Galway native and television veteran Siobhán Ní Ghadhra has been appointed as the new Chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Ministers Catherine Martin and Thomas Byrne have announced that she will serve as Chair of the board until the end of this year.
Ms. Ní Ghadhra is an award-winning television producer who has won two Emmy awards and has experience in television, animation and live broadcasting.
She began her professional career in the studio of filmmaker Roger Corman in Conamara in 1998.
She was later appointed as Chief Operations Officer with Telegael in 2012. In 2015, she founded Danú Media.
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra has won two EMMY awards and has many other credits for animation and drama productions throughout her career.
She was a member of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland between 2010 and 2015, and has also been a member of the Blue Teapot Theatre Company and the University of Galway’s External Strategy Board.
She is currently a member of the board of TG4 and the Creative Europe Desk in Galway.
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra has vast experience in business and television and in promoting these industries in the Gaeltacht.
Minister Catherine Martin said that she was delighted to make the announcement of Siobhán’s appointment.
“Siobhán Ní Ghadhra brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chair and I want to wish her every success as she undertakes her duties on the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta – an organisation at the heart of the Gaeltacht community.”
Minister of State Byrne added, “I welcome the appointment of Siobhán Ní Ghadhra as Chair of Údarás na Gaeltachta.”
“Her strategic, organisational and leadership skills will be of huge benefit to Údarás na Gaeltachta during her term as Chair.”
Under Acht na Gaeltachta 2012, Údarás na Gaeltachta has a board of twelve. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media appoints seven members, including the Chair.
The other five members are nominated by local authorities containing Gaeltacht areas to the Minister for appointment.
Arising from the decision of Government on 13 December 2022, the current board will serve a term up to the end of 2024 in order to allow for amendments to the legislation under which the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta is appointed.
