New CEO of Laois County Council hopes to ‘improve quality of life’ in Laois

Laois County Council’s new Chief Executive, Mr Michael Rainey, has described Laois as a ‘strong’ county as he outlined his plans for his new role.

Mr Rainey, who was appointed to the position in October, was attending his first monthly Council meeting since taking the reins from Interim Chief Executive, Mr Simon Walton.

An Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Padraig Fleming, welcomed Mr Rainey at the beginning of the meeting.

Mr Rainey paid tribute to his two most recent predecessors, Mr John Mulholland and Mr Peter Carey.

Mr Rainey said Laois has ‘performed exceptionally well’ in terms of housing and said he will be prioritising the continuation of that work.

Regeneration and rejuvenation was also highlighted with the new CEO saying he has plans to make use of vacant units around the county.

He described Laois as a ‘strong’ county, but said the Council must strive to improve on a number of issues and take advantage of the ‘progress made’ in recent years.

Mr Rainey spoke about the importance of delivering more jobs around Laois, as well as his desire for the Council to maximising funding avenues coming into the county.

The Louth man said he is committed to improving the quality of life in Laois.

He concluded by stressing the importance of improving towns and villages, highlighting “the west of the county” as an area that needs attention.

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