The first issue I would like to raise is a matter of growing concern locally around the design of cycle lanes. The National Transport Authority's guidelines for councils need to be reviewed. Many residents, families and businesses in Graiguecullen are baffled by the proposed Church Street pedestrian and cycle scheme. I absolutely support investment in active travel, safer roads, better footpaths and cycling infrastructure where it is needed and where it is backed by evidence and by the local community. That is exactly the issue here. Many people living in Graiguecullen are asking the simple question, "What problem is this scheme actually trying to solve?" Residents are worried that a €3 million project could reduce road capacity, increase congestion around schools, make life more difficult for old people and people living with disabilities and negatively impact local businesses that rely on customer access and parking. What is particularly concerning is that many parents believe the proposed cycle lane could actually make cycling less safe here for children. Due to the number of side roads, driveways and commercial entrances along Church Street, motorists would regularly have to cross the cycle lane, creating additional conflict points rather than reducing them. People are asking where the evidence is here. The Road Safety Authority collision data shows no recorded incidents involving cyclists on this stretch of road. Residents have not been shown the traffic studies, projected cycling numbers or cost-benefit analysis that would justify a project of this scale. Many local people believe there are higher priorities for investment, from road resurfacing and footpath repairs to progressing the long-awaited southern relief road, which they believe would genuinely reduce congestion while also providing opportunities for future active travel infrastructure. There are also legitimate concerns regarding the proximity of the proposed works to the historic Croppies Grave site, a site of immense historic importance that deserves the greatest level of archaeological protection and respect. We need a debate on cycle lanes and whether the NTA guidelines are sufficient. I urge the Minister to have a look at them to be sure these schemes work to improve active travel in communities rather than creating chaos. There is a petition locally with nearly 800 signatures from local residents in Graiguecullen which can be reviewed for evidence here. If active travel schemes are to succeed, they must bring communities with them and not divide them.

With the indulgence of the Cathaoirleach, I would like to take a moment to address another issue. We have had very sad news in my little town of Portlaoise this week with the tragic loss of Adina Constantin. More women have been killed in Ireland in 2026 than in the whole of last year, and it is only July. We cannot keep coming into this Chamber and expressing sympathies as one woman after another lose their lives, without asking what more we can do. I am very conscious that we are all going on recess very soon, but I would like a commitment from this House that this will be an urgent issue on which we can look to see - more than statements - what we can do to address this emergency, because that is what it is. Violence against women and the resulting deaths of women in our society has to be treated for the emergency that it is. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Adina Constantin.