Retiring CEO of Waterford council will leave 'enormous legacy'

Waterford City and County Council’s Chief Executive, Michael Walsh, will be leaving his role with the Council this May and begin his retirement.

During the last Plenary Council meeting for this political term of five years, tributes were paid to the CEO who has shown a true “passion” for making Waterford a better place for all.

Following Mr Walsh’s presentation of what the Council has achieved in this term, the local councillors took the opportunity to thank him for his commitment and work during his time as CEO.

“Michael has been an extraordinarily dynamic force,” said Councillor Mary Roche (Ind). 

“His gift has been, I think, to be able to think outside the box and to deliver with huge, powerful intensity and to bring people with him. 

"He has been a very, very strong force, for the good in Waterford, and he has left an enormous legacy.” 

Labour Councillor Thomas Phelan outlined some of the more challenging times that Mr Walsh faced, including being “confronted with great recession and the demise of the Celtic Tiger”, leading the “amalgamation of two councils”, Covid-19, establishing the Greenway, North Quays project and “supporting those who are fleeing a war in Ukraine".

Cllr Phelan added on a personal note: “He pulled out all the stops and brought State agencies and anybody who could help together, to assist redundant TalkTalk workers, including myself. I’ll be forever grateful for that."

Cllr Phelan’s Labour colleague, Councillor Séamus Ryan, was quick to admit that he was hoping Mr Walsh “wouldn’t retire without delivering on the mobile library”, but added that he wanted to sincerely thank him for “all the support” over the years.

Meanwhile, Councillor Adam Wyse (FF) compared the Council's loss of Mr Walsh to Liverpool losing Jurgen Klopp and described it as a "worrying and anxious time for all fans, and I hold you in that same regard".