Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I express my sympathy and the sympathy of the Fianna Fáil Party to the Slovak people on the attempted assassination of their Prime Minister yesterday. We are all very relieved to hear he has come through serious surgery and it is hoped he will be well on the way to recuperation. It is a massive blow to democracy and we must call always it out.

Today is the 30th anniversary of the Arrow train being extended to Newbridge and Kildare, which opened up south and north Kildare. It was a significant step. We all look forward to next September when fares will be significantly reduced for commuters from Newbridge and Kildare.

Last week, a sizeable grant was given in respect of the Barrow blueway. The funding will go towards a pedestrian bridge in Rathangan, picnic benches, signage, more gates and so on. It is incredibly welcome. The blueway is a fantastic facility both for encouraging people to come to our lovely county of Kildare and for our local residents. However, particularly over the past week, we have had horrific behaviour around Ballyteige where the 20th lock is. Local residents have been extremely intimidated in their own homes. Quads, scooters and sulkies are taking up that space on the blueway where many houses are, and they are impacting on the nearby roads as well. In fact, the roads were blocked one evening last week. One of the local councillors, Daragh Fitzpatrick, came and had to call the Garda, who came quickly. Kfm did a feature this morning talking to the residents. What is going on is shocking. People are intimidated in their own homes. It is very dangerous. We need a task force set up between the Garda, Waterways Ireland, Kildare County Council and all stakeholders to ensure this type of behaviour does not continue.

The last thing I wish to mention is the positive news for those with epilepsy who cannot drive or may not be able to drive for 12 months or a longer period. Free travel has just been expanded to include this cohort of people. This is very welcome news. It is important we tell those who are in this situation that they can now apply for free travel. Well done to Epilepsy Ireland for all the advocacy it did for this.