Road Projects

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Questions (246)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

246. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the up-to-date position on the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction given that TII has advised councillors only the section near Tipperary town will be built due to lack of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1440/23]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code and the necessary statutory approvals.

Decisions regarding funding allocations for National Roads in 2023 are currently being finalised and will be announced soon.

Noting the above position, I have referred this to TII for a direct update as to this scheme. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

I refer to your recent parliamentary question, Ref. No. 1440/23, to Mr Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport. The position in relation to your enquiry is as follows.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) can confirm that the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction is currently at Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation. The purpose of this phase is to develop the design of the Preferred Transport Solution identified in Phase 2 and undertake an environmental evaluation of the design to a sufficient level of detail to establish land take requirements and to progress the project through the statutory process.

Funding has been secured for 2023 to progress the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction scheme. A review is currently underway to consider how the delivery of the Tipperary town bypass section of the scheme can be prioritised as part of the overall scheme.