Following the recent General Election, which saw three South Dublin councillors elected to the Dáil, three new councillors have been co-opted.
Councillors Paddy Cosgrave (Labour), Jacqueline Sheehy (Fianna Fáil) and Helen Farrell (Independent) were all elected at a Special Meeting this week.
As a result, SDCC is now the first council in the history of the State to have majority female membership, with 21 women now making up 52.5pc of members.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Lord Mayor Alan Hayes said: “Today is a significant day, one which shows the women of South Dublin that their voice is heard louder than ever in this chamber.
“I would like to commend current and former female councillors who have paved the way for this historic moment, particularly former councillor Breda Cass, who had the honour of being the first woman in South Dublin elected as Mayor in 1995.
“I want to wish my former colleagues the best as they take their seats in Leinster House. I would also like to welcome our newest colleagues to the chamber.”
The local elections in June saw 19 of the 40 local council seats in South Dublin going to female candidates. It was the highest proportion of women on any council in the country.
Colm Ward, Chief Executive of South Dublin County Council, added: “Today is a notable milestone for us as a council and for local government in Ireland.
“To have majority female membership reflects how progressive and diverse our county is and builds on the work of our women’s caucus which supports continued and new female participation in local politics.
“Congratulations to all three newly co-opted councillors,” he added.
Councillor Liona O’Toole also highlighted that the Lucan ward made history of its own.
“I’m thrilled to see the Lucan Electoral Area represented by 5/5 women, our area committee by 8/10 women, and the full council by 21/40 women, making history today. This is an incredible step forward for representation and leadership,” she said.
“I’m delighted to have nominated Helen Farrell to co-opt onto South Dublin County Council, stepping into Paul Gogarty’s role.
“Helen has been a powerhouse in the #Pool4Lucan campaign alongside her co-campaigner Sandra Whelan.
“Her dedication to Lucan goes back as far as my first election in 2014, when our journey to bring a swimming pool to Lucan began.
“Looking forward to working closely with Helen in the years ahead. Let’s make great things happen for our community.”
