Peter Burke TD spoke in the Dáil: Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026: Committee Stage (Resumed)

Peter Burke TD of Fine Gael spoke in the Dáil during the committee stage of the Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026, adding his views on the proposed changes to industrial policy. The debate was resumed after a brief adjournment, with Mr Burke taking the floor to outline how the amendments could support growth in Westmeath and surrounding counties.

Mr Burke, who represents Longford‑Westmeath, is currently Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. He first entered national politics when he was elected to the Dáil in 2016, after serving on Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Council since 2009. His ministerial experience includes a stint as Minister of State for Local Government and Planning from July 2020 until December 2022, followed by responsibility for EU Affairs and Defence from December 2022 until his appointment to the Cabinet on 9 April 2024.

A chartered accountant by training, Mr Burke graduated from NUI Galway in 2004 and spent a decade with Stephens Cooke & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors in Mullingar before entering politics. He is married to Olivia and has two young sons. The year has been bittersweet for the Longford‑Westmeath TD, as his mother Mary (née Donnelly) passed away last month.

During the committee discussion Mr Burke highlighted how the bill’s amendments could streamline regulatory processes for new industrial developments in rural areas, potentially boosting employment and investment across Westmeath. He also urged that any changes maintain safeguards for local communities and environmental standards.

The Industrial Development (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2026 will continue to be examined by the committee before being reported back to the Dáil for further debate. For more details see the Oireachtas record.

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