Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To that end, this budget will provide €3.5 billion to the Department of Transport, comprising €892 million in current and €2.7 billion in capital funding.

Current funding will provide for the continuation of the temporary 20% fare reductions until the end of 2024, the roll-out of further services through BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town service plans, and the transition to a world-class fuel efficient maritime and inland aviation rescue service. This funding will support the construction of MetroLink, the Cork commuter rail project, investment in electric and hybrid-electric buses and the essential infrastructure required for new bus and rail fleets such as the electrification of bus and rail depots, as well as €1.35 billion for the development, protection and renewal of our roads network.

As part of the cost of living package, eligibility for the young adult card is being extended to cover adults aged 19 to 25. In addition, I will be working with the Minister for Transport in respect of further public transport affordability measures targeted at those under 18, with a view to implementation in 2025.

This Government has invested heavily in walking and cycling infrastructure and improved public transport. We will continue to meet our commitment to invest almost €1 million per day in cycling and walking infrastructure. Investment in greenways is envisioned through an all-island lens. This is why construction on the southern sections of the Carlingford Lough greenway is due for completion this December, with the Northern Ireland route to be completed in 2024, linking our communities across borders.

Our transport infrastructure is just one of the means of keeping our communities connected. Digital innovation has also allowed our communities to stay connected even when we are physically apart.

BROADBAND AND COMMUNICATIONS

The national broadband scheme is at the heart of our digital connectivity. The Government is keeping its promise to ensure every citizen in Ireland has access to quality, high-speed broadband, connecting rural communities, workers and businesses, supporting remote working and online education and allowing us to keep in touch with friends and family. The national broadband scheme expects to reach 200,000 premises by the end of this year. Next year, a further €348 million will be invested to provide another 100,000 homes with the opportunity to connect to fibre broadband. This means that nobody will be left behind as we move towards a more digitised society at the forefront of global and European technological progress.

As our dependence on digital networks increases, so does the risk of disruption. The Government is determined to protect Irish citizens and their data as well as digital infrastructure and services. We will provide for the continued expansion of the National Cyber Security Centre, NCSC, to strengthen cybersecurity and build resilience, address the cyber skills gap and develop the cybersecurity industry in Ireland. All of this means better access to broadband, breathing new life into so many communities.

RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The funding I am providing for rural and community development in this budget supports vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across our country. The budget provision of €431 million for this Department provides over €205 million for rural development and more than €220 million for community development. This will support investment in regional, rural and local communities and on our islands, as well as many initiatives to support social inclusion. In addition to this funding, I am providing a targeted social inclusion support of €11 million to provide assistance to new arrivals through the social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP. I am also providing €10 million to projects approved under the community recognition fund, which acknowledges the contribution of so many communities in welcoming and hosting arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. All of this is done with the aim of promoting social cohesion and supporting the development of communities throughout our country.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND THE MARINE

Agriculture and farming households are, of course, at the heart of our rural communities. They play a crucial role in supporting our economy, protecting our landscape, enhancing our environment and producing world-class food. This sector is an important driver of our rural economy, which is why I am allocating €1.9 billion for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to broaden the roll-out of the nearly €10 billion CAP strategic plan to 2027. Over €700 million is being provided in 2024 for farmers participating in agri-environmental actions, including through the agri-climate rural environment scheme, the areas of natural constraint scheme, forestry, organic farming and other agri-environmental schemes. In addition to this, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will be administering over €1.2 billion of EU funding-----

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