Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
193. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport if he will explain the rationale and reasoning behind issuing a section 24 letter to the TII as part of the roads allocations to County Cork for 2023, which effectively overruled TII’s proposal to fund the Mallow Relief Road to the amount of €1.4 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19406/23]
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 was 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, national road funding for 2023 was allocated 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; and
• Prioritising any remaining funds for major projects which provide for local bypasses and Compact Growth in Ireland’s towns and villages.
I can confirm that €100,000 has been allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2023 in order to meet project commitments. As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be kept under review for 2024 and considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII. My Department and TII are in regular communication regarding specific projects and the national roads programme more generally. Overall, Cork County Council have been allocated €60.4 million in 2023 to progress various new national roads projects, including the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom and M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy schemes.
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 a reply is not received within 10 working days.
