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oireachtas questions
oireachtas CONTRIBUTIONS
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Oireachtas Questions

  • [119] Transport Policy (John Connolly)
    119. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport the increase in existing services and the establishment of new services arising from the additional funding provided in […]
  • [741] Departmental Expenditure (John Connolly)
    741. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding schemes currently open to the Irish Countrywomen's Association guilds. [69827/26]
  • [740] Departmental Expenditure (John Connolly)
    740. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding that has been allocated to an organisation (details […]
  • [414] Social Welfare Eligibility (John Connolly)
    414. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Social Protection when the comprehensive review of means testing within the social protection system commenced; the status of that […]
  • [742] Departmental Expenditure (John Connolly)
    742. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has engaged with and organisation (details supplied) regarding its […]
  • [180] Cybersecurity Policy (John Connolly)
    180. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether his Department, the AI Office of Ireland, or any agency under his remit has […]
  • [432] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    432. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether specific parking arrangements, permits or discounted parking schemes are available or under consideration for staff at University […]
  • [177] Housing Schemes (John Connolly)
    177. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's assessment of the purchase prices being sought for homes under affordable housing […]
  • [429] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    429. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether steps are being taken to provide clearer information to patients and visitors regarding parking availability at University […]
  • [431] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    431. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health the measures that are in place, or are being considered, to improve access to parking at University Hospital […]
  • [425] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    425. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE has considered the development of a multi-storey car park at University Hospital […]
  • [428] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    428. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether a long-term strategy has been developed to address ongoing parking difficulties at University Hospital Galway, given that […]
  • [376] Immigration Policy (John Connolly)
    376. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is aware that Belarusian nationals lawfully resident in Ireland may be unable […]
  • [424] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    424. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether consideration has been given to introducing a more affordable daily parking rate at University Hospital Galway for […]
  • [356] Traveller Accommodation (John Connolly)
    356. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of funding allocated to Galway City Council and Galway County Council […]
  • [434] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    434. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware of concerns regarding the hourly parking charges at University Hospital Galway; whether any review […]
  • [116] House Prices (John Connolly)
    116. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department's assessment of the purchase prices being sought for homes under affordable housing […]
  • [61] United Nations (John Connolly)
    61. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for a report on her attendance at the United Nations High-Level Week. [68947/26]
  • [54] United Nations (John Connolly)
    54. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if Ireland is advancing proposals for the reform of United Nations structures. [68948/26]
  • [433] Parking Provision (John Connolly)
    433. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Health whether the HSE has considered the introduction of a dedicated or discounted parking scheme for patients attending appointments […]

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
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025

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January 2025
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