Pat McHugh
New Chairman of Mayo County Council
24 Jul 1996
The new chairman of Mayo County Council, Mr. Pat McHugh, is committed to the future development of the region. The Ballindine-based councillor has pinpointed a number of priorities during his term in office.
Mr. McHugh, who was co-opted to the authority in 1987 following the death of the late Mr. Martin Finn and was subsequently elected in the local elections in 1991, listed the development of Turlough Park House as one of the biggest challenges facing the authority.
Ministerial approval has been given in principal to transform the property into a Folk Life Museum at a cost of £7m.
Mr. McHugh, a member of the teaching staff of Ballyhaunis Community School, wants to see a start in the provision of by-passes at Claremorris and Knock.
He is also set to push hard for new water schemes in Westport , Claremorris and Ballyhaunis.
Mr. McHugh described his election to the prestigious position as 'a special day' for him and his family. His late father, Patrick, served as a member of the council for a number of years.
The proudest person in the council chamber following his installation as chairman was his mother, Sarah. Also in attendance was Pat's wife, Noreen; their three children, Paul, Robert and Emma; other family members, relatives and friends.
Said Pat: "I am following in the footsteps of a number of giants in local politics who held this position. I hope I will be up to the task placed in me."
Mr. McHugh defeated independent member Mr. Richard Finn by 16 votes to two in a contest for the post.
Along with the 14 Fianna Fail votes, Mr. McHugh received the support of
Mr. Johnny Mee (Labour) and Mr. John Martin Flannery (F.G.), the outgoing
chairman. The remaining Fine Gael members abstained in the vote.
Connaught Telegraph - News - July 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - July 1996
