Minister announces new Western Development Commission board

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today announced a new board of the Western Development Commission (WDC).

Eugene Cummins is the new chair of the WDC board. Mr. Cummins previously served as chief executive for Roscommon and Monaghan County Councils and has been selected for this role following a state boards appointment process, which is managed by the Public Appointments Service.

Minister Humphreys reappointed five ordinary members to the board - Aisling Meehan, Audrey Crummy, Mary Coyne, Mary McKenna and Sandra Nolan - and also five new members - Breda Fox, Micheál Heaney, Patrick Duffy, Eoin Motherway and Niall O’Donnellan. Edmund Jennings also remains a member until his term expires in August 2024.

Said Minister Humphreys: “The Western Development Commission has played an important role in promoting economic and social development in the western region since it was established in 1999. Over the past three years in particular, the WDC has established itself as an important contributor to the development of the region, supporting the objectives of Project Ireland 2040 to make Ireland a better country for all.

“The WDC has also made important contributions to the development of policy at national level in areas such as remote working, climate change and rural development.

“I am delighted to appoint new members to the board to help guide and direct the work of the Commission for the next three years.

“The composition of the new board reflects a mix of new members and previous board members. They possess an excellent combination of experience and skills from the business sector, the public sector, the community sector and academia.”

The minister thanked the previous board members, including Gerry Finn, chair for the last three years, for their work in supporting the development of the region and their careful stewardship of the WDC over the last three years.