2 minute read
For the People
As the closest government agency to the citizen, local authorities are in a position to make a real difference, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, tells InBUSINESS.
Q: How has 2019 been for you?
A: It’s been a good, progressive year. We have invested signifi cantly in infrastructure over the last few years and this has led to increased housing and economic activity. The fi nal preferred route of MetroLink, which is vital for Swords and Dublin Airport, has been decided and is now proceeding to planning permission. We also published our Climate Action Plan and recently adopted a budget of €269m for 2020 as well as committing to a three-year Capital Programme covering a total of 236 projects worth €691m.
Q: What were the key wins for Fingal County Council this year?
A: We are the key driver of housing supply in the region and are on course to meet our targets for 2019. There is also significant new commercial development underway across the County and we have continued to develop Fingal as a tourism destination with the addition of new attractions like Malahide Casino which will open to the public this month.
Q: What are the major challenges for you at the moment?
A: Continuing to increase housing supply and deliver the necessary infrastructure are both priorities and challenges. Climate Change is another major challenge and we are trying to lead by example by starting to switch our fleet over to electric vehicles as well as replacing all public street lighting in the county with LED bulbs.
Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?
A: We always strive to be the best and therefore we are pleased to win this award. Part of our vision for Fingal is to make it a good place to do business in, so it is particularly pleasing to be recognised for our efforts in this area.
Q: How would you describe the overall landscape in your sector at present?
A: There is a growing recognition amongst all stakeholders of the importance of local authorities and our ability to get things done. We are the closest government agency to the citizen and therefore best placed to deliver services directly to them. I can see more powers being devolved to the local government sector in the years ahead.
Q: Any news or plans for 2020 that you can share with us?
A: I am particularly excited by the Fingal Coastal Way which will be a walking and cycling route running along our 88km of coastline from Sutton to Balbriggan. The first section from Baldoyle to Portmarnock will open in 2020. Other sections, such as Malahide to Donabate, are awaiting planning permission while others, like Donabate to Balbriggan, are currently being planned. When it is finished it going to be a major resource for our citizens and a top attraction for our visitors.
