Séamus McGrath
Cork South-Central · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“I thank the Taoiseach for the update about the Cork city futures group. As he mentioned, transport is a key theme within that reference. As the Taoiseach probably knows, I have been calling for a strategic integrated transportation office to be established in Cork.”
Dáil Éireann15 July 2026Source ↗
“To do that, we need local decision-making in a powerful transportation office established in Cork which can engage with the relevant stakeholders at a local level. The Minister, Deputy O'Brien, seems positive about this idea. I ask the Taoiseach to try to support it. I am sure he would, given that it is Cork.”
Dáil Éireann15 July 2026Source ↗
“Budget preparations will be intensifying over the summer period. With that in mind, I want to take this opportunity to raise the issue of stamp duty and first-time buyers. As the Taoiseach knows, first-time buyers have to pay 1% in stamp duty when they are purchasing a new or second-hand home.”
Dáil Éireann14 July 2026Source ↗
“When I raised this matter as a Topical Issue just over six months ago in December 2025, the reply at the time was very much focused on the fact that there was an issue with the site. I reiterate that there is absolutely no issue with the site.”
Dáil Éireann1 July 2026Source ↗
“I do not want to be disingenuous, and I hope work is progressing on the tender process, but the reply seems to be the exact same, which is very frustrating. To reiterate, the project is vital for these two school communities. The conditions they operate in at present are not acceptable. It has been promised for many years.”
Dáil Éireann1 July 2026Source ↗
“I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Topical Issue debate. I want to raise the matter of the proposed amalgamation of two schools in the lower harbour area of Cork. These are Ringaskiddy national school and Shanbally National School.”
Dáil Éireann1 July 2026Source ↗
The complete record
Every one of 354 lines we hold for Séamus McGrath, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 8 of 8.
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“It is deeply disappointing, which has to be readily acknowledged. Various estimates as regards what type of housing output we need are put forward but it is clear we need to at least double the output that was produced in 2024. That is going to be a monumental challenge. We need to have an honest debate in this House and across the political spectrum on how we do that. There are no easy options but it is something we have to get right. A particular cohort of people I want to be a strong voice for are those who are currently receiving very little support, those who have an income level that puts them outside the social housing support bracket but who do not have a sufficient income to be able to gain a mortgage to buy a property or secure adequate rental accommodation. They are simply falling between stools.”
Dáil Éireann6 February 2025Source ↗
“Environmentally, we know the challenges we are facing as a country. They are not challenges of the future; they are challenges that are here and now in the present day. Environmental challenges have to be at the heart of this Government, and the programme for Government provides a strong basis for that. Above all, while we have been successful economically, we need to create a more caring society, a society that supports those who need our support most. That is a challenge that this Government has got to face up to. On some specific issues, there has been much debate on the housing challenge, which we are all acutely aware of as public representatives. We are in the most acute housing crisis in living memory. It will be a defining issue for this Government and our biggest challenge. We have recently seen the outturn for 2024.”
Dáil Éireann6 February 2025Source ↗
“I believe it is a Government that majority of people voted for - a Government of the centre, one that can promote the values of the vast majority of the Irish people. It is a Government that will continue to promote a sustainable economic model, a pro-enterprise model and a clear message internationally that, as a country, we are open for business, basing our model on strong and prudent management of the public finances, creating high levels of employment and opportunity for our citizens. It is a Government that is pro Europe, playing a central role in European affairs and promoting key European values. Of course, it is a Government that will continue to promote the shared island initiative, which is so critical and based on mutual respect, co-operation and the key principle of consent.”
Dáil Éireann6 February 2025Source ↗
“I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. As it is my first speech in the Dáil, it is customary to thank the voters of Cork South-Central for putting me here and giving me the great honour of representing them in Dáil Éireann. I thank my family for their unstinting support and all of those who supported me throughout the campaign. It is a great honour to be here and I will do my level best to repay the trust they have placed in me. I only have a few minutes to discuss the programme for Government, which is a document of over 160 pages, so I will touch on some of the key points. I welcome that we have a Government formed, that we have a programme for Government and that we are now up and running as a Government.”
Dáil Éireann6 February 2025Source ↗