Millstreet native co-opted onto Council to represent Macroom

Millstreet native Gerry Healy has been co-opted to Cork County Council and will represent the Macroom Municipal District.

He fills the seat left vacant following the passing of Fine Gael councillor Michael Creed earlier this year.

Mr Healy was chosen during a recent Fine Gael co-option convention in the Castle Hotel in Macroom, seeing off the challenge of Áine Spillane who also put her name forward in the co option process.

The new Fine Gael councillor Mr Healy told The Echo that he hopes to emulate the public service given to the local community by the late councillor.

“I don’t know how he got around to doing the amount of work that he did. If I could do half as much as what he did, I would be lucky.

“As such from what I hear, there is no manual that you will be given. You have to learn the hard way and take it from there."

Mr Healy added: “I live in the rural community. I work around the area. I know what is needed there as such and what the issues are.

“You are in and out to town every day there in Millstreet and Macroom. There are different issues of the day and different items.

“We have no councillor from Millstreet in any party at the moment. That was one of main reasons I went for it.” 

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea said that he looks forward to working closely with Mr Healy on the issues affecting communities across the county.

"There is a significant agenda ahead for our county, including housing, rural development, roads, community facilities, water infrastructure and supporting local businesses.

“I know Gerry will bring energy, commitment and a strong work ethic to his new role, and I look forward to working alongside him to deliver for the people we represent."

"Public service requires dedication and commitment and I have no doubt that Gerry will be an excellent advocate for the people of the Macroom Municipal District."