Árainn Mhór woman Anna Ní Ghallachair has been announced as the continuing Chairperson for the new Údarás na Gaeltachta board’s term of office.
Chief Whip and Gaeltacht Minister of State Joe McHugh, T.D. announced the new board last week and expressed confidence for the upcoming five years under Ann’s leadership.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, the Director of the Languages Centre in the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, was reappointed as Chairperson along with ten other members.
Donegal representatives include Councillor John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh and Eunan Mac Cuinneagáin, Regional Manager of WESTBIC in Kilcar.
Minister of State Joe McHugh said that he was pleased to announce the appointments and that he is confident that the new board of Údarás na Gaeltachta will undertake their duties with diligence and determination.
He said: “The Board will undoubtedly face new challenges in relation to the further development of enterprise, employment, language planning and community development within the Gaeltacht.
“I am confident, however, that given the board’s collective abilities and skill-sets that the board, under the chairmanship of Anna Ní Ghallachair, will meet those challenges over the coming five years will greatly support the work of An tÚdarás.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contribution made to the work of the Údarás by the previous board which they effectively discharged on behalf of and to the benefit of Gaeltacht communities”.
In accordance with the Gaeltacht Act 2012, four members were appointed to the board on foot of nominations by County Councils with a Gaeltacht region as part of their operational area.
The remaining appointments, including the reappointment of the Chairperson, were made on foot of a process overseen by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) which facilitated applications from the public.
Details of the members of the new board are as follows:
Chairperson: Anna Ní Ghallachair Director, Languages Centre, National University of Ireland, Maynooth. Originally from Árainn Mhór, Co. Donegal.
Members appointed on foot of nominations from Donegal, Mayo and Galway County Council respectively:
John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh – Bun an Leaca, Leitir Ceanainn, Co. Donegal. County Councillor. Nominated by Donegal County Council.
Seán Mac Congamhna – Bóthar Bhéal Átha na Muice, Cill Cheallaigh, Co. Mayo. County Councillor. Nominated by Mayo County Council.
Séamus Walshe – Glann, Uachtar Ard, Co. Galway. County Councillor. Nominated by Galway County Council.
Séamus Cosaí Mac Gearailt – Na Gleannta, An Daingean, Co. Kerry. County Councillor and former member of the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta. Nominated by Kerry County Council.
Members appointed on foot of the PAS process
Eunan Mac Cuinneagáin – Regional Manager of WESTBIC in Cill Charthaigh, Co. Donegal. From An Charraig, Co. Donegal.
Ian Mac Aindriú – Béal an Mhuirthead, Co. Mayo. Former member of Údarás na Gaeltachta. Nominated by Mayo County Council.
Seosamh Ó Laoi – An Spidéal, Co. Galway. County Councillor. Nominated by Galway County Council.
Mary Uí Chadhain – Gabhla, Caiseal, Conamara, Co na Gaillimhe
Siobhán Seoighe – Doire Longáin, Atha Buí, Co na Mí
Debra Ní Shúilleabháin – Ceapach na gCrann, Maistir Gaoithe, Cill Áirne, Co Chiarraí
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