Former Dubs boss Jim ‘proud’ to chair Citizens’ Assembly
DUBLIN’S five-in-a-row winning football manager Jim Gavin has been announced as chair for an upcoming Citizens’ Assembly.
The Clondalkin native will chair the Dublin assembly which is set to be convened to consider the type of directly elected mayor and local government structures best suited to the capital.
The current model of local government in Dublin, benefits, risks, and challenges associated with a directly elected Mayor for Dublin and funding for this role will be among the items up for consideration with the Assembly.
One of Ireland’s most successful GAA managers, Gavin will bring his passion for the city and county to the work of creating a new vision for how Dublin is managed and administered that benefits a modern, dynamic, and diverse European capital
“As a proud Dubliner it was a privilege to be asked to Chair the upcoming Dublin Assembly, and I want to thank the Taoiseach for the invitation to do so,” Gavin commented.
“This is a great City and County, renowned across the world for its history, its culture, its dynamism, and most importantly its people.
“I want to work with the members of the Assembly towards creating a vision for how the City and County should be managed and governed to make it an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and to visit and enjoy.
“Chíonn beirt rud nach bhfeiceann duine amháin.”
Invitations were posted to some 14,000 randomly-selected households right across Dublin, with one adult per invited-household eligible to apply to become a member of the Assembly.
Some 67 members of the public are set to be selected at random to form the Assembly alongside the independent chairperson, Jim Gavin, and 12 councillors selected from the four local authorities in Dublin.
Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, who previously taught in St Mark’s Community School, was announced to oversee the Biodiversity Citizens’ Assembly, with 99 randomly-selected members of the public.
This Assembly is being convened to examine how the state can improve its response to the issue of biodiversity loss and to bring forward proposals in that regard.
By the closing date for applications, on March 14, over 3,700 responses were received to the 34,000 total invitations that were issued.
Letters of confirmation are being sent ahead of the first meeting of the Citizens’ Assemblies, which start on April 9 and are due to complete its work by the end of 2022.
Speaking about the appointments, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, said: “I would like to thank Aoibhinn and Jim for accepting the invitation to Chair these two Assemblies.
“The topics of Biodiversity Loss and a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin are two important issues that impact people and communities throughout Ireland.
“These are challenging subjects, but we are fortunate to have two expert Chairs who will bring particular knowledge, expertise, and passion to these topics.”
