Patrick O’Riordan.
A Boherbue man, who moved to the US back in the mid-1980s intending to stay for just a year, has been appointed to one of the key positions in San Francisco’s buildings inspectorate.
The mayor of San Francisco, London N Breed, has announced the appointment of Patrick O’Riordan as the interim director of the city’s Department of Building Inspections (DBI) with immediate effect.
The department oversees the enforcement of the city and county of San Francisco’s construction, housing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical and disability access codes across more than 200,000 buildings.
Mayor Breed said Mr O’Riordan, previously the city’s chief building inspector, will retain the position while a nationwide search is conducted to permanently fill the role.
The outgoing director, Tom Hui, resigned from the post amid an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent activity.
“The department is critical for the residents, businesses, and property owners who rely on their services every day, and I want to thank Patrick O’Riordan for stepping up to serve during this time of transition,” said Mayor Breed.
Born and educated in Boherbue, Mr O’Riordan joined the civil service after leaving school and took a sabbatical in the 1980s to travel to San Francisco for a year to spend time with a girl who he met at a Macra na Feirme dance in Boherbue, who is now his wife.
He started working in the construction sector in 1985, working as a carpenter and foreman, before starting his own small business as a general contractor and then joining the San Francisco planning department around a decade ago.
Mr O’Riordan said he was humbled to have been appointed to his new role.
“I accept the responsibilities the commission has given me with sincere humility and appreciation of your confidence in my building and construction experience and expertise,” said Mr O’Riordan.
“I will do everything I can to fulfil expectations and to provide the department with the leadership needed during these times of public health challenges,” he added.
