Cllr Declan Geraghty has been elected as Cathaoirleach for Ballinasloe Municipal District

The ever-ambitious Cllr Declan Geraghty has been elected as Cathaoirleach for Ballinasloe Municipal District, taking over Cllr Dr. Evelyn Parsons in the role. The East Galway native  believes the forecast is bright for the year ahead and hopes he can deliver to the town and surrounds in his new position.
 
Independent Declan Geraghty, who is married with one son, was first elected as Councillor for the Ballinasloe MDC in the 2019 local elections and has since been serving in the town. Declan found coming into the role that, being new and enthusiastic, he was optimistic he could bring change in the district.
 
He was initially surprised by the slower pace of working in local government, finding that while operating in the private sector, decisions and change could be made more immediate. Since 2005, Declan and his colleague Michael Donnellan have been operating a successful roofing retail business - DG Roofing, currently employing 22 people, hubbed in Williamstown .
 
The Entrepreneur / Businessman believes that he  has been quite grateful to be a representative on the Ballinasloe MDC, understanding that he and his fellow councilors must work well as a team. Additionally, he is delighted to help communities within the region and “always has the craic” with the people.
 
Cllr Geraghty found it was an honour to be appointed as Cathaoirelach, being nominated by Councilors Dermot Connolly and Peter Keavney. Declan believes the role is one of serious civic responsibility and will try perform all his duties and functions to the best of his ability.
 
Our newest Cathaoirleach ( the last before the local elections next June 2024 ) will be prioritizing tackling issues surrounding drugs and rural crime, as per his appointment on the Joint Policing Committee forum, as well as establishing Community Alerts within the surrounding district villages. In addition, Declan will focus on providing social housing to all those in the area who need it, making sure everyone has a roof over their head. High on his agenda are the improvement of rural road conditions, as well as bringing young people into politics to demonstrate the efforts of Councillors in our regions.
 
Declan is optimistic about the year ahead and: “can see Ballinasloe go only one way, up”. He referred back to recent development plans including the town enhancement scheme and Big Dig project, which he sees as only positives for the municipality. Declan hopes to continue partnering with his Roscommon Council counterparts on developing tourism on the River Suck, as well as in town referencing its accessibility and good infrastructure.
 
“The way forward with an organisation is positivity, negativity can bring people down”, he emphasised. Geraghty his adamant to remain optimistic in his role, and working together with the community, hopes to continue to push the town on track for new development during his term. 
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