€16.44 million in payments under the National Sheep Welfare Scheme
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith has welcomed the allocation of €319,646 for 307 sheep farmers in County Cavan and €147,220 for 134 sheep farmers in County Monaghan under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme, following the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture.
The National Sheep Welfare Scheme is a one-year initiative designed to assist farmers in producing better-quality animals while implementing practical animal welfare measures on farms.
Speaking after today’s announcement, Deputy Smith said:
“I am delighted that 441 sheep farmers in Cavan and Monaghan are to receive over €466,000 under the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme. Our sheep farmers are custodians of our land and contribute enormously to our local economy, as well as being recognised internationally for their work,” he said.
“I am especially pleased to see the increase in the payment rate from €8 per ewe to €11.50 per ewe. Combined with the €12 per ewe available under the CAP Strategic Plan, farmers will now receive up to €23.50 per ewe – a 17.5% increase on last year. This represents a significant support for farming families across the country.”
Nationwide, over 13,000 farmers will benefit from this year’s National Sheep Welfare Scheme for those who chose the completion date of 17 October for their actions. A further pay-run will take place in mid-December for farmers with a later completion date.
Concluding, Deputy Smith thanked farmers for their ongoing dedication and commitment to animal welfare:
“I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to all our sheep farmers for their hard work and dedication. They are vital to our local and national economy, and their continued efforts ensure Ireland remains a world leader in producing top-quality, sustainable produce.”
“A good sheep farmer doesn’t just raise animals – they nurture the land, the community, and a way of life. This scheme recognises and rewards that vital contribution.”
“Any applicants who have received correspondence from the Department are encouraged to respond as quickly as possible to ensure their payments are processed without delay,” he concluded.
€58 million investment future-proofs wastewater infrastructure in Ballyjamesduff and Virginia
Monday, 3 November 2025: Uisce Éireann’s commitment to deliver for Cavan communities continues, with significant progress being made on infrastructure upgrades to support the development of Ballyjamesduff and Virginia.
Major wastewater plant upgrades in Ballyjamesduff and Virginia, which will make a lasting and positive impact on both communities, are continuing and are well on track to be completed by early 2027.
The upgrades to the two plants, situated just ten kilometers apart, represent a combined investment of €58 million into the wastewater infrastructure of Cavan. Once complete, the upgraded plants will support the wastewater needs of approximately 12,000 people across Ballyjamesduff and Virginia, paving the way for new housing and business development in both towns.
As well as increasing capacity, the upgrade works will ensure that wastewater treated at both plants will be compliant with all EU and EPA treatment and discharge directives. An investment of approximately €33 million is being made in the Virginia plant upgrade, with a further €25 million being invested in Ballyjamesduff.
The wastewater treatment plant in Virginia is on track to triple its capacity, increasing from a design load of 2,000 population equivalent (PE) to 6,000 PE. This significant expansion will support future residential and commercial growth in the town. Meanwhile, Ballyjamesduff is also set to benefit from a major upgrade, with its plant capacity more than doubling – from 2,200 PE to 5,200 PE – ensuring the infrastructure is ready to meet the needs of a growing community.
Progress is moving swiftly in Ballyjamesduff, with teams expertly managing the unique challenges of a long, narrow site and the complexities of delivering major upgrade works within a live wastewater treatment environment. As part of the project approximately 1.5 kilometres of new underground pipe and 9.5km of cable have already been laid, alongside nearly 200 tonnes of steel.
A short drive down the R194, construction works in Virginia are progressing steadily, marking another important step in Uisce Éireann’s commitment to supporting local communities. A key feature of the works is the installation of a new pumping station west of the River Blackwater, requiring advanced technology to tunnel beneath the riverbed and connect it to the main plant on the east side. Another major element is the new outfall, positioned approximately 300 metres into Lough Ramor. Specialist contractors carried out detailed lakebed surveys over the summer, and construction is now well underway. On the ground, the scale of progress is clear: over 175 tonnes of steel have been used and more than 10,000 cubic metres of earth excavated to date.
Patrick Greene, Portfolio Manager at Uisce Éireann, highlighted the positive momentum of the upgrade works in Ballyjamesduff and Virginia.
“The upgrade works at the wastewater plants in Ballyjamesduff and Virginia represent significant investment into the region and are evidence of Uisce Éireann’s commitment to delivering for our customers and communities in this region,” said Patrick.
“Works at the two plants are continuing on schedule, and we anticipate that both will be complete and ready for commissioning by early 2027. We want to thank our contractors in Veolia for their hard work so far, and to thank the communities of Ballyjamesduff and Virginia for their patience and understanding while these significant works are ongoing.”
Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To find out more visit www.water.ie
Brendan Smith TD has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, of over €650,000 for outdoor recreation projects in Cavan Monaghan.
“This investment will involve €500,000 funding to Cavan County Council for the Railway Hub Development project in Kingscourt which will provide a greenway hub with car parking and seating.
“In addition €151,387 in funding will be granted to Monaghan County Council for recreational enhancements at Castleshane Forest Enhancement developing the existing recreational amenities at that facility including carparking and trail infrastructure.
“This funding is allocated for the strategic repair and maintenance of existing facilities together with the development of new recreational infrastructure.
“I compliment both County Councils in submitting these successful applications and I also have been glad to work along with Councillor Clifford Kelly in advocating strongly for this development in Kingscourt.
“I am delighted to receive confirmation of this investment which will further enhance these spaces that not only act as recreational and social spaces for our communities but also add greatly to our tourism sector”, said Deputy Brendan Smith.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith, is reminding students and families across the region that the deadline for SUSI grant applications is fast approaching.
Online applications for the 2025/2026 academic year must be submitted by Thursday, the 6th of November.
Deputy Smith said:
“SUSI makes a real difference for students across Ireland and I want to ensure that no one misses out on the support they’re entitled to.”
He highlighted that more students than ever now qualify for SUSI and he encouraged families to check their eligibility.
“Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s absolutely worth checking.
“The income thresholds have changed and many more households are now eligible for support.”
For the 2025/2026 academic year, students from households with a reckonable income below €115,000 may be entitled to some assistance.
Deputy Smith concluded:
“Fianna Fáil is the party of education. My colleague, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless is determined to provide better supports for students. I will continue to raise the issues of concern to students and their families.
“Going to college or university is a proud moment for any family and we need to ensure that every student and every household receives the support they need.”
Students who miss the November 6th deadline may still request a late application if their circumstances have changed or they face extenuating circumstances.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith, has welcomed the allocation of €831,000 for Cavan-Monaghan under the Community Climate Action Programme.
“This is fantastic news for Cavan and Monaghan,” said Deputy Smith. “Everyone wants to do their part for the climate and it’s vital that our communities have the support they need to make a real difference.
“I strongly encourage community groups across Cavan and Monaghan to apply for this funding. It offers enormous potential to support local climate action and I want to see it put to the best possible use for the benefit of our communities.”
Funding applications are now open to Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, sports clubs and community centres that are not owned by the local authority. A total of €439,000 has been allocated to Cavan County Council and €392,000 to Monaghan County Council under the €27 million Climate Action Programme.
Speaking on the announcement by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, Deputy Brendan Smith said:
“I want to commend Minister O’Brien for introducing this important initiative, which will empower local communities to take real, practical steps towards reducing emissions and building a more sustainable future. This funding will make a genuine difference on the ground.”
The funding will be administered by Community Climate Action Officers (CCAO) in local authorities, who will provide guidance and support to help organisations and community groups transition to lower-carbon, more sustainable communities.
Eligible projects can receive funding for initiatives across five key areas: community energy, sustainable travel, food and waste management, shopping and recycling and local climate and environmental action.
Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed confirmation by the Minister for Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, that a proposal from Cavan and Monaghan ETB in relation to a major building project for Cavan Insitute at Cathedral Road, Cavan Town, is currently being progressed under his department’s Further Education & Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
Minister Lawless in his reply to the most recent Parliamentary Question tabled by Deputy Brendan Smith stated:
“The proposal has been successful in moving forward to the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. As part of this stage, the proposal will be further developed, risks will be better understood, the design will be advanced, and a procurement strategy and project execution plan developed.
“The proposal put forward by Cavan Monaghan ETB is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town. The proposed facility will address critical needs, providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility. The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location.
“SOLAS continues to engage with Cavan Monaghan ETB around further developing their project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
“SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Cavan Monaghan ETB through this next stage of proposal development.
“Supporting FET learners and educators across all regions including those in Cavan and Monaghan remains a remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs,” stated Minister James Lawless.
Deputy Brendan Smith noted that “The development of a College of the Future in Cavan will build on the very significant Further Education provision we have at Cavan Institute at present.
“Since the establishment of the Department of Further and Higher Education by Micheál Martin as Taoiseach there is a renewed and welcome emphasis on Colleges of Further Education and the very important role they play not just in
the provision of Further Education but as a clear pathway to Higher Education and to careers across many disciplines. The College is not only very important as an education provider but also as a partner for business and enterprise in this region.
“I commend the ETB and all at the Cavan Institute on their work and their commitment to the further expansion and success of the College,” stated Brendan Smith TD.
20 October 2025
_____________________________________________ For Oral Answer on :16/10/2025 Question Number(s): 16Question Reference(s): 55939/25 Department:Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education; Research; Innovation and Science when the major building project for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Cavan town will be progressed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
I can confirm to the Deputy that a proposal from Cavan and Monaghan ETB is currently being progressed under my department’s Further Education & Training (FET) College of the Future Major Projects Fund. The proposal has been successful in moving forward to the Pre-tender, Project Design, Planning and Procurement Strategy stage in line with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. As part of this stage, the proposal will be further developed, risks will be better understood, the design will be advanced, and a procurement strategy and project execution plan developed. The proposal put forward by Cavan Monaghan ETB is to construct a new integrated Further Education and Training College of the Future in Cavan Town. The proposed facility will address critical needs, providing a state-of-the-art education and training facility. The project aims to consolidate existing provision, incorporate new training programmes and specialisms, and develop support services at one location.
SOLAS continues to engage with Cavan Monaghan ETB around further developing their project scope and associated schedules of accommodation. Work has also begun on the development of standardised tender documents.
SOLAS and officials from my department will continue to support Cavan Monaghan ETB through this next stage of proposal development.
Supporting FET learners and educators across all regions including those in Cavan and Monaghan remains a top priority for my department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet their needs.
Cavan/ Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has warmly welcomed the approval by the Special EU Programmes Body of €15 million under PEACEPLUS Funding for Phase 1 of the Cavan Regional Sports Campus.
“I appreciate the work of Gina McIntyre, CEO SEUPB, the support of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and the Minister for Community and Rural Development Dara Calleary TD in progressing this particular application. Repeatedly I had discussed with them the merits and the potential of this project which will bring great benefits not just to Cavan but to the wider region. It will be transformative for recreation and sports for a wide area and for so many different sporting disciplines.
“Last November I was delighted to announce that my colleague, Thomas Byrne TD, as Minister for Sports had approved €19 million towards this project under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund. Prior to that I was glad to have arranged for Minister Byrne to get a briefing by the partners in this project and hear at firsthand about its potential. I also wish to acknowledge in particular the recent work of Minister Dara Calleary in advancing this application under the PEACEPLUS Programme and securing this additional €15 million for the Regional Sports Campus.
“This Sports Campus will provide covered sports arena with playing pitch, spectator seating, and other ancillary accommodation. The Sports Centre Building will have changing facilities, multi-purpose rooms, reception and ancillary accommodation.
“The project site is a 28-hectare parcel of land zoned for sport/recreation & public/community, located between Breffni Park and The Royal School, Cavan. There will be 4 GAA fields, synthetic hockey/ multi-sport pitch, cricket practice area/catch nets and all facilities with lighting. In all, eleven National Government Bodies are in support of this project.
“This project in a town centre site is being provided by Cavan County Council, Cavan GAA and The Royal School and I strongly commend their work and commitment to this fabulous project which will be of huge significance to our region, said Deputy Brendan Smith.
“Among the facilities that will be provided in the Campus Master Plan are:
Covered multi-sports arena with an indoor playing pitch, along with spectator seating
Indoor sports complex including social spaces, fitness and community spaces
7 outdoor sports pitches, cricket practice nets, spectator stands, perimeter fencing, ball stops, team shelters and floodlighting
8 lane athletics track and field
New vehicular access, junction reconfiguration and entrance plaza
Pedestrian and cycling access points with active travel provisions
Landscaping to complement the natural setting and to encourage leisure walking.
I am very glad to have supported this project from the outset and I compliment the partners on their vision in undertaking a project that will be a game changer for this region in relation to access to top quality and wide ranging recreational and sporting facilities.”
“I am delighted to have worked closely with Minister Calleary and the project promoters in advancing this very significant initiative that will bring great benefits across sports, recreation, health and wellness for our communities and for future generations,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
______________________________________________ For Written Answer on :09/10/2025 Question Number(s): 99,100Question Reference(s): 54529/25, 54530/25 Department:Foreign Affairs and Trade Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
* To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposed timescale for the implementation of the Legacy Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Brendan Smith T.D.
For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 9 October, 2025.
* To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the legislative measures that will be introduced in respect of the implementation of the Legacy Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Brendan Smith T.D.
For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 9 October, 2025.
REPLY
The Joint Framework I announced on 19 September alongside Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, sets out a comprehensive package aimed at providing truth and accountability for victims and families who lost loved ones during the Troubles. It represents a clear break with the 2023 UK Legacy Act, which was opposed by all political parties, victims and survivors groups, and wider civil society in Northern Ireland. The Framework is a welcome return to partnership by the two Governments on Northern Ireland, working as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.
Both Governments’ respective commitments should now be faithfully implemented in a timely fashion. The Framework is underpinned by a commitment to reciprocal cooperation and places obligations on this Government. It commits the relevant Irish authorities to cooperating with the Legacy Commission. This includes an undertaking by the Government to enable cooperation by relevant authorities in this jurisdiction with the Legacy Commission once established, and to legislate, if that that is required to make that possible. The detail and timeline for the enactment of any legislation will be dependent on consideration of the legislation to be brought forward by the UK Government to reform the Legacy Act. I expect the UK legislation to be brought forward in the near future.
A dedicated unit within An Garda Síochána will be established by the end of the year as a single point of contact for cross-border cooperation on Troubles-related cases and as a central point of contact and coordination for victims and families in relation to Troubles-related investigations undertaken by An Garda Síochána. Its full operation will also be dependent on the progress of the legislation reforming the Legacy Commission and that body becoming fully operational.
The Government is committed to the establishment of the Independent Commission on Information Retrieval (ICIR), by way of international agreement with the United Kingdom, in line with our commitments under the Stormont House Agreement. Officials from both Governments are working together to finalise revisions to the 2015 International Agreement underpinning the establishment of the ICIR to take into account of the Joint Legacy Framework.
The Joint Framework lays the ground for a profound transformation. Once faithfully legislated for and implemented, it will fundamentally reform legacy processes, bodies, and outcomes.
Local Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement by Minster Dara Calleary of over €1.4 million in funding for two landmark projects in Cavan Monaghan under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
“I am very pleased to confirm that Bailieborough Town Regeneration Plan has been awarded €792,000 for an extensive town centre regeneration project focusing particularly on the Main Street in Bailieborough.
“In addition, Clones Community Hub & Public Realm – St Tiernach’s Quarter Regeneration Project – has been granted €664,668 to develop a community hub located in St Tiernach’s park. The proposed multi-purpose hub involves the appointment of an architect led design team which will oversee the development of the facility,” said Brendan Smith.
“I compliment both Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council as the lead parties in developing these projects. Detailed applications and background work has to be undertaken by the Councils to get the projects to this stage.
“The funding is part of a €20.5 million investment throughout the country under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) for projects that will rejuvenate town centres, drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop pedestrian zones and boost tourism in rural Ireland.
“The successful projects announced today are for RRDF Category 2 Projects. ‘Category 2’ RRDF projects are intended to provide funding to allow Project Leads undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required to of any large-scale project. This sees potential, large scale RRDF projects developed to a stage allowing for greater certainty regarding scope, cost and delivery timelines to apply for further funding under a ‘Category 1’ RRDF application.
“I understand that there has been a phenomenal level of interest in the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, with applications of an excellent standard, and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved in the Bailiebourough Town Regeneration Project and the Clones Community Hub & Public Realm on their success. I would also like to encourage other groups to consider preparing for the next call,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.
I have been requesting that the Minister provide support to ensure the sustainability of the Post Office Network. My recent Parliamentary Question on this matter is below:
For Written Answer on :29/07/2025 Question Number(s): 1367Question Reference(s): 43253/25 Department:Culture, Communications and Sport Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D. ______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Culture; Communications and Sport his views on a report and if he has had discussions with a union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.
REPLY
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The Programme for Government states that the Government will continue to provide the nationwide network of post offices with funding to ensure their sustainability and enhance the value they bring to local communities. My Department is working to deliver on this and is engaging with relevant stakeholders in relation to the funding. Additionally, my Department is working with Government colleagues to secure future funding in line with the Programme for Government.
An amount of €10 million/annum is currently being provided over a three-year fixed term (2023-2025) to An Post. An Post then disperses this funding across the post office network, with all contractor post offices benefitting from the Government funding with the objective of securing the stability of the Network. The funding is being paid monthly for each 12-month period. For the period 2023 to end June 2025, €25 million has been claimed by An Post for the network.
It should be noted that An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. An Post has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including decisions relating to specific post offices are operational matters for the Board and management of the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function. The terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
