Seán Kyne
Galway West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“Yes, there will be public engagement later today and again tomorrow. Residents in the Shantalla area hope to be able to pop in there tomorrow as well, and councillors will be engaging. I will certainly pass on the Minister's strong view on pushing on with a decision on the transfer of land in relation to the helipad project.”
“I thank the Minister for that response. Certainly, the appointment of the design team is hugely welcome and a positive step. She will be aware of the Mater Hospital during the Covid pandemic and the 98-bed block that was built in two years. These things can be done where there is urgency.”
“In University Hospital Galway over recent years we have seen investment in a 75-bed en suite ward, a temporary emergency department and the new radiation oncology building, but so much more is needed.”
“Both blocks A and B are primarily bed-based accommodation, supported by well-established HSE guidance and standard approval layouts. Considering the loss of a number of years in Galway, would the Minister see merit in engaging with the Department of public expenditure and reform on fast-tracking these design stages?”
“De réir MARA, má tá daoine ag baint agus ag bailiú feamainne le haghaidh úsáid tráchtála, nó méid mór le haghaidh úsáid pearsanta, ní mór dóibh iarratas a dhéanamh ar cheadúnas úsáide ó MARA. Tá na rudaí seo fíorthábhachtach. Níl sé soiléir céard atá ag teastáil ó bhainteoirí feamainne.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. I welcome the fact that he expects the MPPS to be brought to the Government in the coming weeks. May I assume, therefore, that MARA is not granting licences pending the MPPS? Is that in abeyance? Is there a formal process?”
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“It includes a significant area of industrial zoned land that will also require servicing. My two colleagues mentioned Clarinbridge and Craughwell. Galway County Council prioritised those areas. They were picked in a pilot but, unfortunately, there has not been progress. This is my concern. If, as planned, we gave an amount of money to Uisce Éireann in the morning, how many plans does have that are ready to go and shovel ready? If Uisce Éireann started with an unlimited budget right now, when would it be able to deliver all these projects that Senators Murphy and Rabbitte mentioned in various towns in east Galway? That is a concern that I have. The pilot scheme is good on paper, but when we do not see the delivery, as has certainly been the case in Galway, it causes concern in relation to Uisce Éireann's future ability to deliver.”
“We need investment in wastewater treatment in that area to cope with the increase in population expected. The treatment plant at Mutton Island has capacity but the network needs expansion. We need to expedite the greater Galway area drainage strategy and follow on with the network required. There are plans to fast-track certain key infrastructure projects. The greater Galway area drainage strategy is a vital one because it will serve a huge hinterland east of Galway city, both in the city and county, that is ripe for infrastructure development. It would tie into the rail network, with the station in Oranmore and the proposals for Garraun. That is one project that should be fast-tracked in any proposals in the Government's plans. The strategy also includes the towns of Oranmore and Claregalway and the immediate area.”
“Athenry was mentioned by Senator Rabbitte. I am sure there are others in east Galway that I would not be as familiar with. Uisce Éireann also has plans in relation to An Cheathrú Rua, which is a Gaeltacht service village. There have been issues with site selection there for a long number of years. There has been a long history with it, including the compulsory purchase order, CPO, being challenged and all of that. Níl an suíomh atá ann feiliúnach agus caithfidh siad suíomh eile a fháil. Caithfidh siad an obair sin a dhéanamh agus tosú arís chun suíomh nua a fháil don scéim séarachais ar An gCeathrú Rua. Galway, like the rest of the country, needs more homes. Much of this will happen east of the city, in Ardaun at the end of the motorway near the Galway Clinic.”
“The Minister of State is very welcome. I acknowledge the work done by him and the Minister on the housing plan. As I said yesterday, it is in all our interests that the plan succeeds. Investment in Irish Water and the requirements of the company are key to the delivery of homes. I compliment Uisce Éireann, in conjunction with Galway County Council, which has been working on this over the past 20 to 25 years, on the amount of work done in the Galway area. I can start with works in Moycullen, Oughterard, Clifden, Letterfrack, Leenane, Clonbur, Headford, Milltown, Baile Chláir, Kinvara and An Spidéal that have been delivered over those years. They are also around coastal areas and valuable lake resources like Lough Corrib. They are all necessary and have assisted in terms of development. There may be others that I have left out.”
“I move: That pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2024 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to her.”
“Senator Duffy commended the work and the volunteering spirit of the Sunflower Children's Hospice and Martina Jennings and noted the €7 million raised for such an important cause. It is right to commend them, and I wish them well in their ongoing fundraising. We all hope we will never have to use the services of such a facility but, unfortunately, there will be many parents who will. It is wonderful to see this level of fundraising and commitment to such an important cause. I ask Members to be upstanding for a minute's silence for those who lost their lives in County Louth.”
“The Low Pay Commission sets the minimum wage and that is then agreed by the Government. The 9% VAT rate was of huge benefit to thousands of small businesses across the country. It was not a case that the main benefactors were large multinationals. Thousands of small businesses will benefit from that, which will help protect jobs and businesses in rural Ireland, but I will call for a debate on SME costs as well. Senator Cosgrave raised the national swimming strategy and the large scale sports infrastructure fund. I will request a debate on sport and we will have an opportunity. I know we had a recent debate with either the Minister of State, Deputy McConalogue, or the Minister, Deputy O'Donovan. However, I will request a debate on swimming in particular.”
“Obviously, there is now a new Minister for Defence in Deputy Helen McEntee. I wish her well in her role and we will see if we can arrange a debate with her once she gets her feet under the table. Senator Brady raised a concern regarding e-scooters, as raised by Councillor Danny Byrne. E-scooters are regulated under statutory instrument, SI 299 2024. It has references relating to speed, lighting, reflectors and so on. It is probably an issue of enforcement, so I suggest either putting down a Commencement debate or asking Councillor Byrne to raise that directly with the relevant gardaí in his area. Senator Maria Byrne also raised that issue and spoke about Paschal Donohoe. Senator Sarah O'Reilly raised the issues of the 9% VAT rate, SME costs and the minimum wage.”
“Senator Tully has raised the topic of roads in rural Cavan and the level of funding, which seems to be at a particularly low level in terms of the number of roads that are done every year. Again, the grants for local authorities for roads funding for the next year will be announced in the coming weeks or soon after Christmas. I hope there will be an increase in budgets, but in relation to the specific issue of Cavan roads it might also be an idea to put down a Commencement matter. Senator Clonan again raised the triple lock and issues relating to peacekeeping and asked by what international standing deployment shall take place. I know he is an active member of the defence and security committee. We will have an opportunity to debate the triple lock when that comes before us.”
“Senator Scahill raised the issue of the school bus service and the 12 to 15 occasions that the bus has not turned up. That is not good enough. I am sure he has started with a meeting with the local inspector or the manager in the area. What he referred to is not good enough. Once or twice a term might be forgivable, but 12 or 15 times is not good enough. No matter if the parents are notified the night before or the day before, if there is that level of buses not turning up, it is not good enough. Perhaps he could raise that directly with the inspector or table a Commencement debate for the Minister of State for transport who has responsibility for bus services.”
“Again, perhaps he might put down a Commencement debate on the matter to get a fuller response from a Minister. Senator Curley raised the lack of facilities at Seamount College in Kinvara and called for funding under the sports capital grant scheme. Perhaps there may be opportunities as well from the Department of education. The Senator might put down a Commencement debate on the matter. He also raised the announcement by Local Link in the Tuam and Turloughmore area. Again, he might put down a Commencement debate on that matter. Senator Cathal Byrne raised the need for urgent regeneration in Enniscorthy. He asked when the new fund would become available. Perhaps he could put down a Commencement debate on the matter in general and it also might be in order to raise the specific needs of Enniscorthy.”
“It is quite specific, but it is important that all areas are serviced in regard to dental care. Senators Keogan, McCarthy, Boyhan and Costello raised the matter of the housing plan. I have requested a debate on it with the Minister, Deputy James Browne. It is an important area and obviously it is in all our interests, in particular those of our constituents, that the housing plan succeeds. Senator Costello raised in particular a commitment on page 61 of the housing plan in relation to victims of domestic violence who, if they relocate to a new local authority, will not be discommoded in terms of their place on a previous list. That is certainly an important one. I commend her on her work on that area. Senator Andrews raised the issue of Uber, taxis, the setting of fares, the regulator and the NTA.”
“Fine Gael has tabled a Private Members' business debate on the whole area of migration tomorrow, and there might be an opportunity to raise that then. I understand the Minister, Deputy Jim O'Callaghan, will be in House for that matter. Perhaps Senator Conway could raise it then but, if not, we can ask the Minister to come in at another time as well. Senator Collins raised the Sinn Féin Private Members' business on Mercosur in the Dáil. I understand the Government is not opposing that motion. It fully recognises the concerns raised in the motion and the need for robust trade and sustainability commitments in relation to any importation of beef from the Mercosur countries. Senator Boyle also raised the issue of dental services in Killybegs. Perhaps he would put down a Commencement debate on this matter.”
“Senator O'Loughlin also raised World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day and lung cancer disease and called for us to remember those very important diseases and conditions. Senator Nelson Murray raised the matter of SMEs and called for a rates pause where businesses are affected by roadworks. It often happens when roadworks are taking place, whether it be on a main street or a side street, that businesses could be discommoded for a day, two days, five days, a week or longer. It is an issue that is certainly worth raising. Perhaps she could put down a Commencement debate on that matter with the Minister for local government. Senator Joe Conway raised the announcements about changes in the UK, and we are closely aligned with the UK on migration with the common travel agreement.”
“They certainly gave a lift to the country, not just on Sunday but in the previous match as well. Great excitement was generated up and down the country in relation to it. It is something that very much unites the country when the Irish soccer team does well. We wish them well in the playoffs. Paschal was another common issue that was raised. We pay tribute to Paschal for his service to the nation and to my own party, Fine Gael. He will certainly be missed within the Fine Gael family, but I also refer to his work in terms of management of the economy, his role in public finances and ensuring that money was put aside, and his working relationship with both the previous Minister, Mr. Michael McGrath, and the Minister, Deputy Chambers, and others. He is a gentleman and someone who will be sadly missed.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions today. There were three common themes. I join everyone here who expressed their sadness at the passing of Chloe, Alan, Shay, Dylan and Chloe in that tragedy in County Louth and expressed their sympathies to the parents, families and siblings. How difficult it must be for the siblings of all those who lost their lives. I also think of the communities and all of those who knew and loved the deceased. I certainly concur with Senator Gallagher that we should have a minute's silence at the end of the Order of Business. Senators O'Loughlin, Collins, Black, Comyn, Kennelly, Tully, Boyhan, Kelleher and Gallagher all raised that matter. Others may have as well. The second issue raised was one of celebration, namely, Troy Parrott and the Irish international men's soccer team reaching the playoffs.”
“I welcome the Icelandic delegation, and I hope they enjoy their stay in Ireland. The Order of Business is No. 1, Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.45 p.m. and to be brought to a conclusion at 6 p.m. by one question put from the Chair, which shall in relation to amendments include only those set down or accepted by the Government; No. 2, motion regarding the earlier signature of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1, without debate; and No. 3, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 6 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 2, whichever is the later, and to adjourn at 8.30 p.m. if not previously concluded.”
“Given that the Minister of State is in that Department, has he any views on this matter in relation to the severity and impact? He has three colleagues who have raised this. It is a serious matter. Will the Minister of State be taking up with the Minister the concerns expressed by Members here? As I said, this could have serious impacts in relation to the car rental sector. While it does make sense in other sectors, I do not see it making sense and nor should it proceed in the present fashion in terms of the car rental fleet.”
“For example, there are people coming over from the United States and elsewhere who arrive at Shannon Airport, Dublin Airport or elsewhere and are looking to hire a car. If they are not driving an electric car at home, they are unlikely to want to drive an electric car in a foreign country where they have to drive on the other side of the road and have concerns about range with recharging and all of that. The concern is that this is putting an undue pressure on the car rental sector. It could have negative consequences for the car rental sector and tourism as a result. It is something that there needs to be a pause on in relation to that particular sector. What engagement has the Minister of State had? Will he reflect on that?”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. I welcome the Minister of State. There are three of us here who wish to raise this matter. It is an important issue. The former Minister, Deputy Ryan, in October 2024 on behalf of his Department and perhaps on behalf of the Government - I am not sure and maybe the Minister of State can clarify that - wrote to the President of the European Commission regarding the greening of our corporate fleets. It is a good idea. With An Post, the ministerial car fleet and various other fleets, it would make sense that they would move towards greening, electric vehicles, EVs, and decarbonisation. That all makes sense. However, there is an issue in relation to the car rental fleet.”
“Accidents from ladders can very easily happen when you are out cleaning gutters or trying to get something. I urge people to have caution, to evaluate their surroundings, to know the dangers on their farm, to know the dangers of their livestock and to know the dangers of the use of farm equipment. Having safety covers such as PTO shaft covers, in particular, is hugely beneficial for saving lives and saving limbs. I thank the Minister of State again for being here today.”
“The role of the weekly mart is important because it is a social gathering of a huge number of like-minded people who might talk about farming, politics, sport or whatever. It is an opportunity to get out and meet people and it is hugely important. Regarding the actual dangers on farms, I have a small farm at home and I know there are always risks from animals, livestock and breeding stock, particularly at calving time. You cannot underestimate any cow or say that a certain cow is quiet. A cow who is freshly calved or near calving can be a different animal because of everything. Farmers are aware of that. There are obvious dangers associated with a bull, or with farm machinery. There are the dangers of the PTO shaft. Using a ladder may seem quite simple but falls from ladders can have a huge impact on people.”
“Once upon a time, when there was not as much mechanisation, there was a meitheal in the community and people came together to make cocks of hay or bring in the hay, or to help with the thrashing or the bringing home of the turf. In most cases, these tasks are now mechanised. It might be different in the case of turf because there is still a need for a number of people. Although they may have contractors coming in for a period of time, farmers are mostly left to their own devices to bring in their own bales of silage, etc. Things have changed. While the phone is handy and is of benefit in contacting loved ones and neighbours, the impact of loneliness and isolation cannot be overstated. There are methods of counteracting it, however.”
“TAMS grants are also hugely important. I know they have been directed at safety aspects. It is a worthy form of spending of money. If something simple can save someone's life or someone's limb, it cannot be underestimated. The impact of a farmer being incapacitated could mean the end of their business. It could have a huge impact on the business and their ability to rear a family and all those things. There are supports as well with your insurance - farm organisations sometimes have insurance - and with your different liabilities to protect your income. If you cannot drive or walk, this will hugely curtail your ability to farm effectively. That has to be acknowledged as well. Socialisation is hugely important. I think everyone has a role in respect of their neighbours. It is important to call on the people who live down the lane.”
“However, if you have an accident when you are working on your own and you are stuck, it is certainly of benefit to have a mobile phone in your pocket as long as there is mobile reception. You might be able to send a text message or whatever. I have come across such situations. I spoke to the father of a young lad who had an accident after the trailer fell off the block. He tried to put it up again and managed to get his hand stuck between the block and the trailer. He did not have a mobile phone on him; it was in the tractor. Luckily, someone came to the rescue quite quickly but that put paid to things. Thankfully, it was possible to save that person's hand. These things happen. While there is much criticism of the use of mobile phones, having a mobile phone on your person is important in these circumstances.”
“Community groups, the GAA and other sporting organisations, discussion groups, farm organisation meetings and even political meetings get people out of their homes to meet people in the local pub or wherever they can have a bit of craic, tell a few jokes, share a few stories and maybe have a drink. I suppose I cannot say "a few drinks" because of the way things are. I acknowledge the work of Macra na Feirme, as a rural organisation across the country, particularly for younger farmers. Regarding farm safety, the mobile phone is much criticised and sometimes rightly so. Unfortunately, you see people using mobile phones while driving tractors and other vehicles on the road.”
“I ask the Minister of State how many people he has met today, how many people have said "hello Minister" or "hello Michael", and how many phone calls or text messages he has received from people who have made contact with him, and for him to compare that number with the number of people that a farmer or a bachelor someplace on the side of a hill or in a small rural parish might have come across in the course of the day. They might have met the postman - maybe not, the way things are going - or a neighbour. They might have gone to the local shop. People can be socially isolated and lonely because of where they live and because of the nature of farming as a job. There is no doubt that loneliness and social isolation can affect mental health.”
“I welcome the Ministers of State, Deputies Healy-Rae and Butler. I thank Senator Paul Daly for suggesting this debate take place on this very important issue. Senator Brady has asked me to speak on social farming and the need for additional grants in terms of visitors coming to farms in that context. He also asked me to raise the possibility of engaging with marts about grants to improve safety for workers and farmers at our marts. I happened to come across a remembrance mass or service during the summer. I think the Minister of State was there. Some people may give out about these things but I think religious and crossdenominational services are symbolic - they are nice, first of all - and solemn occasions. It is certainly something it was right to have. The Minister of State's attendance was right as well. I acknowledge that here today.”
“I have not had an opportunity to look back on that to see what the Government response was but, like any motion, it would have gone to Cabinet for agreement and discussion. I will see what the response was in relation to that matter. I commend Senator Fitzpatrick, and all public representatives involved, on the saving of the Corpus Christi hall in Drumcondra, which has been saved for community use. It is important that old historic buildings are saved for community use. Two autism classes have been added to that hall, which will be in use for the local school. Well done to Senator Fitzpatrick and all involved in that.”
“The period in the run-up to Christmas is obviously hugely important for many small businesses in turning a profit and being able to survive into the new year. I certainly agree with that. Senator Andrews raised the issue of Dublin City Council plans to increase rents. As I understand it, that will be an executive decision rather than a decision of councillors. There is a similar debate in Galway. The Senator asked that the Minister come in. I will ask for that, although if the Minister comes in to discuss housing, it might be an opportunity to raise the matter at that time, or the Senator could put down a Commencement debate. Senator Harmon advocated for votes for 16- to 18-year-olds and talked about those who actively participate in communities. I understand there was a motion on this last week in the Dáil, or there will be this week.”
“We need to provide everything that is needed to get people off the streets and provide hope for people. Senator Martin Conway also raised the issue of the housing plan and the need for a debate. I have asked the Minister to come in to debate the new housing plan. There will be a debate with the Minister next week on Irish Water and the investment in our water and wastewater infrastructure. Senator Maria Byrne raised the issues of scams as we come up to Christmas and businesses that are impacted. Customers and particularly the elderly have to be wary of all scams. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous people out there who will try to con people and take hard-earned money and pensions off people. It is right to raise this matter. She also raised the issue of the need for people to shop local and support their local businesses.”
“1, which is a motion to reaffirm the "outright condemnation and revulsion at Russia's war in Ukraine, [express] solidarity with Poland and [call] on the Russian Federation to retreat and remove its armed forces from all Ukrainian territory." I certainly agree to that request. He has also raised the issue of homelessness and the new housing plan. We all hope the new housing plan that is going to Cabinet today will have even stronger proposals to ensure we put an end to homelessness and ramp up the supply of housing across the State. We have seen some of the budgetary measures which, anecdotally, we have been told will increase the supply of apartments. I am a firm believer that all types of housing need to be provided, from private and rental to social and affordable, and from student accommodation to homelesness hubs.”
“Senator Craughwell raised the issue of the Defence Forces and whether we can secure our upcoming EU Presidency. We had a private meeting of the defence and security committee last week, which he attended. I am confident this State will be able to secure the Presidency. There are plans, in conjunction with the Garda, local authorities and the Department of Defence and Department of foreign affairs. We have done it in the past and I am confident we will be able to secure all visiting dignitaries who will be coming during the Presidency from July of next year. Senator Tully raised the issue of childminding. I will request a debate on that. Senator McCarthy has asked that item No. 52, motion 1, be taken before No.”
“There were very hard-hitting messages and graphic imagery from gardaí, firefighters, consultants and doctors in relation to the horrific injuries and fatalities that can take place in car accidents. She rightly talked about how, unfortunately, young males are most at risk of being killed in car accidents. She called for further education, particularly in relation to the use of seat belts, which is nothing new. Clearly, too many people are dying because they are not wearing seat belts. Senator Duffy raised a specific case relating to An Post network and the relocation from Ballaghaderreen to Castlerea. He mentioned the work of Councillor Alma Gallagher, who has raised concerns about this, among others. I will ask him to put down a Commencement debate for the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, because it is a rather specific issue.”
“Senator Stephenson called for a further debate on the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and the difficulties in getting aid and medical equipment in. As she said, there are difficulties even getting in the basics such as crutches. She has called for justice and accountability in Gaza. I will request a debate with the Tánaiste and Minister for foreign affairs on this matter again. We have had a number of discussions but it is such an important issue that we need to continue to highlight the issues there. Senator Nelson Murray commended all those involved in the Just 1 Life campaign and the rotary club in Navan. Some 3,000 students will have seen the showcase. I saw a similar initiative in Leisureland in Galway a number of years ago.”
“I will try to arrange for a further debate on the issues relating to migration that the Senators raised today to allow them to express their concerns. Concerns were expressed about the numbers and the situations that have happened, whether that be in Drogheda or elsewhere. I will certainly try to arrange for that. Senator Conor Murphy congratulated Catherine Connolly on her inauguration yesterday and raised the issue of citizens in Northern Ireland not having a vote. I have requested a debate on the franchise and I will request that again from the Minister. The Senator also raised concerns regarding the comments by Secretary Benn in relation to the Good Friday Agreement and participation for reunification. I will request a debate with the Tánaiste on the whole area of reunification as well.”
“I have heard some reports on that. What should be routine journeys are taking longer, unfortunately. I will call for a debate on that with the Minister. Senator Ní Chuilinn congratulated those involved in Sporting Liberties in Basin Lane and in the €1 million philanthropic fund. She acknowledged all involved in that over the years and the importance of raising awareness of the need for sports facilities in all communities across our country. I agree with that and will try to arrange a discussion on the importance of sport in the coming period. Senators Keogan and Sarah O'Reilly raised the issue of migration and the need for a debate on this matter. We had a debate in the first week we came back with the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions. I welcome Dympna Daly-Finn from Roscommon to the Gallery. I hope she enjoys the day. Senator O'Loughlin welcomed, as we all do, the ending of the hunger strikes and the resolution to those issues. It is always important that engagement happens and that meetings happen to sort these things. The Senator also raised the issue of childminders, as did Senator Tully, particularly issues in relation to possible commercial rates. I will raise that with the Minister, as I suspect the Senators will too. It is important that there be no uncertainty and that we not place more costs on childminders. We need more childminders and childcare providers, rather than driving any more out. I will certainly take that up. Senator O'Loughlin also raised concerns regarding traffic on the M7-N7 and the commuter belt.”
“52, motion 3, Private Members' business in the name of the Fianna Fáil Senators, motion regarding extra time in State exams for students with dyslexia and dyscalculia, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., with the time allocated to this debate not to exceed two hours.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024 - Committee Stage (resumed), to be taken at 1 p.m. and to adjourn at 3.30 p.m., if not previously concluded; No. 2, statements on farm safety and mental health, to be taken at 4 p.m. and to conclude at 5.30 p.m. if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister of State at the Department of Health not to exceed ten minutes, group spokepersons not to exceed eight minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister of State at the Department of agriculture to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; No.”
“I am not unaware of the issue that up to 45 people will lose their homes as part of this project. For them, there is a personal issue and a personal uncertainty in relation to their futures. However, this is a vital project for Galway city, Connemara and the region. It is vital that it is at the heart of the NDP review within the Department of Transport.”
“I thank the Minister of State for that response from the Department of Transport, which provides a lot of information but, clearly, does not answer the question. I appreciate that. I am still confident that the Minister will look at this project seriously, and that it will be at the heart of the NDP review within the Department of Transport. This response provides some of the history but, as I said, it goes back 25 years. The people of Galway city and Connemara probably raise their eyebrows when they hear about it because they say it will never happen, it is going nowhere, it is going to be stopped or there are going to be more court cases. Unfortunately, that is because of its history. There has been a long period in which people have had this uncertainty, particularly those who are going to lose their homes.”
“It is absolutely vital that it is front and centre of the transport plan. We know there is so much demand elsewhere, particularly in Dublin, in relation to infrastructure. It is absolutely vital for Galway city, however, because we have been left behind compared with Cork, Waterford and Limerick in terms of roads infrastructure. It is vital in terms of the day-to-day life of commuters in Galway, parents bringing children to crèche and those who live in Knocknacarra or Connemara and work in Parkmore or the industrial estates in the east of Galway city. It is vital for tourism in Connemara, for access, for accessibility and for bringing inward investment to Connemara and the west of Galway city. I look forward to the response from the Minister of State on behalf of the Department.”
“Ansin beidh orainn fanacht ar an tréimhse dhlíthiúil do chás cúirte a thógáil a bheith thart. Tá sé tábhachtach nach mbeidh aon fhadhb ansin maidir le maoiniú don chuarbhóthar. Tá mé muiníneach nach mbeidh. Tá an bóthar seo lárnach sa straitéis iompair atá aontaithe ag an gcomhairle cathrach agus an chomhairle contae. The review of the national development plan, NDP, in terms of each Department is due soon and it is absolutely vital that the Galway city ring road is at the heart of the transport strategy. It is absolutely vital that it is part of it. This was previously sanctioned at the Cabinet level during the Fine Gael-Independent coalition in 2018. At that stage, I think the cost was over €600 million. I suspect the cost now would be over €1 billion for this vital piece of infrastructure.”
“As part of the BusConnects roll-out, we saw planning permission granted last year for the cross-city link from University Road to the Dublin Road. In October this year, we saw An Coimisiún Pleanála grant planning permission for the BusConnects Galway-Dublin road project, which is a 3.9 km project running from the Moneenageisha Junction to the Doughiska Junction, adjacent to the Atlantic Technological University, Merlin Park Hospital and Bon Secours Hospital. All these are very positive in terms of the overall transportation strategy. Tá sé tábhachtach go bhfuil cuarbhóthar na Gaillimhe i lár an aonaigh sa phlean náisiúnta don Roinn Iompair atá le foilsiú go luath. Tá an togra seo fós leis an gCoimisiún Pleanála chun cinneadh a dhéanamh. Tá súil agam go mbeidh toradh dearfach ar an iarratas pleanála don chuarbhóthar.”
“Since then, Galway City Council and Galway County Council have adopted the Galway transportation strategy, of which the numerous projects, like BusConnects, have been vital parts. Central to the strategy as well has been the Galway city ring road. It has been accepted by many, certainly by me and those who support the ring road, that there is so much we can do in Galway city in terms of freeing up road space, but this is only possible if the Galway city ring road is built initially. It will allow for additional pedestrianisation and cycling and all that goes with those forms of transport. That is all very important, but it can only be done if we remove the traffic from Galway city that does not want to go through Galway city.”
“The Minister of State is welcome. I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter. The Galway city ring road is a vital project, not just for Galway city but for Connemara and the region. It is something I have long spoken on. I have been a long-term supporter of not only the Galway city ring road but also its predecessor, the Galway city outer bypass. It has had a long and chequered history in terms of commencements, judicial reviews and hearings in the High Court, the Supreme Court and different European courts, including the European Court of Auditors. There have been all sorts of issues over the years, going back for some 25 years. The original bypass was a road-only project. It failed for a variety of reasons.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann: - expresses its deep sadness on the death of Billy Lawless; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution, as a Member of Seanad Éireann, to Irish public life and for his dedicated service to the people of Ireland.”
“Whatever he took on, he did with great energy and gusto and gave it his all. I remember and pay tribute to him here today in my privileged position as Leader of the Seanad and as a Galway man.”
“Billy is best remembered for his work in relation to the undocumented. I am not sure, or maybe I am sure, what he would think of the present situation. Only this week, I was dealing with a local lady who contacted me on behalf of an undocumented Irish citizen, who is married to an American and they have a baby, who was picked up by ICE, moved around different parts of the United States and eventually deported. I am not sure what I was going to be able to do about that except reach out to the consulate. By the time I was able to get involved, he had been deported. Billy's work for the undocumented is still necessary and relevant today. I want to remember Billy as a gentleman. We remember his involvement with Fine Gael before he moved to Chicago. As I said, I did not know him particularly at that time but he would have been highly regarded.”