Ballygar man Eugene Cummins was ratified as the new chief executive of Roscommon County Council this week – but a councillor has expressed disappointment that Tommy Ryan, who had filled the role in an temporary capacity, was not appointed to the position.
After a two-month interviewing process, the Public Appointments Service recommended that Mr Cummins, previously the chief executive of Monaghan County Council, fill the €123,910-a-year position.
A meeting with local councillors was held in the Courthouse, Roscommon town, on Tuesday, to rubberstamp his appointment.
Cllr. Eugene Murphy, of Fianna Fáil, formally proposed his nomination, which was seconded by Cllr. Tony Ward, an Independent. Following the unanimous agreement of all councillors, Mr. Cummins was deemed appointed.
He will commence his role on October 1.
It is understood that Mr Ryan was among the candidates interviewed for the position. He had filled the role on an interim basis since Frank Dawson retired in May of last year.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr. Ward said to Mr Ryan: “I was looking forward to working with you into the future and I am disappointed that you didn’t get the job permanently.”
Speaking afterwards, he added: “I would have liked for Tommy to have got the nod as CEO because there is a huge amount of work to be done. Since he took over as acting CEO, I’ve worked very well with him.”
Mr Ryan will, however, become the chief executive of Cavan County Council next month. Martin Lydon will fill in as head of the Roscommon local authority until Mr Cummins assumes his duties.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr. Michael Mulligan, of Sinn Féin, said that Mr Lydon had also been an applicant for the top position in Roscommon.
“I would like to pay tribute to him,” he said.
Widespread tributes were paid to Mr Ryan for his 37 years’ service to Roscommon County Council.
