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Fianna Fáil Minister, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed the inclusion of two school building projects serving Dublin Fingal East under the Education Sectoral Plan announced today by the Minister for Education.
The two schools included in the plan are to progress to tender and/or construction in 2026 and 2027. These projects include a 1,000 pupil post primary school with a provision made for special educational needs for Portmarnock Community School, and a 600 pupil post primary school with provisions made for special educational needs for Gaelcholáiste Reachrann. The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan involves a capital investment of €7.55bn in our schools and Youth Sector for the 2026 to 2030 period. This investment builds on progress made over recent years and will support the operation of the school system and the Youth sector with the necessary infrastructure and facilities for the years ahead. It will be broken down as follows:
"I am absolutely delighted to hear that under the Education Sectoral Plan that these two major school building projects will progress to tender and or construction over 2026 and 2027. These works will provide better working conditions for the teachers, staff, and further enhance the learning experience of the students. "These projects ensure students have equal access to first class facilities, regardless of their abilities. These projects will go on to provide a supportive environment where they will allow students to excel, learn, and thrive. "As a population we are well regarded for our high standard of education, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to enhancing the learning experiences for our students nationwide, and ensuring they have access to first class facilities".
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has announced a package of new and enhanced grants for homeowners across the country who are looking to benefit from home energy upgrades. Designed to make homes warmer, more comfortable, and cheaper to heat, a new and enlarged package of grants will be administered by SEAI under the new National Residential Retrofit Plan. The new measures will see many more households benefit from homes that are warmer and cheaper to heat. Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, commented: “In the Programme for Government, we committed to take decisive action to provide warmer, more comfortable homes, as part of our drive to support energy affordability, security, and sustainability. The measures that I am announcing today will make more homes more sustainable and energy-efficient, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and lowering energy costs for households. By promoting retrofitting, renewable heating, and solar energy, we will make homes warmer and cheaper to heat. Last year, we helped more than 58,000 homeowners to benefit from energy upgrades under SEAI schemes. We will build on that this year, widening the net to upgrade even more homes in 2026 and making home energy upgrades more affordable and accessible to all.” William Walsh, chief executive of SEAI, said: “Today’s announcement is a huge boost. Last year was a record year for SEAI, but now, with these new measures, we will go even further, bringing lower energy bills and more comfortable, healthier living to thousands more across the country. We’ve built up the industry, we have the expertise, and now we have the momentum. There really has never been a better time to retrofit your home and at SEAI, we are here to help you every step of the way.” From 3 February: Uplift for existing grants for cavity wall insulation and attic insulation* In 2022, higher grants were introduced as energy affordability measures, focused on homeowners who are not eligible for energy-poor grants. Recognising that costs have risen since then, grant levels for cavity wall insulation and attic insulation will be increased. These higher fixed grants will substantially reduce costs for homeowners. Heat Pump System Grants* The upfront cost of heat pumps, and the additional cost of potentially having to replace the entire heating system, may be a barrier to some homeowners seeking to adopt heat pumps. To reduce the costs associated with a whole house heating system upgrade, and to accelerate the uptake of heat pumps, a fixed-amount grant for installing a heat pump system will be introduced. This grant encompasses the existing €6,500 for the heat pump, €2,000 for upgrading radiators and pipework and a new renewable heating bonus of €4,000. The new maximum grant of €12,500 will apply to applications already in train with the SEAI (and not yet processed for payment). There will also be a new high temperature heat pump pilot scheme to test the suitability of this emerging technology in Irish homes. The pilot will evaluate performance of the technology and ensure that actual running costs remain affordable and comparable to pre-heat-pump fossil fuel heating costs. From 2 March: Windows and Doors (grants available at a building fabric standard*) A new grant will be introduced for the installation of energy-efficient windows and doors (to replace poorly performing windows and doors) for homes where the building fabric will meet or already meets a specified minimum performance standard. Many homes will already meet this standard. For others, they may also need to fit attic and/or wall insulation – measures for which generous grants are already available. Combined with attic and wall insulation supports, grants for windows and doors will bring increased levels of comfort (as well as bringing a significant number of homes to heat pump readiness). Attic Insulation for First Time Buyers* To enable First Time Buyers of existing homes to get on the energy upgrade journey – quickly and at minimal cost – a specific grant for attic insulation for these new homeowners will be introduced. In fact, First Time Buyers will be able to avail of a higher fixed grant for attic insulation that would otherwise be the case. In many cases the grant amount will cover most or even all the total cost. This will support First Time Buyers who purchase an existing property and might not be in a financial position to progress to undertake a complete energy upgrade (i.e. a deep retrofit). ‘Second Wall’ measure* Many homeowners have previously availed of a grant for cavity or internal wall insulation. These homeowners may want to further improve the level of wall insulation – to make their homes even warmer and cheaper to heat (and to make their homes heat pump ready). At present, these homeowners are precluded from receiving a grant for a second wall measure under Better Energy Homes. From 2 March 2026, they can apply for a grant for a second wall measure (in line with the terms and conditions). New and enhanced grants for homeowners on Qualifying Welfare Payments: To accelerate the uptake of insulation measures for those who may be at risk of energy poverty, and to make a number of lower cost and effective measures easier to access more quickly , including for those who may already be on the waiting list of the Warmer Homes Scheme, a higher fixed-amount grant for attic and cavity insulation will be introduced from 2 March 2026 for homeowners who are on qualifying welfare payments – aligned with Warmer Home Scheme eligibility requirements. This will give qualifying homeowners the option to select these individual energy upgrades and avail of the higher fixed grant amount. In many cases, the grant amount will cover most or even all the total cost. Where relevant, availing of these new grants will not affect an applicant’s place on the waiting list for other measures (under the Warmer Homes Scheme). Additional Measures to promote more area-based retrofitting and support vulnerable households Local Authority homes
Approved Housing Bodies
For homeowners who want to upgrade their home in one go, the popular One Stop Shop service will continue to be a great option. The works will be fully managed by an SEAI-registered One Stop Shop, and there’s a wider range of grants, with the grants deducted from the cost of the works upfront. These applicants will also benefit from any of the newly announced grant increases. There are also low-cost loan options available through participating lenders. * These are new or additional measures, which will be accessed under the SEAI’s (existing) Better Energy Homes Scheme. Between 2019 and the end of 2025, the Government has invested €1.3 billion to support upgrades in over 244,000 (almost a quarter of a million) homes. For more information, see SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/homeenergyupgrades. 
Funding includes €15,000 dedicated to Women in Sport
Fianna Fáil Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the allocation of €370,653 in funding for the Local Sports Partnership in Fingal, with a specific portion of this funding dedicated to Women in Sport. The Dublin based Minister said they were particularly pleased to see a distinct allocation for women in sport, recognising the vital role Local Sports Partnerships play in supporting participation, inclusion and lifelong physical activity across the county. The funding forms part of a €12.66 million investment across 29 Local Sports Partnerships nationally, representing more than double the level of investment since 2018. The funding was announced today by Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue. This allocation is also included within a record €33.36 million in core funding for sporting organisations in 2026, provided through Sport Ireland. Of this, €19.5 million is being invested in 57 National Governing Bodies of Sport, an increase of €1.2 million on 2025. Commenting on the allocation for Fingal, Minister O’Brien said: “Local Sports Partnerships are a cornerstone of community life across Fingal. Today’s allocation of €370,653 will further strengthen the work being carried out on the ground, supporting staff to deliver vital programmes, develop clubs, and promote participation in sport and physical activity at all levels. “I am particularly pleased to see dedicated funding for women in sport included as part of this allocation. Fianna Fáil is committed, through the Programme for Government, to increasing overall participation in sport through targeted funding measures, including enhancing opportunities for women and girls to participate, lead and excel in sport.” Minister O’Brien added that the funding will further enhance the capacity of Local Sports Partnerships in Fingal, ensuring communities, particularly those in disadvantaged areas are supported and empowered through accessible and inclusive programmes. “The Local Sports Partnership’s are focused on promoting lifelong physical activity, increasing participation, and strengthening community partnerships across Fingal. The Fingal Sports Partnership continues to deliver excellent outcomes in the areas of community health, wellbeing and social cohesion by ensuring sport and physical activity are accessible to everyone.” Concluding, Minister O’Brien thanked Minister McConalogue for his continued support for community sport and reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for local clubs and organisations. “I would like to thank Minister McConalogue for delivering this important funding for our Local Sports Partnerships. The essential work carried out in our communities is reliant on sustained investment, and I will continue to engage with the Minister to ensure Fingal continues to benefit from strong and reliable funding streams.” Funding will support the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure around the country
I am delighted to announce an allocation of €360 million in 2026 for active travel and greenway projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to expanding sustainable transport options and delivering on the provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure in both urban and rural areas. The €290 million invested in the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme will assist with the development of key active travel networks in our villages, towns and cities, making walking and cycling a viable option for more of our population. The investment of €62 million in our Greenways network, meanwhile, will help deliver key projects all over the country and is another step towards the development of a National Cycle Network. Here are a list of projects in our area that will benefit from this funding. Broadmeadow Estuary Cycle & Pedestrian Bridge € 12,200,000 A route to link Malahide and Donabate with a pedestrian and cycle way, including the estuary bridge crossing beside the railway bridge.
Works to begin this month on a major upgrade to the wastewater network in Swords
Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, has welcomed confirmation that construction will commence along Balheary Road in the coming weeks. The project, being delivered by Uisce Éireann, will significantly increase capacity in the local wastewater network and improve overall system performance. This critical investment will reduce pressure on existing infrastructure while making it possible to deliver 2,980 new homes. It will also ensure that Swords can continue to grow in a sustainable manner, with the necessary services in place to support both residents and local businesses. Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Brien said: “This is a great win for the community of Swords today. Upgrading and developing key infrastructure is essential to paving the way for the delivery of thousands of homes across the country. “The commencement of this project will unlock thousands of homes right here in Swords. It will provide real opportunities for people, particularly those from the local community, who wish to buy a home close to their friends and loved ones. “This investment will benefit the area for many years to come by providing the critical capacity needed to support new homes in North County Dublin. It will also ensure that the services required to sustain the local economy are in place so businesses can continue to thrive.” The works will involve the installation of more than 360 metres of new wastewater pipeline between the Balheary Road and Castlegrange Green junction and the Estuary Roundabout. Construction will also take place along the R125 and within Balheary Park. The main phase of construction is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with works at the Estuary Roundabout scheduled to conclude by the end of 2026. Concluding, Minister O’Brien said: “Swords and the wider North County Dublin region continue to grow in size and importance. Projects like this are essential to supporting that growth and ensuring the area can develop in a sustainable and well planned way.” Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, has welcomed 2025 as a record-setting year for Dublin Bus. Dublin Bus has become Ireland’s biggest public transport operator, with passengers making approximately 164 million journeys throughout the year.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said: “The news that Dublin Bus has broken passenger records in 2025 is hugely welcome. It shows that sustained Government investment in public transport yields results. More people are choosing buses because services have expanded, and capacity has grown. 24-hour services, cross-city and high-frequency routes all serve to make public transport an attractive choice for travel. I thank all employees of Dublin Bus who work hard to support this service and its users. “Under the National Development Plan we will invest approximately €10.1 billion in public transport over 2026 to 2030, along with an additional €2 billion to support MetroLink. “Of course, we know there is more to do and we must keep working hard to enhance the everyday experience of all passengers using public transport nationwide, improving the quality and accessibility of our public transport services. Progressing the establishment of an effective transport security force is among my key priorities for 2026. “We aim for a public transport service that continues to earn people’s trust and meet the demands of a growing city.” Notes for Editors:
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NEWSArchives
March 2026
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