New chief executive appointed to Westmeath County Council

After many years as a senior official at Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe was this week appointed as the local authority’s new chief executive.

He will replace Pat Gallagher, who was the county council’s chief executive for ten years but stepped down earlier this year.

Kehoe has served as acting chief executive since February and his permanent appointment to the role was formally approved by elected members at today’s meeting (Monday).

He served as the council’s director of services for many years and was selected for the top local authority position following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

Kehoe has worked closely with Athlone County Councilors for many years.

Until he took over as chief executive this year, he was the council’s most senior official present at each of Athlone Moate Borough’s monthly meetings.