The Waterford Women’s Caucus was established in 2021 to strengthen the co-operation between women in political life and enhance female participation in Local Government. The current Women’s Caucus is a cross-party forum comprising of the seven Waterford female Councillors who come together to promote wider inclusivity and diversity in local government and give women a voice in local decision-making.
About the Women’s Caucus
Who We Are
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- Cllr. Catherine Burke
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- Cllr. Lola O’Sullivan
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- Cllr. Mary Roche
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- Cllr. Kate O’Mahoney
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- Cllr. Sandra Conway
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- Cllr. Joeanne Bailey
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- Cllr. Niamh O’Donovan
Contact Information
Email: womenscaucus@waterfordcouncil.ie
Telephone: +353 51 849709
Or alternatively contact any of Waterford City and County Council’s seven female Councillors directly.
Women in Politics
Nationally in 2025, there are 256 female local Councillors in Ireland, representing 27% of the total number of Councillors. This is a slight increase from previous years, with co-options playing a role in boosting female representation.
In Waterford, 7 of the 32 (22%) Councillors are female which is slightly below the national average. The map and chart below shows that of the 79 candidates who ran for local election in 2024, 29% were women. A breakdown by gender for each of the candidates by political party is also provided.
Useful links
www.seeherelected.ie SHE supports women across rural Ireland to become Councillors and to be part of their campaign teams.
www.womenforelection.ie Women for Election leads advocacy programmes to increase access to politics for women in all their diversity.
www.womenscollective.ie Women’s Collective Ireland is a national organisation that works directly with and represents the interests of grassroots women from communities in rural and urban settings throughout Ireland.
What areas do Councillors represent?
Waterford City and County Council has three Municipal Districts.
Metropolitan District of Waterford (comprising three Electoral Areas)
- Waterford City East: 6 members
- Waterford City South: 6 members
- Tramore and Waterford City West: 6 members
Dungarvan-Lismore: 8 members
Comeragh: 6 members
The Role of a Councillor
A Councillor represents the electoral area and municipal district for which they are elected, and the local authority as a whole. Councillors play a key role in decision making for the communities they represent, and in developing and reviewing council policies.
Waterford City and County Council provides a wide range of services from roads, planning, housing, economic and community development, environment, libraries and fire services.
Becoming a Councillor for Waterford City and County Council gives you the opportunity to represent your local electoral area and have a voice in the Council for the communities you represent.
Who is eligible for election to a Local Authority?
Every Irish citizen and every person ordinarily resident in the State, who has reached the age of 18, is eligible to stand for election.
There are some disqualifications from becoming a member of a local authority. For a full list of disqualifications, see the Local Government Act 2001, as amended Sections 13 and 13A.
Do Councillors receive a salary?
Councillors receive an annual salary known as a Representational Payment and also a monthly allowance for attendance at meetings as part of their role.
Do Councillors get training to help them in their role?
Councillors receive training, primarily focused on equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for their roles.
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) is the main body that provides training and resources for elected members.
