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oireachtas questions
oireachtas CONTRIBUTIONS
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Oireachtas Questions

  • [505] Enterprise Support Services (John Connolly)
    505. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the supports currently available to tourism businesses experiencing sharp increases in fuel costs; whether marine […]
  • [275] Fishing Communities (John Connolly)
    275. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will detail the scientific advice and evidence underpinning the decision to reduce […]
  • [186] Irish Language (John Connolly)
    186. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the role his Department is playing in ensuring we meet the […]
  • [179] Third Level Costs (John Connolly)
    179. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the improvements he has made to student financial supports and SUSI […]
  • [12] Cabinet Committees (John Connolly)
    12. Deputy John Connolly asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on the economy, trade and competitiveness will next meet. [30661/26]
  • [172] Fisheries Protection (John Connolly)
    172. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 18 March 2026, for an update on […]
  • [133] Naval Service (John Connolly)
    133. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence her plans for an expanded Naval Reserve presence in Galway; and if she will make a statement on […]
  • [102] Naval Service (John Connolly)
    102. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Defence her plans for a forward operating base on the west coast for the Naval Service; and if she […]
  • [51] Culture Policy (John Connolly)
    51. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to report on the work of the night-time economy advisor for Galway city. [33413/26]
  • [50] Sport and Recreational Development (John Connolly)
    50. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport given the Government’s commitment to promote the uptake of sport and physical activity by all […]
  • [493] Medicinal Products (John Connolly)
    493. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1964 of 18 March 2026, relating to omaveloxolone skyclarys®, whether any interim arrangements […]
  • [78] Social Welfare Schemes (John Connolly)
    78. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to enhance application processes within the social welfare system; and if he will make a […]
  • [66] Departmental Reviews (John Connolly)
    66. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to carry out a comprehensive review of means tests across the social welfare system; and […]
  • [987] Childcare Services (John Connolly)
    987. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current number of registered early learning and care places available in Galway city, broken […]
  • [968] Childcare Services (John Connolly)
    968. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department holds, or plans to develop, disaggregated early learning and care capacity and […]
  • [988] Childcare Services (John Connolly)
    988. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures that are being taken, or are planned, to address the shortage of […]
  • [189] Small and Medium Enterprises (John Connolly)
    189. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the plans he has in place to help businesses cope with the cost impact of […]
  • [141] Tourism Industry (John Connolly)
    141. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his assessment of the prospects for tourism in Ireland in 2026, especially in relation to […]
  • [16] Renewable Energy Generation (John Connolly)
    16. Deputy John Connolly asked the Taoiseach to provide an update on the work of the Cabinet offshore energy clearing house. [7909/26]
  • [9] Taoiseach's Meetings and Engagements (John Connolly)
    9. Deputy John Connolly asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. [29772/26]

Oireachtas Contributions

Podcasts

Videos

Last week in the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I raised a number of key issues affecting students, families and the future of our education system. I questioned how well critical skills like communication, leadership and critical thinking are embedded across all degree programmes. These are essential skills that shape long-term success, regardless of discipline. I also raised concerns about the cost and length of some degree programmes, and the pressure placed on young people to make major life decisions at 17 or 18. With the rising cost of living, families deserve clarity, fairness and value in higher education. I highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning in preparing graduates to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Finally, I raised the lack of opportunities to study through the Irish language at third level, which I believe is an issue of equality that needs to be addressed. We need a higher education system that is flexible, accessible and focused on preparing people for the real world. I will continue to push for that. 📌 If you have views on this, feel free to share them in the comments.
Rethinking Higher Education: Skills, Costs and Access | Oireachtas Committee | March 26th
I spoke in the Dáil with Minister Michael Moynihan about the Small Schools Project. This initiative, started as a pilot, has delivered real benefits for rural schools by reducing administrative burdens and fostering collaboration. I called for the scheme to be expanded and given permanent status so more communities can benefit.
December 11th 2024 – Raising Small Schools Project in the Dáil
I pressed Minister @darraghobrientd for clarity on the long-delayed Galway City Ring Road. Galway experiences daily traffic chaos, yet this critical project continues to face prolonged delays in the planning and assessment system. The planning application was re-submitted in October 2023, but since then there has been no certainty on when a final decision will be made by An Coimisiún Pleanála. This ongoing delay is holding back our city, including progress on a new Transport Strategy for Galway, which cannot move forward until a decision is issued. The people of Galway deserve the same clarity and certainty afforded to other major transport projects. The Minister committed today, following my intervention, to seeking an immediate update on when a final decision can be expected. Government says it supports this essential infrastructure, now we need a timeline. Galway has waited long enough.
Galway City Ring Road – November 25th
Great to welcome Minister @jackchamberstd to Galway West yesterday. After attending the Chambers of Commerce Awards on Friday, the Minister spent Saturday meeting community groups, local councillors, ATU leadership, and visiting the newly opened Oranmore Maree GAA Club, which he supported from the outset. We discussed key priorities for the region, including transport, housing, capital investment, the Ring Road and Western Rail Corridor. Looking forward to continued delivery for Galway in the months ahead.
November 23rd – Minister Jack Chambers visit to Galway
A really positive morning in Galway 🌤️ Minister @jimocallaghantd joined us for the official opening of the new @galwayrapecrisis at Claddagh Quay, a vital service supporting people affected by sexual violence. We also held the first meeting of the Galway Community Safety Partnership and spoke with members of @comhairlenanog about their Galway Safety Report, which raises important issues for young people, including the need for a youth centre and stronger links with local Gardaí. @alancheeversfiannafail and I also discussed expanding youth diversion programmes, building on the success of the one in the west side. Great to see such strong collaboration across the community.
November 3rd – Galway visit from Minister Jim O'Callaghan
From 8% in primary school to less than 1% in third level. That’s the shocking drop in students learning through Irish. I raised this in the Dáil, we need a national plan to expand Irish-medium courses beyond just Irish studies. Students should be able to study medicine, engineering, or business through Irish.
The shocking drop in students learning through Irish – October 2025
A student in Connemara or the Aran Islands faces far higher costs than one in Galway City, yet both families are assessed the same for SUSI grants. I raised this with Minister @JamesLawlessTD yesterday in the Dáil. We need a more equitable system that reflects the real cost of accessing education in rural Ireland.
SUSI grants – October 2025
Today I met with local health officials who confirmed that a design team will be appointed before the end of the year to deliver two new bed blocks at UHG. Each block will have over 150 beds, meaning an overall increase of around 200 beds once works are complete. This is a hugely welcome step forward in the hospital’s Master Plan, which also includes: ✅ New A&E Department ✅ New Maternity Unit ✅ New Paediatric Unit ✅ New Cancer Centre ✅ New Laboratory Facilities Extra bed capacity will reduce A&E delays, prevent cancelled procedures, and ensure quicker access to care. I’ll keep pressing to make sure this project moves from tendering ➡️ design ➡️ planning ➡️ development as quickly as possible.
Major Progress for University Hospital Galway – 19th Sept 2025
Minister Moynihan’s decision to include experience with children who have additional needs in all teacher training courses is a very welcome step forward for inclusive education. But a recent payroll review shows 1,800 vacant teaching posts — 1,200 of them in primary schools. With 400 new special education classes due this September, we’re facing a real staffing crisis. We need more teacher training places now. I’m calling on the Taoiseach to support the University of Galway’s proposal for a new postgraduate programme in primary teaching. Our schools and our children can’t wait. #SpecialEducation #TeacherTraining #TeacherShortage #InclusiveEducation #JohnConnollyTD
Teacher Shortage – Dáil Éireann – July 9th 2025
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Press

December 2025
December 12th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes progress on Connemara electricity network upgradeDownload
December 8th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly City transport plan ‘urgently needed’ for run-up to ChristmasDownload
December 8th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly 15 extra beds by 2035 for acute mental health patients in Galway is too little at too slow a paceDownload
December 2nd 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes proposed upgrading works in Rahoon Water SupplyDownload
December 1st 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly New Wastewater Plants for An Cheathru Rua and RoundstoneDownload
November 2025
November 28th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes progress on additional bed blocks at UHGDownload
November 22nd 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes update on progressing N59 improvement worksDownload
November 26th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly Galway Ring Road_ Minister promises decision timeline after Connolly pushes for updateDownload
October 2025
October 2nd 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly demands clarification over latest Uisce Éireann statement on Bearna wastewater pumping stationDownload
October 2nd 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly Second bus for 419 Clifden-Galway route needed for commuters with early work startsDownload
September 2025
September 23rd 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly Planned outages for Connemara electricity supplyDownload
September 20th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly Two additional bed blocks for UHG set to be developedDownload
September 9th 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly eBikes to be major part of NTA’s upgrade of Galway City bike rental schemeDownload
August 2025
August 8th 2025 – PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly Active Travel scheme to curb speeding motorists is vital for ShantallaDownload
July 2025
July 1st 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes tenders for protection works on Inish Mór’s Cill Éinde cemeteryDownload
July 1st 2025 PRESS RELEASE Dep John Connolly welcomes HSE’s decision to ‘sign off” on proposed Galway City West Primary Care CentreDownload
June 2025
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April 2025
March 2025
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January 2025
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