Born and raised in Monaghan, Robert Burns took some time to reacquaint himself with the Farney County following his appointment as Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council in September 2023. He tells ‘Council Review’ that having worked for many years in other local authorities, the experience has equipped him with the right tools to bring success to his home county.
When he was appointed Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Burns says it was like “coming home”, after having worked away for a long time in both urban and rural county councils, he is getting to know his home county again. He has spent a lot of time meeting communities, businesses as well as councillors, “which is critical as success often hinges on relationship between the chief executive and elected members, so I felt it was vital to work on that at an early stage, but it’s been all very positive so far”.
The Magheracloone native who now lives in Carrickmacross spent 13 years working as an engineer with Clare County Council. He then moved to Dublin where he first worked as a senior engineer with Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council before becoming Director of Services. He subsequently moved to Fingal County Council where he also served as Director of Housing and Community Development.
Burns believes that his previous experience, which saw him work in several varied roles will equip him with the right tools to bring success to the Farney County. “In Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal County Councils, there were very ambitious programmes relating to sustainable mobility, climate action, redesign of streetscapes and the provision of new homes and community facilities. I also worked on large infrastructure projects such as housing in Fingal, with significant budgets; in 2022 it was nearly €600m for housing alone.
“I learned a dynamic way of working that is delivery focussed, so my main aim is to get things done. I’m an engineer by profession, so I’m not your typical administrator, I came through a more technical and project delivery route, working on a wide range of projects across housing, transportation, environment and heavy infrastructure.”
While housing remains a critical issue nationwide, Burns is confident that his experience with the issue, coupled with Monaghan’s strong track record in the area means that they can overcome the issue. “Housing in Fingal was interesting; with a high number of people homeless and a large number on the council’s waiting list, I felt under pressure from the councillors and the public to help deliver social and affordable housing. I’m glad to bring that experience with me.
“We’ve also been to the fore on providing social housing here in Monaghan, we have doubled the targets that have been set for us at a national level for housing delivery. We’re looking to provide more affordable housing for people on low or middle incomes, whether it is to purchase or rent. We have schemes that we’re working on and hope to be able announce them in the coming months.”
