Fingal Council announces new chief executive 

FINGAL County Council has formally appointed AnnMarie Farrelly as its new chief executive.

Elected members of the council passed a resolution to appoint Ms Farrelly to the position at a special meeting. 

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said he was delighted to support the recommendation of the Public Appointments Commission to appoint AnnMarie Farrelly. 

“I firmly believe that she is the right person to lead our Local Authority,” he said. “She is an exemplary public servant whose knowledge of the sector is second to none.

“AnnMarie Farrelly is a true professional and someone who displays the utmost respect for her colleagues in Fingal County Council and the elected members.”

Ms Farrelly becomes the sixth person, and first woman, to take over the role of chief executive/county manager of Fingal County Council, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. She has held the position of interim chief executive since May following the departure of Paul Reid to become chief executive of the Health Service Executive.

Ms Farrelly said it was an “honour and a privilege” to be appointed as chief executive of Fingal County Council.

“I have achieved this ultimate leadership role because of the tremendous experience and career opportunities local government has afforded me,” she said. 

“It has always been a privilege to work in local government and to work in a county like Fingal makes it even better.

“The county has transformed since the council was established in 1994.

“Over the past 25 years, for example, our population has doubled to 300,000. Our rates income, which was €3.7 million back in 1994, has risen to €129 million this year. 

“This level of growth is an indication of our success but has also presented some challenges, which we will continue to address.”

Ms Farrelly said she wants to build on the achievements to date.

“I will work with the council to ensure that the county continues to prosper and to ensure we protect the quality of life of the people who live here by helping to address their housing, economic and recreational needs,” she said.

“I also want to ensure that Fingal remains a vibrant, outward-looking and well-run council and that we embrace opportunity and diversity.

“We will need to take a lead on issues such as Climate Action, public transport improvement, employment and housing.

“As a local authority we need to protect, manage and improve what we have and to plan and prepare for our future sustainable growth and expansion.

“It is also important that we perform our core responsibilities well and I do intend to keep a focus on this area, particularly on our roles as regulator.”

Ms Farrelly added:  “I will continue with my management team and staff, to deliver essential projects including housing delivery on public lands at Donabate, the continued transformation of Swords, the regeneration of Balbriggan, the Coastal Way, as well as important projects in Dublin 15 such as the Snugborough Interchange Upgrade, and to ensure a good quality of life for all our citizens both young and old.”