‘Meitheal’ approach will help Kerry recover from COVID-19 pandemic – Cathaoirleach

Fine Gael councillor, Patrick Connor-Scarteen has today been elected Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council at the local authority’s annual meeting at the Kerry Sports Academy at IT Tralee.Cllr Connor-Scarteen represents the Kenmare Municipal District and is the 65^th person to hold the position of chairperson of the council. The 43-year-old solicitor and financial adviser works as an auctioneer in the family business in Kenmare. He has been a member of Kerry County Council since 2008.

During his term as Cathaoirleach, Cllr Connor-Scarteen said he would prioritise the economic recovery in the county as well as a number of issues including the promotion of Kerry as a safe destination, greater transport linkages with the rest of the country, support for digital hubs and remote working facilities in Kerry, environmental protection and the progression of work on the new County Development Plan.

Cllr Connor-Scarteen said he was optimistic for the future in County Kerry:

‘Our economy has been hit badly by the COVID-19 emergency, however we have great people in this local authority and in the various business, voluntary and community sectors throughout the county. By taking a ‘Meitheal’ approach we will lead Kerry to a stronger position than it was ever in before. Kerry people will get through this by putting on the Kerry jersey, by working together, supporting local, buying local and taking a ‘Kerrycation’ instead of a vacation. Despite the present difficulties we have a lot to look forward to and a lot to aspire to,’ he said.