*Brian McCarthy. Photograph: Eamon Ward.
ONE OF Clare County Council’s top officials who has been credited with “bringing millions into East Clare” is leaving the local authority to become a Director of Service with Limerick City and County Council.
Senior planner and Killaloe Municipal District coordinator, Brian McCarthy is finishing up with Clare County Council for a promotion across the border in Limerick.
Doneraile native Brian has been behind the Killaloe MD being cited as the envy of councillors across Clare with the progress it has made in producing its own strategy and work plan which was published in April 2023.
He started as a temporary graduate planner and remained with Clare County Council for a quarter of a century climbing the ranks in different posts, the last three and a half of which have seen him based in East Clare.
His involvement was also central to Clare’s only applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) this year both being in East Clare, namely the Killaloe/Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan plus the Crusheen railway line.
Through his work as a senior planner, McCarthy had been one of the key figures in the development of the South Clare SDZ project which has since been shelved.
Internal and external Council sources have in conversation with The Clare Echo questioned and criticised the fact that McCarthy has in the past been overlooked for promotions within Clare.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) led the tributes to McCarthy. “Thank you for all your dedication, help, hard work, a great public servant, engagement with public members despite all your work in the office, you were always available on the phone and never hesitated in contacting us”. He continued, “We’re certainly going to miss you and your talent for filling out forms for the RRDF. You’ve brought millions into East Clare during your time in the Killaloe MD”.
According to Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Brian will “be sadly missed” and he demonstrated “extraordinary commitment” in his role. “Hopefully we will see you back in Clare before too long”.
Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “It is a bittersweet moment. I congratulate Brian on a personal level, it is progression but is a huge loss to us and the Council. You have left an indelible mark on our District, we speak very positively about our MD because of the team which has been built around Brian and the staff. You have hard shoes to fill, thank you for unique insight. The history books will relate back in years to come to say this was a game changer for our Municipal District”.
McCarthy’s mark was clear to see, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) noted. “The policy and strategic policies which you brought to our area has made us the envy of Municipal Districts not just in the county but the country. You brought two RRDF applications to our area. Hopefully you will be able to hang your coat on the Crusheen railway and say it was you that started it. You don’t miss anyone until they die, you’re not dead only leaving”.
Limerick will gain from Clare’s loss, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) maintained. “I’ve only been working with you for six months but you’ve been more than helpful, you are a man with vision, integrity, energy and a dynamism that has brought us forward”.
Speaking at his final Killaloe MD meeting, Brian thanked councillors for their kind words. “It has been a great honour to work with this organisation,” he stated. He thanked the staff in the Killaloe MD including senior engineer Declan Flanagan, the outdoor crew, Director Ann Reynolds and her predecessor Anne Haugh, the community groups and elected representatives who he remarked to, “it is a privilege to see how committed ye are. All of the projects we’ve achieved is a testament to local government”.
Prior to her appointment as Director, Ann Reynolds “knew Brian had the place in good hands”. She praised his leadership and support and told elected members an event would be held to “acknowledge Brian’s work and dedication to the Council which has been tremendous”.
