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billion. Thanks to the hard work of our people and good economic management, we will have the capital to actually deliver these projects. By the way, I do not look at them just from an expenditure perspective. It is also about what they will deliver in economic terms … this and the difference that it will make. We will have this funded. What we have to do is really watch this project as it moves through. Meath is in the greater Dublin area framework of the transport investment strategy and it is listed

genuinely thank the Deputy for his commitment and dedication to this project. As someone in the hospitality sector he recognises the importance of the greenway project. What might be unique in this case is that the scheme has general public acceptance and deserves to progress more quickly than … knows. The Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I have always spoken about expediting and increasing the passage through gates in terms of projects. It is important for a variety of reasons. As the Deputy said, this will be a game-changer for the area. If we look

assure the Deputy that the Minister, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I are very committed to this greenway project. The Deputy is right, and he paints a wonderful picture. I look forward to visiting with him again because he has painted a wonderful, broad brush … progress the scheme. From our end, there are no barriers to the progression of the scheme. We have allocated money for the greenway project. The Deputy’s enthusiasm will help us to go back and further engage with TII to ensure that we can, with Wicklow County Council

weeks ago, "RTÉ Investigates" aired two programmes on the appalling treatment of some of the most vulnerable and seriously mentally ill persons in this country. It made for harrowing viewing. It is unconscionable that the State effectively condemns mentally ill persons who come into contact with … response to what is a scandal of this State. In the words of Professor Charles O'Mahony, who contributed to the programme, Ireland is effectively using the Prison Service to warehouse people with severe mental illness. Our country has replaced one form of detention in psychiatric institutions

many families in our country too. I join with the many who have already thanked those who spoke on the recent "RTÉ Investigates" programme on the forensic mental health services for sharing their lived experiences and giving voice to issues that should not be seen or debated … Minister of State, Deputy Butler, recently on this. She has asked the HSE for full reports on the cases highlighted in the programme, particularly those involving the Central Mental Hospital. I just want to make that point. The Minister of State has also asked that all appropriate care

issues raised and will continue to proactively work with the school, pending the delivery of its permanent accommodation solution. The new building project is currently at stage 2A of the architectural design process and the Department of Education and Youth currently awaits the submission of the stage … schools were upgraded, through the provision of a new school building, a large-scale extension or modular accommodation. There are also nine school projects in Kildare under construction at present. Under the national development plan, another 12 school projects in Kildare will go to tender or construction

planning model is in development which will be central to the Department's plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood learning and childcare system, with State-led facilities adding capacity. That model seeks … which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available. This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening

organisation, has already raised over €1.5 million in funds, and a site has been designated for the purpose within the UHK campus. This project is extremely important for Kerry, and I am anxious that it proceed as soon as possible. The delays only mean an escalation in costs … already costly undertaking. This vital project would lessen the need for many Kerry patients to travel to hospitals in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and abroad for cancer treatments, many in multiple trips. The temporary oncology unit in UHK could not cope with the more than 5,000 patients treated

ensure that investment in our grid of €18.9 billion over just this five-year period actually takes place. There are 520 capital projects across the country that will enable us to bring more renewables into our system with cheaper, secure, green, clean energy. We need projects like … North-South interconnector delivered. That one project alone will deliver savings of about €120 on average per household on this island, and will improve grid resilience as well. The Deputy can be assured that those who require assistance with regard to energy and energy poverty will receive

offshore wind capacity in development by 2030, with a long-range target of 20 GW by 2040. Five phase 1 offshore wind projects off our east coast, accounting for 3.8 GW of capacity, are in development at present. It is anticipated that the first planning determination will … made by An Coimisiún Pleanála by the end of 2026. The phase 1 projects are responsible for constructing the offshore transmission assets that will connect the sites to the onshore grid. These transmission assets will transfer to EirGrid after commissioning. In December 2025, the Minister announced that

onshore, and about the benefits it brings. I am aware of the community benefit funds, which the Minister of State mentioned. Two major projects are being run from Dún Laoghaire in my constituency, the Dublin Array and Ocean Winds projects. RWE is a partner in the Dublin Array … project. Their office is now based in Dún Laoghaire, so it has a close connection to the community. I am aware that it is working hard on the development of information. There is a lot of misinformation about wind energy, particularly offshore wind energy, and about the environmental

think it would break the bank but it would open up this park. A lot of the focus on these kind of projects and these NTA projects is about ensuring that people are able to walk and cycle to be able to go to work but also … will work with the NTA to ensure that there is a much more substantial allocation so that we can properly advance this project and ensure access

bottom of the pay scale when it comes to their transition with a skill that they have developed over their apprentice programme. Most who qualify are on over €49,000 per year two years post entry into the sector. That is reflective of the programme they undertake … continuing to invest with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the craft apprenticeship programme to address the skills gap across the sector

piece I was going to try to discuss with her. To be honest, I have come around to the idea of this project. At the start I was quite cautious because my understanding and the meaning I would infer from "well-being" would suggest that you are getting … little more about that piece. If I was 12 in 2020 and my case was closed, I am outside the scope of this project. Is there a way in which we can amend legislation to ensure we can broaden the scope of this project for anyone over

this process. Whatever we can do to support that, we will. I reiterate my thanks and commendation to those involved in this project because it is a significant undertaking. We have heard about the IT specialties that are required, the access to information and challenges. Before it even … gets under way in real detail, I look forward to the recommendations that will come from this project in terms of future learnings for institutions of the State to make sure we have accurate information but also appropriate services to follow up. I look forward to further updates

shortly, probably as soon as next week. There will then be an opportunity to update on what is next in the pipeline of projects. There are a number of projects, including mental health facilities. The new 50-bed acute mental health unit, ACHU, is at appraisal stage … Minister for Health, once she receives the HSE capital plan, which will probably be next week, to update the Deputy on the specific projects he referenced. I will also follow up with her on the specific specialties the Deputy said are required in the hospital

future. The idea that Swords would be without college opportunities is unfathomable at this stage. It has to change and this is the project that is going to change it. We said when we announced the project that such projects take a number of years. They genuinely

prepare for flooding. I particularly praise the Minister of State for increasing the maximum funding for a minor flood mitigation works project from €750,000 to €2 million last year. It is good to make the funding available, but money alone will not get the solutions in place … eligibility criteria for the minor works scheme too restrictive, given that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has had just six successful project applications in ten years? I ask the Minister of State to review the details of the scheme. Maybe he could engage with the various authorities

completed later this year. Just to give people an idea of the timeline of a successful project, that project started in its planning stage after the floods of 2012, it went out for public consultation in 2016, ministerial confirmation was initially given in 2021 and the contract … would like to mention, the lower Lee and the Blackpool flood relief schemes. The lower Lee flood relief scheme is a massive project. It has faced opposition in the city. Many people have concerns about the height of the walls and about preserving the historic and cultural aspects

more broadly, Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 represents an investment of €9.8 billion over five years, which is the highest funded programme to date. Approximately 60% of that funding is directed towards income support through direct payments and support for areas of natural constraint. Additional funding … Ireland and reflects a wider EU trend. However, it is a challenge we must address with urgency and with practical measures. The programme for Government prioritises intergenerational farm succession. Food Vision 2030 recognises that generational renewal is critical to the long-term social and economic sustainability of rural

believe this project is in the overwhelming public interest and that there is an overwhelming public benefit. That is why we funded about €16 million into Hampson House to facilitate decanting but also provision of a first-class service now in terms of outpatient facilities, antenatal clinics … that. The Government is 100% behind this project but An Coimisiún Pleanála is independent, as all TDs would want. In this House no one has ever suggested it should not be. However, I hope the Deputy will back us now when we bring forward a critical infrastructure Bill

progress report for the final quarter of 2025 is currently being compiled and will be published following consideration by the Government. The programme for Government restates our determination that Ireland, together with our EU partners, will play its full part in tackling climate change - protecting this and future … been invested through SEAI schemes to support over 240,000 home energy upgrades. These actions are reaping rewards. However, the latest EPA projections tell us that we have to go further - tackling climate action faster and at scale, particularly over the next five years. The Government is committed

Dempsey promised in 1994 that a rail line would be built. There is no construction date and no ring-fenced funding for the project. It has not been listed in the Government's national development plan for construction to start before 2030. The planning … earliest will be in 2036. That is 42 years from concept to completion. A person who started work when Noel Dempsey promised this project will have retired before the project is even finished, and that is if there are no judicial reviews or any change in the economy

practice, investment funds have continued to bulk purchase homes; — the Government re-committed to prohibiting the bulk purchase of homes in the Programme for Government; and — despite repeated promises to address the issue of homes being bulk purchased by vulture funds, the Government continues to allow the practice … there for everybody to see. Over 2,000 homes have been bulk purchased since the Government said it would stop it. The programme for Government again committed to ending this scandal. It is one thing that the Government said it would do, the one small measure it said

namely fulfil its commitment given before the election in the form of the Minister, Deputy Harris, and what it put in the programme for Government in black and white for all of us to see. The Minister of State referred to many other aspects of housing we could … tolerated. Deputy Barry Ward spoke about how the Government introduced stamp duty and referred to the desire to stop this happening. The programme for Government was crystal clear in 2025 on keeping the stamp duty surcharge under review to ensure it prohibited bulk purchases. What is happening? Bulk

Transport for a detailed up-to-date progress report on the Tralee-to-Listowel greenway in County Kerry; if this hugely important project for north Kerry is on target; the projected completion date; if he is satisfied with progress to date; if he will expedite this “gamechanger

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on major infrastructural projects in Cork city and county, including the Cork to Limerick motorway project, the northern distributor road, and the Mallow relief road; and if he will make a statement

aware that some schools in Balbriggan have been awarded DEIS status and as such are availing of the MBX school meals programme; if she is aware that schools with the same catchment area have not been granted DEIS status and as such are not eligible … school meals programme; the objective criteria used to determine this, particularly where the catchment areas are identical; if her Department plans to address this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4393/25

Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health to provide details of any plans under consideration to further extend the BowelScreen cancer screening programme; if there are any plans to extend the BreastCheck screening programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4306/25

Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Health the status of the project to establish an elective hospital in Cork as of February 2025; if a site for this project has been identified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4732/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress of a road project in Cork (details supplied); and the measures being taken to ensure that the project remains on track moving forward. [3903/25

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to confirm when a project (details supplied), which has been granted planning permission can proceed; if this project has been advertised in order that tenders can be submitted; when it is likely that

risks posed by the discharge of toxic chemicals and the proposed 17-storey mine waste facility in the Sperrins AONB gold mine project, the measures the Government is considering to ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency is fully involved in the review of this project and its potential

reason such a proposal has been rejected given the opportunity to provide a light rail service in Ballymun and link the Luas Finglas project with the Metrolink project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2472/25

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there is a coordinated plan to oversee the building of road projects such as the Adare and Macroom bypasses, to ensure adjacent county projects are proceeded with in alignment and when Adare is completed; if there are plans

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Transport if he will recognise the importance of shared mobility hubs in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to consider new public transport projects in the review of the National Development Plan. [2722/25

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport to report on the consultation on the N22 Farranfore to Killarney Project; if this project will go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3550/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education if the commitment in the programme of the previous Government to deliver 400 multi-denominational schools by 2030 still stands despite its omission from the current Programme for Government; the steps she plans to take to increase the number

asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 88 of 23 October 2024, to provide an update on the large-scale project for a school (details supplied) under the school building programme; if a letter of acceptance has been issued; if a commencement date is available

Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to provide a list of all projects funded under stream E of the cultural capital programme of his Department for each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. [2459/25

Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Justice regarding the commitment to tackle retail defamation in the Programme for Government, to outline how retail defamation is understood and defined under this proposal; the measures he is planning to implement to tackle this type of crime; the timeline … delivery; the projected output of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2318/25

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice for an update from the Courts Service on the progress of the e-probate project under the Courts Modernisation Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2347/25

update on the commencement of works on the new mental health service on the grounds of the Owenacurra Centre, Midleton, which was projected by local management to be completed by Q1 of 2025; the reason that flood risk is being cited as rationale for the delay … media briefings, given that this issue was addressed in the planning application that was approved for the project in February 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2597/25

Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider a conversion programme for graduates who have completed an intellectual disability nursing programme and wish to transfer to general nursing. [3074/25

Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the town and village renewal scheme in County Clare in 2024; the grant approved for each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement

Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in counties Carlow and Kilkenny that were funded from the most recent CLÁR programme, 2023 and 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3124/25

Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach to provide details of all projects, including research projects, funded to date by his Department’s shared island initiative. [1529/25

Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the details of all capital projects currently progressing under the Irish Coast Guard building programme. [1508/25

Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Transport for a full update on the M28 Road project, Rochestown to Ringaskiddy motorway; the estimated timeline for the appointment of the main contractor; and the commencement of work and anticipated completion date of the overall project. [1790/25

Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of a project (details supplied); when he expects planning permission to be submitted for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/25