Deputy Keogh opens inclusive and accessible constituency office in Westport with Minister Donohoe
Mayo Fine Gael TD Keira Keogh has officially opened a new constituency office in the heart of Westport on Friday, August 29.
The event was attended by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, Minister of State Alan Dillon, MEP Maria Walsh, former Minister Michael Ring and a large crowd of friends, family and supporters. The office, located on Castlebar Street, will serve as the base for Deputy Keogh’s work on behalf of her constituents.
“My predecessor, Michael Ring, has been in public service for 45 years, some people expected that I might take over [his] building, but I’m proud that this building is wheelchair accessible, we have a changing table for mothers and families, and I really want it to be an open and welcoming space for all.”
Elected to the Dáil for the first time in 2024, Deputy Keogh came to politics after a career in behavioural consultancy, with 18 years’ experience working with neurodiverse children. She has also been involved in Junior Chamber International for more than a decade.
That background has shaped her political focus. As Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality, she has made childcare, child protection and online safety key priorities.
“It was an honour of my life to be appointed as chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality,” she said. “I’ve worked with neurodiverse children my whole life so advocating for children is really important to me. To be on the forefront on making decisions and trying to push for affordable accessible childcare is key."
She has also been outspoken on the risks children face online, calling for tougher rules for tech companies. “I think the social media companies really need to step up here and enforce robust age verification mechanisms,” she said, arguing for grassroots campaigns as well, such as parents working together to delay giving their children smartphones.
“You wouldn't allow your child to watch pornography on the sitting room TV, yet we give them the phones. We know that children as young as nine are accessing pornography, and pornography these days can be so violent. I think we have to do more to protect our children online.”
Looking ahead, she pledged to continue campaigning for the Newport Sewage Scheme, supporting families affected by the pyrite scandal, advocating for affordable childcare and working to create a safer digital space.
During the event, the news broke that Westport humanitarian Gena Heraty had been freed by kidnappers in Haiti. Deputy Keogh described it as “the most amazing news,” adding: “She is absolutely a warrior, the biggest humanitarian you can meet. We are so grateful that she has been released.”
The office opening also attracted around 40 pro-Palestine campaigners, who held flags and placards with messages including “Stop the Genocide” and “Do not renew war bonds.”
Deputy Keogh welcomed their presence. “While our daily work is here in Mayo, we must remember that we are not in this world alone. As we gather here this afternoon, the genocide continues in Gaza and I welcome the Palestinian supporters that gathered outside my office,” she said.
“There’s so much conflict in the world, and we feel like it's far from home, but Europe is to a point of attack and we have to keep making sure the centre holds. The scaffolding of peace and justice is fragile, and it is our responsibility as part of a global community to strengthen it wherever we can.”
Pro-Palestine campaigners attended the event and were welcomed by Deputy Keogh and her colleagues.
Minister Donohoe said that the opening of the office reflected the importance of local democracy. “This kind of local presence, in particular for a new TD, is really important and an essential element of how local democracy works,” he said.
He also acknowledged the peaceful nature of the protest outside: “We’re all here peacefully this afternoon, we think of those who don't enjoy the peace and stability that we do, we think of them.”
He added praise to his fellow Fine Gael colleague: “When I look at somebody like Keira, when I look at the office that she has opened, I feel great hope about how we’re going to be able to conduct politics in our country in the time ahead.”
Former minister Michael Ring, who strongly supported Keogh’s election campaign, praised her performance in her first year as a TD. “She has made a fantastic impression both at county and national [level],” he said. “I hope that the people that go in, that they will be respected, and the people that go into Keira, that they will respect Keira.”
Deputy Keogh was grateful to her predecessor: “You are a friend, you are a mentor, and I think you’ve now become a father figure. The letters that were above Michael's door for the past 45 years, they are now above my door.” While she recognised she has “big shoes to fill”, she was clear this would be done in her own way.
MEP Walsh also praised her colleague, saying the office represented the inclusivity Deputy Keogh was determined to bring to politics. “Deputy Keogh and I have been friends for a long time, I know the incredible work that has gone in to make sure this office is representing all people who elected her, who will elect her again, and will visit her, and make sure they get heard.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme