Council chief retiring after 10 years at helm

AFTER 10 years at the helm, the chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, is retiring.

An interim CE is being appointed, Peter Duggan, who is director of finance with the council. He takes up the position with effect from midnight on Wednesday.

Many warm tributes were paid to Mr. Hynes at his last council meeting today (Monday) where he received a standing ovation.

As well as being the end of an era, it was a historic meeting of the council, with proceedings moved from Aras an Chondae to the larger St. Mary's Hall at the GMIT Castlebar campus to allow for social distancing under the Covid-19 guidelines.

Mr. Hynes joined the council in 1984 as a temporary assistant architect. On being appointed CE, his promise was to work to make a Mayo that was sustainable, inclusive, prosperous and proud.

It had been, he said, an enormous privilege to serve as chief executive.

A number of councillors lamented the timing of the retirement, noting the loss of Mr. Hynes' experience at a time of crisis for the county and the country.

He was lauded for having fostered a spirit of cooperation and engagement, leading with energy, and not afraid to innovate and change.

He had left an indelible mark across many sectors of the community and abroad.

* Pictured is Peter Hynes at today's council meeting held in GMIT. Photo: Michael McLaughlin