Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the points made by Senator Burke on the damage done by both storms, in particular along the western seaboard where there has been considerable damage to businesses and homes. I also acknowledge the points raised by Senator Dolan about front-line workers in the ESB, Irish Water and Electric Ireland working to get the faults fixed. I fully support the call on behalf of clubs such as the tennis club in Castlebar and the Galway Lawn Tennis Club, whose domes have been blown down. The club administrators are upset and devastated by what has happened and the loss of their sporting facility. It is a huge blow to them, given that it took them many years of campaigning, including application for the sports capital grant and coming up with the matching funding and all that goes with it. My understanding is that the costs of reinstatement are considerable and would go beyond the means of the clubs to meet the repair costs. I will do all I can to engage with the Minister of State, Deputy Thomas Byrne, as I am sure the Senator will, to try and get some supports for those clubs. It has been done in the farming sector, for example, where a support mechanism was put in place when there was damage to tillage. I hope clubs will be facilitated when they are impacted in that kind of once-off situation. We will do our best to do something in that regard.

Senator Maria Byrne spoke about the rent-a-room scheme and welcomed the memorandum brought to the Cabinet by the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, that the income received by those who provide accommodation under the scheme will not impact on their medical card. The scheme has been very successful and has been really useful in providing rooms and accommodation for students in particular. In some cases, an elderly person living alone might have ample space to accommodate a lodger during the week. It is a very effective scheme and it is good to see it is evolving to deal with the challenges that arise. I welcome that very sensible proposal.

Senator Currie spoke about the 247 cost-rental homes that are going into her area. She welcomed the long-term secure tenancy they will bring. The reduction of up to 25% in rent is also very welcome. It is the first time we have seen cost-rental homes delivered by the State on State land. It has been a hugely successful scheme and it will continue to grow and be even more successful. I acknowledge some good news in housing, of which there is plenty, but sometimes it does not get the air time it deserves. Those homes will be filled very soon, which is very welcome.

Senator Conway spoke about Transport for Ireland and the fantastic service being provided in rural areas. He also referred to Bus Éireann and the early buses that are providing a great service locally in County Clare.

Senator Ahearn spoke about the N24 with which we are all very familiar following his many contributions on the issue. I take on board the point he made about funding the design stage. It might be worth raising it with the Minister in a Commencement matter, as it is quite a specific question. I am sure there is an eagerness on the part of the Department to advance the project.

The point has been well made across the board on many occasions about roads projects and the fact that they need to be delivered where there is an agreement between the three parties. That is not up for discussion. Nothing should be stalled or frustrated at any stage. I am sure that is not happening, but it is important to get that point on the record perhaps through a Commencement matter.

Finally, Senator McGahon swept into the Chamber to make his point about the Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023. I am sure he will be back in to make some more points when we have that debate later. I take on board his comments that we should expand the role of elected mayor to every county or local authority area. It certainly merits discussion. The debate on that Bill will be interesting. Let us get the mayor up and running in Limerick and see how it works out. No doubt there will be things to iron out in the time ahead. It is an interesting concept and one that could be very worthwhile, provided that the person elected to the office of mayor of Limerick or wherever else has powers to do the job the public expect them to do.