Joanna Byrne
Joanna Byrne | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Byrne in 2023 | |
| Teachta Dála | |
| Assumed office November 2024 | |
| Constituency | Louth |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland |
| Political party | Sinn Féin |
Joanna Byrne is an Irish Sinn Féin politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Louth constituency since the 2024 general election.[1] She was previously a Louth County Councillor between 2016 and 2024.
Background
[edit]Born and raised in Drogheda, Byrne became the first female chairperson in the League of Ireland through her leadership role with Drogheda United F.C.. She was elected to the FAI’s National League Committee in 2023.[2]
Political career
[edit]Byrne became a member of Louth County Council in 2016,[3] representing the Drogheda Urban area.[4]
As a member of Louth County Council, Byrne chaired the special policy committee on housing and engaged with matters such as social housing, housing maintenance, and support for individuals experiencing homelessness. She also focused on addressing dereliction, improving addiction services, and advocating for better childcare and community infrastructure across the county. She supported campaigns for Drogheda to achieve city status and worked on local issues such as road safety, crime, and anti-social behaviour.[5][6]
Byrne was selected as one of Sinn Féin’s candidates for the 2024 general election alongside Ruairí Ó Murchú. She ran to fill the seat vacated by Imelda Munster and campaigned on priorities including affordable housing, improved healthcare access, and investment in community facilities.[2] Upon election, Byrne reiterated her call for city status for Drogheda, along with addressing local housing issues and advocating for enhanced services for constituents.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Louth General Election 2024 updates: Sinn Féin takes two seats as counting to resume on Monday morning". Irish Independent. 2 December 2024. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ a b Roddy, Margaret (28 August 2024). "Sinn Féin reveals Louth general election candidates".
- ^ McCabe, Donard (26 November 2024). "Meet the Louth general election candidate: Joanna Byrne". www.dundalkdemocrat.ie. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Spearman, Andy. "Drogheda Life | Sinn Féin Councillor Joanna Byrne to run in the general election". Drogheda Life | Best For Local News & Advertising. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Roddy, Margaret (10 June 2024). "Local Elections 2024 County Louth: Bittersweet for Sinn Féin's Joanna Byrne as running mates fail to feature". Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ "Joanna Byrne Louth County Council". Sinn Féin. Retrieved 2 December 2024.
- ^ Ross, Lauren (2 December 2024). "Drogheda United chairperson Joanna Byrne completes unique 'hat-trick' as she takes a Dáil seat in Louth". Irish Independent. Retrieved 2 December 2024.