Minister for Transport (Ireland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Minister for Transport |
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.jpg) Eamon Ryan since 27 June 2020 |
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| Department of Transport | |
| Member of | |
| Reports to | Taoiseach |
| Seat | Dublin, Ireland |
| Appointer | President of Ireland on the nomination of the Taoiseach |
| Inaugural holder | Erskine Childers as Minister for Transport and Power in 1959 Richie Ryan as Minister for the Public Service in 1973 |
| Formation | 1 November 1973 |
The Minister for Transport (called An tAire Iompair in Irish) is a very important job in the Government of Ireland. This person is a senior minister and leads the Department of Transport.
The current Minister for Transport is Eamon Ryan, who is also a TD (a member of the Irish Parliament). He is also the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Minister Ryan gets help from James Lawless, TD. James Lawless is the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics.
What Does the Minister for Transport Do?
The Minister for Transport and their department work together to create and carry out a plan for all types of transport in Ireland. This plan aims to make travel easier and give people more choices. It also tries to reduce traffic jams and connect all parts of the country better.
Looking After Roads and Road Travel
The Minister for Transport has several key jobs related to roads and road transport. These include:
- Making sure that the national road building plan is followed. This is part of Ireland's overall development plan.
- Working on the government's plan to make roads safer for everyone.
- Creating rules for how vehicles should be made and maintained.
- Managing licenses for trucks and other road haulage vehicles.
- Organizing driver licenses and driving tests for people.
Managing Air Travel (Aviation)
For air travel, the department makes sure that all aviation rules and procedures in Ireland are as good as the best in the world. They also help the aviation industry grow. This means making sure there are enough airports and that airport services are fair and competitive.
Overseeing Sea Travel (Maritime Transport)
When it comes to sea travel, the department is in charge of:
- Setting up and enforcing rules for safety and security at sea.
- Providing emergency services for ships and boats.
- Protecting the environment in and around the sea.
- Managing policies for ports and shipping.
History of the Minister for Transport Role
The job of Minister for Transport has changed its name and responsibilities many times over the years.
Early Years: Minister for Transport and Power (1959–1977)
The first version of this role was created in 1959. It was called the Minister for Transport and Power. The very first person to hold this job was Erskine Hamilton Childers.
Changes in the 1970s and 1980s
Later, in 1977, the role changed to Minister for Tourism and Transport. Then, in 1980, it became simply Minister for Transport. However, in 1984, the Department of Transport was actually closed down. Its jobs were moved to the Department of Communications.
The Public Service and New Beginnings
Separately, a role called Minister for the Public Service was created in 1973. In 1987, the jobs of the Department of Public Service were moved to the Department of Finance. The old legal framework for the Department of Public Service was then used to create a new Department of Transport.
More Name Changes Over Time
Since then, the name of the department and the Minister's role has changed several times to include different areas like Tourism, Communications, Energy, and Public Enterprise. For example, it was Minister for Tourism and Transport again from 1987 to 1991.
Recent History: Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (2011–2020)
From 2011 to 2020, the role was known as the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
Minister for Transport (2020–Present)
Since September 2020, the role has been known simply as the Minister for Transport. The current Minister, Eamon Ryan, has held this position since June 2020.
Denotes acting Minister
