Kildare TD Martin Heydon re-appointed to Department of Agriculture as Minister of State

Kildare TD Martin Heydon has been re-appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture by the newly appointed Taoiseach, Simon Harris.

The news follows the announcement from yesterday that An Taoiseach Simon Harris has reshuffled senior roles within the Cabinet.

Speaking following his reappointment today, Minister Heydon said: "I am again honoured to be asked to serve in Government by An Taoiseach Simon Harris and to continue my work as Fine Gael's voice in agriculture.

"Farmers across the country are under significant pressure at present due to the weather and my immediate focus will be on supporting them through this difficult time."

He continued: "As Kildare’s only Minister I will continue to use my position in government to highlight the concerns and challenges of my constituents in Kildare South and to fight for improved funding and facilities for the benefit of growing communities across Kildare.

"Since my original appointment in July 2020, I have worked to ensure funding and progress for key infrastructure projects across Kildare.

"I have also sought, through my role, to increase job opportunities for those living in Kildare who would prefer not to commute out of Kildare for work, with projects such as Diageo’s proposed new brewery for Newbridge, and the planned food and drinks hub in Athy. 

"Through my work to ensure a new public holiday for St Brigids Day, I continue to promote the attractions in Kildare and ensure our proud heritage is highlighted and shared to a wider audience."

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Minister Heydon further said: "Like farmers around the country, I know many small business owners in Kildare are also struggling at present and I continue to bring their concerns to the attention of my colleagues in government. 

"I also know there are many families in Kildare with children with special education needs who are waiting for school places and assessments of needs and these are two areas that I continue to highlight and work for."

As for what he plans to focus on: "Within my role in the Department of Agriculture, I will continue to focus on farm safety, where we have seen a reduction in the number of farm fatalities, but much work continues on improving farmers attitude to risk.

"I’ll also continue to develop new high value markets for Irish food products, and continue investment in climate research to support farmers in their ambitions to continue producing food but with a reduced emissions profile."

Minister Heydon concluded: "I am honoured to serve in government again as a representative of the people of Kildare South, and I will continue to use my position to advocate for the needs of Kildare residents, and to ensure Kildare remains a great place to live work and raise a family."