Scheme aims to tackle child food poverty, and giving children the best start in life
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has hailed the introduction of the Bia Blasta initiative announced today by Minister Norma Foley as a significant measure to support young children in need.
Bia Blasta is a €4.2 million programme that will provide nutritious daily lunches to 25,000 preschool children in disadvantaged areas. The scheme is part of Equal Start, delivering real support where it’s needed most.
Speaking on the launch of the scheme today, Deputy Smith said, “I am delighted to be informed of the Bia Blasta, a pre-school nutrition programme, being announced today by Minister Norma Foley.
“Child food poverty is a huge issue that we must tackle. Through this initiative, it will ensure 25,000 pre-school children in disadvantaged areas have access to healthy nutritious meals during their time in pre-school.
Deputy Smith added, “This initiative will help children in so many ways. It will help them in their personal growth and development, improve their wellbeing, and help them learn about and enjoy healthy food.
“Bia Blasta is offering children in disadvantaged areas real support, and I am delighted today to hear that Tullachmongan, Claddagh and Cootehill childcare services in our constituency have been included in the initiative.
A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven, ensuring access to the scheme is made easier for participants.
In conclusion, Deputy Smith said Fianna Fáil is serious about tackling child food poverty, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring every child the best start in life.
“In Fianna Fáil, we’re committed to ensuring every child the best start in life. We are leaving no stone unturned on this issue, and this initiative today will benefit thousands of children who need it most.”
ENDS
Full list of services included in Cavan and Monaghan:
Cavan
Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)
Bailieborough Resource Hse
Circle of Friends Childcare Services
Claddagh Childcare Limited
Cootehill Community Childcare
Krafty Kidz Afterschool
KraftyKidz Daisy Hill
Laochra Academy St. Clares
Tullacmongan Childcare Service
Monaghan
Aspire afterschool
Castleblayney Community Childcare (Iontas Childcare)
Funding for Cavan/Monaghan announced today as part of Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan/Monaghan, Brendan Smith, welcomes over €730,000 in funding for Cavan/Monaghan under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme announced today by Minister Dara Calleary.
The allocation of funding for Cavan/Monaghan is part of a nationwide allocation of €8.7 million for 221 recreational based projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Amongst the recreational projects for the constituency are Recreational Masterplan for Lough Naglack, Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trails Development. and Mountain Bike Trails in Mullaghmatt Forest.
Speaking on what this funding offers for Cavan/Monaghan, Smith said: “I am delighted this morning to welcome funding to the tune of €346,400 for County Monaghan and €387,173 for County Cavan. The inclusion of recreational projects such as the Recreational Masterplan for Lough Naglack, Loughanleagh & Muff Heritage Trails Development, and Cashlan Lough Trail Development and Mountain Bike Trails in Mullaghmatt Forest, will ensure we can enhance these trails and in essence support the promotion of them throughout our counties.
“Funding allocations under this Scheme have made a sizeable difference. When I visit these recreational spaces around Monaghan and Cavan, I can see the positive effect the investment has had on these spaces. Giving them a vibrancy and new life,” he said. “These spaces are essential for Cavan/Monaghan as they promote local tourism and show off the best of our great counties.
Concluding Deputy Smith stated investment in recreational projects such as these have major positive impacts for the wellbeing of the community and boosts local tourism and business.
“I am delighted to see this investment that was announced today by my colleague Minister Dara Calleary for Cavan/Monaghan. It is essential, especially in rural Ireland that we continue to enhance these spaces.
“Investment in these projects will showcase the best of what our beautiful counties have to offer, whilst boosting local tourism and local enterprises,” he concluded.
Brendan Smith TD has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Normal Foley TD that funding will be provided to eliminate the long-standing €4 daily transport charge imposed on people with disabilities attending Day Services in parts of Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal.
“This is a very positive development and a major step forward in ensuring equity and fairness for people with disabilities in our region” said Brendan Smith. “For too long individuals in these areas have borne a charge that others in different regions did not face. I am pleased to see this injustice being addressed”. The HSE has now confirmed that €250,000 will be made available this year to remove the daily transport fee, with a further €500,000 in core funding to be allocated from January 2026 to address transport supports for people with disabilities on a permanent basis. Deputy Brendan Smith stated that he was glad to support the work of local advocacy groups in seeking to have these charges removed and also wishes to express his sincere thanks to Minister Foley and former Minister Rabbitte for their support and commitment in securing a positive outcome on this important issue.
Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, that a further €1.25million is to be invested in our rural roads and laneways in Counties Cavan and Monaghan. This will be in addition to the €892,955 which had already been allocated for 2025.
“The Local Improvement Scheme aims to support the improvement of non-public roads in rural communities and improved access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as our lakes and rivers.
“This further allocation of €1.25m represents a significant increase to the 2025 funding available under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) and brings the total funding for this year to over €2 million.
“These roads and laneways are not normally maintained by local authorities, however they represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents and this additional funding will see considerable improvements for our local communities throughout Cavan and Monaghan,” said Brendan Smith TD
I welcome confirmation by Minister James Browne that he has waived street furniture licence fees to September 2026, providing support to restaurants and helping to create enjoyable outdoor dining experiences.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Deputy Brendan Smith, has confirmed that local restaurants will not have to pay outdoor dining fees this year. He stated that this decision “will provide significant support to restaurants across the country while helping to create enjoyable outdoor dining experiences throughout the summer months.”
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, has signed the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees) Regulations 2025, which waive street furniture licence fees up to and including 30 September 2026.
These regulations remove the requirement to pay fees for licences covering tables and chairs placed outside hotels, restaurants, public houses, or other establishments where food is sold for consumption on the premises.
Speaking on the announcement, Deputy Smith said, “This decision will support small and medium-sized businesses in towns and villages by removing a significant cost associated with maintaining outdoor dining areas. Many restaurants and cafés are currently under pressure, and this move will ease financial burdens while encouraging the continued growth of outdoor dining, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
“Outdoor dining spaces bring a sense of community to towns and villages. They offer residents and visitors an enjoyable alternative dining experience and enable restaurants to serve more people at minimal extra cost. This is a measure that benefits both businesses and communities.”
Outdoor licence fees, which are currently set at €125 per table per year, will now be waived until 30 September 2026, providing substantial savings for many hospitality businesses.
Deputy Smith noted that these regulations follow on from similar initiatives introduced since 2021, aimed at supporting economic recovery and business activity in urban and rural areas, particularly in the hospitality, restaurant, and tourism sectors.
“In the summer months, it’s fantastic to see local restaurants and cafés offering outdoor seating, adding to the atmosphere of our towns and villages.
“These are the types of practical supports that government should continue to explore. Changes that cost very little but have a big positive impact.”
Below is a reply by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to the most recent Parliamentary Question I tabled in Dáil Éireann regarding the absolutely reprehensible suffering and such large scale loss of life being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza, ongoing horrific atrocities.
For Written Answer on: 29/07/2025 Question Number(s): 144 Question Reference(s): 44176/25 Department: Foreign Affairs and Trade Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
QUESTION
To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the outcome of any recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in the EU and in the UN in relation to the urgent need to impose additional sanctions on Israel without further delay, in view of the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the mass starvation inflicted on innocent people by Israel, and the blockage of medical and food supplies to Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. Brendan Smith T.D.
REPLY
The Government has repeatedly called on Israel to fully lift its blockade of humanitarian and commercial supplies to Gaza and to allow for the immediate, unimpeded resumption of humanitarian aid, in line with humanitarian principles. The current limitations on the volume and distribution of aid are causing untold levels of suffering – particularly for the children of Gaza.
We share the United Nations’ concern that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is not operating in accordance with humanitarian principles and is failing to distribute vitally needed assistance effectively or based on need. It is unconscionable that people are being killed while attempting to access humanitarian assistance.
In response to ongoing concerns, on 20 May, the EU Foreign Affairs Council agreed to review Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland and Spain called for this step in February 2024.
I welcome the conclusion of the review, which clearly finds that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations under Article 2. This is a significant and serious finding. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 23 June, the High Representative stated she would communicate this conclusion clearly to Israel.
At that same meeting, I made it clear to my EU counterparts that there must now be concrete follow-up options to this review.
Ahead of the July Foreign Affairs Council, the High Representative/Vice-President (HRVP) indicated that Israel had agreed to certain commitments with the EU regarding humanitarian access to Gaza. At the meeting, Ireland reiterated that any such commitments do not erase past violations of international humanitarian law.
Ireland welcomed the inventory of possible follow-up measures to the Association Agreement, which was shared with Member States in advance of the meeting. We continue to press for appropriate action at EU level and have called on the EEAS and the European Commission to undertake further work in this regard.
Last month, I joined nine other EU Foreign Ministers in writing to the High Representative, calling for the EU to undertake a detailed review of its compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This review will now proceed in parallel with the Association Agreement review. It is essential that the EU adheres to its obligations under international law.
I have consistently stated that Ireland’s position on the EU-Israel Association Agreement is only one element of our wider effort to shape EU policy. The European Union can and should do more to use all tools at its disposal to exert meaningful pressure on Israel. This remains a priority for my engagement at EU level.
Ireland has strongly supported EU sanctions against individuals and entities involved in settler violence. At the Foreign Affairs Council on 15 July, Ireland called for the immediate adoption of further sanctions targeting violent settlers.
A shared priority with our European and regional partners is the upcoming UN High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which will take place in New York on 28–29 July. This conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, presents an important opportunity to advance concrete initiatives in support of a lasting two-state solution.
Below is a reply by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to the most recent Parliamentary Question I tabled in Dáil Éireann regarding the need to protect employment and the best interests of employees at Wellman International, Mullagh.
For Written Answer on: 17/07/2025 Question Number(s): 273 Question Reference(s): 40467/25 Department: Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Asked by: Brendan Smith T.D.
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, in view of the concerns of employees at a company (details supplied), if he will outline the supports being provided by his Department and the industrial promotion agencies to secure the maximum possible level of employment in that company and protect the best interests of employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. (Details Supplied): Wellman International Ireland at Mullagh, Co. Cavan
REPLY
Wellman International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Indorama Ventures PCL, one of the world’s leading petrochemical producers and a leading global manufacturer of wool yarns. The broader Indorama Group is based in Bangkok, Thailand.
As the Deputy will be aware, Wellman International Ltd, Mullagh, County Cavan produces polyester staple fibres, made primarily from recycled material, and the company entered Examinership on 3rd June 2025. In this regard, it is important to note that Examinership is a court-overseen process whereby a company is placed under court protection for a period of time in order to allow for the potential rescue and return to financial health of a company which may be in severe financial difficulty but which is potentially viable.
My foremost concern, and that of the Government, continues to be for the potentially impacted employees and their families during this difficult and uncertain time.
Following the announcement by Wellman International to appoint an Examiner, IDA Ireland has implemented its job losses protocols, which involve established internal processes for dealing with situations of potential job losses with one of its client companies and engagement with impacted workers. The IDA remains in close contact with the company and worker representatives to ensure that all appropriate supports are made available to impacted staff. This includes regular meetings with the leadership team, actively exploring all avenues of opportunity for the site and impacted employees, while acknowledging that the Examinership process is court-supervised with the aim of enabling the company to emerge as a going concern.
The IDA’s regional team is partnering with local agencies to support impacted employees. These supports and initiatives, communicated to the site leadership, include the following:
Outplacement employment support services and potential training opportunities may be provided/facilitated by the company and/or other providers (ETBs, Skillnet, etc.).
Provision of a detailed skills profile for employees on the site, which – subject to agreement – can be shared with other potential employers. Wellman leadership has provided the IDA with a full employee skills audit.
IDA has agreed with the company and engaged with the Examiner to help market the site and business across its global office network. Wellman has provided the IDA with all necessary site details for sharing with potential investors.
At a local level, the IDA will introduce the Department of Social Protection and Solas to support impacted employees with social welfare services and employment transition supports.
IDA has engaged with its sister agency, Enterprise Ireland, and will connect with all relevant regional agencies to promote the site through broader marketing efforts.
I can assure the Deputy that IDA Ireland and all relevant local agencies will continue to support and assist the impacted employees, as appropriate, in line with the Examinership process.
More broadly, the Border Region – comprising Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, and Monaghan – currently has 72 IDA client companies employing 10,389 people. The region has seen strong FDI performance over the past five years, with a 12% increase in employment among IDA client companies. Cavan itself is home to 10 IDA-supported companies employing 950 people.
IDA Ireland also works closely with key regional stakeholders, including the Regional Skills Forum, Enterprise Ireland, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), local authorities, and through collaboration on the North-East Regional Enterprise Plan. It also engages with strategic industry networks such as The Fintech Corridor, BORMAC (Border Region Manufacturing Cluster), and the Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE), which all contribute to innovation, workforce development, and enterprise growth.
IDA’s strategy going forward focuses on leveraging the strengths of the region in high-value manufacturing, services, and R&D, while seizing opportunities in areas such as data analytics, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity, and remote working hubs. Regional development remains central to IDA’s strategy, and both the Government and IDA Ireland are committed to promoting balanced, sustainable regional growth.
Nonetheless, our primary concern remains with the employees affected by this development. Our agencies will continue working to support those pursuing alternative employment, and the Government is committed to offering a comprehensive range of supports, including training, development, and income supports. The IDA continues to actively engage with the company regarding its future.
291 projects benefiting households across rural Ireland
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, today (22July 2025) announced a third round of funding under the multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026. The funding provides much needed capital investment to improve water services in rural areas.
The funding will be made available primarily to Group Water Schemes to support areas such as water source protection, compliance with water quality standards, leakage reduction and expanding the coverage of piped water supplies from the public (Uisce Éireann) network.
Announcing the investment, Minister Browne said:
“Safe and reliable drinking water is critically important and access to it enhances the quality of life for people living in rural Ireland. This is critically important to local economies and to sustainability in these rural communities. The 291 projects receiving this funding will play a big part in providing robust water supplies throughout rural Ireland.
The Government is working hard to fund improvements to water services across the country, including services to rural areas that do not have access to Uisce Éireann services. This announcement today is very much part of that commitment and will support rural communities to thrive as places to live and work.”
As part of the application process for this funding, local authorities were asked to work with group water schemes and their representative body the National Federation of Group Water Schemes.
Following the completion of an assessment process which included a critical evaluation by an independent Expert Panel of the applications received, the Minister has approved funding of almost €74 million for 291 individual capital projects across the country.
Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“Having safe and secure water is fundamental to rural communities’ quality of life and as places to live, visit and establish business in. This funding will help to improve water quality compliance, decrease leakage and expand the coverage of access to piped water from the public network for rural communities. The work to be undertaken by the 291 projects announced today will make a real difference to these parts of rural Ireland.”
The funding announced today is in addition to previous support, including:
· Over €45 million for seven individual projects for waste water collection and treatment needs for villages and settlements without access to public waste water services announced in December 2023; and
· Over €47 million for 256 projects announced under the multi-annual programme in November 2024.
The funding being provided to the Rural Water Sector today is a strong example of the Government’s ongoing investment and commitment to the future social, environmental and economic development of rural Ireland and to investing in water infrastructure.
