I thank Deputy McGrath for raising this very important issue. I am taking the matter on behalf of the Minister. As Deputy McGrath will know, the formulation and implementation of monetary policy is an independent matter for the European Central Bank, ECB. As it sought to combat excessive inflation, the ECB increased official interest rates on ten occasions, to 4.5%, in the period 2022 to 2023. However, since last summer, the ECB has reduced its official rates on eight occasions and, together with a change to the wa…

The Deputy is right to raise the matter. It is an issue vexing many of our neighbours and friends. The Government is acutely aware of the impact of the rising interest rate environment and the strain it has caused for some borrowers, and has responded with various initiatives to assist those affected. Following engagement with the then Minister for Finance in 2023, the mortgage industry put in place several measures to assist their customers experiencing difficulties to provide enhanced clarity on eligibility crite…

I thank Deputy Daly for his question. Infrastructure is a matter that has been raised by many Local Link companies. Arising from the Indecon review, it is important that we look at the issues the Deputy has raised in consultation with TFI and the NTA. They are valid concerns but there are also issues in respect of safety, the suitability of certain stops' locations and certain signage. I will work with the Deputy and my colleagues in the Department to ensure the concerns the Deputy has raised are taken on board. Th…

The Deputy's question is different from the one that was submitted. To provide one figure, under this Government and the last Government, we have seen an increase in funding for the rural transport programme. It has gone from €16 million in 2022 to €25 million last year. As the Deputy will know quite well, we have seen growth in his county of Kerry. For example, route 280 from Waterville to Killorglin was enhanced to improve frequency. We have seen a vast number of other routes being increased across the country. R…

The Government is very committed to rural transport.

As the Deputy will be aware from the situation in his county, there are regular rural services and demand-responsive services. These allow passengers to travel from their local villages and towns for business, shopping, healthcare or to connect with the national bus and train network. We are committed in the context of the provision of rural transport to engaging further with stakeholders. As per the Indecon report, we will examine the effectiveness of the existing operations and look at the organisational structur…

I thank the Deputy for the question and for his ongoing advocacy for his county of Laois. The Government has earmarked approximately €5.1 billion for investment in new national roads projects between 2021 and 2030 and a further €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of the network. I can confirm that approximately €600 million of Exchequer capital funding was provided to local authorities through TII for national roads in 2025. Regarding the Mountmellick bypass, in 2022 Laois County Council concluded the preli…

I again thank the Deputy for raising the matter. He makes pertinent points about the orbital route and the traffic congestion. I remind him that Laois County Council received an allocation of more than €1.1 million this year for protection and renewal of the county's road network. With regard to the N80 road safety improvement project in Portlaoise town, including the Mountmellick Road and James Fintan Lalor Avenue, a technical adviser has been appointed, and a feasibility and options report seeking funding for the…

I hear loud and clear Deputy Aird's advocacy for the importance of this route. I remind him that this Government under the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, and I has seen a further €2.9 million for the protection and renewal of the road network and we are investing €1 billion in new national road projects over the coming decade. I also say regarding the NDP review that it is up to all local authorities to work with TII and the Department to ensure projects get consideration. I hear th…

Tá mise.

Ar an gcéad dul síos, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Teachta as ucht an rúin seo a chur os ár gcomhair. Tuigim an díomá atá air agus ar a lán daoine de bharr an chinnidh a rinneadh san Ardchúirt i mBéal Feirste. Tá an ceart ag an Teachta. Is bóthar tábhachtach agus an-chontúirteach an A5. Thug an Rialtas tacaíocht don bhóthar agus táimid ag leanúint leis an tacaíocht sin. Beimid ag obair leis an gCéad-Aire i mBéal Feirste. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. He is right, in that it is a very important road. I…

I cannot give an answer about last week's meeting because I do not have that information but I will bring the Deputy's comments back. Regarding the N2 Ardee to Castleblayney route, as Deputy Gallagher is aware, the proposed project is an important one. It is about ensuring road safety is improved. The upgrade will enhance that road safety by reducing the number of direct access points and turning movements and by providing passing opportunities. It is currently suspended at the design and environmental phase of the…

I thank Deputies Gannon and Coppinger for raising this important issue. It is one that will become more prevalent. For many of us who live in areas adjacent to airports, it is an ongoing issue. I apologise on behalf of the Minister, Deputy O’Brien. I am taking this question for him this morning. From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems as they are technically called, is provided for under European Union regulations that a…

I thank Deputies Gannon and Coppinger. Aviation, as we know, is a highly regulated industry. There is a comprehensive legislative framework both at European and national levels to generate and regulate safe drone operations. The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation is creating challenges, which the Government will meet. There has been engagement with the IAA. The Government is completely aware that the impact of a growing drone sector, with an increase in the volume of drone operations, requires fur…

Sorry, I cannot put it on the transport committee's agenda. That is a matter for the Chair of the committee, Deputy Michael Murphy. The Deputy might write to him.

You are a good man for that yourself, in fairness.

You are well able to shout yourself.

I thank Deputy Cummins for her contribution. As a public representative, I fully understand the stress that BusConnects is causing. I have had the same experience in Cork. In many ways, the reply I am going to give the Deputy will not be the response she perhaps deserves. She is right that I am not familiar with the geographical area, but going through her constituency on the way in and out of Dublin you can see the importance of BusConnects and the Conyngham Road to Thomas Street geographical imbalance. I am struc…

I will take the Deputy's concerns back to the NTA and I thank her and the people in Connecting Communities. I know my previous colleague, former Senator Seery-Kearney, had been active on behalf of residents. The first thing is that the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, but the Minister or his officials do not have responsibility for the day to day operation of public transport services. That falls to the NTA, as the Deputy knows. The NTA, on behalf of Gove…

I thank the Deputy for again articulating people's genuine concerns. As public representatives, it is important that we highlight that the redesigned bus network for Dublin was finalised following three rounds of extensive public consultations. This culminated in over 72,000 submissions being received. Part of the difficulty that I experience in Cork, and I am sure that Deputies Cummins and Devine are the same in their area, is that there needs to be extensive engagement, active listening and participation by all t…