Laois people have 'an understated elegance' - retiring council chief
Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland had kind words at his final meeting
The people of Laois have received huge praise from the county's top council official, in his retirement speech.
Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland is retiring after nearly nine years of leadership during which the county grew rapidly in population, faced with the housing crisis, Covid and shortage of local jobs.
In his parting speech to his final monthly meeting with the 19 county councilllors on April 29, the Kilkenny man described Laois people as having "an understated elegance" and "an innate kindness and decency that you'd find it hard to find somewhere else".
"I have had a fabulous time here in Laois. I will look back on it with fondness. It was a privilege to undertake this position. I worked with committed, honorable and driven staff. I worked with enthusiastic people in the community, development and businesses and got a great kick out of that. Right around the county I met terrific people with great ideas," he said.
"I was lucky to be around here when there is so much money for urban and rural regeneration and for housing. I was lucky I hadn't a run-in with any of you (the councillors) and avoided court which is a good achievement," he said.
"I love the county and its communities, the landscape, the best of farming practices, great towns and villages," he said.
His highlights he said include the commemoration of 1916 at the county hall plaza, visiting New York with the late Cllr John Moran to promote Laois, and creating the Junction 19 National Enterprise Park by buying lands from Supermac's.
"You gave me the nod for the loan, and that demonstrated to me that Laois need not be dependent on other outside agencies. The take-up really surpassed my wildest expectations," he said.
He noted that last year, the council delivered 360% above its target of new social housing, "a figure no other authority can reach".
"This county is blessed in terms of location and people. It is well positioned for many years to come," Mr Mulholland said.
Mr Mulholland had praised heaped on him too by many of the councillors, particularly for his focus on job creation, with the Junction 17 National Enterprise Park being his "legacy".
"You were always considerate and cooperative one to one. You always had the interests of Laois at heart. Your legacy speaks for itself, in housing and economic development. You can rest assured you achieved a hell of a lot in Laois and people are thankful," said Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Paschal McEvoy, Fianna Fáil said "your vision for Laois was incredible".
"Who would have thought that nine years ago we would be second highest per capita in delivering social housing. When the IDA didn't deliver you bought land for J17 and the amount of people working there now. You bought the Arlington site too and more enterprises are setting up there. When we're all dead and gone I hope people will remember you're the man who started it," he said.
Fine Gael's Cllr Thomasina Connell described Mr Mulholland's "innate ability to surmount challenges", describing him as a fair person and great communicator. She noted the new Laois School of Music site, housing, enterprise, J17 park and upcoming projects.
"We have so many and that is as a result of your vision and incredible ambition for our county, and the people of Laois rose to meet your expectations. You can look back with pride," she said.