Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I rise to play tribute to a former colleague and friend and a member of the Cathaoirleach's party - Micheál "Spike" Nolan. He was a true Kildare person and a true Newbridge person. I soldiered with Micheál on Newbridge Town Council, and with his dad prior to that, and on Kildare County Council. Micheál served as mayor of Kildare twice and ran for the Seanad. Many people would know him from that campaign back in 2011. Micheál was a wonderful family man, a wonderful community man and a terrific Sarsfields supporter and he deserves to be remembered in this House for all the work he did. He died suddenly last week at only 53 years of age. I extend my deepest sympathy to his heartbroken wife, Deirdre, his children, Rebecca, Tadhg and Jack, his mother, Ursula, and his brothers, Brian and Kevin. I know the House will join me in that. He was an excellent servant for public life, the community and football.

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the launch of the Fuchsia Appeal 2024. I congratulate Cormac Kirwan and Brigadier General Colm Campbell on all their work. Houses are coming on stream in Limerick and Cork and Newbridge is next to be prioritised. I recommend that everybody support the terrific work that Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann does. The feeling there was very much saddened by the sad news of the tragic passing of former Commandant Andrew Brady - again, somebody whose family I know very well in Kildare. At his funeral yesterday, he was spoken about as a soldier's soldier. He was a very fine person. His father, Jim Brady, also served and was a founder of PDFORRA. Andrew is survived by his three-year-old daughter, Ella, and his wife, Deirdre, who is a former soldier. Andrew was the epitome of a good soldier and deserves to be remembered in the Seanad.

The final issue I wish to raise concerns Pollardstown Fen, which is 13,000 years old and recognised nationally and internationally for its ecosystem. About six weeks ago, a significant quantity of water was taken from Pollardstown Fen and the levels have fallen below 30 cm. This was done to replenish water levels on the Grand Canal, particularly the Shannon line. The flora and fauna in the fen are dependent on a consistent level of water for their survival. Waterways Ireland is launching its biodiversity plan and this does not fit into it. Waterways Ireland has been contacted. I am concerned and have written to the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, but I would like to see it taken up by the Seanad.