Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Barry and Mr. O’Neill. Mr. Barry referred to the National Pensions Reserve Fund, on which there are many demands. The key issue to which he referred was the legislation required. I raised the matter in the Dáil with the Taoiseach in the context of the N17 and N18. I asked whether there was legislation to underpin the particular project. He said no, but I presume he was talking about the debt-funding organisations. The matter must be clarified as everyone wishes to have clarity.

I welcome what Mr. Barry said about work on the Gort to Tuam road being well advanced. I am impressed that I received two letters from the NRA in the past week. I even received one this morning. Reference has been made to the fact that it is anticipated that the contract for the scheme could be signed next year. We had hoped it would be signed this year, but, as Mr. Barry said, perhaps it might be. It is worrying to hear that it might only be signed next year. The letter I received four days ago stated the construction period would be three and a half years. I heard people express concern in my area in Galway that the project would not go ahead for a number of years. I, therefore, welcome the overall investment of €550 million. I also welcome what the NRA is doing, but clarity is required as to when the contract will be signed and work will commence.

I hope it will not take as long as the previous work, but Mr. Barry is saying that, effectively, it will be 2018 before it is completed.

I support the comments made on the A5. As Chairman of the Joint Committee on the Good Friday Agreement, Deputy Joe McHugh has been pushing the issue.

The issue of the National Roads Authority's policy on rest areas arose at the committee previously. As far as I recall, the first motorway built was between Dublin and Galway and at the time there was much talk about rest areas. While they may not need to be elaborate, they could be provided at a lower cost.

I must leave now to take the Chair in the Dáil, but Mr. Barry might write to me on some of these issues. I am sorry that I cannot remain to hear the replies.