Duffy co-opted to Meath County Council

Former Navan Town councillor, John Duffy,(Fine Gael) was co opted onto Meath County Council today (Monday) to replace Linda Nelson Murray who was elected to the Seanad in February.

Cllr Duffy was proposed by party colleague, Cllr Sarah Reilly, who said he "was steeped in Fine Gael tradition and community involvement."

"He served on Navan Town Council from 2004 to 2009 and had his own business in the agri-food industry. He is very aware of the difficulties facing commuters and will have a keen interest in the Navan rail line. It is a proud day for us and I am delighted to welcome John to the fold."

Cllr Gerry O Connor seconded the co-option saying Cllr Duffy be a great addition to the team with his business and community background.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said he has served with Cllr Duffy on Navan Town Council "His word is his bond and I look forward to working with him again."

Cllr Duffy said he had come to Meath in 1974 to attend Warrenstown College where he studied both agriculture and horticulture and then attended UCC."

He worked for An Foras Taluntais, which later became Teagasc and then for the Irish Sugar Company.

"In 2007 I set up my own business, so my interest is in small business and setting up small businesses and hope to contribute to that

"I spent 25 years commuting to Dublin daily and I now the social and personal toll and the extra cost to business of doing that."

The chief executive, Kieran Keogh congratulated Cllr Duffy and said he was looking forward to working with him.

"You are joining at an exciting time for the council. There is a really good future for Meath," he said.