About Emer
-
Emer is an experienced politician and advocate for the local community. She lives in Lucan.
-
Emer’s interest in politics stems from her student council days in Rathcoole in her teens, and later in University College Dublin, who’s Governing Authority she now sits on.
-
She was elected as the Fine Gael T.D. for Dublin Mid-West in the 2020 General Election.
-
Prior to that, Emer was as County Councillor for almost a decade, and served as Leader of Fine Gael in South Dublin. She also brings corporate experience to Dáil Éireann, having worked professionally as Chief of Staff for Customer Solutions in PayPal before being elected a T.D.
-
As a keen proponent of affordable housing and good planning for West Dublin, Emer chaired the ‘Land-use, Planning and Transport Strategic Policy Committee’ for South Dublin. She supported the set-up of the Women In Business network in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office. She also strongly supports initiatives to encourage students and women to choose technology and science careers.
-
Passionate about supporting community development and local businesses, Emer also considers health and wellness as being central to the enhancement of community life and is a strong advocate for greater innovation in the community.
-
Emer is Fine Gael Spokesperson on Social Media and FinTech and sits on the Oireachtas’ Housing, Local Government and Heritage Committee as well as the Committee on Disability Matters.
-
Emer was appointed by Leo Varadkar to represent Ireland on the Council of Europe.
Things You may not know
-
Emer was a Councillor from 2011 to 2020. Represented the areas of Palmerstown, Lucan, Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole on South Dublin County Council.
-
Worked as Frances Fitzgerald’s political assistant for five year’s.
-
Community: Emer has helped many families and community organisations and campaigned on local issues from bus services to community facilities, nursing homes to road improvement schemes and school places; also a founder member of Four Districts Fun Day.
-
Education: Emer holds a BA in Economics and Sociology and is a member of University College Dublin’s Governing Authority. She believes that our schools, in particular in Lucan and Rathcoole, need serious investment and has called for new school buildings to be provided for children in schools awaiting new accommodation.
-
Sport & Recreation: Delivered exercise equipment for all parks across Lucan, Clondalkin, Palmerstown and Rathcoole, and a playground for Rathcoole. Campaigns for more sports, park and recreation facilities. Supports local clubs.
-
Inclusion: Worked to deliver inclusion initiatives in local parks and libraries for people with additional needs. Actively campaigned for marriage equality. Helped roll out PayPal’s Diversity and Inclusion employee engagement strategy.
-
Tourism: Successfully worked to develop a Twinning Agreement with Tampa, Florida, and supported community groups to deliver a €3m investment for a museum at the Round Tower, Clondalkin.
-
Travel: Emer loves to travel and experience new cultures, she once hiked along the Great Wall of China with the Irish Cancer Society and has visited places like Palestine and Kosovo.
-
Music: Emer is a live music fan and has seen everyone from Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and Bob Dylan, to Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Oasis and local musician Dermot Kennedy.