Redmond O'Donoghue Announced As New Chairperson Of Fáilte Ireland

His term of office will be for five years, with O'Donoghue will replace Ms Gillian Bowler, whose term of office as Chair has ended.

Four outgoing Board members, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, Catherine Reilly, Eithne Scott-Lennon and Brian Hughes was also reappointed for an additional term.

Speaking after the announcement, Martin Cullen, T.D., said: "Tourism is a vital contributor to our economic and social well-being.

"Last year a record number of 8 million overseas tourists spent almost €5 billion visiting Ireland and domestic tourism contributed a further estimated €1.6 billion to the economy.

"In addition to its direct contribution to exports and growth, the tourism and hospitality industry employs almost 250,000 people throughout the length and breath of the country."

The Minister said: "I am delighted that Redmond O'Donoghue, an accomplished and highly skilled business professional is the new Chairperson of Fáilte Ireland.

"Mr O'Donoghue has a gift to lead and an innate ability to identify and seize opportunities which will undoubtedly help sustain the Irish tourism performance in the coming years.

"His wide range of high level experience both nationally and internationally combined with his vibrancy and enthusiasm for the job in hand, will be of enormous benefit to Fáilte Ireland, the agency charged with guiding and promoting tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy."

Thanking the outgoing Chairperson for her dedication and commitment, Mr Cullen said, "The Government is most appreciative of Gillian Bowler's generosity and sense of public service in agreeing to act as the inaugural Chair of Fáilte Ireland over the past five years.

"To have had somebody of her calibre and business track record in the early years of the new Authority was critical in ensuring its launch and continuing success.

"The outstanding performance of Irish tourism in recent years and its important contribution to the national economy speaks for itself and is a fitting testament to her involvement and commitment."