A new Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has been appointed by the Government.

Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe said Graham Doyle (41) had "a superb mix of skills and experience" that would enable him to lead the department through a challenging period.

Mr Doyle joined the department in 2013 as an external recruit to the Civil Service. He is currently in charge of the public transport portfolio with sustainable transport and freight, and previously had overall responsibility for road safety.

From Waterford, he was formerly chief executive of Waterford Airport. In 2004 and 2005, he was financial adviser to the Department of Transport on secondment from PwC, where he worked in consulting for 11 years.

A chartered accountant by profession, Mr Doyle also holds a Bachelor of Business Studies, a Masters of Accounting and an MBA. He recently graduated from the British civil service’s major projects leadership academy at Oxford university.

Retirement

The appointment will take effect following the retirement of the current secretary general, Tom O'Mahony, on October 31st, and follows a public competition under the Top Level Appointments Committee.

Mr Donohoe said: “My department has a critical role to play in supporting economic recovery and enhancing our future economic and social development.

“Graham has a superb mix of skills and experience which equip him perfectly to lead the department through the challenges which lie ahead.”

Mr Donohoe also paid tribute to the departing secretary general.

“Tom has made a very significant contribution to public service across a 43-year career.

“As secretary general since 2009, he has steered the department adroitly through very difficult times and he leaves it in very good shape for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”