Eamon Ryan has stepped down as a leader of the Green Party after 13 years, having held the position since 2011.

Mr Ryan was first elected to the Dáil in 2002 and served as Minister for Communications from 2007 to 2011.

He lost his seat in 2011,  and was appointed leader of the Green Party that year.

Ryan has served as  TD for Dublin Bay South since 2016.

He retained the role after a leadership contest in 2020 when he defeated Catherine Martin by 994 votes to 946.

Today's news comes off the back of the Green party's recent poor showing in recent local council and European elections, losing more than half their council seats and both European Parliament seats.

However, the previous seats were held after the party the Green achieved unprecedented success in the 2019 Local and European elections, as part of a wider 'Green Wave'.

As part of his farewell speech, the former Green Leader said that he would not be standing in the next general election.

It is understood however that he will retain his position in Cabinet as Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Transport until then.

In his official announcement he said he is stepping down to "pass the torch to a new generation of green leaders".

Eamon Ryan has said he is "proud" of what the Government has achieved over the last four years.

"We have set the country on the course for a more sustainable future," Eamon Ryan has said at Leinster House.

He touted improvements made in relation to public transport, renewable energy and nature however, he did cite that he regretted the narrative that Green Party did not care about rural Ireland.

"One of my biggest regrets is that under my watch, a narrative has taken hold that we are not concerned about rural Ireland, that our solutions are costing people and that we are not connected to the man and woman on the street. None of that is true. "

Mr Ryan said that he was stepping back from his role as Green Party leader to focus on parenting commitments  "I cannot continue to work the long hours that being a public representative involves which is why I'm not standing again in the next General Election," he said.

"I have parenting commitments at home which I also want to serve. We have a son with special needs who also requires my attention.

"My wife Victoria White has been my greatest support and inspiration. I want to thank her and all my family and friends who have been at my side at all times".