14. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach for an update on the first progress report of the climate action plan. [11880/26]

Sentiment score: 0.14

I welcome the announcement today of the national regional roads funding and over €40 million for my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Some of these projects have been ongoing for quite some time. In particular, I want to pay tribute to the N25 committee in south Kilkenny, a voluntary organisation that has prioritised and highlighted this issue so strongly. Investment of €1 million to allow this scheme to go to the next stage is hugely beneficial for that community, and there is €600,000 for the N24 around the Mooncoin direction, again a hugely worthwhile project. The Callan bypass is to receive over €2.2 million, which is going to be fantastic for that community. In terms of the climate action piece, however, the road at the quay in Thomastown had been fading away, and it was a huge danger and a huge risk. To be fair to the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Taoiseach, the announcement of €300,000 for this element of the quay to be upgraded is fantastic. In south Kilkenny on The Rower, right beside New Ross, which some of our colleagues will know, €1.4 million has been allocated for the upgrade of the ferry bridge, which is disintegrating on a daily basis. I compliment the Taoiseach and the Minister. A huge allocation has been made for roads and there is record funding in my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny. Earlier the Taoiseach mentioned the contingency funding for roads devastated by flooding. I hope that the significant applications of Carlow and Kilkenny for additional one-off funding, extra to what was announced today, are looked on very favourably.

Sentiment score: 0.29

33. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Taoiseach his assessment of and response to the NESC report, Connecting People to the Energy Transition. [7900/26]

Sentiment score: 0.09