Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am a Senator from Mayo. I have been very active in the community of Ballina and the community there has been very active in trying to lead a greener and more sustainable future for our town. We worked with the UCD Centre for Irish Towns and were recognised by the New European Bauhaus awards for efforts regarding disadvantaged neighbourhoods that are sometimes neglected or at least feel neglected. Unfortunately, sometimes it can be politicised or divisive and it should not be because it is something we all share. We need to work together for a greener and more sustainable future for all of our communities. There is so much that can unite communities. That everybody can get behind warmer, cleaner and safer homes and more connected and sustainable communities is something that needs to be kept at the centre of all conversations. Things like retrofitting derelict houses are very good measures. Transport has a big part to play.

Coming from an area in the north west of Ireland that often feels that it does not get its fair share, we have no shortage of proposals involving infrastructural upgrades that can complement the climate targets we have. Does the council comment publicly on infrastructural projects that can make a marked difference, for example, the western rail corridor, which could improve sustainable travel modes, get people out of cars and connect communities in places that require them? Can this be done because there are lots of things can unite people, improve quality of life and improve the carbon footprint of towns, communities and counties?