Top job in Laois County Council is going to a former staff member
John Mulholland's replacement is returning from a neighbouring county
The vacant job of Chief Executive Officer in Laois County Council is about to be filled.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live has learned that the man who will fill John Mulholland's shoes, is a former staff member in Laois County Council, and currently a Director of Services in Carlow County Council.
Michael Rainey is returning to Laois, where he had served for many years rising through the ranks from senior executive officer and Portlaoise Town Manager to become Director of Services for Housing.
Mr Rainey served there as Director of Services for Corporate – HR, Planning, Health & Safety, Economic Development, and was the interim Chief Executive for a year in 2022. He is currently their Director of Services for Planning, Economic Development, Regeneration and Corporate Services.
The appointment has not yet been announced with a process still underway.
Mr Rainey will replace Simon Walton who is the Acting CEO in Laois. He is the husband of Denise Rainey who is Laois County Council's Town Regeneration Officer.
The previous CEO, John Mulholland from Kilkenny, retired last April 2024 having served as Laois CEO for nearly nine years.