About Alan
Alan Kelly was elected to the 31st Dáil in 2011 in his first attempt. He currently serves as Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport with special responsibility for Public Transport and Commuter Affairs. Alan comes from Portroe, Co. Tipperary and his family are steeped in the Labour tradition. He has a widely recognised record of hard work and delivery both on a local, national and European level.
His focus is on job creation, supporting business and sustainable growth. Some of his priorities are: supporting graduates in their efforts to find work, supporting tourism infrastructure and initiatives and developing and leading Smarter Travel Initiatives.
Alan previously served as MEP for Munster/Ireland South and was a member of a number of key committees in the European Parliament including the Internal Market Committee, the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and the US – EU Inter-parliamentary delegation. In addition to these committees, Alan used his position as MEP to bring a voice to the European Union that echoed the concerns and issues of the people living in the Munster region. Providing a strong voice for the people of Ireland South constituency was always to the forefront of Alan Kelly’s mind.
US – EU Inter-Parliamentary Delegation
Alan Kelly was one of 53 members of the European Parliament placed on the US – EU Inter-parliamentary delegation in September 2009.
The purpose of this body is to liaise with the US Democratic administration to make decisions on matters of common interest between Europe and America.
This particular delegation is traditionally regarded as the most important one in the European Parliament and Alan Kelly used the role as a means of establishing strong and lasting business links with local communities and American businesses. This role offered the opportunity to try and rebuild the Mid West economy after the many job losses suffered in the region over recent times. Alan recognised the potential of the Munster area to attract important US business potential in the future and worked hard to deliver this message in Europe.
A Strong Voice for Workers in Europe
As MEP for the Munster region, Alan Kelly worked closely with redundant workers from major companies such as Dell in Limerick and the Waterford Crystal. In doing so, Alan strove to secure funding for these workers under the EU Globalisation Fund. Following the announcement in late September 2010 that workers at Dell were to benefit from a €15 million payment as part of the EU fund, Alan secured a meeting with officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss the administration of the fund. More so, in relation to Waterford Crystal workers, Alan pushed hard for a similar package to be granted to them. Alan extensively lobbied the EU on behalf of these workers to secure some funding under the EU Globalisation Fund also.
