Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D.,Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, today (21st November 2011) announced the membership of the Council of Irish Water Safety (IWS).
The following members have been appointed:
Breda Collins - Appointed as Chair – from Kilkenny, former Chair of Kilkenny Water Safety Area Committee (WSAC), current Chair of the IWS Lifesaving Commission.
Michael (Buddy) Cuddihy– from Waterford, current Treasurer of the Waterford WSAC and Chairman of the IWS Lifeguard Commission
Brendan McGrath – from Clarecastle, County Clare former Chairman of Clare WSAC and Chairman of the IWS Swimming Commission
Paul Murphy – from Dublin, Chairman of Dublin WSAC and member of the IWS Lifeguard Commission
Seamus O'Neill– Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Treasurer of Donegal WSAC and Chairman of the IWS Sports Commission.
John Considine– from Newcastle West, County Limerick, former Secretary of Limerick WSAC and Water Safety Development Officer of Limerick County Council
Anne Ryan–from Wexford, Secretary of Wexford WSAC and member of the IWS Lifeguard Commission.
Tom Doyle–from Wexford, former Chairman of Wexford WSAC and Water Safety Development Officer for Wexford County Council.
Lola O'Sullivan – from Tramore, County Waterford, Sports Officer Waterford WSAC and Councillor of Tramore UDC.
Christy McDonagh – member of Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club Ballina, County Mayo
Martin O'Sullivan–from Cork, former Chairman of Cork WSAC and Chairman of the IWS Rescue Commission. Tim O'Sullivan – Official of Dept. of Environment, Community &Local Government.
Minister Hogan wished the new Council every success in their five year term. IWS has been consistently to the fore in raising awareness of the dangers of drowning in water over many years as well as the education and training of thousands of people in water safety. In 2010, the dedication of the members of the organisation led to Ireland having the lowest level of drowings for 58 years. The Minister stated his expectation that the mix of new IWS Council members with those who are continuing from the last Council, would lead to a vibrant and productive team.
Minister Hogan paid tribute to Frank Nolan, the outgoing Chair of IWS, who had dedicated his time, talents and energy to the organisation for many years. “The organisation is indebted to him for all the work he has done, as is the community at large, myself as Minister and my Department”, the Minister said. The Minister also thanked the other outgoing members of the IWS Council for their work both for the organisation and for water safety issues in general.
ENDS.