Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D, today announced a new Board of the Western Development Commission (WDC).
Minister Humphreys has appointed Mr Eugene Cummins as 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 – Ms Aisling Meehan, Ms Audrey Crummy, Ms Mary Coyne, Ms Mary McKenna and Ms Sandra Nolan and five new members – Ms Breda Fox, Mr Micheál Heaney, Mr Patrick Duffy, Mr Eoin Motherway and Mr Niall O’Donnellan. Mr Edmund Jennings also remains a member until his term expires in August 2024.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said:
“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. There were many expressions of interest and I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply through the State Boards process.
“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.
“I am delighted to welcome Mr Eugene Cummins, a former Chief Executive of both Roscommon and Monaghan County Councils, to take up the position of Chair of the Board, and I wish him well in that role.”
The Minister added:
“I want to also thank previous Board members, including Mr Gerry Finn, the Chair of the Board for the last three years, for their work in supporting the development of the Western region and their careful stewardship of the WDC over the last three years.
“I have no doubt that the incoming Board will continue to make a significant contribution to economic and social development in the Western region, in collaboration with other key stakeholders.”
Allan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission (WDC), welcomes the newly appointed Board, led by Chair Eugene Cummins.
In this pivotal year amid global shifts, the WDC is set to chart a new, dynamic strategy, emphasizing regional strengths, scaling companies, pioneering projects, and shaping future change through policy. This board's skills and expertise will be instrumental as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring the WDC continues to drive impactful economic and social development in the Western region.
