11 July 2003: On his election as Mayor of Kildare, Cllr Michael Fitzpatrick said his motto will be ‘to make Kildare a first choice to live, work and to do business’.
He paid tribute to outgoing Mayor FG Cllr Jim Reilly from Carbury for his work as Kildare’s first citizen for the last year.
However, voiced concern over staffing problems in the County Council saying they must be vigilant to ensure sufficient staff are available in Kildare County Council, and that the needs of the Planning Department must be addressed.
He believed there ‘should not be a parish in the county where community involvement does not exist’. He emphasised how some parts of the Clane electoral area are designated as disadvantaged, and parts, including Robertstown, are more disadvantaged than some areas of Co Mayo. “But there are many small indigenous businesses appearing, due to Kildare County County, and statutory bodies such as KELT etc.”
He welcomed Monday’s signing of the CPOs for the Allenwood Group sewerage Scheme and the success of Allenwood Community business park which now has more employees than the Allenwood ESB power station had when it was closed down.
Other ventures mentioned included developments at Lullymore Heritage project, equestrian centres and the huge imput of development at Donadea Forrest Park. “This morning I attended a function in Donadea Forrest Park where the local community hosted American visitors to commemorate the building of a memorial to those who lost their lives on September 11. It will have a huge impact on attracting tourism,” he said.
He also welcomed recent developments at Peatland World which he hoped would be ‘out of the woods’ and a new proposal would be ratified by the Minister.
He voiced his objection to the landfill facility under consideration in the area saying it is not appropriate to the Bog of Allen and such activities should not be planned for there.
Cllr Fitzpatrick said he was delighted to be elected to ‘this high office’ on what would have been his father’s birthday. He declared he was now ‘over 40 years in Kildare, from Cavan, so he can declare himself a true Kildare man!’
