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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

Ballinasloe is a proud town in the heart of Ireland, just off the M6, with huge untapped potential. Once home to major employers like Dubarry, Square D and A.T. Cross, Pobal and DEIS data now identify severe deprivation in the town, with intergenerational unemployment and educational inequality. Scoil … Chroí Naofa has been waiting 20 years for redevelopment. Garbally College urgently needs refurbishment notwithstanding its imminent amalgamation with Ardscoil Mhuire. Yet, Ballinasloe's spirit endures. Local businesses, clubs and groups like Ballinasloe Area Community Development, Youthreach and Ballinasloe Social Services work tirelessly, despite long-standing disadvantage. Will

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

women with the least resources, the women who cannot travel, the women with the least education. There are pockets of severe deprivation around Ballinasloe and the east Galway and south Roscommon area. We will have these ladies not presenting for antenatal care and presenting late at the delivery … here. People have told me that the recommendations from the Walker report were implemented when they patently were not implemented. The people in Ballinasloe deserve the implementation of the recommendations from the Walker report and also the implementation of the recommendations of the Coulter Smith report. What

Ceann Comhairle for allowing this debate to proceed this evening. In 1996, the Department of Education amalgamated two schools in my constituency in Ballinasloe, County Galway, to become Scoil Chroí Naofa. This was done with the understanding of the Department of Education that a new school building would … special classes and the number of children and families who are left seeking special classes all the time. It is no different in Ballinasloe, where this school's catchment area feeds into Counties Galway, Roscommon and Westmeath. It is a very large catchment area. The school is located

raise the issue of Scoil an Chroí Naofa National School in Ballinasloe, which serves one of the most deprived populations in the country. Some 300 children go to the school. The older school is from 1937 and the newer school is from 1973. When I had an occasion … travel to other schools outside of the town are leaving. We are getting a concentration of deprivation in the centre of Ballinasloe. We need to progress the building of this school. It had planning issues for nearly 22 years. They have been resolved. The project is at stage

that really highlights the chaos of this scheme is that of a man living near Loughrea whose two children attend a school in Ballinasloe. They have been left without school transport since the school year started. They attend the school in question to access speech and language supports … past number of weeks to bring them to and from school. There is already a school bus that travels from Loughrea to Ballinasloe and passes the school the children attend but we are still waiting to be told whether another stop at this school can be added

being done. I cannot understand why that is the case. I had a prime example in my own constituency in Ballinasloe. Scoil an Chroí Naofa in Ballinasloe town has been waiting 29 years for a promised new school. The school has three special classes and it would love … school term. The school had to arrange taxis. The issue has since been sorted, but if the school in Ballinasloe got the new school it was promised 29 years ago, with the class places that are required, we would not be splitting up brothers and sisters, some

process every step of the way. This same focus on long-term sustainable solutions is just as important elsewhere in the constituency. In Ballinasloe, particularly Derrymullan, we know all too well the devastating impact of recurring flooding. That is why I warmly welcome the news that a statutory … public exhibition of the proposed scheme for Ballinasloe is scheduled for quarter 3 this year, with a full planning application expected in 2026. It represents long-overdue progress for a community that has waited with patience and resilience for action. We also look forward to welcoming the Minister

library is now coming along there. It is really important that we provide sites in towns like Boyle, Castlerea, Monksland and Ballinasloe for people to work remotely in, so they can live in their towns and close to their communities because the heart of our communities … wants to go to their local hospital, Portiuncula, they have to get a taxi into Roscommon town, and trains to Athlone and then Ballinasloe for a 17-mile journey. We need to develop the rural link transport network. It is extremely important to maintain people in rural areas

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

have been absolutely slashed across Galway County Council. I am very proud to represent east Galway, and in particular the town of Ballinasloe. It is regularly pointed out to me in relation to the maintenance of the streets, roads and homes across Ballinasloe and the towns and villages

psychologist, over 1,000 have waited for one year. A business case is being submitted for a dedicated CAMHS team in Ballinasloe this year. The CAMHS service that was there previously was closed, and parents have to trek an 80 km to 90 km round trip to Roscommon … appointments. When this business case is submitted, will the Minister of State reinstate the dedicated CAMHS team for Ballinasloe as quickly as possible

them, Beaumont cannot transfer a person to Merlin Park. You have to go through another hospital in the west of Ireland, such as Ballinasloe. In fairness to Deputy Daly, thanks to the calls he has made, the girl has been transferred to Ballinasloe. However, it is an horrific

their child. In this case, I was told about some children last year in south Roscommon whose siblings were in the school in Ballinasloe but their brothers and sisters could not attend because the school is at capacity. The real reason - I emphasise the need for progress … tender. We need to see the sod turned and construction begin. This has gone on far too long. Many of the children of Ballinasloe should have seen this school and of course, many of them will have gone on to secondary school and far beyond that

with the family resource centres wanting to come in. There are two which I engage with a lot in my constituency. One is Ballinasloe, a town in County Galway that is identified by Pobal, particularly in the town area, as extremely disadvantaged. It should have had a family … welcome the building blocks capital programme, which provides a great opportunity for an awful lot of communities. I raised the matter of Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group in my constituency with the Minister. Demand there far exceeds capacity. It looked to that capital programme but because it does

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

Minister for Transport his views on the decision by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) not to extend the proposed greenway beyond Clonmacnoise to Ballinasloe and County Galway; the reasons for TII’s decision to terminate the greenway at Clonmacnoise; to address the concerns regarding the exclusion of Ballinasloe … County Galway from the proposed route; and to clarify whether any further assessment of extending the greenway to Ballinasloe and County Galway will be undertaken. [67031/26

Employment for an update on the reinstatement of the IDA advance planning permit for the proposed advance building at the Creagh site in Ballinasloe, including when the planning application will be lodged with Galway County Council; the expected timeline for decision; and the actions being taken … meantime to position Ballinasloe to secure employment-generating investment given its strategic location on the M6 corridor and the need for economic regeneration. [13008/26

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

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport the passenger numbers recorded on rail services operating between Ballinasloe, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway over the past three years; whether capacity reviews have been undertaken in respect of these services; and whether additional rolling stock is planned for commuter services

aware that members of the Defence Forces carried out military exercises at St. Brigid's Campus, Ballinasloe, during the early hours of 15 and 16 July 2026; whether advance notice of these exercises was provided to residents and businesses in the vicinity; if An Garda Síochána was notified

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Ballinasloe flood relief scheme, including proposed interim flood protection measures for Derrymullen and Sarsfield Road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51475/26

Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on flooding prevention schemes being rolled out to combat flooding in areas such as Ballinasloe and other rural areas of Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51525/26

request from a local group (details supplied); if she will outline the consideration that has been given to making vacant HSE properties in Ballinasloe available for community/youth groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51014/26

Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Ballinasloe flood relief scheme; the projected timelines for progression beyond stage 1 scheme development and design; and when residents in affected areas including Station Road and Sarsfield Road

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the return of a CAMHS service in Ballinasloe, County Galway; the status of the business case for a consultant listed as a priority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37646/26

will provide an update on the IDA’s application for planning permission for a factory on its green-field site at Creagh, Ballinasloe; the expected timeline for approval and the works to make the site investment-ready; and the further steps that are planned to attract enterprise investment

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to advise if a business case for a CAMHS Clinic in Ballinasloe will be supported and expedited as quickly as possible to ensure a service is returned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27847/26

Minister for Transport if he will outline any plans, in conjunction with Iarnród Éireann, to provide an earlier weekday rail service from Ballinasloe to Galway city, as the current earliest departure at 7.44 am does not meet the needs of many commuters and contributes to increased road traffic

Martin Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the plans and the present stage of the planned Ballinasloe flood relief scheme. [70960/25

Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if funding will be maintained and ring-fenced for a standalone flood mitigation project in Derrymullen, Ballinasloe; and the planned works and timelines in light of the area’s persistent flood risk and the inability of all residents to house insurance

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will engage with insurance companies who refuse to give the residents of Derrymullen, Ballinasloe, County Galway flood cover, given that there has been no flooding in this area since the erection of the flood wall in 2011. [69582/25

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps his Department is taking to ensure equitable investment in towns such as Ballinasloe that experience multiple forms of disadvantage despite strong community capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56024/25

Dolan asked the Minister for Health if she will provide an update on the current status of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and to outline the measures being taken to ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of maternity care for families in this facility. [52335/25

Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if she is aware of concerns following significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe; and if she will address these concerns, and the future of the service. [52220/25

asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with Oireachtas Members to discuss significant changes to maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe. [52221/25

further to Parliamentary Question No. 536 of 17 September 2025, if students can avail of an existing school bus route between Loughrea and Ballinasloe (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51449/25

asked the Minister for Health if she will meet with Oireachtas Members in relation to the downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, as requested in view of the fear and worry in the area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51935/25

Employment for an update on the IDA's application for planning permission for a factory on its green-field site at Creagh, Ballinasloe; the expected timeline for approval and any works to make the site investment-ready; and the further steps being planned to attract enterprise investment once