“Waterford deserves a voice at the Cabinet table.” – Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD.

“It was a true privilege to be re-elected by the people of Waterford in 2020. When the Taoiseach appointed me as Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, I was honoured to be the first ever female Minister from Waterford since the foundation of the State.

“I quickly turned my focus to the 3 major outstanding issues in Waterford that were a constant during the election campaign. The first issue was to secure the funding for the development of the North Quays.

“Through the provision of €170 million via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), we have seen huge momentum on the North Quays. This is the single largest investment in a project outside of Dublin by any government. The ongoing work for the new train station and the integrated transport hub are encouraging for all to see. The necessary works on the pedestrian bridge across the River Suir are progressing well. This will link the relocated train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.

“The new South East Technological University (SETU) was established 2 years ago under the stewardship of Professor Veronica Campbell. Recently a new Veterinary School and a Masters of Pharmacy programme were secured. The latter will contribute greatly to the vibrant pharma industry in the South East region. New programmes such as a Level 9 Child Development and Mental Stress, and courses for Personal Development for those with an intellectual disability are also trailblazing recent additions.

“The purchase of 20 acres of the former Waterford Crystal Site, coupled with progress on the long awaited Architecture, Engineering, Computing and Humanities Building, which is part of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Bundle, are key strategic projects. They have the potential to further enhance SETU’s influence of regional economic development. Its positive to note that, with the final tender having been submitted in March, the PPP is now moving to the final close stage.

“I think it’s unfortunate to see some candidates have chosen to talk down our new university in the lead up to this election. University status for the South East had been in the pipeline for decades and it was finally delivered in April 2022. For the first time, we could say in Waterford that we had our own university, enabling our young people to remain in the region while pursuing an incredible breadth of courses up to doctorate level.

“Healthcare, and the provision of 24/7 Cardiac Care are issues I have worked tirelessly on. In September 2023 the second cath lab officially opened, having been unfortunately delayed by the Covid pandemic. This is a state of the art building not only represents huge progress, but a permanent transition from the days of one cath lab and the challenges of a single point of failure. I secured approval for the necessary 24 staff which facilitated the opening of the second lab and the extension of hours from 8AM- 8PM, Monday to Friday.

“In March of this year, I secured funding for the 18 additional staff required to finally pave the way for the delivery of weekend cath lab services. The recruitment process commenced in September, under the pay and numbers HSE strategy and has been very successful to date according to hospital management. However a small number of promotional posts required a derogation from the HSE, which was finalised on the 16th of October. These final posts are now being recruited and include a senior cardiac physiologist and senior radiographer. Some of the positions required to expand our cardiac care are those of highly skilled and supremely talented medical professionals. Unfortunately, delays in recruitment can occur when you are attempting to secure the services of such rarely talented people.

“An opening date for the weekend service will soon be announced by UHW. The commencement of 8-to-8, seven day cardiac care, would amount to coverage of approximately 90 percent of interventions. It will take another final push at the Department of Health to put overnight services in place and finally achieve 100 percent coverage. The progress made in recent years has taken a lot of time, patience, and persistence from stakeholders on all sides. I have no doubt my dogged determination as a Minister of State in the Department of Health on this issue has ensured progress in expanding our cardiac services.

“The total number of staff at UHW has now reached 2,800 posts, while the Budget for the hospital has increasing by 30% under this government. We have 373 extra nurses, 148 extra doctors and 79 extra beds. I am extremely proud of UHW especially in relation to patient egress through the hospital, and the zero trolley approach many other hospitals now aspire to.

“The next big project with transformative potential is the airport. Many see it as a potential gateway for the South East. While the business case remains under consideration, I ensured that the Fianna Fáil manifesto contained a commitment to continue to engage with stakeholders in relation to the expansion of Waterford Regional Airport.

“My party leader and Tánaiste, Micheál Martin, stated on the floor of the Dáil on our last sitting day before the election was called, that he is for the airport. The hope is that the latest iteration of the business case can be dealt with positively.

“I know what a Minister of State can deliver in Government. I’m very proud of the record I’ve outlined above on local issues. Nationally speaking, as Minister for Mental Health, I secured a record level of funding for mental health services in Budget 2025, for the fifth year in a row. An increase in funding this year of €143.5 million brought the overall budget to almost €1.5 billion. Money for mental health has increased by 43.7% during my tenure as Minister. Interestingly, I oversaw the 8th largest budget of all Ministers in the Dail, both senior and junior.

“In Waterford I was able to put in place the Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) which is a community-based multidisciplinary team providing rapid assessment and intensive support to people (aged 18 and older) who are in a mental health crisis. I also delivered a new Adult AHDH team for Waterford via Budget 2025 and progressed the new Department of Psychiatry building.

“I was also delighted to see the residents and staff move into the new “SeaBreeze” long term residential care facility for enduring Mental Health Conditions in Dungarvan this week.

“My focus on Minister for Older People is always to support Older People to age well in their own homes for as long as possible. This year a half million hours of homecare will be delivered in Waterford, City and County. All Nursing Homes in Waterford, public, private, and voluntary now have access to a mobile x-ray service and the Patient Advocacy Service. All our Day Centres and Meals on Wheels have received additional funding of €25,000 each for necessary improvements. The role out of Dementia Day Care in the Home is an area I have funded and worked closely on with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland.

“Securing recurring funding of €900k for the Holy Ghost and St Carthage’s Residential Homes in Budget 2024 was a personal highlight for me. It was crucial to ensure that these amazing facilities can be run without the financial stress and uncertainty that had built up over many years.

“The commencement of the new Surgical Hub at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and the new pathology laboratory are also to be welcomed.

“There is always more to do in politics. There are always challenges in achieving on your commitments, that is what politics is always about. You never get to the end of the job; you always have more to do.

“Housing is a massive challenge of our time and if re-elected I will work to accelerate the momentum in home building and directly aid those who want to buy or rent a house. 1,626 first time buyers in Waterford have availed of Help to Buy since July 2020, a scheme which provides you with up to €30k of tax you’ve paid back to you to help with saving for a deposit to buy or build a home. I want to reassure people that Fianna Fáil have committed to retaining this support if returned to Government. The 2,468 new homes completed in Waterford since July 2020, affordable, cost rental, social and private are very welcome, but speeding up construction is essential.

“Waterford has been voted “Best Place to Live in Ireland”. It is also the European City of Christmas 2024. During these festive weeks the city is alive, alight, and vibrant. We are lucky to live in a county that offers beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, world renowned gardens and historic amenities.

I will always be the glass is half full politician. I loathe the negative narrative we hear regularly about our fabulous City and County.

I believe in taking on the challenges facing our county head on. I want to work to provide solutions to the difficult issues which affect the daily lives of people such as housing, the cost of living, crime and education. That is why I make absolutely no apologies for aspiring to be a full Cabinet Minister.

Above all, I am seeking re-election on Friday 29th of November so that I can build on my proven track record and work tirelessly to deliver for Waterford.