Actor Colm Meaney is to receive the Irish Film & Television Academy’s (IFTA) Lifetime Achievement Award in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre in February.

The Dubliner, who most recently starred in the Ireland-set comedy The Problem with People, said: "To say I was surprised when I got the news that IFTA wanted to give me this award would be an understatement. I was truly shocked.

"To be asked to join this long list of very illustrious previous recipients is a huge honour, and I'm thrilled and looking forward to a good night in Dublin on the 14th of February."

Meaney has starred in many films over five decades, including The Commitments, The Snapper, Under Siege, The Van, The Damned United, and The Dead. He is perhaps best known for his association with Star Trek, having first appeared in theStar Trek: TheNext Generation series in 1987. He was given a main role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and stayed with teh show unti its final episode in 199, making 225 appearances on the franchise. Only Michael Dorn racked up more appearances overall.

Previous winners of the IFTA’s Lifetime Achievement Award include Maureen O’Hara, the late Gay Byrne, Judi Dench, and Mary Kennedy.