Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)

This morning, we wake to further news reports of an escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine. Europe is at war. While I appreciate that Fianna Fáil used its most recent Private Members' time in the Seanad to raise a debate on this matter, the war is escalating on a daily basis. People in their homes in Ukraine are being bombarded at night by Russian missiles and drones. Last night, 19 civilians were murdered and 66 wounded. We have a new Minister for foreign affairs, Deputy McEntee. Can we have an early debate with the Minister on the escalating war in Europe? It is intolerable at this point and we must, as a strong European nation, urge other European nations to escalate our actions to address the Russian invasion and attacks on the Ukrainian people.

I want to share with the House some good local news. Next year, in 2026, in Phibsborough, the coolest of urban neighbourhoods, not just in Dublin but in the world, construction will commence on Dalymount Park. While it is obviously known as the home of Irish football, Bob Marley, Thin Lizzy and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all treaded the boards and entertained the crowds in Dalymount. Next year, construction will commence on the redevelopment of Dalymount Park. It is not just about soccer or football; it is also about community and culture. In this redevelopment, we will get not only a world-class stadium but also community facilities. Although this has taken a very long time - in 2015, I urged Dublin City Council to acquire the site and stadium - and we have had many Ministers for sport, including Deputy Jack Chambers and others, out to visit, I am proud to say we have secured the funding. The development is ready to go ahead, planning permission is in place and the community supports the project, which is a great news story for Phibsborough and Dublin. I congratulate everybody at Bohs for getting it this far.

It would be appropriate for the Leader to write a letter of appreciation to the Pope to thank him for designating St. Mary's - known as the Pro-Cathedral for the past 200 years - on Marlborough Street as an actual cathedral. St. Mary's on Marlborough Street is part of the fabric of Dublin. It is an iconic building but, more important, for Dubliners it is a place of sanctuary and peace. It is just off our main street and is a place many people will wander into on a day up in Dublin. Archbishop Farrell showed great foresight. Many of us were probably unaware that there was a big debate on this issue between Westland Row and St. Mary's Pro-Cathedral and I am delighted to say St. Mary's won and we are getting a cathedral on the northside. I congratulate the Pope and Archbishop Farrell but, more importantly, all the parishioners, everybody who supports St. Mary's and uses the church, the choirs and the volunteers for achieving this great outcome.