Patrick O’Donovan, TD

Patrick O’Donovan is the Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science having been appointed in April 2024. Patrick previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works and the Gaeltacht until April 2024 and Minister of State at the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for Public Procurement, Open Government and eGovernment, from June 2017 until June 2020 and Minister of State for Tourism and Sport. in 2016-17. He was first elected to the Dáil in February 2011.

Patrick was first elected to Limerick County Council in June 2004, topping the poll at the age of 27 with 1,485 first preference votes while also working as an industrial chemist. In a short time on the council, Patrick’s reputation as a fighter for issues earned him the honour of being elected the youngest Fine Gael Group Leader in Ireland by his fellow party members. His work was also recognised by his constituents who re-elected him with 2,254 votes in 2009. During this time he had also taken on the task of going back to college and becoming a primary school teacher. Patrick has held a number of positions during his time on the council as well as maintaining an active involvement with a number of charitable, cultural and sporting organisations.

Patrick was selected by An Taoiseach to be a member of the Committee on the Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht as well as being named on internal Fine Gael Committees on Education, Environment and Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly.

News & Statements

“An insult to people’s intelligence” – O’Donovan

The alternative budget proposals being presented by Sinn Féin show how out of step they are with the economic realities of funding Further and Higher Education, Fine Gael Minister Patrick O’Donovan has said.

26th September 2024

Sinn Féin’s reckless economic policies would stifle job creation and economic recovery – O’Donovan

Sinn Féin’s reckless economic policies would do nothing to support businesses and would stifle job creation as the country recovers from Covid-19, Fine Gael Minister Patrick O’Donovan has said.

15th September 2021

Minister Patrick O’Donovan welcomes the appointment of contractors to carry out remedial works on the bank of the River Feale at Convent Street, Listowel, Co. Kerry

Winter storms in February 2020, resulted in the collapse of a section of elevated bank slope along the northern bank of the River Feale, adjacent to Convent Street in Listowel, Co. Kerry. I am delighted that these remedial works will be undertaken to stabilise the river bank with the construction works expected to commence on-site in August 2021

18th August 2021

Minister O’Donovan launches the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study Post-Consultation Report

“I am delighted at the level of interaction and engagement by members of the public and key stakeholders during the consultation on the The Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study. We received over 2,200 submissions. I have listened to the feedback and I am determined to implement the revised recommendations in the Report which will help safeguard all users of the Park for generations to come.”

27th July 2021

Des O’Malley was a true patriot - O’Donovan

Des O’Malley was a true patriot who put this Republic first above all else, Fine Gael Minister Patrick O’Donovan has said.

21st July 2021

Sinn Féin do not stand for security in this Republic - O’Donovan

Sinn Féin’s TDs walking out of the Dáil during a vote on the Special Criminal Court should leave nobody in any doubt as to where their priorities are when it comes to the security of this Republic, a Fine Gael Minister has said.

24th June 2021

Minister O’Donovan announces free admission to OPW visitor sites in support of the Government’s recovery and reopening plan

Mr. Patrick O’ Donovan T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), today announced that admission charges to all fee-paying open OPW heritage sites are being waived in line with the Government’s recovery and reopening plan outlined in The Path Ahead.

14th May 2021

OPW Heritage Sites Reopening their Grounds

The Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Limerick Fine Gael TD, Patrick O'Donovan has announced that a total of 48 OPW parks and heritage sites with outdoor spaces will be open to the public within the existing travel restrictions either from today, 26 April, or later this week.

26th April 2021

Minister O’Donovan commits to a further consultation period on the Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan TD, today announced that the OPW and Galway County Council will make arrangements for a further period of consultation to be held on the Gort Lowlands Flood Relief Scheme following the easing of the present Covid-19 restrictions.

19th March 2021

Minister O'Donovan announces ‘Greening’ of Heritage Sites and State Buildings as part of the 2021 National St Patrick’s Festival

The greening initiative has gone from strength to strength with signification notable worldwide landmark buildings being illuminated in green to promote this celebration. This year the theme of the Festival is ‘Dúisigh Éire! Awaken Ireland!’ which invites everyone to throw off the long dark months and rise to embrace the brighter days ahead.

2nd March 2021

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Connect With Patrick

Contact Details

Email:

patrick.odonovan@oir.ie

Address:

St. Mary's Road
Newcastle West
Co. Limerick

Phone:

069-77998