Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)

I thank the witnesses for appearing before the committee and for their opening statements. The committee was established to expedite projects and make sure we had proper oversight. I read the opening statements last night. TII stated that funding was provided on a year-by-year basis. Listening to the opening statement being read today, it all sounded very cumbersome. I am sure it hampers any long-term ambition and vision on delivering national projects. Has TII asked for multi-annual funding? If so, what reply has it received?

The NTA states it divides the life cycle of projects into seven phases. Is there any way of reducing the number of phases to make sure we can see quicker delivery of projects? Regarding DART+ West, it keeps being stated it will start in Maynooth but it is going to Kilcock. The depot was planned to be one mile outside of Kilcock. I went to every house in Kilcock and got them to make their submissions. I am sure the NTA received many of them. We got that extra mile and we need that extra mile. There will be no oral hearing on the DART+ West. How long will it take? We have to get double-tracking out to Kilcock. Is this being looked at? Will it be started by 2027? I have many more questions and I definitely need to come in with a second round but I ask the witnesses to answer these questions first.