Mayo councillor new Cathaoirleach of Regional Assembly

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has a new Cathaoirleach: Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly (FG), Mayo County Council, Fine Gael has been elected as the Cathaoirleach for 2024-2025.

He succeeds Cllr. John Naughten from Roscommon County Council.  Cllr Declan McDonnell Independent Galway City Council was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach.

The NWRA is one of three regional assemblies in Ireland and represents counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway.  At its core it works with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development.

Cllr. Munnelly has been an elected member of Mayo County Council since 2004, representing the Ballina Electoral Area. He was first elected to the Northern and Western Regional Assembly in 2019. In addition to his political role, Cllr. Munnelly is employed by Tusla as Children and Young Peoples Services Committee (CYPSC) Coordinator for Mayo.

Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly Said:

“I am honoured to wear the Chain of Office as Cathaoirleach of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. The functions of the Regional Assemblies have become increasingly important particularly as key champions of the regional perspective in economic and spatial development. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues across the political spectrum on the very significant programme of work ahead, including a review of the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Northern and Western Region and the adoption of the next Corporate Plan for the Assembly.”

He explained that his first meeting was a busy one, with the announcement by government that the consultation was now open on the first Draft revision to the National Planning Framework and also the NWRA’s “Regional Infrastructure Tracker” report was launched at the meeting, which analysed the latest developments regarding investment in the infrastructure of the Northern and Western Region of Ireland. He said that the report lays bare the ‘historical deficit of investments in infrastructure of scale across the Border and West Region and this of huge concern to me. As Cathaoirleach I intend to advocate strongly on behalf of this region that measures are taken to reverse that trend and enable our region to harness its potential for the benefit of our citizens.”

The Director of the NWRA, Denis Kelly, said: “Cllr. Jarlath Munnelly has been a valued Member of the Assembly for many years and we, the executive of the assembly, look forward to assisting him in his new role as Cathaoirleach”.