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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“Those whose identities are stolen also suffer. As more relationships and interactions begin online, it is crucial we explore ways to protect individuals from this deceptive practice. We are talking about people here. I hope the Department will reflect on the points Deputy Ward made in his contribution. The Government has already taken significant steps to enhance online safety through various regulatory measures. The EU Digital Services Act is a key framework ensuring online platforms take greater responsibility in preventing harmful activities and protecting users. Nationally, the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act marked a turning point, shifting the burden from self-regulation to enforceable accountability.”
“This digital transformation has also introduced serious challenges, however, especially when it comes to online safety and personal security. One of the fundamental risks of online interactions is anonymity. While anonymity can be a force for good in certain contexts, it can also facilitate harmful behaviour, including bullying, stalking, fraud and breaches of privacy. Catfishing exemplifies this darker side of online engagement. As Deputy Ward has said, it is where individuals create false identities to deceive others, often with devastating consequences. Deputy Ward is correct; it is about the damage, the immorality and the fear it creates. Victims of catfishing experience significant emotional distress, financial loss and, in some cases, reputational harm. These cases are not isolated to one victim alone.”
“I thank Deputy Ward for submitting this very important Topical Issue. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Justice, Deputy O’Callaghan. I commend Deputy Ward on his proactivity both here this morning and in the Seanad when he served there. I commend the former Senator, Lisa Chambers, and Deputy Ward on their work on this particular matter. I acknowledge the important concerns raised by Deputy Ward regarding the dangers posed by online catfishing. He has rightly illustrated and outlined a number of prominent examples we have seen. The Internet has undoubtedly transformed our lives for the better, fostering global connections, enabling remote work and providing vital platforms for communication.”
“In the shorter term I look forward to the development of new battery-electric DART carriages ordered on the DART+ Fleet project, which has started testing, and they are expected to enter service in 2026 on the commuter line serving communities between Dublin and Drogheda. It is great to see public transport projects progressing and achieving the Government's goal to provide more sustainable transport options to the greater Dublin area in line with Government policy. I apologise to the Deputy that I did not have a copy of the script for him, but I am happy to give him my script.”
“While neither Sallins nor Kilcock is currently included in the DART network under the DART+ programme, the requirement to extend the DART service to both locations has been recognised in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042. These extensions to DART services will be developed as separate follow-on projects to the DART+ programme, subject to securing relevant funding and approvals. It is necessary to go through the full feasibility and optioneering processes. I assure the Deputy that projects will be progressed in line with the requirements of the infrastructure guidelines and that public consultation processes will be undertaken at appropriate stages as projects are progressed.”
“On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I again thank him for his engagement and the Topical Issue submitted. In terms of current developments, the DART+ West and DART+ South West projects are moving to the next stage in light of recent planning decisions. An Bord Pleanála has given conditional approval for the DART+ West and full approval for the DART+ South West railway order applications. While it should be noted that the two judicial review applications to the railway order approval for DART+ West have been lodged, Iarnród Éireann is now working to progress the preparation of procurement documents for both projects to enable later construction. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are also engaging on a new railway order for a depot.”
“It is intended that the extension of the DART to Sallins and Naas would be linked with the provision of a major park and ride site, in the order of 1,000 spaces, on the Sallins bypass, with the potential of a new train station to be developed alongside the park and ride. The proposed extensions to Kilcock and Sallins and Naas will be developed as a separate follow-on project to the DART+ programme. Planning work on these extensions could commence this year. The exact timelines for these two extensions will be developed as design and planning work gets under way. The projects will also be advanced subject to funding and securing relevant approvals, and as such the Department of Transport will consider them as part of its submission to the review of the national development plan, which is planned to take place later this year.”
“A railway order was approved by An Bord Pleanála for this project late last year and Iarnród Éireann is now working to progress the preparation of procurement documents for this project to enable later construction. While neither Kilcock nor Sallins are included in the extended electrification works proposed under the DART+ programme, consideration has been given to the efficient, effective and sustainable movement of people and goods in the greater Dublin area. Since the submission of the railway order applications for the DART+ West and DART+ South West projects to An Bord Pleanála, the new Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042 has been finalised and adopted. The new strategy includes an objective to extend the DART system further westwards to Kilcock, Sallins and Naas.”
“A planning decision, called a railway order, was granted by An Bord Pleanála for DART+ in July 2024 subject to a number of conditions, notably that the proposed depot west of Maynooth not be constructed due to concerns about flood risk. Iarnród Éireann and the NTA are engaging on the submission of a new railway order to An Bord Pleanála for the proposed depot. There are also two judicial reviews lodged in the High Court against the granted railway order. These issues are being examined before a decision on the next steps is made. The DART+ South West project involves the electrification of the Kildare line from Dublin Heuston to Hazelhatch-Celbridge, the provision of four tracks between Heuston Station and Park West and Cherry Orchard, and a new station at Heuston west.”
“It also provides a clear statement of transport planning policy for counties including Kildare. I clarify the planned proposals related to the DART+ West and South West projects and the current position of the proposals in the planning and development stage. The DART+ West project aims to increase passenger capacity on the Maynooth and M3 Parkway rail lines. This will be achieved by changing to electrified, high-capacity DART trains and increasing the frequency of train services between Maynooth Station and M3 Parkway Station to Connolly Station and to a new proposed Spencer Dock station. The project also included the construction of a new DART depot facility.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking for the Minister for Transport, and I apologise that he is not here. It is an important matter. Having been a student in Maynooth, I have seen the growth of Kilcock, Sallins and Maynooth. Improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. The National Transport Authority, NTA, has statutory responsibility for transport planning in the greater Dublin area, including County Kildare. The NTA's greater Dublin area transport strategy, which was approved by the Minister for Transport in January 2023, sets out a framework for transport investment across the region over a 20-year period from 2022 to 2042.”
“That conversation must continue at every level, in every home, by every means possible. I thank Members for their contributions. I look forward to working with them on the important issue of road safety. I will bring the genuine remarks, concerns and suggestions of Deputies back to the Minister.”
“I will be happy to bring some of the Deputies' suggestions back to the Department, because I think they will help to change behaviour and bring in good habits. They will reverse the trends we have seen in recent years. The RSA will continue the important work of reviewing and reforming the driver test curriculum, ensuring that it is relevant and future-proofed for new drivers on our roads. We all agree that enforcement is critical. It is therefore important that we see more enforcement on our roads. I will bring the remarks in that regard back to the Minister and Department. I know my time is nearly up, so I will conclude on this. It is important that we continue together to reduce deaths and avoid serious injuries on our roads. I hope the debate today will inform that because we must never underestimate the importance of road safety.”
“This will ensure that an in-year increase in late 2023 and 2024 is sustained this year, helping to deliver a targeted programme of public interest work to deliver behavioural change. Members in the Chamber, in particular Deputies Malcolm Byrne, O'Connor and John Connolly, referred to young people and young members of society. The new transition year programme will continue to roll out in 2025, following a highly successful launch last year. Work is also well under way on a revamped programme for primary level children on the safe routes to school programme, which has been a huge success. I thank Deputy Byrne for his comments regarding education and his work on that. It is important that we communicate with and positively influence young people's behaviour and safe use of the road.”
“The Government has also committed to investing in road safety itself, demonstrated by the Department of Transport's hierarchy of investment priorities, articulated in the national investment framework for transport in Ireland. It ensures that foremost priority is given to maintaining existing assets in a safe condition. This emphasis on protection is also reflected in the national development plan. I agree with Deputy Fitzpatrick about the by-laws. They can be monitored and implemented locally. I will inform the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, of the concerns of Members about the issue of the speed of the driving test and waiting times for the test. As part of the budget this year and as an interim measure as part of the broader RSA reform announced last year, €18 million has also been ring-fenced for investment this year.”
“Many Members expressed dissatisfaction at the reduction of the speed limits and many Members welcomed the introduction, as have members of the public, of safer default speed limits on rural and local roads coming into effect last Friday. The Government will continue to use the experience gained from this phase of implementing the 2023 speed limit review to inform the roll-out and timing of future phases addressing national secondary and urban roads. Personal responsibility is critical. Deputy Carthy and others referred to the speed limits on certain roads. I am very familiar with the roads that Deputy Michael Collins spoke about but I make the point that we have made many changes to that road, particularly the N71, with climbing lanes and dual carriageway safety measures. I believe that road has a proper speed limit now.”
“Equally, the programme for Government commits us to legislating for graduated penalties, speed education courses and collision data sharing. We will progress the necessary legislation to make these changes in due course. Along with bringing in new legislation, we have an opportunity in the life of this Government to consolidate the existing canon of road traffic law, which extends back to 1961, in a new legislative framework. Work has been ongoing on this project since last year. A dedicated team of experts in the road traffic legislation section is now carrying forward this important work. As we all know, speed is one of the main causes of death and serious injury on our roads.”
“The Government is working to address this in a variety of ways. Our road safety strategy follows international best practice. It aligns with EU targets and is based on a safe system approach. In his contribution, Deputy Ahern spoke about cyclists. It is important that we continue to look at active travel and look after our cyclists and pedestrians. Phase 2 of the action plan for 2025 to 2027 is in development in collaboration with key road safety stakeholders, with formal adoption anticipated shortly. In his contribution, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, took us through the expansive legislative programme on road safety. We have done an awful lot as a country but we have a bit to travel yet. The Government is committed to commencing outstanding provisions in the 2023 and 2024 Acts and bringing them into effect as soon as possible.”
“Addressing these types of behaviours requires a multifaceted approach with a focus on education, enforcement, engineering and engineering investment, and legislative reform. As Members know, every fatality is a stark reminder we cannot be complacent about road safety. Every fatality is avoidable and represents a loss of life that affects the family and the wider community. As I said, 18 people - citizens of our republic - have lost their lives on the roads this year so far. In addition, if one goes to Dún Laoghaire one sees people who have felt the awful effect of serious injury on our roads. In many cases these have been life-changing and life-altering with resulting complications. It is important that we, collectively, as citizens, do our best to reduce the chance of death or serious injuries on our roads.”
“As the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, referenced in their opening remarks, the four main causes of road fatalities are speed, intoxicated driving, the non-wearing of seatbelts and distraction during road use, all of which come down to driver behaviour and personal responsibility on the part of the road user. Maybe those who make cars, SUVs, lorries, trucks and buses might look at what is in cars today, in terms of dashboards and how they can be viewed and used. Some of it can be quite off-putting to the driver and today our cars are used in a multiplicity of ways. All of these are human factors which can and should be controlled by all individuals who take a car or vehicle on the road.”
“Deputy James O'Connor referenced the tractor. We all probably started to learn to drive on a tractor as young people on our parents' or grandparents' farms. I hope we will not use that demarcation between the pedestrian, cyclist, the car and "those who pay road tax" because that serves no good in any debate. I reiterate the Government remains committed to delivering the road transport and safety strategy with the goal of halving the number of fatalities and serious injuries on our roads by 2030. Meeting this ambitious goal will take us towards achieving Vision Zero by 2050.”
“Today's contributions reflect, in a constructive way, that there is sincerity about this on all sides of the House. Road safety is a significant issue that affects everyone and every family in every community across our country. It is essential we all endeavour to enhance the safety of our road network. Deputy Farrelly made reference to the issue of the perspective of the cyclist and the pedestrian. That is where we all began. Our use of the road was predominantly as a pedestrian or cyclist and we should always keep that in mind. When a vehicle is coming at you at 60 km/h, 80 km/h or 120 km/h, or God forbid more, it is important we have that perspective. As Members will be aware, travel plays a critical role in both social and economic activities and therefore it is vital it remains safe, irrespective of the mode of transport employed.”
“Ar an gcéad dul síos, gabhaim buíochas le gach Teachta a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht ar shábháilteacht ar bhóithre. Tá gach duine freagrach más tiománaithe iad ar an mbóthar. I thank the Members of the House for their contributions on the importance of road safety and for the wonderful debate, which was very honest and sincere. Looking at this issue a number of ways, the burden of care on our roads is one we are all responsible for. We all must accept speed does kill. It is incumbent on us to reflect on the fact we have seen an increase in the number of people killed on our roads, with 18 this year which is too many. Road safety is an area in which we all want to see improvements. As we heard during the debate, we may not agree on all of the solutions and policies for doing so.”
“I again thank Members for their contributions. It incumbent on us that we learn, and it is important we ensure more resilient communities for the future. In the context of what the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, said regarding the Clonbanin road, I am very familiar with it; it is in County Cork. It is in real need of upgrading. The project is one we should see concluded. The chief executive of the ESB's remarks were inappropriate at a time when people are looking for leadership from him as CEO of the ESB. I think he should reflect on what he said. Deputy Smith's contribution on transmission line corridors is one we should all take on board.”
“If you cannot get access to the Internet to submit you details, you should not be penalised given the situation. I would be happy to talk to her about that. Her point is a good one, that there should be flexibility in that regard. I remind all Members that the Department of Social Protection's humanitarian assistance scheme remains open for those who require support and information. I again thank all of the emergency services, local authority workers, ESB international and local crews and volunteers involved in helping with the recovery, while acknowledging the length of time some people have been affected is far longer that we hoped. You cannot talk out of both sides of your mouth. You cannot talk about climate change, be for and then be against. We have to be real. In some cases, people are not.”
“I take on board the views of Members of all sides on the need for clarity and clearer communications, which I will bring back to the Department. The community welfare service in the Department of Social Protection administers the humanitarian assistance, and community welfare officers and services have been working with 14 local co-ordination groups throughout the country, visiting people in their homes where necessary to provide support. The community welfare service is and has been engaged and will continue to be so. The Department of Social Protection has to date issued 3,818 stage 1 payments, totalling €727,792, to people who at the time the application was approved did not have any power or water supply due to the storm. I ask Deputy Bennett to provide details of the people whose cases she raised because it is a pertinent point.”
“Is féidir liom geallúint a thabhairt do na pobail sin go rabhamar airdeallach orthu riamh, le linn agus i ndiaidh na stoirme, agus go bhfuilimid tiomanta cinntiú go mbeidh ar chumas na pobail sin déileáil le heachtraí den saghas sin. On supports, we heard over the past number of days, details of the humanitarian assistance put in place. I remind Members that the Minister, Deputy Calleary On supports, we heard over recent days details of the humanitarian assistance put in place. I remind Members that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, activated a scheme on Thursday, 23 January in advance of the storm's arrival. It continues to be available to members of the public to provide support to those living in properties directly affected by the storm.”
“I acknowledge that Government will learn from the response, take on board some of the views expressed today and work with Members to ensure our response in the future will override the difficulties we have seen, such as the issues of the resilience of our infrastructure, availability and prioritisation of equipment such as generators, and forward planning for the provision of emergency hubs in advance of future extreme events. I bhfianaise na cúraimí atá ar mo Roinn nua, táim airdeallach go raibh pobail leochaileacha agus iargúlta, iad siúd atá lonnaithe ar na hoileáin agus sna Gaeltachtaí san áireamh, i measc na ceantair ba mheasa a bhí buailte ag an stoirm.”
“SICAP is a flexible programme where funding is targeted to those most in need in their communities. The various groups implementing SICAP have contributed to the State response to the storm. Some 380 hubs were in operation last week. Today, around 330 remain in operation, supporting those people who still require and need supports. They will be kept in place for as long as needed. The continued investment by the Department under various schemes will serve to ensure a robust and enhanced network of community facilities continues to be put in place. The debate over the past two days illustrates the importance of reflecting upon what did not work so well.”
“Whether that is, as Members said, about the use of generators, the role of generators in pump stations, community hubs, community centres and sporting grounds, let us not be afraid to tackle and change how we do business. Deputy O'Reilly mentioned childcare and crèches. Let it be put on record so that it should never be forgotten. In terms of the community response, Members should recognise that many of the community spaces and emergency response hubs provided are facilities funded by Government through CLÁR, the community investment fund, LEADER and the local enhancement programme. Imagine if we did not have that money to put into infrastructure in our communities. The last week has demonstrated the importance of the SICAP programme, which supports the most vulnerable people and their families in our country.”
“Our farmers are unsung heroes in our rural communities and we thank them for the support and help they gave to so many of their neighbours. Equally, our volunteer centres and the volunteers in our communities have worked to make life better for people in the worst affected counties. A key priority for me, as the new Minister of State, will be to engage with affected communities who continue to be impacted by the challenge on foot of the storm. Members can be assured of my commitment to visiting and speaking to communities and of the Department's continuing support for communities throughout the country over the coming weeks and months.”
“Members in their contributions have given a lot of good information, which I hope will be used in the response to the storm. As Minister of State at the Department of community development, I thank the community and voluntary groups and others who work so tirelessly with our local government officials to provide basic services for those in need. The meitheal in our country still works. We have seen time and again the power of community and of the spirit of the people, and when it is challenged, our people rise. The difficulties, from Covid to the various storms, have brought the best out of our people, and I thank them. The voluntary ethos expressed by so many in this House and the well-developed volunteer infrastructure in our country are extraordinary. Deputies Brian Brennan and Martin Daly mentioned our farming community.”
“It is our duty to reflect on the stories we have heard, the lived experiences and the real hardship of people - ghnáthdhaoine, muintir na tíre. Families and communities were devastated, waiting to be reconnected. I have spoken to people who have been affected by the storm and are still without power in some cases. My good friend, Councillor Gerry Coyle, spoke to the frustration, this morning on "Morning Ireland" and on the phone to me over recent days, spoke to the frustration, and Deputy Conway-Walsh spoke likewise yesterday. If we do nothing else, we must learn, look at the shortcomings and see how we can make things better, in a non-political way. The Taoiseach was right yesterday, on the Order of Business, when he said we need to have a fundamental rethink about storm resilience.”
“The breadth of the contributions by Members of the House today and yesterday speaks to the scale of the impact of Storm Éowyn. It was, as Deputy Gogarty said, a hurricane-type event, with winds of 180 km/h, which illustrates the severity. We can see the impact it is having on families and communities, throughout the west and north west in particular, and every one of us regrets its impact and the suffering and hardship it has caused to people. As Members will have noted, the work of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, in proclaiming a red weather warning, helped saved lives during the storm, and I join other Members in extending my sympathies to the family of Kacper Dudek. I thank the Members of the House for their contributions today and yesterday.”