Taoiseach announces appointment of Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain and Jim Gavin as chairs of upcoming Citizens’ Assemblies

The Taoiseach, Michéal Martin, has today announced the appointment of UCD Academic, Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, and former Dublin Football Manager, Jim Gavin, as the respective Chairs of the upcoming Citizens’ Assemblies on Biodiversity Loss and on a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin.

Dr Ní Shúilleabháin and Mr Gavin will oversee the work of the two Assemblies that are due to begin with an introductory meeting in Dublin Castle on Saturday April 9.

Dr Ní Shúilleabháin is a leading academic with a passion for communicating science to the general public.

She is an Assistant Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics in University College Dublin, where her scholarship focusses on making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) more accessible and exciting to a wider audience.

She has extensive experience as a science communicator across print, broadcast and online media.

As Chair of the Biodiversity Citizens’ Assembly Dr Ní Shúilleabháin will help the Assembly make recommendations on how the State should respond to the crisis of biodiversity loss.

Mr Gavin is one of Ireland’s most successful GAA football managers.

He managed the Dublin Men’s Senior Football Team that won six All-Ireland Championships – including five-in-a-row – between 2013-2019. He also played on the Dublin All-Ireland winning team in 1995.

He is currently the Director of People and Operations for the Aviation Regulator, Irish Aviation Authority, and is a former commissioned officer and military pilot with over 20 years’ service in Oglaigh na hÉireann.

In chairing the Dublin Assembly, Mr Gavin will bring his passion for the city and county to the work of creating a new vision for how Dublin is managed and administered that befits a modern, dynamic, and diverse European capital.

Speaking about the appointments The Taoiseach Micheál Martin said, “I would like to thank Aoibhinn and Jim for accepting the invitation to Chair these two Assemblies.

“The topics of Biodiversity Loss and a Directly Elected Mayor for Dublin are two important issues that impact people and communities throughout Ireland.

“These are challenging subjects, but we are fortunate to have two expert Chairs who will bring particular knowledge, expertise, and passion to these topics.

Dr Ní Shúilleabháin commented, “It is an honour for me to have the opportunity to Chair the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and I would like to thank the Taoiseach for appointing me to the role. Biodiversity loss, its causes, and what we can do to address it is one of the most important and defining issues of our time.

“I look forward to starting work with the members of the Assembly and identifying what practical solutions we can find to this challenge.”

Jim Gavin commented, “As a proud Dubliner it was a privilege to be asked to Chair the upcoming Dublin Assembly, and I want to thank the Taoiseach for the invitation to do so.

“This is a great City and County, renowned across the world for its history, its culture, its dynamism, and most importantly its people.

“I want to work with the members of the Assembly towards creating a vision for how the City and County should be managed and governed to make it an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and to visit and enjoy.

“Chíonn beirt rud nach bhfeiceann duine amháin.”

The appointment of the Chairs follows a highly successful response from randomly selected households around the country to invitations from The Taoiseach to participate in the two upcoming Assemblies.

By the closing date of 14 March 2022, over 3,700 responses were received to the 34,000 invitations that were issued representing a response rate of over 10%.

Eligibility for membership was expanded significantly on this occasion with applications received from residents in the State from over 50 different countries.

Following a further random selection of the citizens who applied, the Assembly has now reached a representative membership of Irish society, based on gender, age and location.

Letters of confirmation are being sent to 99 citizens of Ireland and 67 citizens of Dublin and 12 Councillors ahead of the 9th April meeting, with each due to complete its work by the end of the year.