Nick Killian elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council

Ratoath councillor Nick Killian was elected Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council at the council's annual general meeting this morning.

The independent councillor takes over the chains from outgoing chairman, Kells councillor Sean Drew (FF).

Fianna's Fáil's Cllr Mike Bray was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach, taking over the role from independent councillor Francis Deane.

Cllr Nick Killian was proposed for the position of Cathaoirleach by Brian Fitzgerald and seconded by Cllr Damien O'Reilly. Also nominated were Fine Gael's Sarah Reilly and independent Joe Bonner, with Cllr Killian elected on 22 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Killian said it was a great honour for him to be elected cathaoirleach, and he thanked Cllr Sean Drew for his work over the past 12 months.

He referred to Denis Boyle's book on the History of Meath County Council, saying the concerns at a meeting in 1902 were fair wages, employment and housing for labourers as well as niggling interference from the local government board and that "120 years later, not much has changed".

Cllr Killian outlined housing as one of his top priorities for the year ahead, particularly delivering social and affordable housing.

"Right now, the government's housing plan is not meeting the needs of our people. The coalition is failing to deal with the housing crisis much talk and little action.The impact of the housing crisis is felt in every family across County Meath indeed the country.

"Too many families are stuck in a rent trap. Too many families can’t access a mortgage because of crazy bank rules. Too many families will spend tonight sleeping in emergency accommodation, couch surfing or, worse, on the streets, that’s the sad reality for so many."

He appealed to ministers, TDs and senators in the county to use their influence to get more funding for housing in Meath.

Cllr Killian also spoke on the proposed downgrading of the Emergency Department at Navan Hospital which he said is "unacceptable".

"The downgrading of the 24-hour emergency department at the hospital to a medical assessment unit is unacceptable to the people of County Meath. My understanding is that Minister Donnelly and HSE officials are meeting today with our local TD’s and Senators in relation to this closure and I hope that they fulfil their promises made at recent protests in Navan in full support of what the people of the county want and not hide behind medical words of the HSE."

Fellow councillors wished him well in the year ahead and also paid tribute to the work of outgoing cathaoirleach Sean Drew over the past 12 months.