The regeneration of dilapidated areas of Dublin tops the priorities of the city’s newly-elected Lord Mayor, she declared last night.
Catherine Byrne, a Fine Gael Councillor from Inchicore, was one of a number of mayors elected around the state last night.
"My main message will be about the regeneration of communities and the involvement of community volunteers, as well as health issues and childcare," she said.
Ms Byrne was elected by a coalition of Labour, Fine Gael, Green Party and Progressive Democrat councillors known as the Democratic Alliance. She replaces Labour Party councillor Michael Conaghan and is the first Fine Gael mayor since Joe Doyle was elected in 1998.
"It's a huge honour. I'm overwhelmed. It hasn't hit me yet but I'm sure it will soon," she said.
Green Party councillor Bronwen Maher was elected Deputy Lord Mayor. "I am delighted to represent the people of Dublin as their deputy mayor and I will use my term to highlight sound community, environment and planning issues," she said.
In Cork and Limerick, Fine Gael councillors were also elected to the positions of mayor.
Cllr Deirdre Clune, who was first elected to Cork Council in 1999, became the third generation of her family to wear the mayoral chain, following in the footsteps of her father Peter Barry, and grandfather Anthony Barry.
In Limerick, Fine Gael councillor Dermot Scully was elected mayor.
PA