Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also add my voice in welcoming our distinguished visitors form Malta. I have had the opportunity to visit Malta on the area of inclusion in sport, the Special Olympics and the Paralympics. I know the Maltese have a very strong and proud tradition of excellent inclusion in their country. I also add my congratulations to judge Síofra O'Leary. She is not only the first Irish person to hold the post but also the very first woman to hold the position of president. We are all incredibly proud of her. She is a very strong leader over in Strasbourg in the European world of justice.

The National Transport Authority, NTA, has just released the new timetable to come into effect from 11 December, with additional train services in Mayo, Carlow and Tullamore and the commuter belt. Newbridge will have 12 extra services, which will be very welcome. They are very important to us. There will also be additional services between Hazelhatch and Pearse and Grand Canal Dock stations. I contend we need to have the extra services to Grand Canal Dock starting before Hazelhatch. It is very important Newbridge and Kildare have the opportunity. I got the train this morning. There are only two of those particular trains and only one that would suit if someone had to be somewhere for 9 a.m. There is a consultation on this on the NTA website. It is open until Sunday, 3 October. It is important the public gives its feedback and keeps pressing for the extension of the short hop zone to that area.

I also raise the issue of modular housing. All our communities and towns have been under a lot of pressure with housing, and at the same time they have shown a very strong welcome to the Ukrainians. There is a pilot scheme of modular housing for Ukrainians in five counties. I am not opposed at all to modular housing. In fact, we should have been looking at them long ago for our own housing situation and for students. However, I really object to the manner in which they are happening. Two pilot sites have been chosen in Kildare. There will be no planning process whatever. Kildare councillors have just come through a very detailed process of the county development plan. It is wrong when all that is ignored and there is no room for third level submissions. It is the wrong system and the Minister needs to look at that.

The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, ONE, looks after ex-military personnel and does incredible work in our communities. We are very lucky it has a full-time centre in Athy. Newbridge has a considerable concentration of former military personnel. The St. Conleth branch in the Curragh camp has to leave because the premises is not suitable. It is crucial we provide a place in the town of Newbridge. It is basically an advice centre combined with a community-type men's shed. The Department of Defence should help support it along with Kildare County Council.