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