The Government has appointed Dave Walsh as the new Chair of An Bord Pleanála.

Mr Walsh, who is currently an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, will replace Dr Mary Kelly whose term of office expired at the end of last month.

Currently, Mr Walsh leads the Planning, Land and Housing Market Division in the Department. He has also played a key role in developing a range of Government initiatives, including the National Planning Framework published as part of Project Ireland 2040 earlier this year, as well as having experience in a range of other policy areas, including climate change and environmental policy.

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Commenting on the appointment, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said: "I am delighted that the Government is in a position to appoint someone of Mr Walsh's calibre as the new Chair of An Bord Pleanála.

"Given the pivotal role that the Board will play in the sustainable development of our country in the years ahead, he is taking on a challenging assignment which I know he will deliver on with great leadership and professionalism. I wish him every success in his new role."

(LM/CM)