THE CURTAIN came down on urban politics in New Ross last week when the Town Council held its last ever meeting after more than 800 years of local political governance.
At the end of Tuesday night’s monthly meeting Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Niamh Fitzgibbon, said it’s important that the town’s Minute Book, which is among the oldest books of its type in the country, should remain in New Ross and that it should go on public display when an appropriate place is found.
The minutes are to be transcribed by the County Archivist.
“I would ask that the councillors propose that the Mace, Chain of Office and minutes belong in New Ross and that they should remain here,” she said.
Cllr. Michael Sheehan seconded the proposal and he asked if the Chain of Office will transfer onto the chair of the incoming Municipal District Committee for New Ross.
Town Manager, Eamonn Hore, commented: “This is the last night of New Ross Town Council.”
Citing it as lamentable he said Cllr. John Dwyer was right in a comment he made earlier in the meeting that it was “a sad day for New Ross”.
“I have gone on record as saying I fundamentally disagree with it,” said Mr. Hore.
He also expressed surprise at how “easily” local authorities around the country accepted their imminent termination since the Government first made public its plans for local Government reform.
He complimented the current and past members of the local authority for their contribution and determination to bring New Ross forward and to develop it.
“I think it’s sad and short-sighted and I think people will come to regret it,” he said.
Cllr. Fitzgibbon then also said it was a sad day.
“This is an end of an era in New Ross,” said Cllr. Sheehan.
“This is the last time [the Council] will meet as people who live and work in the town,” he added.
“When the new body sits down it will be a very different Council and authority.”
He went on to say: “The future of this town is one of prosperity and the future of the people will be good provided we are there to do our best for it and them.”
Cllr. Ollie Somers thanked the officials and his fellow councillors for their help during his relatively short time on the local authority while Cllr. Paul Crowdle said the forthcoming election will be an important one for the town.
Cllr. Anthony Connick also described it as “a sad day” and said: “I hope the local community groups don’t get left behind.”
He also wished the best of luck to “anyone who gets elected”.
Cllr. Jas O’Callaghan said “the best that could happen for New Ross” in the election would be a 4/4 balance between rural and urban councillors.
“Whatever councillors do come in I hope they keep the town at the heart of their programme,” he said.
Cllr. Annette Larkin had the distinction of being the last ever New Ross Town Councillor to comment at a meeting of the town’s local authority.
Having said that in some ways the work of councillors is taken for granted she highlighted the enormous amount of work done by the outgoing council.
“When I was in the Chair it was a huge honour,” she said.
“I am the youngest Cathaoirleach of all time and I am very proud of that,” she added.
She thanked the staff in the Tholsel for being accessible to members.
With regard to her fellow councillors contesting the elections she said: “I wish you the best of luck and I don’t envy you. I hope we have as many councillors back in New Ross as we possibly can.”
With those parting words the meeting was over and after eight centuries the history of local politics in New Ross town had come to an end
