Dr Tony Holohan is to be awarded the Freedom of Dublin City for his role in Ireland's fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made by members of Dublin City Council to confer the honour for his role as the head of the National Public Heath Emergency Team.
Dr Holohan announced he would be taking time out from his role as Ireland's Chief Medical Officer last week to care for his wife who has entered palliative care for cancer.
He made the announcement at a COVID-19 briefing at the Department of Health last week.
Speaking at the briefing last Thursday, Dr Holohan said: "From today I'll be taking time out from all of my work commitments to be with my family.
"My wife, Emer, was diagnosed with mulitple myeloma, which is a form of blood cancer, in 2012.
"She's had a number of difficult years with the disease and was admitted for palliative care last Saturday.
"I want to give my energy, attention, and all of my time to Emer and to our two teenage children."
The new Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu proposed Dr Holohan for the role during tonight's meeting of Dublin City Council.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu said: “I am honoured to propose Dr Tony Holohan, as the leader of the Covid response team, for Dublin City’s highest award, the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin.
"The position he holds represents all front line workers and all the work they do. He has been a constant presence in our lives during Covid19 and his calm manner in imparting advice gave reassurance to us all.”
The proposal was met by broad support from members of the council, who spoke highly of his dedication to the country during an extremely difficult time for his family.
He will be joining people such as former Dublin manager Jim Gavin, Ireland manager Jack Charlton and homeless campaigner Peter McVerry in receiving the honour.
