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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“I remind Members that, with regard to the NTA, section 44(2) of the Act includes an accountability element. I thank Members for their contributions and look forward to the passage of the Bill through the Houses.”
“The Bill underpins investment in public transport around sustainable transport corridors, in particular the Bishopstown to Cork city route. It would also be remiss of me if I did not make reference to the plan for the Luas for Cork going through Bishopstown GAA club and Highfield RFC. I have made my position quite clear as somebody who is in favour of the Luas but does in any way see any merit in the us going through Bishopstown and Highfield in any shape or form or affecting the residents of Wilton Avenue when a vast amount of land owned by the HSE in Cork University Hospital can be used. This is a very important Bill. As the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, said, it is vital to provide a clear legislative framework to extend the national transport authorities remit and enable it to undertake the construction of public transport infrastructure.”
“Accountability was also mentioned. It was stated that the NTA not accountable. It is accountable to the Minister. Fines to the tune of €735,000 last year were levied on Bus Éireann due to a lack of reliability. I am not immune to what is going on. There needs to be accountability. Deputies Daly and Quinlivan made reference to that in their contributions. They are correct. People on smaller routes need to be looked after. Given that I am from Bishopstown, it would be remiss of me not to mention the Bishopstown section of BusConnects not coming into play. That is short-sighted on the part of the NTA. In the case of Cork, let us plan for BusConnects to operate in tandem with and to complement the Luas. At its core, BusConnects is about transforming public transport and the strategic corridor F makes no sense to me.”
“Investment by the Government is one part of that. Cork commuter rail is an example of something being used when it is provided. The Cork to Mallow, Midleton or Cobh line shows people voting with their feet. That is an example of the management of A.J. Cronin and others. It is also shows that if a plan is put together and backed up by resources people will use a service. One of the comments I constantly hear, including last Sunday at the Douglas Young at Heart event for the late Phil Goodman, is about bus services. People tell me they want to use buses, but they want to know what happens if a bus does not come and they are left waiting. Members mentioned change during the debate. Older people in particular do not like change or do not necessarily want their route numbers or timetables to change. Punctuality and reliability are important.”
“I say genuinely that Bus Éireann must improve in terms of its provision of public transport in the city and the suburbs of Cork. People want BusConnects to succeed. The people of Cork want a bus system that delivers in terms of frequency of service and better reliability, safer walking and cycling routes and improved connectivity with the airport and the suburbs. We are entering a critical phase of delivery. That is why the next four years will be transformative. I hear the frustration of many people who speak to me every week, including Members of the House, regarding BusConnects and other issues relating to Dublin. We heard about that from various Deputies during the debate, and is understandable and fair in the context of the Bill. People want to use public transport and are seeking reliability.”
“That is why public consultation is important. Notwithstanding the events in Killarney at the weekend, Government is committed. Part of the Bill deals with Cork, the fastest growing urban area. Population growth of between 50% and 60% is envisaged there by 2040. This is not just about funding being allocated for transport projects; it is also about real delivery in the context of the national development plan for transport, including projects such as the Cork to Limerick motorway, the Castlemartyr and Killeagh bypasses, the M28 to Ringaskiddy and Great Island connectivity. It will also require the Luas and BusConnects for Cork to be developed. The Bill will help to deliver better bus services and improved public transport for Cork.”
“With the NTA, that public consultation cannot just be a box-ticking exercise. It has to be meaningful and real. The overarching theme I got tonight was the importance of listening. There is another point I would make as a practising politician. I was smiling at Deputy Ó Laoghaire, who made reference to Bishopstown and Highfield. As a former chairman of Bishopstown GAA club, I will come back to that. Deputy Pa Daly is smiling at me. The first iteration of the plan for the Luas for Cork did not go through public open space in terms of green areas or the much-cherished sporting recreation grounds of Bishopstown, Highfield and our local schools. Those of us who are long-time politicians will ask why there was a change in the first iteration when to all of us there was no demonstrative need to change it at all.”
“Deputy Lahart made a very good point that when you take away the beginning, the middle and the end of the schemes we all refer to, some of the outcomes are quite good and we see a huge improvement. What we all, as politicians and public representatives, share is that democratic deficit that perhaps sometimes we feel we are not being listened to by the NTA. That is why the communication piece is so important. That is why the clear and cogent articulation of the plan, where we are going and how we are going to get there is important. I cannot remember who said that the good engineers with the desktop and modelling sometimes drive us all to the point of distraction. All of us, who have been members of local authorities, recognise the importance of the Part 8 - that transparent piece.”
“To remind Members in the House, because sometimes they might not hear this articulated, the national development plan and the sectoral investment plan for transport has €24 billion in funding of projects nationwide. I reiterate that I accept the frustrations articulated and spoken about in the Chamber tonight. We have a four-year plan for transport investment. It is an ambitious programme of investment in infrastructure and services that reflects Government's determination to build a transport system which is efficient and low-carbon but also responsive to the evolving needs of the travelling public, and also based on our economic needs. In listening to some of the contributions, I take the point in terms of accountability. There is a real need for accountability around the NTA, which does very good work.”
“I am sure the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I, and others in the Department, will parse through the contributions. I reassure Members that Government is committed to investing in public transport outside of Dublin. As somebody who lives outside Dublin, like the Ceann Comhairle, there is life beyond the M50, as Deputy Pa Daly will know well. It is important that we have, under the national transport development plan, balanced investment in the regions but also in a variety of modes of transport. We saw the report today about jobs and AI. If we are to be serious about economic competitiveness and our population growth, we need to have investment in public transport.”
“I thank all the Members for their contributions. It is incumbent on all of us that we would encourage people to use public transport. Based on the debate tonight, some of the suggestions and solutions from the contributions are ways in which we can enhance our public transport offering but also attract more people to partake in public transport. I found the debate interesting and invigorating. A bit like the coffee, it was frank and honest, and we got the good and the bad. It was without the milk and without the sugar at times but it was important to hear it. Those of us who have been on public transport will understand the frustrations of many, and the articulation of the frustrations of the travelling public by many in the Chamber tonight, based on their experiences. It is something we must reflect upon.”
“As the Minister outlined earlier, the approach being taken by the Government in Our Rural Future is one that we are looking to develop in terms of taking action to support further rural development and initiatives such as those we discussed this morning to combat social isolation. I will happily chat further with the Deputy on the matter.”
“It works also with women's sheds and men's sheds initiatives. We have had conversations during questions previously about the seniors alert scheme.”
“He mentioned the great work being done by community organisations to combat deprivation and social isolation. This is something the Government should look at further. It is the responsibility of the Minister for agriculture in the main, but it is about the farming community and working across the Government. For example, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, referred earlier to Our Rural Future. I am happy to converse further with the Deputy because what we are trying to do is to keep people on the land. It is about succession planning and ensuring we have regeneration and a new uptake of farming. In Pennsylvania, a similar conversation is taking place. The On Feirm Ground initiative provides training for agricultural advisers and service providers. It helps them to recognise the importance of health and well-being.”
“I thank Deputy McGuinness for this very important question. He is right that Dr. Shane Conway in the University of Galway is taking a future-looking approach. I am aware of the initiative and know there is a similar synergy and relationship in the State of Pennsylvania. I certainly hope to explore that further. I will happily talk further to the Deputy away from what is happening in the Chamber because this is a social initiative for older farmers. As the Deputy well knows, farmers do not just retire. They have a lifelong love and grá for the land, farming and agriculture. The Government recognises the importance of this scheme, but also the well-being aspect and the issue of addressing socialisation. I met the Deputy in Waterford.”
“The Deputy may have heard the Minister and me speak this morning about the amount of money we are spending on community development and the importance of community. We are very much aware of the auditing requirement for moneys that are allocated and given and the need for transparency and accountability. In saying that, the Deputy has outlined, and we know from our own experiences, that some of the costs being incurred by organisations in fulfilling their duties and requirements do not make sense. The Minister and I have asked officials in the Department to examine options whereby we could support smaller CSP-funded organisations in this regard. We fully accept the responsibility and duties but we hope Pobal and our Department will engage with CSP-supported organisations, which have raised concerns in recent weeks.”
“The Deputy is absolutely right. All of us, in particular, the Minister and I, accept there is a responsibility, in terms of accountability and transparency, on organisations in receipt of public money. In saying that, if putting an onus and a financial burden on small community groups and organisations that get grants to be compliant with accounting procedures results in them spending a significant proportion of their grant on meeting that requirement, it defies the purpose of the grant scheme and the funding support to these organisations. However, none of us want to see the wild west when it comes to irregularities. We will have people coming into the House today who will question us on financial responsibility and the roles and functions of directors of companies. I know there is a burden and we will come back to that.”
“In addition, the funding model introduced for the community services programme, CSP, in 2023 includes the level of retained income as one of the criteria used in determining the appropriate funding category to meet the funding needs of organisations. The abridged accounts that are permissible under the CRO exemption would not contain such necessary details. On foot of the Deputy's question and ongoing conversations with him, I am aware of the additional costs being incurred by organisations in fulfilling this requirement. I fully understand, given my previous role as a member of a GAA club, that the cost incurred has increased over recent years. The Minister and I have asked officials in our Department to consider whether there are options available to support small-sized organisations.”
“Certain qualifying small-sized companies, including social enterprises, may be exempted from the full extent of the provision of annual financial statements to the Companies Registration Office, CRO. They are, however, required to provide audited financial accounts to their funding bodies if they are in receipt of Exchequer funding, in line with the Department of public expenditure's circular. The detailed financial information contained in audited annual financial statements enables Pobal, which administers the programme on behalf of my Department, to monitor the financial performance of supported organisations, to review the notes to the audited accounts and to rely on the independent audit assurances provided. The abridged accounts acceptable under the CRO exemption would not contain this detailed information.”
“I welcome the students from Fermoy and their teachers. The summer holidays are ag teacht. Go n-éirí leo. I thank Deputy McCarthy for this very important question. The Minister, Deputy Calleary, and I are working together in the context of the community services programme, which supports 453 services nationally through 434 community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, with a budget of around €59.4 million. The requirement placed on organisations to provide audited annual financial statements comes from the Department of public expenditure and reform, through Circular 13/2014 on the management of and accountability for grants from Exchequer funds.”
“A regulatory model that is both modern and sustainable is the desire of the Minister. The Department of Defence is working to implement the recommendations identified in the Curragh conservation management plan. I will bring the concerns and views articulated by Senator O'Loughlin back to the Minister and the Government. I look forward to working with her to ensure the plains are protected in future while ensuring the maximum benefit to all people who use it.”
“I thank Senator O'Loughlin for her comments. I thank her for accepting the bona fides and good intentions of the Minister. As she said, it is important we get this right. I have not got clarity on the timeline but I will bring her views back. I reassure her the Government is committed to the implantation of the recommendations in the plan to address both the opportunities and challenges. It is included in the programme for Government, which highlights its importance to the Government. I reiterate my thanks to the Senator for her work and assure her the Minister for Defence is working with the whole of Government to ensure the Curragh Plains, which are a treasured amenity, are protected in future while also maintaining the maximum benefit to the local population and those who use the plains as a place of recreation and work.”
“The report identified the need to consider a dedicated agency 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. Department officials have been engaged with the National Parks and Wildfire Service and other agencies in this regard and that work is ongoing. The Minister is 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. I will come back to the Senator on the other points to do with the matter, but I thank her for raising it.”
“As for addressing these challenges in the longer term, the Department of Defence is working to ensure we move to a modern and sustainable regulatory model for managing this historically important landscape. As the Senator has said, on foot of the recommendations contained in the report of two years ago on the Curragh conservation management plan, working with Kildare County Council, the Department is seeking to develop a suitable future management method and to highlight the importance and significance of the heritage associated with the Curragh Plains. I am aware the Senator has spoken to the Taoiseach and he has made reference to plans coming before the Cabinet soon.”
“The Senator and the Acting Chairperson will be aware of the arrival of a number of illegal encampments last month, and indeed the Senator made reference to some this week as well, I think. I can confirm to the House that the Minister's officials have engaged promptly with their legal team to progress swift action in dealing with those. I am informed formal notices were served upon those in illegal encampments and, in the main, these were successful in encouraging those trespassing to move on. Those who remain in situ were the subject of an application to the High Court last week for injunctive relief. Officials will continue to pursue this.”
“The Department of Defence does not accept those occupying these encampments have any right to reside on the Curragh Plains and, as such, has been engaged with the Chief State Solicitor's office in anticipation of any potential trespassing to ensure all legal steps are taken promptly to protect the plains. A High Court Order was secured in June last year and served on the inhabitants of various illegal encampments to vacate the area. The majority left immediately and have not returned since. In the case of trespass or criminal damage, it is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána to police the situation and the Department of Defence has engaged with it on this issue. I am aware the Senator has spoken to the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, and has met the Minister of State, Deputy O'Sullivan.”
“While the Minister would not wish to see this level of accessibility diminished, I am aware the Senator, as a public representative from the area, is acutely aware that this has presented a number of challenges for management due to illegal camping and illegal dumping. As the Senator rightly said, in 2025 we saw many illegal encampments set up over the course of the summer months which caused a great deal of disruption and anxiety to people living in the area and to business owners. The Senator has articulated that very strongly, not just this morning but repeatedly in this House and in the Lower House.”
“As the Senator has said, the Curragh, as State land, is vested in the Minister for Defence and is recognised as a working environment for the State's Defence Forces, as well as being a place of historical and cultural importance, the main occupiers of which are the Defence Forces at the Curragh Camp and the Curragh Racecourse, which leases a large tract of land. In addition, the plains are used by sheep owners who avail of rights of pasture on the lands, which both locals and visitors to Kildare enjoy as a major natural amenity. The Curragh, as we know, is approximately 4,870 acres and is one of the most open and accessible areas in the country.”
“I thank Senator O'Loughlin for again raising this matter. She is, to be fair, continually representing the views of people, including their frustration. I share her view that the management and protection of the Curragh Plains are all of our responsibility. I am taking the matter on behalf of the Minister for Defence who, unfortunately, cannot be present and asked me to convey her apologies. She is attending the PDFORRA conference. She asked me to respond on the matter and thank the Senator for raising it.”
“Could I make a comment? Congressman Kennedy is a good friend of mine. His election to Congress was an extraordinary day for Irish-America. To his son, céad míle fáilte. Every year, Congressman Kennedy sends me a birthday greeting. He is a true friend of Ireland. As a Minister of State, I have worked with him on transport and connectivity around his beloved state of New York. We are very fortunate to have a man of his calibre working with us in the US Congress. I thank the Acting Chairperson for his indulgence.”
“That public consultation process, which will ultimately result in a defined route for the line, gives an opportunity for all involved and all interested to study the proposals, submit their views and have their voices heard. It is anticipated that a railway order will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028.”
“I thank the Senator for raising the matter on an ongoing basis and for her advocacy. The greater Dublin area transport strategy framework has a window for investment. The rail connection between Dublin and Navan was examined as part of the development of the strategy and, based on that examination, it is included in the final plan. The strategy aims to see the delivery of the project between 2021 and 2026, and under the national development plan funding is allocated to advance the Navan rail line project to the submission of a detailed planning application for a railway order. The Senator is right that the next milestone will be next week, on 20 May, with the announcement of the emerging preferred route for the line and the launch of the first non-statutory public consultation.”
“The public consultation process will ultimately result in a defined role for the line and it will support the development of a preliminary business case, which will need to be approved in line with requirements of the infrastructure guidelines before any planning application is made. Subject to approval of the primary business case, it is anticipated that a railway order will be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála in 2028. On behalf of the Minister for Transport, I hope this response helps clarify the matter. I thank the Senator for her advocacy and for raising the matter and I hope that we will see the work commence in the lifetime of this Seanad and Government and that there will be tracks on the line.”
“In November 2024, multidisciplinary consultants RPS were appointed for the duration of the project to work with the rail company's in-house project team. This work has now reached the next milestone. I am pleased to confirm to the Senator and the House that the emerging preferred route for the Navan rail line will be announced with the launch of the first non-statutory public consultation next week, on Wednesday 20 May. This announcement will be welcome news not only for Navan but for commuters further afield who currently have no choice but to use the M3 motorway, whether by car or by coach. I hope this will end the mythical comment about the rail line.”
“Delivery of this project is currently proceeding on target and to this timeline. The NDP sectoral investment plan published by the Department of Transport last November has allocated funding to advance the Navan rail line to submission of a planning application or a railway order. In 2024, the National Transport Authority allocated funding to Iarnród Éireann for the establishment of a design team to commence work on the Navan rail line. This work involves the route option selection, planning and design phase of the project. Iarnród Éireann has commenced the procurement process for the pre-construction phase of the project and issued a tender to pre-qualified consultants at the end of May 2024.”
“I thank the Senator for her advocacy. I can hear the frustration in her remarks about the mythical Navan rail line. I know many of her predecessors have been raising the matter in this House as well. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Minister for Transport. I am pleased to say that I have definitive answers to give the Senator about this matter. The national transport strategy for the greater Dublin area sets out a framework for transport investment across the region for 20 years from 2020 to 2042. The issue of a rail connection between Dublin and Navan has been examined as part of the development strategy and that examination supports the development of a rail line from Dublin to Navan. The strategy includes delivery of the Navan rail line between 2031 and 2036 subject to planning and funding approvals.”
“The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I look forward to the progression of the recommendations of the rail review over the coming years in the Limerick region. I certainly hope that our successors here, whether they are celebrating 200 years of Fianna Fáil or whatever, will not have to have this conversation about the important point the Deputy makes. The argument has been won. He is right, and I thank him for his contribution. It is our job to make sure that we make improvements on the line, for increased travel and shorter times, so that the next generation and this generation can have commuter rail, which is what we all badly need.”
“It also includes a passing loop at Clonmel, which will achieve that two hourly service between Limerick and Waterford. In addition, there are the pieces around electrification and line speed on the Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Belfast and Belfast-Limerick Junction lines. Under the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, in the context of Limerick-Ballybrophy, the ambition is to increase the service frequency to a two hourly service in each direction on that line. It should also be noted that projects referred to in the rail review and prioritising strategy will be advanced by Government in the context of the infrastructure guidelines. Again, the points made by the Deputy are pertinent. The ambition the Deputy speaks about is one that we have as a Department.”
“I share the Deputy's point that the Department and the Minister and Minister of State are fully supportive of investment in rail. The Deputy's ambition for north Tipperary and the areas he has mentioned is correct. The All-Island Strategic Rail Review will be the pillar on which we will outline our approach, that is, the Department's approach, to sequencing and optimising the recommendations in the coming years. The important point is that, in the short term to 2030, the prioritisation strategy specifies a number of early interventions to be delivered in the coming years, which include a new platform at Limerick Junction, which will support through services between Cork and Galway via Limerick and more movements from Cork to Limerick.”
“I will bring his remarks back to the Minister. I thank the Deputy for meeting with the NTA and for his ongoing advocacy and the work he is doing. His points are well made and are part of what we will be the national rail framework in the coming years.”
“While new trains entering service from 2027 onwards as part of the DART+ programme will initially have direct benefit within the greater Dublin area, the secondary effect of these new trains will be to free up intercity and commuter trains currently operating on the northern line to be used on other routes around the network. Their deployment will be subject to review with, and the approval of, the National Transport Authority, subject to demand and infrastructure capacity at the time. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, the Minister and I look forward to working closely with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann in the coming years to increase the number of trains in operation on regional lines across the country. Deputy O'Meara's points are well made about the commuter line, the servicing of it and the need for a uniformity of approach.”
“There are 12 staffed level crossings on the Limerick-Ballybrophy branch and there are no plans to automate these in the short to medium term. A re-signalling scheme for this branch will likely be required to facilitate the automation of these level crossings. An estimate in 2023 suggested it would cost in the region of €58 million to re-signal the line and automate these level crossings, but further studies would be required to produce a definitive current estimate. The high number of user-operated crossings, including farm crossings, would also need to be addressed to further improve journey time. As well as addressing gatekeeper resources, one of the most significant issues currently is fleet availability.”
“As an example of the type of works funded, in 2021, an enhanced programme of track re-laying on the Ballybrophy line was supported by this programme. Iarnród Éireann invested €22.8 million between 2011 and 2020 on improvements and upgrades to the infrastructure on the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line. The upgrades were made up of a range of infrastructural improvements across the track, bridges, signalling systems and other structures that comprise the assets on this route. Irish Rail has invested further in the line between 2020 and 2022, which ha seen the route upgraded from jointed track to continuous welded rail, yielding journey time improvements of 15 minutes. Any further journey time improvements would be dependent on further investment in level crossings and other infrastructure.”
“Proposed projects such as double tracking the line from Limerick Colbert to Limerick Junction and improving the frequency of services on the Limerick-Nenagh-Ballybrophy line as demand for travel increases will help to achieve this. Investment in the Ballybrophy line is provided for under the infrastructure manager multi-annual contract, the contractual arrangement between the Minister for Transport and Iarnród Éireann for the protection and renewal of the rail network. The current contract runs for four years from 2026 to 2030 and will see over €2 billion invested in the rail network over this period. The funding will increase service reliability and punctuality, improve journey times and ensure continued safety of rail services across the network.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I am taking it on behalf of the Minister for Transport, who sends his apologies. The Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable sustainable mobility options. Public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. Improving public transport services and infrastructure is central to improving all people's quality of life. As the Deputy mentioned, the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy sets out the framework for the delivery of the transport system required to further develop that whole Limerick region. A key principle of the strategy is to reduce dependency on the car while increasing the appeal of sustainable transport options.”
“I recognise that the school building project is important to the Deputies. It is an important part of what we do in expending the education budget. I recognise that the reply tonight is not what the Deputies want to hear. I will certainly bring their remarks back. I will definitely relay their concerns as to the advancement of the school building programme to the Department and the Minister. I thank them for their courtesy to me tonight.”
“Táim ag éisteacht leis na Teachtaí McAuliffe agus Ellis. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil díomá orthu leis an bhfreagra. Táim ag tógáil an t-ábhar seo thar ceann an Aire. Mar a dúirt mé, tabharfaidh mé freagraí na beirte don Roinn agus don Aire. I will disagree with Deputy Ellis on one thing. This Government is committed to the Irish language. Táimid ag méadú an líon scoileanna, buiséad Roinn na Gaeltachta agus úsáid na Gaeilge sna scoileanna agus sa phobal. I understand the frustration and the depth of disappointment of the Deputies. I am taking this Topical Issue on behalf of the Minister. I will relay the concerns the Deputies have expressed tonight to her. As a former teacher and someone who understands the need for scoil nua a thógáil do Ghaelscoil Uí Earcáin, tá a fhios agam go bhfuil fuinneamh ag na Teachtaí i leith an chláir seo.”
“There is a strong focus on maximising existing capacity and prioritising project roll-out to meet the most urgent needs and particularly to support special education needs provision. Those projects that are at tender stage, stage 3, will be facilitated to progress to construction over the course of this year and next year. Some 35 projects that currently have planning permission and that are at pre-tender stage will also be facilitated. I will take the views and remarks of both Deputies back to the Minister. I know the reply I have given is not what they wanted to hear as regards where we are going and the provision of additional capacity to cater for the demographics they have described clearly. On foot of what we have heard tonight, I will bring their remarks and views back to the Minister.”
“Of the €7.55 billion, it is envisaged that around €5 billion will be used for project roll-out to support the delivery and modernisation of school buildings across the large-scale, additional accommodation, modular and annual September accommodation needs programmes. I am told the Department will continue to build on the progress made with the continued roll-out of these projects on a prioritised basis to meet the most urgent needs in terms of provision of additional capacity and modernisation of existing facilities. The Minister has informed me that she has published a list of 105 school building projects to proceed to construction or tender this year or next year. This includes 80 large-scale and additional school accommodation scheme projects.”
“The stage 2a stakeholders' meeting between the school authorities, the design team, the project manager and the Department was held in January last year. The meeting concluded with a request for the design team to submit a stage 2a addendum report addressing issues raised by the Department at the meeting. The Department has received this report. Upon review of the report, the Department will advise all stakeholders regarding the progression of the project. I have been informed by the Minister that she has published a €7.55 billion NDP sectoral investment plan for the education and youth sectors. This plan places a strong emphasis on maximising existing capacity and the prioritisation of school building projects to meet the most urgent needs. In this regard, there will be a strong emphasis on special education throughout project roll-out.”