‘Super’ council head is looking forward

‘Super’ council head is looking forward

26 February 2014

THE chief executive of the new Newry, Mourne and Down super council has given his first interview since his appointment earlier this month.

Liam Hannaway was at Down Council’s administrative headquarters yesterday morning for a meeting of a committee which has been established to oversee the smooth merger of Down and Newry Mourne councils next year.

Mr. Hannaway was greeted by Down Council chief executive, Mr. John Dumigan and his Newry and Mourne counterpart, Tom McCall, before meeting members of the transition committee which includes officers and councillors from both local authorities.

Appointed last month, Mr. Hannaway told the Recorder he is relishing the opportunity to lead the new council and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

The chief executive said he relishes the challenge of establishing the new organisation and maximising the huge economic potential of an area stretching from Strangford Lough to Carlingford Lough.

Mr. Hannaway suggested that as the area comes out of recession, “the economic potential of the new council area is colossal in terms of economic development, tourism and the wind energy issue.”

He continued: “An exciting opportunity lies ahead for the new council and I am very much looking forward to being part of that. I am a local man, albeit from South Armagh, and it’s really exciting to be leading a new organisation in a new era for local government where the major changes which have come into being as a result of council mergers will result in a lot more powers coming back to local authorities.”

Mr. Hannaway said a busy year lies ahead as Down and Newry and Mourne council prepare to merge in 2015. Councillors will be elected to the new body this May, with the new chief executive working closely ahead of the merger with Mr. Dumigan and Mr. McCall.

“John and Tom have been doing tremendous work over the past few years as have their respective councils. We can’t lose momentum and need to keep moving forward,” he said.

“I look forward to sitting down with councillors following the forthcoming local government elections to decide how we will manage and run the area and how we are also going to involve local people in the decision making process.”

Mr. Hannaway said the whole idea of the new local government bill which has been introduced is aimed at increasing the role of the citizen in terms of involvement, community planning and the preparation of development planning, issues previously handled by central government.

He said he has already worked with both Down and Newry and Mourne councils in his capacity as Banbridge Council chief executive, establishing contacts with many staff. Mr. Hannaway said he has also worked with the Co. Down Rural Area Partnership and Mourne Heritage Trust.

Mr. Hannaway added: “I have a knowledge of what the needs of the local community are and am excited at the challenge ahead. This is a great opportunity and it’s important for me to take elected representatives and local people with me.

“The elected members will be driving the agenda and it’s my job to make sure this happens and to facilitate that. I have been given a great opportunity. Who wouldn’t relish it.”