Sheehy reputation for hard work

Mr Edward J. Sheehy, the outgoing Roscommon county manager, is a career civil servant with a reputation for hard work and getting the job done. He is described by colleagues as "efficient and likeable".

A native of Co Carlow he joined Dublin Corporation in January 1977 and became principal officer in the housing section before his appointment as Roscommon county manager in September 1994.

Among the achievements he is credited with is the revitalisation of Roscommon town, which has seen much economic and social regeneration in recent years.

In October of 1999 he was asked by the Minister for the Environment, Mr Dempsey, to become the interim director of the embryonic Border Midlands and Western Regional Authority, in addition to retaining his position as county manager.

As interim director Mr Sheehy played host to the first Cabinet meeting to be held west of the Shannon, in Ballaghaderreen in January last year. He and the Cabinet also took part in a consultation forum on the National Development Plan 2000-2006 with members of the Regional Assembly and the Western Development Commission.

He was succeeded as director by Mr Gerry Finn in February last.

In his late 40s Mr Sheehy is married and has two children. The Sheehys previously lived in Shankill, Co Dublin.

The position of Roscommon county manager has a salary of £59,697 a year. In taking up a new position as Wicklow county manager today Mr Sheehy will have a salary of £64,175, plus expenses.

Mr Sheehys' arrival at Wicklow comes at a time when that council is involved in considerable controversy over its town development plans. The Minister for the Environment recently said he would instruct the county to ensure compliance with the Strategic Planning Guidelines for the Greater Dublin area, a move which would require severe limitations to the current draft town development plans.