Minister with responsibility for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, has announced the new board of Údarás na Gaeltachta today.

Anna Ní Ghallachair, Director of Languages in the National University of Ireland Maynooth, has been reappointed Chairperson of the board, along with ten other members. 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 which facilitated applications from the public.

Fianna Fail Cllr John Caulfield has been appointed on foot of a nomination from Mayo County Council.

Ian McAndrew from Belmullet was nominated by Mayo County Council and has been appointed on foot of the PAS process. He is a former member of Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Galway Fianna Fail Cllr Seamus Walsh was appointed on foot of a nomination from the local authority, while former councillor Seosamh O’Laoi was nominated by Galway County Council and appointed on foot of the PAS process.

Mary Uí Chadhain from Connemara in Galway has also been appointed on foot of the PAS process.