Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 February 2017
241. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the east-west link road investment project in County Cavan can be considered for part of the €2.6 billion in additional capital funding announced by the Government recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6479/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Oral PQ No. 34 of 8 February 2017, the proposal for a East-West Road Corridor from Dundalk to Sligo encompasses both national and regional roads.
The Capital Plan published in September 2015 provides for the gradual build up in expenditure on the maintenance and improvement of the road network over a 7 year period. The bulk of expenditure is scheduled to be spent on maintenance of the road network with some limited investment in new projects. My Department has provided funding to Cavan County Council (acting as lead authority with Monaghan and Louth County Councils) with over €2 million in the period 2007-2014 to progress the regional road element of the project to preliminary design. At an estimated cost of €150 million, unfortunately it was not possible to include the East-West Link in the Capital Plan.
As regards the possibility of additional funding within the Plan period, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is now commencing the Capital Plan review and has indicated that the additional capital funding for allocation totals €2.6 billion. While there is a strong case for additional funding for the transport sector, there are a multitude of possible national, regional and local projects around the country, the cost of which far exceed available funding and unfortunately, this means that only a limited number can be put forward for funding.
