Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman has identified the conundrum. After a decade of little or no inflation, we are now in a period of high inflation. That probably affects people who use the roads more than anybody else.

My time is nearly up but I wish to make three points in respect of TII. I thank Mr. Wash, Mr. Maher and Mr. Masterson. We had a conversation about the roadworks at the Dunkettle interchange. I genuinely appreciate that it is probably the biggest road project we will see in Cork during my lifetime. It will be fantastic when it is finished. On communication, I encourage TII to engage with local radio and local media in advertising the changes to those members of the travelling public who use the road. Perhaps TII could increase and enhance the signage as drivers approach the tunnel on each side. This would be a major help. It has improved. This morning I counted four. When I left my house at 7.05 a.m. last week, I got to the tunnel - or the Rochestown Park Hotel - at 7.30 a.m. I got in and out. When I got onto the Dublin Road, it was like the great sea - every car went in a different direction. We have changed the road out through Dunkettle. Now, it is going left to Glanmire and the city, and then coming back to Little Island. The representatives understand what I am saying.

My final point involves an appeal to TII on a purely local matter. I refer to the roundabout at Bishopstown Court on the N40.

There was a promise with Cork City Council and Cork County Council to enhance the roundabout. It is part of the TII's road operation. I appeal to the TII, in the interest of the public realm, to support the work of the Tidy Towns committee in Bishopstown and that a real effort is made to improve the landscape and facade at the roundabout because it leaves a lot to be desired.

I understand my comments are critical about Dunkettle but they are not meant to be. I genuinely appreciate that gargantuan project and the huge benefit it will be in time. To assist the TII, there are a couple of things it should do to assist motorists and the travelling public.