Well known Limerick council executive to retire

A WELL-KNOWN Limerick council executive is to retire after 45 years of service in local authorities.

Housing director at Limerick City and County Council Caroline Curley attended her final full council meeting last week, where tributes were paid to her for her service.

Council director general Pat Daly said: “We are losing not alone a fantastic executive who absolutely without question has the deepest knowledge of the local authority law in the country. She is often called on by the Department to advise on things. That just shows the esteem in which she is held.”

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A number of councillors - and Dr Daly himself - also praised Ms Curley for her straight-talking nature, even if some members did not necessarily like the answers she gave.

“We are losing a great friend and a great colleague. The straight-talk and the robust viewpoints are very evident at management meetings, and it's better because of that,” added the director general.

For 27 of her 45 years in local government, Ms Curley worked in Limerick.

In fact, she began her working life as a typist in the old Limerick Corporation, rising through the ranks to become a senior executive.

She also had spells at councils in Clare, Tipperary and Waterford.

Heavily involved with the implementation of the legislation which paved the way for the Directly Elected Mayor, it was left to her to announce the results in that landmark election last summer.

John Moran, who emerged victorious, remembered the green jacket she wore with pride.

Ms Curley said: “There is a certain surrealism about this afternoon. I didn't realise that I was such a nice person! I just want to thank each and every one of you for your lovely comments. It isn't easy doing your jobs, and I do appreciate that.”

She also thanked everybody she has worked alongside.

“But overall, I've had a fantastic career. I've been very fortunate. You don't do anything on your own, there is a fantastic team behind you. I’d like to thank this team and wish everybody all the best,” Ms Curley concluded.