Cllr Des Guckian to step down from Leitrim County Council today

Independent councillor Des Guckian is to formally resign from Leitrim County Council today due to health reasons.

Cllr Guckian has served the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District for over a decade.

His seat is expected to be filled in May, and it is understood he has nominated a successor to take on the role.

First elected to Leitrim County Council in May of 2014, Cllr Guckian also contested two General Elections, most recently in November, where he was eliminated on the fourth count.

In a statement, Leitrim County Council said: "Leitrim County Council confirms that it has received correspondence from Councillor Des Guckian advising that he is resigning his seat on the council with effect from today, Friday, April 11."

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"Councillor Guckian’s resignation creates a casual vacancy on Leitrim County Council. Casual vacancies in Local Authorities are filled in line with legislation, Section 19 of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended), and local Standing Orders.

"Leitrim County Council’s Standing Orders, as adopted by the elected members, require Non-Party councillors to submit to the Meetings Administrator, a list of up to three names who shall be entitled to be co-opted to the Council in the event of a casual vacancy caused by that Councillor.

"In keeping with legislation and Standing Orders, the process of filling the casual vacancy arising from Councillor Guckian’s resignation will commence next week.

"The filling of the causal vacancy by co-option will be listed as an item for consideration at the plenary council meeting on Tuesday, May 6, which will be held in Carrigallen," the statement concluded.

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