Brendan Foster named new residential tenancies chair
Housing Minister James Browne has appointed an experienced accountant to lead the State body overseeing the rental sector. The five-year term follows a public competition and ends an interim leadership arrangement in place since 2024.
Housing Minister James Browne has appointed Brendan Foster as chair of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for a five-year term beginning today, 12 November 2026.
Foster takes over from interim chair Mark McManus following a Public Appointments Service competition. His term runs until 11 November 2031. He has served as an ordinary member of the RTB board since November 2024 and chairs its audit and risk committee.
Browne said Foster was “an excellent candidate for the position of Chair of the RTB”, citing his governance, financial and strategic leadership experience and his understanding of the board’s role.
The minister also thanked McManus, who became interim chair in June 2024. McManus will remain a board member for the rest of his term.
Foster has more than 43 years’ experience in accounting and professional services. Since retiring as a partner at Grant Thornton Ireland in 2024, he has taken up several public-sector roles and has served on and chaired boards.