Imelda Goldsboro
Nominated by the Taoiseach · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Rail offers a cleaner, more efficient and more inclusive alternative. It is a vital step toward connecting the unconnected and bringing opportunity, mobility and economic growth to communities that have long been left behind.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming in this afternoon. This is a great opportunity to comment on the all-island strategic rail review, a landmark initiative jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.”
“Four of the five busiest airports on the island, including Dublin Airport, the busiest in Europe without a rail or metro connection, remain disconnected from the network. The differences are striking when we compare today’s rail map with that of 100 years ago.”
“They include: the DART+ programme; the Cork area commuter rail; the national train control centre; investment in Galway, Limerick and Waterford; Rail Freight 2040; the new Enterprise fleet; new stations; the Navan rail line; east coast rail infrastructure protection projects; and capacity enhancement studies for a range of routes includin…”
“We can do the same. We are no different. If all recommendations in the review are delivered, over 700,000 more people could live within 5 km of a railway station, a 25% increase in population catchment.”
“These efforts support not only our national goals but also our European decarbonisation commitments. Let us not forget the role of affordability. Travel costs are subsidised by the Government to ensure public transport remains accessible to all.”
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“I welcome guests of Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh and members of the Straide Women's Group. I also welcome guests of former Deputy John Paul Phelan and of Deputy Matt Carthy. We hope they enjoy their visit.”
“These efforts support not only our national goals but also our European decarbonisation commitments. Let us not forget the role of affordability. Travel costs are subsidised by the Government to ensure public transport remains accessible to all. My principle when it comes to public transport is simple: if we provide a good service with frequency, we will offer a compelling alternative to the car. That is how we shift behaviour. That is how we build a better future. Today, I am seeking commitments from the Government that it will continue to push forward. Let us invest wisely, plan strategically and act boldly. The future of rail in Ireland depends on it, and so does the future of our people, our economy and our planet.”
“They include: the DART+ programme; the Cork area commuter rail; the national train control centre; investment in Galway, Limerick and Waterford; Rail Freight 2040; the new Enterprise fleet; new stations; the Navan rail line; east coast rail infrastructure protection projects; and capacity enhancement studies for a range of routes including Wicklow, Limerick to Galway, Limerick to Limerick Junction, and Galway to Dublin. Iarnród Éireann is working with the Department of Transport, the European Investment Bank, the National Transport Authority and others on the preparation of a plan to implement the all-island strategic rail review recommendations, including a comprehensive investment plan for the next ten years. We are already making progress on progressing rail projects across the country.”
“We can do the same. We are no different. If all recommendations in the review are delivered, over 700,000 more people could live within 5 km of a railway station, a 25% increase in population catchment. Every county in Ireland and every local government district in Northern Ireland would have at least one station served by regular passenger rail. The all-island strategic rail review and the national development plan represent the first of three decades of delivery, with projects benefiting the national network, sustainable transport for major cities and the expansion of the role of passenger services and rail freight all under way. The projects in the current NDP are essential prerequisites in the context of the ambition of the all-island strategic rail review.”
“Four of the five busiest airports on the island, including Dublin Airport, the busiest in Europe without a rail or metro connection, remain disconnected from the network. The differences are striking when we compare today’s rail map with that of 100 years ago. The emergence of two separate jurisdictions in the 1920s disrupted traditional patterns of trade and travel. Customs controls on the new Border led to the closure of almost all cross-Border routes by the 1960s, leaving counties like Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Tyrone without any rail services, except for the lone line between Dublin and Belfast. Today, we have a chance to reverse that legacy. Denmark has shown us what is possible, achieving average rail speeds between major cities that are twice as fast as ours, largely through investment in existing infrastructure.”
“Rail offers a cleaner, more efficient and more inclusive alternative. It is a vital step toward connecting the unconnected and bringing opportunity, mobility and economic growth to communities that have long been left behind. The decisions and investments we make in rail this decade will shape the lives of Irish people for generations to come. That is why it is so important to plan our rail network in a holistic and strategic manner that considers the impacts and benefits across all regions of Ireland - not just Galway and Mayo - including Tipperary. We must be honest about where we are today. There are significant gaps in rail network coverage. Service frequencies and speeds are relatively low compared with railways in similar countries like Scotland and Denmark. The quality of service does not consistently meet customer expectations.”
“I thank the Minister of State for coming in this afternoon. This is a great opportunity to comment on the all-island strategic rail review, a landmark initiative jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The review sets out a bold and strategic vision for the development of our rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades. Rail is one of the lowest-carbon-emitting modes of transport for both passengers and freight. It offers a powerful tool for both jurisdictions to meet their commitments to achieving a net-zero carbon transport system and economy. If we are serious about tackling climate change, we must be serious about rail. We need to see a major modal shift in how we move around this island. Our overreliance on cars is unsustainable.”
“Let us continue to champion social enterprise, not just as a policy priority but also as a movement that reflects the best of who we are: resilient, compassionate and community driven.”
“The call for a central website dedicated to social enterprise supports and an annual calendar of funding opportunities through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht addresses two long-standing challenges: visibility and predictability. This kind of infrastructure would not only streamline access but also signal that the Government was serious about backing social enterprises as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth. Social enterprises in Ireland make a significant impact where it matters most: supporting families through affordable childcare, strengthening communities with local services and infrastructure, delivering vital health and social care, and celebrating our culture through arts, heritage and creative industries.”
“Through initiatives like the LEADER programme and responses to challenges such as Storm Éowyn, we are committed to empowering these organisations to thrive. This year, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, launched a number of social enterprise supports, especially through the Dormant Accounts Fund, with an investment of €4 million to help organisations grow and thrive. Grants will support vital upgrades such as building improvements, new equipment, vehicles and other resources that allow the enterprises to expand their services and deepen their impact on communities right across Ireland.”
“Staffed by individuals living with disabilities or re-entering the workforce after long-term unemployment, they offer dignity through employment and connection through service. They become hubs of inclusion where people gather not just to eat but also to belong. In towns and villages across Ireland, including in south Tipperary, they are quietly transforming lives one cup at a time. In rural areas, social enterprises are the heartbeat of regeneration. They breathe life into towns and villages, offering services that did not exist before and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. I encourage the House to consider closely regeneration communities in Tipperary South and across the country. Are we doing enough to support and scale their efforts? The programme for Government rightly recognises the vital role of social enterprise.”
“They create good-quality jobs while also contributing to climate action and environmental sustainability. Social enterprises such as FoodCloud, which redistributes surplus food from supermarkets to those in need, exemplify the power of community-led solutions. They are quite supportive of community cafés employing those overcoming addiction or living with disabilities, recycling hubs tackling both waste and unemployment, and youth programmes restoring hope where it has been lost. Community cafés are one of the most tangible expressions of social enterprise in action. We have 27 in Ireland, with many more popping up. These spaces do more than serve tea and coffee; they give purpose to so many in society.”
“By providing targeted funding and guidance to community-led initiatives, LEADER empowers local groups to identify their own needs and craft tailored solutions. Whether it is helping a community café to get off the ground, supporting a recycling hub to tackle waste and unemployment or enabling a youth programme to expand its reach, LEADER turns grassroots ideas into impactful realities. In constituencies like Tipperary South, LEADER helps to revitalise villages, create jobs and foster social inclusion, proving that when communities are given the tools to lead, they build futures worth investing in. As Fianna Fáil spokesperson on social enterprise, I see at first hand how these initiatives offer meaningful opportunities for employment, training and education.”
“Its work shows how social enterprise can deliver a real impact, boosting local economies while improving lives and, most important, strengthening communities. Men’s Shed Mullinahone is another example. It shows how the grassroots initiatives can build connection and purpose. It provides a welcoming space where men can connect, share experience, build skills and support one another. Most important, this helps to combat isolation and improving well-being. Through hands-on projects and local initiatives, the shed contributes to the wider community while fostering a sense of purpose and belonging among its members. The LEADER programme has been a cornerstone of rural regeneration in Ireland, and its role in supporting community and social enterprise is nothing short of transformative.”
“Across the country, we see the enterprises stepping up to support the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, the Traveller community, other vulnerable people, those facing food poverty, and areas dealing with environmental degradation. In the south of my county, Tipperary, there are inspiring examples of this work in action. South Tipperary Development Company, STDC, plays a pivotal role in bringing the national social enterprise policy to life at local level. It delivers Government-funded programmes such as LEADER and Healthy Ireland and helps communities access grants, training and expert advice. By supporting community-led businesses that trade for social good, STDC helps to create jobs, tackle disadvantage and protect the environment right across south Tipperary.”
“I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I am delighted, as the spokesperson for Fianna Fáil, to contribute to today’s statements on the national social enterprise policy. The comprehensive policy document sets out five key objectives, supported by 57 targeted actions, each designed to unlock the full potential of social enterprise right across Ireland. The goal is to support and grow social businesses so they can make a difference in our communities, helping people, protecting the environment and boosting the local economy. Social enterprise is about impact, not profit. It is about harnessing innovation and community spirit to address social and environmental challenges.”
“His gift for bridging divides, fostering dialogue and nurturing mutual understanding earned him respect right across the political spectrum, from Sinn Féin and the SDLP to leaders in both Dublin and Belfast. His service spanned decades from his time as a Senator to his election as a TD for Tipperary South and later as a Minister of State. Through every role, his commitment to the people and the pursuit of people never faltered. On a personal level, he was a great support throughout my campaigns. During the general election, he gave unwavering advice. To Dr. Mansergh's wife Liz, his children, grandchildren and his former secretary Geraldine Fuller, I send my sincere sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
“Today, we remember our great friend and colleague, Dr. Martin Mansergh, who died at the weekend. It was heartbreaking when the news came in south Tipperary, and so suddenly, but he was doing what he loved best. He leaves behind a legacy defined by intellect, integrity and an unwavering dedication to Ireland. A distinguished scholar, diplomat, politician and peacemaker, he played a pivotal role in shaping Irish political life and advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland. As a trusted adviser to successive taoisigh and a central figure in Fianna Fáil, Dr. Mansergh was deeply involved in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement.”
“These reforms are vital to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not left without a voice in decisions that affect their care and well-being. I particularly appreciate the Minister of State's efforts to strike a balance between respecting people's rights and ensuring people have the opportunity to benefit from treatment. This Bill is about dignity, rights and modernising our mental health system to reflect the values of a compassionate and inclusive society. I look forward to engaging with the Minister of State and my fellow Senators during Committee Stage to further refine and strengthen the Bill and ensure this vital legislation is passed into law.”
“This is vital to ensuring young people can come forward to access support wherever and whenever they need to. In addition, the Bill reinforces the principle that individuals with capacity have the right to make decisions about their own mental health care and treatment. Where a person lacks capacity but has a valid substitute, under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, the decisions of that person on whether to consent to or refuse treatment must be respected. The Bill aligns its approach to capacity assessment with that of the 2015 Act ensuring consistency and clarity across our legal framework. Where no substitute decision-making arrangement exists, the Bill provides for an application to the Circuit Court to appoint a decision-making representative.”
“I believe the result is one that will stand the test of time. I acknowledge the extensive consultation that has underpinned this process. I welcome the many significant provisions of the Bill. It introduces a revised approach to involuntary admissions and detention, with updated criteria and enhanced safeguards, aligning more closely with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act. It expands the Mental Health Commission's regulatory remit to include all mental health services, including community, residential and CAMHS, ensuring consistent oversight and quality of care in all of our services. For the first time, it empowers 16- and 17-year-olds to consent to treatment for mental health care on the same basis as physical health, subject to limited exceptions and safeguards.”
“It is a privilege to welcome the Minister of State to debate Second Stage of the Bill. It is landmark legislation made up of nine Parts and 222 sections. It represents the most comprehensive reform of our mental health laws in a generation. This Bill is the product of years of careful work, reflection and collaboration by the Minister of State and her officials in the Department of Health. I commend her on that and on her effort, dedication, commitment and approachable manner. In my role as a councillor, she visited us in south Tipperary. She delivered the Haven crisis house for us and Jigsaw, to name a few. The Bill addresses complex legal and ethical issues that touch the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It is only right that such a Bill has taken time to develop.”
“I thank the Minister of State for that very positive reply. I look forward to seeing the outcome in the coming weeks and I hope we will be able to give good news to those in this facility. I note that the reply refers to a place of hope, opportunity and real transformation. For those who have issues, it gives them an opportunity to get up in the morning. It gives them a sense of purpose, meaning and belonging in today's society to see the work that they have carried out. Most importantly, it is free of charge. For those service users such a service is priceless. I welcome the great news and look forward to relaying to them that the funding can be sourced to sustain this wonderful facility.”
“I thank Minister of State, Deputy Butler, for recently visiting this centre and taking the opportunity to see first hand the great work it is doing, the training provided and the beautiful arts, crafts and products made by the users of this facility. I also acknowledge the great work carried out by the board and ask the Minister of State to engage positively in providing funding to ensure the sustainability and ongoing services in this centre and to ensure they are secure.”
“It allows them to integrate within the community to reach their full potential. The centre provides support to more than 70 trainees through a variety of programmes and employs 21 staff, full and part time. Since 2019, however, the centre has struggled financially to maintain its current level of service provision. This is primarily due to a change in the funding model which supported service delivery in the centre. While much of the funding has been provided through the disability budget, the mental health budget must also meet its responsibility to provide funding for this excellent training centre facility.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach and welcome the Minister of State here today to discuss this important issue. I speak on behalf of the board of Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre in Clonmel which is located across from the courthouse in Nelson Street. The Cluain Training and Enterprise Centre provides specialist training supports and employment services for adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries or who are on the autism spectrum. Services include rehab training focusing on positive health and social inclusion, vocational training focusing on preparation for and progression to employment or further education, day services, and social enterprise activities. It also provides employment for people with numerous other issues who are living and working in and around Clonmel and south Tipperary.”
“I ask the Minister to look favourably on increasing these services in Tipperary South, and that he would review the existing rail timetable.”
“This is leading to an increase in social exclusion and rural isolation and, unfortunately, it is causing an awful lot of loneliness for our elderly and vulnerable due to the lack of contact with the outside world. We acknowledge the great services that have been introduced and are very successful, such as the route 891 connecting Carrick-on-Suir to Kilkenny city, which commenced in January 2025. Route 356 Dungarvan to south Tipperary hospital has been particularly successful and is now operating eight daily return services. The CL1, CL2 and CL9 are operating in Clonmel. They have transformed our town. Route CL9 provides an early morning and late night service to facilitate onward travel to Kilkenny, Dublin city and Dublin Airport, and improved connectivity to the wider TFI network.”
“The plan has seen unprecedented progress, with over 100 new or improved bus services across rural Ireland launched so far. The annual patronage on the TFI Local Link services has seen a sevenfold increase since 2018. Continued investment in projects such as Connecting Ireland will benefit rural communities through expanded services on the PSO bus services across the country, as well as expanded services through the TFI Local Link network. In Tipperary South, we have several villages that have this service and it is proving to be a lifeline for so many people. Unfortunately, it does not exist in all our villages. I am looking for funding to be applied so that the service can be expanded into the areas that do not have any public transport. In Tipperary South, taxis are not very common.”
“Currently, you cannot purchase tickets at a number of these stations. People are unaware of the timetables. The number of trains passing through needs to be increased. Tipperary is a large county and the south has little connectivity with larger cities. People would avail of a regular service if provided. Many people travel for education, work, hospital appointments, etc. The current frequency is not feasible for a large percentage of users, and we need to promote and plan the potential of these areas. The Government's Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan seeks to improve mobility in rural areas by providing better connections between villages and towns, linking these areas with an enhanced regional network and connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.”
“Likewise, a modal shift towards sustainable public transport is necessary for Ireland to meet our ambitious emissions reduction targets, including the target of 50% emissions abatement in the transport sector. We are taking action. Budget 2025 allocated €3.9 billion for the Department of Transport, an increase of over €418 million from 2024. This allocation means the public transport roll-out can continue apace across the country. I need to raise a number of issues in south Tipperary, first of all our rail lines. We need to review this as a matter of urgency in Clonmel, Tipperary town, Carrick-on-Suir and Cahir. We have the facilities but, unfortunately, we do not have the upgrades that are required to make these more user-friendly and more feasible and to provide investment to allow them to become more accessible.”
“I welcome the Minister to the Chamber and compliment him on the work he has achieved to date. He has hit the ground running. As spokesperson on transport, I look forward to working with him on several issues which he is aware of in Tipperary. As an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, good connectivity is essential to foster continued economic growth for communities and our tourism industry. By investing in public transport, we will enhance connectivity across urban and rural areas, giving people more choice and supporting sustainable growth. Fianna Fáil is committed to a fundamental change in our transport system. Necessary improvements in climate measures impact air quality as well as our physical and mental well-being. We demand that public transport is better and, most importantly, more accessible for all.”
“It is about the connection, and sometimes in rural Ireland, the voices of post office staff are the only voices people hear. It is the only face-to-face interaction they have, and that is priceless. No matter the outcome for rural Ireland, the post office is the hub of every community. Not every community has buses, trains, Luas or a metro. The message is that we have supported those and the post office network should be treated with further support. The services should be enhanced. Post offices should be made vibrant products and be supported every step of the way.”
“I welcome the postmasters. It was great to meet them earlier. I understand the urgency that is required around the funding. I support everything that has been said by my colleagues. I am from Tipperary South, which has been hit by a number of these closures. We can see the decimation of our villages and communities because the post offices are gone. People do not appreciate them until they hear the rumblings in the camp of what could happen or who is thinking of retiring. We need to put more services into post offices. We need to deal with this urgently to allow those who have contracts coming up for renewal to have them signed and sealed. No price can be put on what they are doing for the public, for communities. It is priceless. We saw it in emergency times, such as storms and the Covid-19 pandemic.”
“I ask that the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee, come before the Seanad to address the issues of class sizes and the capitation grant. We have heard from Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, and principals are frustrated in numerous schools in my constituency with regard to having an update on this. They need proper investment. They are underfunded and operational costs have increased significantly over the past number of years. It is causing great frustration for so many principals, staff and management in schools and must also be for the parents of the students. It is a priority. I know there has been an increase that will come into effect but it is not enough, unfortunately. We need to make this sustainable for all primary schools and our principals need to know this is a priority of the Government and the Minister.”
“The action plan consists of 80 new time-bound actions to be implemented by the various stakeholders and led by the relevant Government Department or State agency. We have established the positivities of all these changes and the benefits they have had to our communities. We thank the Minister for coming here this evening, for the work that he has delivered and the funding to date for our communities.”
“I am sure that all of us here have seen the benefits at local level in our counties and have seen what it has done for our areas. There is also work with Coillte to continue to invest in upgrades of visitor amenities at forest parks across the country. The Minister spoke of the Gaeltacht and its importance. Irish is a unique part of our heritage and the Government is committed to the protection and promotion of the Irish language. It is the first language of our State. We will be putting in place targeted measures and we have done great work with Údarás na Gaeltachta and other stakeholders to ensure adequate provision of housing and community services in Gaeltacht communities. The Our Living Islands plan, launched in 2023, was the first such policy to be published in 27 years. It is an ambitious strategy underpinned by an action plan.”
“Phase one has been completed and we are awaiting more funding. We look forward to people using it. The car parks are filled from morning to evening. It is a phenomenal success. Fáilte Ireland's four regional strategies for the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ancient East, the Hidden Heartlands and Dublin provide a framework for sustainable tourism right across Ireland. Working with Fáilte Ireland to develop a balanced regional spread of tourism throughout the country, further advancing the experience, developing more blueway projects across the country and continuing to invest in key regional tourism projects under the RRDF is what we need. Through the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme there has been investment in walkways, cycle ways, tidal pools and other amenities at local level.”
“I know that our rail-connected rural communities are going to benefit from the increased levels of investment being made to support steady-state levels of maintenance and renewal. With regard to tourism, one of Ireland's greatest strengths is its stunning natural amenities. Every county, town and village has its own unique natural assets, whether it is our forest parks, mountain trails, rivers, greenways, bogs or beaches. We have already seen the huge economic benefits that the investment in the greenway projects has delivered for our local towns and villages. As we speak here this evening I am proud to say that we opened the beautiful Littleton Labyrinth this afternoon in Tipperary. We thank the Government for the funding for the project and we can see what it has done for this rural area.”
“We need to increase the provision of Local Link services in our rural areas to better connect the villages, towns and cities. We need to continue the roll-out of Connecting Ireland and investment in new town buses, to expand the bus services in cities and to continue to strengthen local urban towns. Some of our villages have seen the positive impact of these services but, unfortunately, more work needs to be done. Some of our villages do not have any public transport and they do not have taxis. It would join the villages and communities together to allow them to get supports and services. Continued investment in Connecting Ireland through our services and the TFI Local Link networks is having a positive impact. The funding has been administered and we can see the areas that are benefiting from it.”
“They bring communities together to a central hub where people can talk, where they are socially included, and the service is where they can get a breakfast and have a chat and meet somebody. It is about social inclusion in rural areas. I ask the Minister, Deputy Calleary, if funding can be provided for community cafés. All our community cafés are facing the challenge of high energy costs right now. The service is priceless for our communities. The loss of that service would be detrimental for some rural communities because it is a lifeline for so many people. The Minister also emphasised transport, the funding that has gone into transport, the progress in all the key areas of public infrastructure that we are making and the national development plan.”
“This I appreciate when we work with our councils through the different schemes such as the rural regeneration and development fund, RRDF, and the town and village renewal scheme, and to see how we can revitalise and rejuvenate those villages. As we know, the demise our villages is a concern. People's buying patterns are changing and lots of rural businesses are diminishing. I note that we are proposing to have an above-the-shop grant specifically to convert premises in rural towns for residential use in recognition of the additional complexities involved in renovating these spaces. The work on the development and retention of community-run shops and cafes is a significant factor in our rural areas. We have a number of community cafés in Tipperary that are run by volunteers and the service they are providing in rural areas is phenomenal.”
“The Government is prioritising locating new State agencies in cities and towns outside Dublin. The Government continues to advance a balanced approach to regional development, cognisant that the European Commission has identified the north west as requiring additional support. I shall now turn to our town centres and tackling vacancy and the regeneration of our towns and villages. We see this in our towns and villages. In the village of Ballingarry, where I am from, 75% of the houses on our main street are, unfortunately, up for sale. We can see how it is dwindling. We note the significant impact that the croí cónaithe grant has brought into play and what it has done for rural areas, but much more needs to be done.”
“Funding is coming into rural communities for broadband and other services. It is all about linkage and connectivity, including by way of the community hubs. The Minister talked about unlocking new opportunities in rural communities and utilising the hubs as a solution for meeting community needs. We all saw the impact of the storms some months ago on our cities, towns and villages. Significant development has gone into those communities. The Department was the go-to in times of emergencies, when so many people were without water and power. Job creation is part of regional development. Important work is being done with IDA Ireland to spread foreign direct investment across the country and ensure at least half of IDA investments are located outside Dublin.”
“Meeting those needs and opportunities must be at the heart of the decision-making process. Through initiatives and investment, we are fostering regional enterprise growth, supporting rural regeneration and ensuring local communities are supported to make their towns, villages and parishes thriving places in which to live, work and raise a family. Last week, the Minister announced funding of more than €7 million for the local enhancement programme. That scheme has had a significantly positive impact on many communities and small organisations run by volunteers. For that we thank him. The Minister referred to a number of key achievements. His Department continues to work with towns and villages to ensure renewal and revitalisation. We see the growth that is bringing, along with the changes, enhancements and development to rural areas.”
“I thank the Minister for his comprehensive report. It is great to hear about the different developments. The 2022 census shows, for the first time, population growth throughout all counties. The number of people in employment has increased across the country. This growth comes with both challenges and opportunities. The Government is committed to balanced regional development. We recognise that the needs and wants of the population can be better fulfilled through more dispersed growth across Ireland. The nationwide roll-out of high-speed broadband and the increase in remote working hubs give people opportunities to work in the communities in which they grew up. We understand and recognise the distinct needs of, and opportunities that exist in, rural Ireland.”
“I thank the Minister of State. It is great to hear he has had talks with Uisce Éireann in recent weeks. I understand, like any agency, that it has its own challenges and it has a number of concerns. To make progress, however, we have to make changes. Uisce Éireann has to listen to the developers, councils, Ministers and Government about what is going on. If it is not going to listen, we will not be able to change, adapt or amend these issues and concerns people have. I know our councils have a number of land banks. We are looking for developers and for affordable and social housing. We have developers, and to have this hindering progress is not good enough. I appreciate the Minister of State taking the time to look into this individual case.”
“I know there are also issues with the ESB, finance and planning and we are trying to get those issues addressed, but Uisce Éireann is the one which is of great concern. I appreciate the Minister of State's reply.”
“After doing the necessary paperwork, carrying out the relevant procedures, and adhering to all the guidelines, rules and regulations, Irish Water has told him he will have to wait 16 weeks. We are right in the peak of good weather and it is very suitable for building, but having to wait four months is going to cause a number of delays. It is going to have a significant negative impact on him, his other developments and his staff. I ask that we have a look with Uisce Éireann to see what way it can streamline its process, especially for developments, and how it plans to change the existing structures to be more productive and beneficial for developers and for those who are in rural one-off houses. We are trying to get into an area where we have housing growth and development, and we have a number of challenges and factors.”
“I thank the Minister of State for joining us. This is an issue in Tipperary South and we all know that we are currently in a housing shortage nationwide. It is something that is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, however, we seem to have a number of challenges that are hindering the progress of housing, such as the reason for this Commencement matter. In Tipperary South, there is a housing developer who has a planning application in for 44 new homes. Forty four new homes in Cahir would substantially reduce the number of people on the housing list. It would be a good news story, positive and welcome. One of the planning conditions is that he has to have a water connection.”