Simon Coveney TD - Cork South Central

Simon Coveney, TD

Simon Coveney TD is a former Tánaiste, Minister, and Deputy Leader of Fine Gael. He previously served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Defence, and Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. For the 6 month period to the end of June 2013, Simon chaired the EU Council of Agriculture & Fisheries Ministers where he was at the forefront regarding EU efforts in respect of Common Agriculture (CAP) as well as Common Fisheries (CFP) Policy reforms. Under his chairmanship both dossiers were progressed significantly, with a reform package for CFP agreed in May 2013 and a reform package for CAP agreed at the end of the Irish Presidency in July. The Defence portfolio was added to his brief on July 11, 2014. He represents the Cork South Central constituency.

Simon was first elected to the Dáil in 1998 as one of Fine Gael’s youngest TDs and held Shadow Ministries in the areas of Drugs and Youth Affairs, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, and Transport. Simon chaired the Fine Gael Policy Development Committee prior to the 2011 General Election.

Simon was elected to the European Parliament in 2004 and was a member of the EPP-ED group. He was a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee. Simon was the author of the European Parliament’s Annual Report on Human Rights in the World for the year 2004 and again for 2006.

Simon was a member of Cork County Council and the Southern Health Board from 1999 to 2003.

Born in Cork in June 1972, Simon holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture and Land Management from The Royal Agriculture College, Gloucestershire. He was also educated at Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare; University College Cork and Gurteen Agricultural College, County Tipperary. A keen fan of all competitive sport, he played Rugby for Garryowen, Cork Constitution and Crosshaven Rugby Club. In 1997/8 he led the “Sail Chernobyl Project” which involved sailing 30,000 miles around the world for charity. He is a qualified sailing instructor and lifeguard.

News & Statements

€1 in every €5 spent under National Development Plan will go towards tackling climate change - Coveney

Over €1 in every €5 spent in the National Development Plan will go towards tackling climate change, the Tánaiste has said.

20th August 2018

Remarks by Tánaiste at the MacGill Summer School, 23 July 2018

It is of considerable advantage to the Government – and to all Irish people – to have a strong degree of cross-party consensus in the Dáil on the vital issue of Brexit.

23rd July 2018

An Tánaiste Simon Coveney reacts to An Bord Pleanála decision on incinerator for Cork Harbour

“My initial reaction to the decision today to grant permission to Indaver Ireland to build an incinerator in the heart of Cork Harbour, is one of deep disappointment and frustration.

31st May 2018

Government Announces the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) as part of the ‘Rebuilding Ireland’ programme

Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, together with his colleague, Mr Paschal Donohoe T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, today (28 March) announced the approval for 34 public infrastructure projects across 15 Local Authority areas.

28th March 2017

Taoiseach and Minister Coveney launch public consultation for “Ireland 2040 – Our Plan”, the new National Planning Framework

The Taoiseach and Minister Simon Coveney, today (Thursday 2nd February) launched a major national consultation for the preparation of a strategic planning and development framework for Ireland between now and 2040, in Maynooth University. Today’s event is the first of two public consultation exercises and a series of regional and stakeholder events in preparing Ireland 2040 – Our Plan.

2nd February 2017

Coveney Designates New Rent Pressure Zones

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, T.D., signed Orders today designating 23 towns and all of Galway city as *Rent Pressure Zones. Dublin and Cork City were designated as Rent Pressure Zones before Christmas. The Orders take effect tomorrow, 27 January 2017.

26th January 2017

Coveney announces first in series of information meetings for farmers on the implementation of cap reform

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, today announced that his Department will hold a series of 14 regional Information Meetings in relation to CAP implementation from Monday 9th March to Tuesday 31st March.

3rd March 2015

Minister Coveney Announces The Opening Of 2015 Basic Payment And Greening Online Application Facility

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, TD, today announced the opening this week of the on-line application facility for both the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and the Greening Payment Scheme.

20th February 2015

FURTHER GOOD NEWS FOR BEEF SECTOR AS CHINESE BAN ON IRISH BEEF IS LIFTED

Following the recent launch of Irish beef in the US for the first time in more than 15 years, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, today welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., that China has also lifted its ban on Irish beef.

20th February 2015

Coveney Completes Three-City Us Beef Promotional Visit

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney T.D., today concluded his promotional visit to the US, with a high profile launch in Boston.

12th February 2015

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