I welcome the Minister of State to Seanad Éireann. I thank him for being here for this important Commencement matter. I seek an update on the delivery of phase 1 of the western rail corridor from Claremorris to Athenry. As we both know, this has the potential to reignite connectivity across the western seaboard in a low-carbon fashion, connecting students with universities and colleges in both counties and connecting people with work, tourism, medical appointments and otherwise. It is a track that has lain idle for…

I thank the Minister of State for the update. Is he able to provide additional clarification on some of the technical design or is it too premature to talk about that? I have raised things previously about the three different rail crossings at Ballindine, for example. A point that I have made previously, and I want to reiterate here, is that investment in public transport in one mode should not negatively impact road users. Underpasses or overpasses or realignment in certain areas to make sure that we are not negat…

The year 1 projection was 132,000 and now there are 750,000 passengers on it. The figures are phenomenal. We need to measure success on this next stage and use those numbers to compare and justify any future investment in rail reopening. I have had many people contact me in Charlestown, Kiltimagh and Swinford. They are enthusiastic for the reigniting of the railways in their towns in east Mayo. I would love to see that too. The first phase can help to inspire that if it can be done on time, expedited within budget …

Tomorrow in Ballina will be a very momentous occasion. The official opening of the sensory park in Ballina by the Minister, Dara Calleary, will be the culmination of many years of hard work. This project has been community led and grassroots led from day one. It began during Covid times, when many parents locally and activists within the community felt passionate about responding to the need for sensory spaces and making our town more inclusive and friendlier for young and old who have sensory needs. Following a nu…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for being here for this important topic. I thank Senators Ní Chuilinn and Harmon for leading this Private Members' motion. The more inclusive we make sport, the better it is for society, for community, for mental health, and for each and every one of us. From my point of view and my experience as a public representative, I have seen the power of sport and how it can bring people together and unite communities, families and people from different backgrounds,…

I would like to advocate for the introduction of further supports for third-level students, in particular for those who are commuting long distances to their local college or university. I am a former students' union president myself. I have seen first hand trying to help students in very difficult financial situations. It puts a huge pressure on all the family when someone goes to college. It is obviously a great moment of pride and experience in their life but it puts a lot of challenges and pressures on the whol…

I offer my sincere condolences to the Bonner family on the sad passing of former Senator Enda Bonner and, of course, to our good friend and colleague, Senator Craughwell, on the sad passing of his dear wife over the summer. My thoughts and sympathies will be with Senator Craughwell in the difficult weeks and months ahead. I thank him for sharing his difficult story with us today. Tomorrow will mark 75 years since the beginning of one of the longest droughts in sporting history. That was when Mayo beat Meath in the …

We discussed it before the recess and there was an air of arrogance that has since been put to bed.

Mayo played and lost 11 finals. There was a lot of heartbreak and many near misses. There were a lot of great memories along the way. A lot of loved ones have since passed. For Mayo to be finally crowned all-Ireland champions has given the whole county and country, and our diaspora around the world, a brilliant lift, even among Kerry folk. I acknowledge and thank the Mayo players, team and staff, and the volunteers across the clubs of the county, who have given so much joy and happiness to young and old alike. They…

The celebration has only begun.

I congratulate the 11 nominees for the all-star team, including Jack Carney and Ryan O'Donoghue, and Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne, who have been nominated for the young player of the year award. It has been a brilliant summer of celebrations in Mayo. It will continue on into the winter and with our diaspora as well. I would encourage them to come to Leinster House and would welcome them letting us share in that with all Oireachtas Members who have Mayo connections. I thank Andy Moran and all of the team. I was …

Agreed.

I will be staying here until the Mayo team takes Sam Maguire home.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Higgins, for being here to discuss this very important topic. I acknowledge the work the staff of Tusla do in County Mayo and across the country in very challenging circumstances and with very vulnerable people. They respond when others cannot and do not. While there are lots of different views and angles, with some cases getting a huge amount of spotlight, 99% of cases go unheard of because the outcome is a very positive and meaningful impact on young people's lives and on fam…

I thank the Minister of State for being here on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Foley, and for her detailed reply. While it is disappointing to hear the news here, at least it provides clarity and certainty for the project promoters and, indeed, staff and various stakeholders involved, many of whom have been in touch with me and are really passionate about ambitious and quality infrastructure to support Tusla and its needs. The Minister of State mentioned that effective projects begin with a clearly identified servi…

I second that.

I want to acknowledge the Mayo GAA team on their great win at the weekend.

I was getting to my sister. Senator Duffy without interruption.

Can I restart the clock-----

-----and acknowledge my sister, Councillor Marie-Thérèse Duffy, in the Visitors Gallery? I thank her for being here, for being willing to replace me on Mayo County Council last year and for her support to date. I appreciate it. I also appreciate the achievement of Mayo GAA, which has really united the county. I acknowledge Andy Moran and the team. I also acknowledge our friends from Louth and their supporters. They are a formidable team and a team on the up. We are looking forward to taking on Kerry once again. Sen…