Stanley highlights public transport needs during Dáil debate
Laois Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley had a busy time of it at last week’s Dáil Debate on public transport and greenhouse gas emissions, where he presented a series of issues to Ministers and his fellow TDs.
Beginning with emissions, Deputy Stanley told the Dáil that “we have a lot of catching up to do,” pointing out that the transport sector “accounts for 43% of all energy used” in the country.
The Laois TD also said that the Dáil “should be even more ambitious” than just reaching the Climate Change Advisory Council’s (CCAC) 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, saying there is “huge ground to be made up.”
Deputy Stanley noted that the latest CCAC report shows only 172,000 (18%) of the 773,000 primary and post-primary pupils have access to school transport and said the Government “need to drastically improve and expand the school transport system.”
The Independent Republican TD reiterated previous calls to “deal with the Bus Éireann ban on drivers over 70 years of age,” telling the Dáil “we need to sort that out,” adding “we have eight weeks to do so.”
Deputy Stanley said that as long as they pass a strict medical and eyesight test every year, “drivers should be allowed to work and drive school buses until they are 75,” asking why these drivers can take control of private coaches but not school buses.
He also called for the option of cash payments to be kept on public transport and warned against a completely cashless transport system.
Deputy Stanley said that he acknowledged the improved public transport system in Ireland but said “a dramatic improvement” was still needed, including rain shelters for commuters and improved toilet facilities at train stations.
Over 3,000 Laois properties received upgrade grants since 2020
Over 3,000 properties have received energy upgrade grants in Laois since 2020, totalling almost €16 million in payments to the property owners.
3,139 properties shared €15,957,518 for an average of €5,083 per property in Laois – mostly private dwellings but there are some community facilities also involved.
The funding is an Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) scheme which facilitates the installation of solar panels and heat pumps as well as improving insulation and heating systems, all of which is designed to reduce heating and electricity bills.
Laois Fianna Fail TD Sean Fleming welcomed the latest figures, saying there has been “a good uptake in Laois” under what he called “very good schemes” that have “no downside.”
Deputy Fleming said the grants “will help people fund the cost of these works to improve their houses” and encouraged “as many people as possible in the county” to apply for these upgrades via the SEAI.
Funding set aside for parent and toddler groups in Laois
Four parent and toddler groups around Laois will share funding of €3,700 to support a variety of purposes including toys, equipment, books, refreshments and snacks.
The four Laois groups are among 461 groups nationwide to receive this investment.
Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the news, saying he is “delighted” to see the funding announced for parent and toddler groups that “carry out wonderful work supporting parents and carers in the community.”
Deputy Aird added: “It’s great to see that more and more parents and their toddlers are taking part in these groups every year. These groups provide an outlet where people with young children can come together to share their experiences.
“These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and parents who have just moved to the area.”
