New chief executive appointed to Roscommon County Council

Leitrim native Shane Tiernan was formally appointed as the new chief executive of Roscommon County Council this week.

Mr Tiernan had been the acting chief executive of the local authority since Eugene Cummins retired from the role last September, and his permanent appointment to the position was unanimously approved at a full meeting of the council yesterday (Monday).

It's understood that his appointment is for a seven-year period, with the option of an additional three years.

Before working in public service, Mr Tiernan held senior management positions with a number of multinational organisations including Ericsson, Magna-Donnelly, and Kimball International.

Originally from Cloone village in Leitrim, he joined the local authority sector in his native county in 2008.

He has been working for Roscommon County Council since 2018, when he started as director of services with responsibility for infrastructure, planning and emergency services.

Cllr John Keogh, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, said he was delighted to confirm Mr Tiernan's appointment as the top local authority official in the county.

"He was successful from a strong field of candidates and has ably proved himself in delivering for the county in his career with Roscommon County Council to date.

"I, along with my fellow councillors, want to congratulate Shane and wish him continued success where we look forward to working with him and his executive team in continuing to deliver quality public services to the citizens of Roscommon," Cllr Keogh remarked.

At yesterday's council meeting, Mr Tiernan said he was "honoured and privileged" that his appointment had been unanimously supported by the elected members.

He said the role was "a very significant responsibility" and one that required "very strong public services values, integrity, courage, drive and ambition for county Roscommon".

He added that he intended to work with "enthusiasm and determination to make the county modern, innovative and climate-friendly, where its citizens and visitors are happy to live, work, visit and enjoy life.

"I assure you that I'll be doing that with passion and conviction," he promised.

Mr Tiernan also paid tribute to his predecessor, Eugene Cummins, and to the "nearly 500 colleagues" working on behalf of the council.

A resident of county Longford, Mr Tiernan is married to Raquel and the couple have two sons, Sean and Conor.