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Press release

Minister O’Brien appoints new board to the Heritage Council, thanks outgoing board members

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, today (3 November) announced the appointment of a new board of the Heritage Council. Appointees were selected following a public competition overseen by the Public Appointments Service.

Mr Michael Parsons is to remain on as Chair of the Board and Fionnuala May has been reappointed to serve a second term.

The newly-appointed members of the Board of the Heritage Council are:

  • Michael Farrell
  • John Patrick Greene
  • Sammy Leslie
  • Deirdre McDermott
  • Martina Moloney
  • Dr Patricia O Hare
  • John G. Pierce
  • Sheila Pratschke
  • Dr Mary Tubridy

Making the announcement, Minister O’Brien said:

"The Heritage Council plays a critical role in supporting and advocating for our rich and diverse heritage, as is reflected in its strategic plan and significantly increased funding for 2021. I would like to thank the Chair and the outgoing Board for its considerable service over the last five years. I am delighted that Michael will remain on as Chair and I now welcome the new Board and wish it well for its term ahead."

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, TD, added:

"The Heritage Council has ambitious plans for the coming year, including the expansion of its community grants scheme, supports for the heritage sector and the introduction of a new Inclusive Heritage Programme. I am looking forward to working with the new Board, along with the Chair, the CEO and the Executive, to realise the full potential of these schemes while ensuring heritage is at the heart of our planning and decision-making."

ENDS

Notes

Michael Farrell

  • Former Corporate Secretary and Director of Human Resources, UCC
  • Chief Executive, Clinical Research Ireland, 2020 - date
  • Interim Chief Executive, Royal College of Physicians, 2018 - 2019

John Patrick Greene

  • CEO and Museum Director, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Sep 2019 – date
  • Consultant/Owner, Greene Associates, 2017 - 2019
  • CEO, Museums Victoria in Melbourne, 2002 - 2017

Sammy Leslie

  • Custodian, Castle Leslie Estate (brand), 1991 – date
  • Director, C. L. Developments, 2005 – date
  • Director/Secretary, Blue Shutter Films Limited, 2007 - 2019

Fionnuala May

  • Heritage Council Board member, 2016 - 2020
  • County Architect, Fingal County Council, 2011 – date
  • Senior Architect, Fingal County Council, 2006 - 2011

Deirdre McDermott

  • Principal, Deirdre McDermott & Associates, 2000 – date
  • Associate Director, Urban Initiatives, 2000 – 2002
  • Associate, Brady Shipman Martin, 1994

Martina Moloney

  • Former County Manager
  • Member, National Oversight & Audit Commission for Local Government, 2014 – date

Dr Patricia O’Hare

  • Assessor, Heritage Council Museum Standards Programme for Ireland, 2016 – date
  • Research and Education Officer for Trustees, Muckross House, Killarney, CLG, 1995 – date
  • Director, Castleisland District Archaeological Survey, Castleisland District Development Association, 1985 -1993

John G. Pierce

  • Trustee, Charitable Infirmary Charitable Trust, 2018 – date
  • Chair, An Taisce, 2017 – 2019
  • Director Portfolio & References Global Marketing, Fujitsu, 2016 - 2017

Sheila Pratschke

  • Chair, An Chomhairle Ealaíon/The Arts Council, 2014 – 2019
  • Director, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, 2007 – 2013
  • Director, Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, 2001 - 2006

Dr Mary Tubridy

  • Principal, Mary Tubridy and Associates, 1995 - date