‘Big shoes to fill’ as tributes paid to Mayo Head of Roads ahead of his retirement

Tributes have been paid to the current Head of Roads in Mayo County Council, Paul Dolan who is due to retire tomorrow.

Members of Ballina Municipal District paid tribute to Mr Dolan, the Head of Roads with Mayo County Council who is due to retire on Friday after 28 years service in the local authority.

Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Michael Loftus led the tributes to Mr Dolan who worked as a senior engineer in the Ballina office for 14 years before becoming Head of Roads. 

The Crossmolina-based Fianna Fáil councillor recalled that he was referred to as an 'architectural vandal' by Mr Dolan in 2015 when he suggested knocking buildings in Crossmolina to facilitate the transport of wind turbine blades.

“We all want to wish Paul well in his retirement. We all have stories in relation to Paul and mine is when himself and Paul Benson [former Director of Services] when I proposed to take out Hickson's Corner and four buildings in Crossmolina. He called me the architectural vandal and that has stuck with me ever since," he said although he suggested he might 'have the last laugh' as the new blades are now 95 metres long and it will be difficult for them to get through the junction.

He also recalled calling for him to improve a section of road widened near Lahardane. “He said ‘It is one of my key projects… I burst two tyres on that section of road’. Thankfully consultants have been appointed to it. I want to wish him well on his future retirement,” he said.

Ballina-based councillor Annie May Reape also paid tribute to Mr Dolan and wished him well in his retirement.

“Paul was here a long time and was very ambitious for Ballina and he did leave his mark. I had a fight with him too but he was very nice and friendly. There were fiery meetings but that is what we wanted and liked and it was always for the betterment of the town,” she said.

Cllr Jarlath Munnelly added that Mr Dolan was very good to work with and 'if he said he'd do it he'd do it'.

Declan Turnbull, Head of the Ballina Municipal District wished Mr Dolan well in his retirement while Orla Bourke, the current senior engineer in the Ballina area said that Mr Dolan was always highly regarded and worked well with all the engineers. She said she looked forward to working with his predecessor adding that whoever takes over will have 'big shoes to fill'.