Press release
Minister Humphreys announces appointment of two new Board members to the Board of Pobal
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, today (Thursday 8 February 2024) announced the appointment of two new members to the Board of Pobal.
Minister Humphreys welcomed the appointment of Ms Irene Gleeson and Ms Savina Donohoe as ordinary members to the Board of Pobal. Both board members have been selected for this role following a State Boards appointment process, which is managed by the Public Appointments Service.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said:
“Pobal works on behalf of Government across many areas, where community and inclusion is always at the heart of their service and provide much needed supports to my department in managing and overseeing a variety of programmes, schemes and services in the area of Social Inclusion and Equality.
“There were many expressions of interest for the vacancies on the Board of Pobal and I want to thank everyone who took the time to apply. I am delighted to welcome the appointment of two new board members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to what is a very important body.”
The Minister added:
“I would like to thank the outgoing board members and commend them for their significant contributions, personal commitment and dedication. I wish them well in the future. I have no doubt that the Board of Pobal will continue to make a significant contribution to communities across the country.”
Pobal is a not-for-profit organisation that works on behalf of Government to support communities and local agencies towards achieving social inclusion and development.
Pobal works in the areas of social inclusion, early childhood care and education, local and community development, peace and reconciliation, equality, labour market supports, and education and training. Some of the groups supported by Government through Pobal include the long term unemployed, young people, farmers / fishermen, families, Travellers, older people and ex-prisoners.
The Board of Pobal now comprises of 10 women and 6 men as follows.
| Name | First appointed |
| Ann Hanley | 18/09/2017 |
| Catherine Lynch | 13/12/2016 |
| Ciarán Reid | 21/10/2019 |
| Derville Brennan | 15/02/2022 |
| Savina Donohoe | 23/01/2024 |
| Dr. Breda McTaggart | 22/10/2018 |
| Irene Gleeson | 23/01/2024 |
| Iseult White | 07/12/2020 |
| John Curran | 22/10/2018 |
| Molly Buckley | 13/12/2016 |
| Niall Garvey | 22/10/2018 |
| Pat Bennett | 15/02/2022 |
| Patricia Ball O'Keeffe | 18/09/2017 |
| Rosarii Mannion | 07/12/2020 |
| Sean Sheridan | 15/02/2022 |
| Tom Lavin | 13/12/2016 |