Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I am encouraged to hear the importance of focusing on our public transport and water infrastructure, which I know the Taoiseach believes in, and the laser focus the Cabinet committee on infrastructure will have over the lifetime of this Government. As I have often mentioned on the floor of this House, public transport is extremely important in my own constituency of Dublin Mid-West where projects like DART+ South West, the Luas Lucan and additional capacity on the red line are all game changers not only to enable development, but also to underpin sustainable communities. It is in that vein of underpinning sustainable communities that the importance of infrastructure is particularly acute, with regard to the availability of a social infrastructure such as playing and sports facilities.

The Taoiseach and I have discussed the importance of ensuring there is adequate sporting facilities for multiple codes and multiple sports a number of times, especially across the greater Dublin area, particularly in constituencies like my own where rapidly growing communities are being established. That is why I would love to hear from the Taoiseach about progress being made with the pitches and playing facilities fund that is in the programme for Government to enable the provision of multi-use pitches across the Dublin area but to also give our volunteer clubs a steady basis and foundation from which to develop. I would also love to hear about the associated social infrastructure, like childcare facilities, schools and so on.

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