Dublin city manager to head Irish Water

Dublin city manager John Tierney has been appointed as managing director of Irish Water, the State’s new water utility.

The utility, which will operate as a subsidiary Bord Gáis, will begin charging households for water from next year.

Bord Gáis announced today that Mr Tierney would join Irish Water from Dublin City Council where he has been city manager for the last six years.

Mr Tierney has spent over 35 years in local government, having worked in nine different local authorities across the country.

“In his last three jobs as manager in Dublin City, Fingal and Galway City, he (John) has been heavily involved in the planning and delivery of major water services programmes,” Bord Gáis chairwoman Rose Hynes said.

“He has also prioritised water services under Dublin City Council’s smart city programme,” she added.

Mr Tierney is due to take up his new position in late April, and his appointment will be initially for a three-year term.

Dublin Chamber of Commerce welcomed the appointment, saying Mr Tierney had worked closely with business in supporting growth and employment in the region as an ex officio member of the council since 2006.

"Dublin Chamber has maintained a strong working relationship with John for over six years, and in that time he has played a pivotal role in promoting the Dublin brand both at home and abroad and in providing strong leadership to the largest local authority in the country,"  chief executive Gina Quin said.

In addition, his involvement in the establishment of the annual 'Innovation Dublin' festival has helped showcase the City as a hub for innovation and creativity. I have no doubt that his vast experience and impressive track record in local government will be of great benefit to the establishment and running of Irish Water".

"In his last three jobs as manager in Dublin City, Fingal and Galway City, Mr Tierney was heavily involved in the planning and delivery of major water services programmes. He has also prioritised water services under Dublin City Council's smart city programme," she added.

She said: "The daily demand for water, particularly in Dublin, is fast growing beyond the capacity of the current infrastructure and needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The establishment of Irish Water is an opportunity to address this issue and deliver a quality water service to the population."