New Chief Executive addresses council chamber

By Rebekah O'Reilly

The new Chief Executive of Offaly Council Council, Mr Eoghan Ryan has addressed the council chamber at the February local authority meeting.

Mr Ryan said he is 'looking forward' to the role, which he officially took up on Monday, February 9.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. I've heard a lot of positive things about Offaly. It's exciting times, and there's been very positive energy overall."

He acknowledged the 'great work' of his predecessor Anna Marie Delaney, who retired after serving as Chief Executive of the Council for the last 10 years, noting that he hopes he can continue to help Offaly to prosper.

Mr Ryan noted that he comes to Offaly County Council with a "well-rounded background".

Laying out his experience, Mr Ryan said that he began his career in Washington State in a small urban area in Seattle, before moving to a large rural area. he has worked with two thirds of the local authorities in Ireland.

Most recently, Mr Ryan worked in Kildare County Council as a Director of Services and as the Director of Planning and Strategic Development.

He has Offaly connections through his mother, who hails from the Ballycumber/Clara area.