Independent Councillor Ann Norton has been unanimously elected Mayor of Ennis at today’s (Tuesday) Annual General Meeting of the Municipal District Committee of Ennis.
Councillor Norton was elected to Clare County Council for the first time in 2014 and succeeds Fianna Fáil Cllr. Pat Daly in the role. Meanwhile, Cllr. James Breen (IND) has been elected Deputy Mayor in place of the outgoing Deputy Mayor Cllr. Mary Howard of Fine Gael.
Mayor Norton paid tribute to her predecessor, Cllr. Pat Daly, and said she looked forward to many new projects and developments for Ennis during her year-long term of office.
“It is a great honour for me to hold this office in a year that will see Ennis host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann for the first time since 1977. This is a huge occasion for the town and the entire county with more than 400,000 people travelling to Clare to experience our County of Culture,” she said.
Mayor Norton continued, “As Mayor I also look forward to supporting the various community initiatives and cultural projects that will be taking place over the next 12 months, including plans for the new flagship County Library project in Ennis. Another key priority of mine will be to support and nurture the strong working relationship that exists between the Council, Elected Members and the business community in developing and promoting the town as a shopping and investment location.”
Outgoing Mayor Pat Daly congratulated Mayor Norton on her election, adding that it has been “a privilege and honour” to serve as Mayor of the Clare County Capital and Munster’s largest town.
Cllr. Daly pointed to a number of highlights during his term as Mayor including the securing of funding for the proposed new County Library and the commencement of work on the Ennis Market Rejuvenation Project.
He also referenced Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and expressed his hope that it will have a positive impact on the economic, social and cultural life of the town and its environs during 2016 and 2017. Cllr. Daly concluded by thanking the Council Executive and the staff in the Municipal District of Ennis for their support during the year.
