A Chara,
I have been involved in local and national politics for more than 20 years, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I entered politics to help address the everyday challenges facing individuals, families, and communities, and to develop practical solutions that deliver real results. It has been a privilege to pursue that goal since 2007, first as a TD and, more recently, as a government minister.
I have had the honour of being appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government in the 33rd Dáil and again in 2025 as Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD. It is a privilege to once again represent my constituency as a local TD and as a government minister.
I remain committed to advocating for the people of Dublin Fingal East. My ambition is to continue delivering increased investment, improved public transport, better healthcare, providing affordable housing and supports for first time buyers and safer communities.
I have been involved in local and national politics for more than 20 years, driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I entered politics to help address the everyday challenges facing individuals, families, and communities, and to develop practical solutions that deliver real results. It has been a privilege to pursue that goal since 2007, first as a TD and, more recently, as a government minister.
I have had the honour of being appointed Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government in the 33rd Dáil and again in 2025 as Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD. It is a privilege to once again represent my constituency as a local TD and as a government minister.
I remain committed to advocating for the people of Dublin Fingal East. My ambition is to continue delivering increased investment, improved public transport, better healthcare, providing affordable housing and supports for first time buyers and safer communities.
About Me
Sport has always played a central role in my life, and I am proud to support and work alongside the many outstanding sports clubs across North County Dublin, from cricket and GAA to football and rugby.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping local clubs secure the funding they need to grow and thrive. Whether through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme or the Climate Action Community Fund, I have worked closely with clubs to help them access government grants that improve facilities, strengthen communities, and encourage greater participation in sport.
History is another lifelong passion. I am especially proud of my family’s connection to Ireland’s struggle for independence. My grandfather and two great-granduncles, Robert, Peadar, and Eoghan O’Brien, served with distinction during the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War as members of the 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade of the Old IRA. Their legacy sparked my interest in history from an early age, an interest that extends far beyond Ireland to world history more broadly.
I am a strong supporter of the Irish language and our Gaelscoileanna. I use Irish every day and I continue my own journey learning our national language. Beidh mé thar a bheith sásta gaeilge a úsáid leat gach seans a fhaighim.
Born and raised in Malahide, I attended Pope John Paul II National School before continuing my education at Pobalscoil Íosa Community School. I am one of six children, with four sisters and a brother, Eoghan, who serves as a County Councillor in Howth/Malahide. My parents, Joan and Padraig, made their home in Malahide, where my mother continues to live today. My father, Padraig, sadly passed away in recent times. My wife, Susan, and I are proud parents to our daughter, Caoilinn, who is about to complete her final year at Malahide Community School.
Family and community remain at the heart of everything I do, and they continue to shape my commitment to public service.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping local clubs secure the funding they need to grow and thrive. Whether through the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme or the Climate Action Community Fund, I have worked closely with clubs to help them access government grants that improve facilities, strengthen communities, and encourage greater participation in sport.
History is another lifelong passion. I am especially proud of my family’s connection to Ireland’s struggle for independence. My grandfather and two great-granduncles, Robert, Peadar, and Eoghan O’Brien, served with distinction during the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, and the Civil War as members of the 4th Battalion, Dublin Brigade of the Old IRA. Their legacy sparked my interest in history from an early age, an interest that extends far beyond Ireland to world history more broadly.
I am a strong supporter of the Irish language and our Gaelscoileanna. I use Irish every day and I continue my own journey learning our national language. Beidh mé thar a bheith sásta gaeilge a úsáid leat gach seans a fhaighim.
Born and raised in Malahide, I attended Pope John Paul II National School before continuing my education at Pobalscoil Íosa Community School. I am one of six children, with four sisters and a brother, Eoghan, who serves as a County Councillor in Howth/Malahide. My parents, Joan and Padraig, made their home in Malahide, where my mother continues to live today. My father, Padraig, sadly passed away in recent times. My wife, Susan, and I are proud parents to our daughter, Caoilinn, who is about to complete her final year at Malahide Community School.
Family and community remain at the heart of everything I do, and they continue to shape my commitment to public service.
C.V.
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Political Biography 2004 Elected to Fingal County Council to represent Portmarnock, Malahide and Kinsealy Ward. 2007 Elected as a TD to Dáil Éireann for Dublin North. 2011 Narrowly lost Dáil seat. Elected to Seanad Éireann as a Senator. 2016 Elected as a TD to Dáil Éireann for Dublin Fingal. 2016-2018 (May) Main Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade. 2018 Main Opposition Spokesperson on Housing, Planning and Local Government. 2020 Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Positions Held Vice-Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. Member of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Law Reform. Leader of Fianna Fáil in the Seanad. Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Finance in Seanad Éireann. Dublin Spokesperson for Fianna Fáil and a member of Fianna Fáil Front Bench. Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Trade. Member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade & Defence. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Present Positions Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment. Minister for Transport. |
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