St Colman’s Primary School Meets Council Chairman and Deputy Chairperson

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin and Deputy Chairperson Oksana McMahon welcomed children from St Colman’s Primary School, Saval, to the Council Chamber in Monaghan Row, Newry.

The pupils were keen to learn more about how their Council works and what role Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin plays as First Citizen.

Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I was delighted to welcome the young children from local Ballyholland Primary School to Monaghan Row. This was a wonderful opportunity for the young people to learn about the Council’s many departments, different aspects of the Council’s work as well as the schemes and programmes that the Council runs.”

“Visits like this help the students to learn about and understand the civic role the Council plays. I was also pleased the we could take this opportunity to highlight some of the initiatives that are aimed at improving lifestyle and health of all citizens.”

Deputy Chairperson Oksana McMahon added, “I was delighted to participate in a ‘mini meeting’ with these insightful children, and I was pleased to answer all of their very perceptive questions in regards to Council and the role it plays in society.”

The students spent some time in the Council Chamber debating their ideas on the best way to improve their local area. At the ‘mini meeting’ with Deputy Chairperson Oksana McMahon, the young people were able to ask her questions about her role. The Council’s Health Inequalities Officer added to the visit with a presentation about the Council’s health initiatives such as the ‘Daily Mile Scheme’ and the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’.