Michael McCarthy appointed CEO of ISEA
The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) has appointed former Labour politician Michael McCarthy as its first chief executive.
The ISEA, which represents more than 80 Irish solar energy firms, said the appointment will "help to drive the advancement of viable solar and renewable energy policies in Ireland".
McCarthy was elected a TD for Cork South West in 2011 and from 2012 to 2016 was chair of the Irish parliament's joint committee on the environment, which reviewed Ireland's Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill.
McCarthy said: "During my time as chair of the environment committee, I developed a detailed understanding of environmental policy and the key role of the renewable energy sector in effecting positive change.
"On behalf of our members, I look forward to really engaging with Irish politicians and the wider policy community in developing a new regulatory framework for solar energy, an increasingly important renewable energy source."
ISEA chairman David Maguire said: "We are delighted to announce Michael's appointment to this important senior position.
"Having served in the Irish parliament for 14 years Michael has a detailed understanding of the political and wider policy process.
"He joins at a critical time for our sector as we await policy developments to support the rollout of Solar PV technology."
The Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) was founded in May 2013 and is committed to contributing to the development of viable renewable energy policies that support the development of solar in Ireland via lobbying activities, conferences, and other forums that bring key stakeholders together to shape policy.
