Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
176. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport the reasons the 2023 grant allocated to Tipperary County Council for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction road project, at €1 million, is far below the sum of €3,250,000 requested; if there is an intention to address this shortfall in funding; his views on the impact this will have on the ability of the project to progress on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18811/23]
View answerThe Government has earmarked €5.1bn for capital spending on new national roads projects from 2021 to 2030 as part of the NDP. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country as well as compact growth, which are key National Strategic Outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others.
As the greater portion of this funding becomes available in the second half of the decade, this means that there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. As a result of this, a prioritisation exercise was necessary. In line with the NDP and Government policy, the Minister for Transport has allocated national road funding for 2023 in a manner which seeks to achieve the following key outcomes:
• Protection and renewal of the existing national road network
• Progressing major projects in or near construction
• Progressing major projects which are pre-construction but well advanced in the development pipeline
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
Many of the national roads projects in the NDP will be progressed this year, including the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction project, which includes a bypass of Tipperary Town.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for an update as to progress on this particular project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
