Maureen Kennelly has been appointed as the new director of the Arts Council, after a competitive recruitment process to replace Orlaith McBride.

She is currently the director of Poetry Ireland and has spent over two decades working in the arts sector. Her resume includes work with organisations such as the Kilkenny Arts Festival, Druid Theatre Company and Fishamble Theatre Company.

Commenting on the appointment, Kennelly said, "It is an immense honour to be given the opportunity to take up the role as Director of the Arts Council. I am very excited about playing a vital part in the next exciting phase for the national development agency for the arts. I especially welcome the opportunity to lead progression around the Arts Council’s recent policies on Equality, Human Rights and Diversity and on payment for artists."

The Arts Council is working to strengthen key arts infrastructure and organisations to develop and create great work for a wider public with their €80 million budget for 2020. They are also aiming to put in place a range of measures to improve the living and working conditions of artists.

Funding for the Arts Council was a hotly-contested topic in the weeks leading up to the General Election. Ireland has come under fire recently for having the lowest state funding for the arts per capita in Europe. This year's €80 million budget is an increase from the €75 million allocated last year.