The Western Development Commission has announced the appointment of Allan Mulrooney as its Interim Chief Executive. This follows the departure of Tomás Ó Síocháin from the organisation after four years at the helm.

The agency said following the Board’s decision to appoint Allan as acting Interim CEO, that it will continue to work in all key areas of activity.

Sligo native Allan Mulrooney currently holds the role of Head of Communications and Atlantic Economic Corridor Development as a member of the management team having joined in 2019. Allan has led on new initiatives including ConnectedHubs.ie, WesternJobs.ie, a full rebrand for the organisation and it’s More To Life digital campaign. Before his role in the WDC Allan worked with IDA Ireland and before this he worked with eir in Dublin.

He will commence his role in December when Tomás Ó Síocháin takes up his new position as CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta. A competitive process to appoint a permanent CEO is expected to get underway in early 2023.

Following the announcement, Allan Mulrooney described it as an honour to accept the position on an interim basis.

“Our mission will not change, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across the wider WDC team and the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is vital that we continue to stimulate businesses, support innovation, build new partnerships and foster a vibrant ecosystem across the region at this critical time,” he said.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, who made the announcement, referenced the drive and experience that Allan will bring to the role.

“Allan brings a wealth of experience to this role, particularly in the ongoing and planned work of the WDC and already has an excellent working relationships with key regional and national stakeholders in the regional development sector,” he said.