RTE has announced Joe Mag Raollaigh as the station’s new Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Correspondent.
The broadcaster revealed Joe would replace Fran McNulty, after Fran moved on to present current affairs show, Prime Time.
Speaking about his new role, Joe said: “Farmers in Ireland are facing unprecedented challenges as they try and adapt to new environmental targets, rising costs and evolving consumer sentiment while still producing the high-quality food vital for us all.
"It’s a time of change for us as consumers too, with inflation cutting deep into many household budgets."
The Galway native added: "Value for money in goods and services is more important than ever. I look forward to bringing comprehensive coverage of these issues and more to RTÉ audiences across online, radio and television in the years ahead.”
But Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Agriculture, Tim Lombard, said he was “disappointed” the position had been left vacant for the last nine months.
He said: “Many members of the agriculture community will welcome today’s appointment of a new correspondent from RTE, however, it must also be noted that the sector was deprived of a dedicated correspondent for many months.
“This appointment is long overdue and highlights the need for increased focus from the national broadcaster on the agriculture and farming sector.
“Just last month, I raised the matter in the Seanad and called for RTE to step up and appoint a new agriculture correspondent as a matter of urgency.
"I am delighted to see that they have recognised the importance of a dedicated journalist not only for the agriculture sector, but also for the general public."
A fluent Irish speaker, Joe will report in both English and Irish, contributing to RTE News’ digital, television and radio output, including Nuacht RTE & Nuacht TG4.
Joe hails from Oranmore in Co Galway. He was born in Boston, where his parents had emigrated in the 1960s, but the family returned in the early 70s and settled once again in Co Galway.
He attended NUI Galway where he earned a BA, an MA in Modern Irish and a Higher Diploma in Applied Communications.
He started his broadcasting career in Clare FM, hosting current affairs and farming radio shows before moving to TG4 after it was set up in 1996.
In 2004 he was appointed Political Correspondent for TG4 and Nuacht RTE, reporting from Leinster House.
From 2008 while reporting for RTE News, he continued to make Irish language reports for Nuacht TG4 and occasionally presented a current affairs program on RTÉ Radio na Gaeltachta.
He has also held the role of Editor for RTE's Leaders Questions and European Parliament Report programmes.
This appointment comes after Brian O'Donovan was announced the national broadcaster's new Work and Technology Correspondent.
The role of new Washington Correspondent is set to be revealed soon.
