Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. In echoing the Cathaoirleach’s words of support and best wishes to Regina Doherty, it always amuses me when I hear the term "casual vacancy" because there is nothing casual about it. In fact, J.K. Rowling wrote a really good book about a casual vacancy in a county council election. It is well worth reading.

Yesterday, as we are aware, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Chambers, published the summer economic statement for 2024, which sets out the fiscal parameters for budget 2025. The figures are a testament to the prudent management of our economy and of the public finances and put us in a good position, once again, to be able to deliver a strong budget for 2025. I commit to working in the background for better investment in our schools through increased capitation, which is badly needed, for our public transport infrastructure and for enhanced cost-of-living supports for those most at risk in our society, while also supporting our local business sector.

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to take a short boat trip down the Grand Canal in Kildare, by the Pollardstown Fen. It was absolutely beautiful. A group of volunteers there have started offering these tours as a pilot project. We reckon we were probably the first group in 50 years to navigate this specific part of the waterway. I give a big shout-out to Frank Moran and Arthur Voigt in that regard. I mention this because being at home and close to nature is wonderful, and we came across herons, families of swans and so on. Waterways Ireland has been very helpful with this project, but there is an issue with some of the bridges that cross the canals. One bridge, at Ballyteague, has been damaged and barges cannot get through it. Milltown Bridge is damaged, too, and is dangerous for those who are around it. A survey of the bridges needs to be done. I appreciate it is a big task but they are part of our heritage and they need to be repaired where necessary.

Another issue relates to Airbnb operators, especially in rural areas. It is very much feared that thousands of them will have to close if legislation goes through whereby, if they are in an rent pressure zone, RPZ, according to their eircode, they will not be able to operate as an Airbnb. It is good that we have RPZs and in towns such as Newbridge and Kildare, it is important we have them, but there are Airbnbs that are still within those eircodes, such as on the Curragh, that provide a terrific service for those who wish to come and stay for a few days, either for events or just to see the lovely nature and so on in the Curragh. There should be an exemption for these Airbnbs and I hope the Leader will ask the Minister for a debate in that regard.