Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed confirmation by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD that the Shared Island Unit of his Department will commission a study by the National Economic and Social Council to review the opportunities and challenges facing the Central Border Region on a cross-border basis.

“The Shared Island Initiative of the Department of the Taoiseach provides a €2 billion commitment to support investment and co-operation across all sectors on cross-border and all-Ireland projects up to 2035. This is bringing to fruition many projects that many of us thought would never be realised,” stated Deputy Smith.

“Through the office of An Taoiseach and in various parliamentary questions, I have asked if the National Economic and Social Council would undertake a study of the challenges facing the Central Border Region, North and South, and also identify the opportunities for further economic and social development. We need to plan in an ambitious, inclusive and positive manner and ensure that we prepare to realise the great potential of our region and develop our economy and create additional job opportunities.

“I have been a representative in the southern Ulster counties for some time. I saw the challenges with the currency fluctuations and the movement of trade that devastated our local economy over many years. We should be prepared for turbulence in the economy that may arise but that nobody can readily predict. The current global geopolitical uncertainty clearly shows the economic challenges that can arise from such turbulence. In this context, a robust cross-border strategy needs to be put place to ensure we can react in a coherent and effective way.

“While there has already been significant developments in the area of the Dublin-Belfast corridor and also in the Derry-Letterkenny cross-border region, I am concerned that there needs to be a specific focus on the Central Border Region of Cavan, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Armagh. This area can be vulnerable because it is highly dependent on a small number of sectors, such as food, farming, construction products and tourism. Thankfully those sectors are vibrant, providing valuable employment and doing business in the domestic and international markets.

“I have consistently emphasised that we should undertake a comprehensive study to identify the challenges and also the opportunities and ensure that our Central Border Region is not disadvantaged.

“I am very glad to have now received confirmation from the Taoiseach that this study is to be undertaken and it will allow us to put in place a development strategy for the Central Border Region that is evidence-based and focussed on achievable and quantifiable objectives. We need to plan in an ambitious, inclusive and positive manner and ensure that we prepare to realise the great potential of our region and develop our economy and create additional job opportunities,” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.

I welcome the allocation of a full-time Community Garda to Killeshandra. I am glad that this new Officer will take up duty with effect from September 1st. This is a welcome additional policing resource for the wider Killeshandra area.

I have consistently raised with the Minister for Justice through Parliamentary Questions and in other Dáil Debates the need to provide additional Garda resources for the Cavan Monaghan area.

Superintendent Gavin O’Reilly informed the Cavan Community Safety Partnership that he is committed to getting the best possible resources for the smaller Garda stations and I welcome the recent additional allocations for both Killeshandra and Kilnaleck.

#Killeshandra #Kilnaleck

I welcome confirmation from the Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan TD, that the Education Therapy Service (ETS) has been expanded to a further 19 special schools, including the Holy Family Special School in Cootehill.

This announcement marks a significant next phase in the Government’s commitment to strengthening therapy supports for children and young people with special educational needs.

These schools will have access to therapy supports by the end of the first school term of the 2026/27 academic year.

The provision of appropriate and timely therapeutic supports is absolutely essential for children with Special Needs and this additional commitment of resources by the Department of Education will be very beneficial for the pupils and staff at the Holy Family Special School.

Uisce Éireann to lift Water Conservation Order for Co Cavan and thanks the public for efforts to help protect supplies 

Customers are still encouraged to use water wisely and report leaks to help protect essential supplies into the autumn

Monday, 24 August 2026 – Uisce Éireann has confirmed that the Water Conservation Order will be lifted for Co Cavan following an improvement in the availability of water for supply, and increased rainfall. 

The nationwide Water Conservation Order currently in place is due to expire at 23:59 on Wednesday, 26 August. It was introduced on 24 July following a prolonged period of hot and dry weather, high water use and increasing pressure on public water supplies. 

The decision reflects the positive impact of public water conservation efforts and improved conditions in many areas. In parts of the east and south however, water sources and public water supplies remain under pressure and require continued protection. 

Uisce Éireann will continue to monitor water sources, demand and the availability of water for distribution. We are also encouraging customers to continue their efforts to conserve water and report leaks even in areas where the order is being lifted.

Mairead Conlon, Asset Strategy Senior Manager with Uisce Éireann, thanked the public for the positive way they have responded to the Water Conservation Order. “We have received great support from the public for our water conservation appeal, which has seen demand reduce significantly in many areas. The collective efforts of communities to reduce unnecessary water use have made a real difference in protecting our essential supplies. 

“The improvement in conditions means we can now lift the Order across many counties. That is a positive outcome and reflects the real difference people and businesses have made by reducing unnecessary water use. 

“We are asking customers in these areas to continue to use water wisely. Simple steps such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and leaking toilets, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and using a watering can instead of a hose can help protect supplies.”

Uisce Éireann is continuing to take operational measures to protect supplies, including maximising water production, repairing leaks, moving water by tanker where necessary and managing the network to reduce the risk of outages.  

The public can help by reporting visible leaks on the public water network to Uisce Éireann on 1800 278 278 or through water.ie. Additional water conservation advice is available at water.ie/conservation.   

I welcome confirmation by the Minister for Education, Hildegarde Naughton of initial project approval for the provision of 2 Special Education Needs Classrooms at Butlersbridge National School.

This accommodation will be modular and I know that the Principal, Mr Clerkin, his staff colleagues, the Board of Management and the Parents’ Association are anxious to progress the provision of this much needed accommodation for children with additional needs.  I compliment all involved in progressing this project to this stage.  I will be glad to continue to support the Butlersbridge School community.

Seamus was an outstanding Public Representative and he served his Municipal District diligently and with great distinction.  He held various demanding roles including Cathaoirleach of the County Council, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District and Cathaoirleach of the Cavan Monaghan ETB and in each of those roles he gave true leadership.

I know that the people of his native Latton and of his Municipal District of Ballybay/Clones will mourn such a major loss to their community.  Throughout his years as a Public Representative Seamus went beyond the call of duty to assist individuals and families.  He was a powerful advocate for people facing difficult personal circumstances and would pursue vigorously with government departments and statutory agencies to ensure that proper supports would be provided in a timely manner.  The best interests of his constituents were always to the forefront in his work.

Seamus was insightful in his analysis of the issues of the day and he always brought a positive aspect, if at all possible, to debates and always seeking a proper and fair resolution.  Whether it was local or national Seamus would always give careful consideration to the issues of the day.  County Monaghan has lost a very formidable Councillor who contributed so much to his county.  In Fianna Fáil we have lost a man of great ability, who was widely respected in the Party throughout the country, and who never shirked from putting forward his own thoughtful views on Party or national issues. 

Seamus was a great Latton O’Rahilly GAA clubman and contributed so much to the Club’s development over the years.  He travelled the length and breadth of Ireland supporting Monaghan teams reflecting his deep passion for the GAA, for his Club and County. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Cavan Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has again emphasised the importance of food security in the context of the next EU budget and funding for CAP.  Deputy Brendan Smith noted that this must be prioritised during the Irish Presidency of the EU. 

Speaking this week at a reception in the County Museum, Ballyjamesduff  to honour the visit to Cavan of H.E. Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to Ireland, Mr. Juris Stalmeistars and H.E. Ambassador of Ireland to Latvia, Ms. Marcella Smyth, Deputy Brendan Smith noted that the issue of food security must be to the forefront of negotiations during the Irish EU Presidency.

“Within the Multi-Annual Financial Framework which provides the budget for EU programmes, the proposal by the European Commission in respect of CAP is totally inadequate.

“The Common Agricultural Policy was the first common policy of the European Union. By and large it has been very successful. Its aim has been to ensure a secure supply of safe food for the citizens of Europe. There are many challenges for our farming sector, for our food sector and also for our rural communities, and there will be huge challenges ahead as well. Under no circumstances can Ireland tolerate or countenance a reduction in CAP funding.

“As we hold the EU Presidency Ireland must very strongly advocate to ensure that we have a properly and adequately funded CAP post 2027 which is critical for our country.  Food security is a particular priority in times of war and unfortunately we are dealing with an ongoing war on our continent.  It is vital that we continue to strengthen Ireland’s agricultural sector, supporting farmers and maintaining our country’s capacity to produce food.

“I warmly welcome the visit of Ambassador Stalmeistars and Ambassador Smyth to Cavan and they outlined clearly the opportunities to strengthen Ireland/Latvian bilateral relations through increased trade, business and political links.  Ambassador Marcella Smyth, who is a native of Mountnugent, had particularly interesting insights regarding the future opportunities for both our nations to collaborate and work together.  It was very beneficial for all of us to hear the views of Ambassador Smyth on the challenges and opportunities ahead for Ireland while hosting the EU Presidency taking into account her vast and valuable experience representing our country abroad including in the USA and in other Member States of the European Union.” concluded Deputy Brendan Smith.

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.