NEWLY elected Fermanagh and Omagh District Council chairwoman, Siobhan Currie says she is looking forward to tackling challenges that lie ahead in the coming year.
Cllr Currie secured a council seat after running for the first time this year.
The Erne North Councillor was selected as chairwoman for the year ahead at the council AGM held in the Townhall on Wednesday last and will take over from outgoing chairman, Cllr Howard Thornton.
Speaking after the AGM councillor Currie said it was “an honour and privilege to have been elected as chairwoman.”
Cllr Currie added, “I am delighted that my Sinn Fein colleagues have shown such confidence in me in nominating me for this role.
“Of course, I am Sinn Fein’s second female Councillor for Erne North to hold this position. The first ever female chair of Fermanagh District Council being Geraldine Cassidy, who I am proud to say nominated me to go forward for Council.”
Councillor Currie is also the second female councillor to hold the seat of Council chairwoman since the combination of Fermanagh District Council and Omagh District Council in 2015. Trillick Councillor Mary Garrity previously undertook the role in 2016/17. In the year ahead Cllr Currie said she will work to represent everyone and will be a passionate promoter of the area.
“We are blessed to be able to call such a place home,” she said, adding that it should be promoted for tourism and as a great place to live and bring up a family.
“Over the year I also want to focus on protecting our environment so that locals and the growing number of tourists who visit our beautiful area can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area, now and for generations to come.
“I want to reiterate Sinn Fein’s total opposition to fracking anywhere in this council area or throughout the island.
“There will no doubt be challenges in the year ahead, particularly as a result of Brexit, but I am looking forward to tackling those challenges and working with all parties on the council for the benefit of everyone in this area.”