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Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo County Council employees praised for embracing the Irish language
The Certificate in Professional Irish, which was completely funded by the Council for staff and delivered over a 10 week period, provided participants with the opportunity to enhance their Irish language skills and deepen their understanding of Ireland's rich linguistic heritage. This initiative reflects the local authority's dedication to fostering a bilingual working environment and improving service delivery through the use of Irish. The certificates were presented at a special event held in the Council Chamber, County Hall, was attended by staff, the Cathaoirleach and members of the executive of Sligo County Council. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr Declan Bree said 'Sligo County Council is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Official Languages legislation and has taken many steps in ensuring compliance with its obligations by employing an Oifigeach Gaeilge, increasing its spend on Irish language advertising and funding Irish courses for staff, like this one.' This initiative is part of a broader programme to promote the use of Irish in the workplace and in public services, in line with national language policy. 'By 2030, the Official Languages Act 2021 provides that at least 20% of new recruits to public service bodies should be competent in the Irish Language.' Praising the successful staff members at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, Councillor Bree said: 'Today is about recognising your progress, your perseverance and your passion. 'Whether you've mastered an modh coinníollach or you're still getting to grips with a response to 'an bhfuil tú go maith?', you are part of a movement — a community of learners who are breathing new life into our national language'.
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Limerick councillor breaks glass ceiling as first woman elected to lead council
The historic election took place in the Council Chamber this Monday. Speaking with the Irish Independent after her election, Cllr Slattery said: 'Well, in the lead up to it, I was a little bit nervous but when I actually got into the chamber, the nerves left me,' she said. 'I knew that, you know, this day was going to go down in history, really, because I was going to be the first woman Príomh Chomhairleoir elected.' Ms Slattery, a Fianna Fáil councillor, was first elected in 2019 and her rise to the role of Príomh Chomhairleoir has been swift but hard-earned. 'Little did I think in 2019 when I was elected as a councillor that I would go on to be the Príomh Chomhairleoir,' she said. 'It is one of the best honours in my political career so far.' A breakthrough in gender representation in Limerick politics, Cllr Slattery noted: 'It leads the way for other women as well.' 'Since being elected, some women have reached out to me that wouldn't have before, this paves the way for other young girls who might decide to go into politics,' she beamed. The chamber was filled with support for Slattery on the day, with colleagues from across the political spectrum showing their backing. 'My colleagues were fantastic and not just my own party colleagues, but my other colleagues in the chamber and the Mayor and the Director General of the Council,' she said. Alongside her on the day were her extended family 'My daughter, my two grandchildren, my mother, father, sisters, my partner and some of my canvassing team. It was great to have them all there to witness something they wouldn't have witnessed before,' she stated. Cllr Slattery's tenure on the council has been down to her strict support for youth, the elderly and her communities. ADVERTISEMENT 'You have to put in the hours, you have to make yourself available to people and communities,' she said. 'But I love it. To me, it doesn't feel like a job.' Among her key priorities for the year ahead are youth and community services, tackling anti-social behavior, and supporting the elderly. 'Indoor and outdoor sports facilities and community facilities are important,' she said, but added that anti-social behaviour in Limerick city is at an all-time high. 'We need extra Garda patrols on the streets,' she stated. In terms of community engagement, Cllr Slattery enjoys visiting the elderly at St Camillus Hospital. 'We hand out Easter eggs, selection boxes and that kind of this. It's important because they were once our age and they need their voices to be heard now.' Housing remains another major concern for the Fianna Fáil councillor. 'We need more affordable homes. We need more cost rental and more social houses,' she said. 'The youth of Limerick are going to leave Limerick because they just can't purchase houses here at the moment.' As a woman in politics, she acknowledged the challenges which brought her to the position she has today. 'There's no training, nothing like that, so you either sink or swim. And I suppose I swam but didn't have much of a choice!' she chuckled. In thanks to the people of Limerick for their votes, she said: 'Since I was elected Monday, people have been ringing me, texting me, leaving messages on social media to congratulate me. 'Limerick is a fantastic place and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.'
RTÉ News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Fergal Dennehy elected as Lord Mayor of Cork
Fianna Fáil's Fergal Dennehy has been elected as the Lord Mayor of Cork at a meeting of Cork City Council. Mr Dennehy, a councillor, was elected by 23 votes in the Council Chamber. In his mayoral speech, Mr Dennehy said he was "deeply honoured" to be elected mayor, adding that he is "fully aware of the responsibility it carries". He pledged to "acknowledge and strengthen" communities and to work with "young people to ensure that they can be the best that they can be". He added that he will collaborate and work with officials and stakeholders "across the political spectrum" to make Cork city "a place that all Corkonians can be proud of". Newley Elected Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Fergal Dennehy with elected Deputy Lord Mayor Margaret McDonnell. — Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) June 20, 2025 Mr Dennehy was co-opted to Cork City Council in 2003 and subsequently elected in 2004, 2014, 2019, and 2024. His father, John Dennehy, was also Lord Mayor of Cork. The Lord Mayor also announced that fellow Councillor Margaret McDonnell will be the Deputy Lord Mayor. Ms McDonnell, also of the Fianna Fáil party, said she was "extremely honoured" to be elected as Deputy Lord Mayor. "I look forward to working with the new elected Lord Mayor and supporting him in every way I can over the coming year," she said.
United News of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Council Chamber: India's first Parliament House echoes legacy of freedom movement
Shimla, May 30 (UNI) Tucked away in the hills of Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly building — known as the Council Chamber — stands as a silent witness to India's journey from colonial rule to democracy. Constructed between 1920 and 1925 during the British Raj, this grand structure originally served as the Central Legislative Assembly— the first Parliament House of India. Built at a cost of ₹10 lakh, the Council Chamber was not just a building but a political landmark of its time. It was here that Vithalbhai Patel, elder brother of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, made history in 1925 by becoming the first Indian President of the Assembly, defeating British candidate Frederick White by just two votes. His election marked a defining moment in India's legislative autonomy under British rule. The Assembly's Speaker's chair, crafted from fine teak, was a diplomatic gift from the Burmese government to the British — a relic that still occupies a place of pride in the House. The chamber also served as the venue for key developments that shaped India's democratic fabric, including the historic passing of the proposal to grant women the right to vote. Even the Quit India Movement, one of the most powerful calls for independence, found its early voice in this very hall — imbuing the site with revolutionary resonance. Today, the chamber continues to evolve with time. Modern legislative tools like zero hour and online committee participation have been introduced, marrying tradition with technology. The historic chamber received renewed attention today when the Government Assurances Committee of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, led by Chairman Bharat Bhushan Batra, paid a courtesy visit and toured the site, appreciating both its heritage and upkeep. UNI ML ARN PRS
Powys County Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Dr John Glyn Hughes 'honoured' to be made Llanidloes mayor
A former Llanidloes High School headteacher says it is an "honour" to become the town's mayor after serving as a deputy. Liberal Democrat councillor Dr John Glyn Hughes, of the Clywedog ward, was officially made mayor at a ceremony at the Town Hall in Great Oak Street on Friday, May 9. Following his election as mayor, historian and author Cllr Hughes said: "It is an honour to serve this wonderful town that I have been a part of for 40 years.' Cllr Hughes, who retired in 2010 after 26 years as headteacher of Llanidloes High School, paid tribute to 'exceptional' outgoing mayor Cllr Jamie Jones by describing his three-year tenure as an 'extremely hard act to follow". The mayor will be joined by new deputy mayor Cllr Daniel Craig, of Dulas ward, who works at Llanidloes High School. Speaking after the results of a vote were announced during a full council meeting at the Town Hall on April 28, Cllr Craig said: 'Thank you to all who supported and those who didn't". Cllr Hughes' first town council meeting as mayor will include discussions on progress with acquiring a lease on Llanidloes Youth Centre, the re-opening of the Old Market Hall and the Town Hall lift project. The full council meeting, which is open to members of the public, will next take place on Monday, May 19, at 7pm inside the Council Chamber at the Town Hall in Great Oak Street.
