Senator Cathal Byrne

Early Life & Education
From Ballyhogue, County Wexford, Cathal’s roots run deep in the community. He was educated at Kiltealy NS, Boolavogue NS, the FCJ Bunclody Secondary School and Trinity College Dublin, where he earned an Honours Degree in Law and Business and a Masters in Law.

​Professional Background

Qualifying as a solicitor in 2020, Cathal established his own private solicitors practice in Enniscorthy. Prior to his time in the Oireachtas, he completed an internship with the Office of the Irish Attorney General and previously worked on the successful Congressional election campaign of Joe Kennedy III in Boston (grandnephew to the former US President) in Boston, USA.

Political Career & Community
Cathal’s political journey began in 2019 when he was elected to Wexford County Council aged 27, becoming the youngest elected member at the time. After topping the poll in the 2024 local elections and finishing as the runner-up in the General election Wexford Constituency for Dáil Éireann, Cathal was elected to Seanad Éireann in early 2025. He was subsequently elected as Secretary of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party and appointed as Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Infrastructure and as Assistant Government Seanad Whip helping to coordinate the passage of legislation through Seanad Éireann.

​Cathal serves on the the following Oireachtas Committees:

• Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation and Taoiseach.

• Joint Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery.

• Seanad Public Consultation Committee.

An active member of his local community, Cathal served for nine years as a member of the Wexford County Board serving as Development Officer and as Leinster Council delegate. Cathal has served on the board of the 1798 Rebellion Centre in Enniscorthy and remains deeply involved in local sports through his local GAA Club, Ballyhogue GAA Club and Castledockrell United AFC where he serves as Chair.

Key Priorities as Senator
In the Seanad, Cathal uses his role to secure vital funding and services for County Wexford. His core political priorities include:

• Healthcare: Advocating for resources and the long-awaited 97-bed unit extension at Wexford General Hospital.

• Infrastructure: Pushing for the completion of the Oylegate to Rosslare Motorway and the continued development of the Southeast Technological University (SETU) Wexford campus.

• Educate & Childcare: As a father of two young children, advocating for accessible and affordable childcare for young families across Ireland.

• Assisting and supporting the public, local business, farmers and community and voluntary organisations.