FINE Gael councillor Tom Ruddle, who was first elected as a representative for Newcastle West in 2019, was voted to lead as Cathaoirleach in the municipal district.
Cllr Ruddle has lived and worked in the West Limerick town for the past 30 years, where he has put his professional qualifications and experience in insurance, qualified financial advice, mediation, mortgage brokering, and auctioneering to good use.
He is married to Marie and they have two children, Andrew and Blathnaid.
He has a long involvement as a volunteer in a number of local organisations, and his passion for athletics at international level has evolved into a determination to improve sporting facilities for all levels of ability in Newcastle West district.
He has had the privilege of first acting as chairperson of Newcastle West Rovers, then, following the merger with Newcastle West AFC, acting as co-chairperson of Newcastle West Town FC.
He is also a founding member of the Newcastle West Lions Club.
After his elevation to Cathaoirleach of Newcastle West Municipal District, Cllr Ruddle thanked Cllr Michael Collins (FF) for his “excellent stewardship” in the role over the last 12 months.
“This is a great honour for me, taking on the role for the first time,” he told council members.
“I look forward to conducting the meetings in a fair and respectful manner and ensure that meetings run smoothly, for both councillors and staff.”
Cllr Ruddle went onto say that he was looking forward as Cathaoirleach, to the opening of Limerick’s Regional Athletics Hub in Newcastle West, which is due to be ready to open shortly.
“Being a former athlete, this is something I am really looking forward to. It is at times likes this, you would wish to be younger, to be able to fly around the fabulous track.
“I will also look forward to the opening of the dog park, so people can exercise their dogs in a safe environment. This is something I have driven and contributed substantially from my GMA (General Municipal Allocation) Fund.”
The new Cathaoirleach also vowed to constantly work towards improving facilities and services across the whole Newcastle West Municipal District in the year ahead.
“I am readily available to meet the constituents of the area. I have an office in The Square, Newcastle West, if anyone wants to contact me.”
