The Deputy is correct; we have discussed this privately. A number of Deputies are interested in this important project. In 2024, approximately €4.8 million was allocated to Waterford City and County Council, under the national roads network, for national roads in Waterford. Two major road projects of importance in Waterford are in the NDP, namely, the N24 and the N25, which is Waterford to Glenmore. I recently received a submission on national roads and future funding for that. I will assess that in the coming week…

Gabhaim buíochas leis na Teachtaí. I am aware of how important this is. We will have national roads announcements in the coming weeks. I mentioned €4.8 million was allocated in 2024. Just two weeks ago, on 14 February, €23.6 million was also allocated to Waterford as part of the regional and local roads allocations. I am aware of the importance of the N25 and the N24, which Deputy McGrath mentioned and about which I spoke to him directly. That is a very significant road improvement scheme in the context of the whol…

I thank the Deputy very much. I am aware that the progression of this project is of great interest to him and the local community. Indeed, I visited the area with him not so long ago and met community groups. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. While the greater portion of this funding is to become available from 2026 to 2030, many road projects continue to be progressed. Projects already delivered in County Cork include…

I do. I spent a fair bit of time with the Deputy in the region, including in Youghal and Castlemartyr. I met community groups too. I absolutely see the need for that. During the middle of the day, outside rush hour, you can see the level of traffic moving through. Colleagues and I have paid very particular attention to the submission I have received. I will be reviewing it. The Deputy has advocated extremely strongly on behalf of his community and constituents, and I want to see this project moving forward. I do no…

Earlier, when answering other questions, both the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I were talking about the genuine importance of delivery during the term of this Government. We have many plans and strategies. We have seen improvements in our road network but the focus has got to be on delivering on projects. The point the Deputy made on multi-annual funding for roads is one I agree with. It is not within my gift alone or that of the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, to provide the funding but we want to deter…

Gabhaim míle buíochas leis an Teachta as ucht a chomhghairdis. I thank the Deputy for the question. This has long been a matter of concern to him and the people of Tipperary, particularly the residents of Tipperary town and those who use the N24. This project forms part of a 35 km improvement scheme for the N24 between Cahir in County Tipperary and Limerick Junction. The proposed project would include bypasses of Tipperary town and Bansha, enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity between Limerick and…

I thank the Deputy. He has strongly and passionately argued for this project. We will engage with TII around the feasibility of fast-tracking elements of the project, particularly the Tipperary town bypass. Other elements will require planning permission and to go through the process. We are committed to it, as the Deputy is. It will make a massive difference to residents in the area. If we can bypass Tipperary town, we can make the improvements I have mentioned to the public realm within the town. There will be op…

Aontaím le gach rud a bhí á rá ag an Teachta. Tuigim go bhfuil an scéim seo an-tábhachtach ar fad ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta go luath nuair a bheidh nuacht nua agam faoi sin. Tá súil agam go mbeidh mé ábalta dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar son na ndaoine i dTiobraid Árann, go háirithe leis na bóithre. Caithfidh mé bualadh le TII agus an chomhairle contae faoin scéim seo. Tiocfaidh mé ar ais chuig an Teachta tar éis an chruinnithe sin.

I thank the proposer of the motion, Senator O'Loughlin, the seconder, Senator Clifford-Lee, and the other Fianna Fáil Senators for tabling this important motion. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his kind words of welcome. I congratulate the new Senators who have been elected to the Upper House and the existing Senators who have been returned. I assure the Seanad that in my attendance during the previous Oireachtas I valued this House. I value the Seanad and Senators' input both for legislation and motions such as this…

He probably will. I appreciate that the motion is very timely. I will address some of the points that Senators O'Loughlin and Clifford-Lee raised. We are not opposing the motion. It is very much in line with the programme for Government commitments that Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the regional group crafted and put together. Public transport is critically important to the growth of our country and, as Senator Clifford-Lee said, to people's quality of life. More and more people are using public transport. That is goo…

If another one is put down I will come back.

The Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, will be taking over this section. It is not because Senator McDowell rose to his feet now-----

Do not, please. Here he is.

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Daly agus lena chomhghleacaithe i Sinn Féin as an rún atá á phlé againn. I welcome the opportunity to address the House and update it on the national driver testing service. I acknowledge the concerns that have been raised by Deputies. I also note the lack of some constructive points on what we would do. To leave that aside, it is an issue and unquestionably waiting times are too long. I agree it is a vital public service and the public needs an efficient and dependable driver testi…

It is not.

It is done on a case-by-case basis.

My response will be six minutes for three questions. I asked about this group. It is the first time I have seen priority questions grouped. We queried that yesterday and apparently it is appropriate. We might work that out post this round of questions.

I thank the Deputy for this important question. I propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 73 and 75 together. Bord na Móna is a commercial semi-State under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, established under the Turf Development Act 1998. Bord na Móna is a corporate body and a separate legal entity to the Department, as Members will know. The board and management of Bord na Móna are accountable for the strategic direction and management of the organisation. My Department is resp…

I thank my colleagues for the questions. There is a process to be followed here. The original engagement with the Department was in 2024, as I read into the record. Bord na Móna submitted papers to the CCPC on 7 February, just short of two weeks ago. I have not received any request for ministerial consent, which would be required. I read in detail the correspondence dated 10 February that I received from SIPTU's divisional organiser. I acknowledged that and responded to that letter, outlining the process. I have no…

I thank the Deputies. I have taken on board what they have said and I have also taken on board the constructive manner in which it has been raised. To be clear, the board of management of Bord na Móna is responsible and accountable for the strategic direction and management of the organisation. It is a commercial State body and it will manage its operations. The piece with regard to consent sits in the Department. To be clear, I had no discussions late last year as it would have been my predecessor. I am not sure o…