Deane elected Mayor of Navan
Independent councillor, Francis Deane was elected Mayor of Navan for the fourth time, this morning (Wednesday) at the annual meeting of Navan Municipal Council.
Cllr Deane takes over from Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons (FF) who has now been elected deputy Mayor.
Cllr Deane said that his priorities for the year ahead include progressing the Navan 2030 project, creating a more vibrant future for our community.
He is looking forward to seeing progress on the pedestrian walkway from Spicers to Stackallen and is hoping for a renewed focus on the redevelopment of Flower Hill.
"We will move forward with the construction of the old St Patrick's Classical School and I'm looking forward to seeing work start on the redevelopment of the Butterly site at Old Johnstown, which will transform the area and will enhance the local environment of old Johnstown.
"I really feel strongly that we urgently need to fast track delivery of the proposed community facilities for new Johnstown, ensuring that growing communities have the amenities and services they need.
"I'd also love to see our Navan business community supported and I hope to lead a major drive to attract more shoppers to Navan, particularly during the Christmas season.
"Finally I want to advocate for an increased garda presence throughout Navan and Johnstown, helping to improve community safety and support a stronger quality of life."
The new Mayor joined his fellow councillors in paying tribute to Cllr Fitzsimons on his work over the past year.
Cllr Fitzsimons recalled that one of highlights of his year as Mayor was attending the opening of the new premises for the Joshua project, which caters for homeless people.
He recalled being there at Christmas and seeing the wonderful work that they do there.
"I went home from it to a loving family. For those who were being fed there that day, would not have had anyone only for the project," he said.
Cllr Fitzsimons looked back over the work done in Navan during the year including the work on Bakery Lane and Cornmarket and the announcement regarding the Rail Line. He looked forward to work on the Johnstown project, the cultural quarter, Pairc Talteann, Flower Hill and the Boyne Greenway, as well as the Navan Summer Festival.