In addition I attended a further 85 other events or meetings as part of my role as a Blackrock ward councillor, tidy towns chairperson, Blackrock Business Network committee member or party political member to mention just a few.
I feel very honoured to do this job for a second time. I can honestly say that I never thought
that I would wear the chain again when I relinquished it 5 years ago. The experience of being
Cathaoirleach before has stood to me.
This has been a wonderful year, I don’t know of any other job that allows you to cut ribbons,
present loads of awards and even accept a few, launch books, open libraries, community
centres, sporting facilities, art exhibitions and conferences.
This role also includes the important job of chairing the Council’s various meetings, I have tried
to be as fair as I can to every councillor and treat each of you with respect.
This year we commenced work on our County Development Plan. Despite the steep learning
curve for new members we managed to complete the opening process in a timely manner.
One of the greatest joys of being Cathaoirleach was meeting people from all over the County
whilst visiting schools, community groups, festivals, business events, sports clubs, tea dances,
award ceremonies etc but what was even better was inviting people from our County and
elsewhere to come inside this wonderful building.
My highlights of the year include the opening of the Lexicon and Blackrock Libraries. Planting a
tree in Fernhill to mark the purchase of the lands by the Council. The re-launch of the People’s
Park on a sunny day. Hosting a celebration for the Special Olympians from our County. But the
event I enjoyed the most was probably the Volunteer Recognition Awards, where we
commemorated the work of 97 County volunteers. These volunteers come from every strand of
society and background, adding so much to the lives of others.
I have a few thanks you to make, firstly to my Fine Gael colleagues, thank you for selecting
me as your candidate for Cathaoirleach last year. Thank you to all the members of this
chamber for your co-operation and courtesy. To the Chief Executive, Philomena Poole and all
the management team and staff a big thank you. To Carla, in the Cathaoirleach’s office, a very
big thank you.
And finally to my husband and children a big thank you for all the support during the past
year.”
The Members and Ms. P. Poole, Chief Executive paid tribute to An Cathaoirleach for being a
great ambassador for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council during her year in office.
Ms. P. Poole, Chief Executive, presented An Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Baker, with a photo
album as a memento of her year’s term in office.