O’Donovan honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport

May 23, 2016

Limerick Fine Gael TD Patrick O’Donovan has said that he is “honoured and delighted to be appointed as the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.”

Patrick O’Donovan made history when he was appointed as a Minister last Thursday becoming the first Fine Gael TD from the old constituency of Limerick West and the first TD from the current constituency of Limerick County to be appointed as a Minister. He takes on full responsibility for both the Tourism and Sport sections of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Speaking after being appointed to his new role, Minister O’Donovan said he was “absolutely thrilled with the role.”

“I spent most of my first term in the Dáil as a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport during which time I gained a valuable knowledge of the area. I believe that this experience will be of huge value to me in my new role as Minister for Tourism and Sport.”

“2016 looks like being a fantastic year for Ireland in terms of tourism numbers and comes after a record year in 2015. I’m looking forward to leading the Government’s approach to the industry both at home and abroad and working to ensure that more people look at Ireland as a place to holiday in and to visit.”

The new Minister said that a number of very important national and international sports events will take place in the coming months which will show case Ireland and Irish sport, but he was keen to point out the importance of participation at all levels across the country. “We have seen over the last number of years the Government investment in developments in local sports facilities across the country and I hope as Minister to be able to continue that work into the future.”

Speaking at his homecoming to the constituency in Newcastle West on Thursday night last, where a large crowd of well wishers had gathered, Patrick O’Donovan thanked his supporters, family and friends together with the people from Co. Limerick who had voted for him and supported him. “Without the support and work of voluntary supporters I would not be in a position for the Taoiseach to consider appointing me as a Minister. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way in my career to date and I am really looking forward now to taking on my role as Minister for Tourism and Sport.

 

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