The chief executive of Fermanagh and Omagh District Omagh Council is to retire at the end of October, it has been announced.

Mr. Hegarty, who has been off on sick leave for several months, has held the position since its establishment in 2014. Prior to this, Mr. Hegarty was chief executive of Fermanagh District Council from 2010 until 2014.

He first joined local government in 1990 when he began employment with the former Omagh District Council.

Sinn Fein Council Chairwoman Siobhán Currie said Brendan had an “outstanding career in local government”.

“As the Council approaches the year 2020, it is one of ambition, committed to improving the quality of life of our residents and enhancing our economy and environment in a sustainable way.

“Brendan’s unending commitment and dedication to effective governance has ensured the Council is on a very strong footing as it now progresses into and through a stage of transformation,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Council employees, Alison McCullagh, Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Brendan’s colleagues are sad to see him leave the Council and will remember him as someone who was hardworking and committed to his role but who always made time to take an interest in staff and their families.

“We would like to extend our very best regards to Brendan for his retirement,” she said.