People have contacted me concerned at the removal of trees in and around Smithfield. The trees were removed as part of the Smithfield Quarter Enhancement Scheme that proposes to complete the Smithfield urban space, upgrade the quality of the public area and improve access; providing greenery is part of this scheme. Dublin City Council have assured me that 5 semi-mature heavy-standard trees will be planted south of the facilities building (building with steps). The trees will be individually placed to allow them grow to their full potential. I will monitor the situation making sure that the planting work is completed.

Japan
I was proud to represent the Oireachtas Committee for Enterprise, Tourism and employment on our recent delegation to Japan. For almost 70 years Ireland has enjoyed strong diplomatic relations with Japan. Ireland opened it’s first embassy in Tokyo in 1974 In 2025 Ireland renewed and strengthened its presence in Japan