Mountmellick Relief Road raised in the Dáil
Speaking in the Dáil this week, Laois Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley raised the need for the “long-promised” relief road for Mountmellick to be designated for funding.
“This is ongoing for nearly 20 years, but funding hasn’t been allocated for it,” Deputy Stanley said.
“More than 8,500 vehicles go through the centre of town every day. A lot of that traffic is HGVs going from the west of Ireland and the midlands to the port of Rosslare.
“A feasibility study has been carried out at a cost of more than €100,000 and a preferred route has been selected. This road would shorten journey times, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce congestion in the town.
“According to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, this road is not included among the projects identified for development during the period of the current NDP.”
Cabinet Committee established to retain the Nitrates Derogation
A Cabinet Committee on Water Quality has been established to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation.
The Nitrates Derogation allows farmers to exceed the limit of 170kg of livestock manure nitrogen per hectare set down in the Nitrates Regulations, up to a maximum of 250kg per hectare.
Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the news, saying the committee “will do everything within its power to make the case at EU level to secure the retention of the Nitrates Derogation given our unique grass-based production model.
“Fine Gael campaigned during the general election on the need for a Cabinet Committee on Water Quality chaired by the Taoiseach to coordinate water quality improvements across all sectors but crucially to secure Ireland’s nitrates derogation.
“The nitrates derogation is a national asset on which a sector of our economy depends, and Ireland must do everything it can to ensure we retain it.
Government urged to address ‘very large’ class sizes in Laois
Sinn Féin Senator for Laois Maria McCormack has called on the Government to take immediate action to address the issue of “very large class sizes” in the county.
This comes in the wake of latest figures showing that 26 primary school classes in Laois have over 30 pupils attending.
“This is completely unacceptable,” Senator McCormack said. “It is a direct result of the Government’s failure to adequately invest in our education system and to deliver on its commitments to reduce class sizes and improve the pupil-teacher ratio.
“Large class sizes have a significant impact on the quality of education our children receive. Teachers are overburdened and it’s impossible for them to give pupils the individual attention they need to thrive.
“This is particularly concerning at primary level, where the foundations for future learning are laid. Families and educators are being let down.
“Sinn Féin has consistently called for increased investment in education, including hiring more teachers, building new schools, and expanding existing facilities to ensure that every child has access to a quality education in a supportive environment.
“I am urging the Minister for Education to take immediate action to address this issue. This includes delivering on the commitment to reduce class sizes, providing adequate funding for school infrastructure, and ensuring that Laois and other areas with growing populations have the resources they need to meet demand.
€31.3m core investment in Sport package for 2025
Sport partnerships in Laois are to receive over €400,000 in funding to support active communities as part of an overall €31.3m investment in the sport sector nationwide.
Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister at the Department of Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport said the investment “reflects the Government’s commitment to the National Governing Bodies for Sport, Local Sports Partnerships and recognition of their integral role at the heart of Irish sport.”
Minister O’Donovan said the funding “will be crucial as we work with Sport Ireland towards increasing participation across the population.”
Laois TD Willie Aird welcomed the announcement, saying: “€416,688 of this Sport package will benefit County Laois, which is very positive news.
“Fostering a healthy generation of citizens is a key priority for Fine Gael in Government.
“This allocation demonstrates our commitment to that priority, and I will continue to work closely with Minister O’Donovan to deliver for our County.”
