Aubrey McCarthy
University of Dublin · Independent · Ireland
“I briefly mention what my colleague Senator Andrews mentioned about the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, and its proposed reduction for those who are hosting Ukrainians in Ireland.”
“I have travelled to Ukraine and seen first-hand the resilience and dignity of the people. Many of the people I hosted are from Mariupol and have nothing to go back to. They are not just people receiving support but people who have become part of the community here. We should never forget why they came here in the first place.”
“Just as I was coming in this morning, standing on the lawn at the Merrion side of Leinster House it is hard to ignore the ragwort that is growing on the grass. Under the Noxious Weeds Act 1936, ragwort is a noxious weed.”
“I extend the welcome to Emma and Adam. I first met them through our homeless services at the Lighthouse Homeless Café. They came to access services. Adam is a bright lad. He is studying away. He is a fanatic when it comes to basketball and I hope that one day, he will play for Ireland, if not in the NBA in the US.”
“As someone who has spent over two decades in Tiglin, trying to get people from homelessness, addiction and domestic abuse back into employment and education, I can say that the Mr Price model works very well.”
“I hope we ensure that people such as Adam are given every chance to fulfil their dreams. I wish Emma and Adam every success. I thank Emma for volunteering at the Lighthouse with my manager, Mr. Rob Byrne. It is something special. I welcome the Belgian Ambassador to the House. He is a wonderful representative of his country.”
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“It reflects a model of care that is person centred, community based and outcomes driven. That can be seen even in the current An Saol project. It is exactly what our health policy claims to support. In 2023, as I have already mentioned, the HSE conducted a thorough review of An Saol's work and made 12 clear recommendations. These including reorganising An Saol as a core part of the neurorehabilitation pathway, providing sustainable operational funding and progressing the capital development of the An Saol project in Ballymun. More than a year later, we have had no clear statement from the Department outlining when these recommendations will be implemented. We must not allow this inaction to continue. I ask the Minister of State to confirm whether the Department will provide the necessary capital funding to progress Teach An Saol.”
“They require ongoing specialised rehabilitation. The An Saol Foundation offers not just care, but a vision and a belief that those with catastrophic brain injuries can continue to live with dignity, autonomy and connection when the right supports are in place. I visited the foundation in Santry a couple of weeks ago and was fascinated by the families and the people who were there on the ground providing care. It is a fantastic set-up. Teach An Saol, the capital project at the centre of this issue, would be a purpose-built centre in Ballymun offering residential, day care and community facilities. It is fully in line with international best practice and grounded in years of research, clinical experience and direct engagement with the families who use An Saol's services.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending. I rise this afternoon to highlight a critical issue that requires immediate attention, namely, the urgent need for the Government to make a clear and committed statement regarding the funding for An Saol Foundation. I specifically refer to the need for capital funding to advance the Teach An Saol project in Ballymun and to fully implement the 12 recommendations made in the HSE's 2023 report. The An Saol Foundation was set up by Reinhard Schäler and Patricia O'Byrne for their son, Pádraig, who was a 22-year-old student cycling while on holiday in Cape Cod 13 years ago when he unfortunately had an accident and acquired severe brain injuries. Individuals like Pádraig are among the most vulnerable in our healthcare system. They often live with profound and complex requirements and impairments.”
“I would love to hear greater conversation in political life and in both Houses about our national direction and how we will meet the challenges of this changing Europe. It is important to consider how best to maintain our sovereignty and neutrality. These are not just abstract concepts or mundane policies; they are principles which generations of Irishmen and Irishwomen have struggled and fought for.”
“I know the Minister of State has said it is not going to be an issue but it will be questioned in the light of inevitable further integration. I stress the importance and continued relevance of national sovereignty as a principle. It is not a concept that is alien to European values. As we mark Europe Day, we, as a country, must be conscious of what is around the corner. Further EU integration will involve greater military alignment and co-ordination. It will challenge our principles of neutrality and sovereignty. Most Irish people wish to preserve these policies, which are cornerstones of our identity as a State. Our neutrality and independence have served us well and have allowed us to be an honest broker on the international stage.”
“Instead, in recent years and months, we have seen a new focus on deal-making and crude bargaining between countries. There is a revealing moment in the news today, with the brutally frank demands of President Trump to Ukraine. For the US to give support, it must have access to the mineral resources of Ukraine. That marks a move away from the international liberal order. If that is the case, Ireland must also face this reality even if we do not like it. This will impact how we think about the European Union and our role and future within it. I am confident that the Irish people will have a strong say and will play a large part in shaping the direction of the EU. However, the sovereignty of the states within the European Union will, naturally enough, be questioned.”
“Europe Day must prompt us to examine the bigger picture. In May 1950, Robert Schuman made his grand proposal which laid the foundations for what became the European Union as we know it. He outlined a vision of grand proportions and it was not just about mere economics. It was about interlinking the economies of Germany and France through the coal and steel pact. It created a situation that marked a break with the history of inter-European wars motivated by ultranationalism. Since then, Europe has evolved and expanded as a geopolitical and economic power. The tragic return of war to the Continent of Europe has increased demands for further political integration in Europe. It logically follows that this would lead to a greater militarisation of Europe. We have seen a moving away from the grand pronouncements of the likes of Schuman.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here with us. As my colleague Senator O'Loughlin has said about Europe, we should celebrate all things Europe. That is what Europe Day is about. It offers us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the EU. I will highlight initiatives that I am familiar with, such as the Erasmus programme. This enables students from all over Europe to engage in study and research across institutions in the EU. My alma mater , Trinity College Dublin, has become a hugely popular destination for European students. It participates well in the Erasmus. I am pleased so many chose to study in Ireland. Not only that, the experience they gain from life in Ireland will surely stand to them and also benefit us when they return to their own countries with fond memories and expressions of Ireland.”
“The issue goes beyond Dublin to counties Kildare, Meath, Mayo and Galway, all of which are seeing significant pressure. The figures do not include couch-surfing or people staying in cars. The failure to meet last year’s social housing targets means 1,500 homes were not realised. That has directly contributed to this situation. We urgently need a shift in Government priorities, including more funding for social housing, better preventative schemes and better support services, which are essential. With a new Minister in place we need a new, courageous view of how to put people before budget lines. Homelessness is preventable, but only if we act.”
“I ask the Government to urgently engage with all the EU and international bodies to push for stability, defend free trade and also support Irish exporters. Other alarming statistics that came out in the last few days are the latest homelessness figures. As of March, a record 15,418 people are now experiencing emergency homeless accommodation, of whom 4,675 are children. That is an increase of 10% in the last year and an increase of 11% in the number of children. These are not just numbers but real people. These are families, young adults and elderly people who are experiencing life without the security of a home. Over 11,000 of these people are in the Dublin area. I encourage my colleagues to visit the Lighthouse homeless café on Pearse Street, as Senator O’Loughlin did recently, to see what is happening on the ground.”
“Last weekend while the Seanad was in recess I attended a fantastic conference organised by FIDI in Dubrovnik, Croatia. It was a conference of business leaders from around the world in the moving and transport industry, in which I am involved. A key concern that kept coming up was the disruptive and unpredictable nature of the US tariffs, for which the phrase "the Trumpademic" was coined. These trade measures are causing serious disruption to the global supply chain and this is making it really difficult for businesses to plan, invest and manage risk. The speed and volatility of these changes are leaving companies attending the seminar dealing with tariffs that have gone from $10,000 to $100,000 per container. This trend threatens global growth and will inevitably affect Ireland’s open economy.”
“Last night it was shocking to hear that the pharmaceutical industry is possibly the next to be targeted. That puts pressure on families at a time when we have just come out of the post-Brexit negotiations, etc. Therefore, it is essential we act now. I call for a debate in the House, with full input from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and for clear engagement with the United States to make sure Ireland is not caught in some sort of crossfire of broader disputes. It is not just a matter of trade policy. It is about economic stability and strategic foresight.”
“I renew my call for a debate in this House, as my colleague, Senator Craughwell, has talked about, on the growing impact of the escalating trade tensions that are going to affect the Irish economy. We have seen overnight that more than 60 countries have been impacted by the trade tariffs that have been applied. My colleague mentioned the tariffs of 104% on China. These developments were warned about in this House some weeks ago. Around the world, countries are starting to lean back into protectionism, which we thought we had got away from. Most notably, the US is pushing this. These moves may be strategic for some, but they present real dangers to small, open economies like Ireland's. Irish businesses, in particular those reliant on exports and international supply chains, are being put in a deeply uncertain postilion.”
“I urge the Government to consider reforms of the inheritance tax policy that will eliminate this unequal treatment and ensure all citizens are given equal dignity in life and death.”
“This is not a matter of tax efficiency. It is just a matter of fairness. A single childless person who has worked diligently all his or her life, who has paid his or her taxes, is doing as much as his or her colleagues who are married or are parents and has built assets over a lifetime should not be penalised for his or her individual circumstances. Such a person is often left with no option but to leave the estate to a friend or extended family member, who then has to pay the highest rate of tax. This disparity in the law is discriminatory and imposes a financial penalty on people who want to bequeath their life's work to friends. It effectively values one citizen differently to another. The tax code should not be a tool of social preference. It should be neutral, fair and respectful of all individuals.”
“I welcome the news today that the national planning framework, NPF, which I spoke about last week, has been approved by Cabinet today. Now we just need to get it approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas without any delay so we can focus on housing and the need for housing, as we have outlined several times. The Chamber also needs to address, on a separate note, the inequalities, which have been mentioned here before, that are embedded in our inheritance tax laws. Under current statutes, there is an unfair burden on those who are single and without children. It is clear those who are unmarried and without direct descendants face significantly higher tax rates when passing on their estates. Unlike married individuals or parents, they are offered little relief regardless of their lifelong contributions to society.”
“Ireland has always been a strong advocate for peace. We must continue to push for diplomatic solutions, as many of my colleagues said, while supporting those affected by these crises. Our neutrality as a nation is part of our identity. It is a strength that we can be a strong voice of reason in a world distracted by rage, fear and trauma. The road ahead is not easy but we have faced challenges before. I look forward to seeing the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, as he takes on this role, protect Ireland's economy, its workers and its place in the global economy. When I started the charity Tiglin, the Tánaiste was a county councillor. I have seen him work from the ground up. We have worked well together to see impossible solutions become possible.”
“It is not about large corporations but about the farmers and, as the Tánaiste mentioned, small business owners and workers across the country who are caught in the middle of a trade war they never started. We must ensure Irish interests are protected in these trade negotiations and that we do not become collateral damage in this dispute, which will affect all our livelihoods. While the Ireland-USA tariff dispute presents challenges, it also presents opportunities with the proper diplomacy, working with the EU. As Donald Tusk said yesterday, co-operation rather than confrontation seems to be the name of the game. Beyond trade, I also want to mention the international conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza that demand our attention. What is going on is unforgivable. It is causing immense human suffering and global instability.”
“I thank the Minister of State for taking the time to be here. I congratulate him and the Tánaiste on their new positions. He is stepping into this role at a time of serious economic and geopolitical challenges. The decisions made in the coming months will have a lasting impact on jobs, trade and Ireland's place on the global stage. I know we are facing an issue, the growing trade war, that will affect every household in Ireland and every business. The impact of these tariffs that we heard announced overnight at the Rose Garden press conference will be felt across agriculture, technology and manufacturing, although hopefully not in pharmaceuticals but that is to be seen. Irish businesses that depend on exports to the US need to be supported but they are suddenly facing barriers that threaten jobs, investment and long-term growth.”
“We must also try to do our best to restore tenant protections, reverse any detrimental changes that will come about through the tenant in situ scheme and strengthen the no-fault eviction safeguard. As I have said in this House a few times, we must also recognise homelessness as a crisis, not just in words but also in actions. With all the money we have Ireland stands as one of the wealthiest countries in Europe and to have 15,378 people homeless is not acceptable. We must demand immediate, effective action to address homelessness with the seriousness it deserves. Ten years from now, we will be able to look back at the fact that we solved the crisis and came together under Deputy Browne's Ministry. I have heard the different soundings he has made and am encouraged by them, so I look forward to seeing what he does on the ground.”
“They lack space to play or study, while families often experience health challenges, including anxiety or depression. My work with Tiglin has also found that people experiencing homelessness are more susceptible to addiction, long-term unemployment and health complications. Imagine a child growing up in a hotel without a place to study or to be able to invite friends to stay. That is the harsh reality for 4,653 children in Ireland. There are major steps we can take. We cannot see homelessness as inevitable. Viable solutions exist and they must be implemented without delay, such as increasing the housing allocation and committing to social housing for people on the long-term homeless list.”
“There is an urgent need to allocate more social housing to long-term homeless families. That strategy proved very effective during the pandemic. We have talked about protections for tenants. Recently, we heard Dublin City Council is going to get €22 million less for the tenant in situ scheme. That is also going to exacerbate homelessness. Focus Ireland has gone on record as saying that it will place thousands more at risk of eviction. The message is clear: we need to safeguard the most vulnerable, and the current policies are not doing that. Homelessness extends beyond just providing shelter. It has a profound social ramification on the individuals experiencing homelessness. Children in emergency accommodation struggle academically.”
“It means that approximately 2,200 families are in emergency accommodation, which is often unsuitable and unstable. The figures are unacceptable but they are also preventable. I spoke in these Houses in 2016. We were told that homelessness would be eradicated by 2020. Today, when we get the numbers, they are treated as a tragic update on a crisis that continues to spiral out of control. Catherine Kenny, CEO of the Dublin Simon Community, said it is a national embarrassment. It certainly is that, but we need decisive action now on the root causes, of which there are several. Some of my colleagues mentioned certain failures regarding social and affordable housing. There has been a repeated failure to meet the housing targets, which leaves thousands of families in emergency accommodation for extended periods.”
“I thank the Minister for being here. Homelessness is very close to my heart. I have been involved in the homelessness sector since 2006, so I have seen it grow into a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. Many people have quoted the recent figures from the Department of housing that show that more than 15,378 individuals are in emergency accommodation, including 4,653 children. These are not just numbers; they represent lives that are totally disrupted. We have children growing up in hotel rooms, families without shelter and individuals forced onto the streets, as we see every day at our Lighthouse cafe in Pearse Street. When we break down the statistics, we see that in the past month alone, 92 adults, 50 children and 21 families were made homeless. These are serious numbers.”
“Beyond Jason's personal case, this situation reflects a broader systemic issue. Families face non-cancer terminal illnesses do not have access to the same level of psychosocial and palliative supports as cancer patients. Simple policy changes such as extending the amazing cancer supports that are in place nationwide to all terminal patients could make a profound difference. Addressing this gap is urgent. Jason's family and others in similar situations need immediate and structured palliative care that ensures their dignity, clarity and proper support throughout their journey. Jason is an amazing man who just wants to die at home with dignity, surrounded by his two kids and his wife Aoife. The support should be there to allow this to happen.”
“I have permission to mention a name, although I will not mention the full name. A good friend of mine is facing his last few months of life. Jason's case highlights a critical gap in Ireland's palliative care system, in particular for non-cancer terminal illnesses. His family are struggling to secure clear, co-ordinated care due to a lack of urgent out-of-hours and crisis response palliative services. Despite his complex medical needs, there has been no structured plan to manage his end-of-life care. His transplant and palliative care teams have not provided clarity, leaving his family caught between different services without designated responsibility for his care. This has forced his family, including his wife, Aoife, into a position whereby they cannot bring him home from Naas General Hospital until a proper care plan is in place.”
“Some of our best-known products are in the US already, such as Kerrygold, Jameson Irish whiskey, Guinness and so on. In addition, a large percentage of the drugs produced here are exported to America. We must act swiftly to protect Irish jobs and ensure our industries remain competitive in light of these challenges. It is welcome that this House will debate the matter on Thursday, allowing us to discuss the Government's response and explore ways to safeguard Ireland's economic interests. Our priority must be to secure our workers' livelihoods but also to ensure Ireland remains resilient in the face of the global economic shifts ahead. As Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated yesterday, "Co-operation is always better than confrontation", where possible.”
“I, too, wish Jeremy well as he departs. I hope he and George enjoy every success in their new roles. It is good to see the Government preparing for the potential impact of the US Administration's tariffs and trade war. These tariffs could have significant consequences for Ireland's economy, particularly our exports. They will directly affect our food and drink sector and significantly affect our pharmaceutical sector. The US Administration has dubbed tomorrow "Liberation Day", a move which signals a major shift in trade policy. While we respect every nation's right to manage its trade affairs, we cannot ignore the very real risks these measures pose to Irish businesses, workers and farmers who rely on the US market for stability to bring their product.”
“I spoke about this in 2016 in the Oireachtas, and said then that when we help others we find ourselves receiving gifts we never expected.”
“As the Minister stated, it is a testament to the generosity and resilience of the Irish people. Its success shows that if we address complex issues like housing and Ukraine, we can work collaboratively and make a difference. Let us not lose sight of the scheme's potential. Extending it to March 2026 is essential, but we must go further. Expanding the scheme to include people who are homeless, leveraging it for transitional housing and addressing integration challenges are major issues. I urge the Government to reconsider the proposed reduction in payments and ensure that hosts are fully supported. Together, we can create a model that addresses immediate housing needs. It is a great opportunity to seize in order to make a difference in the area of housing.”
“The infrastructure, willingness and financial framework already exist. We have proven that. Rather than focusing solely on emergency accommodation such as shelters and hotels, we have an example of how private individuals, as Senator O'Loughlin said, can become part of the housing solution if given a goodwill incentive. A cost-benefit analysis of the ARP scheme should be conducted. The Minister, Deputy Foley, said it costs €13 per day compared with €45 per day for State accommodation. Such an analysis would undoubtedly highlight the scheme's cost-effectiveness, reinforcing my case for it to be extended. The ARP scheme has been a beacon of hope and has worked very well. It has demonstrated what can happen in Ireland when compassion and practical solutions come together.”
“We could perhaps leverage this scheme as a proactive solution to ease pressure on emergency accommodation. This approach would bridge the gap between temporary and long-term accommodation and is certainly worth considering. Aligning the scheme with Ireland's broader housing strategy, which I have spoken about in this House, would strengthen its impact and demonstrate clear leadership from the Government in addressing the housing crisis. These changes would not only amplify the scheme’s success but also help tackle housing shortages more effectively. With more than 15,000 people currently in emergency accommodation, the need for bold, effective and outside-the-box thinking and action has never been greater. If a scheme like the ARP were expanded rather than curtailed, it could play a transformative role in alleviating homelessness.”
“It is clear a reduction in the sum will place further strain on hosts already facing challenges, including financial costs and sharing space. As the Minister mentioned, the Irish Red Cross survey found that many hosts are motivated by altruism and wanting to help people but that financial support remains crucial to ensuring their ability to continue providing accommodation. If hosts feel unable to manage these risks, there is a risk we will lose capacity at a time when, as I know personally, we can least afford it. I propose we consider expanding the ARP scheme to include individuals on the emergency housing list. This expansion could provide immediate relief to those in urgent need and encourage property owners to bring more stock into the housing market.”
“The scheme has shown that when structured correctly, incentives can encourage property owners to open their doors and provide essential accommodation to those in need. This is critical evidence that similar mechanisms could be used to support people experiencing homelessness, particularly when so many properties across the country lie underutilized. While we celebrate the achievements of the ARP, there are challenges, but also opportunities, that demand our attention. The proposed extension of the scheme to March 2026, outlined by the Minister, is a welcome step in the right direction. I have concerns regarding the Government’s intention to reduce payments from €800 per month to €600 per month. I acknowledge that is not what the motion is about, but when the payment was €400, it did not work, so we need to be very careful.”
“Beyond these numbers, the ARP scheme has demonstrated real and meaningful success in both economic and social terms. By harnessing the goodwill of communities, it has provided an economically viable alternative to what the Government has been using as emergency accommodation, such as hotels, which has been significantly more expensive and less conducive to social integration. One of the most significant successes of the ARP scheme, which the Minister already outlined, is how it activated previously untapped housing stock. A staggering 91% of hosts who joined the scheme had never rented out their properties, meaning much of this accommodation was not part of the private rental market. These properties were largely used for family purposes, lying outside of traditional rental supply.”
“Instead of limiting what has proven to be a working model, Ireland perhaps has the opportunity to expand it and turn a crisis-driven response into a long-term housing strategy. It is a stretch, but it could work. The ARP scheme has been a wonderful initiative. As the Minister mentioned, it offers a tax-free payment to those hosting temporary protection beneficiaries and has enabled thousands of Irish households to open their doors and hearts to people in dire need. Yes, it has cost €256 million, but that is a fraction of what it would have cost if we had used emergency accommodation. It has helped more than 22,600 hosts and accommodated 51,300 individuals. As of March 2025, 20,000 hosts are availing of this payment, with 37,000 individuals in accommodation.”
“This combination of selflessness and practical support from the Government has resulted in thousands of people being accommodated and offers a model that I believe, as someone who is involved in the homelessness area, could be adapted to address Ireland’s ongoing homelessness crisis. The ARP scheme is not just a short-term emergency response; it is evidence that alternative accommodation pathways can work well at scale. It has also demonstrated that people can be housed through creative, community-based housing solutions. We must bring the homelessness crisis into this debate. The ARP framework is evidence that we can provide housing for thousands. If adapted thoughtfully, the scheme could unlock thousands of additional homes, offering stability and dignity to those currently without shelter.”
“The ARP has shown that even in the face of immense challenges, innovative solutions that transform lives can emerge. Initially introduced to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine, this scheme has provided accommodation pathways for more than 50,000 people, proving that financial incentives, when paired with the goodwill of the Irish, can unlock housing opportunities that previously did not exist. As the Minister pointed out, many landlords who participated in the scheme were motivated primarily by a desire to help, yet the tax-free benefits of the ARP proved very significant in encouraging participation on a much larger scale.”
“I welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate her on her new role. I welcome the opportunity to address the vital matter of the accommodation recognition payment, ARP. This initiative, launched in July 2022, has proven to be a powerful and effective mechanism for providing support to beneficiaries of temporary accommodation, particularly those fleeing the war in Ukraine, under the temporary protection directive. As Albert Einstein once said, in the middle of every difficulty lies an opportunity. When faced with the challenge of how to respond to our European neighbours having been invaded, Ireland created an ingenious scheme, a model of emergency accommodation out of largely unused housing stock, and that was in the middle of our own housing crisis.”
“These stories remind us why Daffodil Day is so vital and the funds raised are for pioneering cancer research and advocacy. I urge everyone to support Daffodil Day tomorrow, whether through volunteering, donations or simply wearing a daffodil. Together we can provide hope to those with cancer.”
“It is a good news story. Today, James is a vibrant 20-year-old lad in Naas, pursuing his passions and dreams like any other young guy, and Kate has also thrived. She is a 16-year-old girl, plays rugby and has a passion for sports and enthusiasm for life. I also have a good friend who is well known and has given her permission to be named. She is Jess Colivet. Her breast cancer diagnosis in 2014 devastated all her friends and family, but it became a catalyst for a remarkable journey of reinvention. Despite the life-altering challenges of treatment, Jess found her strength, pursued new passions and built a global career in styling and fashion. Anyone who is on Instagram will know Jess Colivet from Kildare. Through her work with Breast Cancer Ireland, she has empowered others, raised awareness and shown that there is life beyond cancer.”
“A decade later, lightning struck the same family twice when his six-year-old sibling, Kate, was diagnosed with the exact same cancer.”
“Tomorrow is Daffodil Day and I will reflect on the stories of courage, resilience and hope that define this wonderful initiative led by the Irish Cancer Society, which was with us here yesterday. This day is more than an annual fundraiser. It is a symbol of unity and determination in the fight against cancer, as well as a celebration of the incredible human spirit. There are stories close to me. I have neighbours and good friends, James and Kate Doyle. They are siblings whose journeys epitomise the highs and lows of battling childhood cancer. James was diagnosed with cancer at two and a half years of age and his family had four and a half years of treatment in St. John's Ward in Crumlin hospital. Thank God, he came out in remission.”
“Thunders was a renowned bakery with legacy cakes. The birthday cakes were part of the community and it was the tradition that customers became their friends. Its closure follows the recent shutting down of many small businesses, including Breadman Walking, another community-focused bakery, which highlights a worrying trend in the decline of such small businesses. I urge the Government to examine the factors contributing to these closures, including rising costs, regulatory pressures, and the broader economic environment. We must ensure that SMEs like Thunders Bakery, which are the backbone of our economy, receive the support that they need to thrive.”
“I wish to express concern over the closure of another small or medium business, namely, Thunders Bakery in Dublin. It was a much loved Dublin institution that served our communities for more than five decades. Established in 1969, Thunders Bakery has been a cornerstone of local life, providing quality baked goods and deli items across its eight branches, including in Donaghmede, Phibsborough, Clontarf, Drumcondra and Walkinstown. The announcement of its closure, due to unsustainable trading conditions, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing small and medium sized enterprises in Ireland today. I know for myself as I have a small restaurant in Naas. This closure not only impacts the family and the owners; it also impacts the 66 staff employed by the bakery. It also leaves a void in the community where the business is.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is good news we are nearly there with the NPF but I must express concerns regarding the timing and practical implications. As I mentioned, Ireland's population has continued to grow significantly and, since the last census in 2022, it has grown by 230,000. My worry is that the data that has been published is already outdated, which will leave us unprepared to meet present and future housing demands. Ensuring the swift implementation of the NPF, RSES and the county development plans is essential. As I mentioned, we need clear timelines but, in the meantime, will the Minister of State consider interim measures, such as allowing local authorities to release additional housing on fully serviced tier 1 lands?”
“Its successful implementation and the timely delivery of housing on the ground will determine how we face the growing population and allow us to face it with bravery. I urge the Minister of State to outline specific timelines for all the three stages I have outlined. Failure to do so risks deepening an already critical situation.”
“We must explore practical situations to alleviate housing pressures while awaiting the formal conclusion of the NPF revision process. One such solution is allowing local planning authorities limited discretion to release housing on tier one lands, which are lands that are already zoned and fully serviced. This would provide a much-needed pressure release valve, enabling strategic development on land designated as new residential phase 1 or future residential phase 2. This temporary measure would not undermine the integrity of the NPF process. Rather, it would demonstrate the Government's agile and responsive approach to the immediate challenges we are facing. Ultimately, we must recognise the NPF for what it is and not just see it as just a bureaucratic framework. Rather, it is a vital road map for Ireland's future.”
“The updated NPF must be completed, the regional spatial and economic strategy, RSES, must be revised to align with the NPF's targets, and the county development plans must be amended accordingly to ensure that the new housing numbers that are needed can disseminate effectively to local authority areas. The hierarchy I have mentioned is fundamental, yet it is inherently time-consuming. In his most recent answer in the Dáil on this subject, the Minister, Deputy Browne, did not provide clear timelines for these stages. This omission underscores the need for urgency and clarity in the months ahead. Setting and adhering to hard dates for the NPF revision, the RSES updates and the county development plan amendments is not optional. It is imperative to enable all stakeholders to plan ahead.”
“The NPF was originally launched in 2018 as part of Project Ireland 2040 and had clear objectives to guide population growth, development and infrastructural investment over the next two decades. Despite the urgency, however, there has been a disappointing lack of momentum in revising the NPF to reflect the realities of Ireland today. As of now, the revised draft of the NPF has been completed and was opened for public consultation last July. However, I note that this process has taken longer than anticipated. It is an issue of significant concern in the context of the housing emergency. The NPF cannot succeed in isolation. Its revision is merely the first step in a three-stage process.”