Council announces interim chief executive

FINGAL County Council has appointed an interim chief executive following the departure of Paul Reid who is to become the new Director General of the Health Service Executive.

AnnMarie Farrelly, who held the role of Director of Planning and Strategic Infrastructure, was appointed by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government and assumes the role of interim chief executive until a permanent appointment is made by the Public Appointments Service.

“Quality of life, housing and economic development will remain our key priorities for the county,” Ms Farrelly said, adding that there was a substantial operational and capital works programme to be delivered in 2019.

“I, along with the rest of the management team and staff, will ensure the good work continues to ensure that Fingal is the place of choice in Ireland to live, work, visit and do business.”

Ms Farrelly said she was deeply committed to serving local government and was looking forward to working with the elected members in delivering for the people of Fingal.

“It is really a great honour for me to have been appointed by the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government as interim CEO," she said.

"I am looking forward to continuing the good work we have been doing as a council since our formation in 1994. Fingal County Council has a busy period ahead with key projects such as the Our Balbriggan Rejuvenation Plan, Swords Cultural Quarter and Shackleton Gardens to be delivered. There are also some major infrastructure projects underway or at planning stage and many of these projects will help activate housing sites in the county. The proposed designation of Fingal County Council as the Competent Authority for aircraft noise will, if enacted, be a new statutory responsibility.

"It is also an important time as we are preparing for the Local Elections on May 24 and getting ready to welcome in a new council who will represent our 300,000 residents for the next five years. 

“We will also be working with the elected members on a new Corporate Plan which will guide the council over the next five years."