South Dublin benefited from McLoughlin’s reign as CEO

TRIBUTES were made to South Dublin County Council Chief Executive, Daniel McLoughlin, who is retiring from the role after leading the local authority for 10 years.

Councillors paid tribute to the outgoing chief executive at the council meeting last week – too many to mention – all full of praise for McLoughlin’s reign. Housing Director Colm Ward, who will be appointed Deputy Chief Executive from June 4, until such time as the position is filled on a permanent basis, said the council got the benefit of McLoughlin’s experience.

Speaking at the council meeting, Mr Ward said: “After 40 plus years working in local government, with South Dublin, Westmeath, Leitrim, Meath, Wicklow and various UDC’s, I think it has to be acknowledged, he has been 20 years a chief executive, and we have got the benefit of all of that in the last 10 years.

“He came with a reputation of second to none and he has certainly lived up to that. He was transformative as a leader for the organisation but he has also been a visionary for the county.

“He brought the same clarity and thought to the management team as he did to the councillors (cue laughter in the chamber).

“We all knew well very clearly where things stood. But on a personal note, I would say, as Cllr Moynihan said, Danny has a compassion that doesn’t get highlighted enough but is there in spades.”

Addressing remarks made by members, Mr McLoughlin said it has come “full circle” for him in relation to South Dublin.

“Back in the early 70s I visited my uncle in Cappaghmore, Clondalkin.

“ Back in the early 80s I visited my Dad’s uncle in Glenview in Tallaght.

“Throughout the early 90s I visited my sister-in-law who lived in Firhouse, so I knew this spot of the world pretty well, when there was no Ballycullen, when there was no Clondalkin only the Round Tower,” he said.

“I remember being a child and taken to look at the Round Tower and never did I think I could get a chance to do something about it.”

He recalled his early career and fond memories of bringing his sons to The Square, and the “privilege of getting the opportunity” to take the reigns in South Dublin.

He praised the council staff, noting it was a difficult time when he arrived, soon after a recession.

“When I came here the headcount was 1,215 – today when all the positions are filled it will be 1,535 – an increase of 26 per cent,” he noted.

He paid special mention to his management team to drive on the ambition for the council, including 115 Part 8 developments during the last ten years, and ultimately to “make a difference.”