Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Many people in the democratic free world were deeply concerned and appalled by the grab for power - the military coup - that took place in Myanmar on 1 February last. That Government was elected last November by a landslide, but even if had been only by one vote, that is the true test of democracy. The voices of everyone in the democratic free world not only must be heard but must be heard in an effective way.

I welcome that the vice president of the European Parliament, Ms Heidi Hautala of the Green League, has called for effective widespread sanctions. The decision by President Biden to freeze €1 billion in assets of the coup leaders in America is also a step in the right direction, as is the Minister, Deputy Coveney’s, call for our partners on the Security Council, now that we are on it, to do all in our power to not tolerate this affront to democracy. More should and can be done through a coherent and concerted effort from all right-thinking people in the democratic free world to say "No" to this. A democratically elected government is not displaced and removed overnight. I welcome yesterday's announcement by the National Transport Authority that it will allocate €240 million to city and county councils throughout Ireland for proper and better cycling and walking facilities. This includes €3.7 million for the Royal Canal greenway in my native Kildare and €460,000 for the Sallins village traffic management and cycle scheme. Overall, nearly €8 million has been announced for County Kildare alone. This is a positive step and a new beginning. Throughout Ireland, it will help to provide safer, better and more routes for school commuters and better choices for leisure and cycling usage on these proposed routes.

Yesterday's announcement of the new outdoor public space scheme grant aid is welcome. This will create public spaces for arts, culture and innovative artistic performance all year round. There is a growing appreciation of the value of communal spaces. In my county of Kildare, one must only look at the huge success of the Market Square in Kildare town. It is a victim of its own success because it has been oversubscribed at times during the pandemic due to its popularity. I also mention the car-free days on the canal bank walkway in Naas. Up to 10,000 pedestrians take to that beautiful walk on such days. This is the future. As a county councillor, in September 2019, I tabled a proposal which was supported by all councillors, for an artistic centre in Naas. As happens elsewhere in Ireland, this injects reality into such moves and this can happen. Bandstands and artistic centres can be provided throughout Ireland with up to €250,000 in funding for each local authority and that is up and running from today. I hope people go for it and seize this opportunity.