As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects such as the N71 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Given that, I have referred the Deputy's Question to the NRA for direct response. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please contact my private office.