Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator McGreehan for all the work she has done on the day that is in it in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I see everyone wearing pink, ranging from the Cathaoirleach's pink tie to the pink ribbons to the pink or salmon shirts, I am not sure which. It is great and it is lovely to see it. I thank everyone for their support. Every family in Ireland is affected by loss and by breast cancer, so it is very important.

I welcome the launch of the €165 billion national development plan, the largest budget ever. There is a focus on investment in hospitals, residential units, schools, housing, roads, cycle ways and public transport. The €200 million N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project is one of the three that have been highlighted in the list, which is very welcome in terms of it progressing very quickly. Yes, we need more acute hospital spaces, as has been mentioned by my colleagues. We will see this happen in my area with a 50-bed unit in Portiuncula University Hospital as well as a stage 1 process for a new rehabilitation unit in Roscommon University Hospital and a 50-bed unit for the Sacred Heart Hospital and Care Home. These projects are listed as ongoing and in progress under the NDP and will be progressed to completion in the next couple of years. There is also over €9 billion for an urban regeneration project in Roscommon. The roads are being dug up at present in Main Street and The Square. There is also the Ballaghaderreen public enhancement project. All these projects require funding and a budget for capital investment. That is what the Government has committed to in the years ahead.

Separately, I wish to mention that day services in Ballinasloe are reopening this week. That is absolutely crucial because many older people depend on this service. It provides a respite for carers and a day of activity and engagement with friends. People have not had that service for over 18 months. This week the service returned and there is great excitement. People can hear the sound of laughter and music and can engage in playing cards, doing exercise programmes and in individual care plans. Life is coming back to normal and that is wonderful. I thank the more than 40 volunteers in Ballinasloe Social Services and the board and committee there that have to do fundraising because the budget never meets all the needs within the service. I thank the manager, Ms Teresa Coughlan, who has done great work in reopening yesterday. There will be great excitement this week. The service covers areas in south Roscommon, Ballinasloe, Clontuskert, Lawrencetown, Taghmaconnell and Moore. It is a great service and we welcome it back.