Minister appoints former Council CEO as Chair of WDC

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has appointed a former CEO of Roscommon County Council as the new chair of the Western Development Commission (WDC).

Eugene Cummins has been selected as the new Chair of the WDC Board following a State Boards appointment process, which is managed by the Public Appointments Service.

Mr Cummins previously served as Chief Executive for Roscommon for four years and was previously the CEO at Monaghan County Council. He replaces Gerry Finn who served as chair for the last there years.

The appointment of Mr Cummins, who retired as Roscommon CEO in September 20233, was announced as part of a new Board of the Western Development Commission (WDC).

Minister Humphreys reappointed five ordinary members to the board - Ms Aisling Meehan, Ms Audrey Crummy, Ms Mary Coyne, Ms Mary McKenna and Ms Sandra Nolan and five new members – Ms Breda Fox, Mr Micheál Heaney, Mr Patrick Duffy, Mr Eoin Motherway and Mr Niall O’Donnellan. Mr Edmund Jennings also remains a member until his term expires in August 2024.

Minister Humphreys said she was delighted to welcome Mr Cummins as he takes up the position of Chair of the Board, and wished him well in his role.

“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.” 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 new members to the board to help guide and direct the work of the Commission for the next three years. There were many expression of interest 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 combination of experience and skills from the business sector, the public sector, the community sector and academia.

The Minister added: “I want to also thank previous Board members, including Mr Gerry Finn, the Chair of the Board for the last three years, for their work in supporting the development of the Western region and their careful stewardship of the WDC over the last three years.

“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.”