merrion street

Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (9 May 2012) announced the appointment by the Government of Mr. Gerard O’Leary as a Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A vacancy at Director level on the Board of the EPA was created following the appointment of Ms. Laura Burke, previously a Director of the EPA, as Director General of the Agency in November 2011.

An independent statutory selection committee, chaired by Ms. Geraldine Tallon, Secretary General, Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government, was requested by the Minister to select suitable candidates for appointment as a Director. The recommendations of the selection committee followed an open recruitment and interview process.

The four Directors, together with the Director General, Ms. Laura Burke, form the Board of the Agency, which has its headquarters at Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford. The posts of Director General and Director are full time executive positions, based at the Agency’s headquarters and Mr. O’Leary has been appointed for a term of five years. A brief resumé for Mr. O’Leary is attached.

Brief Resumé of new Director

Mr. Gerard O’Leary

Mr. O’Leary commenced employment with the Environmental Protection Agency in 1994 and has worked in a number of capacities during his employment at the Agency, from Inspector grade through to Programme Manager level. Mr. O’Leary has most recently had responsibility for the Office of Environmental Enforcement within the Agency.

Mr. O’Leary began his career with South Tipperary County Council, initially working as an Environmental Technician and subsequently as Chemist. He holds Masters Degrees in Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science and Public Management.