About Senator Maria Byrnes
First Elected to Seanad Eireann in 2016 and then re-elected in 2021 and 2025. Maria served on a number of Oireachtas Committees including Education and Finance and currently serves on the Health, Disability and Key issues affecting the Traveller Community, she also chairs the Committee of Selection, Parliamentary Privileges and Oversight, Seanad Public Consultation Committee and the Oireachtas Arts and Portraits Committee.
Before entering politics, Maria was self-employed. Maria studied Marketing and Local Government and holds a master’s in public management.
“I am deeply committed to supporting the families and businesses within our constituency. I came into politics from business and have used my platform as a Senator to champion businesses. I’ve worked closely with Chambers of Commerce, employer representative groups, City Business Association as well as many SMEs in the vibrant local communities of Limerick City.
I know there are many challenges ahead, but I want to make a positive impact for businesses and for the economy. Businesses and workers are the fabric and backbone of our community and our economy. We need to protect and support them. “
Senator Maria Byrnes
Maria served as a full member for two years of EU’s Committee of the Regions and prior to that as an alternate member for five years before been elected to Seanad Eireann.
Born and raised in Limerick. Maria has been outspoken about the need for Change in how politics is conducted in Ireland and strongly believes that real Innovation needs to be brought to the system to bring better services.
Maria has constantly called for Immediate and Real Action to provide the extra beds and supports needed to achieve a Respectful and fully functioning health system locally.
Community Focused
Maria is passionate about the power of community and throughout her public life she has been dedicated in her support of business, voluntary, sporting and cultural groups. Maria’s belief in and ambition for Limerick is second to none.
A keen sportswoman, and volunteer, Maria is heavily involved in a number of local clubs, charitable organisations and community groups. She is the Chairperson of Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group and Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.
Pensioners willing to rent rooms to students don’t have to worry about medical card income threshold – Byrne
Limerick students can apply now for enhanced student grants for the new academic year – Maria Byrne
€16,541 funding announced to Local Authority for the refurbishment and development of O’Brien Park playground – Byrne
Increased supports needed for non-English speakers reporting sexual and gender-based violence – Byrne
New moneylending legislation must regulate the sector without removing access to credit for people who need it – Byrne
Companies can show appreciation for employees and boost Irish business this Christmas – Byrne
New legislation to formalise range of tax measures will put money back in workers’ pockets – Byrne
Tackling the shortage of neurology nurse specialists will mean better patient outcomes – Byrne
Business supports must cater to companies of all sizes to encourage enterprise growth – Byrne
Fine Gael’s €25 increase in weekly payments for carers and people with disabilities a sharp contrast to Fianna Fail’s miserly approach
New funding for LIT from the Government’s Regional Technology Clustering Fund – Senator Maria Byrne (FG)
Over €1 million spent on retrofitting homes in Limerick this year – Senator Maria Byrne (FG)
Limerick City sports clubs receive €370,000 in Government funding – Senator Maria Byrne (FG)
€70,000 announced for Murroe Wood Park under the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Senator Maria Byrne
Fresh calls to clean-up former tourist office amid growing visitor numbers, Maria Byrne (FG)
Byrne welcomes progress on the appointment of a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Neurology at UHL
A Directly Elected Mayor for Limerick? Town Hall Meeting with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD
€3,351,630 for Housing Adaptations Grants for Older People and People with a Disability in Limerick
