Roscommon County Council has confirmed that Chief Executive Eugene Cummins’ resignation will come into effect from this Friday (30th) with Director of Services Shane Tiernan taking up the role on a temporary basis.
A native of Ballygar, Mr. Cummins, was appointed Chief Executive in 2015, and had previously served four other local authorities – Limerick, Galway, Meath and Monaghan – over forty years.
The outgoing CE had previously served as Director of Services with Meath County Council and more recently as CE of Monaghan County Council, prior to his appointment as Roscommon’s Chief Executive.
Speaking prior to his departure, Eugene Cummins paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of his management team and the entire staff of Roscommon County Council for their commitment and delivery of service to the citizens of the county.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to the members of Roscommon County Council, both past and present throughout my seven years of CE as well as our Oireachtas representatives. All of the members, irrespective of political persuasion or none at all, have been a source of great support, working with great dedication for the people they serve,” he said.
“I would like to wish my successor, Shane Tiernan well in his new role. Shane and I have worked on many projects and I leave Roscommon County Council in very safe hands. To the staff of Roscommon County Council, both past and present, my sincere and heartfelt thanks.
“I would also like to thank the many agencies and organisations who Roscommon County Council supports and is supported by. Without collaboration, teamwork and co-operation, this fine county would be a lesser place. I would also like to thank the local media for their fair and balanced coverage throughout my tenure as CE.
“I will miss my colleagues for their energy, their passions and their initiative. I have been privileged to serve with a management team and colleagues who have always had the best interests of Roscommon and its people at heart. I would like to commend my colleague for their ceaseless efforts throughout my seven years as CE.
“In conclusion, I would again like to acknowledge the many community and voluntary groups throughout Roscommon who have inspired and encouraged me in my term of office. Their sincerity and passion, is an inspiration, not just for me, but for the people of the county as a whole.
“The people of this county are nothing short of extraordinary – they are friendly beyond description. They are warm, welcoming and their hearts are huge. The people of Roscommon have been a consistent and loyal support to me.
“Roscommon people’s passion, energy and commitment have always impressed, inspired and indeed humbled me. I’ve always had a great sense of Roscommon people taking great pride in their communities, in working towards a better today and tomorrow. It’s that spirit and energy that augers well for the future of this fine county”.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Tom Crosby, said it was a “sad day” for the local authority.
Cllr. Crosby said Mr. Cummins had given “selfless, dignified and honourable leadership” during his tenure and his loss would be keenly felt.
“For Eugene, I trust this is not merely an ending but the beginning of many new more chapters in his life. I know that whatever challenges or tasks Eugene take on the future, there are groups and individuals who will benefit from his leadership and knowledge,” he said.
The Cathaoirleach added that the outgoing CEO adopted an “open door policy” and this was evident in the leadership he had shown in dealing with the flooding crisis at Lough Funshinagh.
“The CE literally did all that was possible to find a solution, but was frustrated at every turn. Nevertheless, his courage and dedication in attempting to find that solution spoke volumes for the type of person that he is,” Cllr. Crosby said.
Concluding, Cllr. Crosby wished Mr. Cummins’ successor, Shane Tiernan, well in taking up the role before adding: “Having worked in five local authorities, it’s fitting that perhaps Eugene finishes his local authority career with us here in Roscommon, having started his career in our county.
“Finally, to Eugene and his family may I wish him long years of health and happiness – I wish to thank you for your legacy of achievement and delivery, which is a testament to your fine leadership and hard work”.
*More in this week’s edition of Roscommon People…
