Councillor who replaced Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns in West Cork steps down

Ross O'Connell was co-opted to Cork County Council in 2020 after Holly Cairns was elected as a TD

Ross O'Connell, a Goleen-based environmental scientist, who was co-opted to Holly Cairns' council seat in February 2020. Picture: Andy Gibson

Cork county councillor Ross O'Connell has announced that he will not contest the next local election. 

In 2020, Mr O'Connell was co-opted to Cork County Council to replace Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns following her election as a TD.

In a statement, the Goleen-based environmental scientist said: "I wish to inform all that I have decided not to contest the local elections in June 2024.

"It has been an absolute honour representing the communities of West Cork since my co-option in 2020, and I am truly grateful to Holly Cairns for the opportunity to do so.

'Increasingly challenging'

"However, trying to balance this commitment with my full-time job as a marine energy researcher has become increasingly challenging over the years, and at this time, I don't believe it is possible to continue my council duties to the standard they deserve for another council term."

Mr O'Connell will step down as Social Democrats councillor for the Bantry-West Cork LEA on Cork County Council in the new year.

A candidate from the LEA will be selected by the party in the coming weeks and will be co-opted to the council in his place.

"I am confident that whoever is selected will do the job justice and continue representing the issues and people of our unique part of the world to the absolute best of their abilities.

I am forever grateful for this experience and haven’t ruled out a return to politics in the future.

"For now, I just want to thank everyone for the pleasure and privilege of working with you over the past few years on the many issues affecting our local communities."