Dollard in as new mayor as Glynn ends term ‘on high’

Mullingar welcomed a new mayor this week as Cllr Mick Dollard was officially elected to the role during a meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad. The change in leadership marked the conclusion of Cllr Ken Glynn’s term, which he described as ending “on a high”.

In a wide-ranging address, Cllr Glynn reflected on several key milestones during his tenure. Earlier on Monday, he took part in the ceremonial sod-turning for the long-awaited Saunders Bridge pedestrian crossing with county cathaoirleach, Liam McDaniel. He said the project is a vital safety improvement for the community and expressed hope that another safe crossing near Millmount would be approved soon.

Cllr Glynn also referenced ongoing traffic issues at the McDonald’s Junction, saying the recent changes implemented there would be closely monitored. “If I don’t see clear improvement, I will be pushing for the roundabout option,” he stated firmly.

During his term, Cllr Glynn said he was honoured to present several local heroes with Addresses of Recognition, including Milly Walsh for his promotion of Mullingar, Coláiste Mhuire for bringing home the first Leinster Colleges title since 1983; the Mullingar First Responders, Mullingar Town Band – and he has proposed one for Caoimhe and Aoife O’Brien of Lakeside Wheelers, who participated in the 2024 Elite World Championships.

A notable moment for Cllr Glynn was officiating at the opening of Murty Quinn’s Military Museum at Columb Barracks. “Murty’s collection was breathtaking,” he said, urging Westmeath County Council to support a permanent town museum that could house the collection and meet the long-held aspirations of the community.

He also didn’t shy away from criticism, particularly citing a lack of community consultation on projects such as the Ash Road works. “Consultation is one of the greatest tools in local democracy,” he said, “but acting on that consultation is equally important.”

Looking ahead, he noted positive developments including the upcoming launch of the Mullingar Town Bus service and renewed lobbying for the reopening of the Mullingar to Athlone rail line. Cllr Glynn closed by thanking council staff and fellow members, and expressed his hopes that transparency and inclusive communications would remain priorities under the new mayor.

Following his address, colleagues from across the political spectrum praised Cllr Glynn’s leadership. Cllr David Jones noted his impartiality, while Cllr Niall Gaffney called him “fantastically fair” and a great mentor for new councillors. Cllr Alfie Devine described him as “knowledgeable and forthcoming,” and Cllr Bill Collentine and Cllr Aoife Davitt both acknowledged the extensive work he had done for the town.

Cllr Dollard elected as mayor

Cllr Aoife Davitt proposed the nomination of Cllr Mick Dollard for the role of mayor for the year to come, highlighting his decades of experience in local government, starting with the Town Commission in 1984. Her motion was seconded by Cllr Alfie Devine.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Dollard thanked his proposer, seconder, and the Mullingar electorate. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Cllr Glynn, noting his strong political heritage, as his father Camillus Glynn served extensively in local governance.

“I look forward to continuing much of the work Ken initiated,” said Cllr Dollard. He expressed a strong desire to see a long-term blueprint for the development of Mullingar and vowed to support housing, voluntary organisations, and strategic funding applications. “We will be judged not just today, but on our activities 50 or 100 years from now,” he stated.

Cllr Dollard reaffirmed his independence, saying, “As an independent, I’m committed to treating everyone fairly and equally,” and pledged to work constructively with council officials and staff.

Cllr Collentine named deputy mayor

Cllr Ken Glynn proposed, and Cllr Aoife Davitt seconded, the appointment of Cllr Bill Collentine as deputy mayor. With good humour, Cllr Glynn joked that Cllr Collentine could expect “lots of phone calls” in his new role.

The meeting concluded with routine business, including the adoption of a new schedule of meetings for the council.