Réada Cronin
Kildare North · Sinn Féin · Ireland
“A united Ireland will change that and unlock an all-island economy that would work for everyone who lives on this island. Every Irish county would finally have a government whose only priority is Ireland.”
“Cuirim fáilte roimh an díospóireacht seo inniu. Many myths exist about a united Ireland. I believe the biggest one is the alleged cost it will be to the Twenty-six Counties.”
“I always wonder why this was even cited as an issue because it is exactly what already happens to pension recipients in Spain, France, Ireland and wherever a retired British worker resides. The truth is that even if the economic case was more challenging than it is, Irish unity would still be the right thing to do.”
“It has already been made clear that a reunited Ireland would see the North automatically return to EU membership, creating enormous opportunities for growth across the entire island.”
“In doing the right thing, we also create a stronger economy and a better future for generations to come. Then it is not simply good economics, it is the fulfilment of our national potential. When I came across to the Chamber today I walked through the hall and I looked at the Proclamation again.”
“Molaim mo chomrádaí, an Teachta Aengus Ó Snodaigh, as an rún seo. An Teachta Ó Snodaigh has done Trojan work for the arts community for many years, and I am sure we have plenty more years to look forward to. Ireland is well-known around the globe for its music, arts and literature.”
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“I was speaking earlier about Lady's Island Lake, the lagoon in Wexford, but Lough Neagh comes to mind as well. Bobby Sands spoke about the laughter of our children and that laughter is under threat if we do not get this under control. It is imperative that we recognise the threat to our climate, biodiversity and humanity by taking seriously our duty to lower our emissions, protect our network of protected areas, commit to afforestation targets and the decolonisation of Ireland and protect our waters through strong and ambitious marine protection area laws. Caithfimid go léir teacht le chéile ar an gceist seo. Ní neart go cur le chéile.”
“We have two jurisdictions managing the habitats and ecosystems on one island and, frankly, it is ridiculous. While Sinn Féin continues the struggle for a united Ireland, it is imperative that the Irish State plays a bigger role in the preservation of our biodiversity throughout the whole island. Our first climate committee meeting took place this afternoon. We all know biodiversity knows no political borders. With Britain now outside the EU and not adhering to any EU environmental frameworks, it is really important that the Irish Government steps up and takes a leadership role. We must plan the biodiversity framework for reunification and make sure that the national biodiversity action plan is actually national, for the Thirty-two Counties. We must support local conservation groups in the Six Counties.”
“Yesterday we all heard yesterday the news about the ecological disaster unfolding in Lady's Island Lake in Wexford. The pollution levels have reached an unprecedented level, according to Dr. Brendan O'Connor. This is a place of pilgrimage for so many and provides beautiful views of Eardownes Great and Ballycushlane. Anyone who has been there can attest to that. Castletown House, Celbridge, in my own constituency of Kildare North is also biodiversity rich, with beautiful nature trails and lakes. It is good to take time out in nature. According to the Journal of Cross Border Studies in Ireland, there is not much emphasis on cross-Border coherence at a European level when it comes to ecosystems and habitats. Partition has done biodiversity and climate action a real disservice in Ireland.”
“Although many of us certainly appreciate all that our lakes, parks and gardens offer us in our daily lives, this Government has not always worked to protect them. I am sure that will change now with the Minister of State, Deputy O’Sullivan, in charge. Year after year we hear calls from environmental agencies that we are in the midst of an ecological crisis. The eighth Ireland’s State of the Environment report was published by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, last year. It found that almost 85% of our protected habitats and almost a third of our protected species of flora and fauna are in poor condition. The EPA claims this loss of nature and biodiversity is so severe that it could signal the sixth mass extinction event.”
“Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta O’Sullivan, sa phost nua. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil a lán suime aige sa ról. I know this because I was on the climate committee with him for a couple of years in the previous term. Anyone who heard his speech will know it as well. This week we mark National Biodiversity Week with events happening up and down the country, including my own County Kildare. It was great to meet the biodiversity officer in Kildare County Council. I am looking forward to taking part in more of the biodiversity events this week. The Minister for housing, Deputy James Browne, said last week that we in Ireland are lucky to be surrounded by such a wealth of biodiversity which we must work to protect as well as appreciate.”
“Small buses instead of large ones have been put on the route and people are being left at the bus stop in Caragh as a result. Those who cannot rely on public transport are forced to wait 28 weeks for driving tests in Naas. Last week, a constituent who applied for a test six months ago told me that she will be waiting until the end of June for a test. That really is appalling. What is happening is having a particular impact on our young people in the context of their independence and their ability to get to work. I wish the Minister of State the best of luck in making sure we get this matter sorted.”
“In February, Sinn Féin brought forward a Private Members' motion on this matter and highlighted lots of different ways the Government could tackle it. Tá faic déanta ag an Rialtas faoi. Now, people are waiting a long time just to get a test, ag fanacht agus ag fanacht. We have to reduce emissions by encouraging people to leave the car at home, but with the shambles that is our public transport service in north Kildare, the Government has left people with no option. Every day I hear about train availability during peak commuting hours and how the fair fares have badly affected people in Sallins and Kilcock in particular. This is an issue that has to be looked at again. We cannot increase fares for people. This morning, I heard on KFM about the 821 bus from Newbridge to Sallins and the impact on constituents in Caragh.”
“Is í seo an chéad uair dom labhairt leis an Aire Stáit. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis agus guím ádh mór air sa phost nua. The wait time for a driving test in north Kildare is far too long. It has been this way for a long period. As of last month, people in my constituency are waiting an average of 28 weeks for a test in Naas. It was 24 weeks last April and a staggering 31 weeks in April the year before. In a reply to a parliamentary question on waiting times last September, I was informed by the Department of Transport that it was doing all it could to alleviate waiting times by sanctioning the employment of an additional 70 driving testers. Yes, the backlog has ballooned by more than 10,000 since the start of this year.”
“If the Minister is checking up on her parliamentary questions, she will see I have raised many parliamentary questions on this matter over the past few years. Parents of children with additional needs are also crying out for appropriate school places for their children. I look forward to meeting members of the Kildare SEN Action Group tonight, with an Teachta Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, to see how we can help them in securing proper, adequate and resourced spaces for children with additional needs in Kildare. Their struggle highlights the complete failure of the Government to provide educational rights for all the children of the State. The Government needs to get serious about education for all our children. I will be supporting the Social Democrats' motion. I congratulate Deputy Cummins on her first motion.”
“Only today, I heard that we have a waiting list of more than 20 children for Maynooth Community College, another multidenominational school in north Kildare. Such schools are increasingly popular and with school places at a premium, we have to build the schools so that they are available to the children who need them. Ní hamháin sin, ach Gaelscoileanna chomh maith. Tá níos mó tuismitheoirí ag iarraidh a bpáistí a chur go Gaelscoil. Tá sé de cheart ag páistí oideachas a fháil trí Ghaeilge. Gaelcholáiste Mhaigh Nuad, which is both a multidenominational school and a Gaelcholáiste, demonstrates how we can support children from all religious backgrounds and increase the number of daily Irish speakers in the country. However, this school needs a permanent building now.”
“I am glad to have an opportunity to speak on this motion. Gabhaim buíochas leis na Daonlathaithe Sóisialta as ucht an rún seo a chur faoi bhráid na Dála inniu. Multidenominational and nondenominational schools reflect our increasingly diverse population. Their purpose is to ensure every child feels they belong when they walk through the gates of their local school. Year on year I hear from parents in north Kildare who want to send their children to multidenominational and nondenominational schools. Others want to have the choice of sending their child to a school that is not dominated by a particular religious ethos. Naas Community College and North Kildare Educate Together School in Celbridge, among many others, are shining examples of this.”
“I convey my solidarity to the National Union of Journalists, NUJ, members who listened to Francesca Albanese and finally found their voice. They might only be speaking out about Eurovision but at least it is a start. I am sick of standing and waving Palestinian flags in Celbridge and Naas. I am sick of chanting "Free Palestine". I am sick of watching children being blown to bits or, worse, burnt alive in tents. I am sick of reading in The Ditch that ammunition is being flown through Irish airspace and I am sick of the Government saying it did not happen. The Taoiseach finally found a bit of a voice yesterday and called what is happening what it is, which is a war crime. When will he act?”
“We must be the vanguard for justice for Palestinians, for their right to peace and for their right, in the renowned words of Bobby Sands, whose anniversary we celebrated on Monday last, to hear the laughter of their children. We demand an immediate end to the assault on Gaza, an arms embargo on Israel and humanitarian support for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. We must enact the occupied territories Bill, stop Israeli munitions going through Shannon Airport and end the export of arms components to Israel. I commend my Sinn Féin comrades in Kildare, including an Teachta Ní Raghallaigh, and the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign on their direct action against Powell Electronics in Clane last week. In stopping that shipment, they have done more than the Government to stop genocide.”
“Last month, Israel attacked a humanitarian flotilla that included European citizens bringing aid to Gaza. This was a blatant violation of international law but there was not a peep out of Ursula von der Leyen. When wildfires broke out in Israel, however, she sent firefighting planes. Trees are more precious to Ursula von der Leyen than Palestinian lives. Where was the EU commitment to international law? How can Europe preach about human rights while ignoring war crimes in Gaza? As Irish people, we know the pain of colonial oppression. Irish people starved while food was just hours away. Other countries in Europe do not understand the spirit of resistance that is instilled in every Palestinian just as it lives in Irish republicans up and down our country. As a post-colonial people, we always take the side of those facing brutal occupation.”
“On Friday, 9 May, Europe marks the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration, a moment meant to usher in peace, human rights and solidarity in Europe. Those founding ideals lie in tatters. Peace in Europe did not hold, as anyone in the Balkans and Ukraine could tell us. When Russia invaded Ukraine, the EU stood united. Sanctions were imposed, aid was sent and declarations were made that such aggression would not be tolerated. Like Ukraine, Palestinian land has been occupied, annexed and bombarded by a monstrous regime. Europe rightly sanctioned Russia, yet it cheers on Israel. When Israel rains down bombs on Gaza, when tents full of displaced families are hit and when children are pulled from the rubble, where is the European outrage? Where is the solidarity with the people of Gaza?”
“The Government continues to bend the knee to his will, all to cling to power. If this Government's power trip lasts another four and a half years, as true as I am standing here, we will be back again with some other scandal. The Irish people deserve better and Grace deserved better.”
“We have scoliosis parents whose children had unapproved springs planted in them by doctors at CHI. Hip dysplasia children have seemingly been operated on who did not need operations, while other scoliosis children wait for an operation they cannot have. We have the cervical smear scandal, where Vicky Phelan stood up to the might of the HSE, as did Emma Mhic Mhathúna from my own constituency of Kildare North. There was Brigid McCole and the hepatitis C scandal. For 43 years the Stardust families were left waiting for an inquest and an apology. Thalidomide mother, Peggy Murphy, died last month without one. Scandal after scandal, lack of accountability after lack of accountability. We should not be surprised, since the man backing up this arrogant Government was himself found guilty of corruption before the Moriarty tribunal.”
“I know the Minister knows it too, because I could see how uncomfortable she was on the day this report was published. Grace was left in a foster home where allegations of sexual abuse and neglect had been raised repeatedly for 20 years. Grace was left in this foster home when other foster children had been removed. Yet, the decision-makers in the State, the cream of the crop, the ones who rose to the top under successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael Governments not only failed Grace but actively looked away. Reports from social workers were ignored, whistleblowers were silenced. Bureaucratic indifference won and basic human decency lost. It did not happen in a vacuum; it happened under successive Governments that put institutional reputation above the welfare of its citizens, in this case, a vulnerable, non-verbal child.”
“Eight years and €13 million later, we are still in the dark about what Grace endured. Shockingly, critical information and extensive submissions have been omitted from the 2,000-page report, according to the legal team responsible for the legal, personal and financial affairs of Grace. This raises huge questions about the report. That such vital information should be omitted from it beggars belief. Farrelly's report on Grace managed 2,000 pages, the equivalent of a box of paper, the Minister knows how big that is, yet no executive summary is apparent - firehosing at its finest. That we even needed a Farrelly commission into the Grace case is a damning indictment of a system that abandoned a vulnerable, non-verbal young girl in the most appalling way imaginable. I am a plain speaker and this is a national disgrace.”
“How can we expect Irish mammies to comply with the law when this Government is refusing to comply with and absolutely violating international law?”
“I could speak about a hundred different issues in my constituency of Kildare North today, but I cannot, and my constituents would not want me to, ignore the depravity we see on our screens every day. Last week Irish mothers felt compelled to comply slowly with gardaí outside the Dáil because they refuse to normalise the barbarity we see on our screens. Irish legislation requires air carriers to get an exemption from the Department of Transport to carry munitions across Irish airspace. Yet Israel-bound cargo planes, some lined with explosives, have used our airspace as a pit stop on the way to what the UN has called the "killing field" of Gaza. Why are we not searching these aeroplanes at Shannon?”
“Yesterday, on World Autism Awareness Day, parents of neurodiverse children slept outside the Dáil for the second time this year. I went out to them after the voting block yesterday, so taken was I by their hard-hitting presentation in the audiovisual room yesterday. Many of these children have no school place for September. They are being denied fundamental human and educational rights by the State. One of the mothers said to me last night that although her child is non-verbal, she is not. These parents are a formidable force. The Tánaiste should take the demand seriously. In my constituency of Kildare North, Scoil Mochua in Celbridge was granted approval to set up autism spectrum disorder classrooms in 2021 but is still without them. Yet, the Government says it cannot guarantee a school place for every child in September.”
“Investing in sports facilities, arts programmes and community spaces in working class areas and communicating with our young people can give them a purpose and a sense of belonging and ownership because they are equal citizens in this State. We have to address the economic inequality and create a just society. Mar a deir an seanfhocal, mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí.”
“The Government needs to support youth community centres, like the one in Lough na Mona, and build more across north Kildare. Unfortunately, we have too many people who are in jail today where neurodiversity was never assessed and they were let down by the system. Kids believed they stupid because of who they were and it led them to drugs and crime. We have to invest in our special education system as well. I have just come from an emotionally charged meeting in the audiovisual room - I am sure the Deputies will hear about it at their parliamentary party meetings today. Some of the parents said they did not want their children, who were neurodiverse, to end up institutionalised, but it is our job to make sure they do not end up in jail.”
“The are also educating them about the challenges they will face in the future such as the harm of drugs, the importance of consent and practical things like the difficulty of transitioning between primary school and secondary school. I was told that upon its founding, local people it would not last more than a year and the young people would either burn it down or rob it. The centre has proved that if you treat young people with respect and give them a space of their own, they can be leaders in their own community. Three years later, they have seen incredible work, interest and engagement from the young people in the centre. They have been blessed by the flaithiúlacht of local enterprise in the area and financial support, but that support is not guaranteed.”
“It is clear that criminal activity among young people is on the rise but that did not happen in a vacuum. With increased reports of theft, fraud and sexual offences by teenagers aged 12 to 17 years of age, more needs to be invested in our young people to engage with them instead of treating them as social pariahs. Last week, I visited the Lough na Mona community centre in Leixlip, which is supported by In Sync. Lough na Mona is a council estate in a very affluent area in Leixlip. Supported by Kildare County Council, the youth workers, Mars and Zoe, are doing incredible work engaging with young people and providing a space for them to cook, meet, play pool and DJ.”
“I have seen how my daughter's friends are starting to emigrate, and those who cannot afford it are being locked out of housing. Mo náire sibh.”
“County Kildare is currently sixth in the State outside of Dublin for adults accessing emergency accommodation, with an 11% increase from last year. It will be more than an 11% increase next year if we get rid of the scheme. It is hard to believe this Government is serious about housing when we see homelessness figures continuously rise, the untruths told about housing targets during the previous general election, and our own Taoiseach laughing it up about the housing crisis in Ireland with a property tycoon in the Oval Office at the White House. We should not be surprised; this is the company Fianna Fáil keeps. It is the party of the Galway tent, developers and speculators. While its buddies are all profiting off a crisis that party has created, an entire generation is starting to emigrate.”
“The tenant in situ scheme has saved many families across north Kildare from homelessness due to the housing crisis created by this Government and the almost identical Government before it. Abandoning this scheme is going to leave people in a housing limbo suddenly facing homelessness. The tenant in situ scheme has offered a lifeline to those facing emergency accommodation, sofa surfing, sleeping in their cars or, worse, sleeping rough. It is a vital homelessness prevention scheme, yet it has been up to Sinn Féin and others to pressurise this Government time and again into keeping the scheme and making sure it works. Indeed, it was the Opposition that pressured the Government into setting it up in the first place.”
“Reporting of domestic violence is something I always insisted was on the agenda of the JPCs at our meetings in Kildare County Council, but since the local elections last year, JPCs have not been in operation. Dublin City Council, it is worth mentioning, is still holding its JPCs, to its credit. In Kildare, however, we are still waiting on the establishment of the local community safety partnerships that are set to replace the JPCs. As one of the three James' who equal the number of women in Cabinet, I urge the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan, to reconvene the joint policing committees while we are waiting for the Government to establish local community safety partnerships in order that we have a bit of accountability on the domestic violence that goes on in my county. We all have to do our bit for mná na hÉireann.”
“The same cannot be said for the likes of Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, but particularly Fianna Fáil. With just seven women elected out of 48 Fianna Fáil TDs, it is the worst party when it comes to gender balance. What must it be to be a woman in Fianna Fáil and manage to get elected? I do not know but I imagine they would be as good as any of their male counterparts. I have noticed that only the member of the Cabinet spoke here today. All the other Fianna Fáil women left, and I hope they left in protest. It is important that there are more women in politics. Mary Lou McDonald referenced the 8.3% rise in domestic abuse calls received by An Garda Síochána last year. In Kildare, we saw a staggering 25% increase in those calls, up 661 to 3,279 in 2024.”
“Sinn Féin, however, stands as the only large party that runs women in winnable seats and nearly 40% of our TDs are women. Most women do not like the gender quota. We know that we have got here on merit, and I certainly would not vote for a woman from a centrist or right-wing party, but quotas are very much necessary in this State. Sinn Féin managed to achieve 50-50 representation in the North without any gender quota legislation, so when there is a will, there is a way.”
“As north Kildare's only female TD, I am delighted to speak on International Women's Day as a member of Sinn Féin, a party that champions women and holds them to the same standard and regard as our male colleagues. We do not expect to be treated differently - just the same, thanks. I have always said that a woman's place is in the revolution, be that here sa bhaile, sa Phalaistín nó fud fad na cruinne. From Constance Markievicz to Mairéad Farrell, whose anniversary it is today - suaimhneas síoraí di - tá mná i stair na hÉireann tar éis spreagadh mór a thabhairt dom. Is trua é nach bhfuil an oiread sin ban le feiceáil sa Teach seo. This Dáil has the lowest proportion of female parliamentarians in western Europe, and it really is embarrassing. Some 25% of TDs are women, compared with the 37% average across Europe.”
“Caithfidh an Rialtas tacú le Foras na Gaeilge, Cill Dara le Gaeilge, Sult na Sollán agus leis an Ghaeilge go ginearálta i gCill Dara. Ní mór beart de réir briathar a dhéanamh.”
“Táim ag tnúth go mór le freastal ar na himeachtaí. Tá siad ag cabhrú go mór leis an bpobal Gaelach i gCill Dara ach, mar gheall ar na fadhbanna le Foras na Gaeilge, tá Cill Dara le Gaeilge i mbaol. Caithfidh an Rialtas agus an DUP a chinntiú go mbeidh tacaíocht ag Foras na Gaeilge. Muna mbeidh, beidh deireadh le Cill Dara le Gaeilge. Tá sé tábhachtach go mbeidh sé ann. Tá an-chuid Gaeilgeoirí i gCill Dara. Féach ar na Gaelscoileanna ar fad i mo Dháilcheantar: Scoil Uí Dhálaigh i Léim an Bhradáin; Scoil Uí Riada i gCill Choca; agus Gaelscoil Nás na Rí i Nás. Tá dhá Gaelscoil i Maigh Nuad chomh maith, is iad sin, Gaelscoil Ruairí agus Gaelscoil Uí Fhiach. Tá dhá Gaelcholáiste i gCill Dara Thuaidh freisin, Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara i Nás agus Gaelcholáiste nua i Maigh Nuad, atá fós ag fanacht ar scoil buan.”
“Níl mé líofa ach táim ag foghlaim. Chuaigh mé go dtí an Ghaeltacht i nGleann Cholm Cille an samhradh seo caite agus beidh mé ag dul ann arís i mbliana le cúpla ball de mo chumann Shinn Féin i gCill Dara Thuaidh. Cabhraigh sé go mór liom. Is féidir linn go léir feabhas a chur ar ár gcuid Gaeilge le chéile. Tá an-chuid tacaíocht don Ghaeilge fud fad na tíre. Táim ag caint faoi ghrúpaí cosúil le Cill Dara le Gaeilge agus Sult na Sollán i mo Dháilcheantar féin. Cuireann siad tacaíocht ar fáil do shiopaí agus d'áiteanna eile i gCill Dara atá ag iarraidh níos mó Gaeilge a úsáid, cosúil liom féin. Cuireann siad ranganna Gaeilge ar fáil. Cuireann siad scéimeanna ar fáil freisin. Tá clár iontach acu le haghaidh Sheachtain na Gaeilge. Bhí oíche iontach agam agus ag an Teachta Ní Raghallaigh sa Nás ag an seoladh cúpla seachtain ó shin.”
“On that night in November she told us that her son has a congenital heart condition and is having open heart surgery next month, in March. She said she was anxious about bringing him back from the hospital into the hub. The Minister's predecessor was present in the studio. One would think he would have got straight on to Dublin City Council to say it should get that sorted. However, he did not. He did not have the wit or the care to do that. What that says to me is that this Government simply does not care. What is worse is that it does not care that everybody knows that it does not care. This is a dystopian and callous State to be living in.”
“The tenant in situ scheme is another initiative supported by the Housing Commission in its report. It is a lifeline to so many people who face eviction when a landlord decides to sell, often leaving them with nowhere to go. I am disgusted that this scheme has been suspended in Kildare for people facing eviction. The importance of the tenant in situ scheme cannot be stressed enough for people facing homelessness. One does not need to read the Housing Commission report to know that this Government does not care about people facing homelessness. Anyone watching the "Upfront with Katie Hannon" programme on Monday night who saw Chloe, who lives in a homeless hub, knows that the Government does not care. Chloe featured in a housing debate during the general election at which the Minister was present in the studio.”
“The numbers are growing and this is to our shame. More and more families - parents and children – are being forced into emergency accommodation and homelessness every day. This is hardly surprising in light of the extortionate prices for both housing and rental accommodation. In my constituency of Kildare North, a three-bed semi-detached house now costs more than €500,000. According to the RTB, County Kildare ranks as the third most expensive for renters. In north Kildare, one would be lucky to get a three-bedroom house for less than €3,000 a month. The Taoiseach's threat of ending the rent pressure zone system hangs over many. People worry about what they will do if their rent is drastically increased. The commission itself says we have one of the highest levels of public expenditure on housing, yet this is the outcome.”
“Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach as a ról nua. Déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit as na róil atá acu freisin. As has been outlined by my colleague Teachta Eoin Ó Broin, the Housing Commission report is such an important piece of work that it needs to be taken very seriously by the Government. We all recognise that the housing crisis is the single biggest issue facing the Government. However, that recognition is not being met by action on the part of the Government. In fact, the Opposition - the real opposition – had to drag it kicking and screaming to have this debate at all. We are not seeing the Government move with the urgency that is required to address the monumental task of taking 15,000 people out of homelessness, almost 5,000 of whom are children.”
“On defence, anyone who watched "Upfront with Katie Hannon" last night was reminded how successive Governments have treated members of our Defence Forces. Over the last few weeks, we have seen Micheál Martin strutting around Europe, rubbing elbows with NATO members and softening us up to play fast and loose with the triple lock and our neutrality. I remind the Government that our neutrality is above politics. The Irish people will not cede it for a political pat on the head. Despite the pressure from swathes of media and academia, our neutrality is something the Irish people are proud of. We are proud of our stance on being peacemakers not assistant warmakers. Tá súil agam, mar sin, go mbeidh an Rialtas dáiríre faoi na ceisteanna móra atá os ár gcomhair. Beart de réir briathair atá ag teastáil uainn, agus ní geallúintí bréaga.”
“It should lose its contract, and do not get me started on the 115 bus route that allegedly serves Kilcock. We need Dublin Bus back in Kilcock. The DART+ West project must be a huge priority for this Government. We must identify a suitable site in Kilcock so work can start on this vital infrastructure and it must be completed on time and on budget. The purchase of Castletown House lands in Celbridge by the State and the OPW must also be completed and the estate reunited within the lifetime of this Government. The programme for Government states it will acquire key national heritage assets, prioritising State acquisition at both national and local level. This must be applied to Castletown House in Celbridge, which is close to the constituency of the Minister, if the OPW wants to redeem itself in the eyes of the people of north Kildare.”
“In that same village of Straffan, constituents have contacted me about a crèche building lying empty in a new estate while parents are crying out for a place for their child. This is so frustrating, particularly for women because they are invariably the ones expected to leave their jobs to care for their child in the absence of crèche places. On the issue of public transport, I hear daily from constituents. The fair fares issue, which was brought up by my Kildare South colleague, Deputy Ní Raghallaigh, badly impacts Naas and Sallins as well. Buses on the W6 route serving Maynooth, Celbridge and Hazelhatch are not showing up. I am getting emails on this every day. The Government must urgently address the shambolic service delivered by private bus operator, Go Ahead.”
“Over the weekend, Deputies may have heard of the waiting lists for a block of new builds in Leixlip in my constituency of Kildare North. People were sleeping overnight in their cars. More than a 100 people were sleeping out by 8 a.m., with only 25 houses available. The prices for those houses ranged from €460,000 to €535,000. Those exorbitant prices are a damning indictment of the Government's failed housing policy. Not shamed enough with homeless people sleeping in their cars, we now have people queueing to buy a home sleeping in their cars too. Families lucky enough have a home in north Kildare find that they are unable to access childcare. During the week, I spoke to people in Little Toppers, a crèche in Straffan, which currently has a waiting list in excess of 100 children, some since 2023.”
“Is í seo an chéad uair dom labhairt sa Dáil seo. Mar sin, gabhaim buíochas leis na vótálaithe i gCill Dara Thuaidh a vótáil ar son Shinn Féin. Unfortunately, I stand here frustrated with the same issues I raised when I was first elected in 2020. The programme for Government is not serious about addressing the urgent issues of housing, childcare and public transport, among a long list of other matters, and things have only got worse over the last five years. The number of homeless persons has risen. Shamefully, the number of homeless children has also risen. What is more, not only did the Government fail to reach its housing target again this year, but it deliberately misled the electorate on housing completions just prior to the election.”