New chief executive for city

Valerie O’Sullivan, at a specially convened meeting on Monday evening, was appointed following ratification by councillors of the recommendation of the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

She said: “I have dedicated my career to public service and believe so much in the power of local government to make a positive difference in people’s lives. It is the honour and privilege of my career to continue this in the city of my birth, where I will continue to work with a great team and all the elected members to deliver for Cork city, its residents, communities and the business sector.”

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle congratulated Ms O’Sullivan on her appointment.

He said: “On behalf of my fellow councillors, we look forward to working once more with Valerie who has over two decades of senior leadership experience across a wide range of directorates in local government and the wider public sector.”

However, following the meeting his party colleague was critical of the process at which she was appointed describing it as "hire first, ask questions later".

Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran said he wanted Ms O'Sullivan to meet councillors before being appointed to the position adding however that this was not supported by a majority of councillors.

Cllr Moran referred to a number of questions that arose during Ms O'Sullivan's tenure as acting chief executive of Cork County Council. These included matters to do with Traveller-relations and a cyber-security incident involving Ms O'Sullivan's social media account, which was described as being compromised and which ‘liked’ anti-LGBT, climate change denial and conspiracy theory content.

Before she was formally appointed to this role, Ms O’Sullivan was acting chief executive of Cork County Council as well as Divisional Manager, South Cork, Cork County Council and has previously served as Director of Services in Cork City Council across a multiplicity of directorates and functions including housing, operations, environment, corporate affairs and external relations, recreation, amenity, culture and emergency services.

Cork City Council was asked to respond to Cllr Moran’s criticisms. However no response was received as of the time of going to print on Wednesday.