The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D, today (Friday, 13 November) announced the appointment of a new Board to the Western Development Commission.
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 a new Board to guide and direct the work of the Commission for the next three years. There were many expression of interest in appointment to the new Board 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 mix of experience and skills from the business sector, the public sector, the community sector and the education sector.
I have asked Mr Gerry Finn, who has been a member of the WDC Board for the last three years, to take up the position of Chair of the Board, and I wish him well in that role.
The Minister added:
I want to thank the previous Board for their work in supporting the development of the Western region and their careful stewardship of the WDC over the last three years.
The WDC’s five-year Strategy, ‘Work Smarter, Live Better’, which was published in 2019, will provide a strong framework for the incoming Board to continue the WDC’s work over the coming period.
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.