Former Galway TD and Minister of State Noel Treacy has died

The former Fianna Fáil junior minister served for almost three decades after been first elected in 1982.

Noel Treacy, who served as a TD for almost three decades. File Picture: INPHO/Tommy Grealy

The former Fianna Fáil TD and Minister of State Noel Treacy has died aged 70.

Mr Treacy served almost three decades as a TD for Galway East having been first elected in 1982 before retiring on health grounds prior to the 2011 election. He held the seat at seven elections in the interim.

In his time in Government, he served as a junior minister in a host of portfolios, beginning in 1987 when Charles Haughey appointed him to the junior role at the Department of Finance, with responsibility for the OPW. 

He would serve under both Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahern in roles across Children, Transport and Finance, before his final posting in European Affairs, which he held from 2004 to 2007.

Mr Treacy worked as an auctioneer before entering political life. He is survived by his wife, Mary, their four children and grandchildren.

Colm Keaveney, who succeeded Mr Treacy as the Fianna Fáil TD for the constituency, tweeted that Mr Treacy was "a political giant with an unequalled generosity of spirit and dedication for the people of Galway".

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he is "deeply saddened to learn of the death of former colleague and good friend".

"Noel Treacy was a public representative of great distinction and long service. He cared deeply about his community and his country and through a lifetime of service played a significant role in making both better places to live in," he said.

After his retirement in 2011, Noel served as the Party's Director of Elections for both local and Dáil elections in Galway East and was also a valued member of our party's National Constituencies Committee for a number of years, playing a significant role in our Party's rebuilding and renewal.

Mr Martin said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Noel Treacy. Noel was an outstanding and dedicated public servant all of his life and gave a tremendous amount to his country to the people of Galway East and to Fianna Fáil. 

He had a great bond with his constituents, always representing and campaigning for them. 

"As both a TD and a Minister, he brought integrity, energy, commitment and passion to his many ministerial positions throughout his career," he continued.

"Because Noel believed in just getting on with the job in hand many people may not be aware of the fact that he made an important contribution in key areas as a Minister.

"In particular, as Minister for Science and Technology he led at a critical time in putting in place key parts of our modern economy and as Minister for Europe, he worked tirelessly to make sure that Ireland was a constructive and effective member of the European Union.

"I warmly remember his friendship, his warmth and welcoming smile. But most of all I remember a man with an infectious enthusiasm and energy. 

Noel loved his county, his country and his Party and left his mark on each.

Mr Martin expressed his sympathies to Mr Treacy's wife Mary, his children Joan, Emer, Lisa and Rory, his grandchildren and to all his extended family and friends in Galway East and beyond.

Mr Martin told Galway Bay FM that Mr Treacy had been a "mentor" to him and was an "energetic politician".

"He was a man who really enjoyed life, got a lot out of life. He had an infectiousness and a capacity to connect with people from across the country. He liked people and liked engaging with people."

Mr Martin said that Mr Treacy had a "breadth of experience" and was "the first to help out" other politicians.