s nomination was seconded by Fianna Fail Councillor Adam Wyse.

In a vote this afternoon, Cllr. Ryan received 21 votes while Independent Councillor Joe O’Riordan received 9.

Cllr. O’Riordan’s nomination was proposed by Independent Councillor Donal Barry and seconded by Sinn Fein Councillor Kate O’Mahoney.

Cllr. Ryan had previously served as Mayor of Waterford in 2004 before the amalgamation of the town councils in 2014 – while he also served as Metropolitan Mayor in 2021.

He first joined Labour in 1987 and worked for many years as a librarian, as well as serving on the governing body of Waterford Institute of Technology.

Cllr. John Pratt (Labour) has been elected as Deputy Mayor.

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