ABOUT ANNE
I am delighted to have had the privilege of representing the people of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown as an Independent County Councillor since 2016, and to have been elected as an Independent Candidate for the Dundrum area in the Local Elections 2019.
In March 2021, I was honoured to be elected by my colleagues as one of four Irish Councillors to represent Ireland on the Council of Europe.
In my professional life, I work as an organisational development consultant and public participation advocate, committed to working for greater involvement by citizens in decisions about their services and their communities.
In my work with people with disabilities, children and family services and in education, one of my aims has been to make sure people have a say in the decisions that affect them. My particular focus is on getting the best outcomes for the people who use public services.
I have had the honour of serving as the Mayor of Dundrum from 2016-2018 and to have been a Co-Founder and Chairperson of Imagine Dundrum, where we have worked together with a dedicated team and with great public support for a new and vibrant future for Dundrum Village.
SHAPING OUR LOCAL LIFE
There are lots of exciting and effective ways that local citizens can have more impact, and can help shape the places where we live. From our playground and parks to supporting our small businesses, and planning for inclusive communities, I am committed to working to make our area a great place for everyone – to grow up, to work and to live.
I have been a volunteer and community activist in many areas over the years, including my local Residents Association, Voluntary Service International, a special school Board of Management, SVP in Belfast and Dublin. I was a founder member of the National Parents Council (Primary), and I have served on the Steering Group of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Public Participation Network since its inception in November 2014. I recently had the great honour of being chosen as Mayor of Dundrum for 2016/2017. This is a voluntary role supporting the amazing work done by the Dundrum Arts and Cultural Festival, which has been running annually for the past 33 years.
MY BACKGROUND
After finishing a degree in Economics and Politics in UCD, I started my career in Belfast, working with the Northern Ireland Youth Employment Service. I moved to the National Rehabilitation Board in Dublin, where I managed the national Youth Employment Service for young school leavers with a disability and headed up the Board’s Research and Planning Unit.
EDUCATION
B.A. in Economics and Politics: UCD
M.Ed: Trinity College
M.Sc in Management; University of Sunderland
PAST & CURRENT VOLUNTEER WORK
Founder and Chairperson, Imagine Dundrum
Secretary, Ashlawn Residents Association, Ballinteer
Founder Member and Chairperson, National Parents Council Primary
St Vincent de Paul – Dublin and Belfast
Voluntary Service International
Board Member, Special School
Crosscare
Educational Studies Association of Ireland
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