Welcome to my April newsletter. Minister Butler welcomes dedicated bus service to WIT Vaccination Centre Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, has welcomed confirma- tion from Bus Éireann that they will operate a new dedicated service to Waterford’s Vaccination Centre, the W6.

The Waterford Minister stated, “I visited the very impressive facility at WIT Arena in early March and left the visit with a re- newed sense of optimism that the tide is turning in our fight against Covid- 19.

“Upon consultation with WIT Novus Operations we determined that a dedicated service to the vaccination centre would be of great assistance to people travelling from across Wa- terford to receive their vaccination, in particular, older people and those who may experi- ence difficulties due limited mobility.

“I liaised with the NTA and Bus Éireann, requesting that their strongest consideration be afforded to the provision of such a service. “I was delighted to receive confirmation today from Bus Éireann that the new service will run from Plunkett Train Station and Merchant’s Quay to the Vaccination Centre and is set to begin on Tuesday 27 April 2021. Minister Butler welcomes dedicated bus service to WIT Vaccination Centre

“It will operate from 8.00am to 8.00pm and run every 15 minutes, seven days a week. The fare is €2.40 and free travel passes will be accepted and please note.

“It is important for people to note that the 25% capacity restriction is currently still in place for each bus in line with the current public health guidelines.

The WIT facility has the capacity to vaccinate 40 people every 10 minutes, via 40 individual hubs, once fully operational. This will be a joint effort involving staff form University Hospi- tal Waterford, GPs, De- fence Forces, retired GPs and volunteers.

“The WIT Arena is well positioned, with ample parking and ease of ac- cess, which will allow a safe and steady flow of people through strategi- cally distanced entranc- es and exits.

“I want to sincerely thank the good offices of the CEO’s of the NTA, Bus Éireann and WIT Novus Operations for their efforts, assistance, constructive collabora- tion and delivery,” con- cluded Butler.

Pictured above @ WIT Arena Vaccination Centre: Minister for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD, Mr. Gerry O'Dwyer, Group CEO, South / South West Hospital Group, Kate Killeen-White Chief Officer, HSE CHO Area 5. Application for Technological University for the South East Submitted.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People and Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford, Mary Butler, has welcomed confirmation from the Minister for Further and Higher Educa- tion, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, that he has received an application from Waterford Institute of Technology and IT Carlow, seeking to establish a Technological University in the South East. The joint application seeks the establishment of a new univer- sity. Minister Butler commented, “I am very pleased to welcome news that Technological Uni- versity status for the South East is finally within sight. This is vital to our region and an is- sue I have fought for, over many years. It will benefit future generations of students and the region’s long-term development. “Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the reality of thousands of students leaving the South East each year to attend university elsewhere, we must do everything in our power to prevent the continued acceleration of this brain drain. “Significant capital investment from Government will be required to drive this process and ensure the success of the Technological University in the South East. It’s something I have raised with Minister Harris and I understand that he is strongly committed to getting this project across the line.

“I firmly believe that this ap- plication will secure the edu- cational future of our chil- dren and grandchildren and I very much look forward to seeing Waterford established as a University city next year,” concluded Minister Butler.

Minister Butler welcomes €3.1m investment for Port and other Marine Amenities across Waterford Minister of State and TD for Waterford Mary Butler has warmly welcomed over €3.1m in harbour and marine funding announced for Waterford by her Fianna Fáil colleague Minis- ter for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.

€2.42 million for Dunmore East Port in addition to €680,000 under the Local Authori- ty Scheme for marine amenities have been con- firmed to Minister Butler.

Minister Butler commented, “This is a signifi- cant investment for Dunmore East Port which will facilitate upgrade works at the South Pier, building replacement and funding for an Indus- trial Effluent Pipeline.

“In addition, total funding of €680,000 has also been announced for Helvick Pier, North Pier, Pier, Ballinacourty Pier, and Slipway under the Local Au- thority Scheme.

“Communities across Waterford will benefit massively from this level of investment to our marine amenities. It will bring a much-needed economic boost to rural coastal communi- ties” Minister Butler welcomes €3.1m investment for Dunmore East Port and other Marine Amenities across Waterford

“Minister for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue will hold an online event with fishers and those connected to fishing and coastal communities in Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford on Tuesday 11th May 2021 from 17:30 – 19:00.

Butler encourages all those interested to attend the virtual event saying “The Minister wants to hear directly from fishers and those in the fishing community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit and to hear their ideas about the future of their communi- ties.

“This will also be a further opportunity to engage with the Minister in rela- tion to Dunmore East be- ing designated as a landing port for Northern Ireland and British based fishing vessels”.

“I am pleased to see such strong financial support of, and active engagement with our marine and fish- ing communities.

“Fianna Fáil, in Govern- ment is committed to serv- ing these communities passionately” concluded Minster Butler.

Three Historic Waterford Buildings to bene- fit from Historic Structures Funding

Minister for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD, has welcomed the funding provision for Curraghmore Estate, Mount Melleray Abbey, and The Vinery, Lismore Cas- tle Gardens. Minister Butler stated, “The funding announced by Minister will greatly benefit these three historic buildings, which play a major role in tourism and religious support in Co. Waterford. Curragmore Estate, receiving €50,000, is notably the home of the annual ‘All Together Now’, a hugely successful festival which has significantly grown in popularity year on year. Curraghmore Gardens and Tea rooms provides a beautiful setting for local patrons to enjoy themselves and has always been a popular destination for tourists visiting Wa- terford and the South East in the past. Lismore Castle Gardens, receiving €65,000, is well known for presenting an exciting pro- gramme of events throughout the year and I know that so many are looking forward to the reopening of the Castle and the events held including ‘The Tower’ and ‘Tales Chil- dren’s Book Festival’. The historic Mount Melleray Abbey, receiv- ing €50,000, is home to the Cistercian monks, founded in 1832, and offers a tran- quil religious retreat for visitors and tour- ists.” Minister Butler continued,“ The funding for Curragmore Estate will support roof and valley repairs, re-slating and replacement of lead valleys. The funding for Mount Mel- larey Abbey will support water ingress in the main church including investigate work for concealed damage. The funding for Lis- more Castle will support vital structural works for the Vinery located in Lismore Castle Gardens which was built in 1853,” concluded Minister Butler. Minister for Mental Health & Older Peo- ple welcomes updated Visitation Guid- ance for Nursing Homes

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, TD, has welcomed new guid- ance for nursing home visits which came into effect yesterday, 4th May.

Residents may now be facilitated to receive four visits per week. This will be possible fol- lowing two weeks after the full vaccination of approximately 8 out of 10 of all residents in the nursing home. Otherwise, two visits per week should be facilitated. T

Welcoming the new guidance, Minister Butler said: “There is no doubt that the last 14 months have been incredibly difficult and challenging for nursing home staff, residents and their families and the sacrifices made have been enormous. I would like to acknowledge and thank nursing home staff for their tireless efforts and hard work in keeping people as safe as possible.

“I understand that, for some, there may be apprehension about an increase in visiting, giv- en the considerable challenges posed since the arrival of the pandemic. However, a bal- ance must be struck between protecting residents and staff from the risk of COVID-19, and individual’s rights to visits from family and friends.

“Visiting, social connections and meaningful contacts are an inherent part of the wellbeing of residents and of the quality of care provided. With the benefit of the vaccine, regular visiting is now moving away from general and compassionate circumstances only, towards a more normalised situation,” concluded Butler.

Minister Butler visiting Youth Mental Health Awareness Project #OneGoodClub garden oasis by Ballyduff Lr LGFA on the Waterford Greenway with mentor Fiona Laffan.

Minister Butler speaking in the Seanad providing an update on planned reforms to the Fair Deal Scheme.

Minister Butler welcomes funding for WLR & Beat 102/103 FM through Independent Commercial Radio Sector Fund and an allocation of Local Sports Partnership Funding for Waterford.

Minister Butler taking Statements & Questions from her Dáil colleagues in respect of Covid-19 and Mental Health & Older People