Brian Brennan
Wicklow-Wexford · Fine Gael · Ireland
“I am looking for an update on the straw incorporation measure. It is my understanding that there will be a significant oversubscription to the scheme, with expected payments exceeding the €10 million budget allocated for 2026. It is essential that we find a way to extend the budget of this scheme to meet all expected payments.”
“I am looking for an update in relation to the Taoiseach's plans on dealing with inheritance tax in the upcoming budget. It is believed that approximately 1 million people in Ireland do not have children. That is for many reasons - maybe life choice, medical or simply their personal choice.”
“I wish to speak today about the proposed reforms to the criminal legal aid system, which include the introduction of a flat fee payment model for legally aided District Court cases.”
“When you drive from Hook Head to Bray or from Brittas Bray into Coolkenno, you will see first hand what is going on. We are dealing with dangerous roads. Some of these roads are blocked and some have massive potholes. The general consensus is that it is a serious health and safety risk at this stage.”
“Again, I stress that this is a huge health and safety issue. It does not matter where you go. I drove from Gorey to Tullow on Sunday. I came back at dusk. There are unmarked roads with potholes on them. Somebody has to stand up in this House and be accountable for the lack of action on this matter.”
“I welcome the Minister of State's reply. I note and respect it. As he stated clearly, they are getting substantial funding, but even prior to the storm, we felt that the funding was not enough, given that they are two quite rural counties. They are two beautiful counties but we have serious issues with roads.”
The complete record
Every one of 150 lines we hold for Brian Brennan, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 1 of 3.
“To put it simply, the tillage sector is on its knees and farmers within the sector are dependent on these payments as a means of survival. I appeal to the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and the Taoiseach to ensure there is no shortfall.”
“I am looking for an update on the straw incorporation measure. It is my understanding that there will be a significant oversubscription to the scheme, with expected payments exceeding the €10 million budget allocated for 2026. It is essential that we find a way to extend the budget of this scheme to meet all expected payments. In my constituency of Wicklow-Wexford, we have a proud tradition of tillage farming but, putting it bluntly, pride will not pay the bills. Tillage farmers have never been at a lower ebb. Any reduction or non-payment under the scheme will be a devastating blow to the sector. The scheme targets the reduction of carbon emissions. Therefore, we must continue to encourage farmers to participate, not dissuade them.”
“As society changes and property prices increase, and as people have already paid their taxes to build their homes and invest, can we look at a fairer and more equitable scheme to address these fundamental issues?”
“I am looking for an update in relation to the Taoiseach's plans on dealing with inheritance tax in the upcoming budget. It is believed that approximately 1 million people in Ireland do not have children. That is for many reasons - maybe life choice, medical or simply their personal choice. Under the current inheritance tax threshold, if a parent leaves a property or investment, there is a threshold of €400,000 but if an aunt or uncle leaves their property or investment to their niece or nephew, their threshold is 10% of this amount. This is simply unfair and is actually discriminating against people who do not have children. Since the boom in 2007, there has been no change to the threshold despite property prices increasing by 25%.”
“I have spoken to solicitors in Wexford and Wicklow who have told me of one case where a solicitor made as many as 27 appearances on behalf of one client. How is this a reasonable payment for that level of work?”
“I wish to speak today about the proposed reforms to the criminal legal aid system, which include the introduction of a flat fee payment model for legally aided District Court cases. It is proposed that solicitors would receive a single payment of €455 for District Court criminal cases, regardless of the number of court appearances involved. Members of Criminal Justice Solicitors Ireland have raised serious concerns and are urgently seeking engagement on this matter. They have already begun withdrawing service from certain aspects of criminal legal aid work until further notice. This will have a detrimental impact on the operation of courts and the administration of justice. Further engagement must be opened as a matter of urgency.”
“This should be addressed and there should be a clear strategy in place because this is going to happen again. It is wrong. We need to get this addressed and we also need to sit down and have a long-term solution because this will happen again in other counties. It is unfair to the people living in these areas. They have suffered enough stress due to the storm. Why should they be waiting months and months?”
“It is ironic that we are here on one of the hottest days of the year discussing storms, which is wrong. As sure as night follows day, some other county will be in this situation. There should be a clear strategy within Government, rather than it being pushed from the Departments of Finance and roads, to be able to deal with these issues immediately. To be fair to the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, he came down and addressed the flooding in Aughrim and Enniscorthy. He dealt with it within weeks, if not months, but we are now standing here five months to the date it happened. I hope that no other TD will have to go through what the TDs in Wicklow and Wexford have gone through. I note that Carlow and Louth have similar issues as well.”
“I welcome the Minister of State's reply. I note and respect it. As he stated clearly, they are getting substantial funding, but even prior to the storm, we felt that the funding was not enough, given that they are two quite rural counties. They are two beautiful counties but we have serious issues with roads. We felt we were underfunded before this, but what this is all about now is additional funding. That is the key. We did not feel we had enough of a budget before the storm, and that has now been exacerbated. We simply have a huge shortfall. Councillors are ringing me on a daily basis and telling me that they are getting it full on from their constituents - the people in their towns and villages - that their roads are simply impassable five months on from a storm.”
“If it is not, we will be dealing with a tragedy or a serious injury caused by the state of these roads. Barriers have been put up but these barriers have now been removed by locals because they need to get access to their homes and lands. It is simply unfair, and I just cannot understand why this is being pushed from the Department of finance to the Department that has responsibility for roads. It seems to be falling between two stools. I am ask for urgent action to be taken now.”
“Again, I stress that this is a huge health and safety issue. It does not matter where you go. I drove from Gorey to Tullow on Sunday. I came back at dusk. There are unmarked roads with potholes on them. Somebody has to stand up in this House and be accountable for the lack of action on this matter. It may not be Deputy Brian Brennan, but as sure as night follows day there will be a TD in some other constituency who will stand up here next January or February following another storm and looking for the exact same thing. Why is there not a policy in place? The CEOs of Wexford and Wicklow county councils were assured that they could go ahead, fix their roads and that the funding would follow. Four months have passed and not one cent of additional funding has been received. This has to be treated as an emergency.”
“When you drive from Hook Head to Bray or from Brittas Bray into Coolkenno, you will see first hand what is going on. We are dealing with dangerous roads. Some of these roads are blocked and some have massive potholes. The general consensus is that it is a serious health and safety risk at this stage. Wexford County Council is looking for in excess of €20 million. Wicklow County Council is looking for €15 million. These sums are needed, because what we do not want is a sticking-plaster solution. We do not want someone coming around and filling potholes. We want these roads properly cleared off and a proper waterproof surface applied to them. We need this done now. Why are we being pushed around from one Department to another and still not getting a response? I spoke directly with engineers in the counties regarding their frustration.”
“I wish the Minister of State a good morning. I want to speak about roads funding following Storm Chandra in counties Wexford and Wicklow, or, should I say, the lack of roads funding. It was literally this day four months ago, namely 27 January, that Storm Chandra arrived on our shores and caused absolute havoc for people, for their homes and for the roads of the south east. At the time, it was absolutely shocking. Here we are, and there is a sense of déjà vu for me because this is my fourth time to come to the House to ask for additional funds to facilitate repairs to the roads following that storm. I am totally frustrated. I genuinely feel that I and Wicklow and Wexford county councils are being given the runaround. What is happening is simply unacceptable.”
“I spoke directly with Ms Byrne’s mother this morning, and, in her words, we are dealing with a life-and-death scenario. We are here as TDs and our main focus is to look after and support our constituents and their communities. If ever there was a case that needed support, it would be that of Eímear Byrne.”
“I wish to speak again about Arklow’s Eímear Byrne, who is awaiting life-saving surgery that is not available in Ireland. Only last week, Ms Byrne was made aware that she is not a suitable candidate for the treatment abroad scheme. Her only option, therefore, is to travel, at enormous expense, to the Johns Hopkins clinic in Baltimore, USA. As the treatment abroad scheme does not cover the USA, the people of Arklow and the surrounding area have stood up and set up a fundraising campaign. There has been an absolutely incredible response. I am aware that we currently do not provide financial assistance for treatments in the USA, but I am asking if we can look at the policy again, as cases such as that of Ms Byrne, who cannot get treatment in Europe, simply cannot be ignored.”
“We know we have to reach our targets but the way we are going about it is simply wrong and we must take into consideration the communities there.”
“I am looking for an update on progress regarding the Wind Turbine Regulation Bill 2025. I am fully aware of our responsibility to reach our 2030 targets but is the construction of these monstrous turbines close to many rural villages really the best option for these communities? Should we prioritise solar panels and financially tweak the already-successful schemes so that every house, industrial premises, and farm shed can avail? Should we focus on the incredible untapped potential of offshore wind farms? Today, not 1 kW is being produced on the Irish Sea as progress is tied up with planning issues. By addressing these issues, villages such as Craanford in County Wexford will not have to accommodate these turbines, which are the height of the Spire in Dublin and span the length of the pitch in Croke Park.”
“I am asking that the Minister for education and officials from her Department meet the three schools involved, listen to their concerns and not put on the table again the quick-fix solution that is currently there. What we need is a long-term solution for the schools and the children of Gorey and north Wexford.”
“I want to discuss a live issue relating to Gorey Hill School and plans the Department of education has in respect of lands currently being used by Gaelscoil Moshíológ and the Irish play school on the site. I preface my remarks by stating that the three schools in question play an essential and hugely positive role in the community of north Wexford, which is a credit to the management, the staff and the students. Gorey is a prosperous town and a victim of its own success. We continue to witness a surge in population there. What is needed is increased capacity in Gorey Hill School, but this simply cannot come at the expense of the Gaelscoil and the play school.”
“I have visited tiny villages in counties Wexford and Wicklow and seen fabulous community centres but for whatever reason, a town of 14,500 people still does not have a community centre. There is a building there that is waiting to be taken on. It just needs work and investment. Arklow has no town park. It is the home of Ronnie Delaney, where he was born, Lord have mercy on him, and Mary Hickey, the only woman to run around Ireland. Both were born and reared in Arklow, and it has not got a town park to show for it. I call for the social infrastructure and capital infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, to be matched with this expected boom in the town. It needs the support. As I said, Arklow is not on its own. There are plenty of towns like it out there that have been ignored for decades.”
“I know that there are five or six towns like Arklow in Ireland - towns and villages that were simply ignored. Arklow was the home of Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI. It was the home of a great port. It was the home of Arklow Pottery. Then, over 30 years, due to lack of investment, it slowly declined. Now, however, Arklow is on the crest of a wave. There is a €3.6 billion data centre planned. There are approximately 50 offshore windmills planned. Arklow is in line for a greenway, which we discussed in this room before. There is continual investment. We are expecting thousands of houses. What we need to see, however, is investment in the social infrastructure of that town. That town has no theatre. If people want a concert in Arklow tonight, they either go to the hotel, a church or the school. It has no community centre.”
“I note that, in the programme from 2021 to 2025, there was a clear call to reverse the flow of young people moving to the city. People living and working in their own towns and villages is what we should be working for. I welcome the billions of euro that will probably be spent on our new development plan. I welcome the engagement tonight. When we see young people spending 26 hours per week in a car driving from the south east to Dublin, however, that is frustrating. It is hitting their mental health. There is a cost to it, and it leaves a carbon footprint. I therefore encourage and welcome the proposals going forward. I ask the Minister to please look at the towns and villages that have not been supported previously. I can give him the example of the town of Arklow.”
“I have been in touch directly with our Minister on a treatment abroad scheme application. The wonderful community of Arklow and beyond are fundraising. Eimear is running out of time and we must do everything possible to ensure she gets this life-saving critical surgery.”
“I want to talk to the Tánaiste about one of my constituents, Eimear Byrne. Eimear is a 30-year-old from Arklow, a primary school teach in a Gaelscoil and a very talented and popular young woman but she needs our help. She has an extremely rare genetic disorder which led to open-heart surgery at the age of just ten. Three years ago, Eimear had again to undergo emergency heart surgery. The surgery saved her life but there were complications and she suffered a severe stroke. Recently, she was told there were three more aneurysms that required immediate surgery, which is highly complex. She has been advised by multiple hospital consultants that this operation cannot be carried out in Ireland and can take place only in Baltimore, USA. Eimear has worked with the HSE.”
“I have met friends of hers she does not realise I have spoken to and they could not speak more highly of the work she has done for the club. We might not agree on everything, but I have been up there and involved in matches with her and I know her heart and soul are in the club. If people like her are being removed from the FAI and the club scene, it will be our loss. Volunteers are the backbone. We can talk about money all we like. I remember in my youth jumping over the wall in Gorey and going to the pitch. There is a guy there now, Joe Cullen, from Gorey Rangers. He is not in great health. He was my first manager and I will never forget the joy I got. I was a sub for the first seven games, but at my eighth game he gave me the jersey and it was a great lift.”
“They still sell lotto tickets every Sunday night, but we need to continue a bit of both, with support from the Government, including local councils, and the clubs will do their fundraising. On facilities and infrastructure, I was interested to listen to James McClean talking recently about how he felt and what a product we have now. We are right there. We are climbing up, but do we have the infrastructure? Do we have the pitches to match it? Not yet. We are definitely not yet there. If we want the new Katie McCabes or Troy Parrotts, we will have to continue this investment. I will make a point about investment and large foreign investors coming in and buying clubs. I have seen my colleague Deputy Joanna Byrne up front in operation and I have to commend her on the work she has done.”
“I was working in 1990 and for all the world cups and it brings so much business and prosperity. People are in good form. I remember visiting some people in hospital at the time in 1990 and it did not matter how sick they were. They were glued to the television when the Irish lads had the jersey on. We should never underestimate that. What happens on the pitch is important, but that shows a need for more support on the pitch and funding. Let us start at grassroots. We need to continue. The sports capital fund is incredible. It gets to the little clubs like Ferns United, which are heavily reliant on fundraising. I see them shaking buckets on the street in Bunclody. It is still going on.”
“I congratulate the Irish team on last night. It was a wonderful success and I wish it well at the weekend. More important to me on a local level, Ferns United is in the Leinster Football Association, LFA, final this Sunday and I wish them well - Tiny, Terry, Paul and the girls. I went to see them a few weeks ago and I was taken aback by the family and community spirit there. The club is not even in the town of Ferns - it is on a crossroads - but the level of engagement of the team on and off the field with the people who were there after the game and what they are giving back to the community has to be commended. Regarding football as a whole, when Ireland are doing well, the whole nation is lifted. It really is. I come from a hospitality background.”
“We pride ourselves on the quality of our agrifood. We are known all over the world for the high standard of the food we produce. What about the producers, the farmers, fishermen and contractors? Are we supporting them enough and do we respect the work they do? Based on the conversations I have had with many in this sector, long before this fuel crisis, the answer to that question is "No". We need to act on this and we need to act swiftly. On home heating, I acknowledge there has been an expansion of the fuel allowance payment scheme but we need to do more.”
“I welcome the package presented on Sunday and recognise we are living in unprecedented times. We simply cannot forecast where this is going or predict where it will end. When the first fuel package was released, the response to the agriculture sector was simply insufficient and an insult to a critical cornerstone of our economy. Many members of the agriculture sector were on their knees long before this fuel crisis. Will the Minister of State please reassure farmers, contractors, the haulage sector and the fishing industry that this package will be continually reviewed in light of the fluid and volatile situation in the Middle East? On the supports available, can he ensure there will be a simple, swift and effective claims process so our constituents will not be weighed down by additional paperwork and bureaucracy?”
“We are going to have reductions in emissions and there will be huge financial savings. We have been here before with major crises through Brexit, Ukraine and Covid. We will get through this crisis by supporting those who need it most while remaining financially prudent, as we simply do not know how long this will last.”
“If there is one thing that we have learned from this crisis, it is that we must expand our move to renewable energies. Our goal is 80% by 2030. This crisis highlights our dependence on imported fossil fuels. We simply need more renewables. We need to expand our capacity, protect our consumers from the volatile markets and accelerate our output of renewable energy. That will entail looking at our planning laws, which must have local consent, and we must also invest in the grid. I welcome the key initiatives that have been introduced to date, especially in relation to the SEAI grants for residential solar panels, heat pumps and intensive offshore wind developments. Ireland is hoping to have 5 GW of offshore energy by 2030. The benefits are clear in that we are going to have energy security.”
“This will have a huge effect on pensioners, carers, people with disabilities and those of low incomes throughout Ireland. It will affect almost 400,000 households. I welcome the news that hauliers and bus companies will benefit from the diesel tax rebate scheme. I encourage the public to contact the CCPC if they are not satisfied that these reductions are being passed on. We need to look at the agriculture sector. These measures are simply insufficient, especially for the hard-pressed tillage sector. The rising cost of fertiliser, up by over €200 per tonne, is also a major concern. It is as clear as night follows day that this will lead to food price inflation as farmers simply try to recoup their fuel price increase. Many experts estimate that this will lead to a 10% increase on the supermarket shelves.”
“We are all deeply concerned about this escalating conflict and the scale of the damage we are witnessing. Now is the time to focus on de-escalation, and this can only be done through dialogue and diplomacy. Only yesterday, we learned that 23 sites of both gas and oil have been destroyed in Iran. These are sophisticated structures and will take time to be rebuilt. This will prolong the fuel crisis we are going through. No government can shield any country from this level of volatility. Therefore, I welcome the targeted measures that are being introduced in such unprecedented times. I note the value of these targeted measures of almost €250 million. I welcome the 22 cent reduction in the price of diesel and the 17 cent reduction in the price of petrol. The fuel allowance will be extended by four weeks.”
“The roads need to be completely resurfaced and drainage must be addressed, or we will be back here again in 12 months. The CEO of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe, and the CEO of Wicklow County Council, Emer O'Gorman, have submissions on the desk of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. Two months on, we simply need to sign off on this long-overdue critical funding.”
“I seek an update on the applications from Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council for emergency funding for urgent road repairs following Storm Chandra. I strongly commend both councils' teams on their work to date. I welcome the Taoiseach's visit to many of the affected areas in days following the storm. However, this week, almost two months on from the storm, many roads remain closed or simply impassable. There are damaged or collapsed roads the length and breadth of Wicklow and Wexford from Kilanerin to Enniskerry, and from Coolkenno down to Kilmore Quay. Many of the potholes are now mini craters. When we factor in the combination of darkness and rain, these roads are a serious risk to commuters. We do not need a quick-fix solution.”
“As the family are all based in Ireland, they are now seeking assurances from the Department of foreign affairs and the Government that all efforts will be made to assist them in their pursuit of justice, which is what Claire's family thoroughly deserve.”
“I want to speak to the Tánaiste about the tragic case of Claire Cullen from Riverchapel near Courtown in County Wexford. Claire was killed in a hit-and-run incident while attending her brother's wedding in the Dominican Republic approximately five months ago. Claire is survived by her husband Ronan and her three kids. Claire was an extremely kind, popular and talented young woman and her death has left a huge void in the close-knit community of Riverchapel. Her family appreciate the efforts of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, the consulate in Colombia and the Department of foreign affairs in the repatriation process. This is quite simply any family's worst nightmare.”
“I totally agree with the Minister of State. I drive this route every week. I try to have a vision of what will happen – not if but when – this greenway happens. We look at cafés on the quays in Arklow, Woodenbridge buzzing with tourists, Lawless’ Hotel in Aughrim reopening, bike shops in Tinahely or more pods in Shillelagh. It is going to be simply transformative. We often overuse the term “game-changer”, but it will literally open up new tourism in south County Wicklow. I worked for years in tourism and fought against the Westports, Galways and Killarneys to get tourists into south County Wicklow. When we get this project it will be transformative and we need the Minister of State’s help along the way.”
“When a person has guests staying in towns or villages it really ticks so many boxes; employment, support for local suppliers, shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. I recognise there has been positive progress on this project over the past few months, but this project is simply taking too long. The first meeting was held nine years ago, on 17 October 2017, in Lawless’ Hotel, Aughrim. We must stay positive and I look forward to ensuring this particular project comes to fruition.”
“I thank the Minister of State. In my life, before I took up this position, I was heavily involved in the tourism industry in south County Wicklow for over 20 years. I know first-hand the area’s needs and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this greenway project. Our support for this is simply critical, as for decades now there is a genuine feeling in south County Wicklow that it has been ignored in terms of tourism investment. This project will simply be a game changer and a catalyst for future tourism developments in Arklow, Woodenbridge, Aughrim, Tinahely and Shillelagh and everywhere in between. I am of the belief that tourism is the greatest commodity we have in this country.”
“I warmly welcome the Taoiseach’s suggestion of centralising this because it highlights the problem we are having. I do not want to be parochial, but if we just look at the Wexford coastline, 80% of the 260 km is under threat. That is a phenomenal figure. We are dealing with real people. In areas like Cahore and Glasscarrig, people are in genuine fear of losing their homes. I recently went down to Kilmichael and Castletown, which is a beautiful area. Some people there have lost 10 m off the front of their land. The next stop is that their houses are going to fall into the sea. Courtown was the beacon of the south east in the 1980s, but it now has little or no beach. It is not only the coastal erosion, but the effect this is having on business there as well. We have a serious issue. I warmly welcome the Taoiseach's intervention on this.”
“I call for a comprehensive approach to tackling this and for significant further investment in this area. I have met people face-to-face in my office. I have seen grown men and grown women cry. They are literally playing out a horror movie. In front of them, the sea is eating into their land and their gardens. They literally have to take out their goods before a storm, go to another house and then come back the following morning to see if their house is still there. This should not be happening. It is going to increase. I ask the Taoiseach to treat this as a priority.”
“I am aware that the East Coast Railway Infrastructure Protection Projects are conducting a comprehensive study, but continuous disruption or any long-term closure due to erosion on this line will close the clinical link between Rosslare and Dublin, isolating communities and towns, such as Gorey, Arklow and Rathdrum and putting even further pressure on an already overcapacity motorway. I note and commend the investment in coastal erosion, but I am here today to point out that this problem is increasing due to climate change, increasing sea levels and the frequency of storms. This is simply not going away. Houses that have been in families for generations are now on the verge of dropping into the sea, farmers are losing land and we are losing walkways along our coastline.”
“I have been inundated with calls and visits to my office from constituents along the entire coastal length of my constituency. This was ongoing well before Storm Chandra, but it has multiplied since that storm. People are in genuine fear of losing their homes and land. In County Wicklow, Arklow has regularly seen significant damage due to intense storms. Areas such as Clogh and as far up as Brittas Bay are facing significant loss and damage to their coastal defences. This is having a huge impact, not only on the land and housing, but also on beloved community amenities. We must also look at Irish Rail. There is a stretch from Dublin to Wicklow town that is under severe threat due to coastal erosion. This line faces significant and ongoing risks that threaten the stability of the infrastructure.”
“I want to speak to the Taoiseach about coastal erosion, which is an extremely pressing and urgent issue for coastal communities right across Ireland. It is estimated in recent reports that up to 20% of the coastline of Ireland is at risk. This is a particular problem in the south east due to the composition of the lands, which are sand and clay-based. Some areas in the south east are losing up to 8 m to 10 m from their coast each year. It is estimated that, in Wexford alone, over 1,400 houses are at risk, and in Ireland, it is estimated that almost 100,000 people's homes are in danger from coastal erosion. The severity of recent storms, the increased frequency of these storms and the rising sea level due to climate change are the main factors involved.”
“I need to bring up the treatment of staff in the Merck facility in Arklow. The Minister is well aware that there is a planned closure for 2028. I know that within 24 hours, the Minister was there on site-----”
“I have no doubt that situations like this have been replicated the length and breadth of Ireland. This is having a detrimental impact on the ability of these highly skilled professionals to respond to accidents within the quickest possible time frame and with the best equipment to hand.”
“As the Taoiseach is aware, first responders play a critical role in our emergency services, but approximately one year ago a decision was made to prevent the officer group from taking the officer response vehicle to their place of residence. In December, I witnessed first hand a medical emergency on Main Street, Gorey. The ambulance and first responders were called. The first responders arrived in their own cars and were first on the scene. They did everything possible to assist the victim. Later that day, I went to their base to thank them and was shocked to see the officer response vehicle parked up in a corner. The vehicle could have provided vital medical assistance to first responders, but for the officer to drive to from their residence to collect the vehicle would have delayed the response, especially on a busy Saturday.”
“We need to implement a Government-backed scheme in conjunction with Insurance Ireland that is fit for purpose and will address the gap that currently exists and not leave thousands of homes and businesses without insurance.”