County Councillor Pádraig Mac an Iomaire has been appointed as one of the twelve members of the new board of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Cllr Mac an Iomaire, who represents Connemara South, was one of five nominations to the board by county councils in Gaeltacht areas.
With Mary Uí Chadhain and Debra Ní Shúilleabháin reappointed to the board, it now has seven members, enough for a quorum allowing it to operate.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media Catherine Martin announced the five appointments to the interim board today.
“I understand that the work done by Údarás na Gaeltachta Board and Executive is particularly important.
As a result of this approach to the appointment of an interim board there will be no restriction on the organisation continuing to implement its agenda.”
The remaining five members of the board will be announced on the completion of a public competition, which is open until March 2.
“With the public competition now open, I would like to take the opportunity to encourage women to seek nominations to be appointed on state boards in general, but on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in particular,” Minister Martin added.
The board being selected this Spring will serve for a period of two years, after which the government intends to revamp both its size, and the selection process.
Under plans announced last December, the government intends to expand the board to 16 members from 2025 onwards.
Ten of its members will be selected from Gaeltacht counties, of which three are guaranteed to be representing Galway under the new plans.
The remaining six members of the new board will be selected on foot of a public competition.
Speaking about today’s appointments, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, Patrick O’Donovan said that they are a huge step forward for the organisation.
“I understand the importance of a board so that any organisation such as Údarás na Gaeltachta is able to function on a continuous basis.”
