The death has taker place in Cork of Mr Joe McHugh (75), who was city manager from 1974 until 1986.
Having served previously in the South Tipperary and Limerick local authorities, Mr McHugh was responsible for the implementation of the Cork Land Use and Transportation Study (LUTS) under which all of Cork's modern infrastructure was put in place, including ring roads and the Jack Lynch Tunnel. Regarded as the architect of the modern city, inner city renewal quickly became a personal challenge for Mr McHugh and it was under his guidance that the Huguenot quarter in Cork was redeveloped.
He also oversaw archaeological excavations and the redevelopment of the North Main Street area of old Cork and the English Market, the restoration of Christ Church and the creation of Bishop Lucey Park as a public amenity. A patron of the arts, he helped to establish the National Sculpture Factory in Cork and pledged the support of the local authority to foster the arts in the city. During difficult years for Cork Opera House, the financial backing of Cork Corporation was instrumental in assuring the survival of the theatre.
Mr McHugh brought the concept of creative planning to Cork and believed an imaginative approach from the city's planners coupled with private investment, was the catalyst Cork needed after the dismal employment setbacks suffered in the early 1980s. He worked closely with the IDA, the educational institutions and other development bodies, to bring new age industries to Cork and developed a municipal golf course at Mahon.
In 1998 he was conferred with an honorary doctorate of law at UCC. After his retirement as city manager, Mr McHugh became executive chairman of the Cork Gas Company. He is survived by his wife, Kay, as well as four sons and a daughter. His funeral will take place today to Kilfinnane Cemetery.