The board of Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved the appointment of Mr Pádraig Ó hAoláin as its new chief executive to succeed Mr Ruán Ó Bric in early April.

Mr Ó hAoláin, who is originally from Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, is currently the authority's deputy chief executive with special responsibility for regional development. Mr Ó hAoláin has been with the authority since 1975.

Údarás na Gaeltachta has its headquarters in Furbo, Co Galway, and is charged with developing the economy of the Gaeltacht while also preserving and extending the Irish language as principal language of the Gaeltacht community. Elections to its board are due to be held in April.