Richard is now retired having spent his career working within the local government system. He held the position of Assistant Chief Executive of Dublin City Council and during his tenure had responsibility for the City’s Roads, Traffic, Environment, Housing Development/Construction/Finance, Residential Services and Community functions. He was the Managing Director of Ballymun Regeneration Limited and was a member of the City and County Managers Association (CCMA), the CCMA Housing and Water Sub Committees. He also served as Chair of the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive.