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 congratulate the Ministers of State on their new roles. I have not had the opportunity to formally congratulate them previously. I am seeking an update on the refurbishment works that are scheduled to be carried out at Kilkenny Castle.”
“I ask the Minister of State to try to prioritise the Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme and get it over the line, because, as I said, the flood event happened almost ten years ago and ten years later, we still do not have any works to make the town, the businesses and the families feel safer for the next event that may come.”
“I wish to briefly raise the issue of the Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme. It is my own town. In 2016, there was a devastating flood event which wreaked havoc and mayhem on many families and businesses in Graiguenamanagh. Funding was approved by the Minister of State in his previous term as Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW which was much welcomed and received. In March 2020, a design team was appointed to come up with a scheme but five years later and we have not even gone for planning permission. Getting these schemes over the line is far too slow.”
“By implementing these measures, communities right across Carlow–Kilkenny and nationally can create an environment that encourages positive development and reduces the risk of youth engaging in criminal activities.”
“In my town, Graiguenamanagh, there is a fantastic initiative involving transition year students in the local college, Duiske College, and the senior Age Action team. The transition year students teach the older people in the community technology, including smartphones, and the older people in the community teach the young people skills such as knitting and sewing. It is a fantastic partnership. It has been replicated in many of the ETB schools in Carlow–Kilkenny, including in Ballyhale. It is absolutely fantastic. On mental health services, we need to continue to provide accessible mental health resources and counselling to address underlying issues, such as trauma, anxiety and depression, which can also contribute to criminal behaviour.”
“There are now so many courses and options available for students of all ages, whether they go down the apprenticeship route or go to Carlow Institute or College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny. The choice of courses available is endless and we can really steer people on the right path in this regard. One of the biggest aspects for me concerns community engagement. We need to involve our young people in community service projects, allowing them to contribute positively to their neighbourhoods and develop a sense of belonging. I see this in communities right across Kilkenny and Carlow, including in the likes of Borris, St. Mullins, Ballymurphy, Ballinkillen, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Callan. The participation of young people in the likes of litter-picking is absolutely fantastic. I will give an example.”
“However, in particular we need to focus on our recreational activities. We need to provide access to sports, arts and cultural programmes that engage youth in constructive activities and promote teamwork and leadership skills. As a result, we need to continue to invest in our sports capital grant infrastructure and encourage participation in sport, particularly female participation. There is a huge drop-off rate, particularly among girls at second level. We really need to focus our time and energy on participation in sport and make sure young people have this outlet for themselves. On education and educational supports, we need to make sure we improve access to quality education and provide tutoring and after-school programmes to students to succeed academically, reducing the likelihood of criminal behaviour.”
“Youth justice interventions are about recognising that many young people who stray from the proper path simply need support and direction to turn their lives around. My party and I are committed to ensuring children who have become involved in criminality and those at risk of doing so have the tools and supports necessary to make good choices and turn away from offending behaviour. Diverting people from crime involves a combination of community support, education and intervention programmes. For me, there are a couple of key priorities in this regard, the first of which concerns youth mentorship programmes. We need to establish mentorship initiatives with positive role models. We are very fortunate in Ireland to have many positive role models who can guide our young individuals, helping them to navigate challenges and make better choices.”
“I welcome these statements today on youth diversion. As we know, the programme for Government commits us to investing strongly in preventive measures, including youth justice programmes, while strengthening our laws. We have to commit, and I am committed, to building stronger, safer communities in my constituency, namely Carlow–Kilkenny, and nationally. Diverting vulnerable children away from a life of crime and giving them an opportunity to build a better future themselves is absolutely key to this. Youth diversion projects intervene and support young people in trouble, which can be the difference between a lifelong career in crime and the pursuit of a better path for the rest one’s life. We owe it to our younger people and communities to make the interventions I describe and support better outcomes for all.”
“Some 25% do not know where to go to receive health services, 24% do not know how to get the number of a suicide prevention hotline and 22% do not know where to get information about mental illness. Farmers feel that the mental health supports that are available are often unsuitable for farmers. As the Minister will know, it is a specific measure in the programme for Government to put a specific focus on farmers' mental health and well-being. I look forward to working with the Minister on implementing those ambitions.”
“As a proud rural TD representing the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, I am acutely aware that there are many stresses for farmers a lot of which are outside their control. As a result, farmers are considered a group at risk of developing mental health issues. With the pressures of farming increasing, one in four farmers faces burnout. These are all over my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny in the likes of Glynn, Ballymurphy, Kilmaganny, Bennettsbridge, Drummin, Ballyragget, Stonyford and Hugginstown. Last year DCU's farm health project and Teagasc exposed worrying trends in farmers' mental health. In a survey of 351 farmers, 71% said they would seek professional help if they were experiencing a mental health challenge but 54% do not know how to contact the local mental health clinic.”
“Since its introduction in 2027 the LIS has been hugely successful and it is massively oversubscribed. It is very important and there is a huge demand for it in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Additional funding will be required. In the context of next year's budget I implore the Minister to fight as hard as he can for rural towns and villages in my constituency such as Clara, Ballyhale, Windgap, Glynn, Rathanna, Ballinkillin, Drummin, Ballymurphy, Conahy, Muckalee, Pilltown, Glenmore, Fiddown, Mooncoin, Carrigeen and Skeaghvasteen. All have multiple applications to the scheme.”
“We need an update from TII on the ring road, the N25 Waterford to Glenmore road, the Waterford to Cahir road and the N78.”
“Regarding proceedings which happened yesterday, I spoke with my four daughters last night about the carry-on, intimidation, bullying and abuse the Ceann Comhairle was subjected to yesterday, which was nothing short of disgraceful. Nobody should be bullied in the workplace. They asked me to say hello to you and wish you well as they are thinking of you. I want to discuss a couple of infrastructural projects. The Government has put of lot of money into such projects, but there are a couple of key ones in my constituency, Kilkenny. Funding was made available for route selection on the north extension of the Kilkenny ring road and the N24 Waterford to Cahir road, which covers 20 km through south Kilkenny. We want to make sure these projects are fast tracked. They have been held up by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII.”
“If the Minister could have a look at that to ensure all 18 Garda stations in Kilkenny and the eight in Carlow have some sort of physical presence on a regular basis, it would be much appreciated by the local communities they represent on the ground.”
“I welcome the news of 200 new entrants. We would be more than happy to accept those into Carlow and Kilkenny in one blow if the Minister wanted to use it as a pilot scheme. In all seriousness, I am encouraged by the recent recruitment campaign and that brings peace of mind, especially for our older and more vulnerable people in communities right across the constituency. They love seeing gardaí on the ground and that visibility on the beat. Whenever there is an event and gardaí are sourced, people feel safe. It is our duty to make sure we continue to support those Garda stations. Finally, a couple of Garda stations are currently not operational.”
“We are talking about community policing and while I absolutely agree with the Minister with regard to getting recruitment up, we need visibility and people on the ground. I implore him to encourage as much filtration down the country as possible.”
“The recent drive for new entrant Garda numbers was hugely successful and very welcome. My appeal to the Minister is that when these filter down through the system, that as many as possible are filtered to rural towns and villages. We have 18 Garda stations in Kilkenny and eight in Carlow, operating at varying levels. One station in my own town of Graiguenamanagh, which is a substation of the Thomastown office that also covers Goresbridge, a couple of years ago had two sergeants and ten gardaí. At present, we have only one sergeant and four gardaí in that area. In the town of Goresbridge, which is just down the road from me, the Garda station opens for one hour, twice every eight days.”
“I congratulate all Ministers on their new elevations and I wish them well in their posts. My question today specifically relates to the Kilkenny-Carlow constituency and the number of gardaí currently assigned to stations in both of these counties.”
“We need to support people to get keys, get into their homes, give them security of tenure and make sure our towns and villages in rural Carlow and Kilkenny can thrive in future. We need to make it happen.”
“I cannot go back to Inistioge, for example, and tell the people everything is great but we cannot build a house there for another five or six years so the schools will decline, the GAA club will be low in numbers, the post office will be threatened and the shop will struggle. We cannot have a situation like this and it needs to be highlighted. Increasing supply is the key to addressing the housing crisis. The Government is acutely aware of this and it needs to pursue every action possible to support people out of homelessness and give children the best start in life. I was fortunate enough to get that start. Every child in the country deserves the same opportunity that I had. We need to build record levels of social homes. We will have the launch of the new starter home programme.”
“It will cater for 5,000 students and will include apprenticeships, be they in carpentry, bricklaying or whatever the case may be. We need more homes and we need to get urgent about it. We need to get a little bit tougher and more rigorous with Irish Water and its delivery. We need to challenge it more. Funding has been made available and that is great, but we need accountability in the delivery of these projects. I have mentioned 14 wastewater treatment plants in Kilkenny that need upgrading or need a decision. I have to go back to those towns and villages to tell them where they are at.”
“The Opposition, including Sinn Féin, have opposed it time and again but 51,000 families in the country have benefited from the scheme to date and this must be welcomed. It needs to be continued. I know it is a measure in the programme for Government that will be continued. With regard to our construction sector's capacity, more than 175,000 people now work in construction. There was a record number of 9,000 apprentice registrations in the construction sector in 2024. We need to continue to promote and encourage people to go down the route of apprenticeships. In Kilkenny in my constituency, and the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be aware of it, we have a greenfield site of 15 acres where there will be a brand new institute of further education and training.”
“In 2024 alone, mortgage drawdowns for first-time buyers reached more than 26,000, with a value of more than €7.8 billion. It is the highest annual level since 2007. Progress is being made but it is just not being made quickly enough. We need to get a little bit more urgency and intensity to deliver housing throughout the country and, in particular, in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Some of the schemes we have are proving very popular. A total of 4,000 affordable schemes were delivered in 2023. Delivery of affordable housing has more than doubled, with an increase of 128% in 2022 activity. The help to buy scheme was extended and there have been more than 51,000 approvals for the scheme. It is an incredibly successful scheme.”
“We can worry about the specifics and upgrading once the houses are built. It is very important that this be put in place. With regard to some of the schemes, I have to say the croí cónaithe scheme has become very important for rural Ireland to help people get access to properties. There is a significant grant of between €50,000 and €70,000 but, on the other side, we have a situation where owners of a derelict or vacant property, which might have been there for 15 or 20 years, are inflating the price significantly. This needs to be addressed. I welcome the croí cónaithe scheme but we need to keep an eye on this. With regard to first-time buyers, it is important that we have a balanced conversation on housing. Over the past five years, 119,000 first-time buyer mortgages were drawn down.”
“Another point I want to make is on legislation. The national planning framework will be discussed in the Dáil shortly. We were able to put in place emergency legislation for the Ukrainian crisis. Accommodation was made available and put back into use throughout the country to cater for the Ukrainian crisis. I am asking that we do something similar for our housing crisis because we are in an emergency situation. Whatever needs to be done can be debated in the Houses but we have to get serious and get real about housing. If we do not do so, we will go nowhere. We have to support our families, we have to support rural towns and villages, and we have to do it now. We cannot wait. I ask that we have a look at putting in place emergency legislation to speed up development, get these houses built and support families and communities.”
“These towns and villages and their GAA clubs, shops, post offices and schools all depend on a housing market and people coming in, setting up and putting down roots in their communities. It is not there, but it needs to be. I have not even spoken about water services, an issue that is hamstringing other places. In Kilkenny, there are now only six towns and villages with the capacity to grow in terms of social affordable housing. Every other one is at capacity, between water and wastewater. As places such as Thomastown have capacity, large amounts of development are happening there, while places such as Inistioge and Graiguenamanagh have no capacity. They are dwarfing while Thomastown is exploding. It does not have capacity in the schools while there is capacity in other areas. This is something about which I feel very strongly.”
“I will focus on Kilkenny where, at present, 14 schemes have been identified under the small towns and villages growth programme. These are Bennettsbridge, Paulstown, Piltown, Fiddown, Inistioge, Mullinavat, Kells, Kilmanagh, Glenmore, Ballyhale, Windgap, Dungarvan and Freshford. All of these schemes have been highlighted and prioritised by the local council for funding through the small towns and villages growth programme. However, having received feedback from Irish Water, the earliest that the first scheme the council has as a priority can be done, which is Bennettsbridge, is 2029. My understanding is that all of the other schemes must wait until that one is done. This is based on correspondence I have received. This is simply not good enough or acceptable.”
“From my perspective as a newly elected TD, I am very aware that housing is a major social and economic challenge that touches every generation. In 1983, my parents were offered a council house by Kilkenny County Council. They moved into a two-bedroom house with three kids at the time. The family managed to purchase the house and it is still the family home to this day. They were given an opportunity by the State to better themselves. My siblings and I were given an opportunity to have the security of a home, which means so much to so many people. Housing supply has increased significantly over the past decade but much more needs to be achieved. I want to focus in particular on the issues we have throughout the country with wastewater treatment and the small towns and villages growth programme.”
“Last year, the Department of Finance published figures that highlighted that an annual output of 50,000 new homes would require funding of €20.4 billion a year, with the majority of this money coming from private development, including public funding. We know that record public funding has been put in for 2025. In order to get our housing market working, there are two key elements that international institutions look at before they commit finance to home construction finance. These are the return of their capital and policy stability. We have had a lot of debate about new interventions in recent weeks but what developers and international funds need are policy certainty and stability in the medium term.”
“They are worried and anxious to see if their children are going to get a school transport place. They are left waiting months and months to see if their child will be allocated a concessionary ticket. Last year, we had 250 children in County Kilkenny and 100 in County Carlow who did not receive a ticket at all. Finding out three or four days before school starts is not fair on hard-working parents who are then put under serious pressure to make alternative arrangements. I am just looking for an update on the eligibility criteria element regarding the nearest schools.”
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the Taoiseach on his recent trip to America to represent Ireland. He did so with dignity and honour. While many people in this Chamber would have preferred that the Taoiseach had stayed at home and sat on his hands, he did not. He wore the green jersey with pride and I thank him for that. I wish to talk specifically about the school transport scheme. As we all know, it is open to applications now. A review was completed in February 2024 and some changes were recommended. One concerned the eligibility criteria being examined, especially in terms of the nearest school rule. I have had parents contacting me from Mullinavat, Listerlin, Knockmoylan, Kells, Gowran and all over the constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny.”
“The Government has committed €1.3 billion in funding to flood relief programmes under the national development plan 2030. Six of these schemes are County Kilkenny at Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Inistioge, Freshford, Ballyhale and Piltown. The scheme in Graiguenamanagh is one of the first 100 schemes in the first tranche. The scheme was approved in March 2020 and consultants were appointed but we are still only at stage 1, five years later. I am looking for a commitment from the Government that there will be renewed urgency in getting going not just with the Graiguenamanagh scheme but also with flood relief schemes around the country. This is a significant issue. The funding is there but we need to see more urgency in getting these schemes over the line for the peace of mind of those towns and villages.”
“We have all these recruits coming out and I urge the Minister to make sure these recruits do not just stay in Dublin city. It is important that the city be looked after, but not by forgetting rural towns and villages around the country. We need to continue supporting our community alert and text alert schemes throughout the country and make necessary funding available. I have first-hand experience, having been chairman of my own text alert scheme, but the likes of Rosbercon, Glenmore, Goresbridge, Paulstown, Ballinkillen, Borris and St. Mullins, which the Ceann Comhairle is familiar with, worked at these text alert groups, and it was fantastic. They need to be supported.”
“The programme for Government commits to providing funding for at least 5,000 Garda recruits in the next five years. These are badly needed in towns like Graiguenamanagh, Callan, Thomastown, Mullinavat, Mooncoin and Castlecomer. Lack of Garda resources is a huge issue. The primary focus has to be to allow Garda to become more visible in our communities. They have to be visible on the beat and that is not felt in rural Ireland at the moment, including the constituency I represent. According to an Irish Examiner -Ipsos poll published recently, 70% of people living in rural Ireland do not believe there is a visible Garda presence in their area. Members of the public believe - and they are right - that improved visibility can deter crime.”
“I have had the privilege of working with some of the finest gardaí in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny in recent years as mayor of Kilkenny and chairman of Kilkenny County Council. My priority is that everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe in their community and home. Across the country, communities are dealing with the scourge of crime and antisocial behaviour. We need to build stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources and modernising support to tackle crime. At present, there are 14,100 members of An Garda Síochána. It is simply not enough for a country of our size. There are only 312 in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, which is a 10% decrease in the past four years. This decrease has to stop.”
“I appreciate the Minister's comments and note his commitment to this issue, which is most welcome. I know committees have not been set up yet, which is a little frustrating, but when they are set up, the committee on social protection can examine this. The double payment of child benefit, which is separate from the baby grant, has been really welcome in recent years. However, monthly costs are increasing. The cost-of-living crisis is still there and people are still struggling every month. Again in the context of budget 2026, could we look at the possibility of additional monthly payments instead of or in addition to the double payment, if finances allow?”
“There are an awful lot of costs when children are starting college and so on. While it is fantastic that we are looking after those people who are starting families, in the context of budget 2026, could we look at some kind of bonus payment when people are coming to the very end of their child benefit?”
“It is really important to give credit where credit is due. In my constituency, almost 200 families have benefited from the newborn baby grant. It is a fantastic initiative that is to be welcomed. I am thrilled the Minister said that it is here to stay. I absolutely welcome that. As he will know, there are substantial additional costs when starting a family. Unfortunately, my days of starting families are over - my youngest is ten years of age - so I will not be in a position to personally benefit from it but, in fairness, hundreds of families around the country will. It is a fantastic initiative. Considering the popularity of the newborn baby grant when people are starting their families, could we look at the once-off payment of a lump sum for those coming towards the end of child benefit?”
“I congratulate the Minister on his new role. I look forward to working with him for the betterment of the civilians throughout the country. My question is on a similar theme to other speakers relating to the number of children who have benefited from the newborn baby grant in the counties of Carlow and Kilkenny.”
“I welcome the Tánaiste's commitment to the barracks in Kilkenny. That security is vital. There are more than 400 staff and each of them makes a vital contribution to the economic fabric of Kilkenny. To put that into context, outside their traditional duties, members of the Defence Forces based at Stephens Barracks, Kilkenny are regularly drafted in by the local authority to grit the city and county's footpaths in freezing weather. We have had flooding in many of our towns and villages and the Defence Forces are never found wanting in providing support. That has been acknowledged in the past and I want to put on the record today that the support they have given on the ground, especially to the local authorities, is immense and the economic contribution they make to Kilkenny city and county is also important.”
“People come from all over and it is a tremendous addition to the city. Will the Tánaiste give assurances that we will continue to invest and secure the future of the barracks and the associated staff?”
“I would welcome the opportunity to welcome the Tánaiste to Kilkenny to visit James Stephens Barracks. He will undoubtedly be impressed with the facilities and infrastructure there. I implore him to continue with the existing roll-out of the capital programme and in addition, if addendums are necessary, ask him to consider the refurbishment of the old church and convent into a medical aid centre. It would be of huge benefit to the barracks. It is not in the capital plan at the moment but if we could look at it and if there was scope for it, it would be a huge addition and of huge benefit to the employees of the barracks. It is absolutely imperative that Stephens Barracks remain open and that the troops remain based in Kilkenny. It provides a fantastic service. It is the only barracks in the south east.”
“I acknowledge the significant increase in investment that has gone into the Defence Forces in recent years. It has been felt on the ground. My question relates to the capital works projects currently under way at James Stephens Barracks in Kilkenny, the estimated cost of each of these projects and when each project will be completed. Will the Tánaiste make a statement on the matter?”
“Has the Minister had any discussions with the officials in her Department, notwithstanding that she has been recently appointed to this role, about implementing these commitments?”
“The programme for Government contains other important commitments with regard to affordability of childcare, including exploring the option to cap costs for larger families. As a father of four children, I would like to think I should be clapped on the back for the contribution I make to my local GAA club in terms of the number of players, etc., and not be punished, because we are keeping schools open and the economy going. Is that something we could look at in terms of capping the costs for those who have larger families? Can we also ensure that childcare providers' fees are open, transparent and equitable and readily available to parents? Finally, can the Minister provide an update with regard to these commitments? Has work commenced in this area?”
“The programme for Government commits to progressively reducing the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child through the national childcare scheme. Bearing the current price in mind, can the Minister provide any update on this commitment?”
“The children of Ireland, in particular in my home constituency of Carlow–Kilkenny, deserve quality childcare that is accessible and affordable and will give them the best start in life. The key word here is "accessibility" because we have a significant number of providers that are oversubscribed and have waiting lists coming out of their arms. It absolutely needs to be addressed. I acknowledge the significant unprecedented investment and how the previous Government succeeded in reducing childcare costs by 50% on average for families around the country. This is very welcome, but in April last year, an Irish Independent survey found that the average monthly cost for full daycare for one child was between €640 and €880 in Kilkenny and €600 to €800 in Carlow.”
“I congratulate the Minister in her new role and I look forward to working with her. Childcare is a significant issue and it needs to be tackled with urgency and intensity. Accessibility and affordability are two key issues. My question is specifically on the number of children in my constituency of Kilkenny and Carlow who benefit from the national childcare scheme.”
“I welcome the establishment of this new Cabinet committee. I will focus on the nitrates derogation. As the Taoiseach will be aware, the current derogation concludes at the end of 2025 and Irish water quality improvement is vital for another derogation to be secured. Does he agree that we can retain Ireland's nitrates derogation while improving our water quality? Will he reject the idea that there is a conflict between having a strong agrifood sector and meeting these goals? Consultation is key. Will the Taoiseach engage with farmers, industry, State agencies and local authorities around the country, including in my constituency, Carlow-Kilkenny, to develop evidence-based solutions to assist farmers in improving water quality?”