Seán Ó Coinn has been appointed as Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge. His appointment was approved at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council in Armagh today. Seán Ó Coinn succeeds Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, who spent ten years as Chief Executive of the cross-border body. Ó Coinn spent five years as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Education Services at Foras na Gaeilge.

Speaking today on his priorities in the position, the newly appointed Chief Executive said, “I will be building on the partnership between Foras na Gaeilge and Irish language and Gaeltacht organisations to focus on the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030,” and he recognises “the significant support needed by the different groups throughout the country working to promote the Irish language.” He said, as well, that “the committed staff of Foras na Gaeilge have extraordinary experience and expertise” and that he now has the task of “ensuring that staff can take on the ambitious targets that are to be reached.”

Ó Coinn said that the continuous cuts to Foras na Gaeilge’s schemes and spending are among the challenges which will be facing him as a leader. To that end one of his priorities will be to build on the relationship between Foras na Gaeilge with the general public north and south by raising awareness of Foras na Gaeilge’s broad programme of work.

Séan Ó Coinn will be taking on his new role as Chief Executive of Foras na Gaeilge immediately. The post of Deputy Chief Executive, who will be based in the Foras na Gaeilge office in Belfast, will be advertised early in 2017.

Further information:

Anna Davitt, Programme Manager: Communications, Marketing & Awareness, Foras na Gaeilge
Tel: 0035387 673 6175
Email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie