Marian Harkin
Sligo-Leitrim · Independent · Ireland
“I thank Deputy Smith for raising this matter and for highlighting the significant population growth taking place in Swords. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am interested to hear the Deputy say it is the third largest town in Ireland.”
“Upon receipt of the revised stage 2a report, Department officials carried out an initial review. In early June 2025, a further meeting was held with the wider design team, school authorities and Department officials in attendance.”
“This investment will provide capacity for almost 3,000 additional homes while improving the resilience of essential services in the area. It is a clear example of how targeted infrastructure investment can unlock housing and support sustainable growth.”
“For this reason, we plan and develop public transport in line with the greater Dublin area transport strategy 2022-2042, rather than in isolation, to maximise the use and benefits of each proposal and project.”
“I thank Senator Costello for raising this matter. The Government is committed to preserving our existing roads network. This is demonstrated through the Department of Transport's provision of regular grant funding to eligible local authorities.”
“I thank the Senator. I am of course providing the answers given to me by the Department. As we know, the new Limerick bus network will provide more frequent public transport offerings to more people across Limerick. I hear what she is saying. She is talking about now.”
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“However, the HSE has advised that the increased pressure and demands on primary care therapy services are related to an increase in referrals, the increasing complexity of presentations, which of course leads to longer interventions, and challenges related to the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. The recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, in particular therapy professionals, remain a challenge across the health, education and disability sectors and comprise one of the key causal factors impacting primary care therapy waiting lists. The HSE has advised that, in integrated healthcare area, IHA, Dublin South West and IHA Dublin South City and West, waiting times are particularly long because demand exceeds the current service capacity.”
“The Minister for Health has asked me to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter and for the opportunity to update the House on it. He has outlined it very clearly. On behalf of the Minister, I fully acknowledge that waiting lists for primary care therapies, including occupational therapy, are far too long. She recognises that people waiting years to access these services is simply unacceptable. It is important to recognise that overall activity within the eight core primary care therapies is significant, with approximately 1.3 million appointments having been provided across occupational therapy, physiotherapy, dietetics, psychology, speech and language therapy, audiology, ophthalmology and podiatry services in 2025.”
“The Labour Court fulfils its role and it is incumbent on all parties to do the same. The Government's action plan to promote collective bargaining demonstrates a clear commitment to further strengthening the industrial relations framework through structured engagement with the social partners, improved data and practical initiatives, including public procurement pilots. The focus remains on expanding effective collective bargaining coverage and improving pay, working conditions and overall quality of life. As I said, I will speak to the Minister.”
“It is also important to recognise that the Labour Court's authority is firmly established in law. When recommendations designed to promote dialogue and provide workers with structured voice are set aside, confidence in the voluntary system is undermined and, as I said earlier, workers are left uncertain as to where they should turn. This debate is not about mandating outcomes or moving away from volunteerism; it is about reinforcing its foundations, namely engagement, good faith and respect for our industrial relations institutions. If volunteerism is to remain credible, Labour Court recommendations must be treated as more than advisory comment. They should be understood for what they are, a roadmap back to stability, fairness and mutual respect in the workplace.”
“I go back to what I said initially, which is that our system of industrial relations is built on volunteerism, which is a model that values engagement, respect and good faith over compulsion. It has delivered stability and progress precisely because it prioritises dialogue rather than conflict. As I said, however, volunteerism only works when all parties participate responsibly. The Labour Court plays a central and indispensable role within the system. While its recommendations in industrial relations disputes are generally non-binding, they are neither incidental nor optional. They represent the considered judgment of the State's highest industrial relations body and are intended to guide parties back towards constructive engagement, and they are expected to be taken seriously.”
“As investigations remain ongoing, however,it would not be appropriate to comment further on that workplace fatality at this time, but I did hear what he had to say. Any concerns regarding workplace health and safety can be raised directly with the Health and Safety Authority, which enjoys considerable legislative powers to inquire into and enforce occupational health and safety standards. If it is any help to the Deputy, I heard both what he said and his sincerity. I will bring this issue to the attention of the Minister.”
“This is particularly important in sensitive and high-impact areas such as health and safety, workplace change and terms and conditions. These matters are best addressed through engagement, dialogue and the confidence that both sides will be heard. It is important to say that volunteerism does not mean the absence of structure, nor does it mean that guidance from the State's highest industrial relations body can be set aside without consequence. A voluntary system relies on mutual trust and a shared commitment to engage in good faith when difficulties arise. When recommendations designed to promote dialogue are disregarded, workers may reasonably ask where they are expected to turn to resolve disputes constructively. I also acknowledge, as Deputy Buckley did, the tragic incident that occurred at Stryker in 2023.”
“Decisions under the latter - such as those relating to unfair dismissal or payment of wages - are legally binding and enforceable. Industrial relations recommendations, by contrast, are not for the reasons I have outlined. In essence, this reflects the Labour Court's central role in upholding statutory employment protections and the confidence placed by the State in its expertise and independence. At the heart of many disputes is the issue of voice - that is the ability of workers to raise concerns in a structured and orderly way and the ability of employers to have their perspectives heard. Labour Court recommendations frequently seek to establish or strengthen procedural frameworks that allow normal industrial relations business to be conducted between the respective parties without disputes escalating.”
“Chief among these is the Labour Court, which plays a vital role in offering independent, reasoned guidance aimed at restoring stability and constructive relations. Under Ireland's voluntary system, Labour Court recommendations in industrial relations disputes are generally non-binding. This is a long-standing and accepted feature of the framework. Nevertheless, such recommendations are intended to be treated with seriousness by both parties. They are the product of careful consideration of evidence and competing interests and are designed to support renewed engagement and resolution where voluntary processes have failed. I should also draw a clear distinction between industrial relations recommendations and decisions of the Labour Court made under employment rights legislation.”
“I thank Deputy Buckley for raising this very important issue. I have been asked to respond on behalf of my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon. Volunteerism has long been a defining feature of Irish industrial relations. It respects the autonomy of employers and workers, places a strong emphasis on dialogue and engagement and has served the State well over many decades. This model remains central to maintaining a stable and balanced industrial relations architecture. However, volunteerism also carries responsibilities with it for all parties. When disputes arise and engagement at workplace level breaks down, the State provides well-established institutions to support resolution.”
“It will be kept under ongoing review most particularly in light of the upcoming budget. That is an opportunity for the Deputy to make his case.”
“As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government commits to maintaining a broad tax base to guard against the need for a countercyclical fiscal policy in the event of a downturn and to prepare for future budgetary challenges related to population ageing. Capital gains tax is part of a system to ensure a wide taxation base reducing the burden on income tax that is tax on labour. I assure the Deputy, as with all taxes, that capital gains tax is subject to ongoing review which involves the consideration and assessment of the rate of capital gains and the relevant reliefs and exemptions from capital gains tax. Capital gains tax policy and legislation are reviewed as part of the annual budget and Finance Bill process, and is part of wider tax policy considerations. That same consideration will take place this year.”
“I thank the Deputy for bringing this issue to the House. The rate that capital gains tax is charged at has varied upwards and downwards. The truth is that the existence of capital gains tax can help maintain a balance between the rate of taxation of capital assets and the higher rate of income tax. It can also prevent tax planning behaviour. There are a number of targeted reliefs from capital gains tax, including principal private residence relief as well as retirement relief and revised entrepreneur relief. It is often the case that significant exemptions often require a higher rate to generate an appropriate yield.”
“There is no requirement to pay capital gains tax on gains accrued if such a house is sold. An individual, married couple or civil partners cannot have more than one principal private residence at any one time. The Deputy should note that there may be difficulties with unintended consequences if the rate of capital gains tax were reduced for one category alone. If that were to happen, it would be difficult to distinguish in legislation such a property from other circumstances where second properties are sold, for example, paying off a loan or providing for a pension. There may also be a possible State aid dimension to such a proposal due to the targeting of the measure. In such circumstances, where a reduction to the overall rate of capital gains tax was necessitated, there would be a significant Exchequer cost.”
“It ensures taxation is not focused solely on income tax and that those who benefit from gains in the value of their assets are included within the tax net on an equitable basis. In doing so, we can limit the need for increases in income tax rates and secure the sustainability of the taxation system against future challenges. While capital gains tax is a broad-based tax, which applies across the board to virtually all gains that a person can incur, appropriate reliefs are provided in particular circumstances. For instance, section 604 of the 1997 Act provides relief from capital gains tax on the disposal of a person’s principal private residence. A principal private residence is defined as any dwelling house, together with surrounding land, occupied as gardens or grounds up to an area of 1 acre.”
“The rate at which capital gains is charged has varied both upwards and downwards since its introduction back in 1975, and the present rate of 33% has been in place since 2012. It is understood that Deputy Scanlon is referencing a situation where a person is selling a second house, such as an investment property, for the purpose of providing funds to a child to buy their own house and, as such, no relief from capital gains tax applies. While capital gains tax makes up only a small proportion of overall taxes, it is considered an integral part of the overall taxation system due to the need to ensure as broad a tax base as possible. The purpose of capital gains tax is to ensure fairness.”
“I thank Deputy Scanlon for raising this important issue. I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Finance. The Deputy will be aware that capital gains tax, CGT, is a tax on the gain that arises on the disposal of an asset. The chargeable gain of an asset is the difference between the amount a person received for it - in other words, the sale price - the amount a person paid for it, the purchase price, and any allowable expenses in the meantime. Capital gains tax arises not just on the sale of an asset but also on the transfer or gift of an asset from one individual to another, and that is the issue the Deputy is raising here. Capital gains tax is payable by the disponer of the asset and the current rate is 33%. The first €1,270 of chargeable gains of an individual in any year are exempt from capital gains tax.”
“It is my understanding that the providers in question provide a lot of support to those people, but I will try to find out a little more on that specific issue.”
“It says here that the suspension of disability allowance payments while on full-time FET is a fundamental element of the agreed national funding model. It goes on to say that it ensures consistency in payment structures across all ETBs and training providers, and that would include Cluain in Tipperary. I will certainly go to the Department, but it does seem that while what the Senator asks could be of benefit, maybe the impact of it on the systems that are already in place might be substantial. I cannot really answer because it is not within my area of expertise, but I understand what he says, especially that it can be offputting when people with disabilities are faced with extra forms to fill.”
“SOLAS has advised that in 2025 almost €45 million was allocated to specialist training providers, and that includes Cluain, in Tipperary. It is part of that. Approximately €18 million of this funding goes to training allowances for learners. I will, as the Senator asked, speak to the Ministers in question. I am interested to hear the Senator's further response.”
“We have the fund for students with disabilities, which enables education and training boards to put vital supports in place in order that learners can participate on an equal footing with their peers. In 2024 alone, over 3,500 learners benefited from these supports and there was a further commitment in budget 2026, with an extra €2 million being secured. This new, dedicated funding also includes transport supports for learners with intellectual disabilities. That helps to remove a barrier to participation. In addition, there is a real emphasis on capability across the system to help mainstream FET programmes and make sure they are accessible to people with disabilities. The whole idea of universal design and reasonable accommodations is very much to the fore.”
“The Department of Social Protection has advised that the suspension of disability allowance payments while on full-time FET training is a fundamental element of the agreed national funding model and ensures consistency in payment structures across all education and training boards and training providers. I reiterate that there is no financial loss to anybody involved here. Those in receipt of the invalidity pension must apply to the Department of Social Protection for an exemption before starting the course. When approval is given, the learner stays on invalidity pension throughout the training and continues to be paid as normal. As I have said, there is no loss to anybody who is on this course. As well as that, there are a number of other key supports for students with disabilities.”
“For those in receipt of disability allowance, what happens is, as the Senator said, an administrative change. When they start a FET course, their disability allowance is paused and they are paid a FET training allowance instead. This is usually €254 per week or the same amount as their disability allowance if that is higher. When the learner leaves or completes the course and the Department of Social Protection is informed, the disability allowance is then automatically reinstated, but it is important to say there is no loss of either the allowance or the services provided. The Senator is really speaking about the payment arrangements. They are arranged between the Department of Social Protection and SOLAS nationally and have been place since 2001, 25 years ago.”
“I thank Senator Clonan. There are a number of asks there. He is obviously talking about the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Calleary, but it seems that the Departments conferred on this Commencement matter and decided it fell within the remit of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science places a high priority on inclusion across further and higher education. This work is closely aligned with the programme for Government, the national human rights strategy for disabled people and the forthcoming further education and training, FET, strategy. Let us deal with the two issues the Senator raised, the disability allowance and the invalidity pension.”
“I accept the Deputy's bona fides on this, and I hear what he says. However, I cannot emphasise often enough that there are no cuts here. There is an increase of €4 million in the budget. Each ETB has to decide how they spend their individual budgets, within certain parameters, obviously. ESOL programmes are simply going back to pre-2022 levels. We have seen similar tapering off of supports across other Departments. This was an emergency fund because of the Ukraine war and now, we are going back to where we were beforehand. I understand what the Deputy is saying to me, however. If he contacts me, I will get him as best an answer as I can. I cannot emphasise firmly enough, however, that it is up to individual ETBs. Each of them gets its funding. GRETB had a significant increase in funding and it is up to it how it spends that funding.”
“The point I made earlier is that there is no cut to the GRETB budget. In fact, it has significantly increased this year from last year. It is also important to say that while ESOL provision has reverted to pre-2022 levels before the Ukraine war, when it was significantly expanded on a temporary basis, ESOL continues to be delivered nationally as part of core funding. It is not that we have stopped it; it is just that we have gone back to the pre-2022 levels. Of course, ETBs have to manage within the budgets that are allocated to them, but GRETB has an extra €4 million this year. As the Deputy said, while it may impact on Spanish students and otherwise, it is important to remember that this was a temporary expansion and it followed the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.”
“As I said, that was time-limited, temporary funding, but it did significantly expand ESOL provision for a fixed time period to meet exceptional demand. As was always intended, the temporary funding has now concluded, and ESOL funding has reverted to its pre-2022 core funding, which is in line with the parameters for budget 2026. While I acknowledge that the ending of these temporary supports presents challenges for some ETBs, it is important to be clear that this does not constitute a reduction in the overall ETB budget.”
“The Deputy did bring this to my attention previously. I assure him that there have been no cuts to GRETB's core funding allocation. My Department remains committed to supporting a further education and training, FET, system that enables individual success, supports economic growth and strengthens communities, underpinned by almost €1.1 billion in current funding for ETBs in 2026. In 2026, GRETB's core allocation is €65.7 million. That is an extra €4.3 million relative to what was delivered 2025. In fact, it is an increase of over 34% to what was delivered in 2020. There are, therefore, no cuts to the allocation. I understand what the Deputy is referring to, however, which is the conclusion of what was temporary emergency funding that was introduced following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022.”
“I can say there are plenty of applications for the public service apprenticeships, and this is really where these apprenticeships are for now.”
“The point Deputy Kenny has made is very important. We have a number of programmes, especially in construction, and I will come back to the public service in a minute. One of our best programmes was a social media programme, Building Heroes, whereby 15 young men and women in the construction industry were involved in a social media campaign so that young people could see what it was like to be involved in these jobs. Yes, there are challenges with getting the messages out through schools but things are improving significantly. More and more career guidance teachers are becoming involved. Sometimes it is a teacher in a school who has a specific interest and can encourage students on this pathway. From this perspective, the Department is making every effort to advertise these programmes.”
“The new business and operations apprenticeship will open up new pathways, beginning with the Civil Service, as well as contributing towards the overall target of 12,500 new apprentice registrations. There are other relevant programmes, including paramedic, spatial planning and data analytics. Information on public service apprenticeship uptake is not available prior to 2022 so I do not have figures prior to that. Regarding the figures Deputy Kenny is looking for with regard to public service apprenticeship numbers, back in 2022 the total number was 373. Last year, 2025, it was 566, and the annual registrations increased from 67 to 286. We can see a real increase in the numbers across the public service and Civil Service.”
“The establishment of new apprenticeship programmes, such as social work, has been central to the increase achieved. In addition, earlier this week, together with the Ministers, Deputies Lawless, Chambers and Calleary, I launched a new business and operations apprenticeship, which will open up new pathways for careers in the public service.”
“The public service apprenticeship plan, a deliverable under the Department's action plan for apprenticeship, which will soon be released, and the better public services strategy of the Department of public expenditure, sets a target of 750 annual public service apprentice registrations. A co-ordinated set of actions from both Departments was put in place to assist employers in meeting apprenticeship targets. This included the establishment of leadership and working groups, employer engagement activities and practical supports such as the guide for employing apprentices in the public service, as well as promotional activities. While the target of 750 annual registrations has not yet been met, uptake increased from 67 in 2022 to 286 in 2025, demonstrating momentum and a foundation for continued expansion.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. The Government's commitment to expanding apprenticeship opportunities is delivering strong results. My Department secured €79 million additional investment through budget 2026, bringing the total investment for apprenticeships to over €410 million, more than double the level of 2020. This investment has supported significant growth with annual registrations rising by 78% from just over 5,000 in 2020 to well over 9,000 in 2025. The question relates to apprenticeship participation across the public sector and this is a very specific priority for the Government.”
“That funding will be used to support a range of service openings and expansions across the country, including a range of respite initiatives over the summer period. There will be a particular focus on strengthening provision in areas that currently have a lower level of supports. I heard what the Deputy said about crisis funding and its importance and I will bring that to the attention of the Minister because it is a crucial issue for many families. There is the real risk of burn-out for families. The Deputy mentioned the equine centre. This is not contained in the response I have before me but I remember visiting the equine centre in Ability West and the excellent work done there. I will mention that to the Minister.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is a priority for the Minister, Deputy Foley, the Department and the whole Government. I agree that respite services are essential for people with disabilities and their families. The Government is committed to the continued expansion and development of respite services, as set out in the programme for Government and the new National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030. To support the HSE in its work to provide and develop respite services and in recognition of the importance of support for disabled people and their families, budget 2026 provided significant additional funding to support respite service expansion in 2026. As I said earlier, there is €25 million in additional funding.”
“Resilience Ireland is developing a new children's respite service, which will provide valuable support to families in this region. Ability West, and I agree with Deputy O'Hara on the great work it does, is establishing a new centre-based respite service in Tuam, providing critical access to respite for young adults in the area. There are also plans for a range of respite initiatives across Galway city and county over the summer period. This will involve a range of activities, including coding, sporting events and summer camps. To provide some figures for respite funding provision for County Galway, from 2018 funding has increased by more than €53,000 to €149,000. This is an increase of approximately 275% over the seven-year period. The number of people in receipt of respite over the same period has increased by approximately 24%.”
“From 2022 to 2025, overnight respite provision increased by 26% while the number of day-only sessions more than doubled in the same period. The HSE project, while adjusting for data gaps, will be above target for the full year for respite activity in 2025. About 7,500 people avail periodically of centre-based respite, with regional disparities in access to the service and overall unmet need. Budget 2026 provides €25 million additional funding for respite expansion, supporting close to 10,000 additional overnight and 25,000 additional day respite sessions. I am pleased to share with Deputy O'Hara that a number of new respite initiatives are under way in Galway, which add to the breadth of respite services available this year.”
“I thank Deputy O'Hara. The Minister, Deputy Foley, thanks him for raising this important issue and I will respond on her behalf. The HSE is very much aware of the importance of respite service provision for the families of children with disabilities and the impact the absence of respite service provision can have on other services being delivered. As Deputy O'Hara said, respite is a vital support for families and service users, and potentially helps to prevent out-of-home full-time residential placement. Respite also helps to preserve the family unit and supports family stability. In this respect, respite is a key priority area for the HSE for people with disabilities and their families. The increased investment in respite services in recent years has impacted positively on the level of service delivered in successive years.”
“There have been a number of roll-outs, including in my constituency, but I will not name them here today. In parallel with these roll-outs, and this is what Senator O'Loughlin wants to hear, the NTA is also planning for future phases of the town bus programme, which include Newbridge. As Senator O'Loughlin has asked me to do so, I will bring this to the attention of the Minister.”
“I reassure Senator O'Loughlin that the Minister is fully committed to delivering a more sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system for the benefit of current and future generations. I heard her message, which was loud and clear, and I will make sure it is delivered to the Minister. The Government recognises that transport connectivity is very important for people who live and work in Ireland, and it is key to bringing back life into our villages, towns and urban centres, such as Newbridge, which Senator O'Loughlin mentioned. In the programme for Government, Securing Ireland's Future, the Government has committed to continued investment in new town bus services. These services are designed to support how people live, work and travel locally, with frequent services, long operating hours and stronger links to the TFI network.”
“Town bus services are frequent, reliable bus routes operating entirely within large towns and linking key destinations such as town centres, retail areas, schools, workplaces, and medical facilities. They also connect to longer distance bus, rail, and Local Link services, making towns more accessible and integrated with the national transport network. The NTA is in the early stages of planning for a further phase of new or improved town bus services under this programme. It is looking at potential new services in Naas, Newbridge, Tralee, Wexford and Tullamore. The timeline for these new services is dependent on planning, infrastructure development and operator procurement.”
“The funding ensures the continued delivery of vital transport services across rural Ireland, building on the significant increase in funding in recent years. In County Kildare and south County Dublin, funding for rural transport increased by 31% between 2024 and 2025, boosting passenger numbers by 42%. A great example of this continued investment can be seen in the enhancement of route 892 between Dunlavin and Newbridge, providing peak time and evening services as well as offering improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services in Kilcullen and Newbridge. The NTA's town bus programme is a major initiative aimed at enhancing urban bus services, improving connectivity, reducing car dependency and promoting sustainability.”
“This will further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, while maintaining targeted fares, including initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of nine years, and the young adult card for those aged between 19 and 25 years, as part of the NTA's national fares strategy. The Department continues to engage with the NTA to ensure existing levels of service, resilience and driver shortages are considered and that planning and strategic decisions are informed by both operational and resource considerations. A total of €31 million has been earmarked for continued investment in our rural transport service provision in 2026. This is a 38% increase on last year's funding.”
“That said, I assure the Senator the Government is strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and public transport plays a key role in the delivery of this goal. To support this objective, in budget 2026, the Department of Transport secured €940 million in funding for public service obligation, PSO, and Transport for Ireland, TFI, Local Link services, which is an increase from €658 million in 2025. A quick scan of the figures tells me it is an increase of about 40%, so that is substantial.”
“Again, I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O'Brien. I thank Senator O’Loughlin for the opportunity to give an update on the dedicated town bus service for Newbridge. As she said, this is an issue she has raised many times. The Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, but neither the Minister nor his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally rests with the National Transport Authority. The NTA works with the public transport operators, which deliver the services and have responsibility for day-to-day operational matters.”
“I thank the Senator. I hear his frustration, and I certainly will bring it to the Minister's attention. I would not like to mislead the Senator so, in that context, I will say what I said earlier. There has been significant investment in the N69 in recent years. Over €67 million in allocations has been invested in pavement, safety and, as the Senator said, the bypass of Listowel on the N69 since 2021. That is the statement I have here. I will bring to the attention of the Minister that the Senator has specific concerns here. It is important to say, however, that in 2026, approximately €32 million in capital Exchequer funding was allocated for the national road network in Kerry. This funds the protection and renewal of the existing roads network and includes new national road projects.”
“Over €67 million in allocations has been invested in pavement, safety and the bypass of Listowel on the N69 since 2021. TII will continue to work closely with the Department of Transport and Kerry County Council to identify critical areas for intervention on the N69 as well as other national routes in Kerry.”
“This includes an allocation for road safety measures on the N69 at Tarbert, along with road improvements on the N70 Ring of Kerry road and the N86 between Dingle and Tralee. Funding has also been provided for pavement renewal works in the county. The roads network is surveyed annually for surface quality and structural strength to inform the allocations provided, and this is also the case for County Kerry. In addition, funding has been allocated for the construction of the N22 Killarney to Farranfore project. This project will improve connectivity between Cork and Kerry, thereby ensuring enhanced regional accessibility; will facilitate efficient access to international markets via Farranfore Airport; and will strengthen tourism in the area. There has been significant investment in the N69 in recent years.”
“This money will be used for the progression of new national roads projects, as listed in the NDP and the sectoral investment plan for transport. Furthermore, in recognition of the need to improve safety and ensure the major investment in our national road network that has taken place over recent decades is safeguarded, there has been an increased level of funding for protection and renewal works on the existing network in 2026. Of this, over €32 million was allocated to Kerry County Council. This represents an increase of almost €20 million when compared to 2025. To me, that allocation seems quite significant. This year’s allocations include funding for a wide range of projects.”