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The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, TD has announced that Dr Martina Moloney would act as Chair-designate of the Heritage Council, with effect from 6 October, pending approval of her appointment by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Dr Moloney has served on the Board of the Heritage Council since October 2020, having been appointed through the Public Appointment Service’s open and transparent process for appointments to State Boards. She is presently Chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee. Dr Moloney has a distinguished career in public service having formerly served as Chief Executive of Louth County Council and Galway County Council and has experience of serving on a number of other state boards, including the Arts Council and the National Oversight and Audit Commission for Local Government. She will take over the role at a significant moment for the Heritage Council, which has recently increased its staff by 50% and is about to begin work on a new strategy. 

Making the announcement at the Heritage Council’s offices in Kilkenny, Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to nominate Dr Martina Moloney as Chair of the Heritage Council. Martina will bring considerable skill and experience to the role at an exciting time for the Heritage Council and I look forward to working with her and the Council in the protection and promotion of our heritage. I want to wish outgoing Chair Michael Parsons the very best and thank him for his work.”

Commenting on the announcement, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, added “I very much welcome the nomination of Dr Martina Moloney to the role of Chair of the Heritage Council. Martina has served as a board member with great commitment and vision and will lead the Council ably in its support of CEO Virginia Teehan and her team.”

Dr Moloney’s appointment will follow the completion of Michael Parsons’ term as Chair of the Heritage Council in October.  Michael has served as Chair for the past five years and was commended by Minister O Brien, who stated: “Michael Parsons has served the Council with distinction in challenging times and has demonstrated an enduring commitment to our heritage throughout his long career.”

 Minister Noonan also paid tribute to the departing Chairman, stating: “Michael has committed much of his personal and professional life to the protection and promotion of our heritage. He should be very proud of all he has achieved here at the Heritage Council and I wish him well in what I hope will be a long and happy retirement.”

ENDS