The Government has appointed Dr Noel Cawley as the new chairman of Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority.
Dr. Noel Cawley's appointment was made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Brendan Smith TD. Dr. Cawley takes over from Dr. Tom O'Dwyer who has completed two five year terms as Chairman.
Dr. Cawley was Chief Executive of the Irish Dairy Board until 2006. He also served as Chairman of the Irish Horse Board, and more recently chaired the Government-established Seafood Strategy Review and Implementation Group.
In addition to the appointment of a new chairman, Minister Smith also appointed two other new members to the Teagasc Authority.
Mr Padraig Gibbons from Bullaun, Mayneen, Co Mayo has been appointed and will be the ICOS nominee on the Teagasc board. He is a dairy farmer, chairman of Connacht Gold co-op, and former president of ICOS.
Mr Frank O'Mahony from Ballyorban, Monkstown, Co. Cork has also been appointed for a five year term to the Teagasc Authority. He was nominated by Macra Na Feirme.