New Chief Executive made to feel at home

THE County Council’s new Chief Executive, Frank Curran, received a warm welcome from councillors as he attended his first ever council meeting in Wicklow on Monday.

At the start of the meeting Mr Curran outline his plans for the county over the coming years, with an emphasis on the likes of housing, job creation and town centres and the retail sector.

‘I have talked to most of the councillors either in person or by phone. I have proved my mobile number to everyone. I am very approachable and my door is always open,’ said Mr Curran.

With regards to job creation, he felt that further discussions with the IDA would be necessary. Wicklow is included as part of Ireland’s Ancient East promotion and Mr Curran is keen to ensure that the Garden County is at the front when the next tranche of funding comes on stream.

He also wanted to engage in talks with the NTA about the merge of the M50 and the N11.

‘If you look at a lot of the issues, other counties that have done well have had the council executive, staff and councillors working together. There will be opportunities if we all pull together, including different community and business groups.’

Cllr Irene Winters was pleased that the new Chief Executive had contacted most of the elected members to intro- duce himself prior to Monday’s meeting.

‘I know myself and a couple of councillors have been positively surprised at receiving a phone call from the Chief Executive and at last we have a Chief Executive who actually wants to work with the members.’

Cllr Tom Fortune said ‘I will work with him in any way I can.’

On behalf of Fianna Fail, Cllr Pat Vance said: ‘I look forward to meeting and working with you in the future.’

Cllr John Snell commented: ‘It is refreshing to see the new Chief Executive is already up to date on the issues.’

Cllr Nicola Lawless said: ‘ things have been very positive so far. It is great to have openness and transparency going forward.’

Cllr Jim Ruttle noted that he and Mr Curran already had two things in common.

‘He is from Dungarvan, which is where I lived and worked, and he also spent time in Leitrim, where I lived and worked too.’

Cllr Ruttle also commended the previous acting Chief Executive, Bryan Doyle. ‘I would like to thank him for all his work and efforts and wish him all the best in the future.’

The new head of finance, Brian Gleeson, was also welcomed.

‘I know him and he is more than capable of looking after Wicklow’s financial affairs,’ said Cllr Snell.