Barbara Heslin Retires as Director of Services with Longford County Council

Dedicated Public Official Praised for her Commitment to Communities, Strong Leadership and Extensive Local Government Knowledge and Expertise

Press Release: Friday, 7 August 2026

Tributes are being paid to Barbara Heslin, who has retired from Longford County Council as Director of Services after 11 years with the local authority.

Barbara retires from her role as Director of Services for Physical Development, with responsibility for Roads and Transportation, Environment, Climate Action, Water Services, Planning, Fire and Emergency Services, the Physical Development SPC, and Granard Municipal District.

The Longford native leaves behind a remarkable legacy of professionalism, integrity and dedication to local government. Her extensive knowledge of local government legislation, combined with her attention to detail and thorough understanding of rules and procedures, made her a trusted authority whose expertise was regularly sought by local authorities across the country.

Her distinguished service has made a lasting contribution to local government and will be remembered with great respect and appreciation by colleagues, elected members and communities throughout County Longford.

Barbara is a graduate of NUI Galway and a Chartered Accountant. She has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. She joined Longford County Council in 2015 as Director of Services, having previously worked with the Irish Prison Service and KPMG.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said:

"I have known Barbara all my life. The Heslin and Hagan family friendship extends back over 40 years, through our mutual engagement in farming. I remember Barbara working at a young age with her late father Paddy in his silage contracting business where she was a skilled operator. It is certainly no surprise that she went on to enjoy such a successful professional career and became a wonderful leader at the helm of Longford County Council over the last ten years.

Barbara, as elected representatives, we always found you exceptionally supportive. When I was first elected in 2018, you were there with advice and guidance, helping me to understand my role. Barbara was always the consummate professional and throughout your career, you have been willing to help everyone, from those starting at clerical officer level to directors and senior management. You always had time to listen and to offer sound advice. That, in itself, is a remarkable legacy and one for which we are deeply grateful.

I would also like to pay tribute to your husband, Joe, your daughter, Aisling, and your sons, Cathal and Ronan, for the support they have given you throughout your career. Barbara, I wish you every success and happiness in the next chapter of your life. Thank you for your outstanding service, and we wish you many healthy and happy years ahead."

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy, said:
“Throughout her career, Barbara has exemplified the very best of public service. She was driven by an unwavering commitment to serving others and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the people and communities of County Longford. Barbara combined exceptional professionalism and expertise with a deep understanding of the needs, opportunities and challenges facing our county, and she was always guided by what was best for our communities. Her integrity, work ethic and wise counsel earned the respect of colleagues, elected members and local government professionals across the country. She leaves behind a strong legacy of service, achievement and dedication to County Longford. We will miss her greatly and wish Barbara and her family every happiness, good health and fulfilment in the years ahead."

As Barbara begins her retirement, we wish her and her family every happiness for the future. While she will be greatly missed by colleagues and friends throughout Longford County Council, we are delighted for her as she looks forward to spending more time with family and friends and enjoying all the opportunities that retirement brings. We wish her continued health, happiness and success in the years ahead.