I raised again through Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Eireann the absolute need to protect jobs and the consumer branch network during the sale process of the PTSB.  This is an important issue for employees and staff across Cavan and Monaghan.  The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in his reply to me stated that:

‘The board of PTSB announced a formal sale process on 30 October 2025. This process was conducted under the Irish Takeover Rules and resulted in the board unanimously recommending a cash offer from BAWAG. The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, with the agreement of Cabinet, committed to voting all of the Minister’s PTSB shares in favour of BAWAG’s cash offer.

BAWAG has set out a long-term ownership approach, including maintaining a strong and resilient PTSB, investing in the business, retaining the headquarters in Dublin, keeping a meaningful branch footprint, and safeguarding existing employment rights and pension arrangements in line with applicable law.

BAWAG noted that in its view, the PTSB branch network is a real asset. BAWAG currently do not intend to make any material changes with respect to the fixed asset base and instead note that branches could shift from being transactions based to advisory based, as it adds new products to the bank’s offering.

BAWAG has also indicated its intention to leverage its broader European expertise to strengthen the bank’s competitiveness, including in areas such as SME banking, energy-efficiency finance, and operational integration. These stated intentions formed part of the overall assessment to support BAWAG’s Recommended Cash Offer.

Completion of the formal sale process remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions including the sanction of the High Court,’ concluded An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris TD.

Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the latest figures showing that more than 350 homes across Cavan and Monaghan have been brought back into active use through the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

The latest statistics show that 872 applications for the grant have been approved across Cavan and Monaghan since the scheme was introduced in July 2022, with €20,740,145 in funding issued on completion of works. In the second quarter of 2026 alone, 48 grants were issued on completion of works.

Nationally, the figures show that, on average, six previously vacant properties are being brought back into active use every working day through the scheme.

Deputy Smith said:

“These figures show the difference the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is making for families, communities and towns across Cavan and Monaghan. Every vacant or derelict property that is restored is another home made available at a time when we need to increase housing supply.”

“The grant is helping people take on projects that may not otherwise have been financially viable, while also breathing new life into our towns, villages and rural communities.“

In the second quarter of this year alone, €52.6 million in grants was paid following the completion of refurbishment works, helping to return 923 vacant homes to use across the country.

Deputy Smith added:

“I want to commend Minister James Browne for his work in tackling vacancy and dereliction. Fianna Fáil has made bringing empty homes back into use a key priority, and these latest figures demonstrate that this focused approach is delivering real results for communities across the country.”

“We have to make the best use of the homes that already exist. Bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use strengthens our towns and villages, supports sustainable communities and provides more homes for individuals and families. I would encourage anyone considering renovating a vacant or derelict property to contact their local authority’s Vacant Homes Officer or visit the Department of Housing website to find out more about the supports available.”

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD published the Mid-Year Progress Report 2026 on the implementation of the national housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030, following approval by Government.

The Mid-Year Progress Report 2026 outlines the key milestones reached since the publication of Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030 last November, with a spotlight on progress under each of the priority areas in the plan.

Across Cavan Monaghan we see a welcome increase in housing construction, both private and public, and this is essential in view of the huge demand for housing throughout both counties resulting in a big increase in housing stock. This investment will continue.

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Brendan Smith, speaking in the Dáil has appealed again for an increase in the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as Cavan and Monaghan.

“The current income thresholds for Social Housing exclude many workers on lower incomes that are fully deserving of Social Housing and I have tabled another Parliamentary Question seeking that this issue is addressed as a matter of urgency” said Deputy Brendan Smith.

The question tabled is as follows: 

Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has warmly welcomed confirmation by the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill TD that contracts have now been signed in respect of a new 5 storey extension to Cavan General Hospital comprising a relocated Emergency Department, a relocated and expanded Endoscopy Unit and 56 new beds of Inpatient Ward accommodation. Construction will commence shortly and the Minister proposes to turn the sod on this major project within the next few weeks.

“The relocation of the current Emergency Department and Endoscopy Unit will also free up additional clinical space within the hospital for other services.

Minister Carroll McNeill also confirmed to me that over the next few months detailed design will also be undertaken on a 3 storey extension block to the hospital which will provide for increased capacity for the Oncology Unit.

These are very significant developments for the provision of healthcare for the people of Cavan and Monaghan and the new and expanded facilities will improve health services for people in the catchment area of Cavan General Hospital. The provision of additional accommodation at Cavan General Hospital is an issue that I have continued to highlight through representations to the HSE and the Minister for Health and also through Parliamentary Questions in Dáil Éireann and I am delighted that these projects are now moving to construction stage ”  stated Brendan Smith TD.

______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 09/07/2026
Question Number(s): 88 Question Reference(s): 48294/26
Department: Health
Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
______________________________________________


QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Health when a project (details supplied) will proceed to the next stage; the level of new and upgraded facilities that will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied) the proposed major building project at Cavan General Hospital including new ED, Endoscopy Unit, Oncology Unit and additional beds

REPLY

I would like to thank the Deputy for this opportunity to address the House on this important matter.

The 2026 Capital Plan provides for two significant projects at Cavan General Hospital:

First is a three-storey extension block to increase capacity of the Oncology Unit. This project is moving to detailed design in Q3 of this year.

The second project is to provide a multi-storey extension to house the relocated Emergency Department (ED) and a new Endoscopy Unit.

I am delighted to confirm that contracts for the Endoscopy and ED extension project have been signed, and that it is envisioned that construction will commence this Summer.

This five-storey extension to the existing building will accommodate a relocated Emergency Department, a relocated & expanded Endoscopy Unit, 56 new beds of Inpatient Ward accommodation and ancillary plant associated with the build.

The relocation of the current Emergency Department & Endoscopy Unit will in turn free up additional clinical space within the hospital for other services.

This project is expected to improve patient flow, alleviate pressures and improve patient outcomes aligned with long-term national healthcare goals. It is designed to the latest standards for energy efficient design.

It is my intention to visit Cavan General Hospital later this month for the official sod-turning of this important project, which will improve services and increase capacity at Cavan General Hospital.

Local TD Brendan Smith has warmly welcomed confirmation by the Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD that a new initiative to support urban areas with a high concentration of disadvantage will include Cavan Town and its environs, Castletara and Ballyhaise areas.

“These areas are not included in the CLÁR Programme which has significantly benefited most communities throughout Cavan and Monaghan over the years.

“The SÍOL programme is designed to deliver projects that improve public spaces, support health and wellbeing and community safety. It will also provide access to education and training for people living in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the county,” stated Brendan Smith TD.

Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement today of €315,490 which is to be allocated in small grants to benefit community groups working in Cavan Monaghan.

“This funding has been confirmed by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and aims to support projects that are essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.

“It helps groups to improve their facilities through small-scale funding for a wide range of projects including minor renovations to buildings and the purchase of essential equipment for the maintenance of public areas. It also allows groups to purchase items such as IT equipment to enable groups to conduct their business.

Among the successful groups in Cavan are: Redhills Tidy Towns; Erne Rowing Club; Corlough GAA; Gowna District Council; Swanlinbar Development Association; and Kingscourt Community Centre.  Monaghan groups to benefit from the scheme include: Castleblaney Show; Clara Community Development Association; Clones Development Society Limited; Commons Community Centre; Currin GFC; and Monaghan Special Olympic Sports Club.

“The funding is administered by the local authorities and I congratulate Cavan and Monaghan County Councils and all the successful groups. I hope this funding will go a long way to support the fantastic work that it being done throughout our communities. The range of groups involved illustrates the vibrancy of the community sector and I commend everyone involved, particularly volunteers and community workers,” stated Brendan Smith TD.

Successful projects are as follows:

Cavan County Council Total €164,351.48

Monaghan County Council Total €151,138.64

Uisce Éireann is about to embark on a major mains upgrade to the south of Cavan town, which will unlock capacity for the development of new housing in the area over the coming years. 

More than 1.8kms of new mains will be laid as part of this programme of works. The works, which are due to commence from next week, will take place along the Ballinagh Road (the N55), from the N55 roundabout at Corlurgan as far as the junction with the Killycannan/Cornaseer Road (the L6566). 

This mains upgrade is being carried out under Uisce Éireann’s Accelerated Growth programme. Projects categorised as Accelerated Growth are designed to support the sustainable growth of settlements with significant forecasted housing demand.  

Patricia Lowry, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, said this upgrade will boost the capacity and resilience of the existing network, and will help to provide the water infrastructure for Cavan to develop new housing at scale over the coming years.  

“Our Accelerated Growth programme is designed to increase resilience and boost capacity in towns such as Cavan, which are forecasted to experience significant growth in the coming years,” said Patricia. 

“This significant programme of mains replacement to the south of Cavan town will help to support the sustainable growth of the town, while also improving water quality for existing customers and driving down rates of leakage on the network.”  

Areas of work will be limited to short sections to minimise impact on customers and road users. In order for the works to be carried out efficiently and to protect the safety of crews and road users, some traffic management measures, in the form of lane closures with a traffic light system, will be required. Local and emergency traffic will be maintained at all times. 

These works are being carried out by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Works are due to be complete in February 2027. 

Uisce Éireann is replacing old infrastructure to protect water, improve service, and support a stronger and more reliable network, helping us plan for the future as demand grows.  

This project is one example of how Uisce Éireann is delivering essential infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development. By prioritising investment in areas with development opportunities, we are helping to enable housing, support local communities and ensure our water services are ready for future needs.  

Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the allocation of €217,472 under the Shared Island Initiative for a creative programme focussing on young people from Cavan and Down.

“Following an open call for applications, the project known as ‘Stitched Voices: A Shared Island Youth Textile Programme’ was successful in securing this substantial funding. The programme is led by Inspiring Yarns CIC and is a cross-border creative initiative bringing together young people from Cavan and Down to explore identity, community and belonging using textile art and collaborative creative practice.

“The project is funded under the Creative Youth Nurture Fund scheme, engaging specific groups of children and young people, who often experience barriers to creative opportunities.

“Creative arts can inspire and transform lives and I hope that this initiative will give young people on both sides of the the border the opportunity to develop relationships and to realise their full creative potential. This can have a real impact on personal development and future ambitions,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.