John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief because most of the points I intended to raise have already been covered. I thank the Department and TII for their presentations. They have provided stark figures on the reduction in funding since the economic crash in 2008. To see the figures on paper is confirmation of what we have all seen around the country in recent years.

The witnesses made reference to a number of specific projects about which I have some questions. They also spoke about a shortage of projects down the line because of the lead in time that is needed. I ask for an update on the motorway project from Gort to Tuam. When will that be completed and opened? In the context of what was said about the shortage of projects going forward, or future planning, what needs to happen next for the rest of that project to be completed, that is, the road from Tuam to Claremorris and on to Sligo?

The other road of concern is the N5 from Strokestown to Castlebar, particularly the Ballaghaderreen part of it, which is the black spot on that major route. Senator Feighan would be well aware of this issue.