Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D has announced Maura McGrath as the new chair of the Arts Council.

The Minister has also appointed five new members to the board: Róise Goan, Gary Granville, Brian Ó Gáibhín, Gaby Smyth and Richard Yarr. The appointments will be for  five years, starting from June, 2024.

McGrath has been a member of the National Concert Hall (NCH) board since 2014 and Chair since 2016, during which time she led on the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra and Choirs to the NCH from RTÉ. Described by Minister Martin as having "extensive experience," McGrath has previously worked as a HR consultant across the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

"I am delighted to appoint five candidates of such high calibre to the Board of the Arts Council and I congratulate them on their appointments," said Minister Martin on a statement.  The Board is central to the governance, oversight and strategic direction of the Arts Council and I wish to express my gratitude to the existing and new Board Members for giving so generously of their time and playing a part in supporting the arts."