CLLR PAT IS BRAY’S NEW CATHAOIRLEACH
CLLR PAT VANCE was elected the new Cathaoirleach for Bray Municipal District at last week’s meeting.
Councillors paid tribute to outgoing Cathaoirleach Christopher Fox on the conclusion of his year.
Cllr Steven Matthews said that Cllr Fox had achieved the goals he had set out for his tenure.
Cllr Brendan Thornhill said that Cllr Fox had always been very fair, he wished him well.
Cllr John Ryan said that Cllr Fox had plaid a part in the progress made by the Florentine Centre. He said that the money coming for the Southern Cross lands needs to be spent as soon as possible.
Cllr Oliver O’Brien said that Cllr Fox is very fair and an easy person to get along with.
Cllr Pat Vance, who had been leas-cathaoirleach, said that this had been a year of action, with a lot of positive developments, and also a lot of pressure.
He said that there are always unforeseen problems, and that Cllr Fox had handled everything in a calm and collected manner.
The new District Manager Thomas Murphy said that while he is new to Bray, he is familiar with Cllr Fox from Wicklow County Council. He said that he was always struck by his confidence, patience and determination to get the job done.
Clr Fox proposed Cllr Vance for cathaoirleach, and Cllr ryan seconded the motion. Cllr Brendan Thornhill proposed Cllr Oliver O’Brien. The vote was for Cllr Vance, with a result of five to two. One member, Cllr being included in the build.
Cllr John Ryan said that it’s bizarre to ask what is in the confidential agreement. ‘If it’s a confidential agreement you can’t say what’s in the thing,’ he said.
He commented that there will not be pedestrian access, as thought, via Florence Road, and said that is a major mistake. Michael O’Connor, was absent.
Cllr Vance said that it has been 16 years ago since he had the chair, of what was at that time Bray Urban district Council. ‘Pacts can work against you as well as for you,’ he said.
‘It’s always a great privilege to have the chair of your own town,’ he said. He thanked those who voted for him, and said he would treat those who didn’t with the same fairness as the others.
He paid tribute to Cllr Fox, saying he would be a hard act to follow.
Cllr Vance said that there is a great buzz in the town, an anticipation that things are on the way up, as well as problems with things such as parking.
One of his main issues is affordable housing, as well as a regional sports centre as per the development plan, improvements to the harbour area of Bray, and the return of powers and services to the Bray district council as opposed to central Wicklow County Council.
He paid tribute to the council officials, in particular David Forde, whom he said has put in ‘ Trojan efforts’ and long periods of time over the day and night, in service to the town.