RESOLUTION OF a split between councillors in the two parts of the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown area of Dublin is one of the hopes of the the council’s new Cathaoirleach, who was elected last night.
At 36, Fine Gael councillor Tom Joyce of the Glencullen electoral district is one of the youngest leaders the council has elected.
Mr Joyce is concerned about public spats and accusations made by councillors from both sides of the council over the last few months, which he says adds little to the development of the county.
Whether the politicians like it or not they are not just elected to represent their own area but the whole of Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown, he said.
Being Cathaoirleach in an election year is no easy task, Mr Joyce said, referring to the local elections in 2009.
Elections are always a distraction for councillors, he said, but he is hopeful that he can encourage the politicians to get through their business.
Delivering a draft development plan is one of the major challenges Mr Joyce faces. It can be a fraught and difficult process with a lot of donkey work, he said.
However, he is hopeful the council can produce a plan that the councillors are happy to face the electorate with.
One of his most pressing aims is to address the energy crisis and how it affects constituents. He wants to set up a committee to provide advice and information to the public as a matter of urgency, he told the council last night.
Mr Joyce, a self-employed engineer, was first elected to the council in 2004.
He is originally from Goatstown but now lives in Sandyford with his wife and their two boys.
