With the outcomes of the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections now known, including Carla Lockhart MLA elected to the Upper Bann constituency, NILGA’s outgoing President has passed the Office Bearer and interim chairing role to the experienced hands of Alderman Freda Donnelly (Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council).
Speaking in advance of the NILGA Executive Meeting of 13th May 2016, in Mossley Mill, Alderman Donnelly highlighted the work of the outgoing President and fellow Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council member, together with the challenges that lie ahead for local government in Northern Ireland.
“Carla together with all other councillors assuming their places in the Northern Ireland Assembly are offered NILGA’s thanks, congratulations and best wishes for the future. Our outgoing President provided a great combination of determination, experience, hard work and vision, and this epitomises the work of the Association as a whole.
Local government is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of strong democracy and economic growth, but will be challenged ever more in terms of new powers, additional responsibilities and ever tightening budgets. NILGA requires the new Assembly to instigate a Regeneration Bill immediately, deliver the new Programme for Government with properly resourced councils playing a full role, and as councils representative body we will develop an effective, innovative, Local Government Programme to 2019, with 11 councils offering transformed political, civic and public service leadership right across Northern Ireland.
I am delighted to take on this responsibility, am up for the challenge and will ensure, along with my fellow Office Bearers, that we gain full Ministerial access to ensure that policies and budgets put local people and their councils at the heart of the new mandate”, said Alderman Donnelly.
NILGA’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday 24th June 2016 in Craigavon Civic Centre, when a new President will be appointed.
