Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
184. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration will be given to accelerating the upgrade of the N20 Cork Limerick motorway with a view to an earlier start date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52422/23]
View answerAs 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. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
The N/M20 Cork to Limerick project is subject to the requirements of the Public Spending Code, and the next milestone under the code will be finalisation of the Preliminary Business Case at Decision Gate 1. I can confirm that €5,000,000 has been allocated for the project in 2023. 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. The allocations for national roads for 2024 are expected to be announced by the end of this year.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you on the N/M20 project. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
