The new CEO of Clare County Council insists increasing housing delivery will be his primary goal while in office.
Gordon Daly took up the position in May and has already made sweeping changes to the local authority’s structure.
The Tuamgraney native has commenced his tenure at the helm of the council by reforming the six directorates.
Among the changes is the creation of a Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation Directorate, which includes a dedicated Housing Activation Unit, headed up by Alan Farrell.
Clare County Council has a new target of delivering 985 homes per year, however the new CEO says he wants to go beyond the mandate of social and affordable homes and facilitate more private housing also.
Gordon Daly has been telling Clare FM’s Morning Focus that he particularly wants to combat rural depopulation and he’s confident the local authority will exceed its targets.
The other directorates will include a Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development Department, which will undertake a review of the future strategic direction of the Ennis 2040 DAC.
This Directorate will also have responsibility for the Ennis Municipal District and will be overseen by Jason Murphy.
While the Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environmental & Emergency Services Directorate will prepare a strategic investment plan for Clare’s national secondary and main regional roads.
Carmel Kirby has been appointed as Director of Service and also has responsibility for the West Clare MD.
Daly says the road network in West Clare needs to improve to harness offshore wind opportunities.
The remaining directorates include Tourism, Festivals, Libraries and Cultural Services and will be directed by Siobhán McNulty, who will also have responsibility for the Killaloe Municipal District.
Noeleen Fiztgerald will take charge of the Finance, Investment and Enterprise Department and the Shannon Municipal District.
While Anne Reynolds heads up the new People & Culture, Corporate Services & Governance, ICT & Digital Services Directorate.
Council CEO Gordon Daly insists there’ll be a strong focus on increasing inward investment and growing the night time economy.
Listen to the full interview here
