The new Mayor of South County Dublin Vicki Casserly says progressing inclusion for all residents is her aim for the year ahead.
“I’m very excited about the next twelve months and truly honoured to be elected Mayor,” she told Dublin Gazette.
“I plan to work hard on making our county fully accessible and fully inclusive for everyone.
“I will also work hard to ensure our chamber is fully inclusive and a forum where all views are debated and treated respectfully.”
Fine Gael Councillor Casserly was elected by fellow councillors last Friday (7th) at the Annual Meeting in County Hall, Tallaght.
The Lucan – Palmerstown councillor takes over the role from Sinn Fein councillor Mark Ward.
She was proposed for Mayor by party colleague Cllr Emer Higgins and was seconded by Fianna Fail Councillor Ed O’Brien and was deemed elected to the Office of Mayor following a roll call vote.
Since first winning her seat in the local elections in 2014 she has achieved a lot in her role.
“As well as being a Councillor for the last five years I’m also a full time carer for my son James,” she said.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in a short space of time with my work to make the local area more inclusive and accessible to all.
“We are not there yet, there’s always more to be done but we are getting there.
“South Dublin County Council are very progressive and welcoming to my ideas and I’m proud I haven’t had a motion defeated on the grounds of my inclusive agenda.
“I have also had the support of all my colleagues from all parties.
“What I’m really looking forward to over the coming year is meeting community groups from all across the county and other areas further afield.
“Tomorrow a little girl aged five is coming in to meet and have a chat and I’m really looking forward to that as well.”
The election of Fianna Fail Councillor Trevor Gilligan as Deputy Mayor was also welcomed by the new Mayor.
“I’ve known him a long time in both a professional and personal capacity and he has always been hugely supportive,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Trevor and I’m honoured and privileged to work alongside him.”
