Cllr Paul Ross Elected Cathaoirleach of the Association of Irish Regions
Longford County Councillor and member of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Cllr Paul Ross, has been elected Cathaoirleach of the Association of Irish Regions (AIR).
The election, which took place on 8 September, sees Cllr Ross take on a national and European representative role on behalf of elected members across Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies. He takes over the role from Cllr. Niall “Botty” O’Callaghan, Kerry County Council.
The Association of Irish Regions provides a collective voice for elected members serving on Ireland’s three Regional Assemblies, with the Cathaoirleach representing their interests and bringing the issues and priorities of Ireland’s regions into discussions at national and European level.
In taking up the role, Cllr Ross will work to ensure that the experience and priorities of communities across the country are reflected in policy discussions, particularly on matters of regional development, investment, infrastructure, economic growth and the future development of Ireland’s regions.
Speaking following his election, Cllr Ross said:
“I am delighted and honoured to have been elected Cathaoirleach of the Association of Irish Regions. Our Regional Assemblies have an important role in shaping the future of our regions and in ensuring that decisions made at national and European level take account of the realities and needs of communities on the ground. As Cathaoirleach, I look forward to working with elected members from across all of Ireland’s regions and to bringing their collective voice to the forefront of national and European discussions. Coming from Longford and serving on the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, I know the importance of ensuring that the perspective of communities is heard. Regional balance, connectivity, investment and sustainable development are issues that matter to communities right across the country, and I look forward to advocating for them in this role. I am particularly pleased to take on this responsibility at a time when the role of regional government continues to develop. I look forward to working constructively with colleagues, national stakeholders and our European partners over the coming year.”
Cllr Ross’s election represents an opportunity to bring the perspective of Longford, the wider Eastern and Midland Region and Ireland’s other regions, to a broader national and European platform, while representing the collective interests of elected members across Ireland’s regions.
