Robert Burns

Robert Burns is the Director of Housing & Community Development at Fingal County Council. Robert has over twenty years of experience in the public sector, with a focus on infrastructure and sustainability.

Burns began their career with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in February 2018 as the Director of the Covid-19 Mobility and Public Realm Response Team. In this role, they oversaw village upgrade projects in Blackrock, Dundrum, Dalkey, and Glasthule, involving the removal of traffic lanes, enhanced public space, and installation of cycling facilities. Robert also managed the construction of the new Coastal Mobility Route, a 2-way, 4.5 km cycle route between Blackrock and Sandycove. The Route received national and international attention for both its quality and speed of construction, being featured in documentaries on the BBC and ITV.

In their current role at Fingal County Council, Burns manages a portfolio of infrastructure projects with a value of c. €500 million over 3 years. Robert is also responsible for the delivery of services and projects for public infrastructure and the council's 5-year climate change action plan and adaptation. Additionally, they are implementing a programme to deliver public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in DLR County Council, which is one of the first of its kind in the local authority setting in Ireland.

Robert Burns studied civil engineering at Queen's University Belfast, before completing a postgraduate qualification in project management from the Institute of Project Management. Robert is also a certified mediator from the Mediation Institute of Ireland.

Robert Burns works with Ethna Felten - Director Of Aircraft Noise Competent Authority, David Storey - Director of Environment Climate Action & Active Travel, and Oliver Hunt - Head of Finance. Robert Burns reports to AnnMarie Farrelly, CEO.