Heritage Council chairman Conor Newman has decided to step down after eight years in the post.

The decision, he says, was “not taken lightly”.

He informed Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys of his decision, and thanked her for the first significant increase in funds since his appointment.

He also thanked all the Board members and staff who “maintained their positive outlook through some difficult years”.

He said: “I was appointed in 2008, just before the economic crash.

“Notwithstanding the impact of what was a very challenging period, the Council continued to show creativity and imagination in working for heritage, and with local communities.

“We have drawn our energy from the enthusiasm and knowledge of people in every corner of Ireland.

“They have been our inspiration. Our focus has unapologetically been to work with them to improve the quality of their place and of their lives”

Minister Humphreys, paying tribute to Mr Newman, said: “I would like to sincerely thank Conor for all of his work on the Heritage Council over the last number of years.

“He never failed to represent the heritage sector with real commitment and enthusiasm, and he used his own knowledge and expertise to the benefit of local communities all over Ireland.

“I wish him the very best for the future.”