Ms Walsh will be responsible for the leadership and direction of all legal, corporate governance and data protection activities across Gas Networks Ireland, playing a key role in delivering on the organisation’s strategy to transition to a low carbon energy network.

A solicitor and graduate of University College Cork, she previously held the position of head of legal.

Her promotion to the senior leadership team came alongside the appointment of Bobby Gleeson as chief operations officer and Brian Sheehan as director of assets and infrastructure.

Cathal Marley, CEO of Gas Networks Ireland, said: “As custodians of Ireland’s €2.8 billion national asset, our vision is to be at the heart of Ireland’s clean energy future and continue to decarbonise the 14,725km gas network.

“I am delighted to have Bobby, Brian and Emer on our senior leadership team — each of whom will play a key role in delivering on the organisation’s strategy to deliver a zero-carbon energy future for Ireland.

“Our employees are central to the success of our business; they are the driving force, the creative intelligence and the passionate energy behind all our achievements.”