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thank the Minister of State for representing the Department here this evening. I am very proud to represent the people of Ballinasloe. I have done so since 2020. One of the first things I did when I was elected in 2020 was open a constituency office … there every Monday for my weekly clinic and have been for six years now. In that time things have changed greatly in Ballinasloe. As time goes on I have lost count of the number of Mondays when I go into my clinic and I am faced with residents

them. We need the visibility and to build up community policing, including the relationships between communities and gardaí on the ground. In Ballinasloe, we have had sustained levels of criminal activity and antisocial behaviour, which are escalating. I hate to say it, but I am afraid there will … isolated incidents of a weekend here or there. It has been sustained now for months. There are no new gardaí in Ballinasloe. I ask for the figures of gardaí every now and then. On the face of it, 52 gardaí in Ballinasloe Garda district looks good and there

thank the Deputy for raising the need for more gardaí in Ballinasloe. As she will be aware, operational policing is a matter for the Garda Commissioner, who is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána under section 33 of the Policing, Security and Community Safety … Government’s first priorities is increasing Garda numbers and visibility across the country, including in rural areas such as those served by the Ballinasloe Garda district and large towns like Ballinasloe. This should mean that divisional and district commanders are in the best position possible to react

daily basis. In the context of the concerns raised by the Deputy, I also commend the Garda response to a recent incident in Ballinasloe. I understand that on 10 October gardaí on a proactive patrol arrested six males following an incident of violent disorder at St. Michael … assistant Garda commissioner for community engagement. Local community safety partnerships are also undertaking important work in communities, including in Ballinasloe, bringing together local agencies, community organisations and residents to identify and address the issues that matter most to people. Through collaboration, prevention and community engagement, these partnerships

discussion on SÍOL earlier. We will be making announcements around SÍOL in the coming weeks. The Deputy has been a passionate advocate for Ballinasloe and its regeneration since before being elected. The projects for the Ballinasloe area being provided by Galway County Council will make a difference. That

Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Claire Kerrane - To discuss the need for more gardaí in Ballinasloe, County Galway. Deputy Barry Ward - To discuss the need to support families that have children in childcare centres that are not part

Monksland in south Roscommon this morning. It will follow a number of housing developments that have happened in the area. Similarly in Ballinasloe I attended a meeting last Thursday night with regard to a number of housing developments, all of which are very welcome. We have a need

this. I am glad Deputy Kerrane has welcomed the significant housing that is happening now in Roscommon in Monksland. She also mentioned Ballinasloe. Affordable housing is a key issue for people, particularly those above the social housing income thresholds. I will certainly engage with the Minister in respect

told their breast density and for further tests to be made available. Deputy Claire Kerrane - To discuss the need for more gardaí in Ballinasloe, County Galway. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan - To discuss the failure to implement the recommendations of the HIQA review on urgent and emergency healthcare services

people. I also pay tribute to those behind the introduction of scéim infheistíochta ag obair le chéile, SÍOL, and the inclusion of Ballinasloe, which, as we know, has significant community deprivation and intergenerational unemployment issues. I note the Minister's comments about the projects that have been submitted

addition, there are tremendous projects in places like Termonbarry and Castlerea, at the swimming pool, which the Minister knows well, and, of course, Ballinasloe Rugby Football Club, which has also submitted very worthy projects. I hope they are given due consideration

whom were assigned to the Deputy's local station in Tuam. There were 75 assigned to Loughrea and 52 assigned to Ballinasloe. I am pleased to hear that gardaí are doing a very positive and good job in Galway. That does not surprise me. They depend on community

provide flexible, pro-rata ticket options for hybrid workers and improved advance seat reservation facilities for regular rail commuters, particularly on the Ballinasloe to Galway route; and whether he will engage with Irish Rail on these matters. [75014/26

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Education and Youth if she is aware that up to 70 children in the Ballinasloe area are currently without school transport following the withdrawal of private operators from the system; the action her Department will take to ensure all affected children

Budget 2027 for the establishment of dedicated Mental Health A&Es, separate from general Emergency Departments, given concerns raised by communities including Ballinasloe following recent tragedies and in light of the limited national coverage of the Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service; and if she will make