Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Nolan for his presentation. He has stated that all the lands have been purchased for the N52 bypass in Ardee. Can he outline when this badly needed bypass will be started? I have stated many times previously the need for Ardee to have the bypass. The town comes to a standstill on a daily basis due to the high level of traffic and the situation is getting worse. It is vital for Ardee's town centre that the bypass is completed in the near future. Mr. Nolan stated in his opening remarks that "we risk having a shortage of approved projects for inclusion in any new capital investment plan." I urge his organisation to include the Ardee bypass as a priority project.

I would appreciate if Mr. Nolan would give me an update on the Narrow Water Bridge project. I would also like an update on the funding promised by the Irish Government towards the A45 motorway in Northern Ireland, particularly in the light of the UK's decision to withdraw from the EU. Should circumstances for the A5 change and our commitment to provide funding no longer be required, am I right in saying that the €75 million promised by the Irish Government can be used on projects in the South?

Figures show that the national roads are comprised of only 6% of the total network yet carry 45% of all traffic; regional roads account for 13% of the total network and carry 30% of all traffic; and local roads account for 81% of the total network. As the delegations will know, funding for local roads has been slashed dramatically over the past number of years. In my own county of Louth the current state of the local roads network is a matter of great concern. In my opinion the local improvements scheme was worthwhile and allowed for investment in these roads. The majority of local authorities have opted not to allocate funding for the schemes and instead concentrate on funding public roads. Is it possible to get a breakdown of the local authorities that have availed of the scheme? Can I have a breakdown of the local authorities that have availed of the community investment scheme?