Creates a fast-track approval system for a strategic gas reserve at or near Cahiracon, Co. Clare, to help protect Ireland’s energy supply in an emergency. It lets the project bypass normal planning rules but still requires environmental checks, public input, and court challenge rights.
Keeps the rail accident investigation unit on a firm legal footing, lets it investigate accidents on all types of railways, and updates the rules on drink and drug testing for railway workers. It also modernises railway safety law and extends access to some related records under freedom of information rules.
Gives the Transport Minister power to lift or change Dublin Airport’s passenger limit after environmental checks and public consultation, if the cap is harming the economy, connectivity or Ireland’s reputation. It also bars future passenger caps in planning decisions and helps protect Dublin Airport’s growth while keeping environmental safeguards in place.
Deputy Stanley urged urgent enforcement and new laws on e-scooters and e-bikes, citing severe child injuries, while the Government said 2024 rules already exist and is considering helmets, registration and other safety measures.
Swords’ rapid housing growth is being outpaced by transport, wastewater and community infrastructure, with calls for stronger co-ordination, while Government says major projects and funding are already under way to support sustainable development.
Bunclody Community College’s long-delayed redevelopment, still at stage 2b with most classrooms in prefabs and a split campus, drew calls for urgent action, but the Minister offered no timeline beyond ongoing review and future prioritisation.
Updates the air pollution laws to strengthen inspections, fines, compliance notices and court powers, and to create new fuel registers and registration bodies. It also allows sharing information between agencies and seizure of polluted fuel or related items, all aimed at improving air quality and enforcement.
Gives the Government power to name certain projects as critical infrastructure, making public bodies prioritise them and work together to speed up approvals. It also lets the Minister direct those bodies and adjusts climate law so these projects can move through the system faster.
Senator McCarthy asks for help for passengers stranded on an expedition liner off Cape Verde, including a colleague who cannot get ashore.
Senator Byrne raises a constituent’s long wait for an SEAI warmer homes scheme survey and assistance with home insulation and upgrades.
Senator Costello and Senator Nelson Murray praise the Adams brothers’ marathon challenge for dementia awareness, and Murray then begins to raise the future of Navan rail.
A senator highlights repeated safety concerns around getting children safely to school at several Meath schools amid heavier traffic and trucks.
Deputy Pa Daly criticised major cost overruns and delays in the rail traffic management system and ticketing projects, while the Minister of State said progress is slow but the Government is engaged, safety is unaffected, and delivery remains a flagship priority.
Cork urgent needs payments rose slightly in early 2026 versus 2025, but Thomas Gould argued the scheme is underused amid rising energy and living costs, while Dara Calleary said supports like fuel allowance and additional needs payments remain available.
Concerns over expanding the public services card into a digital ID and wallet centre on data protection, trust and coercion, while the Minister insists the system will remain voluntary and user-controlled under EU eIDAS rules.
Cuts the NORA fuel levy from 2 cent a litre to a token amount for two months, from 1 April to 1 June 2026, to help ease energy price inflation. It also lets the Minister extend or change that period by order if needed, without affecting NORA’s ability to operate.
Cuts fuel taxes temporarily on home heating oil, petrol, diesel and green diesel to help ease living costs, and lets the Finance Minister extend the cuts if needed. It also requires regular review and monthly reporting on energy prices and how the relief is working.
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