Council Cathaoirleach meets An Tánaiste at Government Buildings
Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, meeting An Tánaiste Simon Harris at Government buildings yesterday evening. Picture by Fergal Phillips
Road infrastructure, childcare, and tourism were just some of the issues discussed by Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach, Councillor Liam Callaghan, and An Tánaiste Simon Harris, during a high level meeting in Government Buildings last night Tuesday.
The Tánaiste, along with all of his senior Ministers, met with the 11 Fine Gael councillors who have recently been elected as the first citizen of their county.
Cllr Callaghan, who was elected as Roscommon Cathaoirleach in June, outlined his main priorities for his term.
“I raised with An Tánaiste the need to upgrade the N61 Athlone to Boyle. Upgrading our road infrastructure is hugely important for continued growth in our region.
“We need to identify and fast track a site for a primary care centre in Ballaghaderreen. We’ve seen how well these centres work elsewhere in the county, so we need to get a site confirmed as soon as possible.
“Childcare is hugely important for the people of Roscommon, and I will continue to campaign for an expansion of childcare services. We need to see a standalone community childcare facility for Boyle.
“I will continue to support services in Roscommon Hospital. We all know the fantastic work that is done in the hospital so we must ensure they are fully supported. There is also a clear need to expand car parking spaces at the hospital.
“Tourism is also hugely important for the area. We need to see greater development of tourist sites, such as the Lough Key Forest Park.
“I’m thankful to An Tánaiste and the Fine Gael Ministers for meeting with me to discuss these important issues for the people of Roscommon," he said.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said: “I was delighted to meet with and welcome Councillor Liam Callaghan, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, to Government buildings yesterday evening for a meeting on issues of importance to Roscommon and to him for his term in office as Cathaoirleach.
“It was an important opportunity to discuss things like how we move forward on housing delivery across more rural counties like Roscommon and how we invest more in our regional and national road network, how we enhance disability services, and better support small businesses and our farming community.
“I really appreciated Liam taking me through the list of important issues for Roscommon and for Roscommon County Council. I look forward to working very closely with him in terms of delivery during his term of office as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council," said Mr Harris.
