Councillor Dara Mulvey has been elected Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council. At its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 25th June, Councillor Mulvey was proposed by Councillor Thomas Walsh and seconded by Councillor Fergal Nealon. He succeeds outgoing Cathaoirleach Councillor Dónal Gilroy.
Councillor Dara Mulvey elected Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council
Cathaoirleach Councillor Dara Mulvey with outgoing Cathaoirleach, Councillor Dónal Gilroy
Councillor Thomas Walsh was elected Leas Cathaoirleach.
I look forward to working with all members of this Council in the year ahead. I want to acknowledge my family; my wife Collette, thank you for your constant support, understanding and encouragement. Our two sons Odhran and Michael, ye inspire me every day.
I want to acknowledge the outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Dónal Gilroy for his dedication and leadership and for all the work he has performed for our County in the last year.
Sligo is a county of opportunity, ambition, and strong community spirit. As Cathaoirleach, I am committed to working collective with you, to deliver meaningful progress for all our communities.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of our economy. We must continue to promote Sligo as a premier destination along the Wild Atlantic Way — rich in culture, heritage, and natural beauty. At the same time, we must continue our efforts to attract new investment, new tourism initiatives, support enterprise, and create sustainable employment opportunities across this county.
I am particularly excited about an upcoming event that will bring international attention to Sligo —the visit of the Galeón Andalucía, the world’s largest replica Spanish galleon. This impressive 160-foot vessel will dock at Deepwater Quay in Sligo Harbour. It represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase Sligo, attract visitors, and highlight our maritime heritage.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Mulvey welcomed the significant progress being made across a wide range of projects throughout our county. Footpath Schemes, one of which he worked closely with, Coolaney to Rockfield. Cycle Path Scheme promoting active travel and healthier lifestyles.
Cllr Mulvey continued to speak about major infrastructure projects including the Eastern Garvoge Bridge and Approach Roads, acknowledging previous Directors of Services and Elected Members who worked for many years to progress this project. The MCR to Burton Street Link Road which is well advanced and hopefully opening soon. The N17 Knock to Collooney Project which remains a critically important for connectivity in the region.
I note that in the coming week we will have Minister Charlie McConalogue officially turn the sod on a multi-million-euro, Government funded, recreational development in Ballymote. These such facilities will be a major asset to the towns such as Bunninadden, Ballinacarrow, Coolaney, Gurteen, Culfadda and further afield, and are vital for South Sligo to grow.
Cllr Mulvey spoke on the UNESCO World Heritage Bid – The Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo is another hugely important initiative, recognising and protecting our unique heritage on the world stage.
Achieving UNESCO World Heritage status would place Sligo firmly on the international map alongside some of the most treasured heritage sites in the world. It would bring increased global visibility, attracting scholars, visitors and cultural tourism from across the globe, while also strengthening our obligation to protect and preserve these sites for future generations.
Importantly, this is not just about recognition — it is about responsible stewardship.
The bid also reflects the strong collaboration between local authorities, state agencies, landowners and communities. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together with a shared vision for our county.
Cllr Mulvey concluded by thanking all the staff of Sligo County Council, indoor and outdoor staff who work tirelessly every day to provide much needed services throughout out County.
