Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Carlow-Kilkenny · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We can tell a great deal about the strength of a rural community by the services that remain at its heart. If the school is open, the local shop is trading, the GAA club is thriving and the post office is still there, that community has a bright future. That is why this Bill matters.”
“Fianna Fáil has always believed that people should not have to leave rural Ireland to enjoy the same quality of public services as those living elsewhere. Balanced regional development means investing in the infrastructure that allows people to live, work, raise families and grow older in the communities that they love.”
“It recognises the pressures created by declining mail volumes, rising costs and changing consumer habits, while giving An Post the opportunity to continue modernising and developing the network for the future. However, this should not simply be about maintaining what we have.”
“For many older people, those living alone and those who are less comfortable with digital services, the post office remains their most trusted connection with the State and that role should never be underestimated. Rural Ireland has faced enormous changes over recent decades.”
“For people living with Friedreich's ataxia time is something they simply do not have. Every delay means more mobility lost, more speech lost and more independence taken away.”
“Like previous speakers, I raise the issue of teacher losses. I am asking for the intervention of the Tánaiste regarding Our Lady of Lourdes National School in Slieverue, County Kilkenny, where the incoming junior infants class for September 2026 is expected to consist of 34 children taught by a single teacher following the loss of a teach…”
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“I would encourage every sporting organisation and every soccer organisation in Kilkenny and in Carlow to get their applications ready, to give me a shout, and we will make sure we get as many of those over the line as possible. In relation to the FAI and the proposals for the summer league, which was a very hot issue around 12 months ago, I acknowledge and thank the FAI for its openness in discussing it and in allowing every county to decide what is best for itself. I am from Kilkenny and we are a massive GAA county. We love our hurling but we love our soccer as well. The summer calendar would not have worked because people would have picked one sport over the other. They can co-exist. I commend the FAI on allowing each county to decide what is best for itself.”
“It is in that context I want to talk a little bit about the sports capital grant or the community sports facilities fund, which will be announced shortly. The total allocation of that has increased significantly over the last terms. It had gone from €70 million to €170 million, and the last tranche was €270 million. There is a fantastic opportunity here now for all sports clubs but for soccer clubs in particular to really increase the infrastructure and the capacity of their sports facilities, whether it be dressing rooms for girls, AstroTurf pitches, floodlights or walkways around them. There is a significant pot of money going to be made available.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to be here this evening to speak and make statements related to football. I have a couple of points I would like to make, My initial point is to say a massive thank you to all the clubs in the country, especially in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, to all the volunteers, all the executive, all coaches, all parents and all players. It is a fantastic asset to have for a community. I have seen at first hand incredible developments in Kilkenny and in Carlow in soccer facilities, soccer infrastructure and increased participation in sport and soccer, particularly among females. It is fantastic to see. A huge amount has been done but we need to continue to do more to encourage participation in sport, especially among our females.”
“However, we cannot stop here. We have to be agile and flexible and we have to continue to act decisively, ambitiously and with a clear focus on delivering a more secure, more sustainable and more affordable energy future for all.”
“The reality is that global energy markets can shift rapidly due to conflict, supply disruptions or economic shocks. We must be in a position to act quickly to protect Irish consumers and Irish businesses. That means building flexibility into our policies, maintaining contingency measures that can be deployed when needed and ensuring that the Government has the tools to respond in real time. We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be ready. This is not about responding to a crisis; it is about building resilience for the future and ensuring that Irish households and businesses are not repeatedly at the mercy of global energy shocks. The measures that have been recently announced are a step in the right direction. They will provide short-term relief and they demonstrate that this Government is responding to the challenges at hand.”
“This leaves us exposed to geopolitical shocks, price spikes and uncertainty that is beyond our control, like the situation we find ourselves in at the moment. The current situation has only underlined that vulnerability. While we acknowledge the steps taken, we must also call for greater urgency: urgency in accelerating renewable energy projects, particularly offshore; urgency in upgrading and expanding our electricity grid in order that supply can meet demand; urgency in reforming planning processes to ensure that critical infrastructure can be delivered without unnecessary delay; and urgency in ensuring that supports reach those who need them most when they need them. There is also a clear lesson from this crisis. We must ensure that our response as a State is agile, responsive and prepared for whatever challenges may come next.”
“In addition, the level of investment in retrofitting and energy efficiency must be acknowledged. Since 2019 over €1.6 billion has been provided to support hundreds of thousands of home energy upgrades. These measures not only reduce emissions but, crucially, reduce costs for households over the long term. However, we have to ask the question, are we moving quickly enough? Is there more that can be done? For many people who will be watching this debate, the reality is simple: bills are still too high and the cost of living remains a constant worry. While progress is being made, the benefits are not being felt evenly or widely enough. That is why I welcome the targeted measures that were introduced yesterday. We also know that Ireland remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.”
“The supports for haulage and road passenger operations being introduced and the fuel allowance being extended by four weeks are protecting the most vulnerable in society. The extension of the fuel allowance season means that eligible households will receive additional financial support totalling €152. This Bill also provides scope for the Government to amend the time period by way of order at a later date if required. It is also important to note that temporary and targeted measures to reduce fuel prices for households and businesses, with additional supports for key sectors of the Irish economy, are being introduced and may be adjusted as the situation evolves. This is an evolving situation and has been since the crisis broke a couple of weeks ago.”
“That is why it is equally important to focus on longer term actions being taken and indeed a lot of work needs to be done. We have seen significant progress in renewable energy in recent years. The growth in solar capacity, from just 2 MW in 2015 to over 2,400 MW today, is remarkable. It shows what can be achieved with the right policy focus and investment. Similarly, the increase in the share of electricity generated from renewables, now exceeding 40%, demonstrates that we are moving in the right direction. The expansion of rooftop solar, with over 155,000 homes supported and schools benefiting from insulations, is helping to reduce bills and empower consumers to generate their own energy. This is a positive development and one that should continue to be scaled up.”
“We must also recognise the targeted supports for key sectors of our economy. Hauliers, bus operators and those who keep goods and people moving have been under enormous strain due to the rise in diesel costs. Increasing the diesel rebate and backdating it is a sensible and necessary intervention to protect jobs, to make sure our economy is strong and to make sure we have a pot of money so that when we are hit with a crisis, we can actually put measures in place to help Irish families. If we have a surplus and keep taking out of it, we will end up with a deficit. I do not know if the Sinn Féin economic policy recognises that, but that is the reality of the situation. While we all hope that stability will return, the reality is that uncertainty still remains.”
“It is important to acknowledge that action has been taken and that action is absolutely welcome. The reduction in excise on petrol and diesel alongside a significant cut to the NORA levy will provide immediate and tangible relief at the pumps, not just "No" politics for the sake of "No" politics. For many working people, particularly those in rural areas, who rely heavily on their cars, that relief cannot come soon enough. Equally the decision to extend supports for home heating, particularly for more vulnerable households, is a recognition of the very real concern and anxiety that people feel when faced with rising energy bills. These are practical steps and they will make a real difference. I welcome the additional four weeks on the fuel allowance, which will make a huge difference to families right across the country.”
“The Deputy is talking out of both sides of her mouth as usual. The country can see through it and we are all sick of listening to her and her colleagues. They are going at it the whole time, left, right and centre. There is nothing to them. There is absolutely no substance and they have no credibility. Everybody can see through it.”
“They are going out and whinging with no credible proposal being brought forward. Last week they said they would bring forward a 20 cent reduction. Why, five days later, do they go against a 22 cent reduction?”
“The only thing we ever get from Sinn Féin Members is a permanent "No". That is their contribution to Irish politics, a permanent "No". There is nothing to them and nothing in them. They would want to start coming forward with proper, credible policies instead of just going against everything.”
“I welcome the opportunity to speak on the measures announced by the Government to address the ongoing fuel and energy cost crisis, which continues to place real and sustained pressure on households, families and businesses right across the country. I cannot but comment on the pure hypocrisy of Sinn Féin on the far side of the House, whose previous speakers unanimously opposed last night’s motion to help families and businesses right across the country. Last Thursday in this Chamber, the deputy leader of Sinn Féin called for a 20 cent reduction in excise duty. Last night he and his colleagues voted against a 22 cent excise duty reduction. It is all spin and bluster.”
“Kieran's College, which, again, has a project ready to go. Its pupils were all-Ireland champions again on St. Patrick's Day, their 26th title, so hurling is strong, alive and well in Kilkenny, the Tánaiste and the House will be glad to hear. If we are serious about education, we cannot continue to delay investment where it is clearly needed. Students deserve a safe, modern space to learn, not uncertainty and overcrowding. It is time for action. I welcome the Tánaiste's comment that additional funding is going to be made available. It is time that these schools get the funding they urgently require.”
“I am delighted to hear that additional funding will be made available. I look forward to engaging with the Tánaiste to deliver these projects. In Carlow, schools like Borris College and St. Mary's Academy CBS are under pressure. The projects are ready to go. They just need the green light from the Department. If we move over to Kilkenny, the situation is just as concerning. Kilkenny City Vocational School and Coláiste Pobail Osraí are waiting on their new shared campus. Castlecomer Community College and Coláiste Abhainn Rí in Callan have been excluded from the last round of Government funding. These schools are operating at full capacity, and delays only make conditions worse. St. Senan’s National School in Kilmacow and Church Hill National School are ready to go. We have the magnificent St.”
“Based on this logic, it will be well over a decade before some of these projects even get the nod to go ahead to the design stage. What additional capital funding can be allocated in 2026 specifically to address these delays? Will the Government commit to reviewing and increasing the capital budget for school buildings so that approved projects can be delivered on time? Ultimately, this is about delivery. It is about turning announcements into actual buildings and ensuring that schools in constituencies like mine are not left behind.”
“All of this is happening at a time when the State is in a very strong financial position. The question has to be asked as to why, when the resources are available, we are still seeing such delays in delivering essential school infrastructure in places like Carlow and Kilkenny. This cannot continue. Temporary accommodation is not a long-term solution. Children only get one chance at their education, and they deserve to learn in proper, permanent facilities. As of this morning, on the Government website for the Department of education, there are 284 large-scale projects and 878 additional accommodation projects in the pipeline. That is 1,162 projects across the country, 30 of which are in my constituency. The latest round of capital funding showed that only 105 schools were funded.”
“I acknowledge the €7.6 billion that has been put aside in the national development plan, NDP, but putting it simply, it is not enough. The reality is that inflation in the building sector has fundamentally changed this picture. Projects that were costed a number of years ago are now far more expensive to deliver. As a result, we have a situation where schools have approval in principle, but in practice, they are stuck in limbo because the funding no longer matches the real cost of building. This is deeply frustrating for school communities. Boards of management, principals and parents are doing everything asked of them. They are engaging with the Department, progressing designs and identifying sites, yet they are left waiting, sometimes for years, with no clear timeline for delivery.”
“In Carlow-Kilkenny, the reality facing students, parents and school staff is very different from the picture that is often presented by the Government. We are seeing steady population growth, more young families and increasing demand for school places, but the delivery of school buildings is simply not keeping pace. Across the country, and specifically in my constituency, schools are relying on prefabs that were meant to be temporary but have now become long-term fixtures. Children are being taught in overcrowded classrooms with limited facilities, while projects that have been announced or approved are taking years to materialise. The core issue here is not a lack of planning, but a lack of adequate capital funding that reflects today's construction costs.”
“However, if Europe wants sustainable food production, vibrant rural communities and a secure food supply, then the next phase of the Common Agricultural Policy must work for the farmers who make all that possible. It must work for the rural communities and the finance and funding has to be in place to allow these communities to thrive.”
“I welcome the Minister's comments and the fact a strong CAP is not just about agriculture but it is about the future of rural Ireland. When farming thrives, rural communities thrive alongside it. Local businesses, schools, services and sports clubs all depend on vibrant rural economies so this finance will be key to that. CAP 27 must provide meaningful supports to help young farmers enter the industry and invest in their farms for the long term. Historically, Ireland has played a really constructive role in shaping European agriculture policy and, as decisions around CAP intensify, that leadership from the Minister, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach will be more important than ever. Ireland must be at the negotiating table shaping CAP 27. We have the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will be hugely influential for us.”
“Most importantly, our agriculture sector is built not on vast industrial farms but on family farms that have been passed down through generations. Ireland's agricultural success has never been built on industrial mega farms; it has been built on family farms. That model must remain at the centre of the CAP going forward.”
“I am delighted to see so much engagement in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy because, for Ireland, this debate is not simply another EU policy negotiation. As the Minister himself said, it is about the future of rural communities, family farming and food production in a country where agriculture remains one of our most important indigenous industries. As negotiations around CAP 2027 begin to take shape, Ireland has to ensure that its voice is strong and influential in Brussels through the Minister, the Minister for Finance and the Taoiseach. As the Minister, Deputy Heydon, mentioned, Irish agriculture is unique in Europe. Our grass-based production system is among the most sustainable in the world, producing high-quality food with a comparatively low carbon footprint.”
“When women are supported to succeed, as I outlined, our communities thrive, our economy grows stronger and our society becomes fairer and more inclusive for everybody. As we mark International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the achievements of women across Ireland. Let us honour their contributions past and present, and renew our commitment in this House to building a future where every girl and woman can reach her full potential.”
“For me, International Women's Day has a deeply personal meaning. I am the proud father of four daughters and like every parent, I want them to grow up in a society where their opportunities are not limited by their gender, where their ambitions are encouraged and where their talents are recognised and valued. I want equality of opportunity for my children, not numbers for the sake of it, and for them to get the same opportunities as everybody else. My hope for them and for every girl growing up in Ireland is that they will have the confidence to dream big, the support to pursue those dreams, and the freedom to shape their own futures. While this week is a week of celebration, it is also a stark reminder that we must continue working to achieve true equality.”
“I was absolutely blown away by the fact that the majority of the young people doing the demonstrations were female. That is a nod to the Paulstown boxing club and the great Ollie O'Neill and Darren O’Neill but also to Katie Taylor and Kellie Harrington and the women who have forged a lonely path at times to get female boxing to the Olympics. To have world champions in Ireland in boxing is incredible. We also see it in young women representing their communities with pride and confidence, such as Katelyn Cummins, a very proud Kilkenny woman. She was a Laois Rose who represented her community with pride and confidence and went on to win the Rose of Tralee and "Dancing with the Stars" last week. Her journey reflects the talent, positivity and ambition young Irish women bring to every single opportunity they might get.”
“Her legacy reminds us that progress is possible when barriers are challenged and opportunities are opened up. Today, across Ireland, women continue to inspire in every walk of life. We this see this in the arts through the incredible talent of Ireland’s own Jessie Buckley whose success on the international stage has showcased Irish creativity and talent to the world. To cap it off, winning an Oscar last week was absolutely incredible. Her story of resilience is inspiring. In sport, we see it in champions like Katie Taylor, whose discipline, humility and achievements have inspired a generation of young people across Ireland. Again, another world champion. I was at a parade yesterday in Gorsebridge and the Paulstown boxing club had a float.”
“The story of modern Ireland cannot be told without recognising the central role of women in shaping our society, economy and national identity. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak and mark International Women’s Day, and recognise the extraordinary contribution that women make to our families, communities and country, which they will continue to do for our future. Throughout Irish history, women have played a vital role in shaping the nation we are today. One of the most powerful examples is Countess Markievicz, a pioneer of Irish political life and founding member of Fianna Fáil in 1926, who became the first woman elected to this Parliament and is a symbol of courage, leadership and determination throughout the country.”
“It is absolutely incredible that so many people are using it. We have got something in rural Ireland that works. We have something that represents everything is great about our country. We need to continue to support and enhance it. I say this from my perspective as a rural TD. Every time we hear of a post office closing in the community, it sends a shudder down the spine of those in rural communities. Anything that can be done to support rural post offices should be done.”
“That is money that is incredibly well spent and will probably be the best money the Government will spend over the next five years. Post offices are vital social links in rural communities but in urban settings as well. They are absolutely critical. They support local economies, providing essential government services. In many small towns and villages - I am thinking of my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny - the post office is the last remaining face-to-face interaction that a lot of these towns have. They provide hugely important services in towns of all sizes, but in particular in small towns. Over 1 million people every week use the post office. That is one in five people in this country every week who interact with the post office or use it for the many things that they can use it for.”
“My father is retiring from the post office as a postman next month and I wish him well in his retirement. The Government is absolutely committed to supporting rural areas and we all want to see the post office network developed. The programme for Government specifically states that the Government will continue to provide a nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. I was particularly delighted in January when the Government announced that it will provide funding of €15 million out to 2030 to support the stability of the nationwide network of post offices. This a huge shot in the arm and in fairness the postmasters group lobbied very hard.”
“I again acknowledge all the postmasters and postmistresses around the country for the incredible work they do. The post office is the heart and soul of rural Ireland. I acknowledge their role in providing a phenomenal service. I also acknowledge the role of our postmen and postwomen who deliver our post every day and every week. In particular, back during the Covid restrictions, sometimes the only interaction people in rural areas had was with their postman who was driving up country boreens and country lanes delivering that piece of post. It is important in the context of the debate that we acknowledge the role of our postmen and postwomen around the country and thank them for the service they provide. In that context, I wish to share a personal story.”
“They do not disappear because there is no allocation, but instead the burden falls entirely on already stretched teachers and school leaders. This impacts not only the children with additional needs but the whole classroom. If we are truly committed to inclusion, then inclusion must be universal. Every school should begin with a baseline allocation of one SNA, and from that starting point allocations can be reviewed and revised upwards where the level of need requires it but never, ever down to zero. The only direction support should move is up, in response to identified need.”
“On their own these needs may seem small, but when you add them all together across an entire school they are not small at all. I welcome the upcoming reforms to redefine the role of the SNA to include supporting non-physical needs, but in schools that are fortunate enough to have an SNA allocated for significant care needs, that SNA often becomes a quiet pillar of support for the wider school community. Once their core duties are met, they can help steady a child who is overwhelmed, support inclusion in the yard or assist a teacher during particularly challenging parts of the day. That flexibility benefits everyone. Schools that do not have an SNA allocation, however, are at a clear disadvantage. The needs still exist.”
“When the 2014 circular from the Department of education is updated, I hope it will clearly recognise something that every teacher and every parent already knows: that every school in Ireland has students with additional needs and, therefore, every school should be entitled to at least one special needs assistant. I welcome the recent news from the Minister that there will be no reduction in the allocation of SNAs for the upcoming year, but needs in schools do not always present as dramatic or highly visible. Yes, some students require significant support with care, mobility or medical needs, but there are many more children whose needs may be described as mild or moderate: difficulties with organisation, emotional regulation, social interaction, anxiety or attention.”
“I note that the UHW oncology day ward had been in UPMC Whitfield for six years and just moved back to UHW two weeks ago. Being off-site impacts the unit through delays in chemotherapy delivery labs and, in turn, impacts capacity in the day ward, and so impacts the patients. We need to get back on-site to St. Luke's to offer a safer and more efficient service. Over €1.3 million per annum is paid to UPMC in rent for the oncology unit to be off-site. Surely this money could be put towards a new oncology unit on-site at St. Luke's. Will the Taoiseach prioritise this with the HSE and the hospital management?”
“The oncology unit for St. Luke's Hospital is currently offsite at UPMC, and has been for almost six years. Since the Covid pandemic, it moved there and never moved back. Providing a safe and efficient service to the oncology patients is the most important part of the work in the oncology day ward. St. Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny treats patients from Carlow, Kilkenny and parts of Laois and Tipperary but being offsite for many years has had a number of implications, such as lack of quick access to labs, pharmacy, charts and a resus team in the emergency department. These are causing delays daily in the unit. Lately, there has been talk of delays for oncology patients getting started on systemic anti-cancer treatment in both Kilkenny and University Hospital Waterford.”
“Today, their parents said, "Our kids don't have the luxury of time." They said, "Don't let the cost of this drug be the price of the lives of our sons and daughters." Young inspirational Emily Felix from Kilkenny, who is studying to become a solicitor, said that she had to record her voice on to an app so when her voice is gone, her family will remember what it sounded like. I am asking the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health to help these people and to urge the HSE to approve the funding for Skyclarys drug.”
“Today, five brave young people - David McInerney and Emily Felix from Kilkenny, Eric Fitzgerald from Mayo, Niamh Ní Hoireabhaird from Kildare and Oisín Pollard from Carlow - and their families attended the AV room to raise awareness around the rare disease, Friedreich's Ataxia. These five young people all suffer from Friedreich's Ataxia and they need the Government's help with regard to approving funding for the drug Skyclarys, which will make a huge difference to their lives.”
“There is a lot of co-ordination among different agencies required but let us start the ball rolling now and let us not be in a situation in a couple of years where we are back here. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that includes sustainable development practices, adequate funding for infrastructure, active community engagement and effective public awareness campaigns. However, these schemes are so important. These schemes are giving hope to people in Carlow, Kilkenny, Thomastown, Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh, Ballyhale, Piltown and Freshford, to name just a few. We are looking for the Minister of State's support to get these over the line as quickly as possible.”
“Funding constraints are not the biggest problem here. The Minister of State has strongly come out pointing out that there is €1.3 billion put aside for flood relief schemes until 2030. The money is there. We just need to see a little bit more speed. I acknowledge that there are processes that need be followed but we need speed and urgency. We need to bypass some of the stuff because human life is more important than fish life. There has been huge community engagement over the past number of years on some of these schemes. I implore the Minister of State to ensure these schemes to run concurrently and to get to a stage. We can worry about the specific funding and allocation once we get approval. Let us get these schemes agreed, designed and ready to go, then we can look for the funding.”
“The water was up nearly as far as the crossbars. We cannot have situations where this continues and continues. The Minister of State's heart is in the right place. He is doing everything he can, but we need to see speed and delivery on these schemes. The people, families, homes and businesses who are affected by flood relief are sick and devastated. They are living in fear. Every single time there is a shower of rain coming or a couple of days of rain they are thinking, "Oh my God, are we going to get flooded this time?" I want to pay tribute again to both local authorities in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny for the tremendous work they did providing sandbags, making sure that people were looked after, helping people evacuate their homes and helping them to save as much furniture and so on as they could.”
“This is not to get to the construction or to finality but to get them going meaning that when the funding is there these projects can start straightaway. For example, Thomastown is stuck in a rut. It is not going to get sorted any time soon. These schemes take a while. I ask the Minister of State to consider starting to get the ball rolling on these schemes in terms of the consultation piece to get them to a stage where they are ready to go to tender. He is familiar with Inistioge. He visited it in 2018 while he was Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW. The hurling pitch in Inistioge and the village once again was flooded along with Thomastown and Graiguenamanagh. I visited Inistioge and I spoke with a lot of the locals. I looked at the hurling pitch. It was like looking out into the Irish Sea.”
“I ask the Minister of State to try his best to speed that up and pull out whatever stops he needs to do to get this scheme over the line so that construction can start and we can get the flood relief scheme in place to sort that issue out. A big challenge I have if I look at the OPW and Kilkenny, we have two people appointed by Kilkenny County Council to deal specifically with flood relief schemes. I would love to see a situation where schemes can run parallel. For example, we have Graiguenamanagh in tranche 1. We have six schemes in total identified in Kilkenny but they are not running concurrently. I understand that there is a financial commitment required in terms of the capital infrastructure, but surely there is a way we can progress these schemes with the consultation part and the studies part.”
“While the rain might have subsided, the smell and the damage lasts for weeks and weeks. The Minister of State knows that because he very kindly came down to my own hometown of Graiguenamanagh and he saw the damage that has been caused first hand. The people affected are still dealing with that today. I acknowledge and welcome the funding and humanitarian aid that a lot of people are applying for. The fact that it was increased as well is a positive step. However, we need to make sure that we put flood defences in place that mean these issues are not going to happen again. The Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme is with An Coimisiún Pleanála.”
“Graiguenamanagh Tinnahinch flood relief scheme is in tranche 1. It is progressing, albeit it has been very slow to progress the scheme. Funding was announced in 2018. Consultants were appointed in December 2020. It only managed to go to planning in December 2025. That is an awful long time to go from appointing design consultants to putting in for planning. I implore the Minister of State to try to speed up the planning process to get these schemes approved. It took five years to get to that stage. I know there are environmental studies to be done, and I get all of that. Human life is more important than fish life. Human life is more important than a snail's life. We can have all studies in the world, but when we sit down with somebody whose home has been ravaged by water.”
“There are roads down my way and the Ceann Comhairle would be familiar with down in Drummond, Glynn, Ballyglisheen, Newtown and Dungarvan over to Knockroe, Clashganny and Inch. Driving on some of these roads is like being in a boneshaker. Vehicles are rattling on them. It is a pothole-ridden nightmare. Funding needs to be made available. I welcome the fact that funding is going to be made available. I would like to see the speed of which this funding can be made available to local authorities increase. The roads funding announcement was fantastic news during the week with over €1.5 billion nationally. We did well in my constituency with over €40 million, but we need this additional funding to sort out the serious damage that was done to roads during the past couple of weeks in addition to the funding that was recently announced.”
“The past couple of weeks have seen huge flooding and significant flooding in some areas, including the flooding of homes and businesses. I am talking about places such as Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Inistioge, Freshford, Piltown and Ballyhale to name six in the Kilkenny side of my constituency that have been affected along with places like Clonegal in Carlow, which also have been decimated with flooding. Last week, the Taoiseach and Ministers met to consider the State's response to the extreme weather events. It was confirmed that local authorities would be given the authority to commence road repairs. The importance of these contingency funds has been mentioned by previous speakers.”