New director sets out priorities for east/south Mayo region

THE new director of services for the Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District has set out his priorities for the region.

Tom Gilligan's focus will include developing social and affordable housing, tackling vacancy and dereliction, road safety, particularly measures on the N17, progressing the strategic development zone at Ireland West Airport, and to see more priority given to towns and villages.

Mr. Gilligan takes over in the role from Joanne Grehan, to whom tribute was paid for her work in the municipal district when councillors held their monthly area meeting yesterday. Ms. Grehan has been appointed director in the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District.

Commenting on the district's prime location between Sligo and Galway, Mr. Gilligan said he wants to see it become the best place in which to live and work and for people to visit.

“There is great potential here and we need to maximise that to the best of our ability,” he told local councillors.

Elected members had a warm welcome for Mr. Gilligan, highlighting the cohesive and constructive manner in which they work for the betterment of the area.