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 programme for Government commits to increasing funding for new roads as part of the NDP, the maintenance of existing roads and the protection and renewal of the road network to address maintenance backlogs. As the Senator said, it is about ensuring we deliver this project. I look forward to working with the Senator in the coming months to make sure we get this road prioritised for him and the people of Listowel.”
“It will improve journey time certainty and have quality-of-life impacts on road users. The project will enable safer journeys and the improved connectivity will strengthen tourism in the area while relieving congestion and delays within the heritage town of Listowel. In diverting traffic away from the town centre, the project will reduce noise and improve air quality. In addition, with traffic redirected to the Listowel bypass, the existing route will be developed to facilitate safer cycling and walking routes. I will take back the Senator's concerns to the Department and work with him to champion this issue because it is important.”
“In 2024, approximately €4.7 million was allocated for the construction of new national roads in Kerry, with an additional €9.7 million being allocated for the improvement of the existing network. This was in addition to the allocation of €118 million in Exchequer capital funding that was allocated for the national road network in County Kerry between 2020 and 2023, which has resulted in many improvements to the network, as demonstrated, as we have said, by the Listowel bypass, which was completed last summer. I am conscious of the necessary improvement to this lifeline and gateway to the west, as the Senator put it, and that it is just a 1.7 km stretch. This important project, aimed at enhancing regional accessibility and improving connectivity in the south west, will be of benefit to the region.”
“As Members will be aware, the greater portion of the funding in the NDP becomes available in the second half of this decade, which has meant that up until now, there has been a constraint on the spending of money. However, €411 million of Exchequer capital funding was provided for national roads through TIl to local authorities last year and the allocations for this year will be announced in the coming weeks. l understand from TII that Kerry County Council has not been in a position, as the Senator said, to prioritise a scheme for the N69 from Bolton's Cross to the Tim Kennelly roundabout due to the many competing demands for these resources, which have been required to fund other high-priority schemes, such as the Listowel bypass, which, as the Senator said, has been a huge success.”
“As Members will be aware, this funding will do a number of things. It will enable improved regional accessibility as well as allowing for growth, which are key strategic outcomes. It will also provide for the development of numerous national road projects and include projects that are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others. A major priority in the NDP, in line with the Department's investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network. The NDP will have about €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of existing national roads over the ten-year period to 2030, allocated evenly across the decade. This includes minor improvement projects, safety schemes such as junction upgrades and road realignment and pavement renewal.”
“I thank Senator Kennelly for raising the matter with me. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Transport. I know the road in question is of particular importance to the Senator. Road safety is a priority for us as a Government. The Minister for Transport is responsible for the overall policy and Exchequer funding for the national roads programme. TII delivers the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the national planning framework and the national development plan, NDP. The Senator mentioned copying and pasting. I will not insult Senator Kennelly with some of the remarks in the prepared script but I am conscious that this is an important road for him and the people of Listowel. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP.”
“Tá spriocanna sa chlár Rialtais i leith na teanga agus beidh mé ag obair agus ag comhoibriú le mo chomhghleacaithe Rialtais i dtreo na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach. Mar fhocail scoir, guím gach rath ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2025 agus tá súil agam go mbainfidh gach duine sásamh as a bhfuil de Ghaeilge acu a úsáid inniu le linn na seachtaine seo agus go deimhin le linn na bliana amach romhainn.”
“Chomh maith leis an bpolasaí nua don oideachas Gaeltachta, tá an Roinn Oideachais anois i mbun oibre ar pholasaí nua don oideachas lán-Ghaeilge lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt. Tá siad ag obair, chomh maith, ar phlean gnímh dhá bhliain a fhorbairt chun tacú le teagasc agus le foghlaim na Gaeilge i scoileanna meán-Bhéarla, plean a bheidh le foilsiú i mbliana freisin. Tá freagracht orainn go léir, gach Roinn de chuid an Rialtais agus gach ball den Oireachtas, ár gcuid a dhéanamh ar son na Gaeilge. Mar Aire Stáit, leanfaidh mé agus mo Roinn ag comhoibriú leis na Ranna Stáit go léir i leith na Gaeilge, ag cinntiú go n-éiríonn leis an Rialtas na spriocanna sa chlár Rialtais a chur i bhfeidhm. Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge agus í á labhairt i measc an phobail, sna Gaeltachtaí agus in áiteanna eile ar fud na cathrach, na tíre agus na cruinne.”
“De réir fhigiúirí na Roinne, mar a dúirt mé, ghlac breis is 27,000 foghlaimeoir páirt i gcúrsaí d’fhoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge anuraidh. Fágann sé seo tuairim is infheistíocht sa bhreis ar €6 mhilliún á dhéanamh ag mo Roinn san earnáil seo faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta. Sa bhreis air seo, ceadaíodh ciste €900,000 chun leathnú suntasach a dhéanamh ar an gciste scoláireachta do scoláirí in iarbhunscoileanna DEIS chun freastal ar chúrsaí Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht le linn an tsamhraidh seo romhainn. Faoin gciste breise atá ceadaithe, beidh níós mó ná 800 scoláire in aghaidh na bliana, mar a dúirt mé, as iarbhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlama sa Ghaeltacht.”
“Tá éacht déanta ag scoileanna Gaeltachta na tíre seo mar thoradh ar an scéim aitheantais scoileanna Gaeltachta ach tá obair fós le déanamh. Ar an mbonn sin, tá obair tosaithe ag an Roinn Oideachais i dtreo polasaí nua a fhorbairt. Tá taighde fadtréimhseach á chur i gcrích i láthair na huaire a bheidh mar bhonn eolais don pholasaí nua, agus tá oifigigh na Roinne i mbun plé leis na scoileanna le roinnt míonna anuas chun tús a chur leis an gcomhairliúchán cuí. Tá mórán scéimeanna ag mo Roinn a thacaíonn agus a chuireann le obair na Roinne Oideachais sa chóras trí chéile. Cuireann scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge deiseanna breise foghlama agus saibhriú teanga ar fáil sna ceantair Ghaeltachta d’fhoghlaimeoirí lasmuigh den gcóras oideachais.”
“Bhí díospóireacht anseo sa Dáil inné maidir leis an oideachas trí Ghaeilge. Thug an rún seo deis do Theachtaí Dála plé a dhéanamh ar an dul chun cinn suntasach atá déanta sa chóras oideachais le blianta beaga anuas i dtaobh na Gaeilge de. Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge a bhfuil pobal beo labhartha aici. Tá an Rialtas ag iarraidh an pobal sin a bhuanú agus a neartú tríd an infheistíocht go léir agus an chistíocht a chuirtear ar fáil. Aithním, agus aithníonn na hAirí, na Teachtaí McEntee agus Calleary, go bhfuil tuilleadh dul chun cinn le déanamh sa réimse seo agus go bhfuil dúshláin os ár gcomhair, ach caithfear a admháil go bhfuil an-chuid bainte amach againn ar gá a aithint agus creidiúint a thabhairt don obair sin go léir.”
“Beart an-phraiticiúil agus an-tábhachtach, dar liom, is ea gréasán Ghaeilge na nearnála poiblí. Forbairt pobail is ea é seo, pobal na seirbhíse poiblí agus, mar a dúirt mé, ba chóir dúinne go léir a bheith ag spreagadh ár bhfoirne clárú leis an ngréasán seo. Is as seo a fhásfaidh deiseanna dóibh an teanga a úsáid ina gcuid oibre, mar a dúirt an Seanadóir Flaherty, ó lá go lá agus is as a leithéid seo a thiocfaidh fás orthu sin a bheidh sásta freastal ar an bpobal ina rogha teanga. Mar bhall den Rialtas agus mar Aire Stáit, beidh mé ag tapú gach aon deis a fhaighim an teanga a úsáid agus a chur chun cinn aon slí ar féidir liom. Tá spriocanna dúshlánacha sa chlár Rialtais ach creidim go mbeidh an Rialtas seo in ann na spriocanna sin a bhaint amach nó a chur i bhfeidhm.”
“I mo cheantar nó mo chathair féin, cathair Chorcaí - cosúil le seisear ball sa Teach inniu, na Seanadóirí Lynch, Cosgrove, Harmon, Ryan agus Murphy O’Mahony - tá agus bíonn a lán rudaí ar siúl ó thaobh na Gaeilge, ní hamháin sa chathair féin ach sa cheantar máguaird freisin. Ar ndóigh, tá cáil na teanga ar Chorcaigh de bharr a chóngaraí is atá sé de cheantar Gaeltachta Mhúscraí agus Oileán Chléire, agus go deimhin Gaeltachtaí eile na Mumhan, idir Corca Dhuibhne, Uíbh Ráthach agus Gaeltacht na nDéise sa Rinn. Tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta a chuid a dhéanamh ar son na teanga don chainteoir Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, sa bhaile seirbhíse, sa líonra Gaeilge agus go deimhin in aon áit ar fud an oileáin seo. Luaigh an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus na bearta éagsúla atá ag teacht as an Acht sin.”
“Cuireadh tús le Gaeltarra Éireann, mar a dúirt mé, in 1957 agus tháinig Údarás na Gaeltachta ina dhiaidh sin in 1980 chun deiseanna forbartha agus fostaíocht a thabhairt do phobal na Gaeltachta. Cloisim an méid a dúirt an t-iarAire Stáit agus é ag caint mar gheall ar fhadhbanna Údarás na Gaeltachta agus cuirfidh mé na smaointe sin ar aghaidh chuig an Aire sinseartha. Creidim féin gur forbairt phobail atá ar bun againn go fóill tríd an gcóras pleanála teanga. Tá infheistíocht mhór déanta agus á déanamh ag an Stát i bpobal na Gaeilge ar fud na tíre; pobail á neartú, á mbuanú, á bhforbairt tríd an teanga, an Ghaeilge.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Ghníomhach. Tá an Ghaeilge go flúirseach aici. Déanaim comhghairdeas le gach Ball a bhí páirteach sa díospóireacht iontach seo. Cloisim gach Seanadóir agus na smaointe a roinn siad liom. Tá an ceart ag Senator Higgins go bhfuil Raidió na Life go hiontach agus tá na hamhráin agus an ceol ar Raidió na Gaeltachta ar fheabhas ar fad freisin. Caithfidh mé a rá gur breá an rud é dom deis a bheith agam labhairt leis an Teach i dteanga na tíre seo agus teanga atá á labhairt, á foghlaim agus á ceiliúradh i mórán áiteanna ar fud an domhain agus muid ag ceiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge. Ar ndóigh, mar Aire Stáit atá freagrach as forbairt pobal, tuigim an dlúthcheangal idir forbairt an phobail agus forbairt na teanga, ní hamháin sa Ghaeltacht ach ar fud an oileáin.”
“Cuirfidh an straitéis seo bonn níos láidre faoi na healaíona teangabhunaithe nuair a bheidh na moltaí atá inti curtha i bhfeidhm. Tá infheistíocht mhór á déanamh againn freisin in Oireachtas na Gaeilge chun ealaíona teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge a fhorbairt, a threisiú agus a chur chun cinn. Agus sinn ag caint anseo le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge, ní mór dúinn smaoineamh ar an nua-Éireannaigh nó na daoine éagsúla atá ag teacht chun maireachtáil inár measc. Tacaíonn mo Roinn leis an bpobal seo tríd an scéim Céad Míle Fáilte.”
“Creidim gur deis iontach í seo d'óige na tíre. Mairimid inniu sa ré digiteach agus ní mór do phobal na Gaeilge feidhmiú sa ré nua seo; ré dúshlánach do phobail teanga ar nós pobal na Gaeilge. Chuige seo, d'fhoilsigh an Rialtas plean digiteach don Ghaeilge i mí na Nollag 2022 le go mbeadh pobal na teanga in ann feidhmiú go héifeachtach sa ré nua seo. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an bplean leas a bhaint as acmhainní teicneolaíochta agus digiteacha chun tacú le húsáid na Gaeilge ar ardáin dhigiteacha éagsúla, lena n-áirítear suíomhanna gréasáin, na meáin shóisialta, áiseanna oideachais, áiseanna do dhaoine faoi mhíchumas agus uirlisí digiteacha eile. Forbairt eile fíorthábhachtach is ea an straitéis d'ealaíona teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge 2024-27, a foilsíodh anuraidh.”
“Gan dabht, léiríonn scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, atá ar bun le breis is 50 bliain, é sin. Léiríonn figiúirí na Roinne gur ghlac breis is 27,000 foghlaimeoir páirt i gcúrsaí ag coláistí Gaeltachta faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge an bhliain seo caite. Mar aon le bearta eile, beidh níos mó ná €6 mhilliún á infheistiú ag mo Roinn go bliantúil san earnáil seo faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar leas na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta amach anseo. Is infheistíocht shuntasach í sin. Cuireadh tús leis an scéim DEIS Gaeltachta in 2019, sé sin scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta do dhaltaí i scoileanna DEIS, agus i mbliana ceadaíodh ciste €900,000 chun an scéim a leathnú amach. Beimid ag súil go mbeidh os cionn 800 scoláire in aghaidh na bliana as na hiarbhunscoileanna DEIS ar fud na tíre in ann tairbhe a bhaint as tréimhse foghlama sa Ghaeltacht.”
“Is réimse mór oibre sa bhreis ar na cúraimí traidisiúnta a bhíodh ar an údarás é seo ach tá rólanna an údaráis anois fite fuaite lena chéile. Chun tacú leis an údarás san obair atá ar siúl aige agus ag na hoifigigh pleanála teanga le húsáid na Gaeilge a spreagadh i measc lucht gnó sa Ghaeltacht, cheadaigh mo Roinn maoiniú don údarás le linn na bliana le dhá chlár nua tacaíochta trí-bliana a fhorbairt agus a sholáthar i mbliana. Ar ndóigh, tá mórán scéimeanna tacaíochta don phobal teanga á chur ar fáil ag mo Roinn dár gcéad ghlúin eile, cúntóirí teanga, clár na gcluichí Gaelacha, clár aclaíochta agus spóirt agus scéim na gcampaí samhraidh ina measc. Is scéimeanna iad seo a thacaíonn le foghlaimeoirí agus le cainteoirí baile araon. Léiríonn na scéimeanna arís an comhoibriú le Roinn Stáit eile, an Roinn Oideachais sa chás seo.”
“Bunaíodh Foras na Gaeilge breis is 25 bliain ó shin mar cheann d'áisíneachtaí an Fhorais Teanga Thuaidh-Theas, a bunaíodh faoi Chomhaontú Aoine an Chéasta. Tá mórán bainte amach ag Foras na Gaeilge le linn an ama sin agus gabhaim buíochas leis as a cheannaireacht ghníomhach agus é i mbun a chuid oibre ag buanú agus ag forbairt na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail ar fud an oileáin. Ar ndóigh, baineann dúshláin leis an struchtúr Thuaidh-Theas ach caithfear a rá, ar an iomlán, go bhfuil dul chun cinn ollmhór déanta ó bunaíodh an foras. Beidh mé ag súil gur féidir leanúint leis an dul chun cinn sin faoin Rialtas seo. Is ceann de na nithe is suntasaí faoin gcóras pleanála teanga é an ról nua a tugadh d'Údarás na Gaeltachta sna ceantair Ghaeltachta.”
“Is scéim fhíorthábhachtach eile é scéim na gcúntóirí teanga, atá leathnaithe amach go dtí na bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na líonraí le cúpla bliain anuas. Is scéimeanna fíorthábhachtacha iad seo a oibríonn ó lá go lá ar an talamh i measc an phobail. Sna blianta amach romhainn, beifear ag tabhairt tús áite don obair chun seirbhísí óige sa Ghaeltacht a fhorbairt agus a leathnú amach ar bhonn lárnach, rud atá á éileamh le fada anois. Ar ndóigh, tá sé ríthábhachtach go ndéanfaimis infheistíocht inár n-óige, an chéad ghlúin eile. Agus muid ag caint ar an bpleanáil teanga, táthar ag caint ar phobal an oileáin uile agus ar an gcomhoibriú eadrainn go léir ar an oileán agus muid ag buanú agus ag neartú ár bpobal tríd an teanga.”
“Tá dul chun cinn mór déanta ag an bpróiseas ó cuireadh tús leis. Inniu, tá 26 limistéar pleanála teanga chomh maith le cúig líonra Gaeilge agus naoi mbaile seirbhíse Gaeltachta i mbun oibre. Chomh maith leis an maoiniú bliantúil a chuireann mo Roinn ar fáil ón gciste d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d'Fhoras na Gaeilge chun tacú le hullmhú agus feidhmiú pleananna teanga, cuirtear cistíocht ar fáil dá réir do roinnt eagraíochtaí eile, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Ealaín na Gaeltachta agus Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta ina measc, chun cur ar a gcumas tacaíochtaí praiticiúla breise a chur ar fáil ar leas an phróisis. Tá obair fhíorthábhachtach á déanamh ag na heagraíochtaí seo agus méadú mór tagtha ar an maoiniú airgid atá ar fáil dóibh ar mhaithe lena gcuid seirbhísí a leathnú amach do na limistéir pleanála teanga go léir.”
“Tacófar leis an oideachas trí Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht agus ar fud na tíre agus breathnóidh an Rialtas ar bhealaí chun dul i ngleic leis na dúshláin phleanála, tithíochta agus bhonneagair sna ceantair Ghaeltachta. Tá mo Roinn agus an Roinn Oideachais ag obair go dlúth le chéile ag léiriú tiomantas an Rialtas seo don teanga. Tá mórán infheistíochta á dhéanamh ag an Stát i gcur chun cinn na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail cheana féin agus, dá thoradh sin, tá go leor oibre ar bun i measc an phobail i bhforbairt na teanga ar fud an oileáin. Ní féidir an infheistíocht sin a shéanadh. Ní ar mo Roinn amháin a luíonn an fhreagracht an Ghaeilge a bhuanú mar theanga phobail ach ar gach Roinn eile; mar shampla, an Roinn Oideachais, mar a luaigh mé. Tá an próiseas pleanála teanga i gcroílár na hoibre seo.”
“Mar Aire Stáit, táim freagrach as an nGaeltacht agus an Ghaeilge. Tá an tAire, an Teachta Calleary, ag obair ar na hoileáin agus ar an nGaeltacht freisin. Táim an-sásta an fhreagracht seo a iompar. Tá a fhios againn go raibh sé sin á éileamh ag pobal na Gaeilge le roinnt blianta agus tá sé tábhachtach domsa go pearsanta chomh maith. Tá suim ar leith agam sa Ghaeilge agus go háirithe i bpobal na Gaeltachta agus pobal na teanga, mar a deirim, ar fud an oileáin. Níl mórán Gaeilge agam ach táim ag déanamh cleachtaidh agus í a athfhoghlaim an t-am go léir. Tá mo Roinn ag tabhairt tacaíochta d'Údarás na Gaeltachta agus d'Fhoras na Gaeilge chun a gcuid oibre a dhéanamh.”
“Chuige sin, tuigimid cé chomh tábhachtach atá sé reachtaíocht agus polasaithe cuí a bheith againn agus a chinntiú go ndéanfar feidhmiú de réir na reachtaíochta agus polasaithe á gcur i bhfeidhm. Bhain an Rialtas deireanach mórán amach agus tá an Rialtas seo tiomanta do thacú leis an obair mhaith atá ar bun maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge agus a phobal labhartha ag gach leibhéal. Léiríonn an chistíocht mhéadaithe atá curtha ar fáil ag an Stát don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht arís i mbliana, ar fiú €106 milliún í, tiomantas an Rialtais do chur chun cinn na teanga agus do phobal na Gaeltachta, tobar na teanga. Is ardú de €6 milliún ar chiste na bliana seo caite é sin. Tá clár Rialtas uaillmhianach againn i leith na teanga agus beidh muid ag obair i dtreo na spriocanna seo a bhaint amach.”
“Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach as ucht an post nua a fháil. Tá brón ar an Aire, an Teachta Calleary, nach bhfuil sé anseo. Tá sé in easnamh. Mar Aire Stáit sa Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, fáiltím roimh an deis labhairt leis an Seanad le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta. Is pribhléid é dúinne sa tír seo go bhfuil ár dteanga dhúchais againn. Is iad ár dteanga, ár dtraidisiúin agus ár gcultúr atá ag croílár an phobail anseo in Éirinn pé áit ar fud an oileáin ina bhfuilimid. Tuigimid uile cé chomh tábhachtach atá sé don Stát infheistíocht a dhéanamh sa teanga chun a chinntiú go mbeadh sí á labhairt ag na glúnta atá le teacht.”
“I hope we will work together to ensure that we can do a dedicated footpath renewal programme within our small, local regional areas - in particular, as the Senator said, in the non-larger urban areas. I thank him for that.”
“This investment is hugely beneficial to society, our health and our environment and, in particular, will contribute to a reduction in carbon emissions as part of the Government’s climate action plan. It will also support projects, as the Government will, in both urban and rural Ireland as the Government seeks to change the nature of transport in Ireland. The footpath renewal programme, footpaths, greenways and active travel are very important. The Senator is right. When we go beyond the speed limit in many villages and small towns, there is a gap and a deficit. In my constituency on Waterfall Road from Heatherfield to Bishopstown, there is a huge gap, and similarly in the Senator’s Enniscorthy electoral area. I again thank him for raising the matter and providing me with an opportunity to address the matter in the House.”
“The Department of Transport has responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions in regard to active travel. Funding is administered through the NTA, which, in partnership with the local authorities, has responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area. I hope that consideration will be taken of the experience of people like the Senator, who is an active resident, citizen and public representative in respect of the benefits we can see from the investment in that footpath programme. The modal shift away from private car use toward sustainable transport modes such public transport, walking and cycling is a key aim of Government. As of the end of last year, €1 billion had been spent on walking and cycling infrastructure since 2020.”
“I will ask my officials to bear in mind the Senator's suggestions regarding a designated active travel fund for small rural towns and villages during these discussions.”
“On the Senator's specific question regarding the selection of projects that receive funding under the NTA’s active travel programme, this is solely a matter for the local authorities and the NTA and, as he will be aware, neither the Minister or the Department has a role in this process. Nevertheless, I will take on board the Senator's points regarding direct input. He is correct and, as a former councillor for Enniscorthy, he is well aware of the needs of his area and similar areas. I thank him for raising the matter. Notwithstanding what I have outlined, Department of Transport officials liaise with their counterparts in the NTA regularly in respect of overall funding of the active travel programme.”
“I am delighted we overachieved on our targeted spend for the past two years, with approximately €340 million invested through the NTA in walking and cycling projects in 2023 alone and an additional €321 million invested in 2024. The safe routes to school programme is funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority. It was launched in 2021 with the aim of supporting walking, scooting and cycling to primary and post-primary schools and creating safer walking and cycling routes within communities through the provision of infrastructural interventions.”
“Providing viable active travel infrastructure in both rural and urban areas is vital for encouraging a modal shift away from private car use where possible, which, I am sure the Senator will agree, is a key priority as we try to meet our carbon emission reduction targets. The Department's active travel funding also allows for dedicated active travel staff within the local authorities, including the 19 local authorities outside the greater Dublin area and the regional cities that did not receive active travel funding before 2021. Approximately 240 staff in place throughout the country are tasked with delivering the significant number of active travel projects in which the Department is currently investing.”
“The Senator is nonetheless correct that there should be a liaison with the local authority, the district engineer and the NTA in regard to the matter he has raised. A large number of projects are in the pipeline for delivery around the country in the coming years and as such, we are moving into a space of project prioritisation whereby funding will be allocated to the areas of greatest impact. While this may sometimes favour urban areas, the NTA will continue to work with local authorities to identify viable projects in both urban and rural areas that should receive funding. I assure the Senator there is no rule in place whereby funding must only be spent in our cities and larger towns.”
“A total of €290 million has been allocated to the active travel programme alone in 2025, with a further €67 million allocated to greenways this year. It is important we move quickly to reduce our carbon emissions and in doing so, we must promote a modal shift away from private car use. This will not be achieved without the provision of alternative transport modes such as active travel. In respect of active travel funding, the NTA works with local authorities to identify projects that would benefit from investment through its active travel programme. These projects are usually based in cities, towns, both large and small, and rural villages. There are many examples of projects throughout the country that have received funding outside the larger urban areas.”
“This is evidenced in the commitments under various policy documents including the programme for Government, the climate action plan and the Department of Transport's national sustainable mobility plan, as well as in the significant increase in funding for walking and cycling measures over recent years. The Government is committed to the provision of improved and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure in both urban centres and towns and villages throughout Ireland. The programme for Government has committed approximately €360 million per annum for the period 2021 to 2025 for walking and cycling infrastructure, the majority of which will be allocated to local authorities through the National Transport Authority, NTA’s, active travel infrastructure programme.”
“I congratulate the Senator on his election to Seanad Éireann and wish him well. I thank him for raising this important matter relating to active travel funding for small rural towns and villages. He is correct; the issue of ring-fencing money for rural villages is an important one and I will bring this back to the Department. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The Government is committed to the funding of active travel and to achieving a modal shift in transport and increasing the number of active travel journeys over the coming years.”
“This will provide the foundation for implementing the recommendations identified, including the progression of proposals for the future management of the plains. I reiterate that it is the intention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to ensure that the Curragh Plains are protected, while also ensuring the maximum benefit for all stakeholders. I look forward to Senator O'Loughlin engaging further on this matter and I thank her for bringing it to the attention of the House.”
“I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her comments. As the Minister with responsibility for defence, the Tánaiste is the custodian and guardian of the Curragh lands pursuant to the provisions of the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961. Under the latter, the Curragh Plains are recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces, as well as being a place of historic and cultural importance. As I have stated previously, the Tánaiste remains fully committed to pursuing a modern and sustainable regulatory model in the management of the historically important landscape that is the Curragh. I will convey Senator O'Loughlin's comments on the timeline. The Curragh Plains conservation management plan, which was finalised and published last December, is under consideration by officials in the Department of Defence.”
“It also aims to balance the needs of the respective users of the Curragh Plains while caring for its natural qualities, providing clear policies for its sustainable future use. The Government is committed to the implementation of these recommendations to address the opportunities and challenges, as can be seen by its inclusion in the programme for Government. I thank Senator O'Loughlin for raising this issue repeatedly and for her advocacy and work on the matter in the Chamber. I assure her it is the intention of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to ensure that the Curragh Plains, as an important element of our shared heritage, are protected, while also ensuring maximum benefit for the local population and for those who come to visit the area.”
“The report also identified the need to consider, as the Senator said, a new dedicated agency to be responsible for the Curragh or to assign responsibility for the site to an existing agency with the necessary expertise to maximise the potential of the plains. Throughout the project, the Department of Defence and Kildare County Council remained cognisant of the need to have in place a means of ensuring the conservation of this ancient landscape, while also enabling the area to receive the recognition it deserves. The plan has laid out opportunities by means of which the area can be uniquely identified and has also scoped out the development potential of the area as a high-value visitor attraction.”
“As the Senator will be aware, the Department of Defence has been collaborating with Kildare County Council for several years on the Curragh consultancy project, seeking to develop a suitable future management method and to highlight the importance and significance of the heritage associated with the Curragh Plains. The project came to completion in December 2024 when the Curragh Plains conservation management plan and the associated branding, interpretation and wayfinding strategy were published by the then Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin. The consultation process identified the need for a review of the Curragh by-laws and the Curragh of Kildare Act 1961 and potential amendments to provide effective solutions to challenges faced.”
“The Department of Defence does not accept that those occupying these encampments have any right to reside on the Curragh Plains and, as such, has engaged with the Chief State Solicitor's office, CSSO, in anticipation of any potential trespassing to ensure all legal steps are taken promptly to protect the plains. In the case of trespass or criminal damage, it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to police the situation and my Department has engaged with the force on this issue. In terms of addressing the challenges in the long term, the Department of Defence is working to ensure we move to a modern and sustainable regulatory model in managing this historically important landscape.”
“Additionally, the plains are used by sheep owners, who avail of rights of pasture on the lands, and by locals and visitors to Kildare as a major natural amenity. We all love the Curragh and have a strong affinity with it. As the Senator rightly said, the Curragh is approximately 4,870 acres and is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country. While I would not wish to see this level of accessibility diminished, as a public representative from the locality, I know the Senator is acutely aware this has presented several challenges for the management of illegal camping and illegal dumping, as she rightly said. Last year saw many illegal encampments set up over the summer months, which caused a great deal of disruption and anxiety to everybody.”
“I thank Senator O'Loughlin for bringing this matter to the attention of the House. I am responding on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence who cannot, unfortunately, be here today. He has asked me to convey his apologies. To be fair to the Senator, she has raised this matter on numerous occasions in this House, including in her Private Member's Bill. As we all know, the Curragh, as State land vested in the Minister for Defence, is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces, as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance, as Senator O'Loughlin rightly said. The main occupiers are the Defence Forces in the Curragh Camp, and the Curragh Racecourse, which leases a large tract of land.”
“The Senator will be aware that the protection and renewal of existing national roads are a priority for the Government. The majority of funding allocated for Galway last year was utilised for this purpose. The funding is used for junction improvement, pavement renewal, road safety improvement, the maintenance of structures such as bridges and the progression of minor improvement projects. As the Senator said, this road comes under many categories and deserves to be supported. I will bring the Senator's concerns and comments back to the Department.”
“I accept the Senator's comment that he is disappointed by the reply. The national roads allocation for this year will be announced in the near future. The Government is committed to funding road projects and the N59 fits into this category. As the Senator knows, the project is progressing and is a major project in terms of being in or near the end of construction. It comes under the national roads framework in terms of protection and renewal, enhancing road safety and is in line with national development policy and Government policy. I do not see any reason the N59 project cannot be proceeded with further. As the Senator said, it is very much part of the NDP. I am happy to work with the Senator to ensure the Department and TII will consider this project for funding in future years.”
“Work on tender documents for advance works are complete. I hope we will see progress on this. I will bring back the genuine concerns and comments of the Senator regarding it being the longest road in Ireland and also the importance of the route in terms of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is important that the council and the NPWS continue to liaise. If there is an obstacle, as was stipulated, and it is possible to overcome it, then let us do so. I will bring the Senator's concerns back to the Minister for Transport, on whose behalf I am taking this Commencement matter. He apologises he cannot be here this morning.”
“Subsequent to this, both Galway County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland were keen to progress with advance works for the next 10 km section of the N59 between Bunnakill and Claremont. This will most likely progress as two separate 5 km sections. An allocation of €500,000 was provided in last year to facilitate this. Planning and design of advance works on the next section of this scheme, Bunnakill to Claremont, has commenced. On this section, the NPWS and Galway County Council, as the Senator referenced, are liaising with each other on An Bord Pleanála condition. I stipulate that it is a Bord Pleanála condition requiring the approval of construction methods statements of mitigation for impacts on the freshwater pearl mussel population in the Owenriff river, which NPWS indicates may be beyond its legal jurisdiction.”
“The funding will provide for the development of national road projects in the NDP, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others. The upgrade of the N59 between the Maam Cross and Oughterard project is included in the list of projects to be considered for prioritisation within the funding envelope of the NDP. The N59 Clifden to Maam Cross section of the route is also one of the projects listed within the NDP for progression. However, this scheme has not progressed in the past number of years due to funding constraints. The upgrade of the N59 between Maam Cross and Bunnakill is, as Senator Kyne stated, a 5 km section and we welcome the improvements completed in 2021.”