Richard Shakespeare approved as new Dublin City Council chief executive

Dublin City Council has approved Richard Shakespeare as its new chief executive.

Mr Shakespeare, who has been acting chief executive since Owen Keegan’s retirement in September, was selected following a recruitment process conducted by the Public Appointments Service.

His appointment had to be ratified by councillors before he could officially take up the position.

Speaking following the council meeting, which was held in private, Mr Shakespeare said he was “delighted” by his appointment.

“I am a proud Dubliner, so to be appointed to this important position for the city is a great honour. I look forward to the next seven years and to working with the councillors to deliver for the citizens of Dublin and the city.”

Mr Shakespeare is a qualified landscape horticulturalist and engineer with over 30 years’ experience in local government.

Before taking up the position of chief executive, he held the position of assistant chief executive with responsibility for the Planning and Property Development Department and Culture, Recreation and Economic Services.

He also previously worked for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in a variety of senior roles.