Offaly County Council appoints new Chief Executive

OFFALY County Council has this week appointed a new Chief Executive to replace the outgoing Anna Marie Delaney.

On Monday the County Councillors held a meeting during which they ratified their decision to go with one of the candidates.

His name is Eoghan Ryan (pictured below) and he is currently Director of Services in Kildare County Council. The Council has sent a formal letter to Mr Ryan informing him of their decision.

During their December monthly meeting the Councillors paid tribute to Anna Marie Delaney who has retired after serving as Chief Executive of the Council for the last 10 years.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick told the meeting that Ms Delaney had been “very helpful, amenable and accessible” throughout her tenure. “You have been very hardworking throughout that time, working hard for the people of Offaly. I wish you every success, happiness and good health in your retirement.”

Cllr Shane Murray said Ms Delaney was leaving the county “in really good shape.”

Cllr Claire Murray-Smale commended the work carried out by the Chief Executive on new projects in Edenderry such as the new pool and new library.

Cllr Ollie Bryant said Ms Delaney had often shown “tremendous leadership” and was leaving a “lasting legacy.”

Cllr Declan Harvey commented that part of that legacy was the creation of Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore.

Cllr Fergus McDonnell commended her enthusiasm for all of Offaly “and not just the big towns.”

Cllr Peter Ormond pointed out that Ms Delaney had an excellent vision for the county and worked hard to bring it to reality.

The new IDA business park in Tullamore and the progress with the N52 Durrow problem were part of that vision and hard work.

Ms Delaney said she had really enjoyed her decade in the job.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved during that time. It is a huge privilege to be Chief Executive. It is a brilliant career.”

She paid tribute to the excellent indoor and outdoor staff of the Council, “who time and again made my job a lot easier.”

She praised the Council Executive for their “ambition and drive for Offaly. Your insights and expertise made my job easier.”

Ms Delaney said she joined Offaly County Council in 1986 and worked in the Library service. After a period in Laois County Council she took up her role as Offaly's Chief Executive on February 1st, 2016.

Eoghan Ryan was the Director of Planning and Strategic Development in Kildare County Council, overseeing forward planning, development management, and urban regeneration for the county, focusing on sustainable growth and community needs as part of the council's senior management.

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