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?”
The complete record
Every one of 1,542 lines we hold for Seán Kyne, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 18 of 31.
“She is of course absolutely correct about those cohorts of people who do not qualify for social housing and, indeed, do not want social housing. They want to be able to own their own home but fall short of being able to get affordable housing or purchase their own home. It is a huge issue throughout the country, not just in Limerick. She is right to raise it. I will keep the pressure on this issue and will request a debate with the Minister, Deputy James Browne. Senator Scahill raised the issue of school buses. I congratulate the Senator’s advocacy on getting that matter sorted. It is a success for the children and parents of Ballymoe. It is important. It is a positive when public representatives, including councillors, and other people, who have the local knowledge, engage with Bus Éireann.”
“I will raise this matter again with the Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon. Perhaps there are issues with the commencement of some of these regulations. Senator Sarah O’Reilly raised issues with the roads in County Cavan. As I have said previously, there will never be enough money for roads throughout the country, including in Cavan. There is always extra demand. I could say the same about Conamara because we have boggy conditions, which means, even with nice new roads, they sink quite quickly with traffic. All we can request is that there is ongoing investment in our roads in Cavan and elsewhere. I will certainly continue to advocate for that. I hope the Senator has success in a Commencement matter being chosen on that issue in the autumn. Senator Ryan raised issues regarding affordable housing.”
“Senator Margaret Murphy O’Mahony raised the issue of postal votes and the fee of €25 for signing off on that and argued it should be waived. It is a valid issue. She may raise it as a Commencement matter. I am not sure whether the Department of Health or the Department of housing and local government is responsible because it has the franchise section. Maybe it could waive that cost in some way. Senators P.J. Murphy and Duffy raised the issues of concern regarding veterinary prescriptions. As both Senators know, the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Act was passed in these Houses in the summer of 2023. That is the law we are working with. There may be some sections that are now being commenced, but the law has been agreed and passed. There were debates on those matters at the time.”
“I will engage with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission in this regard. I know we have representatives present in the House today who were appointed from various groupings. Senator Joe Conway spoke about signing up to Europe and standing against Russia. We have had a lot of debate in this Chamber on Gaza, the West Bank and Palestine, and rightly so, but we cannot forget the other war we have and the illegal invasion of Ukraine. We still have the Ukrainian flag outside on Merrion Lawn as a symbol. I acknowledge the work of the former Ceann Comhairle, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl, on those matters. He was a very strong advocate for Ukraine and stood against the illegal invasion of that country. Senator Stephenson also raised the issue of the broadcast workers. As I said, I will engage on those matters.”
“I also acknowledge Senator Crowe’s comments on this matter. It is of concern because of the implications of such a decision. While we have rights and responsibilities, we also have rights and responsibilities to Irish people as well and I wish to acknowledge that. Senators Cummins, McCarthy, Ní Chuilinn and Duffy raised the issue of the broadcasting staff who will have to sign on for the summer. I will raise this initially with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to determine the stage this matter is at. If we write requesting the contract be stopped or paused, I do not know what will happen. I wish to ensure we have broadcasting services when we return in the autumn. Certainly, it is a valid issue. It has been highlighted in this Chamber and most of us have expressed support for our broadcast workers in recent months.”
“I will certainly request that debate. It is an important issue and he has obviously put a lot on the public record in this Chamber. In doing so, I hope it gains traction and that this is examined. A new Garda Commissioner will be appointed in the next number of weeks and I am sure the Minister will engage with that new Commissioner on matters such as this. Senators Crowe and McCarthy have raised the European Court of Justice’s possible decision in respect of compensation for asylum seekers. I absolutely agree with Senator McCarthy that this will cause issues. The Senator used the term “recipe for disaster”, and I agree. Pitting Irish people and the homeless against asylum seekers, and what that might result in, is worrying. I will request a debate with the Minister for justice in September.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. I will start with Senator Anne Rabbitte who mentioned the particular case, or cases, of compulsory purchase orders, CPOs, in Galway. People had lands acquired for infrastructure projects, which in this case was for road widening and road realignment, but have not been paid. It is not good enough and the Senator is right to raise the matter. For any landowner to be waiting more than ten years to get paid is not good enough. In the first instance, I will raise this matter with the chief executive of Galway County Council and I will certainly join the Senator in anything I can do to ensure that case is put to rest. Senator McDowell put on the record issues regarding the armoury section of An Garda Síochána and called for a debate with the Minister for justice, Deputy O’Callaghan.”
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025; and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025, copies of which have been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 14th July, 2025.””
“I move: That Seanad Éireann approves the following Regulations in draft: Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, a copy of which has been laid in draft form before Seanad Éireann on 4th July, 2025.””
“I know that people are working on that, and it is important they get it right. Whatever proposals are in it, if there are budgetary matters, they will be funded as part of the budget in that agreement. It is important that be got right rather than rushed, whether it is published next week or the week after. I will certainly request, once it is published, that we have a debate in this House on the matter.”
“Senator Higgins raised the EU Council meeting and requested that the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, come to the House in September. I will request that. It is normal that there would be EU Council meeting statements in the other House. I will request on this occasion that he come here to talk about this particular Council meeting and what plans Ireland has, and the informal feedback from other countries regarding these matters. Senator Boyhan talked of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill. I acknowledge that we unfortunately had a guillotine yesterday. The Bill is scheduled for debate in the Dáil today, so it was out of my hands. It had to get through this House to allow for the turnaround, amendments, reprinting and all of that for the other House today. He also requested that the new national housing policy be published.”
“The pre-legislative scrutiny is being dealt with at the moment and a report should be published and agreed before the recess to allow that to be drafted. Senator Flaherty raised the public participation networks and funding for those. I will request a debate on that. However, if he can start a Commencement debate with the Minister, Deputy Calleary, he may get a direct response. Senator Keogan put forward issues relating to budgetary matters, household benefits and free broadband packages for the elderly. She also highlighted CSO statistics on the population getting older, which raise a lot of issues about care of the elderly and all of that. I acknowledge the importance of that and again that is something to engage with the Minister for Finance on with regard to budget 2026.”
“He has called on groups and organisations to register with ComReg to prove they are legitimate and the numbers they are using for text messages are legitimate. However, there is a wider issue here with regard to vulnerable people - older people in the main, but not exclusively - who are taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals. I will certainly raise that with the Minister and request a debate on the matter. Senator Harmon raised the issue of the Palestinian GAA team. I apologise; I should have referenced her earlier. She talked about the occupied territories Bill, or the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory (prohibition of importation of goods) Bill 2025, which is the Government proposal. That will obviously have to come through the Houses as quickly as possible once we come back.”
“This has caused concerns, particularly in LEADER companies, due to the impact that would have on funding and processing and everything else like that. It is looking at amalgamating or merging the CAP with EU cohesion, migration and infrastructure funding. I am not sure of the rationale behind that, but I am sure there will be an opportunity to debate that when we come back. Obviously, the MEPs will have a critical role in that as well. Senator Conway raised the tragic case of a young man who was beaten to death by settlers. I acknowledge that and give our sympathies to his family. Senator O'Reilly raised the issue of scams. ComReg has started dealing with that with regard to text scams that are coming through. I have gotten a few of them, which come up as being a likely scam.”
“I am sure he is also raising this at the Joint Committee on Agriculture and Food, which could call in representatives from MII to debate this issue. We know the quality product that is produced by sheep farmers in this country. They have had a lot of difficult years. They have the odd good year and it is not right that they have seen a 20 cent cut just like that over the last short period. Senator Noonan raised the EU multiannual financial framework. There are initial proposals from the European Commission that indicate that from the start of the next EU budgetary cycle in 2028, the Commission plans to pool dedicated agricultural and rural financial supports into a single national and regional partnership fund.”
“I will request a debate on our national parks with the Minister of State, Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan, in the autumn. Senator McCarthy raised issues regarding small businesses, small firms associations and restaurant associations. Again, he listed a number of budgetary issues that could be looked at, including a temporary PRSI rebate, cuts in rates and, of course, the VAT rate, which is mentioned in the programme for Government. We will have opportunities over the coming weeks to raise budgetary matters. Senator Duffy raised the issue of the Newport sewerage scheme. I will ask him to table a Commencement matter or raise it through the Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Senator Brady raised the issue of sheep and lamb prices and called for a debate on the sector.”
“This is under appeal. I acknowledge the sentiments expressed here and, indeed, in the emails we have received to our offices on these matters. I certainly hope that a resolution can be gotten on this very important matter. Senator Comyn raised the ambulances, and an interesting case in terms of the overtriaging of calls, which means that more urgent calls are not being dealt with. I will certainly request a debate with the Minister for Health on the ambulance service. Senator Boyle raised Glenveagh National Park. I will maybe ask him to table a Commencement matter on this matter because I would not have up-to-date information. It is a staffing matter. I am not sure if there is an inability to get staff or if there is a funding issue but certainly our national parks are important.”
“Yes, I will certainly ask for that again in September. Senators Ruane and Andrews raised the issue of GAA Palestine. I acknowledge the coverage this is getting, and rightly so. The Minister for justice has made his comments. I know there are appeals going on. The Department stated: Each visa application is decided on its own merits. However, it is the case that the organisation of an event, no matter how good the intention, does not guarantee that a visa will be subsequently granted. Applications made [particularly] on behalf of minors who are not travelling in the company of their parents must be supported with evidence that appropriate child protection measures are in place during the visit. In all cases, evidence of financial means, employment or other ties that indicate a person intends to return home are important criteria.”
“I will maybe ask her to table a Commencement matter. This would be a budgetary matter, so if she tables a Commencement matter for the new session, she could get the response of the Minister with regard to budget negotiations. Senator Stephenson called for a debate with regard to Gaza. I acknowledge her comments on the area.”
“I was engaging with the Department of foreign affairs on a cross-party amendment, but they beat me to it. Their efficiency is to be applauded. I absolutely accept the issues there, and I have to support that. They also raised the issue of former Deputy Alan Shatter's comments at the committee. I have not heard them. I am sure whoever was at the committee gave a robust retort to those comments. Perhaps we might have a debate with the Minister or with Mr. Shatter. Either of the Senators on radio would be worth listening to because there are some very serious issues. I certainly do not believe that Irish people are antisemetic in condemning what is going on and the atrocities and the murder of children in Gaza. Senator Ryan raised the issue of the wage subsidy scheme and corporate index thinking, particularly for those with a disability.”
“She is right to suggest that the maximum grants have not kept cost with inflation and building costs. Certainly, I will raise that with the Minister. She also raised issues regarding the reduced VAT rate, which is a budgetary issue, and hedge cutting, which is a perennial issue and will, I am sure, be discussed here next year and at local authorities. It seems to be something that is raised constantly. Hedge cutting can take place if there is a road safety concern, particularly at junctions. Senator Boyle has raised this in the past and has carried out some work. It is something that is allowed under the existing legislation. Senators Clonan and McDowell have proposed and seconded an amendment to the Order of Business looking for No. 52 be taken before item No. 1. I will agree to that.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this morning. Senator O'Loughlin raised a number of issues, including funding with regard to dog wardens. She said she would welcome a debate on the education of young people, in particular, and indeed all people on the care of dogs and the threats that some dogs can pose. She also raised the issue of the UNIFIL mandate. Obviously, the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security has been debating the Bill on the triple lock and other matters, and we have discussed this matter as well. She also raised issues regarding the proposed national children's science centre. Senator Andrews has views on that matter as well. Senator Nelson Murray raised the issue of adaptation grants. We know the importance of those to people up and down the country.”
“and to conclude at 3 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than eight minutes to reply to the debate; No. 4, statements on sport, to be taken at 3 p.m. and to conclude at 5 p.m., if not previously concluded, with the time allocated to the opening remarks of the Minister not to exceed ten minutes, group spokespersons not to exceed ten minutes, all other Senators not to exceed four minutes, time may be shared, and the Minister to be given not less than ten minutes to reply to the debate; and No.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, motion re draft Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, to be taken at the conclusion of the Order of Business without debate; No. 2, motion re Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 60(6)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025; and Data Protection Act 2018 (Section 51(3)) (Inquiry into the Licensing and Use of Sodium Valproate in Women of Child-Bearing Potential in the State) Regulations 2025, to be taken at the conclusion of No. 1 without debate; No. 3, motion re the draft Commission of Investigation (Handling of Historical Child Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools) Order 2025, to be taken at 1 p.m.”
“What the Gluas group has asked for is to allow this to progress to the emerging preferred route status and to allow for funding in the national development plan or, indeed, if it was forthcoming, through the Department without going through the national development plan protocol. This is a concept that, I am sure, the Minister of State would be supportive of. All of it is subject to Government approval and funding.”
“I thank the Minister of State for the comprehensive response. I note the comments of the NTA that it is appropriate to wait for An Coimisiún Pleanála's determination on the Galway city ring road. The concern is that it will be possibly late next year when a decision will be made. The Galway city ring road, if it has to go some sort of oral hearing, may take that long and then there may be court challenges. What determination is the NTA waiting for? Is it waiting for the final determination from the courts or are they waiting for the determination from An Coimisiún Pleanála only, because we will be losing time in that regard?”
“The next stage will be the emerging preferred route design and the engagement and consultation that goes with this. That needs to be funded in the national development plan. As I said, this is not an either-or situation. I support this project but it does not mean I do not support the Galway city ring road, which of course I do, or the western rail corridor, the reopening of which I have been a long-time supporter of and advocate for. I look forward to the Minister of State's response because I know he has an interest in rail due to his advocacy for the western rail corridor. I believe the Gluas project would be a great addition and would provide the connectivity to the existing rail line in the city.”
“There are two universities in the city and four hospitals, all of which would be immediately adjacent to an east-west Gluas line, giving easy access and reducing the need for parking spaces at all sites, which is a perennial problem. Gluas, together with a fully reopened western rail corridor, would give us a sustainable public transport system that would future-proof the city and its environs for generations to come. Galway city's population is approaching 90,000 and its immediate environs push this to well past 100,000. The projections are that it will meet 140,000 over the next ten to 15 years. We need to look to the future of Galway city. There is an opportunity in the national development plan, which is forthcoming. I would like to see this project funded in terms of the next stage. The feasibility report has been published.”
“The delays on the decision around the Galway city ring road project only add to the level of frustration and the missed opportunities for the city and the citizens of Galway. I do not have to tell the Minister of State that Galway is geographically ideal from a light rail point of view. Squeezed as it is between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay it has developed into a long narrow strip from Doughiska to Barna. If we consider the possibilities of expansion in Ardaun and Garraun eastwards towards Oranmore and the expansion of Knocknacarra and Barna to the west, this layout is ideal for a light rail system that would create a public transport spine for the greater Galway area, accessible to the maximum number of people, and connectivity to the industrial centre east of the city and the residential suburbs to the west.”
“The Gluas group recently met groups from the city and county councils and also presented to Oireachtas Members here in the audiovisual room. I acknowledge my colleague Deputy Catherine Connolly for facilitating that, and the work done by a former Member of this House, Pauline O'Reilly, in supporting and pushing this project. There has been overwhelming support for the project. Galway city was one of the worst traffic-congested cities in Europe in 2024. It was the ninth worst. There are costs to traffic congestion. It affects people's lives and their well-being. There are losses to businesses, along with frustrations and all of that. There are also decisions to avoid the city for investment, which is another worrying possibility. They are huge costs.”
“I thank the Cathaoirleach's office for choosing this Commencement matter this morning. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to the Chamber to discuss a Galway project. It is great to have a Galway Minister of State who also has a huge interest in rail. Light rail for Galway is a concept that first emerged in the 1970s when the then Chamber of Commerce visited Freiburg in Germany to see how their system served that city. Each decade since there have been renewed calls for a light rail system to service the city and suburbs. The present Gluas group, all volunteers, have campaigned very successfully to a point where there was almost unanimous support among communities, businesses and institutions for a Galway light rail system.”
“I propose that notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or the Order of Business of today, that No. 2 conclude at 9.30 p.m. by the putting of the question by the Chair that shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Government.”
“In many cases the Department of agriculture needs to do more to step in and notify the local authorities that there is a noxious weed growing on their lands. There may also be an issue with farms. Senator Flaherty raised the issue of boating on the River Shannon and asked me to write to the Minister for housing regarding by-laws. He might contact me regarding which exact by-laws he is talking about. It is important that there is consultation and that anything that might happen only happens after a proper debate on the matter at the appropriate committee. If he contacts me regarding that, I will certainly alert the Minister for housing in this regard.”
“Senator Boyhan raised the motion about outdoor dining which is due to come before the Houses of the Oireachtas. He expressed concern regarding people with disabilities and young children being impacted by outdoor furniture. It is a valid point. As I understand it, these went before the committee last week for agreement. I am not sure if there was a thorough debate on that or whether it is a roll-over from year to year. He has raised valid concerns on that and it is something the Minister needs to take account of each year when these are being reviewed. Senator McCarthy talked about the spread of ragwort, which is of course a noxious weed. It is not a nice sight to see because in many cases it arises on abandoned land or disturbed land around the country. We see it on road margins, including motorway margins.”
“She expressed grave concern about high exposure to UV rays and said that Ireland has one of the highest incidence of melanoma. Again, I will bring this to the attention of the Minister and we will see what decision can be made on how best to deal with this as a public health matter. That is important. Senator Collins raised the issue of the full and half rate carer's payments. She called on the Minister for Social Protection to look at cases where there are a number of disabled persons in one house. That is a valid query and perhaps the Senator should raise it on the Commencement. If she can give a real-life example without using names, it may bring home to the Minister the reality on the ground in certain situations. As I said, it is not very prevalent but it does arise in a small number of situations.”
“She is right about veterans support, something that has been touched upon at the defence committee and we have it on our agenda for the next term. It is something that needs greater examination. Senator Keogan raised INMO decisions on the WPATH standards of care. I am not fully familiar with that group. I would hope that in any vote within any union that there would be a debate and that all information would provided, and I must assume that it was in that case. I will certainly request a further debate in this House on gender and sex policy. Senator Costello again made an impassioned contribution regarding the use of sunbeds and the illegal use of sunbeds by those under the age of 16, indeed by ten-year-olds in some cases, as she mentioned.”
“Perhaps there is a need for a centralised, staffed Garda line where all passports that have been stamped can be submitted. That would possibly be a better way to deal with this issue. I will certainly raise it with the Minister. Senator Comyn spoke about the National Day of Commemoration in Kilmainham. I know there were various commemorations. I was at one organised by Galway City Council in the quadrangle at the University of Galway. They are very nice and important events. It is worth people attending where they can. She also raised issues regarding veterans' supports, such as housing and healthcare support and dignity. She called for a possible veterans support bureau, possibly located in the GPO.”
“A review took place at the health committee, organised by the Minister for Health, in the last term. I am sure this issue will be discussed in the Oireachtas in this term as well. Senator McCormack mentioned that a Sinn Féin motion on endometriosis care will be debated in the Dáil today. I do not know what the Cabinet decision in that regard was. I hope there will be a positive debate on this and I am sure there will be. The Senator also expressed concerns about passport queries, particularly one we come across often where someone gets the form stamped in a local Garda station which may not be a 24-7 station and may therefore be unmanned when someone from the Passport Office rings if nobody is there to answer the phone. As the Senator said, sometimes some of the busier Garda stations can have issues in this regard.”
“He is right when he says that behind every one of those figures is a tragic situation for the unborn and, I suspect, a very difficult decision for each woman - in some cases, a child or teenager - and family who found themselves with a pregnancy and made a difficult decision. It is important - this was discussed in the committee - that women and girls who find themselves pregnant are fully aware of their options. The option chosen may not always be termination. They should be made aware of other supports as well as abortion. Concerns have been expressed to me regarding whether those supports are being provided and whether women and girls are being told of the supports and options available to them, not just termination. I know that legislation was being talked about.”
“Maybe he did not wish them equally well but he wished them all well and safe travel. He also raised the issue of Irish Rail and the increased demand in services with the all-Ireland finals coming up. He has called for additional services, more trains, more seats, catering and proper planning by Iarnród Éireann in the timing of additional trains. There is no use in putting them on just as the final whistle goes. There needs to be a bit of time to allow people to get to Heuston Station, Connolly Station or wherever they are going. I certainly agree with that. Senator Mullen raised the issue of the 10,852 abortions in 2024.”
“I thank all Senators for their contributions this afternoon. Senator O'Loughlin spoke on several issues. She congratulated the Kildare manager and players on winning the Tailteann Cup. She also raised an issue regarding Kildare Village. She called for a debate on matters relating to on-the-job learning with the Minister, Deputy Lawless, in September. I will certainly endeavour to facilitate that. The Senator also raised issues regarding water reservoirs in Allenwood and the N81 Tallaght-Tullow road, which is in urgent need of upgrading. Perhaps the housing committee is the best place to raise issues relating to Uisce Éireann. The Senator might also table a Commencement debate on either of those issues to get a better answer than I would. Senator Kennelly wished all the teams playing in the all-Ireland football and hurling finals well.”
“The Order of Business is No. 1, Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, changed from the Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner's Pension) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. or on the conclusion of the Order of Business, whichever is the later, and to adjourn at 5.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 2, Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2025 - Committee and Remaining Stages, to be taken at 5.30 p.m., and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 9 p.m. by the putting of one question from the Chair, which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by Government.”
“That is where Ministers come in and say, “No, that ain’t happening; this project will be delivered in the lifetime of this Government.” Phase 3 is the Claremorris to Sligo section. Again, connecting to Sligo has to be part of the vision, as does, as Senator Scahill said, connecting onwards to Donegal as well. Regarding the Luas, we had a presentation recently on light rail and very light rail. There is potential in Galway and I ask the Department to continue to look at the possibilities of Luas for Galway.”
“It would also connect Mayo to Galway with a new, sustainable public transport service through Tuam, the largest town in the county, easing traffic on the approaches to Galway. If that project is not committed to in the NDP and if it does not start or is not completed in the lifetime of this Government, we might as well fire our hats at it. We are talking about it for long enough. It is a no-brainer. It is real investment in the region, it is sustainable and environmentally beneficial and it is good for the economy of the area. We have to commit to it and see action on it. We have had enough talk and reports. We have had all-island reviews. There are, I have heard, officials in the Department who would rather see this pushed out again for another decade or two.”
“We are all aware of the problems as they have been talked about for long enough. We need investment in solutions in a number of projects. The Galway city ring road has been talked about for so long and has been in the planning system. There is a Government commitment to it. It is necessary not just for those driving and using the roads but also to free up Galway city for public transport infrastructure. That is important, as is cycling and pedestrianisation. Many Senators mentioned the western rail corridor. I again lend my support to that project. We have seen the success of phase 1, Galway to Limerick. Phase 2, Athenry to Claremorris, is a vital project from a passenger and freight point of view.”
“That should be addressed through additional investment as part of the national development plan but recognising as well the importance of balanced regional development, which would be good for the northern and western region but also for Dublin. That needs to be recognised. Connectivity is hugely important in any country for moving large numbers of people on a daily basis. It is fundamental to any developed economy in the modern world. We have to move large numbers of people in an efficient and sustainable manner, and that is not possible in large parts of the west and north west. The region ranks 218 out of 234 for transport infrastructure in the EU regional competitive index. That is a stark finding. The eastern region, by contrast, is ranked 24th. We need to address this imbalance in the national development plan.”
“I commend the work done by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the disparity of investment between the north, west and north west and the southern and eastern regions. It is explicit and telling with regard to the investment of projects of more than €1 million or more than €20 million. Despite having 17.6% of the population, the share of investment of tenders over €20 million is 5.7% in the northern and western region. The eastern and midlands region, with 49% of the population, has a 75% share of that investment. Obviously, the capital city and certain areas will always get higher rates of investment, but there is a huge disparity between the eastern region and the west and northern region.”
“We will arrange statements or a discussion on Ukraine at a future date. Senator Mullen spoke about the care referendums that took place last year. The Tánaiste said we will not be rerunning them, but the Senator is right about why exactly they failed. Perhaps there needs to be a body of work done on that. I want to be quite clear that there are no plans to rerun the referendums.”
“There has been investment and agreement in regard to technological universities, which is part of the programme for Government, in that they will be allowed to borrow for student accommodation. In terms of the ongoing discussion on student fees, there is a commitment in the programme for Government and budget negotiations will be taking place on them, among a range of other matters in the Department of further and higher education. The Minister, Deputy Lawless, has confirmed that. The budget will be upon us soon enough once we come back. Senator Craughwell raised the matter of the Srebrenica massacre on its 30-year anniversary. I understand we will have a moment's silence on the matter tomorrow. He also, rightly, expressed concern that the war in Ukraine has, to a degree, fallen off the radar. I understand his concerns in that regard.”
“Senator Noonan spoke about the nitrates derogation and the climate and nature fund. He requested statements on the issue. I will try to arrange that in the autumn. Ireland is now the only country applying for a nitrates derogation. An ongoing of body of work is needed in that regard, not just to protect water quality but also in regard to the habitats directive. The Minister, Deputy Heydon, and others will be doing a body of work. I am sure relevant committees will deal with it as well. Senator Tully raised the issue of student accommodation. I do not disagree with anything she said about the need for better student accommodation and continued investment in universities. If there is more student accommodation on university campuses, that will free up accommodation elsewhere.”