Jerry Buttimer
Cork South-Central · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Its priority is to provide scheduled public transport services on the TFI network. It works with event organisers, operators, local authorities and An Garda Síochána to provide additional transport supports where it is possible to do so.”
“I commit to relaying the points the Senator has made on the floor of the House, and has conveyed to me in private, to the Department of Transport. To be fair to the Senator, it was not only this morning that he has articulated this. The travelling supporters of Kerry and Mayo deserve additional transport.”
“I understand from the company that the Expressway team is currently examining whether additional services on route 22 will be added on the morning of Sunday, 26 July.”
“In this case, for Kerry and Mayo, as the Senator rightly said, it will see a high demand for scheduled and additional services. The Senator has outlined the volume of tickets sales. This is the busiest time for scheduled intercity services anyway, given that it is peak summer time, and that is a priority.”
“I understand from speaking to Irish Rail that it hopes to be in a position to confirm the number of additional services later this week - I am hoping this will be today or tomorrow - and it will advise customers as soon as these services are available to book.”
“The Senator mentioned Sneem and Ventry. He and I will remember our great friends, the late, great John Egan and Paudie O'Shea, as well as the Senator's brother Tim. I get emotional because they were great GAA people. Cork and Kerry have the best supporters of the GAA.”
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“The aim behind it is to create an enabling environment where social innovations, including social enterprises, can avail of opportunities from philanthropic and corporate social responsibility quarters. The Trading for Impact stakeholder engagement group has commenced its work. It is made up of representatives from relevant Departments, networks and representative bodies. It will meet regularly and help to ensure that the lead bodies listed in the policy are held accountable for the delivery of their actions, although overall responsibility for the delivery of the policy will rest with my Department. The Trading for Impact stakeholder engagement group will be the overseer. The group has already met for the first time. The minutes of its meetings will be available when approved, and the group will continue to be open and transparent.”
“It will see the establishment of a social innovation hub to support innovative projects through targeted supports like mentoring, capacity building, access to information and financial support programmes. The European Social Fund+ for the period 2021 to 2027 will also see the Achieve Together social innovation coaching and mentoring programme enhance community services programme-supported organisations by increasing their capacity to apply for and manage supports from other sources at local, national and European level. Over the coming years, it is expected that mentors and coaches will be provided to about half of the CSP-supported organisations. As Members will know, the national philanthropy policy also comes under our remit.”
“Other programmes delivered by my Department also provide supports, including the community service programme, with 430 community-based organisations providing local, social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model. The SICAP programme has supported 1,603 social enterprises by providing training for disadvantaged groups, as well as the provision of advice, business supports and small grants and, as Members will know, LEADER supports under its economic development and job creation team. The recently announced new solutions social innovation fund has at its core its aim to enhance the social innovation ecosystem in Ireland, including social economy organisations. Co-funded through the European Social Fund+ for the period 2021 to 2027, its aim is to reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion.”
“This year my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and I announced that the Dormant Accounts Fund growing social enterprise scheme is worth €4 million, and again this scheme is about providing funding for 125 social enterprises for building works, repairs and refurbishments and the purchase of new machinery, vehicles and equipment to allow them to grow and expand. I very much welcome the establishment of the Trading for Impact stakeholder engagement group, which has been active. It is consulting with my officials to design a successor to the dormant accounts funding programme to commit to local social enterprises next year. It will ensure that the right supports are put in place to meet the challenges on the ground.”
“A sum of €14.9 million in dormant accounts funding has been used to provide capital support schemes, capacity building, training and mentoring programmes and awareness, raising support and growing and sustaining social enterprises, but it is actually about people and giving them opportunities. A total of €1.3 million in current expenditure has been directed at supporting the implementation of policy, including an annual national conference, network events, research, awareness training and capacity building.”
“I am aware, as Members are, of the commitment in the programme for Government for an annual SEED allocation of funding, and I am engaging with colleagues on this matter to ensure that we best support and meet the challenge of the sector. Since the launch of the first national social enterprise policy in 2019, the social enterprise unit in my Department has spent over €16 million on supporting social enterprises in Ireland. The Dormant Accounts Fund, as we all know, has a particular focus on supporting members of the Travelling community, migrants, former offenders and other marginal groups, improving the quality of life and delivery of service for disadvantaged communities.”
“The findings are key to understanding how important the sector is in Ireland and to move forward and progress by recognising what works, what does not work and, more importantly, what we can learn. What we have discovered is that there are 4,000 social enterprises operating across the country in all regions. In 2021, these brought in a total income of €2.3 billion. Through these enterprises 84,000 people are employed, totalling 3.7% of the workforce, with 75,000 volunteers participating in the sector and more than 30,000 voluntary board members. A total of 60% of social enterprises employ people through active labour market programmes. Approximately 15% of the social enterprises report they operate internationally.”
“It is about a partnership approach within the sector and with the sector to ensure that it reflects learnings from the first iteration of the policy and the development since that time. That engagement has included bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, including Government Departments, representative bodies and networks as well as a number of regional stakeholders. We have received 43 submissions after a public consultation process. I thank all involved in the public consultation process, which is very important. In addition, a number of reports and reviews were undertaken, including the OECD report of the first national social enterprise policy and the first national baseline data collection exercise of social enterprise in Ireland.”
“In July of last year, the Minister, Deputy Humphreys launched a second policy for Trading for Impact to cultivate and sustain a strong and impactful social enterprise sector in Ireland that enriches the social, environmental and economic well-being of our communities, with five key objects of the policy: building awareness of social enterprises, growing and sustaining them, supporting the green transition, increasing national and international engagement and impacting measurement. Senator Lynch, from her engagement with the European People's Party, has done an extraordinary job for us as Members of the Oireachtas, and we recognise the importance of that international engagement. Officials in my Department have extensively engaged with stakeholders in developing this new policy.”
“In a European context, the then Government signed the Luxembourg Declaration which commits to increased recognition and promoting a balanced developmental model to support the economic, social and environmental aspects of the social economy's growth. It aims to ensure a favourable ecosystem that leads to the expansion of the sector and champions social innovation as a driver of modernisation within the Single Market.”
“Very often, as Members know, they support people in disadvantaged areas, such as the unemployed, people with disabilities and the Traveller community, and address issues such as food poverty or supporting the circular economy. They make a hugely positive contribution in all of our communities. In July of 2017, the Government assigned responsibility for social enterprise to the Department of Rural and Community Development. This gave the opportunity for a policy development which complemented the Department's overarching policy remit as well as responding to research calling for a cohesive framework to support social enterprise that could realise its full potential. That first national policy was drafted in consultation with the sector in 2019.”
“It is by engagement and listening to colleagues that we can ensure we respond in a proactive way to the challenges Members raise to fully support the social enterprises within all of our communities and beyond. As Members know, social enterprise at its core is about achieving a social or environmental impact, rather than just maximising profits. They are part of the social economy and make a valuable contribution to social and economic progress through the creation of jobs and the delivery of a broad range of services in areas such as home care, childcare, retail, hospitality, environmental services and social housing.”
“As it is my first time here since the recess, I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Martin Groves and Ms Bridget Doody, who have left us. They are two fantastic public servants who have served this House and the Houses of the Oireachtas with distinction. I wish them every success in their next chapter. I thank them for their professionalism and dedication. I also wish the new Clerk of the Seanad every success. It is my pleasure to be here this afternoon to speak on the national social enterprise policy, Trading for Impact, which was launched last year. Last week, I had the pleasure of being in the Dáil to speak on social enterprise policy, and I listened carefully to the contributions of Members. It is my intention to do the same here today.”
“We are committed to investing in public transport. The proof is the envelope, that is, the funding I have outlined to the Deputy. We are investing. Contrast that with ten years ago and look at where we are today. There is a much better service and much better connectivity with an increased population.”
“I thank Deputy Lawless and remind him that the Government has invested €84 million in the rural transport programme. Some €116 million has been allocated to regular rural services. In addition, €40 million has been allocated to new services including new town services under Connecting Ireland and BusConnects. There has been success in rural transport. Some 70% of those living outside our cities will have access to public transport services providing at least three return trips to a nearby town each weekday. I take the Deputy's point about people moving back home. There is the housing challenge, which Government is committed to, but more than 100 new county town connections from settlements around county towns and 60 new regional intercity connections of all types have been put in place. Government is committed to rural Ireland.”
“It is all about ensuring the west of Ireland benefits equally, as the Minister, Deputy O'Brien has referenced, for example, through the upgrades at Ceannt Station and Oranmore Station. It is also about the expansion of rural transport in County Mayo under Connecting Ireland. I do not have time to go through them but the Deputy will know the routes in County Mayo that have been significantly improved and which are seeing increasing passenger numbers.”
“I want to get the details of the tractor the Deputy is referring to because that would be a fair old tractor no matter where you are coming from. Without being flippant, the Deputy is right. The Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan is important. As he knows, the Government is very much committed to rural Ireland. This year's all-island strategic rail review made 33 strategic recommendations, which include a proposal to reinstate the western rail corridor with a connection between Athenry and Claremorris. In addition, the review also noted other potential developments, including improved rail service frequency between Mayo and Athlone through the building of more passing loops. The Deputy makes a good point regarding frequency, connectivity and speed.”
“As Deputy Lawless knows, Connecting Ireland has been a major success, with over 175 new or improved services since 2022, linking 240-plus towns and villages to public transport. It has delivered 61 healthcare connections, including connections in the Deputy's county of Mayo, 41 connections to higher education and 71 linking to rail. In 2024 alone, nearly 8 million passenger journeys were made. Our Department supports the continued expansion of rural transport in line with our commitments in the programme for Government.”
“I am also pleased to share that in July of this year, Ireland's first-ever smart demand-responsive transport service was launched in Achill in Deputy Lawless's county. I commend the Minister, Deputy Calleary, for his role in this, along with the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney. This pilot marks a major milestone in rural mobility innovation. It is a flagship initiative designed to revolutionise how rural communities access public transport. As Deputy Lawless knows, the service introduces a flexible, door-to-door, app-based transport model tailored to local needs, offering greater convenience, accessibility and frequency. I and my colleagues in the Department look forward to seeing reports on its implementation over the coming months.”
“I thank Deputy Lawless for raising the importance of rail and bus connectivity in County Mayo. As Minister of State at the Department with responsibility for rural transport, I am delighted to say we have seen considerable investment in services throughout the country under the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan. In County Mayo especially, funding has gone up by 56% over the past two years. We saw a boost in passenger numbers by 72% between 2023 to 2024. As Deputy Lawless knows quite well, a great example of this continued investment can be seen in the launch of routes 460a and 460b, as recently as Monday of this week. These new routes will offer connectivity to regional bus services, Castlebar Station, Mayo hospital and the villages and areas between Castlebar and Achill Island.”
“On the Ryder Cup, I congratulate the European team, including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. Deputy Burke is right. We are committed to the Adare piece, but the Cork to Limerick part is equally important. I am confident that-----”
“I will try to get further information for Deputy Burke from TII about the question he raised on the timelines for the project.”
“I agree with Deputy Burke that, despite the challenges outlined, the growth necessitates that this road be expedited. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I in the Department of Transport, working with An Taoiseach and other members of Government, will do our damnedest to expedite the project delivery for this road. I fully concur with Deputy Burke. I travel that road regularly. The road was fine 50 years ago, but it is not any more for a variety of reasons, such as safety, connectivity and the congestion in the towns, as I mentioned earlier. I will certainly work with everyone to decrease the project's time. Equally, Deputy Burke raised another point we need to address, the land that is locked up. That is about the economic prosperity and further growth of the region from an economic point of view.”
“At this juncture I understand that Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, expects to submit a preliminary business case to the Department of Transport in the second half of next year. Given the scale of expenditure required, the project will require the approval of the Government at that stage before submission of statutory documents to An Coimisiún Pleanála, which will follow thereafter.”
“As Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, I know it is also about relieving congestion in towns such as Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville and improving the quality of life for residents in those towns. The project team issued updates in June 2024 and June 2025 to inform all stakeholders of progress to date and proposed next steps. Earlier this year the update provided further detail on the refinement of the route corridor and the impact on landowners. It also detailed junction designs, plans for transport hubs and the active travel infrastructure that is part of the project. A preferred route has been selected and the project team is currently engaging in the design and evaluation phase.”
“I thank the Deputy for the question and his ongoing advocacy on the need for the N20-M20 Cork-Limerick motorway. He and I share an urgent need to have this road completed. I wish he and I were not in the House again discussing this. It is a project of gargantuan importance. As Members will know, it involves 80 km of refurbishment and, at its core, the project will address many of the road safety concerns on the existing N20. I also commend Councillor Liam Madden on his work on this project. In addition, the project is aimed at improving connectivity between Cork and Limerick, increasing journey time reliability for passenger and freight traffic and improving the economic heartbeat of the region.”
“I look forward to seeing that happen for the residents and businesses in Mallow, but it is also part of Our Rural Future, and involves the Department of Transport and my other Department - the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. We want to see thriving towns like Mallow acting as a hub and offering a link. Part of that is an enhanced public transport offering.”
“The line Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I have €92 million more for roads this year and I hope we will have more next year in the budget. There is a real need for this funding. Deputy Colm Burke has a question on the Cork to Limerick motorway. We need that motorway. All of us who travel that road know that is the case from an economic point of view and from a safety point of view, and we want to see the motorway built. The sum of €700,000 has been allocated to the Mallow relief road. That scheme will provide increased scope for development and enhancement of the public realm. To be fair, we do need bicycle lanes and to support active travel measures. Mallow is a thriving town. Deputy O'Flynn is absolutely right. We want to see it grow and develop further.”
“It is important for overall connectivity that we make it easier for people and services there in terms of lighting and getting on and off at bus stops. I will visit Mallow with Deputy O'Flynn.”
“Perhaps the Deputy was not there. There is an issue in the centre of Mallow and going from A to B. There is traffic gridlock going to the roundabout heading towards the Killarney Road, coming from Fermoy, which requires a lot of patience and persistence by motorists and cyclists alike. However, let us look at what the Government has done in the town of Mallow in terms of the frequency of the rail service, investing in light rail and public transport, including Leap cards and the station in Mallow. I take the Deputy's point. There is more that we can do. The NTA and TFI Local Link are looking at the whole plan. There is a plan for a regular rural service in the morning and demand-response services.”
“I look forward to coming to visit Mallow. Deputy Colm Burke, who is sitting behind me, has also asked me to go there. I look forward to meeting with Deputy O'Flynn in Mallow. I visited Mallow recently.”
“In February this year, an Exchequer investment of €713 million for regional and local roads - as mentioned by the Deputy - across the State was also announced, under which Cork County Council received an allocation of approximately €83 million. In this allocation, €700,000 was put aside for the Mallow relief road. The scheme consists of a bypass of Mallow with the objective of removing east-west traffic from the town centre. The options selection phase has been completed, and as the Deputy is aware, a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected in April 2026. I will conclude on this point. The Government and I believe that the impact of the Mallow relief road project on traffic in Mallow town centre will be significant.”
“Route 515, connecting Mallow to Killarney, is at an advanced stage of planning and the commencement date is subject to the availability of funding. An increase in funding for public transport services, including rural transport, will be considered in the upcoming budget 2026 discussions. Any additional proposals are considered as part of an ongoing review of rural transport and town services. I am informed by the NTA that it has no current plans to introduce an orbital local bus service in Mallow. However, the NTA has told me that it will explore options to provide local public transport connections within Mallow on new and existing local and regional services, subject to securing relevant stopping place approvals and construction of bus stop infrastructure, which is important.”
“I thank Deputy O'Flynn for this very important question, and for his commitment to the people of Mallow. I look forward to working with him because we both share a desire to see the town of Mallow continue to flourish and develop. As he is aware, the National Transport Authority's Local Link and rural transport programme is, in the case of Cork, managed and administered in Cork by the Local Link offices in Bantry and Fermoy. Cork has seen considerable investment in regular rural bus services including the introduction of a number of new bus services. The route 530, connecting Fermoy and Mallow, began in August this year. Current passenger numbers are approximately 400 per week and are expected to grow over time as the route settles into operation. Route 243, from Newmarket to Cork via Mallow, was also enhanced in June.”
“If we took out the bus service, there would be nothing; I take the Deputy's point on that. However, the Government has been investing in those bus services, which he has not acknowledged at all. We are investing in new routes, new ideas and new connectivity, reducing socialisation marginalisation and connecting people. One example of that is students being able to travel to college.”
“I do not want to get into a political back and forth with Deputy Ward because I respect where he is coming from. However, if we look at the Local Link service in Donegal and talk to the TCU manager there, Fionnuala O'Shea, we see the investment in the 966, 959, 957, 954, 952 and 953 routes. People are using Local Link. If the Government had turned its back on Donegal and was not investing in it, as the Deputy claimed, those routes would not be there. We are investing. I take his point that Donegal is the only county, or one of the few counties, with no rail link. However, in terms of rural transport, the Government is connecting people. I meet them every day. I was struck by the people I met in Donegal in terms of the mobility and connectivity available to them.”
“The Government is prioritising connectivity in Donegal and the proof is in the roll-out of new and enhanced bus services. I take the Deputy's point on the need for further investment. We are looking at that.”
“I assure Deputy Ward that the Department, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, and I are aware of the needs of Donegal, which I visited in July. It is not correct that the Government has not invested in transport in Donegal. I referenced the Local Link service. We can see the phenomenal investment and growth in that service. I fully acknowledge the Deputy's personal stories of people who have to travel. I met some of those people on my visit to Donegal during the summer. It is important to recognise that the Department is reviewing the key programmes and projects in the transport envelope in the context of the national development plan. That capital funding envelope will include investment in the rail network. As I said, a decision will be made in the coming months within the available funding.”
“As the Minister of State responsible for rural transport, I commend Mary Coughlan and her team in the Local Link service in Donegal, which is a phenomenal success. The volume of people using those buses is extraordinary. More generally, the recently concluded Government review of the national development plan, NDP, has confirmed my Department’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030, and a decision on a programme of transport delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months. The important issue of connectivity in the north west will be considered as part of that final decision.”
“As part of this, a project prioritisation strategy on how to optimise the implementation of the review's recommendations is planned for publication later this year. Officials from my Department and the Department for Infrastructure have also been in contact in relation to sharing the findings of a high-level feasibility study from Translink examining the review's recommendation of connecting Derry and Portadown with a proposed spur to Letterkenny. This study and the ongoing EIB work will help to inform the progression of rail projects into the future. In addition, the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan saw the roll-out of a number of new and enhanced bus services in the north west last year, including to Letterkenny and Donegal town, implemented by the Donegal-Sligo-Leitrim transport co-ordination unit, TCU.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I am taking this question on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, who regrets he cannot be here. As the Deputy will be aware, the final report of the all-island strategic rail review was published in July of last year. The review's recommendations for County Donegal involve the development of a new rail line from Letterkenny to Derry, which connects to a new proposed rail line linking Derry to Portadown. The programme for Government commits to working collaboratively to act on the rail review. Assisted by the European Investment Bank, EIB, advisory services, my Department, the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland and agencies across the island are working to progress the rail review's recommendations for the years ahead.”
“As Minister of State with responsibility in this area, I am, along with the Minister, committed to ensuring support continues and grows in a targeted way, led by the actions contained in Trading for Impact. I look forward to seeing the impact these enterprises have on our people and communities. I also look forward to working with every Member of the House. I again thank Members for their contributions.”
“They often provide opportunities where none previously existed. I want to continue to work with people. I will travel to the National Social Enterprise Awards in October. I will engage at the national annual conference in Ballinasloe in November. As we conclude proceedings, we can agree, I hope, that the debate has been positive. There are challenges and issues raised that we must look at. As a Minister of State in the Department, I look forward to figuring out solutions, working on the problems and meeting with and hearing from people first hand. Our social enterprise policy represents an ambitious step forward in the Government’s ongoing commitment to social enterprise.”
“We are all familiar with the CSP projects operating in communities throughout Ireland, as well as the SICAP and LEADER programmes, and the impact they are having. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, and I are mindful of the significant support provided by other policies under the remit of our Department - the volunteering strategy, the philanthropy strategy and the broader rules strategy - which provide a strong foundation to help enterprises to thrive. I will continue to work with people in the sector. As I travel across the country, I look forward to continuing my work. I attended the Dublin City Council Social Enterprise Awards ceremony a couple of weeks ago. I was struck by the fact that eight social enterprises were recognised. They are thriving and bringing life-changing opportunities to their communities and people.”
“I do not know what some people are saying, but I do not believe it can be denied that my Department continues to invest considerable resources in the growth and development of the sector, not only through the Dormant Accounts Fund but also through current funding. This funding will continue to be directed at growing and developing the capital supports required by enterprises, as well as soft supports such as capacity building, leadership development, strategic planning and increasing readiness for more mainstream financial supports to help these companies grow and prosper. I am proud of the support my Department gives the development of these enterprises which do much to help our communities.”
“I look forward to working with the policy stakeholder engagement group and its various subgroups and delivery partners who will oversee delivery of the policy and who have already started work on that. As I visit social enterprises across the country, I see thriving, sustainable organisations adding billions to our economy while helping and supporting people and working to create a better world and better communities. I look forward to further concrete evidence, details and data collection. I am a big believer in data collection and impact measurement, which is not about reducing programmes but about targeting and getting things right for people.”
“It is more ambitious in scope than the first policy and will help to cultivate and sustain a strong and impactful social enterprise sector, one that will enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of our communities. The considerable outreach undertaken in developing the policy was worthwhile. As a result of the stakeholder engagement that occurred, we know, as part of the policy, what people want and what we can accomplish. The objectives of these engagements identified for inclusion in the policy are truly important and fitting as the sector continues to develop. The hard work begins now: putting in money and support and keeping the priority there.”
“It is my intention, working with all in this House and my colleagues in government, to deliver on that commitment through the implementation of the Trading for Impact social enterprise policy, which will provide critical support for people. Deputy Donnelly is right. Opportunity to make a real difference in our communities is what this is about. I stand for that. The policy is a blueprint for sustainable growth in the sector in the coming years and is a testament to all the people and organisations who contributed to its development. I congratulate everybody involved in the social enterprise space for the many long hours of dedication and hard work that make this policy a real, lived reflection of this sector every day.”
“These enterprises delivered services, hot meals, connectivity and vital supports in challenging times for the people who needed them most. During his tour of Mayo, the Deputy forgot to mention Ballina Costume Company, which pivoted from being a costume-making and rental company to being a producer and supplier of protective clothing for use in hospitals and care homes. That was done with no thought of a reward; it was just the right thing to do. It is more important than ever that we in government deliver for people. That is why the programme for Government contains a commitment to support the vital role of social enterprise, recognising its value to local economies and society in general.”
“The points made today are valid and pertinent. I will take them on board, particularly those relating to procurement. That is one we need to look at further. It is clear from today’s statements that there is an immense impact in our communities. We are talking about are businesses, but I have to disagree with Deputy Gibney. They are businesses with a heart, a social conscience and a social consciousness. That challenges everybody. They are transformative. The policy will be supported. It is about opportunity. I recognise their importance to our communities. I was involved in the community network before I became a politician. I understand the clear pathway that exists. We can look at the impact social enterprises had on our communities during Covid. Deputy Lawless mentioned Storm Éowyn.”