“IT’S BEEN more than just a job for the past 15 years.”
These were the words of Michael P Kelly, CEO of County Carlow Enterprise Board, as he spoke of his retirement to The Nationalist yesterday.
Mr Kelly has worked with local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses since he took up his position at the CCEB in 1999.
“We were delivering a very important service, encouraging people to work for themselves. It was all very exciting and great to see it,” said Mr Kelly.
According to Mr Kelly, who has worked in the public sector for the past 42 years, the people of Carlow have embraced the need to “work at a local level”.
“It’s fantastic. People want to get up and do things. There is a demand for new products and services and to work at a local level.”
Prior to taking the position in Carlow, Mr Kelly spent the “vast majority” of his career working in the Department of Industry and Commerce, as well as a spell as a commercial attaché at the Irish embassy in London.
Mr Kelly will finish up as the CEO of the enterprise board on 29 February but hopes to maintain some links with the organisation.
“It will be very strange. I’m beginning to say ‘what have you done’ but the decision is made and I hope there will be a number of weeks or months where my involvement will be something.
“I have nothing firm planned but I would like to maintain links – it’s been more than just a job for the past 15 years.”
Mr Kelly, who is retiring under the terms of the Croke Park Agreement, admitted it was “a catalyst but not what brought me over the line”.
“I’m not doing it for the money. I’ve had 42 years’ service; it (the Croke Park Agreement) was a catalyst. There will be significant changes after February,” he added, before pointing out that a government recruitment embargo means that the position of CEO at the enterprise board will be “impacted upon”.
“Nonetheless, someone will be acting as CEO; the board is currently examining solutions,” added Michael.