Communications & Media

Chief Executive Report September 2025

14 October 2025
dlr County
General News
Newly Elected DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly & Outgoing Chair, Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland and Fionn, Helena’s Guide Dog.

Newly Elected DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly & Outgoing Chair, Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland and Fionn, Helena’s Guide Dog.

Newly Elected DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly & Outgoing Chair, Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland and Fionn, Helena’s Guide Dog.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Consultation Group (DCG) Members

Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown Consultation Group (DCG) Members and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown Equality & Access Officer (L-R): Gary Morris, Enable Ireland; Elaine Ryan,  Equality & Access Officer, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; Garda Sargeant Georgina Reilly, Dún Laoghaire Garda Station; Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland; DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly, Irish Wheelchair Association; Paula McNamara, St. John of God’s; Audrey Tormey and Fionn, Helena’s Guide Dog. 

Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown Consultation Group (DCG) Members and Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown Equality & Access Officer (L-R): Gary Morris, Enable Ireland; Elaine Ryan,  Equality & Access Officer, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; Garda Sargeant Georgina Reilly, Dún Laoghaire Garda Station; Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland; DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly, Irish Wheelchair Association; Paula McNamara, St. John of God’s; Audrey Tormey and Fionn, Helena’s Guide Dog. 

Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown Consultation Group Members

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Consultation Group Members (L-R): Gary Morris, Enable Ireland; Garda Sargeant Georgina Reilly, Dún Laoghaire Garda Station; Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland; DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly, Irish Wheelchair Association; Paula McNamara, St. John of God's and Audrey Tormey.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Consultation Group Members (L-R): Gary Morris, Enable Ireland; Garda Sargeant Georgina Reilly, Dún Laoghaire Garda Station; Helena Mollaghan, Vision Ireland; DCG Chair, Seán O’Kelly, Irish Wheelchair Association; Paula McNamara, St. John of God's and Audrey Tormey.

Open House Dublin 2025 Photo

Open House Dublin, Architecture Festival, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (L-R): County Architect Andrée Dargan; dlr Architect Sarah Clifford; An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea; dlr Chief Executive Frank Curran and dlr Architect Leonie FitzGerald. Photographer: Paul Sherwood.

Open House Dublin, Architecture Festival, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (L-R): County Architect Andrée Dargan; dlr Architect Sarah Clifford; An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea; dlr Chief Executive Frank Curran and dlr Architect Leonie FitzGerald. Photographer: Paul Sherwood.

Mariner’s Mews, Dun Laoghaire by John McLaughlin Architects. Photographer: Ros Kavanagh.

Mariner’s Mews, Dun Laoghaire by John McLaughlin Architects. Photographer: Ros Kavanagh.

Mariner’s Mews, Dun Laoghaire by John McLaughlin Architects. Photographer: Ros Kavanagh.

Dolmen, Portal Tomb, Loughlinstown. Circa 2500 BC. Photographer: D. Petrulis.

Dolmen, Portal Tomb, Loughlinstown. Circa 2500 BC. Photographer: D. Petrulis. 

Dolmen, Portal Tomb, Loughlinstown. Circa 2500 BC. Photographer: D. Petrulis. 

Woodland Adventure Playground, Fernhill Park and Gardens

Eoin O'Brien, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer with Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea and Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Eoin O'Brien, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer with Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea and Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Woodland Adventure Playground, Fernhill Park and Gardens

Cllr Oisin O'Connor, Cllr Lauren Tuite, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Eoin O'Brien, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea, Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Cllr Pierce Dargan, Maeve O'Connell TD, Cllr Fiona Murray.

Cllr Oisin O'Connor, Cllr Lauren Tuite, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Eoin O'Brien, Senior Parks & Landscape Officer, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Jim Gildea, Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Cllr Pierce Dargan, Maeve O'Connell TD, Cllr Fiona Murray.

dlr Living Streets Blackrock Scheme

Trevor McArdle, Contracts Manager, Clonmel Enterprises, Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

Trevor McArdle, Contracts Manager, Clonmel Enterprises, Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council

Be Active Night 2025

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cllr. Jim Gildea with (L-R): Shane McArdle, Co-ordinator, dlr Sports Partnership; Cecilia Holohan, Head of Operations, Explorium; Cllr Carry Saul and Angela Monaghan, Active Cities Officer in dlr Sports Partnership at dlr Sports Partnership #BeActive Night @Explorium in Sandyford. 

An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Cllr. Jim Gildea with (L-R): Shane McArdle, Co-ordinator, dlr Sports Partnership; Cecilia Holohan, Head of Operations, Explorium; Cllr Carry Saul and Angela Monaghan, Active Cities Officer in dlr Sports Partnership at dlr Sports Partnership #BeActive Night @Explorium in Sandyford. 

You can now read the latest Chief Executive Report, which was brought to the October County Council Meeting for approval by local elected members.  Highlights include:

Architects

A major highlight is the €7 million funding awarded under the THRIVE scheme to transform two protected structures in Dún Laoghaire into a Centre for Creative Lifelong Learning. The project will enhance accessibility, energy efficiency, and community use while preserving architectural heritage.

Energy & Sustainability

The Council hosted a well-attended Energy Smart at Home clinic, offering residents practical advice on reducing energy costs. Businesses are also benefiting from the Green for Business and Energy Efficiency Grant schemes, supporting sustainable practices and cost savings.

Inclusion & Accessibility

The Disability Consultation Group held its AGM, celebrating progress in accessibility and setting priorities for universal design and inclusive decision-making. The Festival of Inclusion brought communities together through diverse events, including music, wellness, and cultural activities.

Planning & Economic Development

Public consultations continue to shape the future of Dún Laoghaire Harbour and Rathmichael, with strong community input. The Council also welcomed two new business associations in Dundrum and dlr West, strengthening local enterprise networks.

Harbour & Watersports

Over 80 cruise ships visited Dún Laoghaire Harbour this season. Plans for a National Watersports Campus are advancing, with grant funding secured and design work underway.

Community & Parks

Construction has begun on the Fernhill Woodland Adventure Playground, inspired by local children’s ideas. Nominations are open for the Community & Volunteer Awards 2026, celebrating local contributions.

Infrastructure & Climate Action

The Living Streets Blackrock scheme is set to begin construction, transforming the village’s public realm. The Council also launched Love Our Place, a placemaking initiative along Kill Avenue, and supported Project EDWARD, promoting road safety.

Libraries & Culture

The Skills for Life programme was nationally launched at dlr LexIcon, offering training in digital literacy, financial awareness, and sustainability. The community-led play What Are We Waiting For? won the Judges Choice Award at the Dublin Fringe Festival.

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