County/City Manager
Information
Every County and City council in Ireland has a chief executive (called a County or City Manager) who is employed to manage their local authority. Some counties in Ireland share a County Manager.
The County or City Manager performs the executive functions of the County or City Council. He or she supervises, co-ordinates, manages and pays the employees and officers of the Council. He or she also makes contracts on behalf of the Council and affixes the official seal of the Council on documents. The law in Ireland (Section 144 of the Local Government Act, 2001) clearly states that 'For every county and city there shall be a manager to be known as "the ....... County Manager" or "the ....... City Manager".'
Deputy Managers
As well as the County or City Manager, some counties and cities also have Assistant/Deputy County or City Managers. After consultation with the Cathaoirleach of the local authority, the County or City Manager may appoint a Deputy Manager to act on their behalf while they are on leave or absent. In situations where the post of Manager becomes vacant, Section 148 of the Local Government Act 2001 requires the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to appoint someone to the Manager's post temporarily. This temporary appointment will continue until a permanent appointment is made. It may however, be terminated at any time.
Rules
County or City Managers in Ireland are recruited through a competitive recruitment process organised by the Public Appointments Service. Once appointed, the County or City Manager will remain in office for a term of 7 years (although this can also be extended by an additional three years). The retirement age for County or City Managers is 65.
If a Council wishes to suspend or remove a County or City Manager, a resolution must be passed by the Council. At least two-thirds of the Councillors must vote for the resolution after 7 days notice. The Minister then sanctions the removal of the County or City Manager.
Delegation of Manager's functions
It is normal practice in Ireland that the County or City Manager of a local authority will delegate some functions to other staff in the local authority. The elected county or city council must be notified of any delegated functions. However, the County or City Manager still remains responsible for the acts of the delegate and can take back (i.e., revoke) a responsibility that has been delegated. As the chief executive, the County or City Manager has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the local authority operates smoothly and for carrying into effect policy decisions of the elected council.
Where To Apply
Local Government Personnel
Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
Custom House
Dublin 1
Ireland
Opening Hours:http://www.environ.ie
Tel:+Ireland (0)353 1 EXT:8882000 or +CATEGORY3
Locall:1890 EXT:202021
The Public Appointments Service
Language
Related Documents
- Local authority committees
Local authorities in Ireland can establish committees to carry out some of the Council's functions. - Cathaoirleach of the Council
Every local authority in Ireland elects a Cathaoirleach (or Chairman/Mayor) of a local authority in Ireland. - Membership of local authorities in Ireland
Members of local authorities, county, city and borough councils throughout Ireland are called 'Councillors'. Role, responsibilities and appointments.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.