Ger Nash is the new Bishop for 42 parishes including ones in Laois and Offaly's Seir Kieran.
The Pope is appointing a the Bishop of Ferns to serve the Diocese of Ossory.
Ger Nash will take up the role of Apostolic Administrator which oversees parishes in Laois, Kilkenny, as well as Seir Kieran in Offaly.
Bishop Nash says the issues of rural depopulation and the future of agriculture are two significant issues facing the 42 parishes.
He will retain his responsibility in the Diocese of Ferns and says this will become more common as time goes on:
Funeral Arrangements Announced For Woman Killed In Midlands Crash
Garda Commissioner Confident Security Operation For EPC Meeting Will Be A Success
Midlands Gardaí Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Crash
Midlands Security & Defence Analyst Says Hoax Bomb Threats Aimed To Intimidate
Almost €446,000 Allocated To Midlands Community Centres And Clubhouses
Midlands Family Takes On Ireland’s Fittest Family Challenge
5K Fundraiser To Support Motor Neurone Disease Association Takes Place In Westmeath