Chief Executive takes on ‘Super Council’ role

Anne Donaghy has been appointed as the Chief Executive.

Mrs Donaghy was recently appointed as chief executive of the new Mid and East Antrim District Council and it was pointed out at last Monday night’s March monthly meeting by Cllr Wales that it would be Mrs Donaghy’s last meeting for Ballymena Borough Council.

It is understood Mrs Donaghy will now start work as CEO designate to lead the preparations and convergence work for the new council, taking up the position of Chief Executive of the new authority on April 1, 2015.

Cllr Wales said: “We are delighted that she has secured this new post and know that as we continue to work closely together, her hard work and dedication will help secure a smooth transition of the three Councils to Mid & east Antrim by April 2015.”

Elections to Mid & East Antrim Council will be held on Thursday, May 22, with the count on Friday and Saturday, May 23 and 24. Those elected will sit on the shadow Mid and East Antrim Council until April 2015.

Provision has been made by government where a transitional period will run from May 22 until April 1, 2015, when the new Councils will adopt their full role, powers and functions. The newly elected councils, acting in shadow form, will have the statutory authority and democratic mandate to make policy decisions that will shape the direction of the new council before it becomes fully operational.